Regulations Division
Office of General Counsel, Room 10276
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh St., SW
Washington, DC 20410-0500

Re: Docket No. FR-4142-P-01

I am submitting comments regarding the proposed rule on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.

I believe that the proposed rule is needed. Wetland preservation and Floodplain Management are essential to preserving our nation's natural areas. However, the definition for the term Wetlands is too complex for the average individual to understand. Upon further research, I found a definition used by the Miami Valley Wetlands Inventory team. The definition that the "team" uses is Wetlands are places that are saturated with water to within eight inches of the soil surface during at least three weeks of the year during April to October, or six weeks during the remainder of the year. This definition would be easier to understand for the average individual than the definition in the proposed rule.

This proposed rule is composed of two sections, wetlands and flood plain management. It could be separated into two rules. There is a large amount of new wording in this proposed rule and parts of it may be confusing to the average individual. The wording of this proposed rule should be reviewed to insure that the average individual would understand the changes and the intent of the proposed rule.

If there are any questions regarding this letter, I may be reached at 937-775-3853

Sincerely,

Marianne Shreck