Wisconsin Wetlands: Locating Wetlands

Knowing where wetlands are located plays a critical role in many decisions, such as deciding whether or not to buy property or finding good locations for bird watching or hunting. However, wetland areas are not always obvious and can take a little digging and studying to identify.

To be designated as a wetland, an area must have three components - wet soils, plants that grow in wet conditions, and the seasonal presence of enough water to support those plants. The information on this page was designed to hightlight some of the available resources and "on the ground" clues that can help people locate wetlands.

NOTE: Although there are many clues that you can use to get a sense of potential wetland areas, determining the legal extent of a wetland for federal or state regulations must be done by professionals trained in wetland boundary delineation.

  1. Use existing wetland maps.
  2. Review other existing map resources.
  3. Review existing soil data.
  4. Look for plants and plant communities that indicate wet conditions.
  5. Look for evidence of water.

  1. Use existing wetland maps.

    Look for mapped wetlands in and near your project area.

    Information Sources:
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  3. Review other existing map resources.

    Other maps may also include information about wetlands.

    Information Sources:

    The surface water data view can be used to view WISCLAND land cover data, which includes wetlands information. Under “Layers,” select the “Forests & Landcover” folder and check the “WISCLAND Landcover” box.

    Landcover Map

    The surface water data viewer can also be used to find USGS topographic maps and aerial photographs. The USGS maps have topographic lines that show changes in elevation and slope. These maps also show large wetland areas.

    Topo Map

    Aerial photographs are also available on the surface water data viewer. Look for dark areas that may indicate wet soil conditions. Sometimes wetlands that are dominated by reed canary grass will look white on black and white aerials photos.

    Aerial Map

    • Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Regional Map Server (exit DNR)

      This map server contains some wetland information for southeastern Wisconsin.

    • WiscLINC: Wisconsin Land Information Clearinghouse (exit DNR)

      The geodata catalog provides links to Wisconsin county/city/village GIS and mapping websites.

      Many communities have websites with sophisticated mapping capabilities that show waterways, aerial photographs, wetlands and soil information. Other communities may currently only provide paper maps. Please contact your county or municipality to inquire about what wetland information they have available.

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  5. Review existing soil data.

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service has maps that identify areas that contain hydric soils. In laymen’s terms, hydric soils (exit DNR) are soils that exhibit characteristics of being wet over extended periods of time. The presence or absence of hydric soils is a pivotal clue in locating wetlands and wetland restoration opportunities. Directions for obtaining hydric soils information can be found at the NRCS Web Soil Survey (exit DNR).

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  7. Look for plants and plant communities that indicate wet conditions.

    There are plant species, such as cattails, that are obvious to most as being wetland plants. However, there are hundreds of plants that normally only grow in wet conditions.

    Information Sources:

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  8. Look for evidence of water.

    This can be the most difficult clue to find and many times there is no evidence of water on or above the surface of the ground. Some wetlands have saturated soils and some are ponded only at certain times of the year. Here are a few examples of visual clues.

    Wetland Pothole

    Dry cracked surface surrounded by vegetation. This is an indication of standing water for long periods of time.

    Buttressed Roots

    Swamp Hardwoods

    Buttressed tree roots and clumped vegetation. This is an adaptation to be able to live in the wet soil environment.

    Wooded Wetlands

    Stains on vegetation, leaves and structures provide evidence of standing water for long periods of time.

    Non-visual clues of the presence of water include "squishy or soft" ground surface, getting wet feet after standing in area for a period of time, and the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs when you step or dig in the area.

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For assistance in using this website or for additional information on locating wetlands please contact your local Water Management Specialist or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager (exit DNR).

Last Revised: Friday March 14 2008