What are wetlands?

Wetlands are areas where groundwater is at or near the surface. They may appear dry during the summer and fall, but they contain enough water to support plants that are adapted to grow in wetlands such as red maples, skunk cabbage, cattails, reeds, and sensitive ferns. Wetlands include ponds and streams, forested swamps, open marshes, wet meadows, bogs, and floodplains. They also include vernal pools, which are temporary ponds that form in winter and spring, and dry out in summer.

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1. What are wetlands?
2. Why are wetlands important?
3. What laws apply to wetlands in Reading?
4. How can I tell if there are wetlands on or near my property?
5. When do I need to get a wetlands permit?
6. What kinds of permits are there, and which one should I apply for?
7. What happens after I receive the permit?
8. Where can I obtain further information?
9. How do I apply for a Minor Project Permit?
10. How do I apply for a Determination of Applicability?
11. How do I apply for an Order of Resource Area Delineation?
12. How do I apply for an Order of Conditions?