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replaced by restoring or creating wetland areas of at least equal public value. Goal is no net loss of wetlands. (Rules 8420.0105) B.3 Definition of a Wetland Wetland is defined by presence of(a) hydric soils, (b) surface or subsurface hydrology, and(c) hydrophytic vegetation. (Rules 8420.0110,subp.52.) Wetlands are delineated under standards in 1987 Federal Manual. The Wetland Conservation Act applies to all wetlands, except those identified on DNR inventory of protected waters and wetlands. Refer to the Technical Reference Section of this manual for information regarding delineation of wetlands under the 87 Manual. B.4 Local Governmental Unit The local government unit (LGU) has the primarily responsibility for administration of the WCA and for making key determinations. Generally, the LGU is the city or county, but may be another entity such as a watershed district or soil and water conservation district. (Rules 8420.0110,subp.30.) The state agency is the LGU for a project by that state agency or activity on state land. Refer to Part D of this section of the manual for further information on determining the LGU. B.5 Exemptions The WCA specifies ten categories of exempt drain and fill activities. (Rules 8420.0122.) No permit or approval is necessary for exempt activities. Notable exemptions include those for certain agricultural activities, maintenance of existing public or private drainage systems, public utilities, road maintenance and previously approved developments. There is an absolute "de minimis" exemption for activities draining or filling less than 400 square feet. Other de minimis exemptions range from 2,000 to 10,000 square feet, depending upon wetland type, location, and ownership. (Rules 8420.0122,subp.9.) Refer to "Part II - WCA Exemptions" of this manual for further information. 13.6 Replacement Plans If an activity is not exempt, impacted wetlands must be replaced under a replacement plan approved by the LGU. The replacement plan must demonstrate compliance with "sequencing," i.e., (a)that wetland impacts are avoided as much as possible, (b) that to the extent that the impacts cannot be avoided, the wetland impacts are minimized, and (c) that unavoidably impacted wetlands are replaced as required by the WCA Rules. (Rules 8420.0520.) The Rules include numerous specific requirements as to location, size, type, etc. of replacement wetlands. (Rules 8420.0540-.0550.) Minimum replacement is generally two acres of replaced wetland for each acre drained or filled. For wetlands on agricultural land or in counties where 80 percent or more of the presettlement wetlands exist, minimum replacement is one acre of replaced wetland for each acre drained or filled. (Rules 8420.0540,subp.6.) Refer to "Part III-Replacement Plan Determinations" of this manual for further information and guidance. Part I -Program Overview April 1997 WCA Administration I- 7