DEC announces new freshwater wetlands regulations

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on Tuesday new regulations to protect freshwater wetlands across the state. The changes, most of which will go into effect on Wednesday, will expand protection to around 1 million additional acres of marshes, swamps, sloughs and bogs. 

The newly adopted regulations amend the state’s Freshwater Wetlands Act, which was originally passed in 1975 and began having amendments in 2022. The update defines new key terms, revises the classification of freshwater wetlands in the state and explains changes to the department’s jurisdiction. It also presents 11 new criteria points for the identification of “Wetlands of Unusual Importance.” 

“The updated regulations include additional guidance to ensure the long-term health of these vital ecosystems, which provide economic and ecological benefits to communities across the state,” said Sean Mahar, the DEC’s Interim Commissioner. 

Freshwater wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity, providing habitats to numerous animal and plant species. They also help in improving water quality, mitigating flooding and storing carbon, though their ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable due to climate change. 

“Wetlands provide shelter, rest, and nourishment for millions of birds and important ecosystem services to New Yorkers across the state – but they are in crisis,” said Erin McGrath, the policy director of the National Audubon Society.

Because of this, conservation groups are applauding the expanded efforts to protect the lands, asserting that they will not only benefit wildlife and vegetation, but also the community. 

“State and municipal leaders will now have the tools to identify and enhance the diverse mosaic of wetlands that protects New York’s infrastructure, drinking water, and biodiversity,” said Roger Downs, the conservation director of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “These historic wetlands regulatory reforms will make New York’s communities more resilient to the catastrophic floods, droughts, and ecological disruption brought on by the climate crisis.”

A full overview of the updated freshwater wetlands regulations going into effect on Wednesday can be found on the DEC website. The DEC will host a webinar on Jan. 15 to provide information and answer any questions about the updated regulations. Registration for the webinar can be found here.

A recording of the webinar will also be posted to the site when available. Additional public engagement sessions, including community workshops and more webinars, are planned for 2025.