In a disappointing turn of events, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved water quality certification for a large wetland fill in the city of Superior, on the southwestern shore of Lake Superior, for construction of a new middle school. At the least, the school “footprint” has been reduced considerably, affecting slightly less than 25 acres of wetland compared to the nearly 35 acres originally proposed to be filled. An extensive conservation plan has been drawn up to mitigate the losses; the plan includes translocating rare plant species into another wetland site, and restoring an area of wetland slightly larger than what will be filled. In light of this decision, we can expect to see recurring development pressure in this wetland-rich city.