A Wetland? Not In My Backyard! What Should I Do?
Do you think there might be a wetland in your backyard? Understanding if and where wetlands are on your property is an important first step before any development occurs. Working through wetland permits can sometimes be confusing, but Point Blue is here to help you navigate you through these (sometimes muddy) waters. But, before we determine if you need a wetland assessment or delineation, we first need to refresh your memory on the basic definition of a wetland.
A wetland, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), is any area that is inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands are protected under Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). Under Part 303, you cannot dredge, drain, fill, or significantly alter a wetland without a permit from the State of Michigan.
Wetlands play an important role in Michigan’s ecosystem. They provide habitats for many species, reduce flooding, and improve water quality by filtering out pollutants. It is estimated that over 50% of Michigan’s original wetlands have been drained or filled, highlighting the importance to preserve the remaining wetlands due to their ecological value. Wetlands are dynamic systems that can fluctuate and seasonal conditions can influence wetland indicators. To help understand whether and where wetlands are on your property, Point Blue has a team of biologists that regularly conduct both wetland assessments and delineations. Choosing between an assessment or delineation depends on the scope and development plans for a property.
Wetland assessments include a preliminary non-invasive site evaluation where vegetation and hydrology are examined, but not soils. Wetland assessments provide potential landowners with the general location of where wetlands are on a property. Some examples of when an assessment might be preferred over a delineation are during a property transfer or due diligence period, or if the property is very large with many acres of potential wetlands and you’re only looking to develop a small portion of the site. While a wetland assessment offers general insight into the constraints of the property, a formal delineation is often required when a boundary is needed for construction or permitting.
Wetland delineations establish the boundary between the wetland and upland area. Hiring a qualified professional with site-specific experience to conduct the wetland delineation and provide regulatory consultation is essential to ensuring compliance and minimizing project delays. Point Blue biologists can accurately delineate the boundary of a wetland and have extensive experience understanding the soils, vegetation, and hydrology of wetlands. We also create maps using GPS-survey equipment in the field to facilitate preliminary site plan development.
Point Blue works with landowners to achieve development goals while preserving Michigan wetlands. Contact us if you need guidance on choosing between a wetland assessment or delineation and we would love to discuss any development plans you might have!
