What is the Wetlands Protection Act?

The Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act was adopted by the Massachusetts Legislature in the early 1960s out of concern for the degradation and loss of wetlands. The MA DEP Wetlands Program ensures the protection of Massachusetts' inland and coastal wetlands, tidelands, great ponds, rivers and floodplains. It regulates activities in coastal and wetlands areas, and contributes to the protection of ground and surface water quality, the prevention of flooding and storm damage and the protection of wildlife and aquatic habitat.