Implementation of a 404 Bottomland Hardwood Wetlands Regulatory Program: Rethinking Lower Mississippi Resource Objectives and Priorities

Agricultural conversion is the dominant cause of loss of bottomland hardwood wetlands. Thus, conversion of this critical wetland resource, particularly in the lower Mississippi Valley, requires both an effective regulatory program and withdrawal of public subsidies which promote agricultural conversion. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act provides the basis for an effective regulatory program.