Waterway and Wetland Permits

Activities

Wetland Water Quality Certification

This page describes permitting requirements for activities in wetlands. See our Wisconsin Wetlands website for general information about wetlands including the functions and values of wetlands, wetland types, wetland mapping, and restoration and management.

Grading, Filling, Removing or Disturbing Soil

Question: I want to grade, fill, remove or disturb soil in a low area or wetland. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: Wetlands are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and by local counties, cities and villages.

The excavating or placement of any material in low areas or wetlands requires a DNR approval known as a Water Quality Certification. DNR reviews your project to determine if it complies with the requirements of NR299 and NR103, Wisconsin Administrative Code. State regulations require avoidance of wetland fill if possible, so in your application you will need to demonstrate that you cannot avoid or reduce wetland impacts, and that your project will not have significant adverse impacts on wetland functions and values.

The following publications explain DNR's review process:

We encourage you to visit our office for a pre-application meeting before applying for a Water Quality Certification. The pre-application meeting will help you design an approvable project and complete your application. Please use the worksheet below to gather information that will ensure the meeting is as productive as possible.

Please follow the steps below to file your application for a Wetland Water Quality Certification. Open and print ALL of the following files:

Restoring or Enhancing a Low Area or Wetland

Question: I want to restore or enhance a low area or wetland. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: For Wetland Conservation Activites (wetland restorations or wildlife pond), please first review the Wetland Conservation Activity General Permit Standards. [PDF 102KB] If your project meets all the standards, you may complete and submit the general permit package below. If your project does not meet all of the conditions, please complete the individual permit application packet below. Also, print and complete the fee sheet below and submit the appropriate fee with your general or individual permit application.

Natural Resources Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and DNR Wildlife, please use the NRCS/FWS/DNR general or individual permit application below. To determine if you qualify for a general permit review the Wetland Conservation Activities General Permit Standards. [PDF 102KB] If your project meets all the standards, you may complete and submit the general permit packet below. You may also use the flow charts below to assist you with the permit process. If your project does not meet all of the conditions, please complete the individual permit application packet below.

Once completed, please send the application materials, including the fee sheet, to the county where your project is located. See the Wetland Regulatory Programs Web site for more information.

A permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) may also be required for wetland fill or excavation projects. To determine if an Army Corps permit is required for your project, send a copy of your completed Water Quality Certification Application materials to the local Army Corps Project Manager [exit DNR] for the county where your project is located. They will evaluate your proposal and respond to you separately. See the Army Corps St. Paul District [exit DNR] website for more information on Corps regulations.

Fill and other activities in or near wetlands may also be regulated by county, city or village zoning. Contact your local zoning office for more information.

If grading, filling or other wetland activities is proposed on agricultural lands, contact the appropriate Natural Resources Conservation Service [exit DNR] office.

Wisconsin Wetland Inventory maps and soils maps can be viewed at most county zoning offices. For incorporated areas -- cities and villages -- contact the City Building Inspector, City Engineer or Village Clerk for that incorporated area. Copies of the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory maps can also be viewed at the DNR Service Center offices, or purchased in printed or digital form (see Wetland Mapping).

Applicable Wisconsin Statutes and Codes

Last Revised: Tuesday June 24 2008