9377

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9377
• Author: Colorado Water Workshop.
• Title: 16th Annual Colorado Water Workshop.
• USFW Year: 1991.
• USFW - Doc Type: Western State College.
• Copyright Material: NO

J ,

Converted Wetlands-means wetland that has been drained, drudged,

filled, levelled, or otherwise manipulated that makes possible the

production of an agricultural commodity.

Ar..tificial W~.1.1and- an area that was formerly nonwetland or prior

converted wetland but now exhibits wetland characteristics.

Why do I as a farmer or rancher need a wetland determination:

If I want to remain eligible for USDA benefits.

The Federal Clean Water Act also requires permits from the

U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers for the discharge of dredged or fill

materials into the waters of the U.S. Waters of the U.S. relating

to all natural waterway~, rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. If

you drain a wetland without obtaining a permit, you risk being in

v io 1 a tion of s ta te and federa 1 1 aws ~n add i tion to subsequen t

penalties resulting.

What is the history behind the 1985 Farm Bill as it related

to this wetland issue? What was the reasoning?

fhe reasoning behind the wetland regulations are indeed points

that should be considered, and I for one would be the first to

agree with each wetland benefit.

However, agriculture related

fie I ds are forced to re I y on more than benef it.

Farmers and

ranchers face ever changing regulations, conditions, and policies

that are often adapted and enforced without taking their knowledge,

experience, and livelihood into consideration.

The fo~r federal agencies involved in wetland regulations are

the E.P.A., the Army Corp. of Engineering, S.C.S., and the U.S.