In 1991, reacting to public concern about Minnesota’s disappearing wetlands, the Minnesota Legislature approved. Governor Arne Carlson signed the Wetland Conservation Act, one of the most sweeping wetland protection laws in the country. An interim program became effective January 1, 1992. On January 1, 1994, the full program began. The Legislature has amended the WCA significantly eleven times, mostly to accommodate the varying needs of the different geographic areas of Minnesota. Replacement must be decided by the Morrison SWCD, not the landowner. Certain wetland activities are exempt from the act, allowing projects with minimal impact or projects located on land where certain pre-established land uses are present to proceed without regulation.  Landowners wishing to avoid enforcement should make sure their project is indeed exempt and not attempt to interpret the law and or rules, themselves.