This article examines these cases as well as the history, policies, and rationales behind identifying and conserving wetlands. It proposes a unique analytical method for valuation of wetlands. Under the proposed analysis, government agencies and landowners would be required to prepare economic impact statements containing cost/benefit analyses measuring the effects of wetlands delineations upon land values. These analyses would provide the basis for determining the value of preserving wetlands ecosystems as well as the basis for determining fair compensation payable to landowners in the event they suffer land use or income loss as a result of wetlands delineations
