As the leaves begin to change color across Wisconsin and Minnesota, you may not be thinking too much about the wetland permitting you’ll need for your upcoming spring construction project.
But the stream ecologists here at Midwest Wetland Improvements sure are! Since the end of the wetland delineation season typically concludes with the first deep freeze in September or October, fall is a critical window for anyone planning construction projects that kickoff in the springtime.
Why Timing Matters for Wetland Assessments
Many property owners are unaware that delaying the wetland permitting process until spring can significantly impact construction timelines. That’s why, if you’re planning to break ground next spring, now is the time to secure an approved wetland boundary determination.
Without an approved wetland boundary, you cannot accurately:
- Determine if your project will impact wetland areas
- Assess whether those impacts exceed allowable thresholds
- Develop appropriate wetland replacement plans
- Evaluate if you qualify for a de minimis exemption
Each of these steps requires time for assessment, documentation, submission, and regulatory review. And all of these steps often take months to complete.
Understanding Stream Channel Requirements
Since 2019, regulatory requirements have evolved in ways that impact property assessments across our region. This means that while any wetland delineations completed between 2019 and 2024 are valid for five years, any new delineations must now include both wetland and stream channel assessments.
Stream channels are evaluated differently than wetlands, requiring specific expertise. Both water sources require separate delineation processes on the same permit. This dual assessment requirement adds another dimension to the planning process, making early action even more important.
As a firm serving Minnesota and Minnesota with dedicated stream ecologists (in addition to wetland scientists), we understand the complex interplay between stream and wetland systems. This expertise becomes particularly valuable as these requirements could impact development costs and replacement obligations. When you choose Midwest Wetland Improvements, you can get both assessments completed by one firm.
The Winter Planning Advantage
But what can you do when the weather turns frosty? While field assessments must be completed before the ground freezes, winter offers the perfect opportunity for design work, mitigation planning, and permit submittals. Working with an experienced wetland delineator during the fall allows you to:
- Complete all necessary field assessments before seasonal limitations
- Use the winter months for design refinements and permitting paperwork
- Develop appropriate wetland replacement plans if impacts are unavoidable
- Explore mitigation options, including on-site solutions or purchasing credits from a mitigation bank
- Navigate potential de minimis exemption qualifications with expert guidance
Now is the Time to Take Delineation Action
If you’re planning construction for the spring, securing an approved wetland boundary this fall should be a top priority. Without this crucial first step, your entire project timeline could face significant delays.
Don’t let your spring construction plans get derailed by wetland permitting delays. Contact Midwest Wetland Improvements today to ensure your project stays on schedule through the winter months and into next spring’s construction season!
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