1987 Wetland Delineation Manual - The Wetlands Regulation Center

Wetland Delination Manual, 1987 56
c. Herbs. Obtain the total cover for each herbaceous and woody seedling species identified in
STEP 9c. Total cover is obtained by using the midpoints of the cover class range assigned to
each species (only one estimate of cover is made for a species in a given plot). Rank herbs and
woody seedlings in descending order of dominance based on percent cover. Complete DATA
FORM 2 for the herbaceous layer.
d. Woody vines (lianas). Obtain the total number of individuals of each species of woody
vine identified in STEP 9d. Rank the species in descending order of dominance based on
number of stems. Complete DATA FORM 2 for the woody vine layer. PROCEED TO STEP
11.
• STEP 11 - Characterize Soil. If a soil survey is available (Section B), the soil type may
already be known. Have a soil scientist confirm that the soil type is correct, and determine
whether the soil series is a hydric soil (Appendix D, Section 2). CAUTION: Mapping units on
soil surveys sometimes have inclusions of soil series or phases not shown on the soil survey
map, If a hydric soil type is confirmed, record on DATA FORM I and PROCEED TO STEP
12. If not, dig a soil pit using a soil auger or spade (See Appendix D, Section 1) and look for
indicators of hydric soils immediately below the A-horizon or 10 inches (whichever is
shallower) (PART III, paragraphs 44 and/or 45). Record findings on DATA FORM 1.
PROCEED TO STEP 12.
• STEP 12 - Characterize Hydrology. Examine the observation point for indicators of wetland
hydrology (PART III, paragraph 49), and record observations on DATA FORM 1. Consider
indicators in the same sequence as listed in paragraph 49. PROCEED TO STEP 13.
• STEP 13 - Determine Whether Hydrophytic Vegetation Is Present. Record the three
dominant species from each vegetation layer (five species if only one or two layers are present)
on DATA FORM 1.* Record all dominant species when less than three are present in a
vegetation layer. Determine whether these species occur in wetlands by considering the
following:
a. More than 50 percent of the dominant plant species are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC** on
lists of plant species that occur in wetlands. For the FAC-neutral option, see paragraph 35a.
Record the indicator status of all dominant species (Appendix C, Section I or 2) on DATA
FORM 1. Hydrophytic vegetation is present when the majority of the dominant species have
an indicator status of OBL, FACW, or FAC. CAUTION: Not necessarily all plant communities
composed of only FAC species are hydrophytic commnities. They are hydrophytic
communities only when positive indicators of hydric soils and wetland hydrology are also
found. If this indicator is satisfied, complete the vegetation portion of DATA FORM 1 and
PROCEED TO STEP 14. If not, consider other indicators of hydrophytic vegetation.
b. Presence of adaptations for occurrence in wetlands. Do any of ihe-species listed on DATA
FORM I have observed morphological or known physiological adaptations (Appendix C,
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