Wetlands
NTS' wetlands team is here to assist you in navigating through wetland regulations so that unforeseen wetland issues do not hinder your development plans. We offer a full-spectrum of wetland services so that you never have to feel "bogged" down by the regulatory process.
About Us
To meet the growing demand for professional wetland services in northern Minnesota, NTS employs a team of dedicated wetland professionals. Our wetland professionals have completed comprehensive training courses for delineation as well as courses in restoration and creation of wetlands. For quality assurance, all projects are given final review by our certified professional wetland delineator.
Services Provided
NTS' wetland team is here to guide you and your project through the regulatory process by providing the following full scope of wetland services:
Delineations (w/mapping)
This service consists of a field visit to the site for evaluation of the vegetation, hydrology and soils in order to determine wetland boundaries. Boundaries of the wetland are entered into our GPS system on-site to streamline the mapping process. After the delineation is complete, we are available to represent you when the Technical Evaluation Panel (comprised of representatives from government agencies) visits the site to review the delineation.
Assistance with sequencing and completion of permit applications
Both state and federal law require that wetland permit applicants complete sequencing on their project. The first goal is to avoid wetland impacts. If avoidance is not possible, then wetland impacts must be minimized. If there is a remaining impact, the loss must be mitigated through either purchase of wetland credits from a bank or through on-site creation/restoration. We are here to help you develop strategies for meeting sequencing and mitigation requirements. After completion of the permit application, we are available to represent you and your interests at any applicable meetings if necessary.
Evaluations (MnRAM and others)
On occasion, wetland regulators require that an evaluation of the wetland functions be conducted using the Minnesota Routine Assessment Method (MnRAM) for Evaluating Wetland Functions or another similar method. These assessments typically determine the level of functionality for several characteristics, including, but not limited to, the ability of the wetland to provide wildlife habitat, amphibian habitat and shoreline protection.
Restoration/Creation of Wetlands
In some instances, it is more feasible to either restore a previously degraded wetland or to create a new wetland to mitigate for wetland impacts than it is to purchase the credits through a wetland bank. In these instances, our team is prepared to develop a restoration or creation plan for a highly functioning wetland that meets or exceeds regulatory standards.
Vegetation Monitoring for Restored/Created Wetlands
As a part of the restoration/creation regulatory process, vegetation monitoring of the wetland is required for a period of time, typically five years. This process ensures that the wetland is supporting hydrophytic vegetation with sufficient diversity.
FAQs
What is a Wetland?
To be considered a wetland, there are three criteria that must be met.
The first, and typically most obvious, is the presence of hydrophytic (water-loving) vegetation. Many people immediately think of cattails, bulrushes, and other similar species. But there are many species that are listed as hydrophytes, including, but not limited to: speckled alder, willows, sedges, tamarack, black spruce, reed canary grass and Canada blue-joint grass.
The second criteria is hydrological - the 1987 Army Corps Manual states that an area must be inundated (have standing water) or have soil that is saturated within the top twelve inches for at least 5% of the growing season in most years. Areas without standing water are often mistakenly assumed to not be wetlands, but in reality, the most common types of wetlands in northern Minnesota do NOT have standing water.
The third criteria is the presence of hydric soils. These are soils that contain certain characteristics that have arisen due to extended periods of saturation. Although wetlands do sometimes have mucky or peaty soils, there are also mineral soils that meet the necessary criteria.
How can I determine if I have wetlands on my property or on property I hope to purchase?
Although there are maps that may be found online that indicate the presence of wetlands, these maps typically underestimate the extent of wetlands and are not especially precise. Your safest option as a landowner (and one that may be required for certain projects) is to have a wetland delineation completed. If you do not currently own the property, we recommend "caveat emptor" when it relates to wetands on property. In our experience, most sellers genuinely do not realize that they have wetlands on their property as many of their buildings and roads may have existed prior to the regulations being established. In some cases, even mowed lawns have been determined to actually be wetlands as defined by the regulations. If unsure about the status of wetlands on the property you wish to purchase, a little research done upfront may save a lot of frustration later on.
If I have wetlands on my property, what activities are regulated and what agencies are responsible for regulation?
On a state level, the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Manual states that draining, filling and in some cases, excavating in wetlands is prohibited unless (a) the drain, fill, or excavation activity is exempt or (b) wetlands are replaced by restoring or creating wetland areas of at least equal public value. We highly encourage you to contact our office or your Local Government Unit to determine if your proposed activity would be considered exempt under WCA. Typically, the Local Government Unit is your local SWCD, County Planning office or City government and is responsible for WCA administration. In some instances, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulates wetlands that are considered to be Public Waters. On a federal level, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for wetland regulation via Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Contact Info
If you would like more infomation or obtain a price quote please call or email:
Dan Engel
Phone: (218) 780-3515
Email: Click to send EMail to Dan