Wetland Information & Projects

Download NC WAM and NC SAM:

The NC Wetland Assessment Method (NC WAM) and Stream Assessment Method (NC SAM) are rapid methods used to rate hydrology, water quality, and habitat functions (high, medium, low).

To access materials and tools for these methods:

1. Connect to RIBITS

2. On the bottom left, under FILTER – click USACE District, and select Wilmington from the dropdown menu below

3. On the left, under MENU, click Assessment Tools to view available NCWAM and NCSAM tools.

Learn More about NC Wetlands:

NCwetlands.org is a comprehensive informational resource about our state’s wetlands, maintained by the N.C. Division of Water Resources (NC DWR). It includes a map of public wetlands, free educational materials for download/viewing, NC DWR wetland research project summaries, explanations of wetland laws, and more.

Read Summaries of NC DWR Wetland Projects:

NC DWR scientists have conducted over 20 major research projects on North Carolina wetlands and streams. Review the reports or download the data.

View the current NC Wetland Program Plan (NC WPP):

The NC Wetland Program Plan is developed with a stakeholder group and provides a set of actions to research and protect North Carolina’s valuable wetland resources. The most recent 5-year plan (2021-2025) has been approved and is available here. The previous 2015-2020 NC Wetland Program Plan is available here, along with a supplementary document outlining NC Division of Water Resources’ activities in support of the 2015-2020 plan.

Locate 401 and Buffer Permitting Branch Information:

The US Army Corps of Engineers: Wilmington District, the NC Division of Water Resources’ 401 and Buffer Permitting Branch, and the NC Division of Coastal Management all provide permitting information for work proposed to impact NC wetlands, streams, and buffers.