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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland_Delineation 821151009 Wetland Delineation & Rating Report September 19, 2018 Prepared for: Douglas Middendorf 922 Tala Shore Drive Port Ludlow, WA 98365 Regarding: Parcel 821151009 Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 2 | M S A Table of Contents I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3 II. General Site Conditions ............................................................................................................. 3 III. Site Information ........................................................................................................................ 4 Natural Resources Conservation Services Soil Query .................................................................... 4 National Wetlands Inventory Query ............................................................................................... 5 IV. Wetland Assessment Methods .................................................................................................. 6 V. Wetland Delineation .................................................................................................................. 7 A. Vegetation .................................................................................................................................. 8 B. Soils .......................................................................................................................................... 10 C. Hydrology................................................................................................................................. 11 VI. Wetland Rating ....................................................................................................................... 11 VII. Stream Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Assessment Methods ................................... 13 VIII. Stream Delineation ............................................................................................................... 14 IX. Summary ................................................................................................................................. 14 X. References ............................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 1. Wetland/Parcel Map Figure 2. Wetland Delineation/Parcel Map Figure 3. National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Map Figure 4. NRCS Soil Survey Figure 5. 1km Radius Land Use Map Figure 6. 303(d) Waters Figure 7. Cowardin Class, Plant Cover, and 150 Foot Boundary Figure 8. TMDLS in WRIA 17 (Quilcene-Snow Watershed) Appendix A Wetland Determination Forms and Wetland Rating Form Appendix B Photo Documentation Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 3 | M S A I. Introduction Marine Surveys & Assessments (MSA) was authorized by the property owner, Douglas Middendorf, to assess a wetland area within a parcel in Jefferson County, Washington. The wetland lies within Port Ludlow, and as such was rated, assigned a buffer as specified by the Jefferson County municipal code, and delineated to the extent that it crosses onto the parcel in question. The wetland was given a buffer as according to specifications in the Jefferson County Municipal Code for Category III wetlands with moderate impact land use, which is 110 feet. A Type “Ns” – Non-Fish Bearing Seasonal Stream, less than 20% grade, has a buffer of 50 feet and was also delineated (Figure 2). Field work was completed on August 15th and September 2nd, 2018, with GIS mapping and subsequent report writing was completed between August 17th and September 19th, 2018. The project site is located at 922 Tala Shore Drive Port Ludlow, Washington 98365 in the northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Township 28N, Range 1E (Figure 1). The project site consists of one 2.52-acre parcel (821151009), which is adjacent to Admiralty Inlet and northern Hood Canal in WRIA 17 (Quilcene-Snow Watershed) (Figure 8). II. General Site Conditions This project site includes two preexisting single-family residences, a small storage shed, gravel roads, well maintained residential lawn, and an undeveloped forested area. The parcel is elevated to 85 feet above sea level at the northern and western borders and slopes gently to the southeast at less than 10 degrees to an elevation of 75 feet above sea level. The parcel is bordered on the southern and northern sides by residential homes and undeveloped forested area. The northern extent of Tala Shore Drive runs along the entirety of the western property line and is adjacent to a large contiguous area of undeveloped forest. The eastern border consists of an undeveloped forested area and steep bluff to marine shoreline. On a site visit on August 15, 2018, a Type “Ns” – Non-Fish Bearing Seasonal Stream, less than 20% grade, was observed within the southwestern corner of the project site. An associated wetland was determined to occur adjacent to the Type “Ns” stream, along a gradual slope, within the project site. Field indicators included hydrophytic vegetation (Yellow skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)), dense Facultative vegetation, hydric soils, and saturation. Said hydrophytic vegetation, coupled with geomorphic positioning and the presence of saturated soils suggested that a wetland was present. A wetland rating and delineation was completed on August 15th and September 2nd 2018. Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 4 | M S A III. Site Information Natural Resources Conservation Services Soil Query Approximately 2.52 acres; 1 parcel: See Figure 4 Soil Map Code Soil Name Percent CfC Cassolary sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes 30.1 CkD Cassolary-Kitsap complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes 69.9 The Cassolary series consists of very deep, moderately well drained soils formed in reworked glacial drift and marine sediments. The soils are on terraces and terrace escarpments. Cassolary soils are on uplands at elevations of 50 to 500 feet. Slopes are 0 to 50 percent. The average precipitation is 16 to 30 inches and the mean annual temperature is between 48 and 50 degrees F. Frost free season is 160 to 200 days. The soils are in mild marine climate characterized by cool, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Cassolary soils are moderately extensive and are typically found in northwestern region of Washington. Native vegetation supported by this soil series is typically characterized by Douglas fir, with some western red cedar and western hemlock; understory species include salal, red huckleberry, longtube twinflower, western brackenfern, and ocean spray (National Cooperative Soil Survey; Rev. LJH-RJE 01/2000). The Kitsap series consists of very deep, moderately well drained soils formed in lacustrine sediments. Kitsap soils are on terraces and terrace escarpments, at elevations ranging from near sea level to about 500 feet and have slopes of 0 to 70 percent. The mean annual precipitation is about 37 inches. The mean annual temperature is about 50 degrees F. Frost free season is 160 to 200 days. The soils are in mild marine climate characterized by cool and dry summers and mild, wet winters. Kitsap soils are moderately extensive and are typically found in northwestern region of Washington. Native vegetation supported by this soil series is typically characterized by Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar, red alder, bigleaf maple, and willows; understory species include western brackenfern, western sword fern, salal, Oregon grape, trailing blackberry, red huckleberry, vine maple, evergreen huckleberry, red elderberry, and wild ginger (National Cooperative Soil Survey; Rev. JPE/AZ/RJE 01/2000). Cassolary sandy loam (CfC), 0 to 15 percent slopes accounts for 30.1 percent of the project site, primarily on the western one-third portion. CfC are well drained and have a restrictive depth feature at more than 80 inches. The capacity to transit water at the most limiting layer (Ksat) is moderately high (0.20 to 0.57 in/hr). The depth to the water table is about 20 to 32 inches. The available water storage in profile is moderate (~8.5 inches), with no frequency of flooding or ponding. A wetland determination soil sample (Vegetation, Soils, Hydrology (VSH-2)) was recorded within this portion of the project site to represent upland habitat (Figure 2 and Figure 4). Cassolary-Kitsap complex (CkD), 15 to 30 percent slopes accounts for 69.9 percent of remaining two-thirds of the project site. CkD are well drained and have a restrictive depth more than 80 inches. The capacity to transmit water at the most limiting layer (Ksat) is moderately high (0.20 to 0.57 in/hr). The depth to the water table is about 20 to 32 inches. The available water storage in profile is moderate (~8.5 inches), with no frequency of flooding or ponding. A wetland determination soil sample (Vegetation, Soils, Hydrology (VSH-1)) was recorded within this portion of the project site to represent wetland habitat (Figure 2 and Figure 4). Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 5 | M S A National Wetlands Inventory Query The United States Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory map shows three mapped wetland types (Figure 3) within 0.1 miles: Estuarine and Marine Deepwater, Estuarine and Marine Wetland, and Riverine. National Wetland Inventory code interpretations are as follows: • M: System MARINE: The Marine System consists of open ocean overlying the continental shelf and its associated high-energy coastline. Marine habitats are exposed to the waves and currents of the open ocean and the Water Regimes are determined primarily by the ebb and flow of oceanic tides. Salinities exceed 30 parts per thousand (ppt), with little or no dilution except outside the mouths of estuaries. Shallow coastal indentations or bays without appreciable freshwater inflow, and coasts with exposed rocky islands that provide the mainland with little or shelter from wind and waves, are also considered part of the Marine System because they generally support typical marine biota. The Marine System extends from the outer edge of the continental shelf shoreward to one of three lines: (1) the landward limit of tidal inundation (extreme high water of spring tides), including the splash zone from breaking waves; (2) the seaward limit of wetland emergents, trees, or shrubs; or (3) the seaward limit of the Estuarine System, where this limit is determined by factors other than vegetation. Deepwater habitats lying beyond the seaward limit of the Marine System are outside the scope of the WCS. The distribution of plants and animals in the Marine System primarily reflects differences in four factors: (1) degree of exposure of the site to waves; (2) texture and physicochemical nature of the substrate; (3) amplitude of the tides; and (4) latitude, which governs water temperature, the intensity and duration of solar radiation, and the presence or absence of ice. • E: System ESTAURINE: The Estuarine System consists of deep-water tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands that are usually semi enclosed by land but have open, partly obstructed, or sporadic access to the open ocean, and in which ocean water is at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land. The salinity may be periodically increased above that of the open ocean by evaporation. Along some low-energy coastlines there is appreciable dilution of sea water. The Estuarine System extends (1) upstream and landward to where ocean-derived salts measure less than 0.5 ppt during the period of average annual low flow; (2) seaward to an imaginary line closing the mouth of a river, bay, or sound; and (3) to the seaward limit of wetland emergents, shrubs, or trees where they are not included in (2). The Estuarine System also includes offshore areas of continuously diluted sea water. The Estuarine System includes both estuaries and lagoons. It is more strongly influenced by its association with land than is the Marine System. • R: System RIVERINE: The Riverine System includes all wetland and deep-water habitats contained within a channel, with two exceptions: (1) wetland dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergent, emergent mosses, or lichens, and (2) habitats with water containing ocean-derived salts of 0.5 ppt or greater. A channel is an open conduit either naturally or artificially created which periodically or continuously contains moving water, or which forms a connecting link between two bodies of standing water. Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 6 | M S A • 4: Subsystem INTERMITTENT: This subsystem includes channels that contain flowing water only part of the year. When water is not flowing, it may remain in isolated pools or surface water may be absent. • FO: Class FORESTED: Characterized by woody vegetation that is 6m tall or taller. • SB: Class STREAMBED: Includes all wetland contained within the Intermittent Subsystem of the Riverine System and all channels of the Estuarine System or of the Tidal Subsystem of the Riverine System that are completely dewatered at low tide. • EM: Class EMERGENT WETLAND: characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens. This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most years. These wetlands are usually dominated by perennial plants. All water regimes are included except subtidal and irregularly-exposed. • A: Water Regime TEMPORARILY FLOODED: Surface water is present for brief periods (from a few days to a few weeks) during the growing seasons, but the water table usually lies well below the ground surface for most of the season. • C: Water Regime SEASONALLY FLOODED: Surface water is present for extended periods especially early in the growing season but is absent by the end of the growing seasons in most years. The water table after flooding ceases is variable, extending from saturated to the surface to a water table well below the ground surface. The NWI map documents were prepared primarily by stereoscopic analysis of high altitude aerial photographs taken in 1980 and 1981. Wetlands were identified on the photographs based on vegetation, visible hydrology, and geography. The aerial photographs typically reflected conditions during a specific year and season when they were taken. Some small wetlands and those obscured by dense forest cover may not be included on the map. In addition, there is a margin of error inherent in the use of aerial photographs. As evident in the attached delineation results, the actual Cowardin classification of the wetlands found did not differ greatly from those on the USFWS NWI map (Figure 3). IV. Wetland Assessment Methods The field delineation followed the methodology outlined in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (effective January 1987): Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region 9 (Version 2.0; USACE, updated 2010). This is the standard manual, used in determining wetland areas when applying state and local government regulations under the Shoreline Management Act and the Growth Management Act in Washington State. Preliminary information was gathered on the project site prior to the field review, rating, and delineation. General information sources included: • 1974 National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, updated 6/2018) Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 7 | M S A • Web Soil Survey: National Cooperative Soil Survey. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, updated 8/17) • 2016 Washington Department of Ecology Water Quality Atlas (WDOE) • Chapter 18.22 Jefferson County Critical Areas code, as of July 2, 2018 (Ordinance 6-18) • 2016 National Wetland Plant List (NWPL): Western Mountains, Valleys & Coast. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) • Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in cooperation with National Technical Committee of Hydric Soils (NTCHS) (Version 8.1, 2017) • 2014 Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington 2014 Update. (Hruby, T Washington State Department of Ecology) The field rating followed the methodology outlines in the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington; 2014 Update field manual, published by the State of Washington Department of Ecology. The specified buffers, identified in accordance with each individual wetland’s rating score, are specified in Jefferson County Code, Chapter 18.22.330(2), Table: Wetland Categories, Rating Scores, and Buffer Widths for Moderate Impact Land Uses. The extent and location of the wetland was determined during field work completed on August 15th, 2018. Field work was done under variable conditions with an ambient temperature ranging between 60° to 70° Fahrenheit. The time of year and recent precipitation history were considered in assessing the extent of the suspect wetlands presumed to exist on site: conditions were deemed seasonal and typical of this region, this time of year. Specific field methodology used in determining the extent and location of wetland areas include: 1) As part of the initial project site reconnaissance, the site was walked to determine the general extent and location of potential wetland areas. 2) Wetland and upland sample plots were established in the identified potential wetland areas and in the adjacent upland areas; and 3) The extent of the wetlands was located with a GPS unit (Garmin Oregon 550t) and measured on the ground to reference points (pink flagging tape). V. Wetland Delineation Wetland delineation establishes the specific boundaries of a wetland for the purposes of federal, state, and local regulations. In determining these physical parameters of each individual wetland, indicators of vegetation, soils, and hydrology are analyzed to assess critical areas. By defining the transition zone between scientifically established upland and wetland indicators, an Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 8 | M S A established accurate boundary of the wetland can be identified between a pair of data points; one representing the upland and one representing the wetland. It is common for paired data points, when linked to vegetative indicators (such as an obvious transition line of upland grass into an emergent herbaceous community), to inform the identification of the wetland delineation. A delineation, often in conjunction with a subsequent rating, is a necessary procedural step in obtaining information which will inform subsequent construction. The wetland on the proponent’s property was delineated to obtain accurate wetland boundaries to inform potential building footprints for future construction of a septic system. The wetland was delineated using a standard pair of wetland test plots. The two data points were designated “VSH-1” (Wetland) and “VSH-2” (Upland). Each data point consisted of a test pit dug to standard depth of 18 inches, to expose a representative soil profile. Each data point was then assessed for the presence of three wetland indicators: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. Following the successful location of paired data points, flags were placed between data points to mark the wetland boundary. The test pits were geo-located with GPS (Garmin Oregon 550t) latitude and longitude. A. Vegetation To distinguish the types of plants that grow in different hydrologic regimes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service incorporated a system of wetland plant indicator status to classify individual plant species. The wetland indicator status of a species is based on the individual species occurrence in wetlands in 13 separate regions within the United States. A plant indicator status is applied to the species, although individual variations exist within the species. Indicator categories are as follows: OBL – Obligate Wetland – Almost always occurs in wetlands under natural conditions. FACW – Facultative Wetland – Usually occurs in wetlands, occasionally found in uplands. FAC – Facultative – Equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands FACU – Facultative Upland – Usually occurs in non-wetlands, occasionally found in wetlands. UPL – Obligate Upland – Almost always occurs in uplands under natural conditions. To meet the qualification as a site dominated by hydrophytic vegetation, wetland plant species must show at least one of five hydrophytic vegetation indicators (Appendix A; Data Forms). All test plots that qualified as wet sites did so by fulfilling the same wetland vegetation indicator: Dominance test (>50% hydric vegetation) and Prevalence Index (≤3.0). Vegetation throughout the wetland boundary was dominated by Facultative species, with Obligate species located within the interior. Dense shrub/scrub vegetation was observed throughout the wetland, with an individual Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) adjacent to the wetland boundary. A stand of Red alder (Alnus rubra) was observed emerging from the subcanopy. The sapling/shrub stratum was dominated by Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). Himalayan blackberry, listed as a Class C Noxious Weed by the Washington State Nuisance Weed Control Board, was present throughout the shrub layer. Himalayan blackberry has the potential to form impenetrable thickets and is widespread throughout Washington state. The herbaceous layer was dominated by Common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Western lady fern (Athyrium cyclosorum), with a scattered density of Stinging nettle (Urtica dioca), Piggyback plant (Tolmiea menziesii) and Yellow skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 9 | M S A (Appendix A). The boundary for this slope wetland was not directly correlated to a visible vegetation line between upland and wetland species, thus other indicators were necessary in addition, to make an accurate determination. The upland tree stratum was dominated by Western hemlock and Red alder. The sapling/shrub stratum was dominated by Salmonberry and Himalayan blackberry. The herbaceous layer was dominated by Stinging nettle and Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), with a scattered density of Common horsetail, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), and Coastal hedge-nettle (Stachys chamissionis) (Appendix A). Most of the adjacent upland to the wetland boundary consisted of disturbed residential lawn, which made other indicators such as hydric soil and hydrology important. Because the habitat type was contiguous throughout the wetland, sample plots clearly represented the plant communites within the area of potential impact. The observed vegetation species are below; individual breakdown of vegetation types per sample plot are listed in the attached data sheets (Appendix A) Middendorf Wetland – Sample Plot VSH-1: Vegetation Stratum Common Name Latin Name Status Absolute % Cover Tree Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla FACU 5 Tree/Shrub Red alder Alnus rubra FAC 1/15 Shrub Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis FAC 50 Shrub Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus FAC 20 Shrub Red elderberry Sambucus racemosa FACU 15 Herb Common horsetail Equisetum arvense FAC 20 Herb Western lady fern Athyrium cyclosorum FAC 20 Herb Piggyback-plant Tolmiea menziesii FAC 15 Herb Stinging nettle Urtica dioca FAC 15 Herb Yellow skunk cabbage Lysichiton americanus OBL 10 Middendorf Wetland – Sample Plot VSH-2: Vegetation Stratum Common Name Latin Name Status Absolute % Cover Tree Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla FACU 3 Tree Red alder Alnus rubra FAC 2 Shrub Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis FAC 35 Shrub Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus FAC 25 Herb Stinging nettle Urtica dioca FAC 25 Herb Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne FAC 24 Herb Common horsetail Equisetum arvense FAC 15 Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 10 | M S A Stratum Common Name Latin Name Status Absolute % Cover Herb Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis FAC 15 Herb Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens FAC 15 Herb Coastal hedge-nettle Stachys chamissonis FACW 1 B. Soils Hydric soils form under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper soil horizon (NRCS). Most hydric soils exhibit characteristic morphologies that result from repeated periods of inundation or saturation that last more than a few days. Saturation or inundation, when combined with microbial activity in the soil, causes a depletion of oxygen. This anaerobic state promotes certain biogeochemical processes, such as the accumulation of organic matter, the accumulation or reduction of iron, and other reducible elements. These processes in turn create regionally specific, visible indicators, which help identify and delineate hydric soils in a field setting. These indicators are not intended to replace or modify the requirements contained in the definition of a hydric soil; they are dynamic, and open to a degree of human interpretation. Some hydric soils lack any currently listed and accepted indicators; therefore, the lack of any listed indicator does not prevent classification of a soil as hydric. However, such soils and their specific morphologies, are included and specified in the necessary field guides. In this wetland, hydric soils were identified using the Munsell Soil Color Book, a standard reference manual prepared by the Munsell Color Company and used by the United States Department of Agriculture. Wetland test plot soil findings are as follows: Middendorf Wetland – Sample Plot VSH-1 Depth (inches) Matrix Redox Features Texture Color % Color % Type1 Loc2 0-18” 10YR2/2 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A Sandy Loam 1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix, D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Middendorf Wetland – Sample Plot VSH-2 Depth (inches) Matrix Redox Features Texture Color % Color % Type1 Loc2 0-12” 10YR2/2 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A Sandy Loam 12-18” 10YR2/2 90 10YR3/6 10 C PL Sandy Loam 1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix, D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 11 | M S A In both wetland test plots (VSH-1 and VSH-2) hydric soil indicators were: Histosol (A1), with an organic material present more than 16 inches (40 cm) depth and more than 2/3rd of the sample. Histosols are applicable throughout the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region. The value and chroma of VSH-1 was very dark (10YR 2/2) and naturally saturated. The value and chroma of VSH-2 was much lighter, but once artificially saturated showed a color consistent with VSH-1 (10YR 2/2). Redox concentrations were observed in VSH-2 below a depth of 12 inches. Soil samples were taken during the dry season. (See Appendix A; Data Forms). C. Hydrology Hydrologic conditions result from the interactions between meteorological, surface and ground water, as well as physical and biological factors that influence the flow, quality, or timing of water. Therefore, the determination of the presence of hydrologic conditions focuses on the corresponding presence of factors that most directly influence the persistence of water in a specific area. Similar to the indicators used in hydric soils, and because watersheds vary tremendously across the country, regional hydrologic indicators are used to identify wetlands in the field more easily. The wetland test plot (VSH-1) displayed one primary hydrology indicator: Saturation (A3); field observations of water table and saturation were also present further within the interior of the wetland near adjacent stream. Multiple culverts were observed draining from the upper property to the stream (Appendix A; Data Forms). The upland test plot (VSH-2) displayed no primary or secondary indicators for wetland hydrology (Appendix A; Data Forms). VI. Wetland Rating Middendorf Wetland: Slope, Category III. Buffer for “Moderate Land Use” (single-family residential homes on parcels of one acre or larger): 110 feet (Jefferson County municipal code [18.22.330(2), Table]). The intent of a rating is to provide a basis for protecting and managing wetlands; this is accomplished assessing a wetland’s valued functions and resources -- ecological, economic, or aesthetic. In the process of a rating, a wetland is placed in a Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Class, or a classification of wetland type, and a Category, or a numerically scored quantification of its functions and specific attributes such as rarity, sensitivity to disturbance, and the functions they provide. Based upon this score, the wetland is placed in Category 1 through Category IV; the former is a wetland of greatest value, based upon the rating rubric’s characterization of its inherent value, while the latter is a wetland of least value. A specific buffer, identified in accordance with each individual wetland’s rating score, is then recommended, using standardized and established guidelines. While all wetlands provide some functions and resources that are valued, be they ecological or aesthetic, they also vary widely; consequently, the recommended buffer, identified in accordance with each individual wetland’s rating score, reflects that particular wetland and its specific qualities. Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 12 | M S A In accordance with the Washington Department of Ecology Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update, rating categories are divided into four grades, in order of descending buffer size: Category I with total scores of 23-27; Category II with total scores of 20-22; Category III with total scores of 16-19; Category IV with total scores of 9-15. The category of wetland based on functions is rated by the following parameters: 1) Water Quality Functions: a wetland’s potential to improve water quality a) Potential of the wetland to improve water quality of and surrounding the wetland. b) Potential of the wetland to support the water quality function of and surrounding the wetland. (This parameter regards the ability of the wetland to mitigate for and lessen the toxicity of potential pollutants on and surrounding the wetland). c) Potential of local water quality improvement provided by the wetland to benefit adjacent waters. 2) Hydrologic Functions: a wetland’s potential to improve hydrology a) Potential to reduce flooding and erosion b) Potential of wetland to support the hydrologic functions of the site (this parameter regards the ability of the wetland in reducing the toxicity of potential pollutants on- site and up-gradient of the wetland). c) Potential of wetland to help capture surface water that might otherwise flow down- gradient into areas where flooding might occur. 3) Habitat Functions: a wetland's potential to provide important habitat/ecological value a) Potential of the wetland to provide habitat for natural living systems. b) Potential of the accessible and undisturbed habitat and land use intensity surrounding the wetland to support the habitat functions of the site. c) Value of wetland to society; degree to which it provides habitat for species valued in laws, regulation, or policy. The Middendorf wetland was determined to fall into the HGM Class - Slope, Category III. According to the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington 2014 Update (Hruby 2014), “Slope wetlands occur on hill or valley slopes where groundwater surfaces and begins running along the surface, or below the surface. Water in these wetlands flows in one direction (down the slope) and the gradient is steep enough that the water is not impounded.” “Slope wetlands do not impound water in very small depressions that may form on the surface”, as the water is often found as sub-surface sheet flow. They are often associated with the outer transitional zone of riverine wetlands. This feature was identified in association with the stream running along the southern property line. The wetland scored a rating of five (Low, Low, and Medium) within the “Improving Water Quality” function, five (Low, Low, and Medium) within the “Hydrologic” function, and seven (Low, Low, and Medium) within the “Habitat” function section for a combined score of 17. Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 13 | M S A Specific descriptions of relevant sections of the Wetland Rating form for sloped wetlands are as follow: The slope of the wetland was determined to be more than five percent. The soil sample (VSH-1) consisted of soil that was true organic 2 inches below the surface. Characteristics of plants within the wetland included dense, woody plants, greater than half of the wetland area (Appendix A). Ten percent of the landscape within 150 feet, on the uphill side of the wetland, has the potential to generate pollutants, which discharge directly into a stream (Figure 7). The wetland has the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion because of the presence of dense, uncut rigid plants, which cover more than 90% of the wetland area. There are no flooding problems downstream of the project site. Most of the vegetation observed within the wetland include dense scrub-shrub, with patches of forested areas throughout the parcel. The water regime within the wetland is occasionally flooded or inundated and there is a seasonally flowing stream adjacent to the wetland. Plant species richness is between five and 19 species. Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 feet along the stream boundary. More than one-third of the habitat abutting the wetland is accessible (Figure 7). More than 50% of the habitat within one kilometer radius of the wetland is undisturbed. Less than 50% of the one kilometer polygon is high intensity (Figure 5). The habitat within the project site is partially within Shoreline Jurisdiction or Shoreline Master Plan (SMP). According to the Jefferson County municipal code [18.22.330(2), Table], the proposed land use is to be “moderate impact” land use (a single-family residential home on one acre or larger). Specified in the same Jefferson County municipal code, a Category III wetland with a Habitat score between 5 and 7, for moderate impact land use, is specified as requiring a buffer of 110 feet. VII. Stream Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Assessment Methods The field delineation followed the methodology outlined in A Guide to Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Delineation for Non-Perennial Streams in the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region of the United states LRR A (USACE, 2014). This is the standard manual, used in determining ordinary high water mark (OHWM) when applying state and local government regulations in Washington State. Preliminary information was gathered on the project site prior to the field review and delineation. General information sources included: • 1974 National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, updated 6/2018) • 2016 Washington Department of Ecology Water Quality Atlas (WDOE) • Chapter 18.22 Jefferson County Critical Areas code, as of July 2, 2018 (Ordinance 6-18) Federal regulations do not provide a strict hydrologic definition of the OHWM other than that it is “established by the fluctuations of water.” Thus, the OHWM is not explicitly defined by or associated with a specific streamflow recurrence interval (e.g., the 2-year flood) or any other Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 14 | M S A statistical measurement. Given the lack of direct hydrologic observations or measurements in most stream systems, a statically-based definition would be exceedingly difficult and impractical to implement. Therefore, the precise hydrologic frequency associated with the OHWM may vary between different streams or even between different locations along the same stream. In accordance with federal regulations (U.S. Congress 1986), the OHWM is instead defined by physical features (including vegetation and other biological indicators as opposed to a statistically derived point on the landscape that is not tied to physical evidence) that are proxies for the spatial extent of ordinary high water. Thus, the OHWM in most circumstances should correspond with physical evidence on the landscape (USACE, 2014). Ordinary high water mark (OHWM) is found using three primary field indicators to consistently define the active channel. • Break in slope • Change in sediment characteristics • Change in vegetation characteristics VIII. Stream Delineation The National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapped a Non-Fish Bearing stream through the central area of the project site (Figure 3). A field visit confirmed the presence of a Type “Ns” – Non- Fish Bearing Seasonal Stream, less than 20% grade, which was south of the NWI projection and adjacent to Category III wetland (Figure 2). The Type “Ns” stream entered the project site from the southwestern boundary and extended southeast until it continued offsite. The ordinary high water mark (OHWM) was determined using a distinct break in slope from the toe of the stream base to the top of bank. Patches of standing water and saturated soil were observed throughout base of stream, without any vegetation present within the active channel. A larger topographic break was observed at the western extent of the stream, where vegetation was clearly distinct from the active channel. Vegetation was more consistent with the Category III wetland as it transitioned southeast, however, a break in slope persisted throughout the stream. A Type “Ns” – Non-Fish Bearing Seasonal Stream, less than 20% grade, has a buffer of 50 feet according to Jefferson County municipal code [18.22.270(1), Table]. The radius of the stream buffer did not extend past the buffer of the Category III wetland, which is the primary concern of any potential impact (Figure 2). IX. Summary This wetland report documents the presence of a wetland on the parcel of land (821151009) belonging to Douglas Middendorf, in Jefferson County, Washington. It was rated, delineated, and mapped. It was given a buffer according to specifications in the Jefferson County Municipal Code for Category III wetlands with moderate impact land use, which is 110 feet. A Type “Ns” – Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 15 | M S A Non-Fish Bearing Seasonal Stream, less than 20% grade, has a buffer of 50 feet and was also delineated (Figure 2). All supporting data sheets and mapped images are submitted below in Appendix A. Respectfully submitted, Marine Surveys and Assessments ______________________________ Paul Ruben Wetland Biologist ______________________________ Amy Leitman Senior Biologist, Owner Middendorf Wetland Delineation & Rating 16 | M S A X. References A Guide to Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Delineation for Non-Perennial Streams in the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region of the United states LRR A. U.S. Army Corps. Of Engineers (USACE), August 2014. Cowardin, LM., V. Carter, F.C. Golet and E.T. LaRoe, 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service document FWS/OBS- 79/31. 84pp. Washington D.C. Chapter 18.22 Jefferson County Critical Areas code, as of July 2, 2018 (Ordinance 6-18) Hitchcock, L.C. and A. Cronquist, 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. 730 pp. Hruby, T., 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating S ystem for Western Washington - Revised. Washington State Department of Ecology Publication #04-06-025. Munsell Soil Color Charts, 1998. GretagMacbeth. North Windsor, New York. National Cooperative Soil Survey. Official Established Series Description. 2000. Pocket Guide to Hydric Soil Field Indicators Based on Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States v. 7.0 with Updates, Prepared by Wetland Training Institute, Inc., 2013 Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987): Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), May 2010. Speare-Cooke, S., 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society. 417 pp. US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Jefferson County Area, Washington. December, 2013 US Fish and Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory. 1978 Washington State Department of Ecology, 1997. Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual. Ecology Publication #96-94, Olympia, Washington. Client: Doug Middendorf Parcel No. 821151009 Legend Wetland Delineation Figure This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the Wetlands Mapper web site. Drawn: 9/13/2018 Drawn By: PJR PARCEL NO. 821151009 1 Vicinity Map Site Location CLIENT: Doug Middendorf Parcel No. 821151009 (2.52 acres) Type "Ns" Stream Undetermined Marine Shore OHWM Category III Wetland Category III Wetland 110' Buffer 150 Foot Undetermined Marine Shore OHWM Buffer 10 Foot Construction Setback 5 Foot Side Setback VSH Points Legend Wetland Delineation/Parcel Map Figure Google. Imagery ©2018. Digital Globe U.S. Geological Survey DRAWN: 9/13/2018 DRAWN BY: PJR PARCEL NO. 821151009 2Middendorf Port Ludlow 922 Tala Shore Dr. Port Ludlow, WA. 98365 CHECKED BY: PJR 30 0 30 60 90 120 ft VSH-1 VSH-2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Standards and Support Team,wetlands_team@fws.gov Wetlands Estuarine and Marine Deepwater Estuarine and Marine Wetland Freshwater Emergent Wetland Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland Freshwater Pond Lake Other Riverine August 14, 2018 0 0.1 0.20.05 mi 0 0.15 0.30.075 km 1:5,986 This page was produced by the NWI mapperNational Wetlands Inventory (NWI) This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the Wetlands Mapper web site. Middendorf 922 Tala Shore Dr. Port Ludlow, WA. 98365 Figure 3. Soil Map—Jefferson County Area, Washington (Middendorf Wetland Delineation) Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 8/27/2018 Page 1 of 3 53 0 7 3 2 0 53 0 7 3 4 0 53 0 7 3 6 0 53 0 7 3 8 0 53 0 7 4 0 0 53 0 7 4 2 0 53 0 7 4 4 0 53 0 7 3 2 0 53 0 7 3 4 0 53 0 7 3 6 0 53 0 7 3 8 0 53 0 7 4 0 0 53 0 7 4 2 0 53 0 7 4 4 0 53 0 7 4 6 0 525790 525810 525830 525850 525870 525890 525910 525930 525950 525970 525990 525790 525810 525830 525850 525870 525890 525910 525930 525950 525970 525990 47° 55' 11'' N 12 2 ° 3 9 ' 1 8 ' ' W 47° 55' 11'' N 12 2 ° 3 9 ' 7 ' ' W 47° 55' 7'' N 12 2 ° 3 9 ' 1 8 ' ' W 47° 55' 7'' N 12 2 ° 3 9 ' 7 ' ' W N Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 10N WGS84 0 50 100 200 300 Feet 0 15 30 60 90 Meters Map Scale: 1:1,030 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet. Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. Figure 4. MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION Area of Interest (AOI) Area of Interest (AOI) Soils Soil Map Unit Polygons Soil Map Unit Lines Soil Map Unit Points Special Point Features Blowout Borrow Pit Clay Spot Closed Depression Gravel Pit Gravelly Spot Landfill Lava Flow Marsh or swamp Mine or Quarry Miscellaneous Water Perennial Water Rock Outcrop Saline Spot Sandy Spot Severely Eroded Spot Sinkhole Slide or Slip Sodic Spot Spoil Area Stony Spot Very Stony Spot Wet Spot Other Special Line Features Water Features Streams and Canals Transportation Rails Interstate Highways US Routes Major Roads Local Roads Background Aerial Photography The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:20,000. Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale. Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements. Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey URL: Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required. This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below. Soil Survey Area: Jefferson County Area, Washington Survey Area Data: Version 16, Sep 7, 2017 Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger. Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Mar 29, 2016—Sep 27, 2016 The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident. Soil Map—Jefferson County Area, Washington (Middendorf Wetland Delineation) Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 8/27/2018 Page 2 of 3 Map Unit Legend Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI CfC Cassolary sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes 0.9 30.1% CkD Cassolary-Kitsap complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes 2.1 69.9% Totals for Area of Interest 3.0 100.0% Soil Map—Jefferson County Area, Washington Middendorf Wetland Delineation Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 8/27/2018 Page 3 of 3 Jefferson County Area, Washington CfC—Cassolary sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: 2gqb Elevation: 50 to 500 feet Mean annual precipitation: 16 to 30 inches Mean annual air temperature: 48 to 50 degrees F Frost-free period: 160 to 200 days Farmland classification: Farmland of statewide importance Map Unit Composition Cassolary and similar soils: 100 percent Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit. Description of Cassolary Setting Landform: Terraces Parent material: Glacial drift and/or marine deposits Typical profile H1 - 0 to 3 inches: sandy loam H2 - 3 to 23 inches: sandy loam H3 - 23 to 49 inches: stratified fine sandy loam to silty clay loam H4 - 49 to 60 inches: sand Properties and qualities Slope: 0 to 15 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high (0.20 to 0.57 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 20 to 32 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water storage in profile: Moderate (about 8.5 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): 3e Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3e Hydrologic Soil Group: C Forage suitability group: Soils with Few Limitations (G002XN502WA) Map Unit Description: Cassolary sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes---Jefferson County Area, Washington Parcel 821151009 Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 9/13/2018 Page 1 of 2 Hydric soil rating: No Data Source Information Soil Survey Area: Jefferson County Area, Washington Survey Area Data: Version 16, Sep 7, 2017 Jefferson County Area, Washington CkD—Cassolary-Kitsap complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: 2gqj Elevation: 50 to 500 feet Mean annual precipitation: 16 to 37 inches Mean annual air temperature: 48 to 50 degrees F Frost-free period: 160 to 200 days Farmland classification: Farmland of statewide importance Map Unit Composition Cassolary and similar soils: 60 percent Kitsap and similar soils: 30 percent Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit. Description of Cassolary Setting Landform: Terraces Parent material: Glacial drift and/or marine deposits Typical profile H1 - 0 to 3 inches: sandy loam H2 - 3 to 23 inches: sandy loam H3 - 23 to 49 inches: stratified fine sandy loam to silty clay loam H4 - 49 to 60 inches: sand Properties and qualities Slope: 15 to 30 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high (0.20 to 0.57 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 20 to 32 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water storage in profile: Moderate (about 8.5 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4e Hydrologic Soil Group: C Forage suitability group: Sloping to Steep Soils (G002XN702WA) Hydric soil rating: No Description of Kitsap Setting Landform: Terraces Parent material: Lacustrine deposits and/or marine deposits Map Unit Description: Cassolary-Kitsap complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes---Jefferson County Area, Washington Parcel 821151009 Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 9/13/2018 Page 1 of 2 Typical profile H1 - 0 to 4 inches: silt loam H2 - 4 to 32 inches: silt loam H3 - 32 to 60 inches: stratified silt loam to silty clay loam to gravelly silty clay loam Properties and qualities Slope: 15 to 30 percent Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches Natural drainage class: Moderately well drained Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately low to moderately high (0.06 to 0.20 in/hr) Depth to water table: About 18 to 36 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water storage in profile: High (about 11.4 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4e Hydrologic Soil Group: C Forage suitability group: Sloping to Steep Soils (G002XN702WA) Hydric soil rating: No Data Source Information Soil Survey Area: Jefferson County Area, Washington Survey Area Data: Version 16, Sep 7, 2017 Map Unit Description: Cassolary-Kitsap complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes---Jefferson County Area, Washington Parcel 821151009 Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey 9/13/2018 Page 2 of 2 250 0 250 500 750 1000 m 1 km Land Use Polygon Category III Wetland Undisturbed Land Use Low and Moderate Intensity Land Uses Legend 1 Km Land Use Map Parcel No. 821151009 Doug Middendorf 922 Tala Shore Dr. Port Ludlow 98365Wetland Delineation Marine Surveys & Assessments Figure 5 Middendorf 303(d) Waters WA Dept. of Ecology© 2018 Microsoft Corporation © 2018 DigitalGlobe ©CNES (2018)Distribution Airbus DS © 2018 HERE September 13, 2018 0 0.25 0.50.125Miles K AssessedWaters/Sediment Water Category 5 - 303d Category 4C Category 4B Category 4A Category 2 Category 1 Sedim ent Category 5 - 303d Category 4C Category 4B Category 4A Category 2 Category 1 WQ Permitt ed Ou tf allsOutfall - Groundwater Outfall - Surface Water Outfall - Other Associated Facility WQ Improvement Project sApproved In Development WQ Standards Wasteload Allocation(WLA Points) Figure 6. Parcel No. 821151009 (2.52 acres) Wetland Line (0.11 acres) 150 Foot Upslope Wetland Line Buffer Potential Residential Pollutant Source Dense, Rigid Shrub-Scrub (>10% of wetland) Legend Wetland Delineation Figure Google. Imagery ©2018. Digital Globe U.S. Geological Survey Drawn: 8/16/2018 Drawn By: PJR Parcel No. 801041001 7Cowardin Class, Plant Cover, and 150 Foot Boundary Checked By: PJR 30 0 30 60 90 120 ft CLIENT: Doug Middendorf Figure 8.TMDLS in WRIA 17 (Quilcene-Snow Watershed) US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0 WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date: Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point: Investigator(s): Section, Township, Range: Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%): Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum: Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification: Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? Yes No Remarks: VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Dominance Test worksheet: Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A) Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: (B) Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B) Prevalence Index worksheet: Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL species x 1 = FACW species x 2 = FAC species x 3 = FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Column Totals: (A) (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation 2 - Dominance Test is >50% 3 - Prevalence Index is ≤3.01 4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain) 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic. Absolute Dominant Indicator Tree Stratum (Plot size: ) % Cover Species? Status 1. 2. 3. 4. = Total Cover Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: ) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. = Total Cover Herb Stratum (Plot size: ) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. = Total Cover Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: ) 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Remarks: APPENDIX A US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0 SOIL Sampling Point: Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix. Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3: Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present, Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Depth (inches): Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Remarks: HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required) Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, High Water Table (A2) MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches): (includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0 WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region Project/Site: City/County: Sampling Date: Applicant/Owner: State: Sampling Point: Investigator(s): Section, Township, Range: Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%): Subregion (LRR): Lat: Long: Datum: Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification: Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Is the Sampled Area within a Wetland? Yes No Remarks: VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Dominance Test worksheet: Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A) Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: (B) Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A/B) Prevalence Index worksheet: Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL species x 1 = FACW species x 2 = FAC species x 3 = FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Column Totals: (A) (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation 2 - Dominance Test is >50% 3 - Prevalence Index is ≤3.01 4 - Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) 5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain) 1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic. Absolute Dominant Indicator Tree Stratum (Plot size: ) % Cover Species? Status 1. 2. 3. 4. = Total Cover Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: ) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. = Total Cover Herb Stratum (Plot size: ) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. = Total Cover Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: ) 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Remarks: US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0 SOIL Sampling Point: Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix. Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3: Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present, Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Depth (inches): Hydric Soil Present? Yes No Remarks: HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required) Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, High Water Table (A2) MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches): (includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 1 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 Score for each function based on three ratings (order of ratings is not important) 9 = H,H,H 8 = H,H,M 7 = H,H,L 7 = H,M,M 6 = H,M,L 6 = M,M,M 5 = H,L,L 5 = M,M,L 4 = M,L,L 3 = L,L,L RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington Name of wetland (or ID #): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____ Rated by____________________________ Trained by Ecology?__ Yes ___No Date of training______ HGM Class used for rating_________________ Wetland has multiple HGM classes?___Y ____N NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined). Source of base aerial photo/map ______________________________________ OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY ____ (based on functions___ or special characteristics___) 1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS _______Category I – Total score = 23 - 27 _______Category II – Total score = 20 - 22 _______Category III – Total score = 16 - 19 _______Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15 FUNCTION Improving Water Quality Hydrologic Habitat Circle the appropriate ratings Site Potential H M L H M L H M L Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL Score Based on Ratings 2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY Estuarine I II Wetland of High Conservation Value I Bog I Mature Forest I Old Growth Forest I Coastal Lagoon I II Interdunal I II III IV None of the above Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for Western Washington Depressional Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2 Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2 Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3 Riverine Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods H 1.2 Ponded depressions R 1.1 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4 Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2 Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1 Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3 Lake Fringe Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4 Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3 Slope Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure # Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods H 1.2 Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3 Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants (can be added to figure above) S 4.1 Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3 Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 3 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe – go to 1.1 1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to score functions for estuarine wetlands. 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? ___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any plants on the surface at any time of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size; ___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m). NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? ____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual), ____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks, ____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded. NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep). 5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? ____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river, ____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years. For questions 1-7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated. If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the wetland unit being scored. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM class to use in rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake Fringe Lake Fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary of depression Depressional Depressional + Lake Fringe Depressional Riverine + Lake Fringe Riverine Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 11 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 SLOPE WETLANDS Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality S 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1. Characteristics of the average slope of the wetland: (a 1% slope has a 1 ft vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft of horizontal distance) Slope is 1% or less points = 3 Slope is > 1%-2% points = 2 Slope is > 2%-5% points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% points = 0 S 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions): Yes = 3 No = 0 S 1.3. Characteristics of the plants in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the plants in the wetland. Dense means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 in. Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > 90% of the wetland area points = 6 Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > ½ of area points = 3 Dense, woody, plants > ½ of area points = 2 Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > ¼ of area points = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for plants points = 0 Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page S 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site? S 2.1. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft on the uphill side of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? Yes = 1 No = 0 S 2.2. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in question S 2.1? Other sources ________________ Yes = 1 No = 0 Total for S 2 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 1-2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page S 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society? S 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the 303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0 S 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where water quality is an issue? At least one aquatic resource in the basin is on the 303(d) list. Yes = 1 No = 0 S 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality? Answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which unit is found. Yes = 2 No = 0 Total for S 3 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 12 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 SLOPE WETLANDS Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion S 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? S 4.1. Characteristics of plants that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland. Stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8 in), or dense enough, to remain erect during surface flows . Dense, uncut, rigid plants cover > 90% of the area of the wetland points = 1 All other conditions points = 0 Rating of Site Potential If score is: 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page S 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the hydrologic functions of the site? S 5.1. Is more than 25% of the area within 150 ft upslope of wetland in land uses or cover that generate excess surface runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0 Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page S 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society? S 6.1. Distance to the nearest areas downstr eam that have flooding problems: The sub-basin immediately down-gradient of site has flooding problems that result in damage to human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds) points = 2 Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down-gradient points = 1 No flooding problems anywhere downstream points = 0 S 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan? Yes = 2 No = 0 Total for S 6 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS: Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat? H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold of ¼ ac or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked. ____Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4 ____Emergent 3 structures: points = 2 ____Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1 ____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0 If the unit has a Forested class, check if: ____The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon H 1.2. Hydroperiods Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). ____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3 ____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2 ____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1 ____Saturated only 1 type present: points = 0 ____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland ____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland ____Lake Fringe wetland 2 points ____Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points H 1.3. Richness of plant species Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft 2. Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle If you counted: > 19 species points = 2 5 - 19 species points = 1 < 5 species points = 0 H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high. None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points All three diagrams in this row are HIGH = 3points Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 H 1.5. Special habitat features: Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points. ____Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long). ____Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland ____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m) ____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed) ____At least ¼ ac of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) ____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of strata) Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site? H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit). Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______% If total accessible habitat is: > 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3 20-33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2 10-19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1 < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland. Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______% Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3 Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2 Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches points = 1 Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2) ≤ 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points = 0 Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 = H 1-3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society? H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score that applies to the wetland being rated. Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2  It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page)  It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)  It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species  It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources  It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0 Rating of Value If score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 WDFW Priority Habitats Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/) Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE: This question is independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat.  Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha).  Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report).  Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock.  Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade crest – Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi- layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) > 32 in (81 cm) dbh or > 200 years of age. Mature forests – Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 in (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest.  Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158 – see web link above).  Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other.  Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 – see web link above).  Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources.  Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report – see web link on previous page).  Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human.  Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation.  Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.  Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 in (51 cm) in western Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12 in (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft (6 m) long. Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed elsewhere. Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Wetland Type Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the category when the appropriate criteria are met. Category SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?  The dominant water regime is tidal,  Vegetated, and  With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes –Go to SC 1.1 No= Not an estuarine wetland SC 1.1. Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332 -30-151? Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 1.2 Cat. I SC 1.2. Is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions?  The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartina, see page 25)  At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un- mowed grassland.  The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Yes = Category I No = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV) SC 2.1. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High Conservation Value? Yes – Go to SC 2.2 No – Go to SC 2.3 SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value? Yes = Category I No = Not a WHCV SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland? http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands.pdf Yes – Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 No = Not a WHCV SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on their website? Yes = Category I No = Not a WHCV Cat. I SC 3.0. Bogs Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below. If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. SC 3.1. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in or more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No – Go to SC 3.2 SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or pond? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No = Is not a bog SC 3.3. Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30% cover of plant species listed in Table 4? Yes = Is a Category I bog No – Go to SC 3.4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory , you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog. SC 3.4. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy? Yes = Is a Category I bog No = Is not a bog Cat. I Wetland name or number ______ Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 17 Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands Does the wetland have at least 1 contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.  Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in (81 cm) or more.  Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR the species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in (53 cm). Yes = Category I No = Not a forested wetland for this section Cat. I SC 5.0. Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon?  The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks  The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains ponded water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom) Yes – Go to SC 5.1 No = Not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1. Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions?  The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has less than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100).  At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un -grazed or un- mowed grassland.  The wetland is larger than 1/10 ac (4350 ft2) Yes = Category I No = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its habitat functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:  Long Beach Peninsula: Lands west of SR 103  Grayland-Westport: Lands west of SR 105  Ocean Shores-Copalis: Lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 Yes – Go to SC 6.1 No = not an interdunal wetland for rating SC 6.1. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M for the three aspects of function)? Yes = Category I No – Go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger? Yes = Category II No – Go to SC 6.3 SC 6.3. Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac? Yes = Category III No = Category IV Cat I Cat. II Cat. III Cat. IV Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics If you answered No for all types, enter “Not Applicable” on Summary Form APPENDIX B WETLAND LINE – FACING SOUTH OPEN FIELD – FACING EAST WETLAND AND DETERMINATION TEST PIT AREA – FACING SOUTH WETLAND DETERMINATION SOIL PIT (VSH-1 – WETLAND) WETLAND DETERMINATION SOIL PIT (VSH-2 – UPLAND) TYPE “NS” STREAM – FACING SOUTH TYPE “NS” STREAM – FACING WEST RELICT CULVERTS – FACING WEST