Wetland Boundary Delineation

Determining Wetland Boundaries

If you’re planning a development project, you 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 31KB Exit DNR]
2. Chapter NR 352, Wis. Adm. Code [PDF 10KB Exit DNR]
3. The proper U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manual for your location.
   If your property is within the Midwest Region, shown on this map in light green, you must:
   
   • follow the Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual Midwest Region [Exit DNR]
   • include a data form attachment [PDF 145kb] to be completed for each data point.

If your property is within the dark green shaded area, follow the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Technical Report Y-87-1) [Exit DNR]

Wetland Delineation Classes

Each year UW-LaCrosse holds wetland delineation workshops. These workshops two 2 1/2 day workshops are held in LaCrosse 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 [exit DNR]
2. Advanced Wetland Delineation [exit DNR]

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:

Pat Trochlell
Wetland Ecologist
(608) 267-2453