Wetlands Data for Minnesota
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Minnesota retains about 10.6 million acres of wetlands, according to a 2013 report. This is about half the acreage that existed before European settlement. Despite laws protecting wetlands, they continue to suffer degradation and loss. Wetland managers recognize the need for better information about wetland location, type, quality, and conversion.
Information on wetland delineations in Minnesota has historically been provided by the National Wetlands Inventory, which has been updated during the past decade.
Tables below link to wetlands GIS data (NWI), information on state wetlands legislative and management programs, and information about programs to track wetland quality and status and to update wetland maps.
Categories
Hydrography: GIS and mapping data of wetlands
Quality: Wetland water quality data
General: Miscellaneous wetland data and information about wetland mapping updates
Hydrography
| Name | Source* | Geographic Area | Scale | Time Period | Data Type |
| Description | |||||
| National Wetlands Inventory Update (Minnesota) |
DNR, USFWS, partners |
Statewide | 1:24,000 | 2010-2014 | Vector GIS |
| The Minnesota update of the National Wetland Inventory was conducted by a multi-agency collaborative coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with funding from Minnesota's Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. | |||||
| 1970s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) of Minnesota |
USFWS, DNR, LMIC |
Statewide | 1:24,000 | 1974-1978 | Vector GIS |
| National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data are records of wetlands location and classification as defined by the USFWS. LMIC converted the Minnesota NWI files to Arc/INFO coverage format and edge-matched the files. In cooperation with the DNR and USFWS, LMIC revised the legends to correct errors and to add items for individual portions of the NWI code. DNR added translations from the Cowardin wetland classification system to the Circular 39 wetland classification system. | |||||
| Wetlands Online Mapper |
USFWS |
Nationwide | Various | Ongoing | Web Application |
| This is the webpage from which the user may launch the Wetlands Online Mapper on the USFWS website. The application allows the user to zoom and pan on the map display as well as query, identify, select and extract wetland information. The National Wetlands Database contains NWI data where it exists, NWI updates where they exist, and other wetlands data that meets new national standards for wetland delineation. The national online mapping system does not reflect any Minnesota corrections. | |||||
|
USFWS |
Nationwide | Various (at 24k and 100k Quad level) | 1977 | Web Application, Vector GIS | |
| This application allows the user to download wetland polygon data for selected USGS 24K or 100K quadrangles within a given state. The national download site does not reflect any Minnesota corrections. | |||||
| National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) | USFWS | Nationwide | N/A | Current | Text |
|
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data are records of wetlands location and classification as defined by the USFWS. This is the main webpage on the USFWS website for NWI information. It contains links to their wetlands mapper, federal mapping standards, various program and status reports and other wetlands data. |
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| MMCD Map Application | MMCD | 7-county Twin Cities Metro Area | Various | Current | Web Application |
|
This interactive web application displays mosquito breeding sites with their recent inspection and treatment records. The user may zoom and pan on the map and select individual breeding sites to obtain information. Other layers may be loaded into the map display for reference such as administrative, transportation, hydrography and aerial photography. |
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Quality
| Name | Source* | Geographic Area | Scale | Time Period | Data Type |
| Description | |||||
| Wetlands in Minnesota | PCA | Statewide | N/A | Current | Text |
|
PCA's main webpage for wetland water quality. |
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| Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) | BWSR | Statewide | N/A | 1991 | Text with links to PDFs |
|
This section of BWSR's website has links to various documents that describe Minnesota's Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). |
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General
| Name | Source* | Geographic Area | Scale | Time Period | Data Type |
| Description | |||||
|
DNR |
Statewide | N/A | Current | Text | |
| This is the DNR's main webpage for wetland information. It contains links to wetland management programs, types and benefits of wetlands, wetlands to visit, and wetland regulation and taxation. | |||||
| Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources: Wetlands |
BWSR |
Statewide | N/A | Current | Text |
| The wetlands section of BWSR's website contains information on wetland assessment, conservation, and restoration as well as permit applications and key contacts. BWSR is the state administrative agency for soil and water conservation districts, watershed management organizations and districts, and county water managers. | |||||
- BWSR = Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
- DNR = Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (may be followed by the division name, e.g., "Waters" for "Division of Waters")
- LMIC = Minnesota Land Management Information Center (now MnGeo)
- MMCD = Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (Twin Cities metropolitan area)
- PCA = Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- USFWS = U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- USGS = United States Geological Survey