Why does the Army regulate wetlands? Aren wetlands strictly a concern of the environmental community?
The original intent behind wetland protection was for military/strategic reasons. The military wanted to maintain and protect America’s harbors and shipping lanes from sabotage, blockage, and other obstacles to their management. Since those times, flood protection and ecological considerations have expanded USACE’s expertise and jurisdiction with respect to wetlands. The Clean Water Act regulates filling of wetlands, which can have negative impacts on the ecology and flood handling capacity of waterways.
