Wetland Rules and Appeals Reform for Farmers
New rules simplify wetland management for farmers, prohibit retroactive penalties, and change appeal procedures. Citizens gain greater protection against unfair decisions and easier access to the appeal process, along with the option to provide feedback through satisfaction surveys.
Key points
Removing woody vegetation from wetlands will no longer be considered an activity for agricultural production, potentially reducing penalties for farmers.
No retroactive penalties: Farmers will not be penalized for cultivating land not previously officially designated as wetlands.
Burden of proof on the agency: The agency must prove a violation, not the farmer their innocence.
Streamlined appeal process: New appeal rules include the ability to call technical staff as witnesses and compensation for legal costs if an appeal is successful.
Customer satisfaction surveys and oversight committees: Surveys and committees will be established to improve customer service and oversee wetland-related processes.
Introduced
Citizen Poll