Do farmers and ranchers need to be concerned with wetlands?

Farmers and ranchers need to be concerned about changing the hydrology of any wetlands on their property. The FAIRA is focused on water, and that includes wetlands. The CWA not only polices water pollution from a point source, but it also vigorously applies to "dredging and filling" of any navigable water of the United States. A permit is needed before any work is initiated. A wetland that appears from groundwater, and not surface water, has been held to be "waters of the United States". Dredge and fill includes digging a ditch; a permit is required and is strictly enforced.