Your farm. Your fields. Know what’s coming.

What’s happening with Illinois wetlands, and why it matters to you.

The wetlands conversation didn’t end at the federal level; it moved to Springfield. That shift is still playing out, and the conversation happening now and decisions being made in the coming months could affect how you manage your fields, tile drainage, and land improvement plans.

ISA has been tracking this issue closely and this page is your resource. As the situation develops, we’ll keep it updated with what you need to know when you need to know it.

Sign up below to get ISA updates on wetlands delivered directly to you. When decisions start getting made, you’ll be ready.

Why This Issue Matters:

The debate you thought was over, isn’t.

The Sackett decision felt like a win. It moved the debate to the states. In Illinois, the conversation is still unfolding. Legislation was already introduced once. What comes next is uncertain.

Your fields may be more affected than you think.

Wetlands aren’t just rivers and marshes. Low-lying fields, grassed waterways seasonal ponding, field edges. What qualifies could be broader than you realize and impact tile drainage decisions, land improvement plans.

For farmers, land stewardship comes with the territory.

You’ve always known healthy soil and a productive operation go together. Illinois farmers are already doing this work voluntarily. ISA is committed to keeping their stories front and center.

ISA is watching this, so you can stay informed.

ISA tracks this on behalf of the 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. Working with partners and making sure farmers are aware and informed. If something changes that affects your operation, you’ll know.

Frequently Asked Questions:

It might, and that’s exactly why ISA is tracking it so closely. Most people picture rivers and marshes when they hear the word wetlands. But the definition in regulations could end up much broader than that. Features like low-lying fields, grassed waterways, areas that pond seasonally after heavy rains, and long-established field edges, could potentially fall within the scope depending on how the rules are written.

The Sackett decision returned authority over wetlands regulation to individual states. In Illinois, that shift set off a process that’s still unfolding. Legislation has already been introduced at the state level, and while it didn’t become law, the conversation it started is still going. The fight didn’t end. It moved to Springfield and ISA is working to ensure that Illinois farmers are fully informed as the situation develops.

Content coming soon!

Content coming soon!
Content coming soon!
Content coming soon!
Content coming soon!