Minnesota Wetlands programs

Wetland review and conservation planning

type 4 wetland The Division of Ecological and Water Resources' Wetlands Program was initiated with the passage of the state Wetlands Conservation Act (WCA) of 1991 . A key component of the WCA is the development of restored or created wetlands as replacement for wetlands that are drained or filled. In support of the WCA, Ecological and Water Resources has established a wetland review and conservation program to:

  • coordinate the review of wetland replacement plans;
  • provide technical assistance to local governments and landowners in developing wetland mitigation;
  • promote wetland conservation by providing science-based recommendations in the development of state wetland regulations, programs and policies.

Wetland monitoring and mapping

type 4 wetlandIn 2006, a group of state and federal agencies collaboratively developed, "A Comprehensive Wetland Assessment, Monitoring, and Mapping Strategy for Minnesota" . This document makes several recommendations for a scientifically sound strategy for monitoring and assessing wetland quantity and quality statewide. The Ecological and Water Resources' Wetlands Program oversees two components of the overall strategy: wetland status and trends monitoring and updating the national wetlands inventory.

Wetland publications

The Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Plan (V. 1.02, 1997)  sets directions for managing and regulating the state's wetlands and examines way to consolidate the many different existing wetland programs. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Board of Water and Soil Resources and Department of Natural Resources update and provide a Wetland Program Plan to the US Environmental Protection Agency every five years.

Wetland program contacts

Jennie Skancke, Wetlands Program Coordinator 
[email protected]
500 Lafayette Rd Box 25 
St Paul, MN 55155-4025 
tel. 651-259-5721

More information about wetlands and wetland programs

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