Wetland Laws and Policy Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, legislation, court cases, and concepts related to wetland ecology and management.

1849 Swamp Lands Act

Legislation aimed to aid states in reclaiming swamp and overflowed lands.

1969 National Environmental Policy Act

Legislation that mandates federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their proposed actions.

1972 Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Law regulating the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters and quality standards for surface waters.

Zabel v. Tabb (1971)

Court case ruling that wetlands are subject to permit regulations under the Rivers and Harbor Act.

United States v. Riverside Bayview Homes (1985)

Supreme Court case affirming COE's jurisdiction over wetlands adjacent to navigable waters.

Clean Water Act

Amendment to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act that regulates discharges of pollutants into waters.

Swampbuster

Provisions in the Food Security Act aimed to discourage the conversion of wetlands to crop production.

Ramsar Convention

International treaty established to protect wetland habitats and promote their sustainable use.

SWANCC v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2001)

Supreme Court decision limiting COE's authority over isolated wetlands based on the migratory bird rule.

Rapanos v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2006)

Supreme Court case addressing the jurisdictional reach of federal water protection laws over wetlands.

No Net Loss Policy

Federal policy goal to maintain the total area of wetlands by balancing gains and losses.

Wetland Delineation Manual

Guidelines developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for identifying and classifying wetlands.

Significant Nexus

Legal concept defining the relationship between wetlands and navigable waters, determining regulatory authority.

State Wetland Programs

State-level initiatives for managing both coastal and inland wetlands.

Dredge and Fill Permit

Authorization requirement for the discharge of fill materials or dredging in navigable waters.

Migratory Bird Rule

Establishment by COE indicating that wetlands serving as habitat for migratory birds are subject to federal regulation.

Waters of the United States

Legal term used to describe water bodies under federal jurisdiction, including wetlands.