1987 Wetland Delineation Manual - The Wetlands Regulation Center

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Wetland Delination Manual, 1987 42 b. Hydrophytic vegetation that does not conform to STEP 3a or 3b, has hydric soils, and has confirmed wetland hydrology. If STEP 6a or 6b applies to the entire project area, the entire area is a wetlands Complete a DATA FORM 1 for all plant community types. Portions of the area not qualifying as a wetland based on an office determination might or might not be wetlands. If the data used for the determination are considered to be highly reliable, portions of the area not qualifying as wetlands may properly be considered nonwetlands. PROCEED TO STEP 7. If the available data are incomplete or questionable, an onsite inspection (Subsection 2) will be required. • STEP 7 - Determine Wetland Boundary. Mark on the base map all community types determined to be wetlands with a W and those determined to be nonwetlands with an N. Combine all wetland community types into a single mapping unit. The boundary of these community types is the interface between wetlands and nonwetlands. Subsection 2 - Onsite Inspection Necessary 63. This subsection describes procedures for routine determinations in which the available information (Section B) is insufficient for one or more parameters. If only one or two parameters must be characterized, apply the appropriate steps and return to Subsection 1 and complete the determination. A flowchart of steps required for using this method is presented in Figure 14, and each step is described below. Equipment and materials 64. The following equipment and materials will be needed: a. Base map (Section B, STEP 2). b. Copies of DATA FORM 1 (one for each community type and additional copies for boundary determinations). c. Appendices C and D. d. Compass. e. Soil auger or spade (soils only). f. Tape (300 ft). g. Munsell Color Charts (Munsell Color 1975) (soils only). Procedure 65. Complete the following steps, as necessary: • STEP 1 - Locate the Project Area. Determine the spatial boundaries of the project area using information from a USGS quadrangle map or other appropriate map, aerial photography, and/or the project survey plan (when available). PROCEED TO STEP 2. 25 February 1997 Environmental Techncal Services Co. 834 Castle Ridge Rd Austin, Texas 78746
Wetland Delination Manual, 1987 43 • STEP 2 - Determine Whether an Atypical Situation Exists. Examine the area and determine whether there is evidence of sufficient natural or human-induced alteration to significantly alter the area vegetation, soils, and/or hydrology. NOTE: Include possible offsite modifications that may affect the area hydrology. If not, PROCEED TO STEP 3. If one or more parameters have been significantly altered by an activity that would normally require a permit, PROCEED TO Section F and determine whether there is sufficient evidence that hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and/or wetland hydrology were present prior to this alteration. Then, return to this subsection and characterize parameters not significantly influenced by human activities. PROCEED TO STEP 3. • STEP 3 - Determine the Field Characterization Approach to be Used. Considering the size and complexity of the area, determine the field characterization approach to be used. When the area is equal to or less than 5 acres in size (Section B,-STEP 3) and the area is thought to be relatively homogeneous with respect to vegetation, soils, and/or hydrologic regime, PROCEED TO STEP 4. When the area is greater than 5 acres in size (Section B, STEP 3) or appears to be highly diverse with respect to vegetation, PROCEED TO STEP 18. Areas Equal to or Less Than 5 Acres in Size • STEP 4 - Identify the Plant Community Type(s). Traverse the area and determine the number and locations of plant community types. Sketch the location of each on the base map (Section B, STEP 2), and give each community type a name. PROCEED TO STEP 5. • STEP 5 - Determine UThether Normal Environmental Conditions Are Present. Determine whether normal environmental conditions are present by considering the following: a. Is the area presently lacking hydrophytic vegetation or hydrologic indicators due to annual or seasonal fluctuations in precipitation or ground-water levels? b. Are hydrophytic vegetation indicators lacking due to seasonal fluctuations in temperature? If the answer to either of these questions is thought to be YES, PROCEED TO Section G. If the answer to both questions is NO, PROCEED TO STEP 6. • STEP 6 - Select Representative Observation Points. Select a representative observation point in each community type. A representative observation point is one in which the apparent characteristics (determine visually) best represent characteristics of the entire community. Mark on the base map the approximate location of the observation point. PROCEED TO STEP 7. • STEP 7 - Characterize Each Plant Community Type. Visually determine the dominant plant species in each vegetation layer of each community type and record them on DATA FORM 1 (use a separate DATA FORM 1 for each community type). Dominant species are those having the greatest relative basal area (woody overstory) (This term is used because species having the largest individuals may not be dominant when only a few are present. To determine 25 February 1997 Environmental Techncal Services Co. 834 Castle Ridge Rd Austin, Texas 78746
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