Wetland Conservation Act
​The Wetland Conservation Act achieves the purpose by:
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Requiring persons proposing to impact a wetland (by draining, excavating, or filling) to avoid the impact altogether, if unavoidable, to minimize the impact as much as possible.
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Replacing any impacted area with another wetland of equal function and value.
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​Major threats to Wetlands in Aitkin County
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Development and Land Conversion
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Agricultural drainage
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Invasive Species
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Pollution and Sedimentation
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Minnesota has lost more than half of its original wetlands. Continued protection for the remaining wetlands is essential.
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WCA is implemented at the local level by the local government unit (“LGU”). BWSR creates administrative rules for the program, provides training to LGUs, participates on technical evaluation panels, hears appeals from local government determinations, and assures proper implementation by LGUs. SWCD assists Aitkin County Environmental Services Wetland Specialist, who in Aitkin is the administering LGU.
The major wetland regulatory programs of statewide importance in Minnesota are:
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Department of Natural Resources Public Waters Work Permit Program (state program)
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Wetland Conservation Act (state & local program)
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Clean Water Act Section 404 permit program (federal program)
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Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification process (state & federal program)
Two or more of these programs may cover the same wetland and in some cases, various portions of the same wetland will be regulated by different programs. However, state and federal agencies along with local units of government coordinate to help the public determine applicable regulatory program jurisdiction on a case by case basis. The regulatory process is often initiated at the local level (city, county, watershed district, watershed management organization or soil and water conservation district) where program representatives can identify which regulations apply depending on the location and nature of the proposed activity that may effect wetlands or other water resources. BWSR is the state agency responsible for the administration of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) which regulates the vast majority of wetlands at the state/local level.
Do I need a Wetland Permit?
Before starting any project that may impact a wetland, follow these steps:
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Check local wetland maps & soil surveys
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Contact the local government unit administering WCA.
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Request a wetland delineation or review if unsure about wetland boundaries.
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Submit a permit application for review under WCA, if necessary.​
