The Wisconsin - Minnesota Wetland Functional Assessment Initiative is an effort to develop wetland functional assessment tools that can be used in Wisconsin and Minnesota to assist in wetland regulatory implementation and for other wetland conservation and planning purposes as applicable. Specific objectives of the initiative are:
- Incorporate latest science and advancements into functional assessment tools.
- Develop a practical tool for regulatory applications.
- Include all wetland functions required to be considered by each state’s wetland regulatory programs.
- Regionalize and/or allow for regionalization of the tool.
- Keep the tool practical and rapid but allow for more extensive analysis as appropriate.
- Make tool as objective as possible based on readily observable features/data.
The initiative will utilize a steering committee composed of representatives from each state that are involved in the wetland regulatory program or related research/monitoring programs. The steering committee will:
- Make decisions on the process, timing, and approach to tool development;
- Select various technical subgroups to develop and/or review various aspects of the tool(s);
- Collaborate with outside agencies (EPA, tribes, Corps, etc.) and experts throughout tool development;
- Develop grant applications and/or secure other sources of funding for the effort as needed;
- Oversee and guide any consultants contracted to work on the project;
- Make final decisions on all aspects of the tool;
- Determine when the initiative is finished; and
- Distribute and publicize relevant work products for public use and dissemination.
This webpage will include documents and updates on the progress and work products of the initiative.
Documents
Memorandum of Understanding between Wisconsin DNR and BWSR
Steering Committee Document No. 1
Project Leads
Ken Powell
Wetland Conservation Act Operations Supervisor
MN Board of Water & Soil Resources
651-215-1703
ken.powell@state.mn.us
Tom Nedland
Wetland Mitigation Coordinator –
Waterways/External Services
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
920-286-3739
Thomas.Nedland@Wisconsin.gov