Test Your Wetlands IQ

True or False

1. Wetlands have to be wet all the time.

False: Many wetlands dry up during the summer

2. No one is ever allowed to build in a wetland.

False: New Jersey law protects wetlands, but if a property owner applies for a permit that meets the regulations, DEP will issue a permit.

3. Towns in New Jersey cannot take any actions to protect wetlands

False. Town planning and zoning can encourage protection of wetlands through large lot zoning, cluster/open space ordinances, noncontiguous development options and placing easement on wetlands as part of development review.

4. Even though a building lot is totally composed of wetlands, a permit to build there and fill wetlands can be obtained.

True. Under a hardship provision in the state rules, DEP can issue a permit to fill wetlands. Mitigation for the wetlands loss is required.

5. Wetland areas cause mosquito breeding problems.

False. Healthy wetlands do not cause mosquito problems because the natural predators – fish, frogs, salamanders, insects and birds feed on the mosquitoes and keep them under control.

6. Wetlands are natural stormwater areas.

True. Wetlands serve to store stormwater runoff, to absorb pollutants in runoff and absorb nutrients.

7. A forest or woodland can’t be a wetland.

False. Some of the most valuable freshwater wetlands occur in forests or woodlands.

Red maple woods are common forested wetlands. Other wetland trees include pin oak and ash.

8. I can build up to the edge of a wetland as long as I don’t disturb the wetland.

False. The New Jersey Wetlands Act requires buffers of from 25’ to 150’ around wetlands.

9. Once a conservation easement is place on a wetland, the wetland is protected forever.

False. Unless the conservation easement is monitored on a regular basis, the conditions of the easement maybe violated.