HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland Dellineation Report for MEP2012-00021 - MEP Reports - 7/30/2011 20ia - 0o021
APAO
TFH WETLAND CORPS 7WO,77
Wetland Delineation Habitat Management Plans • Riparian Restoration - Mitigation • Biological Evaluation
WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT
AND
BUFFER AVERAGING PROPOSAL
6673 E Grapeview Loop Road
Allyn, Wa
Mason County
Tax Parcel: 12232-21-90000
Prepared for:
Timothy and Kandara VanNorman
Prepared by:
Lee Boad & Heather Lane
,July,2011
AV
THE WETLAND CORPS
Wetland Delineation - Habitat Management Plans - Riparian Restoration - Mitigation • Biological Evaluation
WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT
AND
BUFFER AVERAGING PROPOSAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................1
2.0 GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS..........................................................................................2
3.0 METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................................3
4.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION.......................................................................................4
5.0 WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS..............................................................................5
6.0 WETLAND EVALUATION RESULTS...............................................................................7
7.0 PROJECT PROPOSAL..........................................................................................................8
8.0 SUMMARY............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................12
Figures
Figure 1. Site Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Site Map
Figure 3. National Wetland Inventory Map
Figure 4. Mason County Soil Survey Map
Figure 5. DNR Water Resources Map
Appendices
Appendix A. Wetland Determination Data Forms
Appendix B. Washington State Wetland Rating System Form
THE WETLAND CORPS
Wetland Delineation - Habitat Management Plans - Riparian Restoration - Mitigation - Biological Evaluation
July, 2011 Project# TWC 11 W53
Page 1 of I 1
WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT
AND
BUFFER AVERAGING PROPOSAL
6673 E Grapeview Loop Road
Allyn, Wa
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Wetland Corps has been authorized by Timothy and Kandara VanNorman to perform a
wetland delineation at the property located at 6673 E Grapeview Loop Road in Mason County,
Washington, (Tax Identification Number 12232-21-9000). The delineation was performed to
identify wetland boundaries and associated buffers applicable to future improvement of the
property. The landowner's intent is to remove an existing garage and A-frame home and
construct a new Single Family Residence (SFR) on the property. As buffer averaging will be
necessary to accommodate the desired location for the replacement SFR. Also included in this
report is a description of measures necessary to satisfy the buffer averaging requirements
outlined in Chapter 17.01.070 of the Mason County Resource Ordinance.
The subject property is located in Section 32, Township 22 North, Range 1 West WM (Figure
I Vicinity Map). The entire property is approximately 4 acres in size and rectangular in shape,
oriented north to south. The parcel is accessed off of Grapeview Loop Road.
The findings of this work conclude that two Category 11 Wetlands (Wetland A and Wetland 13)
are present within the property. The sections below provide: (1) an introduction to the site; (2)
a description of methods used in the field delineation; (3) technical results; and (4) a buffer
averaging proposal.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421-wetlandcorps@hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11 W53
July, 2011
Page No.2
2.0 GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS
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Photo 1.
The majority of the property is forested with both coniferous and deciduous components.
Dominant species are bigleaf maple, western red cedar, red alder, and lesser amounts of
Douglas fir. Topography is generally flat with gentle to moderate slopes toward the wetland
areas. Wetland A is a large depressional wetland with both open water and scrub shrub
components. Wetland B is a forested/scrub shrub complex characterized by both slope and
depressional hydro geomorphic classes. A small unnamed stream originates at the outlet of
Wetland A and flows through Wetland B.
Existing development consists of a house and garage located in the northern third of the
property accessed by a circular gravel driveway. Both structures are within 30-feet of Wetland
A. The property is bordered to the west and south by forested properties of similar size and
shape while a single tax parcel borders the property to the north and east.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421 •wetlandcorps@hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.3
3.0 METHODOLOGY
This wetland delineation followed the methodology outlined in the Regional Supplement to
the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast
Region (Version 2.0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers May 2010. WAC 173-22-035 states
delineations should be done according to this manual and supplements. The changes became
effective March 14, 2011.
Review of Existing Information
Preliminary information was gathered on the project site prior to the Feld review and
delineation. General information sources included: 1974 United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, the Soil Survey of Mason County
Area, Washington (USDA, 1960), and The Mason County Resource Ordinance.
Field Delineation
The methodology used for this wetland delineation was consistent with the technical
approaches articulated in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual. This document is the wetland delineation manual that is 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.
The extent and location of project site wetlands were determined during field work performed
July, 2011. Field work was conducted under sunny conditions with an ambient temperature
ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The time of year and recent precipitation
history were considered in assessing the type and extent of wetlands presumed to exist on site.
Specific field methodology used in determining the extent and location of wetland areas
include:
■ As part of the initial project site reconnaissance, the site was walked to determine the
general extent and location of potential wetland areas;
■ Wetland and upland sample plots were established in the identified potential wetland
areas and in the adjacent upland area;
• Wetland boundaries in nearest proximity to the project area were delineated with
flagging by noting localized topography and vegetation patterns and comparing
parameters of hydrology, soil, and vegetation with data collected at the wetland and
upland sample plots.
Data was collected at two sample plot locations. Each sample plot included a data form
completed for a wetland area and a form completed for the corresponding upland area. Data
collected at each sample plot was entered onto a Routine Wetland Determination Data Form
(USACOE Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast- Version 2.0). Copies of data forms for
each plot are provided in Appendix A.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421 -wetlandcorpsq(hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TVVC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.4
Wetland Evaluation
The Mason County Resource Ordinance defines wetland categories according to Washington
State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington (Hruby 2004). This system identifies
various complexities within wetland structures, habitat attributes and various functions
associated with wetlands. The rating form completed for these wetlands are provided in
Appendix C.
4.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mason County Soil Survey
The soil survey of Mason County indicates two onsite soil types (USDA, 1960):
So-Sinclair Shotty Loam,0 to 5 percent slopes. The Sinclair series consists of moderately well drained,brown.
shotty soils on uplands.They have developed from very compact Vashon gravelly glacial till in rainfall that ranges
from 45 to 55 inches a year-the lowest in Mason County.The vegetation is a forest, mainly excellent Douglas-fir
mixed with cedar,maple,and alder.The understory is a luxuriant growth of swordfem,Oregon-grape,vine maple,
salal, and huckleberry. Compared to the vegetation on drier adjacent soils, there is very little madrone and
manzanita, but there is considerable cedar. Surface drainage is moderately well established. Internal drainage is
medium,except that it is restricted by the cemented substratum. Sinclair soils are near Puget Sound on the eastern
edge of the county and on the islands of Case Inlet. They are commonly on lower slopes adjacent to the Harstine
and Alderwood soils. They are grayer, more finely textured, and more shotty, than either the Alderwood or the
Marstine soils.In addition,the underlying till,in mostplaces,is more cemented.
Ad-Alderwood gravelly sandy loam,30 to 45 percent slopes.The Alderwood series consists of brown, well-
drained, upland soils. They have developed from mixed gravelly glacial till dominated by acid igneous rock. The
imbedded gravel is mainly granite and quartzite. Rainfall is 45 to 60 inches a year. The native vegetation is a
dense forest consisting almost entirely of Douglas-fir and a dense understory of salal, Oregon-grape, vine maple,
and huckleberry.Northeast of the Hood Canal the understory is mainly rhododendron.Alderwood soils occupy the
extensive rolling glacial moraines, and they are the dominant soils in the eastern part of the county. The
Alderwood soils are associated with the somewhat excessively drained Everett and Indianola soils and with the
moderately well drained Kitsap soils. Shelton and Hoodsport soils differ from the Alderwood soils in that they
have developed under high rainfall and from glacial till having a much higher content of basic igneous rock.The
Alderwood gravelly sandy loam,5 to 15 percent slopes(Ab)is the most extensive,soil of the Alderwood series.
It occupies undulating to rolling moraines.
Mukilteo peat,0 to 2 percent slopes(Mg):The Mukilteo series consists of peat that is mainly partly decomposed
sedges,spires,twigs,and roots.Peat bogs usually are densely covered by spirea and are generally free of trees and
other shrubs. Intermixed with the spirea are various sedges that form a good part, of the peat material.
Occasionally,Mukilteo peat has a cover of deciduous trees,brush,and shrubs in place of the spires Mukilteo peat
is widespread throughout the county,and it comprises the largest part of the upland bogs.This peat is very poorly
drained and often ponded many months of the year. Artificial drainage can be used to remove excess moisture.
Mukilteo peat is more acid and less fertile than McMurray peat. The surface layer consists of leaves,twigs, and
small roots 1 to 2 inches thick.
National Wetlands Inventory
The USFWS NWI map (online wetlands mapper) identifies two wetlands within the study area
(Figure 3). The western wetland is mapped as a permanently flooded, palustrine, aquatic bed
wetland with an unconsolidated bottom. It is shown to extend to the northwest approximately
1/3 of a mile. The second wetland is mapped as a palustrine scrub shrub wetland extending
approximately '/4 mile to the northeast and '/4 mile to the southeast of the study area. The
findings in the field conclude that this wetland is segmented into a series of units not depicted
on the NWI.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421 •wetlandcorps@hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.5
DNR Water Resources Map
The Department of Natural Resources Water Resources Map identifies a type f stream
draining out of what is referenced in this report as Wetland A. It is mapped about 500' to the
north of the location field verified as the outlet of Wetland A. The stream channel identified
in this review meets criteria for a type Np based on observed width and gradient.
5.0 WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS
General Wetland Conditions
Wetland A
Wetland A is an extensive depressional system with both scrub shrub and open water
components. Based on available information, the wetland appears to occupy an area of
approximately 11.5 acres. This estimate is based on analysis of elevation data, aerial photos
from the Mason County Assessor GIS Mapping Tool, information from Figure 3. NWI Map,
and Figure 4. Mason County Soil Survey of this report.
The majority of the wetland is hydrologically supported by the water table but also receives
surface water runoff from surrounding topography.
On the day of the review, the wetland boundary within the study area consisted of an abrupt
transition in vegetation types, hydrological conditions, and soil type.
Data was collected at one sample plot location in proximity to the project area. The plot
includes corresponding wetland and upland plot data. General findings on wetland soils,
hydrology, and vegetation for sample plots within the wetland are provided below. Specific
technical information can be found on the data forms in Appendix A.
Soil
Soil pits excavated within the wetland areas revealed characteristics consistent with Mukilteo
peat. The upper 12 inches is a mixture of decomposed organic material underlain by less
decomposed brown peat.
Soil pits excavated within the upland plots revealed characteristics consistent with Sinclare
Shotty Loam. The surface layer is a thin dark brown organic mat underlain by 5 inches of
grayish brown shotty loam. Below this to a depth of 14 inches is a medium friable light
brownish grey shotty loam. From 14 to 24 inches within the test pit is a faintly mottled
(1 OYR5/6) pale brown gravelly loam.
Hydrology
The entire flagged wetland area was either saturated within 6" of the soil surface or inundated
on the day of the field review. Abrupt changes in vegetation communities and soil
characteristic coincided with the transition from areas inundated or saturated to non-saturated
areas, thus defining the extent of the wetland.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421 •wetiandcorps@hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.6
No upland areas exhibited indicators of wetland hydrology.
Vegetation
The vegetated portions of the wetland are generally characterized by spirea, cattail, various
willow species, and slough sedge surrounded by a forested fringe which includes red alder,
western red cedar, buckhom cascara, and both pacific and sitka willow.
Vegetation communities within upland areas adjacent to wetlands consist of an overstory of
Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and western red cedar. The understory includes salal, evergreen
huckleberry, Oregon grape and lesser amounts of sword fern. Himalayan blackberry is
present in patches between the existing buildings and the wetland.
Wetland B
Wetland B is a scrub shrub wetland with both slope and depressional HGM classes. It is
approximately 2-3 acres in size and supported hydrologically by the stream outlet associated
with Wetland A, via a culvert under an old road grade. Surface water seepage over the grade
was observed in places during the field review. Seasonal runoff from the surrounding
landscape also contributes to the hydrological regime.
Data was collected at two sample plot locations within Wetland B. All plots include
corresponding wetland and upland plot data. General findings on wetland soils, hydrology,
and vegetation for sample plots within the wetland are provided below. Specific technical
information can be found on the data forms in Appendix A.
Soil
Soil pits excavated within the central portion of the wetland area revealed characteristics
consistent with Mukilteo peat. The upper 12 inches is a mixture of decomposed organic
material underlain by less decomposed brown peat. Soil pits along the fringe of the wetland
were characterized by dark mineral soil with faint mottling throughout the 18 inch excavated
depth.
Soil pits excavated within the upland plots revealed characteristics consistent with Sinclair
Shotty Loam. The surface layer is a thin dark brown organic mat underlain by 3 inches of
grayish brown shotty loam. Below this to a depth of 11 inches is a medium friable light
brownish grey shotty loam. From 11 to 18 inches within the test pit is a faintly mottled
(10YR5/6) pale brown gravelly loam.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421-wetlandcorps@hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.7
Hydrology
Indication of wetland hydrology was present in the form of drainage patterns, saturation,
inundation, water stained leaves, and oxidized rhizospheres along living roots.
No adjacent upland areas exhibited indicators of wetland hydrology.
Vegetation
The vegetated portions of the wetland are generally characterized by deciduous overstory
species which include red alder, cascara, sitka willow, pacific willow, and western crabapple.
The understory includes salmonberry, reed canarygrass, nootka rose, spiraea, and various
willow species.
Vegetation communities within upland areas adjacent to wetlands consist of an overstory of
Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and western red cedar. The understory includes salal, evergreen
huckleberry, Oregon grape and lesser amounts of sword fern. Himalayan blackberry is
present in patches between the existing buildings and the wetland.
6.0 WETLAND EVALUATION RESULTS
Wetland A
Wetland A meets criteria for a Category II Wetland according to the Western Washington
Wetland Rating Form, Categorization Based on Functions provided by the Wetland, criteria.
The rating based on functional attributes is Category II with 25 points in habitat function (See
Appendix C Rating Form).
According to Chapter 17.01.070 of the Mason County Resource Ordinance, a standard 110-
foot buffer is required for Category II Wetlands scoring between 20-28 points in habitat
function.
Wetland B
Wetland B meets criteria for a Category II Wetland according to the Western Washington
Wetland Rating Form, Categorization Based on Functions provided by the Wetland, criteria.
The rating based on functional attributes is Category II with 22 points in habitat function (See
Appendix C Rating Form).
According to Chapter 17.01.070 of the Mason County Resource Ordinance, a standard 110-
foot buffer is required for Category II Wetlands scoring between 20-28 points in habitat
function.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421•wetlandcorps(i�hotmailxom
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.8
7.0 Project Proposal
A site plan is shown in Figure 2 which along with the distribution of the wetlands and required
setbacks also identifies the proposed location for a new SFR within the property. The
proposed location is 85 feet from Wetland A at the nearest point which falls within the
standard I I0-foot setback thus requiring a Mason Environmental Permit(MEP).
A buffer averaging and buffer mitigation plan is outlined in the following sections to be
reviewed as part of the MEP application.
7.1 Buffer Averaging
Buffer averaging allows a 25% reduction of the portion of the buffer necessary to
accommodate a given project.
Chapter 17.01.070 outlines the general criteria for buffer width averaging:
Wetland Buffer Width Averaging
The boundary of the vegetation area buffer may be modified by
averaging buffer widths. If buffer averaging is used, the following
conditions must be met:
a. The total area contained in the buffer after averaging shall be no less
than that contained within the buffer prior to averaging. In other
words, mitigation for buffer impacts will be on a minimum of a 1:1
ratio; and
b. Buffer averaging will incorporate site conditions to minimize (to the
maximum extent possible) impacts on the functions of the wetland to
provide measures to increase the functions and values of the wetland
buffer beyond what is currently in place; and
c. In no instance shall the width be reduced to less than 1/4 of the
required width for each of the wetland categories. 100 feet for
Category I, 75 feet for Category II, or 25 feet for Categories III or IV.
Figure 2 shows the portion of the buffer within the property to be expanded by 25%to satisfy
the above conditions a and c. The mitigation outlined in section 7.2 is intended to satisfy the
above condition b.
7.2 Mitigation
Measures to increase the functions and values of the wetland buffer beyond what is currently
in place are required as a condition of buffer averaging. To meet this requirement, the areas
currently occupied by the existing house and garage will be restored with native plants
following removal of the structures.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421 -wetlandcorps(i�.hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.9
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Photo 2. Buildings to be removed and site to be restored with native vegetation.
Planting Area
The area recommended for planting consists of a relatively flat area currently occupied by the
two buildings in proximity to Wetland A. The following species are recommended for
installation within this area:
Trees: western red cedar(Thuja plicata)
Douglas fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Western Hemlock(Pseudotsuga heterophlla)
Shrubs: Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa)
salal(Gaultheria shallon)
evergreen huckleberry(Vaccinium ovatum)
beaked hazelnut(Corylus cornuta)
Indian plum(Oemleria cerasiformis)
oceanspray(Holodiscus discolor)
Pacific ninebark(Physocarpus capitatus)
red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)
Native Planting Guidelines
It is recommended that plantings be installed within the identified zone to achieve the
following densities. A minimum of two tree species and three shrub species from the above
list are recommended.
trees- 10' on center
shrubs-5' on center
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618-Office Phone 360-372-2421-wetlandcorps@hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11 W53
July, 2011
Page No.10
These densities will restore a moderately dense structurally diverse vegetative community
within the previous building locations. It is recommended that plants be used from one gallon
potted containers as opposed to bare rood seedlings.
Typically, planting should occur during winter dormancy. The optimum time for planting is
during February and March; however, the need to complete the project in a timely manner
may call for planting to occur outside optimum time periods. No machinery earthwork will be
necessary to implement this mitigation; planting holes for specified vegetation installation will
be hand dug. All installed vegetation shall be marked with colored flagging to facilitate
monitoring inspections. The monitoring program is recommended to insure project
effectiveness.
Invasive Species Removal
Himalayan blackberry are present in proximity to the proposed mitigation area along the
wetland edge. This species is a stubborn competitor f
p p or light and nutrients and could limit the
survival of native plants to be installed. Prior to planting and possibly congruent with the
demolition of the buildings, it is recommended that the Himalayan blackberry be uprooted and
disposed of off site. This can be done with small machinery; however any resulting exposed
soil should be covered with wood chip mulch or other temporary erosion control to prevent
sedimentation of the nearby wetland.
7.3 Best Management Practices
Best Management Practices applicable to this project are as follows:
• Perform excavation and site preparation work during dry weather.
• Install silt fencing between the development zone and the wetland to prevent
erosion and siltation of waters. Silt fencing can be removed following project
completion.
• Install temporary erosion control groundcover over exposed soil following
completion of site work. This can include straw hay, woodchips, medium grade
beauty bark, hydro seed, or jute netting.
• Minimize amount of erodible soils at any given time to the maximum extent
feasible.
• Check all equipment daily for leaks. Refueling and lubrication of equipment
should occur off site. Do not store any fuel, lubricants, chemicals, or hazardous
substances outside overnight within the project area.
• Clearly mark grading and excavation limits with orange flagging or construction
fencing.
• Do not apply any chemicals when there is a possibility of rain.
• Comply with all permits and requirements of governing authority.
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421 •wetlandcorps(t)hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC 11 W53
July, 2011
Page No.11
8.0 SUMMARY
This report documents the presence of two Category II Wetlands and one type Np stream
within the property. Both wetlands require a I I0-foot buffer and a 125 foot building setback.
The stream requires a 100-foot buffer with a 15' building setback.
A buffer averaging proposal with associated mitigation is outlined to allow a new SFR to be
located 85 feet from Wetland A at the nearest point. The proposed SFR is not within the
buffer or setback associated with Wetland B or the type Np stream.
Buffer enhancement includes the removal of two existing buildings located approximately 30-
feet from the wetland, invasive species removal,and native plant restoration.
Thank you for choosing The Wetland Corps as your environmental consultant. We trust this
information is sufficient for your needs at this time. If you have any questions, feel free to
call.
Respectfully submitted,
The Wetland Corps
Lee Boad Heather Lane
Senior Ecologist Staff Wetland Specialist
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421-wetlandcorps@hotmail.com
Vannorman Wetland Delineation
Project TWC11W53
July, 2011
Page No.12
REFERENCES
Cowardin, L.M.,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. 84 pp. Washington, D.C.
Hitchcock, L.C. and A. Cronquist, 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest.
University of Washington Press. 730 pp.
Hruby, T., 2004. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington—Revised. Washington
State Department of Ecology Publication#04-06-025.
Munsell Soil Color Charts, 1998. GretagMacbeth. New Windsor,New York.
Pojar,J. and A. MacKinnon, 1994.Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone
PinePublishing. 528 pp. Vancouver, British Columbia.
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 Kitsap
County Area, Washington. September, 1951.
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,
various pagination. Olympia, Washington.
Washington State Department of Ecology, 1993. Washington State Wetlands
Rating System, Western Washington Second Edition. 61 pp.Ecology
Publication#93-74. Olympia, Washington.
Washington State Department of Ecology, 1999. Methods for Assessing
Wetland Functions for Reverine and Depression! Wetlands in the
Lowlands of Western Washington. Ecology Publication#99-115. Olympia,
Washington.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 1993.National List of Plant Species that
Occur in Wetlands Region 9—Northwest. Resource Management Group
PO Box 2854 Belfair, Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421 -wetiandcorps@hotmaii.com hotmail.com
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FIGURE 1 VICINITY MAP
Project Name: Parcel 12232-21-90000
/ Wetland Delineation
Location: Grapeview, Washington
Project: TWC11-W53
THE WETLAND CORPS Client: Tim & Kendara VanNorman
Date: 6/11
-Y)0 2-6 �2- - CO�) P,
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Reduce' of buffer from 110' to 85' Proposed 50' x 50' House
for SFR Location Location
Remove Himalayan
Blackberry
Install Native Vegetations-8
••*—Existing Driveway and Parking
Remove Garage
Remove House',
Wetland * n`
560' + A I Np
tream
Wetland
13 I i
135' g 1 s
R tf
Increase buffer from 110'to , 1
135' for minimum 50' segment @
F
of buffer. ;f--110''
1
330'
North
This site map was created by TWC by
coordinating measurements and information
from several sources, including the Mason
County Assessor Aerial Photo 2009 and
GoogleEarth aerial images and measurements.
All locations are aooroximate.
FIGURE 2 SITE MAP
Project Name: Parcel 12232-21-90000
Wetland Delineation
Location: Grapeview,Washington
Project: TWC11-W53
THE WETLAND CORPS Client: Tim & Kendara VanNorman
Date: 6/11 J1
Map Legend
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Figure adapted from NW1 Figure 3 National Wetland Inventory Map
Mapper website Section 12 Township 23 North Range 2 West
FIGURE 3 NWI MAP
Project Name: Parcel 12232-21-90000 Wetland
Delineation
Location: Grapeview, Washington
Project: TWC11-W53
THE WETLAND CORPS Client: Tim & Kendara VanNorman
Date: 7/11
Approximate
Parcel Location
4
V1 ,
Onsite Soil Conditions based on Mason County Soil Survey
Subject Site Soils:
The onsite soil type has been identified as:So-Sinclair Shotty Loam,0 to 5 percent slopes. The Sinclair series consists of moderately well
drained,brown. shotty soils on uplands.They have developed from very compact Vashon gravelly glacial till in rainfall that ranges from 45
to 55 inches a year-the lowest in Mason County.The vegetation is a forest,mainly excellent Douglas-fir mixed with cedar,maple,and alder.
The understory is a luxuriant growth of swordfem, Oregon-grape, vine maple, salal,and huckleberry. Compared to the vegetation on drier
adjacent soils, there is very little madrone and manzanita, but there is considerable cedar. Surface drainage is moderately well established.
Internal drainage is medium,except that it is restricted by the cemented substratum. Sinclair soils are near Puget Sound on the eastern edge
of the county and on the islands of Case Inlet.They are commonly on lower slopes adjacent to the Harstine and Alderwood soils.They are
grayer,more finely textured,and more shotty,than either the Alderwood or the Marstine soils. In addition,the underlying till,in mostplaces,
is more cemented.
The onsite soil type has been identified as: Ad-Alderwood gravelly sandy loam,30 to 45 percent slopes.The Alderwood series consists
of brown,well-drained, upland soils. They have developed from mixed gravelly glacial till dominated by acid igneous rock. The imbedded
gravel is mainly granite and quartzite. Rainfall is 45 to 60 inches a year.The native vegetation is a dense forest consisting almost entirely of
Douglas-fir and a dense understory of salal, Oregon-grape, vine maple, and huckleberry. Northeast of the Hood Canal the understory is
mainly rhododendron. Alderwood soils occupy the extensive rolling glacial moraines,and they are the dominant soils in the eastern part of
the county. The Alderwood soils are associated with the somewhat excessively drained Everett and Indianola soils and with the moderately
well drained Kitsap soils. Shelton and Hoodsport soils differ from the Alderwood soils in that they have developed under high rainfall and
from glacial till having a much higher content of basic igneous rock.The Alderwood gravelly sandy loam,5 to 15 percent slopes(Ab) is
the most extensive,soil of the Alderwood series.It occupies undulating to rolling moraines.
Mukilteo peat,0 to 2 percent slopes(Mg).-The Mukilteo series consists of peat that is mainly partly decomposed sedges,spires,twigs,and
roots. Peat bogs usually are densely covered by spirea and are generally free of trees and other shrubs.Intermixed with the spirea are various
sedges that form a good part,of the peat material.Occasionally, Mukilteo peat has a cover of deciduous trees,brush,and shrubs in place of
the spires. Mukilteo peat is widespread throughout the county,and it comprises the largest part of the upland bogs."This peat is very poorly
drained and often ponded many months of the year. Artificial drainage can be used to remove excess moisture. Mukilteo peat is more acid
and less fertile than McMurray peat. The surface layer consists of leaves,twigs,and small roots i to 2 inches thick.
FIGURE 4 SOIL SURVEY
Project Name: Parcel 12232-21-90000
Wetland Delineation
Location: Grapeview, Washington
Project: TWC11-W53
THE 'kN'ETL_-'i ND COR R)" Client: Tim & Kendara VanNorman
Date: 6/11
29
Approximate Parce17040821
l Locatio
: :: z,�• Flu :=,: .,-.y�
:. ► A14 ~
MORI,
SOELS
STRE.AINLS Hydnc Soils TR LNSPORT XU0N
Highly Unstable ^/Paved Road
Stream Hater T}•?e 1-5(East side) Ffi€h►Y Erodible
Stream Type U-:1nown(East side' M401)•Unsnb:e& 11^�Unpaved Road
M&y Erod btu ^o'Road(Surface LTnknown)
f Stream Water Type 1-5(Nest side) No Data or Gravel Pits
`1 Stream Type Unknawn(West side) Abandoned Road
Orphaned Road
Trail
FIGURE 5 DNR STREAM MAP
Project Name: Parcel 12232-21-90000
Wetland Delineation
—� - Location: Grapeview, Washington
Project: TWC11-W53
THE `tir FTL-:4-N D COR P.� Client: 'Tim & Kendara VanNorman
Date: 6/11
APPENDIX A
Routine Wetland Determination Data Forms
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM—Western Mountains,Valleys, and Coast Region
Project Site: Mason County Parcel:12232-21-90000 City/County: Alien,Mason) Sampling Date: 7-7-11
Applicant/Owner. Timothy and Kandara Vannorman State: W1 Sampling Point: Uoland 1
Investigator(s): Lee Boad.Heather Lane Section,Township,Range: S32 T22NRlW
Landform(hillslope,terrace,etc.): Gentle to Moderate Slope Local relief(concave,convex,none): none Slope(%): 50/
Subregion(LRR): MLRA2 Lat: 47'21N Long: 122'05 Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Sinclair Shotty Loam 5-15%slopes NWI classification: Upland
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 ® Is the Sampled Area Yes ❑ No
within a Wetland?
Weiland Hydrology Present? Yes ❑ No
Remarks:
VEGETATION-Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum(Plot size:25M) Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test Worksheet:
%Cover Species? Status
1. Acer macrophvllum 20% yes FACU Number of Dominant Species 1 (A)
2. A/nus Rubra 301/6 yel FAC That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC:
3. Pseudotsupa menziesii 30% y§A NL PL Total Number of Dominant
4.
Species Across All Strata: 8 (B)
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species 120A (A/B)
Saplino/Shrub Stratum(Plot size:25M) That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC:
1. PolvsUchum munitum 20% yr FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Rubus discolor 200/9 FACU Total%Cover of: Multiply by;
3. Vaccinium ovatum 20% yO UPL OBL species x1=
4. Gau/theria shallon 20 y21 UPL FACW species x2=
5. FAC species x3=
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover FACU species x4=
Herb Stratum(Plot size:25J UPL species x5=
1. Pteridium agtrilinum 400/9 yet NI Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. n/a` Prevalence Index=B/A=
3. n/a' _ Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. n/a' _ ® 1-Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. ❑ 2-Dominance Test Is>50%
6. ❑ 3-Prevalence Index is<3.0'
7. 4-Morphological Adaptations'(Provide supporting
a. ❑ data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ❑ 5-Wetland Non-Vascular Plants'
10. ❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation'(Explain)
11.
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present,unless disturbed or problematic.
Woody Vine Stratum(Plot size:
1. _
2 Hydrophytic
Vegetation Yes ❑ No
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Present?
%Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains,Valley
s,and Coast-Version 2.0
Project Site: Mason County Parcel:12232-21-90000
SOIL Sampling Point:U land 1
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) % Type' Loc2 Texture Remarks
00.5 10YR5/2 Shty Loam
5-14 1 OYR6/2 Shty Loam
1414=24 10YR7/3 10YR5/6 150/9 GVLY Loam
'Type: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 Soils':
❑ Histosol(Al) ❑ 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(Al 1) ❑ Depleted Matrix(F3)
❑ Thick Dark Surface(Al2) ❑ Redox Dark Surface(F6)
❑ Sandy Mucky Mineral(S1) ❑ Depleted Dark Surface(177) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
❑ Sand Gle ed Matrix S4 ❑ Redox Depressions F8 wetland hydrology must be present,
Y Y ( ) P ( ) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer(if present):
Type: Cemented Till according to soil survey,not field verified
Depth(inches): 2840 Hydric Solis Present? Yes ❑ No
Remarks: 5%slope
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators(minimum of one required;check all that apply) Secondary Indicators(2 or more required)
❑ Surface Water(At) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(B9) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(B9)
❑ High Water Table(A2) (except MLRA 1,2,4A,and 4B) (MLRA 1,2,4A,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(84) ❑ Presence of Reduced Iron(C4) ❑ Shallow Aquitard(133)
❑ Iron Deposits(B5) ❑ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils(C6) ❑ FAC-Neutral Test(135)
❑ Surface Soil Cracks(B6) ❑ Stunted or Stresses 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): Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ❑ No
(includes capillary fringe)
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: Mason County Parcel:12232-21-90000 City/County: Awn Mason/ Sampling Date: 7-7-11
Applicant/Owner. Timothy and Kandara Vannorman State: WW Sampling Point: Upland 2
Investigator(s): Lee Boad.Heather Lane Section,Township,Range: S32 T22NRlW
Landform(hillslope,terrace,etc.): Gentle to Moderate Slone Local relief(concave,convex,none): none Slope(%): 5%
Subregion(LRR): MLRA2 Lat: 47'21N Long: 122'05W Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Sinclair Shotty Loam 5-15%slopes NWI classification: Upland
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 ®Twtthin
the Sampled Area yes ❑ No
a Wetland?
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ❑ No
Remarks:
VEGETATION—Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum(Plot size:25M) Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test Worksheet:
%Cove Species? Status
1. Acer macroohyllum 20% yg—s FACU Number of Dominant Species
2. A/nus Rub rd 30% ye$ FA That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC: 2 (A)
3. Pseudotsuca menziesii 300/9 yes NL PL Total Number of Dominant
4. —
Species Across All Strata: 9 (B)
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species ,
Saplina/Shrub Stratum(Plot size:25M
That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC: 22/o (A/B)
1. Polvstichum munitum 20% M FACU Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Rubus discolor 200/9 M FACU Total%Cover of: Multiply by:
3. n/a' = OBL species x1=
4 Na' _ FACW species x2=
5. FAC species x3=
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover FACU species x4=
Herb Stratum(Plot size:25M) UPL species x5=
1. Pteridium aguilinum 20% M NI Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Festuca arundinacea 30°/u tree FAC Prevalence Index=B/A=
3. Festuca pratensis 20% yees FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. Dactylis olomerata 20% yes FACU ® 1—Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5 ❑ 2-Dominance Test is>50%
8. ❑ 3-Prevalence Index is<3.0'
7. ❑ 4-Morphological Adaptations'(Provide supporting
8 data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
g ❑ 5-Wetland Non-Vascular Plants'
10. ❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation'(Explain)
11.
50%= 20%_ Total Cover 'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present,unless disturbed or problematic.
Woody Vine Stratum(Plot size:__J
1. —
2 Hydrophytic
Vegetation Yes ❑ No
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Present?
%Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains,Valleys,and Coast—Version 2.0
Project Site: Mason County Parcel:12232-21-90000
SOIL Sampling Point:U land 2
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) % Type' Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-4 10YR5/2 Shty Loam
4=1 2 10YR6/2 Shty Loam
1212=18 10YR7/3 10YR5/6 15% GVLY Loam
'Type.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 Soils':
❑ Histosol(Al) ❑ Sandy Redox(S5) ❑ 2 cm Muck(A10)
❑ Histic Epipedon(A2) ❑ Stripped Matrix(SB) ❑ 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(At 1) ❑ Depleted Matrix(F3)
❑ Thick Dark Surface(Al2) ❑ Redox Dark Surface(F6)
❑_ Sandy Mucky Mineral(S1) ❑ Depleted Dark Surface(F7) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
❑ Sand Gle ed Matrix S4 ❑ Redox Depressions F8 wetland hydrology must l e present,
Y Y ( ) P ( ) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer(if present):
Type: Cemented Till according to soil survey,not field verified
Depth(inches): 2640 Hydric Soils Present? Yes ❑ No
Remarks: 5%slope
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators(minimum of one required;check all that apply) Secondary Indicators(2 or more required)
❑ Surface Water(At) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(139) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(B9)
❑ High Water Table(A2) (except MLRA 1,2,4A,and 4B) (MLRA 1,2,4A,and 4B)
❑ Saturation(A3) ❑ Salt Crust(1311) ❑ Drainage Patterns(1310)
❑ Water Marks(81) ❑ Aquatic Invertebrates(B13) ❑ Dry-Season Water Table(C2)
❑ Sediment Deposits(B2) ❑ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor(Cl) ❑ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery(C9)
❑ Drift Deposits(133) ❑ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots(C3) ❑ Geomorphic Position(D2)
❑ Algal Mat or Crust(134) ❑ Presence of Reduced Iron(C4) ❑ Shallow Aquitard(03)
❑ Iron Deposits(B5) ❑ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils(C6) ❑ FAC-Neutral Test(D5)
❑ Surface Soil Cracks(136) ❑ Stunted or Stresses Plants(D1)(LRR A) ❑ Raised Ant Mounds(D6)(LRR A)
❑ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery(87) ❑ Other(Explain in Remarks) ❑ Frost-Heave Hummocks(D7)
❑ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface(BB)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes ❑ No ® Depth(inches):
Water Table Present? Yes ❑ No ® Depth(inches):
Saturation Present? Yes ❑ No ® Depth(inches): Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ❑ No
(includes capillary fringe)
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: Mason County Parcel:12232-21-90000 City/County: Allyn,Mason/ Sampling Date: 7-7-11
Applicant/Owner. Timothy and Kandara Vannorman State: We Sampling Point: Weband 1
Investigator(s): Lee Boad.Heather Lane Section,Township,Range: S32 T22NRl W
Landforrn(hillslope,terrace,etc.): Deoression Local relief(concave,convex,none): none Slope(%): 0-2°k
Subregion(LRR): M RA Lat: 47'21 N Long: 122'05W Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Sinclair Shotty Loam 5-15%slopes NWI classification: PAB/UBH
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 ❑ Is the Sampled Area Yes ® No ❑
within a Wetland?
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ® No ❑
Remarks:
VEGETATION—Use scientific names of plants
Tree Stratum(Plot size:2, 5M) Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test Worksheet:
° Cover Species? Status
1. EL;e = Number of Dominant Species 4 (A)
2. n/a* _ That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC:
3. Na' = Total Number of Dominant 4 (B)
4. Species Across All Strata:
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species 100% (A/B)
Saolin0/Shrub Stratum(Plot size:25M) That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC:
1. Soiraea doualasii 25 ygg FACW Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. n/a• _ Total%Cover of: MUltioly by;
3. n/a' = OBL species x1=
4. n,� _ FACW species x2=
5. FAC species x3=
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover FACU species x4=
Herb Stratum(Plot size:25M) UPL species x5=
1. Tyvhe/aft is 25% yea OBL Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Pha/ads arundinacea 20% ye1 FACW Prevalence Index=B/A=
3. Nuvhar/uteum 30% yes OBL Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. n/a' _ ® 1—Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5. ❑ 2-Dominance Test is>50%
g. ❑ 3-Prevalence Index is<3.0'
7 ❑ 4-Morphological Adaptations'(Provide supporting
g, data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ❑ 5-Wetland Non-Vascular Plants'
10. ❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation'(Explain)
11. —
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover 'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present,unless disturbed or problematic.
Woody Vine Stratum(Plot size:
1. —
2 Hydrophytic
Vegetation Yes ® No ❑
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Present?
%Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains,Valleys,and Coast—Version 2.0
Project Site: Mason County Parcel:12232-21-90000
SOIL Sampling Point:Wdjl2SL1
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) % Type' Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-12 10YR212 Mcky Pt
'Type: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 Soils':
® Histosol(Al) ❑ 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 MI-RA 1) ❑ Very Shallow Dark Surface(TF12)
❑ Hydrogen Sulfide(A4) ❑ Loamy Gleyed Matrix(F2) ❑ Other(Explain in Remarks)
❑ Depleted Below Dark Surface(At 1) ❑ Depleted Matrix(F3)
❑ Thick Dark Surface(Al2) ❑ Redox Dark Surface(F6)
❑ Sandy Mucky Mineral(Si) ❑ Depleted Dark Surface(177) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
❑ Sandy Gleyed Matrix(S4) ❑ Redox Depressions(F8) wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer(if present):
Type:
Depth(inches): Hydric Soils Present? Yes ® No ❑
Remarks: surface inundation within sample plot.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators(minimum of one required;check all that apply) Secondary Indicators(2 or more required)
® Surface Water(At) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(B9) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(Bg)
❑ High Water Table(A2) (except MLRA 1,2,4A,and 4B) (MLRA 1,2,4A,and 4B)
® Saturation(A3) ❑ Salt Crust(B11) ❑ Drainage Patterns(810)
® Water Marks(B1) ❑ Aquatic Invertebrates(B13) ❑ Dry-Season Water Table(C2)
❑ Sediment Deposits(B2) ❑ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor(Cl) ❑ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery(C9)
❑ Drift Deposits(133) ❑ 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(C8) ❑ FAC-Neutral Test(D5)
❑ Surface Soil Cracks(B6) ❑ Stunted or Stresses Plants(D1)(LRR A) ❑ Raised Ant Mounds(D6)(LRR A)
® Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery(B7) ❑ Other(Explain in Remarks) ❑ Frost-Heave Hummocks(07)
❑ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface(B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes ® No ❑ Depth(inches):
Water Table Present? Yes ® No ❑ Depth(inches):
Saturation Present?
(induces capillary
fringe) Yes ® No ❑ Depth(inches): Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ® No ❑
illary
Describe Recorded Data(stream gauge,monitoring well,aerial photos,previous inspections),if available: Google Earth Aerial Photos
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: Mason County Parcel 12232-21-90000 City/County: Awn,Mason/ Sampling Date: 7-7-11
Applicant/Owner. Timothy and Kandara Vannorman State: Wl Sampling Point: Wetland 2
Investigator(s): Lee Boad.Heather Lane Section,Township,Range: S32 T22NR1W
Landforn(hillslope,terrace,etc.): Deoression Local relief(concave,convex,none): none Slope(%): 00- °/
Subregion(LRR): MLRA2 Lat 47'21 N Long: 122'05W Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Mukilteo Peat 0-2%slopes NWI classification: PA / BH
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? (it needed,explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS—Attach site map showing sampling point locations,transacts,important features,etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ® No ❑
ri it Present? Yes ® No ❑ lathe Sampled Area Yes ® No ❑
Hyd c So W and?
within a etl
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ® No ❑
Remarks:
VEGETATION—Use scientific names of plants
Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test Worksheet:
Tree Stratum(Plot size:25M1 %Cove Species? Status
1. Alnus rubra 20 B" FAC Number of Dominant Species 7 (A)
2. Rhamnus arrshiana 15 n0 FAC That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC:
3. Malus fusca 20 !LP FACW Total Number of Dominant
4. Salix sitchensis � M FAQ
Species Across All Strata: (B)
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species ,
SaolindShnlb Stratum(Plot size:?5M)
That Are OBL,FACW,or FAC: (A/B)
1. Spiraea douclasd Z5 eY1R FA W Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Malus fusca 10 n0 FAC Total%Cover of: Multiply by:
3. Salix sitchensis 20 YO FACW OBL species x1=
4. Salix lucida 20 M FA W FACW species x2=
5 FAC species x3=
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover FACU species x4=
Herb Stratum(Plot size:25M) UPL species x5=
1. Phalan arundinace 3 M FACW Column Totals: (A) (B)
2 n/a* _ Prevalence Index=B/A=
3 2W - HydrophyUc Vegetation Indicators:
4, n/a' _ ® 1—Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
5 ❑ 2-Dominance Test is>50%
B. ❑ 3-Prevalence Index is<3.0'
7. ❑ 4-Morphological Adaptations'(Provide supporting
8 data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
9 ❑ 5-Wetland Non-Vascular Plants'
10. ❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation'(Explain)
11. —
50°�= 20%_ Total Cover 'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present,unless disturbed or problematic.
Woody Vine Stratum(Plot size:
1. —
Hydrophytic
2' Vegetation Yes ® No ❑
50%= 20%_ =Total Cover Present?
%Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains,Valleys,and Coast—Version 2.0
Project Site: Mason County Parcel:12232-21-90000
SOIL Sampling Point:Wetland 2
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) % Type' Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-12 10YR2/2 Mckv Pt
'Type: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 Soils':
® Histosol(Al) ❑ 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(172) ❑ Other(Explain in Remarks)
❑ Depleted Below Dark Surface(Al 1) ❑ Depleted Matrix(F3)
❑ Thick Dark Surface(Al2) ❑ Redox Dark Surface(F6)
❑ Sandy Mucky Mineral(Si) ❑ Depleted Dark Surface(F7) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
❑ Sandy Gleyed Matrix(S4) ❑ Redox Depressions(F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer(if present):
Type:
Depth(inches): Hydric Soils Present? Yes ® No ❑
Remarks: surface inundation within sample plot.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators(minimum of one required;check all that apply) Secondary Indicators(2 or more required)
® Surface Water(Al) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(139) ❑ Water-Stained Leaves(B9)
❑ High Water Table(A2) (except MLRA 1,2,4A,and 4B) (MLRA 1,2,4A,and 4B)
® Saturation(A3) ❑ Salt Crust(B11) ❑ Drainage Patterns(B10)
® Water Marks(B1) ❑ Aquatic Invertebrates(B13) ❑ Dry-Season Water Table(C2)
❑ Sediment Deposits(132) ❑ 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(134) ❑ 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(136) ❑ Stunted or Stresses Plants(D1)(LRR A) ❑ Raised Ant Mounds(136)(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): Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ® No ❑
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data(stream gauge,monitoring well,aerial photos,previous inspections),if available: Google Earth Aerial Photos
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains,Valleys,and Coast—Version 2.0
Appendix B
Washington State Wetland Rating System Form
Wetland name or number
WETLAND RATING FORM — WESTERN WASHINGTON
Version 2—Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users
Updated Oct.2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats
Name of wetland(if known):Vannorman Wetland A Date of site visit: 7/201 1
Rated by:H. Lane Trained by Ecology? Yes E No ❑ Date of training:10/2006
SEC: 32 TOWNSHP: 22 RNGE: 1 Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes❑ No
Map of wetland unit: Figure 2 Estimated size 11.5 Acres
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: ❑ I ® II ❑ III ❑ IV
Category I = Score> 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 30
Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 12
Category III = Score 30—50 Score for Habitat Functions 25
Category IV= Score <30 TOTAL Score for Functions 67
Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland ❑ I ❑ 11 ® Does not apply
Final Category(choose the "highest'category from above") II
Summary of basic information about the wetland unit.
Wetland Unit has Special Wetland HGM Class
Characteristics used for Rating
Estuarine De ressional
Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine
Bo —Lake-fringe
Mature Forest Slope
Old Growth Forest Flats
Coastal Lagoon Lj Freshwater Tidal
Interdunal
None of the above ® Check if unit has multiple ❑
HGM classes present
Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will
need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland.
Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection YES NO
in addition to the protection recommended for its category)
SP 1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or
Endangered animal or plant species (TIE species)? ❑
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the appropriate
state or federal database.
SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or
Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the ❑
wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species
are categorized as Category I Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form).
SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW or the state? ❑
SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the
wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or ❑
in a local management plan as having special significance.
To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydro¢eomorphic Class of the wetland beine rated.
The hydrogaomorphic cb%iflcation groups wedarids in to those that fiuiction at similar ways. This simplifies the questions neaded to answer how well the wetland
furxxiorts. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p.24 far more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page I of 12
Wetland name or number
Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington
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.
1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)?
®NO—go to 2 ❑ YES—the wetland class is Tidal Fringe
If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt(parts per thousand)?
❑ YES— Freshwater Tidal Fringe ® NO—Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
Ifyour wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it
is rated as an Estuarine wetland Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt
Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions,and
this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions,the term"Estuarine"wetland is kept. Please
note,however,that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed(see p. ).
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is 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 meet both of the following criteria?
❑ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water(without any vegetation on
the surface)where at least 20 acres(8ha) in size;
❑ At least 30%of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)?
® NO—go to 4 ❑ YES—The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland 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?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and
shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than I foot deep).
®NO—go to 5 ❑ YES—The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland 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 two years.
NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding..
®NO—go to 6 ❑ YES—The wetland class is Riverine
6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of
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 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 b high
y g groundwater to 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 your wetland 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 class listed in column 2 is less
than 101/6 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— Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special
freshwater wetland characteristics
If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes
within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 2 of 12
Wetland name or number
D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS— Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only I score
per box)
D 1 Does the wetland have the aotential to improve water quality? (see p.38)
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
• Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it(no outlet)......................................points=3 Figure❑
• Unit has an intermittently flowing,OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet....points=2
• Unit has an unconstricted,or slightly constricted, surface outlet(permanently flowing)...points= I
• Unit is a"flat"depression(Q.7 on key),or in the Flats class,with permanent surface
2
outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch......................points= 1 ❑
I ditch is not permanently flowingtreat unit as "intermittent/ owin Provide photo or drawing
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface(or duff layer)is clay or organic(use NRCS definitions) 4
YES points=4 NO points=0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation(emergent,shrub,and/or forest Cowardin class):
• Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation>=95%of area..........................................points=5 Figure❑
• Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation>= 1/2 of area............................................points=3
• Wetland has persistent,ungrazed vegetation>= 1/10 of area..........................................points= 1
• Wetland has persistent,ungrazed vegetation< 1/10 of area.............................................points=0 5
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the welland that is pon ed or at
least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently Figure❑
ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years.
• Area seasonally ponded is> 1/2 total area of wetland......................................................points=4
• Area seasonally ponded is> 1/4 total area of wetland......................................................points=2 4
• Area seasonally ponded is< 1/4 total area of wetland......................................................points=0
Map of H dro eriods
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 15
D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (seep. 44)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient
from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit
ma have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity.
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft.of wetland
A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed
fields,roads,or clear-cut logging
Residential,urban areas,golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Multiplier
Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen
Other
® YES multiplier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is 1
♦ TOTAL—Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from DI by 132; then add score to table on p. 1
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation.
D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46)
D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit
• Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it(no outlet)......................................points=4
• Unit has an intermittently flowing,OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet.....points=2
• Unit is a"flat'depression(Q.7 on key)or in the Flats class,with permanent surface 2
outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch......................points= 1 ❑
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as "intermittently flowing')
• Unit has an unconstricted or slightly constricted surface outlet(permanently ow in ........points=0
D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For
units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part(if dry).
• Marks of ponding are 3 ft.or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet...................points=7
• The wetland is a"headwater"wetland.............................................................................points 5
_ 5
• Marks of ponding between 2 ft.to<3 ft.from surface or bottom of outlet......................points 5
• Marks are at least 0.5 ft.to<2 ft.from surface or bottom of outlet.................................points=3
• Wetland is flat(yes to Q2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water.points= I
• Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft....................................................................................points=0
D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in t e watershed: stimate the ratio of the area of upstream
basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.
• The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit...............................................points=5 5
• The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit.............................................points=3
• The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit.....................................points=0
• Entire unit is in the FLATS class.....................................................................................points=5
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above I
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 3 of 12
Wetland name or number
D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (seep. 49)
Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage,or reduction in water velocity,
it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive
flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate,tide
gate,flap valve,reservoir etc.OR you estimate that more than 90%of the water in the wetland is from
groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following
indicators of opportunity apply.
8 Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems.
Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems
Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or Multiplier
stream that has flooding problems
❑ Other �
YES multiplier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is t
♦ TOTAL—Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by 134;then add score to table on P. I 1
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 4 of 12
Wetland name or number
R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS— Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (unly I sour
per box)
R11 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52)
R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event:
• Depressions cover>3/4 area of wetland..........................................................................points=8 8 Figure❑
. De ressions cover> 1/2 area of wetland..........................................................................points=4
(Ifdepressions> 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map)
• Depressions present but cover< 1/2 area of wetland........................................................points=2
• No depressions present....................................................................................................points=0
R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit(areas with>90%cover at person height): Figure Li• Trees or shrubs>2/3 area of the unit..............................................................................points=8
• Trees or shrubs> 1/3 area of the wetland........................................................................points=6
• Ungrazed, herbaceous plants>2/3 area of unit................................................................points=6
• Ungrazed herbaceous plants> 1/3 area of unit................:................................................points=3
• Trees,shrubs,and ungrazed herbaceous< 1/3 area of unit...............................................points=0
Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types
Add the points in the boxes above
R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (seep. 53)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient
from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may
have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity.
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft.of wetland
A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas,farmed
fields,roads,or clear-cut logging
❑Residential,urban areas,golf courses are within 150 ft.of wetland
The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised Multiplier
levels of sediment,toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water
quality.
❑Other
YES multiplier is 2 No multiplier is l
♦ TOTAL—Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R I by R2; then add score to table on p. 1
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion.
R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p 5-4)
R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland
perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel(distance between Figure ❑
banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit)/(average width of stream between banks).
• If the ratio is more than 20..............................................................................................points=9
• If the ratio is between 10—20.........................................................................................points=6
• If the ratio is 5-<10...................................................................................................:....points=4
• If the ratio is 1-<5..........................................................................................................points=2
• if the ratio is< 1 ........ ................ ........ ..points= 1
Aerial photo or map showing averalle widths
R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as
`forest or shrub". Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90° Figure❑
cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes):
• Forest or shrub for> 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants>2/3 area.......................................points=7
• Forest or shrub for> 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants> 1/3 area .....................................points=4
Ll
• Vegetation does not meet above criteria..........................................................................points=0
Aerial photo or map showing lygons of different vegetation types
Add the points in the boxes above
R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57)
Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage,or reduction in water
velocity,it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or
erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply.
❑There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings,bridges, farms)that can be
damaged by flooding.
8 There are natural resources downstream(e.g.salmon redds)that can be damaged by flooding
Multiplier
Other
(Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is
tidal fringe along the sides of a dike)
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ❑ No multiplier is 1
♦ 1'OT��L— Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 5 of 12
L
1
Wetland name or number
L Lake-fringe Wetlands Point
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS- Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only I score
L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) per box)
L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore(use polygons of Cowardin classes): Fi
• Vegetation is more than 33 ft.(10m)wide.......................................................................points=6 gure
❑
• Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m)wide and <33 ft........................................................points=3
• Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m)wide and < 16 ft.........................................................points=
• Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.....................................................................................points=0
Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked
L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest
points,and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the Figure❑
dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cotardin classes. Area of Cover is
total cover in the unit,but it can be in patches. NOTE:Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed
• Cover of herbaceous plants is>90%of the vegetated area..............................................points=6
• Cover of herbaceous plants is>2/3 of the vegetated area................................................points=4
• Cover of herbaceous plants is> 1/3 of the vegetated area.............. points
• Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers>2/3 of the unit................points=3
• Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in> 1/3 vegetated area.......................................points= l
• Aquatic bed cover and open water>2/3 of the unit.........................................................points=0
Map with polygons of different vegetation types
Add the points in the boxes above
L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity,to improve water quality? (see p.61)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water,or polluted surface water flowing
through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit
m have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity.
Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland
Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Multiplier
Parks with grassy areas that are maintained,ballfields,golf courses(all within 150 ft.of lake shore)
Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake
Other
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is l
♦ TOTAL-Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from Ll by L2;then add score to table on p. 1
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS-Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion.
L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62)
L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed):
(choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland) Figure II
• 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m)wide ............................................points=6
• 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m)wide................................................points=4
• 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft.(10m)wide.............................................points=4
• Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m)wide(any type except aquatic bed).................................points=2
• Vegetation is less than 6 ft.(2m)wide(any type except aquatic bed) ..............................points=0
Aerial photo or ma with Cowardin vegetation classes
Record the points in the boxes above
L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64)
Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following
conditions apply.
❑There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland(buildings, fields)tha
can be damaged by erosion. Multiplier
❑There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests,
other wetlands)that can be damaged by shoreline erosion.
❑Other
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is I
♦ TOTAL-A drolo ie Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on . 1
Comments:
L__7
Rating Form-Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 6 of 12
Wetlan
d name or number
Points
S Slope Wetlands (only I score
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS— Indicators that wetland functions to improve water uali per box)
S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? see p.64
S IA Characteristics of average slope of unit: pints=3
• Slope is t%or less(a I%slope has a I jl.vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft horizontal distance) . _
2
. Slope is 1%-2%...................................................................... ......................................points
oints= 1
• Slope is 2%-5%.............................................................................................................
• Slo a is greater than 5%............... ...............................................................................points=0
S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface(or duff layer)is clay,organic(Use NRCS definitions).
rl YES =3 ooints n NO =0 3oints
S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points Figure❑
appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you
have trouble seeing the soil surface(>7S%cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants
are higher than 6 inches.
• Dense,uncut,herbaceous vegetation>90%of the wetland area......................................points=6
• Dense,uncut,herbaceous vegetation> 1/2 of area................... .......................................points=3
• Dense,woody,vegetation> 1/2 of area...........................................................................
po
ints=2
• Dense,uncut,herbaceous vegetation> 1/4 of area...........................................................points= 1
• Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation....................................................ppoints=0
Aerial photo or map with vegetation polvaons _
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above _.._
S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (seep. 67)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient
from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit
ma have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity.
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Multiplier
Tilled fields, logging,or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland
Residential, urban areas,or golf courses are within 150 ft.upslope of wetland
Other
❑ YEs multi lier is 2 ❑NO Multiplier is I
♦ TOTAL—Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S I by S2• then add score to table on P. I
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion.
S 3 Does the wetland have the otentia to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68)
S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation 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> 118in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface,jlows).
• Dense,uncut, rigid vegetation covers>90%of the area of the wetland ..........................points=6
• Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation 1/2 area of wetland........................................................points=3
• Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/4 area........................................................................points= 1
• More than 1/4 of area is grazed,mowed tilled or vegetation is not rigid........................points=0
S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows.
The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10%of its area.
p rl YES =2 oints F1 NO =0 points
Add the points in the boxes above —
S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (seep. 70)
is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect
downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note
which of the following conditions apply.
❑Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems
Other Multiplier
(Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir(e.g. wetland is a seep that is on p
the downstream side of a dam)
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is l
♦ TOTAL—Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4• then add score to tuhle un /
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 7 of 12
Wetland name or number
These questions apply to wetlands of all MGM classes Points
HABITAT FUNCTIONS— Indicators that wetland functions to P P provide important habitat. (only ► score
per boll
g 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Vegetation structure(see P. 72): Figure❑
Check the types of vegetation classes present(as defined by Cowardin)—Si_e threshold for each class is
114 acre or more than 10%of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Aquatic Bed
Emergent plants
Scrub/shrub(areas where shrubs have>30%cover)
Forested(areas where trees have> 30%cover)
I 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. 2
Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. 1 ou have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
4 structures or more.......points=4 3 structures..............points=2
2 structures....................points= I 1 structure................points=0
H 1.2 Hydroperiods(see p.73):
Check the types of water regimes(hydroperiods)present within the wetland. The water regime has to Figure 0
cover more than 10%of the wetland or 114 acre to count(see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points=3
Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present points=2
Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present points= I
Saturated only l 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 2
Freshwater tidal wetland.............=2 points Map of hydroperiods
H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species(seep. 75):
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft(different patches of the same
species can be combined to meet the size threshold)
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 2
List species below if you want to: <5 species.........................points=0
H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats(see p. 76):
Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation(described in H1.1),or
the classes and unvegetated areas(can include open water or mudflats)is high,medium,low,or none.
CD (a Figure II
Norte=0 points Low= l point Moderate—,points
[riparian braided channels]
High =3 points 2
Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water,the rating is always"high".
Use map of Cowardin classes
H 1.5 Special Habitat Features(seep. 77):
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points
you put into the next column.
Large,downed, woody debris within the wetland(>4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long)
Standing snags(diameter at the bottom>4 inches) in the wetland
Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m)and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3
ft.(lm)over a stream(or ditch)in,or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft.(IOm)
®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 turned grey/brown)
®At least t/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation 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 each stratum of plants
NOTE: The 20%stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 5
H 1 TOTAL Score—potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above l3
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 8 of 12
Wetland name or number
g 2 Does the wetland have the olmortunity to provide habitat for many species? (only I score
er box)
H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Figure
Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring
criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of"undisturbed".
❑ 100m(330 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,or open water>
95%of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer
(relatively undisturbed also means no grazing,no landscaping,no daily human use).............points=5
® 100m(330 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,or open water>
50%circumference.......................................................................................................points=4
❑ 50m(170 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water
>95%circumference....................................................................................................points=4
❑ I00m(330 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas,rocky areas, or open water>
25%circumference.......................................................................................................points=3
❑ 50m(170 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas,rocky areas,or open water for
> 50%circumference....................................................................................................points=3
If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above:
❑ No paved areas(except paved trails)or buildings within 25m(80 ft)of wetland>95%
circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK..........................................points=2
❑No paved areas of buildings within 50m of wetland for>50%circumference. Light
to moderate grazing or lawns are OK............................................................................points=2
❑ Heavy grazing in buffer.....................................................................................................points= I
❑ Vegetated buffers are<2m wide(6.6 ft) for more than 95%circumference
(e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland).............................points=0
❑ Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above...................................................................points= 1 4
Arial photo showing buffers
H 2.2 Corridors and Connections(see p. 81)
H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor(either riparian
or upland)that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30%cover of shrubs, forest or native
undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at
least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads,paved roads,
are considered breaks in the corridor).
❑ YES= 4 points(go to H 2.3) ❑ NO=go to H 2.2.2
H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor(either riparian
or upland)that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30%cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to
estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake-
fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above?
® YES=2 points(go to H 2.3) ❑ NO=go to H 2.2.3
H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland:
• Within 5 mi(8km)of a brackish or salt water estuary OR
• Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture(>40 acres)OR ❑ YES= I point 2
• Within I mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? ❑ NO=0 points
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 9 of 12
Wetland name or number
H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete
descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report
hup: irtlfit,.ira.gov hah phslisthtnr)
Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft.(100m)of the wetland unit?
NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed.
❑ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha(1 acre).
❑ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors:Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish
and wildlife(Pull descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152).
❑ 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 20 trees/ha(8 trees/acre)>81 cm(32 in)dbh or>
200 years of age.(Mature forests)Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm(21 in)dbh;crown cover
may be less that 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: Woodlands 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).
® 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 PLIS report p. 161).
❑ 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:pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A).
❑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 7.6 in(25 ft)high and occurring below 5000 ft.
❑Talus:Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15-2.0 m(0.5-6.5 ft),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>51 cm(20 in)in
western Washington and are>2 in(6.5 ft)in height.Priority logs are>30 cm(12 in)in diameter at the largest
end,and>6 in(20 ft)long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats=4 points
If wetland has 2 priority habitats=3 points
If wetland has 1 priority habitat=1 point
No habitats=0 points 3
Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list.
Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4)
H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits(see p. 84)
• There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile,and the connections between them are
relatively undisturbed(light grazing between wetlands OK,as is lake shore with some boating,
but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads,fill,fields,or other development....points=5 ❑
• The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe
wetlands within 1/2 mile................................................................................................points = 5 ❑
r There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are
disturbed........................................................................................................................points=3
The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands
within1/2 mile..............................................................................................................points =3 ❑
• There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile......................................................................points =2 ❑
There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile........ ..............................................................points =0 ❑ 3
H 2 TOTAL Score—opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from 112.1, H2.2, 112.3, H2.4
TOTAL for H l from page 8 13
♦ Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H I and H 2; then record the result on p. I
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12
i
Wetland name or number
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate
answers and Category.
Wetland Type—Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate
criteria are met.
SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86)
Does the wetland unit 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
SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge,National Park,National Estuary Reserve,Natural
Area Preserve, State Park or Educational,Environmental,or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC Cat. I
332-30-151? ❑ YES =Category I ® NO=go to SC 1.2 ❑
SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least I acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions?
❑ YES =Category I ® NO=Category 11 Cat. I
❑ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking,ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has ❑
less than 10%cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species Cat. If
that cover more than 10%of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating(1/I1). ❑
'The area of Spartina would be rated a Category 11 while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh
with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in Dual
determining the size threshold of ( acre.
❑ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or Rating
un-mowed grassland I/lI
❑ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or ❑
contiguous freshwater wetlands.
SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (seep. 87)
Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as
either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or
Sensitive plant species.
SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This
question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.)
❑ S/T/R information from Appendix D ❑or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site
❑ YES Contact WNHP/DNR(see p. 79)and go to SC 2.2 ® NO
SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened Cat I
or endangered plant species? ElElYES =Category l ® NO not a Heritage Wetland
SC3 Bogs (seep. 87)
Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use
the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the
wetland based on its function.
1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons(i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks,that
compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to
identify organic soils)? ❑ YES=go to question 3 ® NO=go to question 2
2. Does the wetland have organic soils,either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over
bedrock,or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash,or that are floating on a lake or
pond? ❑ YES=go to question 3 ® NO=is not a bog for purpose of rating
3. Does the unit have more than 70%cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present,
consist of the"bog"species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation(more
than 30%of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)?
❑ YES= Is a bog for purpose of rating ❑ NO=go to question 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"deep. If the pH is
less than 5.0 and the"bog"plant species in Table 3 are present,the wetland is a bog.
4. Is the unit forested (>30%cover)with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western
hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann's spruce,or western white pine. WITH any of
the species(or combination of species)on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant
component of the ground cover(> 30%coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? Cat. 1
❑ YES=Category I ❑ NO= Is not a bog for purpose of rating ❑
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page I I of 12
Wetland name or number
SC4 Forested Wetlands (seep. 90)
Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish
and Wildlife's forests as priority habitats? 1f you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland
based on its function.
❑ Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-
layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre(20 trees/hectare) that are
at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height(dbh)of 32 inches(81 cm or more).
NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees
in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW
criterion is and"OR" so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter.
❑ Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80—200 years old
OR have an average diameters (dbh)exceeding 21 inches(53 cm); 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. Cat. I
❑ YES=Category I ® NO=not a forested wetland with special characteristics ❑
SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91)
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 surface 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 invasive plant species(see list of invasive species on p. 74).
❑ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or Cat. I
un-mowed grassland. ❑
❑ The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre(4350 square ft.) Cat. lI
❑ YES=Category I ❑ NO =Category II ❑
SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (seep. 93)
Is the wetland west of the 1889 line(also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or
WBUO)?
❑ YES=Go to SC 6.1 ® NO not an interdunal wetland for rating
If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:
• Long Beach Peninsula-- lands west of SR 103
• Gray land-Westport-- lands west of SR 105
• Ocean Shores-Copalis—lands west of SR 115 and SR 109
SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? Cat. 11
❑ YES=Category II ❑ NO =go to SC 6.2 ❑
SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and I acre,or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? Cat. III
❑ YES=Category I I I ❑
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
♦ Choose the "highest"rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1.
If you answered NO for all types enter"Not Applicable"on p. 1
Comments:
Weiland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12
Wetland name or number
WETLAND RATING FORM - WESTERN WASHINGTON
Version 2-Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users
Updated Oct.2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats
Name of wetland(if known):Vannorman Wetland B Date of site visit: 7/201 1
Rated by:H. Lane Trained by Ecology? Yes 0 No Q Date of training:10/2006
SEC: 32 TOWNSHP: 22 RNGE: 1 Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes❑ No
Map of wetland unit: Figure 2 Estimated size 2-5 acres
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: ❑ I ® II ❑ III ❑ IV
Category I = Score> 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 30
Category It = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 10
Category III = Score 30-50 Score for Habitat Functions 22
Category IV = Score <30 TOTAL Score for Functions 62
Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland ❑ I ❑ II ® Does not apply
Final Category (choose the "highest' category from above") II
Summary of basic information about the wetland unit.
Wetland Unit has Special Wetland HGM Class
Characteristics used for Rating.
Estuarine De ressional
Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine
-Bog Lake-fringe
Mature Forest El I Slope
Old Growth Forest Flats
Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal El
Interdunal
None of the above ® Check if unit has multiple ❑
HGM classes present
Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will
need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland.
Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection YES° NO
in addition to the protection recommended for its category)
SP 1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or
Endangered animal or plant species (TIE species)? ❑
For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the appropriate
state or federal database.
SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or
Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the ❑
wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species
are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands see p. 19 of data form).
SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW or the state? ❑
SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its junctions? For example, the ❑
wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or
in a local management plan as having special significance.
To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated.
The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to ans "how well the wand
fimctions. The Hydrogeonxwphic Class of a wetland can be dewrmmed using the key below. See p.24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
Wetland Rating Form-Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page I of 12
Wetland name or number
Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington
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.
1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides(i.e. except during floods)?
® NO—go to 2 ❑ YES—the wetland class is Tidal Fringe
If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt(parts per thousand)?
❑ YES—Freshwater Tidal Fringe ® NO—Saltwater Tidal Fringe(Estuarine)
!'your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. !fit is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it
is rated as an Estuarine wetland Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt
Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions,and
this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions,the term"Estuarine"wetland is kept. Please
note,however,that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed(see p. ).
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is 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 meet both of the following criteria?
❑ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water(without any vegetation on
the surface) where at least 20 acres(8ha) in size;
❑ At least 30%of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)?
® NO— go to 4 ❑ YES— The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland 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?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and
shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than I foot deep).
® NO—go to 5 ❑ YES—The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland 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 two years.
NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding..
®NO—go to 6 ❑ YES—The wetland class is Riverine
6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of
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 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 your wetland. 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 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-frin e
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special
freshwater wetland characteristics
If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes
within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 2 of 12
Wetland name or number
D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points
I�mly I saxc
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS— Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. per box)
D ll Does the wetland have the aotential to improve water quality? (see p.38)
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland: Figure❑
• Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it(no outlet)......................................points=3
• Unit has an intermittently flowing,OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet....points=2
• Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted,surface outlet(permanently,Jloiving)...points= 1
• Unit is a"flat"depression(Q.7 on key),or in the Flats class,with permanent surface 2
outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch......................points= 1 ❑
(ff ditch is not permanentlyflowing treat unit as "intermittent/ flowing") Provide photo or drawing
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface(or duff layer)is clay or organic(use NRCS definitions) 4
YES points=4 NO points=0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation(emergent,shrub,and/or forest Cowardin class):• Wetland has persistent,ungrazed vegetation>=95%of area..........................................points=5 Figure
g II
• Wetland has persistent,ungrazed vegetation>= 1/2 of area............................................points=3
• Wetland has persistent,ungrazed vegetation>= 1/10 of area..........................................points= 1
• Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation< 1/10 of area.............................................points=0 5
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inun ation: This is the area of the ivelland that is ponded or at
least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently Figure II
ponded. Estimate area as the average condition S out of 10 years.
• Area seasonally ponded is> 1/2 total area of wetland......................................................points=4
• Area seasonally ponded is> 1/4 total area of wetland......................................................points=2 4
• Area seasonally ponded is< 1/4 total area of wetland......................................................points=0
Map of H dro eriods
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 1�
D 2 Does the wetland have the oaaortunity to improve water quality? (seep. 44)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient
from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit
myy have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity.
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft.of wetland
A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed
fields,roads,or clear-cut logging
Residential,urban areas,golf courses are within 150 ft.of wetland Multiplier
Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen
Other
® YES multiplier is 2 ❑NO multiplier is 1
♦ TOTAL—Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D 1 by 132; then add score to table on p. 1 30
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation.
D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46)
D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit
• Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it(no outlet)......................................points =4
• Unit has an intermittently flowing,OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet.....points=2
• Unit is a"flat"depression(Q.7 on key)or in the Flats class, with permanent surface 2
outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch......................points= 1 ❑
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as "intermittently flowing')
• Unit has an unconstricted or slightly constricted surface outlet(permanently flowing)........points =0
D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For
units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part(if dry).
• Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet...................points= 7
• The wetland is a"headwater"wetland.............................................................................points=5 5
• Marks of ponding between 2 ft.to<3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet......................points=5
• Marks are at least 0.5 ft.to<2 ft.from surface or bottom of outlet.................................points=3
• Wetland is flat(yes to Q2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water.points= I
. Marks of pondingless than 0.5 ft....................................................................................points=0
D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: stimate the ratio o the area o upstream
basin contributing surface water to the ivetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.
• The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit...............................................points= 5 3
• The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit.............................................points=3
• The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit.....................................points=0
• Entire unit is in the FLATS class.....................................................................................points=5
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above I�_J
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 3 of 12
Wetland name or number
D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 19)
Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage,or reduction in water velocity,
it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive
NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled b a structure such as flood ate,tide
flows. Answerg y g
gate,flap valve,reservoir etc.OR you estimate that more than 90%of the water in the wetland is from
groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following
i 1
indicators of opportunity apply.
Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems.
Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems
Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or
Multiplier
stream that has flooding problems
❑ Other
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ® NO multiplier is 1 I
♦ TOTAL—Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4;then add score to table on p. 1
LM
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 4 of 12
Wetland name or number
(only 1 scor
UALITY FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. per box)
77.
etland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52)
a of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event: Figure Q
epressions cover> 3/4 area of wetland..........................................................................points=8
• Depressions cover> 1/2 area of wetland..........................................................................points=4
(If depressions> 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map) points=2
• Depressions present but cover< 1/2 area of wetland..........................................
• No depressions resent....................................... ........ .. points=0
. ..... .......................................
R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit(areas with>90%cover at height):person : points= 8 Figure ElP g )
• Trees or shrubs> 2/3 area of the unit.......................................................................
• Trees or shrubs> 1/3 area of the wetland ........................................................................points=6
• Ungrazed, herbaceous plants> 2/3 area of unit................................................................points=6
• Ungrazed herbaceous plants> 113 area of unit.................................................................points=3
• Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous< 1/3 area of unit...............................................points=0
Aerial photo or map showing of gons of different vegetation types
Add the points in the boxes above
� (seep. 53)
R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality.
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient
from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may
have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity.
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland
A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed
fields,roads,or clear-cut logging
eResidential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland
The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised Multiplier
levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water
quality.
❑Other
YES multiplier.is 2 No multiplier is I
♦ TOTAL—Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R l by I12; then add score to table on p. I
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion.
R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.S�i)
R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland Figure Q
perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the ividth of the stream or river channel (distance between
banks). Calculate the ratio: (average ividth of unit)/(average width of stream between banks).
• If the ratio is more than 20..............................................................................................points=9
• If the ratio is between 10—20.........................................................................................points=6
• If the ratio is 5- <10........................................................................................................points=4
p _
• If the ratio is< l ...........................
. If the ratio is 1-<5 ..............points............................................................................................ ..points= 1
............................................. . ................................
Aerial photo or map showing average 7sa
dths
R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody ure'forest or shrub". Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to hacover at person height NOT Cowardin classes): oint• Forest or shrub for> 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants>2/3 area............... p• Forest or shrub for> 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants> 1/3 area .....................................point
• Vegetation does not meet above criteria..........................................................................points=0
Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types
Add the points in the boxes above
R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.S7)
Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage,or reduction in water
velocity,it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or
erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply.
❑There are human structures and activities downstream(roads, buildings, bridges, farms)that can be
damaged by flooding.
8 There are natural resources downstream(e.g. salmon redds)that can be damaged by flooding Multiplier
Other
(Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is
tidal fringe along the sides of a dike)
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ❑ mo multiplier is I
♦ TOTAL—Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by 114;then add score to table on . I
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 5 of 12
Wetland name or number
L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points,,,'
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS—Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water qualit (only I score
I L1
Does the wetland unit have the uotential to improve water quality? (see p.S9) per box)
L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore(use polygons of Cowardin classes): Figure❑
• Vegetation is more than 33 ft.(10m)wide.......................................................................points=6
• Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m)wide and<33 ft.........................................................points
oints= 1
• Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m)wide and< 16 ft.........................................................p
• Vegetation is less than 6 ft.wide.....................................................................................points=0
Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked
L L2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest Figure ❑
points,and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the
dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is
total cover in the unit,but it can be in patches. NOTE:Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed
• Cover of herbaceous plants is>90%of the vegetated area..............................................points=6
• Cover of herbaceous plants is>2/3 of the vegetated area................................................points=4
• Cover of herbaceous plants is> 1/3 of the vegetated area................................................points—
• Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers>2/3 of the unit................points=3
• Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in> 1/3 vegetated area.......................................points= I
• Aquatic bed cover and open water>2/3 of the unit.........................................................points=0
Map with polygons of different vegetation types ..._
Add the points in the boxes above ..
L, 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water,or polluted surface water flowing
through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit
mLyhave pollutants comingfrom several sources, but any single source would quali as opportunity.
Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge
Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft.of wetland
Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft.of wetland Multiplier
Parks with grassy areas that are maintained,ballfields,golf courses(all within 150 ft.of lake shore)
Power boats with gasoline or.diesel engines use the lake
Other
❑ VEs multi tier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is 1
♦ TOTAL—Water QualityFunctions Multiply the score from L I b L2; then add score to mhle on I
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion.
L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62)
L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore(do not include aquatic bed): Figure L1
(choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland)
• 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft.(10m)wide ............................................points=6
• 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m)wide. ...............................................points=4
• 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft.(10m)wide.............................................points=4
• Vegetation is at least 6 ft.(2m)wide(any type except aquatic bed).................................points=2
• Vegetation is less than 6 ft.(2m)wide(any type except aquatic bed)..............................points=0
Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes
Record the points in the boxes above
L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64)
Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following
conditions apply.
❑There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings,fields)tha
can be damaged by erosion. Multiplier
❑There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland(e.g. mature forests,
other wetlands)that can be damaged by shoreline erosion.
❑ Other
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is 1
♦ I(l r k l. Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 b L4;then add score to table on . 1
t umnrcnt�:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 6 of 12
Wetland name or number
S Slope Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS— indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. Ionly i score
per box)
S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.64)
S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit:
• Slope is1%or less(al%slope has a]ft vertical&cpinelevatiortfor every 100fthoreontal distance)....points
=3
• Slope is l%-2%.............................................................................................................points=
• Slope is 2%- 5%.............................................................................................................points= 1
. Sloe is jareater than 5%..................................................................................................voints=0
S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface(or duff layer)is clay,organic(Use NRCS definitions).
El YES =3 points El NO =0 points
S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points Figure a
appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you
have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75%cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants
are higher than 6 inches.
• Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation>90%of the wetland area......................................points=6
• Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation> 1/2 of area...........................................................points=3
• Dense, woody,vegetation> 1/2 of area...........................................................................points=2
• Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation> 1/4 of area...........................................................points= I
• Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation....................................................points=0
Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons
Total for S I Add the points in the boxes above
S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (seep. 67)
Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into
the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient
from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit
ma have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity.
Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft
Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Multiplier
Tilled fields, logging,or orchards within t50 ft. of wetland
Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland
Other
❑ YES multiplier is 2 ❑ NO multiplier is 1
♦ TOTAL—Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S I by S2• then add score to table on p. /
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS— Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion.
S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68)
S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation 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
> dense enough to remain erect during surface ows).
enough(usually //8rn), or g gfl
• Dense, uncut,rigid vegetation covers>90%of the area of the wetland ..........................points=6
• Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland........................................................points=3
• Dense,uncut,rigid vegetation> 1/4 area........................................................................points= 1
• More than 1/4 of area is grazed,mowed tilled or vegetation is not rigid........................points=0
S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows.
The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10%of its area.
El YES =2 points NO =0 points
Add the points in the boxes above
S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity,to reduce flooding and erosion? (seep. 70)
Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect
downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note
which of the following conditions apply.
❑ Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems
Other
(Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir(e.g. wetland is a seep that is on Multiplier
the downstream side of a dam)
❑ YES multi tier is 2 ❑NO multiplier is I.
♦ TOTAL— Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4• then add score to table on p. /tzzzi
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new W DFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 7 of 12
Wetland name or number
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points
HABITAT FUNCTIONS—Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only I scutper box)
H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Vegetation structure(see P. 72):
Check the types of vegetation classes present(as defined by Cowardin)—Si_e threshold for each class is Figure Q
114 acre or more than 10%of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Aquatic Bed
Emergent plants
Scrub/shrub(areas where shrubs have>30%cover)
Forested(areas where trees have>30%cover)
1 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. 1
Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. I ou have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
4 structures or more.......points=4 3 structures..............points=2
2 structures.................... oints= I I structure................points=0
H 1.2 Hydroperiods(see p.73): Figure j1
Check the types of water regimes(hydroperiods)present within the wetland The water regime has to
cover more than 10%of the wetland or 114 acre to count(see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points=3
Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more 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 2
Freshwater tidal wetland.............=2 points Map of hydroperiods
H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species(seep. 75):
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same
species can be combined to meet the size threshold)
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= I l
List species below if you want to: <5 species.........................points=0
H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats(see p. 76):
Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation(described in H 1.1),or
the classes and unvegetated areas(can include open water or mudflats)is high,medium,low,or none.
O (a) Figure II
None=0 points Low= 1 point Mod,rate-2 points
i
o '
o. [riparian braided channels]
High -3 points 1
Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water,the rating is always"high".
Use map of Cowardin classes
H 1.5 Special Habitat Features(seep. 77):
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points
you put into the next column.
Large,downed,woody debris within the wetland(>4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long)
Standing snags(diameter at the bottom>4 inches)in the wetland
Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft.(2m)and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3
ft.(Im)over a stream(or ditch)in,or contiguous with the unit,for at least 33 ft. (IOm)
® 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 turned grey/brown)
®At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation 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 to each stratum of plants
NOTE: The 20%stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 5
11 1 'TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above I Ii
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 8 of 12
Wetland name or number
ore
g 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (on1 r box)
H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80):
Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring Figure Q
criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of"undisturbed".
❑ 100m (330 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,or open water>
95%of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer
(relatively undisturbed also means no grazing,no landscaping,no daily human use).............points=5
® 100m(330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,or open water>
50%circumference.......................................................................................................points=4
❑ 50m(170 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas,or open water
> 95%circumference....................................................................................................points=4
❑ 100m (330 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water>
25%circumference.......................................................................................................points=3
❑ 50m(170 ft)of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for
> 50%circumference....................................................................................................points=3
If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above:
❑No paved areas(except paved trails)or buildings within 25m (80 ft)of wetland>95%
circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ..........................................points=2
❑ No paved areas of buildings within 50m of wetland for>50%circumference. Light
to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ............................................................................points=2
❑ Heavy grazing in buffer.....................................................................................................points= I
❑ Vegetated buffers are<2m wide(6.6 ft) for more than 95%circumference
(e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland).............................points=0
❑ Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above...................................................................points= 1 4
Arial photo showing buffers
H 2.2 Corridors and Connections(seep. 81)
H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor(either riparian
or upland)that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30%cover of shrubs, forest or native
undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at
least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads,paved roads,
are considered breaks in the corridor).
❑ YES=4 points(go to H 2.3) ❑ NO= go to H 2.2.2
H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor(either riparian
or upland)that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30%cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to
estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake-
fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above?
® YES= 2 points(go to H 2.3) ❑ NO= go to H 2.2.3
H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland:
• Within 5 mi (8km)of a brackish or salt water estuary OR
• Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture(>40 acres)OR ❑ YEs= 1 point 2
• Within I mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? ❑ NO=0 points
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 9 of 12
Wetland name or number
H 2.3 Near or adiacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete
descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report
ht(P: 111ir.u�a.gor huhPh.rlist.hnn)
Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft.(100m)of the wetland unit?
NOTE the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed
❑ Aspen Stands:Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha(1 acre).
❑ 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 p. 152).
❑ 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 20 trees/ha(8 trees/acre)>81 cm(32 in)dbh or>
200 years of age.(Mature forests)Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm(21 in)dbh;crown cover
may be less that 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: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak
component is important(full descriptions in WDFW P11S report p. 158).
® 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).
❑ 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:pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A).
❑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 7.6 m(25 ft)high and occurring below 5000 ft.
❑Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15-2.0 m(0.5 -6.5 ft),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>51 cm(20 in)in
western Washington and are>2 m(6.5 ft)in height.Priority logs are>30 cm(12 in)in diameter at the largest
end,and>6 m(20 ft)long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats=4 points
If wetland has 2 priority habitats=3 points
If wetland has I priority habitat=I point
No habitats=0 points 3
Note:All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list.
Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4
H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits(see p. 84)
• There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile,and the connections between them are
relatively undisturbed(light grazing between wetlands OK,as is lake shore with some boating,
but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads,fill,fields,or other development....points = 5 ❑
• The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe
wetlands within 1/2 mile................................................................................................points=5 ❑
• There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are
disturbed........................................................................................................................points= 3
• The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands
within1/2 mile ..............................................................................................................points =3 ❑
• There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile......................................................................points=2 ❑
• There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile........ i 3
H 2 TOTAL Score—opportunity for providing habitat Add the.scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, 112.4 I 0
TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 12
♦ Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 10 of 12
Wetland name or number
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate
answers and Category.
Wetland Type—Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate
criteria are met.
SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86)
Does the wetland unit 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
SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge,National Park, National Estuary Reserve,Natural Cat. 1
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
SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least I acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions?
❑ YES = Category I ® NO=Category 11 Cat. I
has no diking, ditching, fillip cultivation, grazing, and has ❑
❑The wetland is relatively undisturbed ( g, g, g, g g
less than 10%cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native.Spartina spp,. are only species Cat. II
that cover more than 10%of the wetland,then the wetland should be given a dual rating(1/11). ❑
The area of Spartina would be rated a Category If while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh
with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in Dual
determining the size threshold of t acre.
❑At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or Rating
un-mowed grassland I/II
❑The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels,depressions with open water, or ❑
contiguous freshwater wetlands.
C2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (seep. 87)
Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as
either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered,or
Sensitive plant species.
SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This
question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.)
❑ S/T/R information from Appendix D ❑ or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site
❑ YES Contact WNHP/DNR(see p. 79)and go to SC 2.2 ® NO
SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened Cat I
or endangered plant species? ❑
❑ YES =Category 1 ® NO not a Heritage Wetland
C3 Bogs (see p. 87)
Does the wetland(or any part of the unit)meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use
the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the
wetland based on its function.
1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons(i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that
compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to
identify organic soils)? ❑ YES=go to question 3 ® NO=go to question 2
2. Does the wetland have organic soils,either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over
bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or
pond? ❑ YES=go to question 3 ® NO=is not a bog for purpose of rating
3. Does the unit have more than 70%cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present,
consist of the"bog"species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more
than 30%of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)?
❑ YES= Is a bog for purpose of rating ❑ NO=go to question 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"deep. If the pH is
less than 5.0 and the"bog" plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog.
4. Is the unit forested(>30%cover)with sitka spruce, subalpine fir,western red cedar, western
hemlock, lodgepole pine,quaking aspen, Englemann's spruce,or western white pine. WITH any of
the species(or combination of species)on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant
component of the ground cover(> 30%coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? Cat. I
❑ YES=Category 1 ❑ NO= Is not a bog for purpose of rating ❑
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page I I of 12
Wetland name or number _
SC4 Forested Wetlands (seep. 90)
Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the 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 junction.
❑ Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-
layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre(20 trees/hectare)that are
at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height(dbh)of 32 inches(81 cm or more).
NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees
in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW
criterion is and"OR"so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter.
❑ Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80—200 years old
OR have an average diameters (dbh)exceeding 21 inches(53 cm); 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. Cat. I
❑ YES=Category I ® NO=not a forested wetland with special characteristics ❑
SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (seep. 91)
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 surface 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 invasive plant species(see list of invasive species on p. 74).
❑ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or tin-grazed or Cat. I
un-mowed grassland. ❑
❑ The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre(4350 square ft.) Cat. II
❑ YES= Category 1 ❑ NO =Category 11 ❑
SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (seep. 93)
Is the wetland west of the 1889 line(also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or
WBUO)?
❑ YES=Go to SC 6.1 ® NO not an interdunal wetland for rating
Ifyou answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:
• Long Beach Peninsula-- lands west of SR 103
• Gray land-Westport-- lands west of SR 105
• Ocean Shores-Copalis—lands west of SR 115 and SR 109
SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger,or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? Cat. lI
❑ YES= Category 11 ❑ NO =go to SC 6.2 ❑
SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? Cat. III
❑ YES=Category III ❑
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
Choose the "highest"rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1.
If you answered NO for all types enter"Not Applicable"on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland Rating Form—Western Washington,Version 2(7/06),updated with new WDFW definitions Oct.2008 Page 12 of 12