Skip to content
News

SPR & Roux to host Webinar on March 26th: “Big Changes for Small Wetlands: NYSDEC’s New Regulations Explained”

Published On March 7, 2025

Join us for a live complimentary webinar on Wednesday, March 26th at 1 PM EDT, “Big Changes for Small Wetlands: NYSDEC’s New Regulations Explained.” This presentation, featuring Sive, Paget & Riesel’s Michael Bogin and Ahlia Bethea, and Roux’s Rachel Henke and Kathryn Sommo, will provide an in-depth discussion of these regulatory changes and their implications for property owners, developers, and environmental professionals based in New York City and Long Island. Click HERE to register.

On December 31, 2024, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) finalized revisions to its freshwater wetlands regulations under 6 NYCRR Part 664, which significantly expanded the scope of state jurisdiction. These changes, which took effect on January 1, 2025, stem from legislative amendments to the State's Freshwater Wetlands Act (FWA) and are expected to bring an estimated one million acres of previously unregulated wetlands under NYSDEC oversight.

Key topics will include:

  • Jurisdictional Determinations: The elimination of NYS Freshwater Wetlands Maps, the new process for requesting jurisdictional determinations, and how NYSDEC will assess wetlands remotely.
  •  New “Unusual Importance” Jurisdiction: Criteria for freshwater wetlands of "Unusual Importance," the potential for expanded buffer zones based on wetland characteristics, and NYSDEC's extended regulatory reach to urban areas and wetlands within 2.48 miles of urban centers.
  • Grandfathering and Compliance Timelines: Key exemptions and deadlines for projects approved before January 1, 2025.
  • General Permits and Future Regulatory Developments: NYSDEC's proposed general permit for common projects and anticipated additional permits for urban areas, shallow reedy lakes, and renewable energy developments.

This webinar will provide valuable insights into navigating the revised regulations, understanding permitting requirements, and preparing for compliance under the new framework.

Disclaimer: The content of this webinar, and its supplemental material, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SPR, Roux, and/or any of the clients they represent.