The identification of wetlands is fundamental to the establishment of any wetlands protection program. Different methods are used by agencies to identify wetland boundaries. The federal government uses one method and while the State of Michigan uses a similar but slightly different method. No matter which method is used, the results of the delineation are always very comparable.

In their Wetland Identification program the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) primarily uses the determination of two key factors in delineating wetlands: signs of hydrology and the predominance of wetland vegetation or aquatic life. In the absence of visual signs of hydrology at the ground surface or under abnormal circumstances including drought conditions or recent human disturbance, wetland hydrology can be documented by the presence of hydric soils. The presence of water (the hydrology) is necessary for the development of a wetland. The timing, frequency, and level of saturation each year influences the type of vegetation that can grow in an area and the type of chemical and physical reactions which occur in the soil. Identification of wetlands is best during the growing season. However, the use of soil data and a good knowledge of remnant and immature vegetation can assist in making delineations outside of the growing season.

The MDEQ has developed a Wetland Assessment Program to assist the public in identifying wetland and upland areas on their property. MDEQ began implementation of the fee-based program on July 17, 1998. The program offers three levels of service to provide the public with a choice of services depending on their individual needs. Individuals interested in assessment services are required to submit an application to the DEQ indicating the level of service desired, a description of the area to be assessed, and the associated fee. Fees submitted for any of the three assessment levels are non-refundable.

Click here for a more detailed description of MDEQ wetland assessment program.

For more information on the MDEQ wetland program in general, see their wetlands home page.

Please address all comments and suggestions about the contents of this Web page to rougeweb@co.wayne.mi.us.

The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.