General Authorization for Wetland Restoration and Enhancement
To be eligible for this General Authorization, the project must be for the specific purpose of wetland restoration or enhancement and must:
Restore wetland types historically found in the region
AND
Restore or enhance wetland functional attributes such as fish and wildlife habitat, water quality and quantity
AND
Support waterfowl or wetland management within a state or federally designated management area.
The following projects are not eligible for this authorization:
Projects proposed to meet compensatory wetland mitigation requirements to offset impacts to wetlands (unless it is part of a wetland conservation plan).
Projects proposed for storm or waste water management, stock ponds, or aquaculture.
Projects designed to restore or enhance wetlands used as amenities in golf courses, subdivisions or similar settings where their purpose is primarily aesthetic.
Projects for restoring a wetland previously constructed for the purpose of complying with compensatory wetland mitigation requirements.
Projects proposed within a Wetland Conservation Plan area and not in conformance with the approved plan.
The project must meet ALL of the following criteria:
The project shall have only minimal adverse impact to existing wetlands
The project must result in a measurable increase in wetland functional attributes
The project may not include removal of trees from forested wetlands unless the resultant wetland type was historically abundant but currently scarce in the area.
The following activities are specifically allowed under this general authorization:
Water diversion structures may be used to direct flow into restoration or enhancement areas
Water impoundment structures may be used to manipulate water levels to simulate historical conditions, including complete drying out of the wetland
Dikes or ditches may be altered or constructed to impound or convey water to a restoration or enhancement area
Dike removal or breaching may be conducted to expand wetland hydrology.
Filling of drainage ditches and or removal of drain tile is a technique that can be used to restore or enhance wetland hydrology
Streambank excavation to expand the area of inundation along a stream may be used to restore or enhance wetlands
Surface excavation and re-contouring may be conducted to restore or enhance wetlands
Blasting to create depressions or recreate habitat channels is allowed. A blasting permit may be required by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
To apply, complete an joint permit application. The application form must be reviewed and signed by the appropriate Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife District Biologist.
Note: A full wetland delineation is not required for most wetland enhancement projects. The application requires enough information to confirm the approximate acreages of restoration or enhancement. Please contact the DSL Resource Coordinator for your county for more guidance on this.
For a more detailed description of additional eligibility requirements, mandatory requirements and project guidelines, consult OAR 141-090.
If you have further questions about a specific project, contact the DSL Resource Coordinator for your county.
