Wetland Regulatory Programs

With the historic loss of wetlands in the state, people who work in wetlands recognize the increasing importance of protecting them. DNR´s Waterway and Wetland Program provides more information about Wisconsin laws that protect wetlands and other water resources.

For more details on Wisconsin's Wetland Regulatory Programs, please read the following:

• Overview of Wisconsin's Regulatory Program [PDF 61KB]
• Template to Reasoned Environmental Planning [PDF 91KB]

State Wetland Permits

If you are planning a project that proposes wetland impacts you will need to obtain a wetland water quality certification (permit) from the DNR approving the proposed wetland impact before you proceed with the project. As part of the certification process you will be required to explore various project alternatives that will avoid and minimize wetland impacts. In certain circumstances, we may be able to consider a wetland compensatory mitigation proposal when reviewing your permit application if offered as part of your permit application.

In 2008, Wisconsin created the first general permit [PDF 76KB] for nonfederal wetlands. The general permit application process for the nonfederal wetlands and federal wetlands is the same, please follow the wetland water quality certification process.

Wetland Rules

• NR 103 [PDF, exit DNR] establishes the water quality standards for wetlands.
• NR 299 [PDF, exit DNR] explains the procedures for certifying projects that impact wetlands.
• NR 300 [PDF, exit DNR] describes the time limits and fees for waterway and wetland permits.
• NR 350 [PDF, exit DNR] describes the requirements for the wetland compensatory mitigation program.
• NR 351 [PDF, exit DNR] identifies federal materials to be used for determining whether certain activities in non-federal wetlands are exempt from water quality certification requirements.
• NR 352 [PDF, exit DNR] designates that the 1987 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and additional federal materials be used in delineating non-federal wetlands.
• NR 353 [PDF, exit DNR] establishes a streamlined process to review regulated activities associated with the restoration of former wetlands, the enhancement of degraded wetlands, and the maintenance or management of existing wetlands.

Contact Information

For more information regarding Wetland Regulatory Programs, please contact:

Dale Simon
Chief Biologist
(608) 267-9868