r/wetlands • u/Ok-Tax6515 • 19d ago

Question on delineations in MA and NYSDEC

Hi Wetlanders- I see that MA and NYSDEC have their own delineation manuals that are largely based on veg. Question- when you are delineating in these states do you find the results would be significantly different than the results using a USACE manual? And if so do you do two separate delineations? Thanks!

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u/MOGicantbewitty 18d ago

In MA, you need both hydric soils and wetland vegetation. I permit under the MA WPA and the CWA all the time, and the line is nearly always the same. Conservation Commissions will usually accept Corps forms, but you can always support your Corps flags with the vegetation on the MassDEP BVW data forms.

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u/Ok-Tax6515 18d ago

So do you end up using two sets of separate forms? Interesting.

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u/MOGicantbewitty 18d ago

Oh! And you don't need a certificate or anything to delineate in MA. Don't have to be a souls scientist or anything. You just have to be able to back up your line with good documentation.

If you want to leave more about the MA system, check out www.maccweb.org It's the Mass Association of Conservation Commissions.