Wetland Identification

Wetlands are environmentally-sensitive areas of interface between land and water. These areas consist of various types of wet habitats where the land is wet for some period of time each year, but not necessarily permanently wet. Many wetlands occur in areas where surface water collects or where underground water discharges to the surface, making the area wet for extended periods of time. Other wetlands occur along our coasts, and are created by the tide. Water saturation (hydrology) largely determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal communities living in and on the soil. The presence of water creates conditions that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils.

Wetland Delineation

The most accurate way to find out whether or not wetlands exist on your property is to have a wetland evaluation (delineation) performed by the staff of the Environmental Protection Commission. However, much can be determined by the examination of soils maps and aerial photography.

Wetland Reviews of Property

You may visit with an Environmental Scientist of the Wetlands Management Division of the Environmental Protection Commission. This will give you a good idea as to the potential of wetlands on your property as well as provide you with any historic wetland permitting on your property. This service is also free but an appointment is recommended. To contact a member of the Wetlands Division of the Environmental Protection Commission, please call or email.