Wetlands are difficult to understand by non-specialists, and by many specialists, too. There are differences among the general public perception of what is a wetland, the definitions used by wetland scientists, and the definitions used by regulators on jurisdictional wetlands. This primer is designed to provide an introduction to wetland definitions, how an area is determined to be wetland or upland, how the boundaries are determined, and wetland management considerations. Wetland management involves determining the functions and values of a wetland, criteria for enhancement, and design criteria for wetland creation.