Our Legacy of Victory
Water Quality Standards for Wetlands
Wetlands in Wisconsin have long been threatened resources. According to the Wisconsin DNR, half as many wetlands remain today as in the 1800s. And in our own time, the threats continue.
Recognizing the critical value of wetlands, Clean Wisconsin fought in the early 1990s for a new set of rules to help ensure Wisconsin’s wetlands — some of our most vulnerable and critical ecosystems — remained protected from development. Clean Wisconsin’s policy expertise, testimony and advisory input made sure the strongest possible rules were put in place.
The Water Quality Standards for Wetlands passed in 1991. The rules state that any development can only displace a wetland if no other location options existed. If development on a wetland area approved, the developer must create more wetlands than those they filled. These protections still keep some of Wisconsin’s most critical wetlands out of harm’s way.
Why It Matters
Wisconsin’s wetlands are vital to the health and vibrancy of our waters. Wetlands purify our water, sequester climate-changing carbon, protect our homes from flooding, and support the life of diverse and rare wildlife. They also provide limitless value and enjoyment for bird waters, anglers, kayakers and paddlers, and many others.
