All wetlands, even those without open water, are protected under state law.

Reed Canary grass is frequently found in wetlands, specifically in the drier ones, but it is not limited to wetlands, so other characteristics such as soils and landscape position must be investigated.

If you wouldn't wear your Sunday shoes in there, it just might be a wetland!

Low spots that are wet in the spring and after heavy rains may be wetlands. A good rule of thumb is that if it is too wet to consistently plant to a farm crop, or you must wait until later in the summer to plant, it may be a wetland.

Willow shrubs and red-osier dogwood are usually found in or around wetlands. Other woody species such as alder or silver maple are also found in wetlands.

Silt fence is often installed around wetlands to protect them during construction. Areas within or below silt fence may be wetlands or other critical areas needing protection.

Areas adjacent to drainage features may hold enough moisture to remain jurisdictional wetland.

Cattails are usually in wetlands, often surrounding open water. The wetland edge is further uphill than the water edge.

Floodwaters may obscure the wetland edge. When the water levels recede, the wetland edge can be identified.

Newly created wetland areas are often messy in appearance for the first few years, until vegetation and water levels stabilize. In newer sub-divisions, wetlands and ponding easements are usually shown on your parcel map.

Wildflowers such as blue vervain, Joe-pye weed and some asters and goldenrods are found naturally in wetlands.