A wetland can range from a slight depression that holds water only after spring runoff to a forested swamp with saturated peat soils. Most people probably would describe a wetland as a small body of open water with cattails on the fringe. Lakes and streams are generally not wetlands, but may be bordered by wetlands. Since there are many laws today protecting wetlands, it is important to identify wetlands and define their boundaries. There are some clues that are helpful in determining wetland or non-wetland areas.
Water usually determines soil color and influences the vegetation found on a site.
In undisturbed sites, vegetation is the most easily identifiable criterion and can be useful in wetland observations. Soils and hydrologic factors are more complex and are only briefly described in this fact sheet. Wetland Vegetation Wetland areas are usually dominated by vegetation that competes well or survives in wet conditions. The following plants are usually found in wet areas and are fairly good indicators of the presence of a wetland. In Minnesota, two major soil types develop in wet conditions.