What is a Wetland?

Legally, the term "wetland" includes not only areas we typically think of as wet lands, such as cattail marches or red maple swamps, but also intermittent streams, riverfronts, and other areas that may be dry for a significant portion of the year.  The Act specifically regulates activities in or near "bordering vegetated wetlands (BVWs) - wet woods or meadows, marshes, swamps and bogs adjacent to water bodies.  North Reading Conservation Commission bylaws define "freshwater wetlands" to include both Bordering and Isolated Vegetated Wetlands, supported by hydric soils, wetland vegetation and/or hydrologic conditions.