Whether a citizen or city planner, you can make a difference! There are multiple resources to help us all help our precious wetlands. What you can do:
Are Wetlands Protected? The regulatory responsibility for protecting wetlands in Michigan is shared by the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Army Corps of Engineers and in Indiana by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Natural Resources.
- Wetland protection laws require a permit for the following wetland activities:
- Depositing fill material Dredging, excavating or removing material
- Construction within or development of a wetland
- Draining wetlands Mechanical clearing of vegetation that removes root structures
For more information on wetlands in the St. Joseph River Watershed visit the Friends of the St. Joseph River Wetland Partnership webpage.
For more information on wetland permits and regulations:
Visit Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy or call 800-662-9278
Visit Indiana Department of Environmental Management or call 800-451-6027
Who do I call if I see someone filling or draining a wetland or if I see sediment from a construction site or earth moving activity polluting a wetland?
Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy 269-567-3500 or 800-292-4706
Indiana Department of Environmental Management 800-451-6027 ext. 24464
Incentives/Resources for Voluntary Landowner Protection and Restoration of Wetlands
Who to call if you think you have an existing or lost wetland on your property and want more information:
County Soil & Water Conservation Districts or Natural Resources Conservation Services
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy 269-324-1600
US Fish and Wildlife Service 517-351-6235
Ducks Unlimited, Inc 734-623-2000
Local Governments’ Role in Protecting and Restoring Wetlands
Are Current Levels of Wetland Protection Adequate?
In a national survey, 53% of the respondents said they felt that more wetlands protection efforts were needed, 24% said current efforts struck the right balance, 9% said these efforts had gone too far, and 14% said they did not know. Local units of government have the authority to protect wetlands. Wetlands provide multiple public benefits such as flood reduction and clean drinking and surface water.
Update Master Plans and Zoning Ordinances Review your master plan and zoning ordinance and seek guidance on how to better protect water quality and wetlands.
Checklist - Local Options for Protecting Wetlands
Planner’s Guide to Wetland Buffers for Local Governments
Protecting Michigan’s Wetlands – A Guide for Local Governments http://www.watershedcouncil.org/resources%20and%20publications/files/Wetland_eBookFINAL.pdf
Call for assistance: Southwest Michigan Planning Commission at 269-925-1137 x25 or the St. Joseph River Basin Commission at 574-287-1829
Be Prepared - Know Who You Should Call
Programs and Assistance to Protect and Restore Wetlands
County Soil & Water Conservation District or Natural Resources Conservation Services
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy 269-324-1600
US Fish and Wildlife Service 517-351-6235
Ducks Unlimited, Inc 734-623-2000
Report the filling or draining of a wetland or if sediment from a construction site or earth moving activity is polluting a wetland
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy 269-567-3500 or 800-292-4706
Follow Us