The only accurate way to find out whether or not wetlands exist on your property is to have a wetland evaluation (delineation) performed on site by the State or a qualified consultant who has verified it with the State. However, much information can be determined by examining various resource maps including the Brevard County Soil Survey, aerial photography, habitat overlays, and the Department of the Interior’s National Wetland Inventory.

The presence of a wetland on your property may not prohibit construction on the property but may restrict it. The first step is to determine if there is enough upland area on your property (or non-wetland area) to construct your project. In order to determine if your property meets the minimum requirements, you should contact the Natural Resources Management Office, (321) 633-2016.

Brevard County uses the same definitions as those used by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The definitions use soil types, hydrological requirements, and vegetation types to determine the extent and type of wetland.

Property tax reductions should be addressed to the Brevard County Property Appraiser's Office. They may be reached by calling (321) 264-6700.

The Town's Open Space Coordinator/Environmental Monitor can visit the property for a preliminary investigation. If it is determined that wetlands do exist you submit a copy of your property survey and a request for wetland flagging to the Planning Division. The Planning Division will send a request to a Town approved Wetland Consultant who will submit an estimate of the cost to delineate the wetland. You pay the Town the cost, plus a 10% administration fee and the wetland will be delineated.

The Town of Wilton has relatively poor mapping of our wetland and water resources. If a property has been subject to review in the past, that information would be available. Since wetlands change very slowly (think geologic time) older maps retain their value over the years. If no prior wetland mapping has been prepared for the site, Inland Wetland Commission staff can visit the site to assess the presence or absence of the regulated resources.

The Westport Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Regulations (pdf) require a 20-foot buffer around all wetlands and watercourses for all landscaping activities, i.e., the addition of soil, planting, removal of vegetation. Any landscaping activity within this setback will require authorization from the Westport Conservation Department, and possibly the Westport Conservation Commission.

Wetlands are regulated by state and local jurisdictions. Small wetland areas can sometimes be filled, if there are other areas on the site that can be mitigated and enlarged to make up the difference. While most wetland areas cannot be developed, the remainder of your property should be developable.

In naturally occurring ponds where there are frogs, minnows, and dragonflies there is no need to put a larvicide in the water since these animals are natural predators of mosquitoes and keep the mosquito population low.

Bioenergy crops will not be planted in wetlands in the U.S. However, they do have the potential to be planted as buffer strips along waterways and streams to intercept nutrient runoff from agricultural crops, thus helping to protect water quality. They would also contribute to decreasing sediment transport from agricultural lands.

Yes they will. Generally the county will not allow a subdivision that will necessitate an intrusion into a wetland or its buffer. It is your decision to either continue with the requirements of your parcel as shown on the face of the subdivision or to choose to go with the requirements of the new Critical Areas Ordinance.

They can be under certain circumstances, this is described in detail in the Fact Sheets on "Mosquito Production and Management - Saline Wetlands, Freshwater and Constructed Wetlands, and Irrigation Wetlands". (BACK)

The project is still in the planning phase during which time the project partners will develop a restoration design and schedule. Depending on the design, implementation may begin as early as 2006.

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems on earth. They are areas saturated by surface or groundwater that support hydric, or water-loving, vegetation. They filter and remove harmful pollutants and contaminants from water, which makes cleaner water in lakes and rivers. Wetlands moderate flooding, prevent soil erosion, and recharge groundwater. They also provide local wildlife with shelter, food and breeding grounds.