New York (State). Division of Fish and Wildlife

The series consists of overlay maps that are products of a wetlands inventory project conducted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife of the Department of Environmental Conservation. The maps were apparently created as a result of the division's desire to compile a comprehensive statewide survey designed to seek out, identify, and collect data on the wetlands of the state. Wetlands are lands which may be permanently, temporarily, or intermittently covered by fresh or saltwater. They are commonly referred to as flood basins or flats, meadows, marshes, shrub swamps, wooded swamps, or bogs. Previous to this project, several local or regional surveys of wetlands had been conducted, but the total area of wetlands in New York, and in what ways and at what rate they might be changing or disappearing, was unknown. The inventory was apparently begun in 1973 and completed in 1975.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife carried out mandated responsibilities for efficient management of the fish and wildlife resources of the state. Its programs for environmental protection were designed to protect critical elements of essential habitats and to preserve unique environments. Monitoring fish and wildlife populations and habitats provides a measure of the stresses affecting environmental quality and species productivity. A complete wetlands inventory was one part of an environmental inventory and monitoring sub-program that would in turn aid other wetlands development and maintenance programs. The Environmental Bond Act of 1972 established funds to be spent in land acquisition. Implementation of this act was written as Article VI of Chapter 659 of the Laws of 1972, which authorized millions of dollars for freshwater wetlands acquisition and restoration.

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