Freshwater Wetlands Protection

Freshwater Wetlands Protection Manual
Vernal Pond Court Decision

Freshwater Wetlands Protection in New Jersey:
A Manual for Local Officials

Covering amendments through 2001, the manual explains the provisions of the NJ Freshwater Wetlands Regulations and offers local land use and application review techniques municipal boards and citizens can use to protect freshwater wetlands. Three of the Manual's nine chapters are available on line. The Manual is $10. You can order a paper copy on line.

Water is one of our most important resources - all life depends on it. The natural water cycle involves perpetual recycling of all precipitation. There is no new source of water - we are drinking the same water that the dinosaurs drank. So how we use and reuse or recycle water is of critical importance. And the way we use land has a direct effect on our waterways. Non point source pollution from roads and parking lots, lawns and gardens, farm fields, construction sites and faulty septic systems, is one of the most serious threats to water quality.

Municipalities can help protect water quality and prevent non point source pollution through planning and ordinances.

The Manual's Chapters I, VIII, IX, and the Internet Resources are available on line. (1.2MB)

Table of Contents

• Forward
  
• I. Why Protect Wetlands and How They Are Identified
  
• II. The New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act
  
• III. Permits Required Under the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act
  
• IV. Transition Areas
  
• V. State Review Process
  
• VI. Enforcement
  
• VII. Mitigation
  
• VIII. Municipal Land Use Law and the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act
  
• IX. Long Term Protection for Freshwater Wetlands

Appendix

• Internet Resources
  
• Book References

Tables

1. Wetlands Benefits
   
2. Hydric Soils
   
3. Response Time for Comment
   
4. Statewide General Permit Chart
   
5. Federally Endangered Swamp Pink Habitat
   
6. Federally Endangered Bog Turtle Habitat
   
7. DEP Violation Form
   
8. Municipal Time Limits
   

Vernal Pond Court Decision
Special Protection Still Possible

A July 2004 court decision finds that DEP cannot prohibit issuing State General Permit 6 in isolated wetlands, typical of vernal habitats. But DEP can prohibit most other general permits in these special habitats. View complete article.

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