I'm planning to do some work near water or a wetland. Do I need a permit?

 The Freshwater Wetlands Act (Article 24 of the Environmental Conservation Law) requires DEC and the Adirondack Park Agency (for areas inside the Adirondack Park) to map all those freshwater wetlands that are subject to jurisdiction of the law. The law requires that the maps show 'the approximate location of the actual wetland boundary.' DEC will refine that approximate boundary by doing a field delineation for landowners when they need more precise information, such as when they are planning to conduct work near a wetlands area. Your local municipal offices and regional DEC offices have wetland maps and other related information.

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Freshwater Wetland Information
Wetland mapping and conservation information
URL: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4937.html