This dataset was developed in accordance with Maine's Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA).  Under this Act, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is designated as the authority for determining Significant Wildlife Habitats (SWHs). This dataset represents Tidal Waterfowl and Wading bird Habitat (TWWH).

This coastal habitat that supports tidal waterfowl and wading birds is composed of four habitat components: mudflats, emergent wetlands (salt marshes), aquatic beds (eelgrass), and reefs (mussel bars). In 2016 MDIFW remapped the mudflat and salt marsh components from high-resolution aerial imagery and incorporated the most current mapping of eelgrass and mussel bars by the Department of Marine Resources. Rating of these habitats under NRPA is based on size of the habitat area and proximity to other tidal habitats. Contact Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for information on a specific TWWH polygon.