Technical definition of wetland types in Minnesota

Two wetland classification methods are commonly used in Minnesota. The mapping method used for the initial wetland protection program and the DNR-regulated waters inventory (public waters inventory) legislation of 1976 and 1979 was identified in "Wetlands of the United States," published as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Circular 39 Document by Shaw and Fredine in 1956 (reprinted 1971). Eight wetland types are recognized in Minnesota, but none are assigned to rivers and lakes.

In 1979, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the Cowardin et al. method, "Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats in the United States." This comprehensive representation of all wetland habitats is used on the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Maps . For more information on associated plant types, see Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin . For information on where to obtain wetland plants, see the Directory of Wetland Plant Vendors in the U.S. 

Minnesota Wetlands Acreage for Types 1-8 by County (.pdf 20k)