An introduction to the

1
An introduction to the Maryland State Wetland
Conservation Plan
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What Is So Important About Wetlands?
Wetlands provide Wildlife habitat Water
quality improvement Flood control

• Recreation
• Bank stabilization

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What Is A State Wetland Conservation Plan (SWCP)?
Sponsored by States and EPA Developed by
Agencies, Citizens, and Major Stakeholders Evalua
tes condition and status of wetland
resources Identifies issues in wetland
management Recommends management approaches
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Why Does Maryland Need a SWCP?
For identification of current wetland status and
health To address current wetland issues To
establish statewide and regional goals and
objectives To involve all major interests
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Why Does Maryland Need A SWCP? (continued)
To identify problems with existing
programs Ensure consistency with other goals and
requirements Enhance, maintain, and preserve
valued wetland functions
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What are Components of a State Wetland
Conservation Plan?
Assessment of Wetland Resources Analysis of
Regulatory Programs Description of
Non-regulatory programs Goals and
Objectives Discussion of gaps and needs for
improving wetland management
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What are Components of a State Wetland
Conservation Plan?(continued)
Recommendations for achieving goals and
objectives Needed information and resources for
accomplishing actions Voluntary
Restoration Schedule for implementation Short-
and long-term actions
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How is a State Wetland Conservation Plan Prepared?
Form a Work Group of Stakeholders Gather
Background information Discuss Broad
Goals Identify issues Form regional and special
sub-groups
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How is a State Wetland conservation Plan
Prepared? (continued)
Develop recommendations Attempt to reach
consensus Hold public meetings Incorporate
public input Revise and finalize plan
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What Are the Potential Benefits and Products of a
SWCP?
Improved wetland management through Increased
cooperation and communication among government
agencies, non-profit groups, private
business, and the public More efficient
permitting process Recommendations for changes in
regulations A statewide strategy for
accomplishing common goals
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What Are Important Aspects Of Other States
Conservation Plans?
Oregon Divided the State into physiographic
regions, developed plans by region Focused on
habitat protection North Carolina Developed
plans according to drainage basin Focused on
water quality and riparian restoration
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What Are Important Aspects Of Other States
Conservation Plans?
Tennessee Strategy re-evaluated every two
years Prioritize preservation, restoration,
wetland and water quality standards Now in 3rd
edition Texas Achieved 100 consensus for the
final plan Plan divided state into
regions Largely incentive-based for voluntary
conservation and restoration
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What Are Important Aspects Of Other States
Conservation Plans?
Vermont Plan is a component of Vermont
Recreational Plan Proposed no net loss
objective Washington Allowed for less than 100
consensus to be reached in some areas,
identified issues where consent not
reached Made recommendations for improving
regulatory process
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What Are Important Aspects Of Other States
Conservation Plans?
Minnesota Plan accompanied by a Mitigation
Banking Study, and memorandum of agreement for
implementation Developed regional and statewide
management strategies Provided recommendations
for regulatory improvement
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For more information on the Maryland Wetland
Conservation Plan, contact
Wetlands and Waterways Program Department of the
Environment 2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224 [phone]