A Technical Manual for Identifying Wetlands in Michigan 

This manual provides background information and a field method for identifying and evaluating site characteristics necessary for concluding whether or not a particular area of land is wetland as defined in Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. This manual is designed as a technical operational manual for Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) staff and for use by other wetland professionals. This manual is not intended for use by persons that are not familiar with wetlands, and specifically the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of wetlands.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1:  Introduction

Chapter 2:  Wetland Hydrology

Chapter 3:  Wetland Vegetation and Aquatic Life

Chapter 4:  Wetland Soils

Chapter 5:  Field Method for Identifying Wetlands and Their Boundaries

Chapter 6:  Non-normal Site Conditions

Literature Cited and Glossary

Appendix A:  Part 303, Wetlands Protection

Appendix B:  Part 303 Administrative Rules

Appendix C:  Morphological, Physiological and Reproductive Adaptations

Appendix D:  List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands, Region 3 

Appendix E:  County Hydric Soils List (Available from local NRCS offices)

Appendix F:  Supplemental Hydric Soil Indicators for MDEQ

Appendix G:  Part 303 - Data Report Form