Wetlands provide many functional values in the ecosystem, among them:

· Shoreline Protection.
· Flood Protection.
· Water Quality Protection.
· Groundwater Recharge and Discharge.
· Wildlife and Plant Habitat.

Forestry BMPs in wetlands protect water quality and minimize changes to the surface and subsurface water.  Changes in the surface and subsurface water movement can affect the health of the wetland ecosystem and its flood protection function.

Activities in wetlands are often subject to municipal, county, state and federal permits and regulatory requirements.  If you suspect your project may involve a wetland and want to know what regulations apply, contact:

· Your County NRCS office,
· IDNR-EPD, Water Quality Section*
· U.S. Army Corps of Engineers*

*See Appendix A:  Resource Directory, Wetlands Section for more specific information.
 

BMPs for Wetlands:

• Follow all planning BMPs in Chapter 2. Advance Planning
  Avoid locating roads and landings in wetlands.
  
  
• When constructing roads in wetlands, see Appendix C: Woodland Roads - Federal Requirements for Woodland Roads in Wetlands, pg. 56.
  
  
• Woodland management activities in wetlands should occur on frozen ground to minimize rutting.
  
  
• For activities in wetlands, consider allowing more flexibility for completion dates in timber sales contracts to allow time to complete logging activities during firm or frozen ground conditions.
  
  
• Do not move slash from upland sites into a wetland.
  
  
• Keep slash out of open water.
  
  
• Avoid equipment maintenance and fueling in wetlands.  Clean all spills promptly.  See Chapter 7.  Fuels, Lubricants, Wastes and Spills.
  
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