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How to Locate Protected Wetlands

Protected wetlands are natural areas protected by law, and characterized by lakes, marshes or bogs and lots of vegetation and wildlife. There are several reasons why you may want to locate protected wetlands. If you are interested in studying or protecting nature, you might like to know where to find wetlands, as they provide a habitat for many varieties of endangered plants, fish, birds and other wildlife. If you are thinking of buying or building a home, you might want to avoid these areas, since you need a permit to build on them, and living near the wetlands can make your home vulnerable to floods and other problems. Whatever your reasons for locating protected wetlands, there are several resources that can aid you in your search.

Instructions

- 1
  Review maps, if available, of protected wetlands to see if one exists in your area. Some states require protected wetlands to be mapped, and labeled maps are available online from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Since symbols vary on different maps, consult the map key or legend to see which symbols or colors indicate wetlands or potential wetlands.
- 2
  Walk around the area with a wetlands checklist such as Waking Up to Wetlands. This checklist shows the characteristics of wetlands, and helps you to determine whether or not the land you're interested in is a protected area. Some clues to look for are bodies of water, soggy ground and water-loving plants.
- 3
  Take pictures of your area, specifically photos of plants and wildlife, to show to a professional who can verify whether the area in question is a protected wetlands area.
- 4
  Contact a professional from your state's Department of Environmental Conservation (or Protection) if you suspect you have located a wetlands area, but can't find it labeled on a map. They will help you verify whether or not the location is a protected area. To find a contact in your area, go to the Environmental Protection Agency Website (listed in the resources), select your state or region from the drop-down menu on the right of the page, and click "Go." Click "Wetlands" in the alphabetical list of environmental topics, and click "Contacts" on the "Wetlands" page for a list of phone numbers and addresses.

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