1987 Wetland Delineation Manual - The Wetlands Regulation Center

Wetland Delination Manual, 1987 62
d. Adjacent vegetation. Circumstantial evidence of the type of plant communities that
previously occurred may sometimes be obtained by examining the vegetation in adjacent
areas. If adjacent areas have the same topographic position, soils, and hydrology as the altered
area, the plant community types on the altered area were probably similar to those of the
adjacent areas.
e. SCS records. Most SCS soil surveys include a description of the plant community types
associated with each soil type. If the soil type on the altered area can be determined, it may be
possible to generally determine the type of plant communities that previously occurred.
f. Permit applicant. In some cases, the permit applicant may provide important information
about the type of plant communities that occurred prior to alteration.
g. Public. Individuals familiar with the area may provide a good general description of the
previously occurring plant communities.
h. NWI wetland maps. The NWI has developed wetland type maps for many areas. These
may be useful in determining the type of plant communities that occurred prior to alteration.
To develop the strongest possible record, all of the above sources should be considered. If the
plant community types that occurred prior to alteration can be determined, record them on
DATA FORM 3 and also record the basis used for the determination. PROCEED TO STEP 4.
If it is impossible to determine the plant community types that occurred on the area prior to
alteration, a determination cannot be made using all three parameters. In such cases, the
determination must be based on the other two parameters. PROCEED TO Subsection 2 or 3 if
one of the other parameters has been altered, or return to the appropriate Subsection of Section
D or to Section E, as appropriate.
• STEP 4 - Determine Whether Plant Community Types Constitute Hydrophytic Vegetation.
Develop a list of species that previously occurred on the site (DATA FORM 3). Subject the
species list to applicable indicators of hydrophytic vegetation (PART III, paragraph 35). If
none of the indicators are met, the plant communities that previously occurred did not
constitute hydrophytic vegetation. If hydrophytic vegetation was present and no other
parameter was in question, record appropriate data on the vegetation portion of DATA FORM
3, and return to either the appropriate subsection of Section D or to Section E. If either of the
other parameters was also in question, PROCEED TO Subsection 2 or 3.
25 February 1997 Environmental Techncal Services Co. 834 Castle Ridge Rd Austin, Texas 78746