January 17, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that all county wetland inventories required by the state's wetland regulations have been completed and are available online.

The wetland inventory maps for each county show potential and approximate location of wetlands based on statewide aerial photography and soil information. These maps may be used as a tool in planning and zoning for development and open space, project screening, evaluating landscape condition and trends, and for similar applications.

County wetland inventory maps, however, are not intended to define the specific locations and boundaries of wetlands for regulatory purposes. The DEQ's Wetland Identification Program is available to assist property owners with identifying the specific location of any wetlands on their property and whether the wetlands are regulated.

Issuance of the final county inventory maps follows the review of preliminary maps which were distributed to local agencies and reviewed at public hearings held throughout the state.

County wetland inventory maps may be viewed electronically under "Information - Wetland Inventory Maps" at www.michigan.gov/deqwetlands or requested in paper format at cost.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised January 17, 2007 by Pat Watson