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Understanding and Identifying Wetlands
>> Wetland Community Types in Wisconsin
>> Identifying Wetlands
>> The Economic and Ecological Benefits of Wetlands
Wetlands are defined as areas where water is at, near or above the land surface long enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophytic (water-loving) vegetation, and having soils indicative of wet conditions. Due to its geography, geology, and climate, Wisconsin has a large diversity and abundance of wetland ecosystems.
Most of Wisconsin’s remaining 5.3 million wetland acres can be found directly adjacent to lakes, rivers, and streams, but approximately one million acres are considered geographically "isolated" from navigable waterbodies. While most Wisconsin residents recognize areas with cattails, open water, and ducks as wetlands, many do not know that Wisconsin has at least 12 wetland community types (see photos).
Wetland Community Types in Wisconsin
Photographers (left to right) - Top Row: Thomas Meyer, Drew Feldkirchner, Drew Feldkirchner, Thomas Meyer. Middle Row: Eric Epstein, Gary Shackelford, Drew Feldkirchner, Steve Eggers. Bottom Row: Drew Feldkirchner, Steve Eggers, Drew Feldkirchner, Thomas Meyer |
Click here for more information on Wisconsin’s 12 wetland community types.
Identifying Wetlands
Wisconsin’s wetlands vary in size and appearance which sometimes renders them difficult to recognize. Though many communities rely on trained staff or consultants to confirm the presence of wetlands and wetland boundaries, all land use decision makers should cultivate a basic understanding of the tools and information used to identify wetlands.
Click here for tools and information on how to identify wetlands.
The Economic and Ecological Benefits of Wetlands In addition to understanding what wetlands look like and where to find them, local land use officials should also cultivate a basic understanding of the economic and ecological benefits wetlands provide to Wisconsin’s communities.
Though best known for their natural beauty and wildlife habitat values, wetlands provide a whole suite of public benefits and ecological functions including: flood storage, water quality improvement, shoreland erosion control, groundwater recharge and discharge, and more.
Click here for more information on the economic and ecological functions of wetlands.
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