What the NYSDEC wetlands updates mean for the region
On January 1, 2025, revised freshwater wetland regulations went into effect from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These new regulations represent the first substantial update to state wetland regulations since they were first implemented in 1975. A change of this significance has predictably prompted a range of reactions, both positive and negative. As an unbiased and politically unaffiliated policy research Organization, Pattern is uniquely positioned to provide an early analysis of the updated freshwater wetland regulations. This report represents Pattern’s effort to provide a balanced assessment of the new rules and how they may impact the region.
- Our report includes the following:
- An overview of the regulatory changes
- A step-by-step explanation of the new jurisdictional determination process
- Interactive mapping that compares wetlands regulated in the 1970s to the increased area of wetlands that is subject to the new process
- Mapping that shows regulated wetlands in U.S. Census designated urban areas throughout the Hudson Valley
- DEC data that show the number of jurisdictional requests received and processed during the first six months of the new regulations
- A review of potential delays, stumbling points, and other challenges that could slow development and have other ramifications in the Hudson Valley
A snapshot of wetlands mapping before and after the updates – New Paltz area
LEFT (purple): Previously Mapped Freshwater Wetlands (former regulatory map) RIGHT (green): Informational Freshwater Wetlands Mapping (new non-regulatory map)
Getting Your Feet Wet also includes data to show the number of jurisdictional requests received by the New York State Department of Conservation in the first six months that the new regulations were in effect. Early indications showed that DEC was overwhelmed by a huge number of requests, prompting the department to post this notice on its website: “Please be aware that DEC has received an unprecedented number of JD requests, and a determination may take up to 90 days to be completed.
From January 1 to June 24, DEC received 5,211 jurisdictional requests statewide. A total of 23%, or 1,197, were from the Hudson Valley alone. As of the writing of this report, the state had processed 56% of the requests that it received. More information about these data, and concerns about potential delays to development projects, are included in the report.
Getting Your Feet Wet was made possible by the support of nearly 200 Pattern members, whose annual contributions fund the time and talent for our independent research.
This report is also made possible by special support from Harris Beach Murtha | Attorneys at Law.
