Wetland Permitting Process
Notes on Wetland Permits
All wetlands in Wisconsin are protected by state statute and regulated by the DNR. Landowners and developers are required to avoid wetlands with their projects whenever possible. For projects that cannot avoid wetlands and involve the placement of material or excavation in wetlands, authorizations through exemptions or permits may be required.
The following activities may require a DNR exemption or wetland permit:
- Filling - Placing dredged or fill materials into a wetland (e.g., soil, concrete, gravel, etc.).
- Excavating - Removing material from a wetland.
- Grading - Conducting earthwork to change the grade or contours of the land.
- Mechanized Land Clearing - Clearing shrubs or trees from wetlands by bulldozing or grubbing, and removing the root structures.
- Other Activities - Placing structures, including but not limited to utility infrastructure, timber mats, sheds, soil or spoil piles, in a wetland resulting in temporary impacts.
All wetland permit applications require a fee under state law. See "Wetland Permit Fees" in our permit fee sheet.
To start a wetland permit application, use the DNR Water ePermitting System. Note: a WAMS ID is needed before starting an application.
To determine if a federal permit is required for your project, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – St. Paul District Office. The federal wetland permitting process is a separate process involving a local USACE Project Manager.
If grading, filling or other wetland activities are proposed on agricultural lands, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.
State law requires a landowner with a project site that is 1 acre or larger to obtain a construction site stormwater permit. Visit the DNR Stormwater Runoff Permitting page to submit a notice of intent.
Applicable state statutes and codes s. 281.36, Wis. Stats, and Chapters NR 299 and NR 103, Wis. Admin. Code.
Do I Have Wetlands on My Property?
To get an initial idea of whether there are wetlands on your property or a property you are interested in purchasing, see Wetland Identification to use DNR map tools to find the location and boundary of the area you are planning to impact, and to learn about wetland identification and delineation options.
Wetland Exemptions
Exemptions have been created for some types of artificial wetlands and nonfederal wetlands.
Visit Wetland Exemptions for details and requirements for meeting the artificial and nonfederal exemptions.
Wetland General Permits
If a project does not meet exemption criteria, Wetland General Permits have been created to streamline the regulatory process for projects with minimal adverse environmental impact. To receive authorization, a project must meet all eligibility criteria in the general permit checklist below, and the applicant must submit all required application items.
General Permit Process
- The applicant uses the DNR Water ePermitting System to submit a general permit application.
- The DNR notifies the applicant if any items are missing that must be submitted.
- After 30 days, the DNR grants the permit if the application meets the specifications.
- *The DNR may require the applicant to apply for an individual permit if the general permit conditions are insufficient to ensure that the project will cause only minimal adverse environmental impacts.
Wetland General Permit Options
- Permits for Development Projects
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- Wetland General Permit 1 - Residential, Industrial, or Commercial Development
- Wetland General Permit 4 - Recreational Development
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- Wetland General Permit 10 - Dam Repair or Reconstruction
- Wetland and Waterway General Permit 3 - Utility Projects
- Wetland and Waterway GP 3 Checklist
- Note - GP3 permits are managed by the DNR Office of Energy
- Permits for Conservation and Habitat Projects
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Wetland Conservation Activities under GP24:
The activities listed below may be eligible for coverage under GP24 if your restoration must be designed according to NRCS Wisconsin field office conservation practice standards and placed in wetland communities dominated by agricultural crops, non-native invasive species, or a similarly degraded wetland community type.
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- Drain tile alteration or removal or adding a water control structure in the existing tile line.
- Disabling artificial surface drains with ditch fills or ditch plugs.
- Constructing dams or water control structures that include dikes, embankments and low berms.
- Altering hydrology by removing pumps, breaching structures, or re-routing artificial drainage features.
- Remove soil and vegetation or post European settlement deposition that has accumulated over historic wetland soils.
- Introducing native plants and managing existing exotic or invasive plant species.
- Installing and maintaining monitoring devices such as gauges and water level recording devices.
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- 657 − Wetland Restoration
- 658 − Wetland Creation
- 659 − Wetland Enhancement
- 644 - Wetland Wildlife Management
- 638 − Water and Sediment Control
- 410 − Grade Stabilization
- 378 − Pond
- Memorandum of Understanding with NRCS, FWS, ACOE, DNR State Wetland Conservation Permit Comparison Table
- Large Dam vs. Small Dam Diagram, Northeast Wisconsin Watershed Maps with Fish Use of Artificial Ditches, Wetland Assessment (e.g. Functional Value Assessment, Floristic Quality Assessment & Coefficient of Conservatism)
- Southeast Wisconsin Watershed Maps with Fish Use of Artificial Ditches
- Historic Information for Stream History Determinations
- DNR Wildlife Voluntary Wetland Restoration Project Tracking Instructions
- DNR Wildlife Voluntary Wetland Restoration Project Tracking Form
- Permits for City of Superior Special Area Management Plan
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*Residents of the City of Superior proposing to impact wetlands should contact the City of Superior Environmental Regulatory Coordinator and ask if a permit is required under the Superior Special Area Management Plan.
Wetland Individual Permits
For projects that do not meet the eligibility standards for an exemption or a general permit, individual permits are available. Individual permits require a pre-application meeting with the DNR, a practicable alternatives analysis, and wetland compensatory mitigation. Wetland mitigation prices vary but generally start at $60,000 per acre.
Wetland Individual Permit Timeline
- Pre-application meeting with DNR Water Management Specialist.
- The applicant uses the DNR Water ePermitting System to submit an individual permit application.
- The DNR has 30 days to review the application for completeness and notify the applicant. The DNR can request additional information one time within these 30 days, which would pause the 30-day period until all information requested is received.
- The DNR has 45 days to provide a public comment period.
- If requested by the public or by the DNR, the DNR has 30 days to provide a public hearing.
- The DNR has 30 days from the end of the public comment period to communicate a decision to the applicant about the permit application.
Timeline Notes: Individual permits require a 30–day comment period during which the public is notified by the department website and a newspaper notice. During the comment period, an informational hearing may be requested. A permit is granted for projects when the DNR concludes that no significant adverse impacts to wetlands will occur. DNR staff routinely advise applicants on project modifications to reduce impacts and gain approval. Permit decisions are subject to appeal within 30 days of the decision.
Wetland Mitigation
Wetland compensatory mitigation is a requirement for all individual permits. Purchase of credits from a wetland mitigation bank, from the DNR ILF Program or completing a mitigation project (permittee-responsible mitigation) are options for meeting the permit requirement.
Determine Permit Required
Question 1:
Is the project's purpose to access, construct, reconstruct, repair or maintain a utility facility in or over a wetland?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 11.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 2.
Question 2:
Does the project involve the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of a highway, bridge, arch or culvert as part of a municipal public transportation project?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 9.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 3.
Question 3:
Will your project:
If your answer is "Impact less than 10,000 sq. feet of wetlands" go to Question 4.
You've answered Be located in the City of Superior Special Area Management Plan (SAMP).
If your answer is "Be located in the City of Superior Special Area Management Plan (SAMP),":
Wetland disturbance permits are coordinated through the City of Superior. Please review the City of Superior's website and contact the Environmental Regulatory Coordinator.
Darienne McNamara
Department of Public Works
1316 N. 14th Street
Superior, WI 54880
Phone: (715) 395–7506
You've answered Impact more than 10,000 sq. feet of wetland and not in the City of Superior (SAMP).
If your answer is "Impact more than 10,000 sq. feet of wetland and not in the City of Superior (SAMP),":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland Disturbance Pre–Application Meeting Checklist
- Wetland Disturbance Individual Permit Checklist
- Wetland Disturbance Practicable Alternatives Analysis Checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered Impact wetland that was created as the result of grading or construction activities.
If your answer is "Impact wetland that was created as the result of grading or construction activities,":
You may be eligible for the department's "Wetlands Established Incidental to Construction Activities Wetland General Permit."
- Waterway General Permits
Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 4:
Is the purpose of your project residential, industrial or commercial development?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 5.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 13.
Question 5:
Will you be impacting the wetland for any of the following reasons?
- To create a buildable lot to be sold or developed at a later time
- To create a stormwater treatment facility such as pond, infiltration basin or swale
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 24.
Question 6:
Will your project impact any of the following types of wetlands?
- Great Lakes ridge and swale complexes
- Interdunal wetlands
- Coastal plain marshes
- Boreal rich fens
- Calcareous fens
- Emergent marshes containing wild rice (N/A for highway projects)
- Sphagnum bogs south of STH 16 and STH 21 west of Lake Winnebago and on USH 151 east of Lake Winnebago
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 7.
You've answered I don't know.
If your answer is "I don't know,":
Please review the Wetland communities of Wisconsin page to help you determine if your project will impact listed wetlands.
Question 7:
Are you able to completely avoid the wetland with the construction?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
No permit is needed from the DNR, but you should check with the local zoning office to ensure that you are completely avoiding the wetland with the construction.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 8.
Question 8:
Have you minimized the wetland impacts?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General Permit for utility facilities. Please review the General permit checklist and then visit the General permits page to apply for the utility wetland, bridge, structure, dredging, driving on the bed general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
*Please note: For transportation, please contact your Transportation Liaison. To find your transportation liaison, please visit the transportation projects page.
Question 9:
Is the project being carried out under the direction and supervision of a city, town, village or county?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 10.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 10:
Is the purpose of your project to construct a new public or municipal road or to construct a new crossing, for a public or municipal road, over a navigable waterway where there was previously no crossing?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Please contact your Transportation Liaison for further information on proceeding. To find your transportation liaison, please visit the transportation projects page.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 21.
Question 11:
Is the project's purpose to access, construct, reconstruct, repair or maintain a sanitary sewer, storm sewer, wastewater treatment facilities, or water main (unless regulated by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 36.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 12.
Question 12:
Will the project result in less than all of the following:
- 10,000 sq. ft (0.23 acres) of total wetland fill (permanent and temporary) for non-underground utility projects. Construction matting does not count towards this threshold.
- 10,000 sq. ft. (0.23 acres) of permanent wetland fill and 2 acres of temporary wetland fill for underground utility projects. Construction matting does not count towards this threshold.
- 43,560 sq. ft. (1 acre) of forested wetland clearing
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 6.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 13:
Is the project's purpose to construct, reconstruct or maintain a recreational structure or facility?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 14.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 16.
Question 14:
Does the project involve the construction of a trail?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 15.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 33.
Question 15:
Will the project be constructed to:
- Maintain wetland hydrology in the remaining wetland complex. For example, by allowing water to flow under the trail.
- Limit the clearing of vegetation to no more than 25 percent of the trail's width or 2 feet on each side of the trail, whichever is greater.
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 27.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 16:
Is the purpose of the project to repair, reconstruct or maintain a dam?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 17.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 37.
Question 17:
Is the dam regulated by FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) or will the project involve the installation of hydroelectric facilities?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
If your answer is "No" go to Question 18.
Question 18:
Are you the owner of the dam and do you own the land upon which the dam is located, have an easement allowing the dam at the existing site, or do you have some other legal authorization for the placement of the dam at the location?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 19.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 19:
Has the DNR issued a permit for the dam or is the dam otherwise authorized by law?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 20.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered I don't know.
If your answer is "I don't know,":
Please use our online mapping tool – Surface Water Data Viewer to locate your dam and then go back and answer this question. If you are unsure how to use this application, please use our tutorial.
Question 20:
Is the purpose of the project for improving the safety of the dam?
If your answer is "Yes" go to Question 30.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 21:
Will your project impact any of the following types of wetlands?
- Great Lakes ridge and swale complexes
- Interdunal wetlands
- Coastal plain marshes
- Boreal rich fens
- Calcareous fens
- Emergent marshes containing wild rice (N/A for highway projects)
- Sphagnum bogs south of STH 16 and STH 21 west of Lake Winnebago and on USH 151 east of Lake Winnebago
If your answer is "No" go to Question 22.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered I don't know.
If your answer is "I don't know,":
Please review the Wetland Communities of Wisconsin page to help you determine if your project will impact listed wetlands.
Question 22:
Are you able to completely avoid the wetland with the construction?
If your answer is "No" go to Question 23.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
No permit is needed from the DNR, but you should check with your State Wetland ID staff or your local zoning office to ensure that you are completely avoiding the wetland within the construction
Question 2 :
Have you minimized the wetland impacts?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General permit for municipal highway bridges, arches, or culverts. Please review the General Permit Checklist and then visit the General Permits page to apply for a Wetland disturbance – municipal highway bridges, arches, culverts general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 24:
Will your project impact any of the following types of wetlands?
- Great Lakes ridge and swale complexes
- Interdunal wetlands
- Coastal plain marshes
- Boreal rich fens
- Calcareous fens
- Emergent marshes containing wild rice (N/A for highway projects)
- Sphagnum bogs south of STH 16 and STH 21 west of Lake Winnebago and on USH 151 east of Lake Winnebago
If your answer is "No" go to Question 25.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered I don't know.
If your answer is "I don't know,":
Please review the Wetland Communities of Wisconsin page to help you determine if your project will impact listed wetlands.
Question 25:
Are you able to completely avoid the wetland with the construction?
If your answer is "No" go to Question 26.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
No permit is needed from the DNR, but you should check with your State Wetland ID staff or your local zoning office to ensure that you are completely avoiding the wetland within the construction
Question 26:
Have you minimized the wetland impacts?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General Permit for residential, commercial, or industrial development. Please review the General permit checklist and then visit the General permits page to apply for a Wetland disturbance – residential/industrial/commercial development general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 27:
Will your project impact any of the following types of wetlands?
- Great Lakes ridge and swale complexes
- Interdunal wetlands
- Coastal plain marshes
- Boreal rich fens
- Calcareous fens
- Emergent marshes containing wild rice (N/A for highway projects)
- Sphagnum bogs south of STH 16 and STH 21 west of Lake Winnebago and on USH 151 east of Lake Winnebago
If your answer is "No" go to Question 28.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered I don't know.
If your answer is "I don't know,":
Please review the Wetland Communities of Wisconsin page to help you determine if your project will impact listed wetlands.
Question 28:
Are you able to completely avoid the wetland with the construction?
If your answer is "No" go to Question 29.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
No permit is needed from the DNR, but you should check with your State Wetland ID staff or your local zoning office to ensure that you are completely avoiding the wetland within the construction
Question 29:
Have you minimized the wetland impacts?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General Permit for recreational development. Please review the General Permit Checklist and then visit the general permits page to apply for a wetland disturbance – recreational development general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 30:
Will your project impact any of the following types of wetlands?
- Great Lakes ridge and swale complexes
- Interdunal wetlands
- Coastal plain marshes
- Boreal rich fens
- Calcareous fens
- Emergent marshes containing wild rice (N/A for highway projects)
- Sphagnum bogs south of STH 16 and STH 21 west of Lake Winnebago and on USH 151 east of Lake Winnebago
If your answer is "No" go to Question 25.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered I don't know.
If your answer is "I don't know,":
Please review the Wetland Communities of Wisconsin page to help you determine if your project will impact listed wetlands.
Question 31:
Are you able to completely avoid the wetland with the construction?
If your answer is "No" go to Question 32.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
No permit is needed from the DNR, but you should check with your State Wetland ID staff or your local zoning office to ensure that you are completely avoiding the wetland within the construction
Question 32:
Have you minimized the wetland impacts?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General Permit for dam maintenance repair and reconstruction. Please review the General permit checklist and then visit the general permits page to apply for a wetland disturbance – dam maintenance repair and reconstruction general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 33:
Will your project impact any of the following types of wetlands?
- Great Lakes ridge and swale complexes
- Interdunal wetlands
- Coastal plain marshes
- Boreal rich fens
- Calcareous fens
- Emergent marshes containing wild rice (N/A for highway projects)
- Sphagnum bogs south of STH 16 and STH 21 west of Lake Winnebago and on USH 151 east of Lake Winnebago
If your answer is "No" go to Question 34.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered I don't know.
If your answer is "I don't know,":
Please review the Wetland Communities of Wisconsin page to help you determine if your project will impact listed wetlands.
Question 34:
Are you able to completely avoid the wetland with the construction?
If your answer is "No" go to Question 35.
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
No permit is needed from the DNR, but you should check with your State Wetland ID staff or your local zoning office to ensure that you are completely avoiding the wetland within the construction
Question 35:
Have you minimized the wetland impacts?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General Permit for recreational development. Please review the General Permit Checklist and then visit the General permits page to apply for a Wetland disturbance – Recreational Development general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 36:
Is the project's purpose for municipal development carried out by a municipality?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General Permit for municipal development. Please review the General Permit Checklist and then visit the General permits page to apply for a Wetland disturbance – Municipal Development general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
Question 37:
Is the project's purpose for municipal development carried out by a municipality?
You've answered Yes.
If your answer is "Yes,":
You may qualify for a Wetland Disturbance General Permit for municipal development. Please review the General Permit Checklist and then visit the General permits page to apply for a Wetland disturbance – Municipal Development general permit.
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
You've answered No.
If your answer is "No,":
You do not qualify for a wetland disturbance general permit. You will need to apply for a Wetland disturbance individual permit. Before you apply, please review:
- Wetland disturbance pre-application meeting checklist
- Wetland disturbance individual permit checklist
- Wetland disturbance practicable alternatives analysis checklist
*Please note: WAMS ID and password needed to apply. If you do not have a WAMS ID, you must register for one before proceeding.
This is a text version of our wetland disturbance interactive question and answer module to help you understand if you need a permit for your project. If you see this message, you currently have JavaScript disabled or are in compatibility mode while using Internet Explorer. This text version is here to help you understand if you need a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for your project and, if so, which one. Please go through and answer each question. This will help you determine which permit you will need.
If you are proposing to impact a wetland as part of a cranberry bed creation or expansion, see the Cranberry projects page.
Contact information
Contact the DNR Water Management Specialist for your county for more information on wetland permits.