Wetlands Programs Adopted by States and Tribes and Analysis of Core Components

Components of Wetlands Programs Adopted by States and Tribes

States and tribes play a critical role in the protection and management of our nation's wetlands. Most states and many tribes have increased their roles in wetlands protection and management by adopting any of a number of wetlands programs or tools. Components of comprehensive wetlands programs which various states and tribes have adopted include:

• assuming the federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permit program or obtaining State Program General Permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
• undertaking comprehensive State Wetland Conservation Plans which identify strengths and needs in a state's program, and often develop the framework for a state's wetlands program;
• developing narrative wetland water quality standards;
• applying the Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification program;
• adopting non-regulatory programs such as watershed/wetlands planning initiatives, taxation programs, acquisition programs, and others;
• incorporating wetlands considerations into other state water programs.

The following links exit the site

Analysis of Core Components of State Wetland Programs

The National Association of Wetland Managers and the Environmental Law Institute, with grant funding from the EPA, have conducted multi-phased studies designed to describe components of state wetland programs: state laws, regulations, and programs; monitoring and assessment; restoration programs and activities; water quality standards; public-private partnerships; coordination among state and federal agencies; and education and outreach activities. 

• The National Association of Wetland Managers - State Summaries
• The Environmental Law Institute - Research Reports