Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/05/2007

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Exhibit I What are the Different of Wetlands? Minnesota wetland laws divide wetlands into eight different classification types. The different types are: Type I-Seasonally flooded basins or flood-plains The soil in these areas is usually well-drained during the growing season but is often covered with water at various times of the year. Many of these have been drained. Plant life can include forests or large expanses of broadleaf species. Benefits include seasonal habitat for wildlife and waterfowl, water quality and recharging groundwater supplies. Type 2-Wet meadows The soil is usually without standing water during most of the growing season but is waterlogged at least a few inches below the surface. Many of these have been drained. Plant life includes grasses, sedges, rushes and various broad-leaved plants. Benefits include habitat, water quality and groundwater recharge. Type 3-Shallow marsh The soil is usually waterlogged early during the growing season and is often covered with as much as six (6) inches or more of water. They often have shallow open water and may border deep marshes. Plant life includes grass, bulrush, spikerush, cattail and smartweed. Benefits include water quality, protection of shorelines, floodwater retention, wildlife habitat, and recreation such as canoeing, hunting and fishing. Type 4-Deep Marsh The soil is usually covered with water as deep as six (6) inches to three (3) feet or more during the growing season. These deep marshes may completely fill shallow lake basins, potholes and sloughs or border open water. Plant life includes cattail, reeds, bulrush and wild rice. In open water areas pondweed, coontail, duckweed, water-lily or spatterdock may be found. Benefits include water quality protection, floodwater retention, habitat, and recreation. Type 5-Shallow open water Shallow ponds and reservoirs are included in this type and water is usually less than 10 feet deep with a fringe of emergent vegetation similar to Type 4. Benefits of these small or shallow lakes include water quality protection, floodwater retention, habitat, and recreation. Type 6-Shrub Swamp Shrub swamps have low shrubs and wet or spongy ground that is usually waterlogged during the growing season and usually covered with as much as six (6) inches of water. Usually found along sluggish streams and sometimes on flood plains, plant life includes alder, willow and dogwood. Benefits include water quality protection, floodwater retention, habitat and the ability to augment low flow in lakes and streams during times of drought.