National Wetlands Inventory Maps

See also: Map Collection | Map Basics

In 1977, the Fish and Wildlife Service began the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), a systematic effort to classify and map America's remaining wetlands. Maps were created which could be used in a variety of ways, including land use planning, wildlife habitat management, water quality planning, soil and water conservation loans, zoning, flood hazard planning, and research.

The National Wetlands Inventory defines wetlands according to the Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, a system that describes wetlands by soils, hydrology, and vegetation. This publication is available on the web or in the library (Gov Pubs/US I 49.89:79/31/corr)

There are a number of useful resources available online, including:

Interactive mapper tool
This includes online access to wetlands mapping, information about classification, and other related information.

Wetland Maps Database
Database to search for wetlands maps. Provides the date of the most recent edition of the map, the scale, etc.

National Wetlands Inventory Status
Map showing status of NWI maps across the country.

More information about this program is available from the National Wetlands Inventory homepage and the U.S. Geological Survey publication Information about National Wetlands Inventory products.

How to find the maps

National Wetlands Inventory Maps are located in the Government Publications & Maps Division (3rd floor, Love Library). Assistance is available during reference hours at the Reference Services Division reference desk (1st floor, Library Addition) by coming in person or by calling (619) 594-6728.

We own a limited number of the maps for selected western states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, TX, UT, WA) and the US Summary maps. They are in black and white on microfiche at call numbers beginning with I 49.6/7-2:. There are machines to view and print the microfiche ($ .10/page), though they are limited to 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

To find the particular map you are looking for, use the Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications to get the call number. For example, a word search on "San Diego" and "national wetlands inventory maps" brings up San Diego (San Diego NW) CA [microform] : National Wetlands Inventory maps at the call number I 49.6/7-5:32117-E 1/993. Please ask a librarian if you need assistance finding these maps.

Maps of the San Diego area can be found at these call numbers: