Net Gain In Wetlands Approximately 191,000 acres of wetlands were gained over a seven-year span, the first net gain in America’s agricultural and non-agricultural wetlands in 52 years. The encouraging statistics, from a US Fish & Wildlife Service report announced by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, were primarily the result of increases in shallow pond-type wetlands. Secretary Johanns credited President Bush’s policies for the positive trend. “The president’s historic support of voluntary conservation programs has led the nation to this important milestone, and we are committed to bolstering our conservation partnerships with producers,” he said.