What is a wetland buffer zone?

Under the Wetlands Protection Act, a “buffer zone” is the area within 100 feet of a wetland. According to the WPA, activity within the buffer zone is not presumed to have impact on the wetland. However, buffer zones play an important role in preservation of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the wetland and an applicant who wishes to conduct activity within a buffer zone must explain what will be done to protect the nearby wetland.