Wisconsin DNR News Release

Land buyers can learn if they have wetlands before they buy land, build

News Release Published: November 24, 2008 by the Southeast Region

Contact(s): Cherie Hagen, Wetland Team Leader (608) 266-7360
Lisa Gaumnitz, Public Affairs Manager (608) 264-8942

Video available free online or for Time Warner digital subscribers

MILWAUKEE - Looking to buy property or build?

It’s important to know if there are wetlands on the property. Now Wisconsin residents who subscribe to Time Warner Cable’s digital service can view a video showing steps they can take to determine if a property has wetlands. “Waking Up to Wetlands” can be viewed free 24/7 on Channel 1403, Find It On Demand, now through the end of December.

The Department of Natural Resources video also can be viewed on the DNR’s Web site at Wisconsin Wetlands. It is one component of an information toolkit the DNR developed with the support of the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, the Wisconsin Wetlands Association and local government organizations to help people know when they have wetlands on a property when it isn’t obvious.

“Wetlands aren’t always obvious so it’s important to know before you buy or build,” says Cherie Hagen, DNR wetland team leader. “Our ‘Waking up the Wetlands’ video and the other information tools we developed with partners can help assure people get the property they want before they seal the deal.”

State and federal laws limit development on wetlands, so knowing if there are wetlands can help people assure they buy a property that meets their needs while protecting wetlands, she says.

Other components of the informational toolkit include interactive maps that indicate officially mapped wetlands and potential wetlands based on their soil types, and a real estate addendum. This legal document allows buyers an opportunity to verify that wetlands are present on a property and to negotiate a mutual remedy with the seller, which might include the ability to rescind or modify the offer terms, if wetlands are confirmed. All materials can be found on DNR’s Web site: Wisconsin Wetlands.

Protecting remaining wetlands is important in a state that lost nearly half of its original 10 million acres, Hagen says. It’s particularly important along Lake Michigan in southeastern and northeastern Wisconsin, where wetland loss has been particularly severe.