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Though more than half of the original wetlands in the continental United States have been destroyed, there is a move afoot to protect this invaluable resource. How can communities create effective local wetland protection programs? This report presents a detailed model ordinance that communities can use to draft a new ordinance or just amend one that already exists. It defines and descibes wetlands, explains why they are important to preserve, and examines their status in the United States. The report also examines federal, state, and local wetland regulations that communities frequently use to protect nontidal wetlands, can be used to protect them from drainage and development. Includes numberous photos depicting wetlands and the wildlife that lives in them and a broad sampling of language gathered from an APA survey of local ordinances that are part of wetland protection programs, along with commentary. An invaluable tool for those trying to protect the wetlands that are left in the United States. Preface -- Chapter 1. What are wetlands, and why are they important? -- Chapter 2. Federal and state regulatory programs -- Chapter 3. Local wetland regulations -- Chapter 4. Other types of regulations and protection techniques -- Chapter 5. A model nontidal wetland protection ordinance -- Bibliography. |
