5 Best Practices for Swamp Mats on Sensitive Wetlands

Sensitive wetlands present unique challenges for construction projects. Heavy equipment is often necessary, yet these environments can be easily damaged. Using composite site mats allows access while protecting fragile soils and vegetation. The question is, how do you use them correctly? Follow these best practices to safeguard wetlands and keep projects compliant and efficient.

1. Plan Access Routes Carefully

   Before moving equipment, identify the narrowest, firmest crossing points. Favor previously disturbed corridors to avoid new impacts. Schedule work during low-flow or frozen-ground periods to reduce erosion risk. Wetlands make up roughly 5% of the lower-48 land area but support around 31% of U.S. plant species, underscoring the need for careful routing.

2. Install Composite Mats Correctly

   Place swamp mats perpendicular to the travel direction and fit panels tightly. Gaps or rocking can cause shifting and soil washout. Lift mats into place without dragging them to minimize ground disturbance. For heavier loads or high-traffic corridors, interlocking site protection mats improve stability and reduce site restoration. In designated wetlands, protecting the natural environment takes precedence, down to and including using best practices for mat installation.

3. Limit Equipment Impact

   Keep heavy machinery out of wetlands whenever possible. Sensitive terrain is especially susceptible to large pieces of equipment such as trackhoes. Use low-ground-pressure equipment and wide tracks to reduce compaction and maintain natural hydrology. Think “sneakers, not boots”: a smaller ground-contact pressure leaves fewer ruts and preserves water-flow paths that wetlands depend on.

4. Clean and Remove Mats Responsibly

   During and after use, clear mats of soil and plant material. Dispose of debris upland—never into the wetland. Remove mats methodically and restore original grades to speed recovery. For additional wetlands-specific planning guidance, see our post on selecting the ideal matting solution for wetland construction projects.

5. Restore and Monitor the Site

   After removal, stabilize disturbed soils and reseed with native species. Inspect crossings in the following weeks to confirm vegetation regrowth and natural drainage. A documented restoration plan demonstrates environmental responsibility and helps maintain community trust.

Environmental Checklist

Field conditions in wetlands can shift quickly; a structured pre-job review helps protect hydrology, vegetation, and access integrity. Use the checklist below during the pre-job briefing (JSA) and again just before mobilization to confirm matting plans, equipment selection, and restoration measures. Document completion to support permit conditions, safety requirements, and post-project closeout.

• Choose minimal-impact crossing points

• Install mats tightly and securely

• Use low-impact equipment

• Clean mats before removal

• Reseed and monitor disturbed areas

Protecting wetlands means balancing access with stewardship. By planning routes, installing mats properly, limiting equipment impact, cleaning and removing responsibly, and restoring the site, teams keep projects moving while protecting sensitive ecosystems. It’s good business sense to explore more construction mat solutions.