I HAVE MY OWN COMPUTER AT HOME.

1. Downloading the File

Go to this web site:

http://www.wes.army.mil/el/wetlands/wlpubs.html
(Note: This opens a new browser window.)

You will now see a table with various publications listed in it. The manual will be near the bottom of the list: Publication Number WRP-Y-87-1. To download the manual, click on "wlman87.pdf". BEWARE: The file is over 1.4 megabytes in size, so it will take a while to download.

This file is in the "portable data format", which is readable only by a software program called Adobe Acrobat Reader. (The logo is for Adobe Systems, Inc.)

If, by chance, you already have Acrobat Reader on your computer, and your web browser knows how to turn it on, don’t be too surprised if it automatically opens the file.

More likely, though, your web browser won’t know what to do with a ".pdf" file and will ask you what to do with it. Save it to your hard drive. It’s too big to fit on a DOS-formatted floppy disk.

2. Downloading and Installing Software

Look around on your computer one last time and check to see if you happen to have Acrobat Reader. It’s often included with the bundled software on PC’s sold over the counter these days. It will probably be in a directory called "Acroread" or "Acrobat3" or some such.

Ok, so maybe you don’t have Reader. No problem. Fortunately, Reader is absolutely free and available for downloading at this web site: http://www.adobe.com/ Click on the yellow icon ("Get Acrobat Reader") at the lower left. You’ll be asked to register. This is fine, because it really is free. Adobe is a reputable company, and they won’t send you any junk mail. Read the installation instructions before you download.

3. Opening the File

Once you’ve installed Acrobat Reader, you should be able to double-click any ".pdf" file and read the contents. It’s really a pretty good program, especially since it’s free.

WARNING: If you think you want to print the entire wetland delineation manual, remember that it’s over 100 pages!!!

4. Saving the File on a Floppy Disk

Since you’re on your own computer, just leave the file on the hard drive. If you want to put it on a DOS-formatted floppy disk, though, things get complicated. Click here.