Wetlands are a vital component of the nation’s ecological, economic, and social health.  Wetlands help improve water quality and supply, reduce flooding, and provide critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife. Some wetlands are dry for much of the year while others may have several feet of water. It is estimated that Minnesota has lost about 50 percent of its original wetland acreage.  

Things you can do

• Learn about wetlands: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wetlands/index.html 
• Visit a local wetland:  https://www.plslwd.org/projects-and-programs/projects/cr-1217-wetland-restoration/
• Educate a friend or family member about wetlands and why they are important.

Wetlands are protected from draining, filling, or excavation under State and Federal law. For more information about wetlands, contact Pete Young, Water Resources Engineer for the City, at pyoung@PriorLakeMN.gov.

Resources

EPA - May is American Wetlands Month 

Corps of Engineers video - American Wetlands Month (2014)  

Corps of Engineers St. Paul District - American Wetlands Month 

Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) - Wetland Regulations in MN