We’re worried that two state reports on Minnesota’s wetlands may prompt policy changes in St. Paul regarding wetland regulations. As with federal proposals the Koochiching County Board has been watching, such a move probably wouldn’t be good for our county.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency both recently reported that despite wetlands preservation legislation enacted in the early 1990s, thousands of acres of wetlands continue to be lost to drainage or filling.

This could prompt stricter statewide regulations on wetlands replacement.

But the problem with statewide wetlands regulations is they unfairly target areas like Koochiching County. Federal proposals even went so far as to suggest replacement wetlands could be dug in our county for development elsewhere.

We’d suggest if the DNR and MPCA really want to bring back a certain level of wetlands in Minnesota they should get to the heart of the problem.

Begin by filling in wide swaths of prime agricultural land in the Red River Valley with wetlands. Then, tear out parking lots and office buildings on high-priced real estate near the Minnesota River in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities and re-establish wetlands there.

After all, these are the places where Minnesota’s wetlands have been lost.

But these things won’t happen. Instead, regulations will again be proposed that hold northern Minnesota accountable for actions taken elsewhere.

Don’t misunderstand us. The state does need to retain its wetlands.

But we would suggest rather than a statewide approach, officials consider perhaps one based on watersheds or other region boundaries.

After all, Koochiching County &045; which by most accounts has at least 80 percent of its pre-settlement wetlands &045; shouldn’t have to be held to the same standard as areas of the state that have already drained most of their pre-settlement wetlands.

&045; The Daily Journal (International Falls)