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This study was conducted to describe how natural resource professionals and others in Colorado interpret the presence of hummocks in wetlands and riparian areas. Surveys were administered to hydrologists, soil scientists, rangeland management specialists, ecologists, botanists, wildlife/fisheries biologists, and agriculture/livestock producers in Colorado. Participants included representatives from U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and a non-profit livestock industry organization. The online survey was based on a review of pertinent literature on hummock formation and 24 interviews with natural resource specialists. Across all respondents (214 completed surveys), organic matter accumulation was rated as the most likely hummock forming process and erosion by water was least likely. Respondent beliefs about the likelihood of various hummock formation processes differed by professional discipline and professional affiliation. Overall, hummock presence was rated between “somewhat important” and “important” as an indicator of wetland/riparian condition. All other condition indicators listed were rated as more important than hummock presence. Members of the soils-hydrology group rated hummock presence as a more important condition indicator than any other discipline. Overall, 30% of respondents believed that the presence of hummocks in wetlands and/or riparian areas suggested the need for management actions, 25% did not feel that hummock presence suggested the need for management actions and 45% were not sure. The soils-hydrology group had the highest percentage of respondents indicating the need for management actions in response to hummock presence (57%). Important differences in the interpretation of hummocks in wetlands and riparian areas exist among natural resource disciplines and professional affiliations.  Until processes of hummock formation are better understood, recognition and appreciation of these differences will improve efforts to reach management decisions for wetlands and riparian areas.