What can I do with wetlands on my property in Michigan?
A permit is required for the following activities:
- To deposit or to place fill in a wetland;
- Dredge, remove or permit the removal of soil or minerals from a wetland;
- Construct, operate or maintain any use or development in a wetland; and.
- Drain surface water from a wetland.
Can you build on Michigan wetlands?
If property is part of a wetland, the owner is prohibited, without a permit, from depositing/placing fill materials; dredging or removing soil or minerals; maintaining any use or development; or draining surface water.
What is considered a wetland in Michigan?
Michigan law defines a wetland as “land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh.” In simpler terms, “wetland” describes an area …
Can you cut down trees on wetlands in Michigan?
A permit is required for larger-scale removal of plants, removal using powered or mechanized tools, placing materials on the lake bottom for vegetation control, or removing vegetation in wetlands. Removal of vegetation assisted by a suction tool (Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting) requires a permit.
Can you cut trees in wetlands in Michigan?
Mowing, cutting, removing, or causing to be removed or damaged, native vegetation or trees from the wetland, except for the mowing of a walkable path not to exceed ten (10) feet wide, unless as an ecological restoration project approved by the Ordinance Enforcement Officer.
How do I view wetlands on Google Earth?
User Notes: Click on any “Places” (Google Earth left panel) checkbox to view or hide the data layer. Important: Do not leave the Wetland Status layer on (checked) while viewing Wetlands Data.
How can you identify a wetland?
The most reliable evidence of wetland hydrology is provided by gaging stations or groundwater wells, but such information is limited in most areas and, when available, requires analysis by trained individuals. Standing or flowing water is observed on the area during the growing season.
Are wetlands protected in Michigan?
Wetlands less than 5 acres can be regulated by local governments. If a local government wishes to regulate a wetland less than 2 acres in size, the local government must grant a permit unless it is determined that the wetland is essential to the preservation of the community’s natural resources.
Does grass grow in wetlands?
Grasses that flourish in wetlands conditions can prove useful to landscapers who have ponds, bogs, swamps or similar wetlands on their property. Many wetland grass species make excellent ornamentals. Wetlands grasses can hide unsightly ditches or swampy areas, making these features the highlight of your acreage.
Who determines wetlands in Michigan?
In accordance with Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, 1994 PA 451, as amended, a local unit of government can regulate wetlands by ordinance, in addition to state regulation, if certain criteria are met.
What can you plant on wetland?
Vegetables That Happily Grows in Wet Soil
- Skirret Carrot. Most root vegetables don’t do well in wet soil, but the skirret carrot is an exception.
- Asparagus. Asparagus is a common garden crop that can tolerate soil that is temporarily wet.
- Taro.
- Rhubarb.
- Tanier Spinach.
What grows on wet land?
Obligate wetland plants include duckweed, water lily, pickerel weed, cattails, wooly sedge, soft-stem bulrush, royal fern, and water horsetail. Obligate upland plants include White pine, White clover, Virginia creeper, Christmas fern, and Ground ivy.
Whats the difference between a swamp and wetlands?
Differences Between Marshes and Swamps A swamp is a wetland composed of trees and shrubs found along large rivers and lake shores. Wetlands are an important part of the environment. These are ecosystems with a high range of biodiversity. They play a part in the carbon sink, flood control, and water purity.
What is the difference between a swamp and wetlands?
A wetland is a low-lying land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and contains hydric soils and aquatic vegetation. Marshes, bogs, and swamps are typical wetlands.
What is the difference between a swamp and a wetland?
Swamps are forested wetlands which are near large lakes and rivers. They have slow-moving waters and support woody plants, such as mangroves or cypress trees. Marshes on the other hand have the same water source but have softer, non-woody plants. Bogs are characterized by peats, left overs of dead plant material.