If you are looking for a wetland consultant, there are a variety of services available regarding wetlands. Most frequently, people ask for consultants to help identify and locate wetlands, provide advice about designing projects that will not need permits, and, if permits are needed, provide assistance in completing the application form. The recommendations included here are intended to assist you in locating consultants who can help you in these specific areas.

Finding a qualified consultant can be difficult since "wetland consultants" are not required to be certified, licensed, or bonded. Environmental consulting businesses, however, are sometimes found in the yellow pages of your area telephone book. They may also be found by requesting the advice of associations or businesses that commonly encounter wetlands in their work.

When interviewing consultants, you should carefully evaluate their qualifications. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has put together the following suggestions to help you make a selection:

• Check credentials. If you are looking for someone to help identify and locate wetlands, find out whether or not the consultant has a good background in hydrology, soil science, ecology, and (especially important) botany. The consultant you select should have the ability to apply wetland identification methods used by state and federal agencies. Make sure that the consultant can identify wetlands and their boundaries consistent with regulating agencies.

• Make sure the consultant is knowledgeable of wetland laws. Is the consultant familiar with local, state, and federal wetland regulations?

• Examine workmanship. Ask the consultant for examples of previous work similar to the services you are requesting. What type of track record does this company have with local, state, and federal agencies? Request references that include clients who have had projects reviewed and approved by the MDEQ. Check all references.

• Ask others. Ask colleagues and other businesses, such as real estate, development, homebuilders, etc. that are routinely involved in wetland concerns. Ask them about their experiences and knowledge regarding the consultant you are considering.

The consultants included on the list below are not recommendations of the MDEQ. The MDEQ makes no endorsement or representation of any qualifications or lack of qualifications by any of the attached individuals or companies. Any firm that asks to be included is included without review of qualifications. You should investigate these businesses similar to any other service or establishment that you would deal with.

List of Consultants