Wetlands Loss Due to Agricultural Conversion: A Survey of Recent Data

Author
Environmental Law Institute
Date Released
December 1990

This report surveys currently available sources of data on the conversion of wetlands to agriculture in the United States. Part One presents the best available sources of data on wetlands losses due to agricultural conversion. Part Two describes the data available regarding the potential for agricultural conversion of the remaining wetlands in the United States. Parts Three and Four examine several types of data that might indicated indirectly either the extent of recent conversions or the likelihood of future conversions. Part Three includes a consideration of the recent trends in crop prices and agricultural land use, and examines projections of future crop prices and demand for farmland. Part Four considers historical trends in agricultural drainage and reviews recent waterfowl population inclines and declines.