Natural Resources Conservation Service
356 Mountain View Drive, Suite 105 Phone: (802) 951-6795
Colchester, VT 05446 Fax: (802) 951-6327
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Wetlands are important natural areas that are protected by several government agencies in Vermont. Often areas that qualify as wetland are not obviously wet. It is important for farmers and other landowners to know where wetlands are on their land before the bulldozers or backhoes begin work.
An area may qualify as wetland if it has water on or near the surface for an extended time during the growing season. There are no maps available that show all the wetlands in Vermont. Trained professionals must conduct on-site reviews in order to determine the presence and extent of any wetlands.
In Vermont three government agencies administer wetland protection programs. The State of Vermont, Wetland Office, regulates activities in all “Class I and II” wetlands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates activities in “all waters of the U.S.”, including wetlands. Also, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) administers a wetland conservation program called Swampbuster. Under Swampbuster farmers who convert wetlands become ineligible for most USDA programs, including, farm loans, crop payments, and cost-share on conservation practices.
Normal, on-going farming and logging activities are usually exempt from the wetland programs. However, it is important to get wetlands identified before they are cleared or drained. It is always easier (and less expensive) to deal with projects in wetlands when they are still in the planning process. The NRCS will try to provide farmers with wetland determinations when requested in writing.
Projects planned in wetland areas can often proceed once issues of concern are addressed by the agencies. For some situations exemptions can be used to the wetland compliance and regulatory programs. In other situations the planned project can be modified to allow for continued compliance and easier permitting. In some situations completion of the planned project could result in loss of program eligibility or regulatory action.
If you are farmer please contact your local USDA NRCS or Farm Services Agency (FSA) office prior to clearing or draining any of your land. You can also visit us on the web at: www.vt.nrcs.usda.gov. Farmers and other landowners may also contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (802-655-0334) or the Vermont Wetland Office for further information (802-241-3770).
