Wetlands - Many areas within Forest Home Township can be classified as wetlands. The specific definition of a wetland can and does differ between agencies, levels of government and individuals. Under the Michigan Goemaere-Anderson Wetlands Act, wetlands are determined by onsite inspection using three criteria. These criteria are: presence of water, type of soils, and vegetation cover. This act also distinguishes between regulated and non-regulated wetlands based upon size and connection or lack thereof with surface water-bodies. Not having the resources to conduct an onsite determination of all lands within ^-the township, we have chosen to utilize information from the Antrim County Soil Survey to delineate those areas having a high potential of being classified as wetlands. Soils classified in the Antrim County Soil Survey as Hydric Soils are those that exhibit wetland characteristics. These soils are found in the base of valleys, around creeks, and the smaller lakes within the township and generally consist of "heavy" organic soils. These areas also occur along the shorelines of lakes and along the Intermediate River, Grass River, Grass Creek and along the small unnamed creeks in the township. Areas shown as having "Hydric Inclusions" are those areas where two soil types are intermingled with one of the soil types classified as being "Hydric". Areas shown on the Wetlands Map in yellow contain hydric inclusions and should be examined in greater detail when making site specific development decisions.

Areas depicted as having hydric characteristics on the Wetlands Map, duplicate those areas shown as having severe limitations due to wetness on the Septic Limitations Map.

NATURAL RESOURCES ANALYSIS

Those areas of Forest Home Township which are best suited for development based upon ability to utilize septic tank and tile fields for waste disposal are currently being used for agricultural purposes for the production of food, livestock feed, pasture lands and timber, or are returning to forested areas.

Based upon the natural resources present, particularly the soils and the presence of water bodies, those areas that are best suited for development from an environmental standpoint, are also those lands that are best suited for the production of food and fiber. While the loss of food and fiber production from Forest Home Township alone will not have a major impact on the nationwide food or wood supply, the loss of it combined with the cumulative loss from other areas could be a problem over time. In addition to the economic value these products add to the area, the farms and wood lots contribute to the rural character of Forest Home Township and provide open space.

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