Wetlands and Riparian Areas

Wetlands are areas where water saturation determines soil development and influences the types of plant and animal communities living in the area. The presence of water, soil type and presence and absence of plant species are used to determine if an area is a wetland.

Riparian areas are located next to ponds, lakes, streams and wetlands and affect or are affected by the presence of water.

LINKS For more resources on wetlands, see these sites:

Montana DEQ - Integrating Wetland Inventory, Assessment, and Monitoring into Local Watershed Plans and Montana's State Water Monitoring and Assessment Strategy
This report provides a strategy for integrating wetland inventory, assessment, and monitoring into watershed planning. It also includes a literature review and information on the wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring tools that have been or are currently being developed by DEQ and our partners.

Montana Wetlands Clearinghouse
Wetlands photos, events, maps and more. A project of Montana's NRIS (Natural Resource Information System)

Wetland Conservation
Information, classification, biocriteria, grants and more from the Montana DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality)

Montana Wetlands Council
A forum to promote cooperative wetland resource management in Montana

Planning Guide for Protecting Montana's Wetland and Riparian Areas
A handbook developed by the Montana Watercourse, Montana DEQ and Montana Audubon

Landowner's Guide to Montana's Wetlands
A guide to wetland definitions, working with wetlands, wetland laws and who to contact for help

Montana Wetlands Legacy
Protecting, restoring, and enhancing Montana's wetlands, riparian areas, and associated uplands through a fully integrated, voluntary partnership

Environmental Concern - We're All About Wetlands
EC is dedicated to working with all aspects of wetlands. Protecting our wetlands is vital.

Ducks Unlimited - information on wetlands functions, Project Webfoot school curriculum, and Greenwings ,the Ducks Unlimited site for kids.

National Wetlands Inventory
Wetland information for the U.S.

EPA Wetlands information
The Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds offers definitions, regulations and information on protecting wetlands

Ecosystem Restoration and Management - a division of the US Army Corps of Engineers