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Identifying Wetlands
>> Step 1. Review Maps
>> Step 2. Look for Physical Clues
>> Step 3. Consult a Professional
While most Wisconsin residents recognize areas with cattails, open water, and ducks as wetlands, many do not know that Wisconsin has at least 12 wetland community types. These communities include areas that are dry most of the year, have trees, and may have no visible connection to lakes, rivers and streams. This diversity in physical appearance makes some wetlands difficult to identify.
Though many communities rely on trained staff or consultants to confirm the presence of wetlands and wetland boundaries, all land use decision makers should cultivate a basic understanding of the tools and information used to identify wetlands. This knowledge will help you to set policies that more effectively identify and protect wetlands, and to ask the right questions when weighing the facts on wetland development proposals. Wetland identification basics include:
Step 1: Review Maps.
Some wetlands can be found on maps. WDNR’s Wetland Indicator Map shows wetlands included on the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory process and areas that may be wetlands based on the presence of hydric soils. Alternatively, many counties provide web-mapping services through the planning, zoning or land conservation department websites.
NOTICE: Maps help evaluate the likelihood that an area contains wetlands, but should not be relied upon as a final determination. Many wetlands, such as those that are seasonally wet, wooded, or small, may not appear on maps. Wetland laws apply to all wetlands, regardless of whether they appear on a map.
Step 2: Look for physical clues.
The best way to identify wetlands is walk the site and look for physical clues. The photos below show common examples of wetland indicators. WDNR’s Wetland Clues Checklist provides a more comprehensive list of things to look for and may be useful to bring along during a site visit.
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| Water-loving plants, such as tussock sedge, are found in wetlands. |
Dark colored soils from prolonged saturation are good clues of wetlands. |
Standing water leaves stains on trees indicating a period of saturation. |
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| Wetlands are often associated with waterways and their floodplains. |
Low, wet spots are strong clues of wetlands. |
Stunted, yellowing crops are good indicators of wetlands. |
Photographers (left to right) - Top Row: Kyle Magyera, Pat Trochlell, Joanne Kline. Bottom Row: Eric Epstein, Kyle Magyera, Kyle Magyera.
Step 3: Consult a Professional.
Because wetlands can be difficult to identify, the accurate identification of whether a parcel contains wetlands requires an assessment by a trained biologist or consultant. If a property contains wetlands and the landowner wants to proceed with a project, a wetland professional will also be needed to verify or "delineate" the wetland boundaries as part of the avoidance step of the wetland permit application process. Information on how to hire a wetland consultant can be found here: dnr.wi.gov/wetlands/pro.html.
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