Assessing State-Level Wetland Program Plans: Progress, Challenges, and Variability in Achieving the US National Goal of “No Net Loss” of Wetlands

Abstract

Wetlands provide essential ecological, social, and economic benefits for our society. In the United States, states and tribes play crucial roles in wetland protection, restoration, and management. However, no research has systematically measured state-level wetland planning efforts toward national conservation goals. This study is the first to comprehensively evaluate how state-level Wetland Program Plans (WPPs) align with national missions, particularly the “No Net Loss” of wetlands goal. Our research assesses the EPA-approved state-level WPPs from 42 out of 50 states in the United States from 2015 to 2024. Using a protocol of 30 indicators across five categories, this study identifies the strengths and gaps in these plans. The results indicate an overall performance score of 73.3% on a scale of 0%–100% for all indicators, indicating that these state-level WPPs have performed reasonably well in integrating statewide resources and tools to protect and enhance wetland resources despite diverse natural systems and different social contexts. The observed strengths include robust platforms for coordination, communication, and participation, solid implementation mechanisms, and comprehensive policies, tools, and strategies. The “No Net Loss” of wetlands indicator scored 0.51 on a scale of 0 to 1, reflecting modest progress but highlighting the need for clearer commitments at the state level. The findings of this study support a promising trend and an integrative planning approach across states, highlighting that most WPPs have made moderate commitments toward wetland conservation and restoration, integrating them into broader environmental protection initiatives. This research provides practical insights for planners, wetland managers, and environmentalists nationwide and aims to incorporate wetland conservation into local and state-level planning frameworks.