Wetlands Data for Minnesota

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 aboutSatellite imagery of a wetland 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.

Data Resources

  • Hydrography

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type

    National Wetlands Inventory Update (Minnesota)

    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.     		DNR, USFWS, partners Statewide 1:24,000 2010-2014 Vector GIS

    1970s National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) of Minnesota

    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.    		 USFWS, DNR, LMIC Statewide 1:24,000 1974-1978 Vector GIS

    Wetlands Online Mapper

    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 Ongoing Web Application

    Download Seamless NWI Wetlands Data

    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.    		 USFWS Nationwide Various (at 24k and 100k Quad level) 1977 Web Application, Vector GIS

    National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)

    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.    		 USFWS Nationwide N/A Current Text

    MMCD Map 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.    		 MMCD 7-county Twin Cities Metro Area Various Current Web Application
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  • Quality

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type

    Wetlands in Minnesota

    PCA's main webpage for wetland water quality.    		 PCA Statewide N/A Current Text

    Wetland Conservation Act (WCA)

    This section of BWSR's website has links to various documents that describe Minnesota's Wetland Conservation Act (WCA).    		 BWSR Statewide N/A 1991 Text with links to PDFs
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  • General

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type

    DNR Wetlands Information

    		 DNR Statewide N/A Current Text

    Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources: Wetlands

    		 BWSR Statewide N/A Current Text

    Information Source Abbreviations

    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

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