May is National Wetlands Month. These unique ecosystems play a vital role in the diverse landscape of New York State, providing a haven for a wide variety of fish and marine wildlife. As we celebrate the beauty and importance of wetlands, it is crucial to recognize the need for their preservation and the role they play in maintaining the ecological balance of our state.
New York is blessed with an abundance of wetlands, ranging from coastal marshes and freshwater swamps to tidal flats and bogs.
These wetlands are not only beautiful natural landscapes but also serve as essential habitats for a myriad of fish and marine species. From migratory birds to freshwater fish, wetlands provide a safe haven for numerous species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of our state.
In a significant legislative milestone passed in 2022 — starting January 1, 2025 — DEC will expand its jurisdiction to include an additional estimated one million acres of wetlands.
The amendments to the state’s current Freshwater Wetlands Act, Article 24 of the Environmental Conservation Law contained three fundamental changes — mainly a shift in regulatory approach.
The current wetland maps, previously used as a basis for regulatory decisions, will transition to serve purely informational purposes. This change is expected to allow DEC to regulate wetlands that have the jurisdictional criteria to be regulated but are not currently mapped.
To read more about these changes visit DEC’s website, which also discusses the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking done earlier this year. The formal comment period will be announced at a later time.
You can read lots more about New York State’s wetlands and the plants and animals that live there here.
Photo: View of wetland by Brianna Denoncour (courtesy DEC).
