If your pond or shoreline is regulated by the DNR, an aquatic vegetation management permit will be needed. Often there is a limited size that may be cleared by uprooting the cattails, without an extensive permit process. Removal of some cattails may be allowable, but should be discussed with your local permitting authorities. Can I clean out some of the cattails, which have choked out the pond during the recent dry years?Ī. Restoration activities may need to be pre-approved by these entities. Your community (municipality, watershed district, or homeowners association) may have shoreline or buffer restrictions that regulate clearing of vegetation around wetlands. We encourage using native plants for revegetation, to avoid introducing invasive species. Adding wildflowers and shrubs makes an even more dramatic improvement in the value to attract and support a variety of wildlife species. Replacing reed canarygrass with a diverse mix of grasses and grass-like sedges can improve the wildlife habitat both within the wetland and surrounding it. Many of our local wetlands are ringed with reed canarygrass, an aggressive species that crowds out more desirable plants. ![]() Identifying what plants are growing there, and learning about their usual habitats (whether they are truly weeds or native plants) may change your mind on the need to alter the wetland. To some people, any plant groups that appear messy or uncontrolled are called "weeds", and that is often the case with native species. First of all, you'll need to clarify what plants you are calling weeds, and what you consider attractive. Can I get rid of the ugly weeds that are out there, and replace with more attractive vegetation?Ī. Sometimes a partial restoration is possible, to get some open water without interfering with your neighbors. If the restored wetland will extend onto a neighbor's land, talk with them first to get their permission. But it is very important that the restored wetland will not flood any buildings or property not under your control, so a land survey may be needed to determine what might be flooded. Can I plug the ditch?Ī. If the ditch is a private ditch (not part of a public drainage system) and the wetland is completely within your property, restoration of the natural hydrology is encouraged. My wetland has an old drain tile and ditch that drained the wetland. Projects that are likely to lose functional value, based upon local rules and policies, will not receive approval. If the project is determined to be an improvement on the landscape, the permit can be granted. The permitting process allows for a review of the project and existing conditions. Attempts to create a pond in one of the drier wetlands can disrupt those functions, or have undesired impacts downstream. Wetlands are complex ecological resources that provide many benefits to the environment, such as nutrient uptake, wildlife habitat, floodwater retention and groundwater recharge. Why do I need a permit to dig out a pond?Ī. Reviewing agencies usually request information such as what vegetation is there now does the wetland receive its hydrology from groundwater or surface runoff how deep and wide would the excavation be where will the excavated material be disposed and how will you revegetate the exposed surfaces. Replacing a grassy wetland with open water alters the functions, but isn't always better for the environment. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the information needed to judge whether the proposal will be an improvement. Excavations may be permitable if the functional value of the altered wetland is higher than the pre-existing condition. Excavations within wetlands are an alteration, but not necessarily an improvement. Can I dig out a pond within my wetland? You know, "improve" it.Ī.
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