Wetlands

Do you have a wetland on your property? 
Take this simple quiz to find out.

Many property owners are confused about the technical definition of wetlands.  This is understandable given the variety of wetland in Michigan, and the fact that many wetland types look different than our traditional conception of a wetland (which is typically a cattail marsh). Below are a few questions that you can ask yourself about your land. A yes answer to ANY of the questions many indicate that you have a wetland on your property.

Is the ground soggy underfoot in the spring?
Are there depressions where the water pools on the ground surface during the spring?
Do you avoid the area with heavy equipment for fear of getting stuck?
Would you need to ditch the site to dry it out?
Is the site in a depression that has a different vegetation community than the higher ground around it?
Are there ground water seeps or springs present?
Are fallen leaves black or very darkly stained and contain sediment deposits on their surfaces?
Dig a hole. Is the soil gray, or does it contain bright mottles (red or orange) against a gray background?
If farmed, is there crop stress due to excessive water?
Does the National Wetlands Inventory map, U.S.G.S. topographical map, or locally produced wetland inventory map show a wetland on your property?
Does the N.R.C.S. Soil Survey for your county show the soil on your property to be hydric, poorly, or very poorly drained?

At http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/index.html  is a GIS wetlands viewer.  See if you have what is considered wetlands, on your property from a bird's eye view.

For more information on wetlands please go to the National Fish and Wildlife Service web site titled "National Wetlands Inventory".

Drain Commissioner email: eMail the Drain Commission Office
East Complex 2300 E. Grand River Avenue  Suit 105| Howell, MI 48843
Phone 517.546.0040 | Fax 517.545.9658

Home | County Home | Phase II | Title Companies | Drainage Systems | Commercial & Homeowners | About Us | Septage | Calendar

Can't find what you are looking for?   Need to ask a question?

Problem with the site?    Contact the Webmaster

Last updated:  Tuesday, April 10, 2012  Updated by:  L. Lalewicz