Neighbor Is Draining My Wetland
Ohio- This wetland has been established for about 8 years now. It is a 35 acre, naturally occurring wetland due to beavers damming a creek. About 13 acres lays on my property and the rest is on my neighbors. Both of us take advantage of the waterfowl hunting this wetland offers.
These neighbors do not like me. They have accused me of trespassing, which has never happened. I believe the animosity is due to the hunting and they want the entire property to themselves. Recently, the water on our side has been receding. I was suspicious that it was due to manipulation of the beaver dams by these neighbors. I messaged the neighbor on Facebook to see if maybe there was an issue with the damn and if I had permission to take a walk on the property to see what the issue was. It was clear in his response that A) he hates me and to not step foot on the property and B) he was manipulating the water level himself so that I would not have a wetland to hunt.
The beaver dams are on his property and I believe he has added a way to manipulate the water level. My property would drain first due to being furthest away from the dams.
I know wetlands are protected and you have to obtain a permit to drain one. Does he have the right to drain a neighbors water? Even if he did receive a permit, could a permit grant him the right to drain a neighbors wetland? If he is intentionally doing this, what are the consequences. I know should contact the USDA and EPA. I would like to be reasonable and tell him the consequences and work it out before going to an agency. Edit: does this also fall under hunter harassment?
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