Are ponds and lakes considered wetlands?
Deepwater and open water habitats that do not grow emergent plants are not considered wetlands, but are typically still regulated as “waters of the United States.” Shallow shoreline areas in these bodies of water that do support wetland plants are considered “lacustrine” or lake-associated wetlands. Some open water habitats that support aquatic vegetation may qualify as “special aquatic sites” and may be subject to regulation.
