Minnesota’s protected waters and wetlands inventory

Abstract

In 1979, the Minnesota Legislature established an inventory and designation process to identify water basins, watercourses and wetlands subject to state regulation. Hydrologists from the Department of Natural Resources have worked with wildlife and fisheries managers to categorize and quantify waters, which are then identified on county base maps. Wetlands are identified according toCircular 39, Wetlands of the United States criteria. Numerous photos, maps and field survey data were used to compile information. The inventory maps are subjected to a series of public review periods, revisions and a final hearing. The final product is a map for each of the 87 counties in Minnesota, identifying waters protected by a resource permit program. Activities such as excavation, filling, water level controls, bridges, culverts and other developments are regulated through the permitting process. With the completion of the inventory 11,800 water basins, 6,500 watercourses and 10,000 wetlands have been designated as protected waters or wetlands.