USE OF THE VERMONT SIGNIFICANT WETLAND INVENTORY MAPS

This Vermont Significant Wetland Inventory (VSWI) Map should not be relied upon to provide precise information regarding the location or configuration of significant wetlands. This map is intended only to denote the approximate location and configuration of significant wetlands. The actual boundaries of the wetlands depicted on this map must be determined in the field by Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) staff or upon review by the Natural Resources Board. It is important to note that the Vermont Wetland Rules protect all Class One and Class Two wetlands shown on this VSWI Map as well as all wetlands contiguous to such mapped wetlands.  In other words, any wetland that touches or shares a boundary with a mapped wetland is also protected by the Rules, regardless of whether it appears on the VSWI maps.  If a non-mapped wetland is adjacent to a mapped wetland, it is considered contiguous and is protected by the Rules.  Wetland boundary determinations and determinations of whether a non-mapped wetland is contiguous are made by Vermont Wetlands Section upon request.

It is also important to note that the Vermont Wetland Rules apply to buffer zones contiguous to these wetlands (100 feet for Class One wetlands, 50 feet for Class Two wetlands, unless otherwise established by the Natural Resources Board).  Therefore, any activity in a Class One or Class Two wetland, or their associated buffer zones, other than allowed uses specified in §6.2 of the Wetland Rules, requires a Conditional Use Determination (CUD) from the Agency of Natural Resources (Vermont Wetland Rules, §6.2 and 8).  According to §8.5 of the Vermont Wetland Rules, a CUD can only be issued if it is determined that the use will have no undue adverse impact on protected functions, unless such impacts are mitigated.  Mitigation measures include avoidance and minimization of wetland impacts.  If there is any question as to whether a CUD may be required for any particular project, it is always best to err on the side of caution by contacting the Vermont Wetlands Section to ask for a jurisdictional determination.

The Agency of Natural Resources Environmental Interest Locator is a map viewer that displays Agency of Natural Resources spatial data, which includes the Vermont Significant Wetland Inventory data layer. Use the USGS and NAIP Orthophotography layers in the imagery file to help you navigate to your site location, or find an address or environmental feature using the "Find Location" tool that loads with the map. Data layers are scale dependent and some layers will not become visible until you zoom in closer to your area of interest. This helps the map from becoming too cluttered with information. Switch to the layers view to toggle other Agency of Natural Resources data layers. Use the "Create PDF" tab to export a PDF document and for printing purposes. For further information on how to use the mapping application, click the Tutorial link on the disclaimer page.

For more information on the GeoSpatial Browser, and other mapping resources, go the the ANR Mapping web site.

Related GIS link - The Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) - this site has a variety of data layers including Floodplains, Land Cover/Land Use, Wetlands, Deer Wintering Areas, Vermont Biodiversity Project, and others.

For information about other state programs that may require permits contact the Permit Specialist:

VT DEC Environmental Assistance Office
103 South Main Street, Laundry Building
Waterbury, VT 05671-0411
Telephone (802) 241-3589
http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/ead/pa/index.htm

Federal wetland regulations are independent of state and local regulations.  They may apply to the wetlands shown on this map as well as to other wetlands not shown on this map. For information, contact:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Vermont Project Office
8 Carmichael Street, Suite 205
Essex Junction, VT 05452
Telephone: (802) 872-2893
Fax: (802)879-7638
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/

Updated: September 2007