Wetlands

Carr Research Laboratory, Inc. (CRL) provides the most advanced practical applications of telmatology (the science of wetlands) to wetland projects of all kinds. Telmatology is the study of wetlands and is continually evolving with new ideas which are applied to federal, state, and local regulations. If managed correctly, wetlands can be enhanced to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and to provide habitat for diverse species of birds, amphibians, fish, and other wildlife. The wetlands experience of CRL includes, but is not limited to:

• Site inspections
• Border delineations
• Regulatory permitting
• Wildlife habitat evaluations
• Hydrology and water quality studies
• Basic and applied research on wetland evolution and function
• Public education programs

Wetland Border Delineation

Precision mapping of wetland borders is a key component of land use planning on a site specific basis. Wetland borders are defined by various state and/or local regulations. Most regulatory agencies mandate that vegetation, soils, and hydrologic criteria be satisfied. A staff member of CRL can flag about 3,000 feet of wetland border per day for average site conditions.

CRL prides itself on providing the most scientifically accurate wetland line possible. Decades of training, countless formal training courses, and a wide array of resources keep CRL on the cutting edge of wetland science regarding delineation criteria. CRL understands wetlands and their function from the most fundamental scientific perspective, allowing us to accurately assess your property. There are times when the presence of:

Wetlands Vegetation, Hydric Soils, or Wet Hydrology

alone may not dictate wetland jurisdiction. Call us to find out more information.

Research In Telmatology

Before one can manage a wetland resource, a thorough understanding of wetland evolution and function is mandatory. Since 1983, CRL has conducted an extensive basic research program in these areas. The key documents needed to understand wetland evolution and function are the Proceedings of the International Peat Congresses. CRL undertook an effort to locate and acquire every volume from 1963 to the present which provides over 10,000 pages of detailed technical reports of the highest quality. These reports, plus other wetland studies published by the United Nations, or in numerous technical journals, are the basis of our advanced understanding of telmatology.

The staff of CRL has taken this advanced knowledge and put it to work. This, combined with over two decades of practical field experience in working with wetlands brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to wetland problems which is unmatched in New England. Note that Dr. Carr is one of only two members of the International Peat Society residing in Massachusetts.

Winter botany makes wetland flagging an interesting challenge. Carr Research Laboratory, Inc. is trained in identifying regional wetland and upland vegetation under winter conditions!

Wetland Replication Programs

For many construction projects, wetland intrusions cannot be avoided. In these cases, wetland replication is mandated by the regulatory agencies. CRL has developed many wetland successful replication programs. Our present wetland replication programs are aimed at improving water quality and enhancing habitat value for wildlife. We use various wildlife habitat models to help design plans where wildlife is a key restoration goals. For more information, please see the wildlife habitat page in this brochure.

Wetland Protection Act Site Reviews

CRL has been the advisor to over a dozen Conservation Commissions in Massachusetts. As regular Conservation Commission consultants, CRL has reviewed hundreds of projects which could have potentially altered wetlands. We have helped Conservation Commissions eliminate unneeded wetland intrusions, identified wetland borders that were not properly mapped, helped protect proposed building from flooding, and have encouraged wildlife ponds.

Wetland Education Programs

CRL has conducted several education programs related to wetlands. One of our earlier education efforts was the keynote lecture for the 1987 Spring Annual Meeting for the American Institute of Hydrology. Over 100 people attended Dr. Carr's lecture on "Wetlands - Hydrologic Evolution and Function." Since then, staff members from CRL have regularly presented technical wetland symposia to a wide variety of audiences.

Revision of State Wetland Law

The Wetlands Protection Act of Massachusetts and the existing regulations are based on a philosophy best stated by F. Golet who said, "...all wetlands should be protected until it can be proven that alteration is in the better interest of the public now and for all generations to come." The key word "until" clearly implies that once we understand wetlands, we should manage wetlands. The science of telmatology is over 35 years old, and wetland management can now be implemented with confidence. CRL has rewritten a draft of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and is recommending that it be changed to a "Wetlands Stewardship Act." This change will allow enhancement of real wetland values, particularly the wildlife component. CRL is actively attempting to have the new draft law enacted by the Massachusetts legislature.