The report (1) reviews four compensation and incentive programs established in Minnesota to encourage preservation of wetlands in agricultural areas, (2) estimates the potential net return available to a farmer who chooses to drain a wetland in any of various agricultural regions of the State, and (3) compares the dollar amounts available through the preservation programs to the amount available with drainage. The four programs reviewed are the Federal Water Bank, the Fish and Wildlife Service easement and acquisition program, the State Water Bank, and the State wetlands property tax credit program. (Author).

Wetland types -- Wetland values and the importance of wetlands to man -- Wetland programs that affect the use of wetlands -- Wetland trends -- Impacts and mitigation -- Effects of the 404 program -- Limitations of the 404 program for protecting wetlands -- Capabilities of the states in managing the use of wetlands.