What can you do with wetlands on your property in Massachusetts?
The wetland regulations prohibit most destruction of wetlands and naturally vegetated riverfront areas, and require replacement of flood storage loss when floodplains are filled. What activities are allowed? Most activities, such as construction, landscaping, and grading, require a permit.
How far away from wetlands can you build in Massachusetts?
100 feet
You may be able to build within 100 feet of wetlands and within 200 feet of a perennial stream if you obtain the proper permits and approvals from the Conservation Commission and all work complies with state and local wetland laws.
Can you do anything with wetlands?
The only safe advice available is to manage wetlands in their existing condition in a manner that retains the vegetation, hydrology/water regime, and soils as they exist. Such activities as recreation, sound forest management, and other passive uses are safe.
What is wetlands act?
The principal federal program that provides regulatory protection for wetlands is found in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Its intent is to protect water and adjacent wetland areas from adverse environmental effects due to discharges of dredged or fill material.
Can you fill in wetlands in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has one of the most restrictive wetlands and environmental codes in the U.S. Simply put you cannot do anything — not clear, cut, fill, dump (not even leaves, grass clippings or dirt), alter, grade, landscape or build upon — any wetland resource area without a permit from your local town Conservation …
Should I buy a property with wetlands?
Technically speaking, yes, wetlands hold value. That said, if the property contains land that is suitable for building, there are some great benefits to buying property with wetlands. Privacy. Many people find wetlands to be beneficial because they offer privacy.
Is it good to live next to wetlands?
Yes, wetlands are their own ecosystem and are the home to an incredible range of wildlife species, aquatic plants, vegetation, flora and fauna, which can actually be an attractive feature of your home. It’s indeed incredible to share your living space with such a diverse range of wildlife!
How much is an acre of wetland worth?
If you have a degraded wetland (restoration) then the value would be the full $60,000 per acre (1:1 ratio). It seems ironic that the degraded wetland is worth more that the pristine wetland.
What happens if you destroy a wetland?
Wetlands destruction has increased flood and drought damage, nutrient runoff and water pollution, and shoreline erosion, and triggered a decline in wildlife populations.
What policies protect wetlands?
The federal government protects wetlands through regulations, such as Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, economic incentives and disincentives, cooperative programs, and acquisition.
When was the Massachusetts wetlands Protection Act passed?
1972
1972: The MA Wetlands Protection Act was enacted, giving conservation commissions the regulatory responsibility to implement the Act. First MACC Annual Meeting held. MACC adopted its first bylaws.
How close to wetlands can you build?
Buffer zones, the land within 100 feet of wetlands, are critical in maintaining health and productivity of wetlands. Laws also regulate work within 200 feet of a stream.
What are the laws of wetlands?
Wetland protection laws. All wetlands in Wisconsin are protected under state law and most are under the federal Clean Water Act, and in some places, by local regulations or ordinances as well. Landowners and developers are required to avoid wetlands with their projects whenever possible; if the wetlands can’t be avoided,…
What are the regulations for wetlands?
The federal regulations implementing Section 404 of the Clean Water Act define wetlands as follows : 40 CFR 232.2 “Wetlands means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support,…
What is the Wetland Conservation Act?
The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (P.L. 101-233) (December 13, 1989) authorizes a wetlands habitat program, administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides grants to protect and manage wetland habitats for migratory birds and other wetland wildlife in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.