MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the state's wetlands are healthy overall but suffering in some areas.

Around three-fourths of the state's wetlands are in north-central and northeastern Minnesota, mainly forested areas where they've thrived because of less development and less-intensive land use.

However, the reports say, 80 percent of the state's other wetlands aren't faring nearly as well. They're in heavily agricultural and more populated parts of central, southern and western Minnesota.

The reports released Thursday used vegetation quality as a key indicator. It can affect a wetland's value as habitat for ducks, geese, insects and other wildlife.

They rated vegetation quality as "exceptional" in about 49 percent of the state's wetlands overall. But 33 percent are in fair or poor condition.

Minnesota's waterfowl season opens Saturday.

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