Frequently Asked Questions

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A wetland is an area where water is present at or near the ground surface long enough to support wetland soils and vegetation. Wetlands provide flood control, water quality benefits, and wildlife habitat, and are regulated by local, state, and sometimes federal agencies.

A stream is a natural or modified channel that conveys surface water. Streams are typically classified as fish or non-fish habitat and may flow year-round, seasonally, or only during rainfall events. Ditches may also be regulated when they are connected to upstream or downstream stream segments or function as part of a larger drainage network.

A listed species is a plant or animal protected under federal, state, or local regulations due to declining populations or limited habitat. Projects that affect listed species or their habitat may require additional review or permitting.

Reports typically include:

• A site visit and field evaluation
• Identification of wetlands, streams, and buffers
• Review of applicable regulations
• Mapping and documentation
• Clear permitting guidance and  recommendations The scope depends on the project and jurisdiction.

Most standard reports are completed within approximately two weeks after a signed contract, assuming site access and appropriate field conditions.

In most cases, wetlands and streams cannot be filled or relocated without permits, and some impacts may not be allowed at all. Filling a wetland or relocating a stream solely to increase development potential is usually not permitted. Regulations prioritize avoiding and minimizing impacts, with mitigation required only when impacts are unavoidable.

Mitigation is the process of avoiding, minimizing, and compensating for environmental impacts. Avoidance is the first and most important form of mitigation, followed by minimization. Compensatory mitigation is only considered when impacts cannot be avoided.

Examples of mitigation plans include:

• Wetland mitigation: Avoiding impacts through site design, restoring or enhancing wetland areas with native planting, invasive species removal, or hydrologic improvements.
• Stream mitigation: Avoiding or minimizing  impacts, improving stream stability, enhancing riparian vegetation, adding habitat features, or addressing fish passage where applicable.
• Buffer enhancement: Improving degraded buffers by planting native trees and shrubs, removing invasive species, and  increasing ecological function and habitat value. Mitigation requirements are site-specific and depend on the resource type, impact severity, and applicable regulations.