GeoSpatial Services and BLM Continue Wetland Mapping for National Wetlands Inventory in Wyoming

Casper, WY to the Black Hills – Summer 2025

This spring and summer, GeoSpatial Services (GSS) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) returned to Wyoming to support the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in its ongoing efforts to enhance the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). This marks the fourth GSS-led wetland mapping project in the state since 2018, continuing a strong and productive partnership aimed at improving the understanding of Wyoming’s wetland resources.

The current project focuses on a broad region stretching from the Casper area eastward into the Black Hills, encompassing a diverse and ecologically important landscape of prairies, badlands, riparian corridors, and forested hills. These areas contain a variety of wetland habitats critical to wildlife, water quality, and ecological health.

Leading the field effort is Andy Nadeau, a seasoned GSS wetland scientist, with Technician Isabelle McNeill assisting in data collection and logistics. Eric Lindquist, GSS Project Manager, coordinated field planning and stakeholder communication. The team conducted extensive field verification to support photo interpretation and wetland delineation.

Field work is a critical component of the NWI update process. The GSS crew visited numerous check sites to confirm the presence, classification, and extent of wetland features identified in aerial imagery. This on-the-ground work included:

·        Photo interpretation validation
·        Soils analysis to confirm hydric conditions
·        Vegetation identification to verify wetland plant communities
·        Hydrologic assessments to determine water presence and source

These field-verified data points ensure the accuracy of the wetland maps that are being compiled and digitized for integration into the national dataset. Meanwhile, SMU students back on campus contributed to the project by analyzing imagery, managing GIS data, and assisting with map production and reporting—providing them with valuable experience in applied environmental science.

This project continues a proud tradition at GSS of combining academic excellence, student mentorship, and real-world environmental work. As climate change, land use pressures, and habitat conservation become ever more pressing, the NWI plays a vital role in planning, policy, and stewardship.