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Wetlands Are A Valuable Resource, Protect Them! |
By:
Kimberley Ennett, MLA, ASLA |
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Many people, along with some developers, look at wetlands as a
problem in their efforts to build large real estate
developments, whether residential or commercial. This is
unfortunate. Wetlands are a valuable productive ecosystem and
proper architectural landscaping can cope with the "problem".
But first it is important to realize what wetlands represent.
We have mentioned that wetlands are a productive ecosystem.
Indeed, they play host to a variety of species including birds,
fish and mammals. Wetlands vary according to climate, geological
factors and amount of water. Wetlands differ in location for
example between Alaska and Florida. Most, however, provide a
large amount of food for many animals. They also help moderate
worldwide climatic conditions. In view of wetland importance,
the United States Government has passed laws that regulate
wetlands.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes a program
to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material into
waters of the United States, including wetlands. Activities in
waters of the United States regulated under this program include
fill for development, water resource projects (such as dams and
levees), infrastructure development (such as highways and
airports) and mining projects. Section 404 requires a permit
before dredged or fill material may be discharged into waters of
the United States, unless the activity is exempt from Section
404 regulation (e.g. certain farming and forestry activities).
The basic premise of the program is that no discharge of
dredged or fill material may be permitted if: (1) a practicable
alternative exists that is less damaging to the aquatic
environment or (2) the nation's waters would be significantly
degraded. In other words, when you apply for a permit, you must
show that you have, to the extent practicable: · Taken steps to
avoid wetland impacts; · Minimized potential impacts on
wetlands; and · Provided compensation for any remaining
unavoidable impacts.
Proposed activities are regulated through a permit review
process. An individual permit is required for potentially
significant impacts. Individual permits are reviewed by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, which evaluates applications under a
public interest review, as well as the environmental criteria
set forth in the CWA Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines. However, for
most discharges that will have only minimal adverse effects, a
general permit may be suitable. General permits are issued on a
nationwide, regional, or State basis for particular categories
of activities. The general permit process eliminates individual
review and allows certain activities to proceed with little or
no delay, provided that the general or specific conditions for
the general permit are met.
Builders and developers typical enlist the services of state
registered licensed Landscape Architects to assist in this
process. Landscape Architects can develop site plans to protect
a wetland or the possible relocation of a wetland and assist in
obtaining the necessary permits.
Landscape Architects are required to be licensed by the State in
which they practice and are usually members of the American
Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA. Landscape architecture
encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and
stewardship of the natural and built environments. ASLA full
members have graduated from an accredited landscape architecture
program, have 7 years of education and/or professional
experience and are state licensed. In Michigan, as well as all
other States, a three (3) day LARE examination administered by
the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards is
required to be passed for a state licensure.
Landscape designers do not have these professional credentials.
Many state and local governments require designs to be stamped
with a state registered Landscape Architect's seal, particularly
if a wetlands is involved.
As a registered landscape architect in the State of Michigan and
principle architect with Sexton Ennett Design, LC, a landscape
architectural firm in southeast Michigan, I am particularly
aware of the need for wetland protection. See:
http://www.sexton-ennett.com
I am also a breeder of champion Oldenburg warmblood sport horses
and am particularly sensitive to the issues of wetlands in
landscaping equestrian facilities. See:
http://www.markimfarms.com
Understand the importance of wetlands and protect them.
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Article Source: http://www.friendsofvista.org/articles/article26544.html |
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