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Wetlands tools and resources

Last updated on February 26, 2026

This page provides tools and resources for wetlands, including how to identify, classify, delineate, assess and manage a wetland. Data and local government resources are provided as well.

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Data resources

Wetland data available through the B.C. Data Catalogue includes:

  • B.C. Freshwater Atlas
  • Wetlands - TRIM Enhanced Base Map (EBM)
  • Terrestrial Ecosystem Information (TEI)
    • Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM)
    • Predictive Ecosystem Mapping (PEM)
    • Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory (SEI)
  • B.C. Species and Ecosystems Explorer
  • Canadian National Wetland Inventory (CNWI) B.C. Supplement
  • Williston Wetland Explorer Tool

Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) data that captures wetland information is also available through BEC Plot Data Requests.

Additional wetland data sources are available through other organizations:

  • BC Wetlands Atlas: citizen-science wetlands mapping led by the B.C. Wildlife Federation
  • Canadian Wetland Inventory: wetlands mapping in the northeastern portion of the province, the Okanagan valley, Lower Mainland, and southeastern portions of Vancouver Island completed by Ducks Unlimited Canada
  • Municipal and Regional District interactive maps with wetland layers, such as NanaimoMap or CourtenayMap

Wetland classification

The ability to classify wetlands helps support their conservation and management. It provides a standardized way to describe and compare different wetland types across the province.

The following classification resources are available:

  • Canadian Wetland Classification System - a nationally applicable wetland classification system in Canada based on a four-level, hierarchical, ecologically based classification system
  • Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification of Non-forested Ecosystems in British Columbia - ecological classification for non-forested ecosystems that follows the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) approach. This approach extends classification to all naturally occurring non-forested ecosystems in British Columbia. This includes:
    • Alpine
    • Subalpine
    • Krummholz
    • Shrubland
    • Grassland
    • Wetlands
    • Floodplains
    • Rock outcrop and talus
    • Beach and rocky headland
    • Persistent disclimax ecosystem
  • Each Land Management Handbook available on BECWeb describes additional wetland ecosystems specific to the geographic area described in the handbook
  • Wetlands of British Columbia: A Guide to Identification (LMH52) - wetlands can further be classified by plant association, which are similar in concept to a Biogeoclimatic Site Series. Site classification and interpretative information for wetlands and related ecosystems of B.C. is provided in this guide Site identification is based upon principles of BEC modified for wetland ecosystems
  • Wetland Plants of British Columbia - a field guide to indicator species for wetland classification

Delineation resources

Wetland delineation establishes the location and boundaries of a wetland. Along with identification and classification, delineation is a key step in assessing the wetland/wetland complex. 

The B.C. government has released the draft Wetland Identification and Delineation manual for review and use. It is not a requirement. Revisions may be made based on expert feedback and practical experience gained during the trial period (fall 2025-2026). Use of this manual is voluntary during the trial period and opportunities to provide feedback are outlined in the manual.

Draft documents available for testing include:

Wetland assessments

Wetlands vary widely in their condition, functions, and ecological, economic, recreational, cultural, or aesthetic values. Some types are common while others are rare. Some are in relatively pristine condition whereas others are heavily disturbed. Wetland functions may include, to varying degrees, flood attenuation, maintenance of watershed water quality, carbon sequestration, groundwater recharge or discharge, and the provision of habitat for wildlife. Evaluating wetlands can assist with land use decisions.

Different wetland assessment systems used in B.C. include:

Mitigation

The Environmental Mitigation Policy and Procedures for B.C. provides the current policy direction for land-use decision-making around wetlands. The policy applies the environmental mitigation hierarchy:

  • Avoid impacting environmental values and components
  • Minimize adverse impacts to values and components
  • Restore on-site values and components
  • Off-set residual adverse impacts to values and components

It is critical to consider all feasible options during the planning process before moving to the next step in the hierarchy.

Best management practices

Guidelines and best management practices support wetland stewardship during development activities to:

  • Avoid or minimize impacts on wetlands
  • Maintain ecological values in wetland areas
  • Address sector-specific needs or management and regulatory considerations

Wetland best practices can be found in the following resources:

Local government resources

Local governments play a crucial role in wetland conservation through land use planning, development approvals, and bylaw creation. These specialized resources help municipalities and regional districts integrate wetland protection into their decision-making processes and regulatory frameworks.