Wetland boundary delineation

Determining wetland boundaries

Anyone planning a development project must know precisely the boundaries of wetlands on the property as determined through procedures specified in state and federal rules. A wetland professional is generally required to make the boundary determination and their findings are subject to review by regulatory agencies.

All determinations must follow the requirements specified in these documents:

1. Chapter NR 103, Wis. Adm. Code [PDF exit DNR]
2. Chapter NR 352, Wis. Adm. Code [PDF exit DNR]
3. The 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual [PDF exit DNR]
4. The proper U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Supplement for your location.
   • If the property is within the Midwest Region, shown on this map in light green, follow the Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual Midwest Region [PDF exit DNR]
   • If the property is within the Northcentral Region, shown on this map in dark green, follow the Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual North Central Region [PDF exit DNR]

Wetland delineation classes

Each year the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse holds wetland delineation workshops. These two–and–a–half day workshops are held in La Crosse and at an alternate location in Wisconsin that changes each year. The courses are taught by experts and will be of interest to anyone who delineates wetlands or wishes to learn how to delineate wetlands in Wisconsin.

1. Basic Wetland Delineation
2. Advanced Wetland Delineation

2013 Critical Methods Seminar

• Shoreland-Wetland Zoning [PDF]
• Wetland Compensatory Mitigation [PDF]
• Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Guidelines [PDF]
• Wetland Delineation Professional Assurance Program [PDF]
• Wetland Delineation Special Considerations [PDF exit DNR]
• Wetland Identification Program [PDF]
• Wetland Rapid Assessment Methodology [PDF]
• Wetland Law Changes [PDF]

Wetland delineation professional assurance

DNR has established a professional assurance program for those highly experienced professional wetland consultants that meet certain qualifications. Professional assurance means that the work of individuals meeting training and performance standards will receive spot checks rather than individual review. This should result in faster decisions and improved wetlands protection. For information and instructions, refer to:
Wetland delineation professional assurance initiative

Contact information

For more information on wetland boundary delineation, contact:

Tom Nedland
Wetland Identification Coordinator
920-303-5439