Wetland Conservation Act Fact Sheet
Services and Programs/Fact Sheets :
Wetland Conservation Act Fact Sheet
When most people think of wetlands, they think of swampy, marshy areas
complete with ducks and cattails. While those areas are indeed wetlands,
many other wetlands look quite different and may even be completely dry
for the majority of the year. Some wetlands support trees and shrubs and
some may even be farmed. District staff provide technical support and act
as the "clearing-house" for local governments, county departments,
and citizens with wetland and water related questions.
In Dakota County, over 80 percent of our presettlement
wetlands have been lost.
Historically wetlands were considered wasted space and drained and filled
for development and crop production. In Minnesota, an estimated 11 million
acres of wetland area have been lost over the last hundred years, leaving
about 7.5 million acres. This represents a 60 percent loss. In Dakota County,
over 80 percent of our presettlement wetlands have been lost. Wetlands provide
many important benefits which have only become apparent as wetland numbers
have dwindled. Wetland benefits include:
- storage area for excess water during flooding
- filtering of sediments and nutrients before they enter lakes, rivers
and streams
- fish and wildlife habitat
- public recreation
- commercial uses
Recognizing the important benefits of wetlands, the Minnesota Legislature
in 1991 enacted the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). The WCA gives administrative
authority to local governments. The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation
District is available to assist cities, townships, and individual landowners
to determine if an area is a wetland and administer the WCA.
So what should I do if I am working in or near a wetland area?
- Contact the Soil and Water Conservation District. Our office has been
designated as the "clearing-house" for wetland information. If
we don’t have the information you need, we will direct you to the
correct office.
- Find out if the land you want to alter is a wetland. Remember, an area
can be wetland even if it doesn’t hold standing water.
- Fill out a project notification form if proposing to alter a wetland.
Our office can provide you with this application form and help you determine
where it should be sent.
It is important that you design your project with nature and begin your
planning process early. It is not realistic to expect to start the permitting
process one week and begin work on the project the next week. Start by visiting
or calling our office if you are considering a project that may alter wetlands.
Wetland Demonstration Projects
Dakota County Wetland Replacement Project Summary
RESOURCES
Excavated Ponds for Wildlife
(PDF: 6 pages, 366kb)
Page Size: 8.5 x 11"
A Guide to constructing ponds for habitat and wildlife.
Directory of Wetland Professionals
LINKS
Board of Soil and Water Resources
Department of Natural Resources
United States Department of Agriculture
United States Environmental Protection Agency
University of Minnesota
Primary Contact for WCA
Brian Watson, District Manager
Phone: (651) 480-7778 Fax: (651) 480-7775
brian.watson@co.dakota.mn.us
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