Wetlands monitored

Wetlands come in many different shapes, sizes and types. They vary in the amount of water they hold, how long they hold water and the type of vegetation they support. Not all wetland have standing water during the growing season.

All wetlands monitored in WHEP must meet three criteria:

1. soils developed in wet conditions
2. wet either above ground or wet within 12 inches of the surface during all or part of the growing season
3. plants adapted to live in wet soil conditions

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service divided wetlands into eight types (Types 1-8). The two primary characteristics used in the classification system include the wetland's dominant plant type and water depth during the growing season. Wetlands monitored in WHEP are depressional wetlands with emergent marsh vegetation (Types 3, 4, or 5). 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency designed and tested the WHEP sampling protocols for Type 3, 4 and 5 wetlands located in the Central Hardwood Region of the State of Minnesota.

Wetlands sampled in WHEP are chosen by the sponsoring agency (city, watershed management organization or county parks department). 

Wetlands monitored in the 2026 season are: