ABSTRACT
The term “wetland” has no single, scientific, universal meaning as it has been applied by scientists from different fields of study, resource agencies with varied interests, conservation organizations, and others to describe land that is wetter than dryland. Since the practices of wetland identification and delineation as well as classification are grounded on how “wetland” is defined, this book begins with a discussion of definitions and then addresses some key concepts in applying the definition on the ground. The latter discussion focuses on applications in the United States since many laws are in place that require on-site identification of wetlands and delineation of their boundaries, and as a result, much thought has been given to the topic since the laws regulate use of private property.
