HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.11.16 - Wetland Mitigation Report Howard Street Extension Project - Landau Associates
130 2nd Avenue South
Edmonds, WA 98020
(425) 778-0907
November 16, 2017
Prepared for
City of Port Townsend
Wetland Mitigation Report
Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I
Port Townsend, Washington
Landau Associates
Wetland Mitigation Report
Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I
Port Townsend, Washington
This document was prepared by, or under the direct supervision of, the technical professionals noted
below.
Document prepared by: for Jessica Stone
Original Author
Document reviewed by: Steven J. Quarterman
Project Manager
Date: November 16, 2017
Project No.: 0526011.010.011
File path: Document3
Project Coordinator: Juliann R Cooley
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Port Townsend (City) is planning to extend Howard Street approximately 300 feet (ft) north
of State Route 20/Sims Way to Discovery Road (Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I), located in
Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington. The Howard Street Extension Project will have 567
square feet (sf) of wetland impacts (Wetlands E and I).
Wetland preservation is proposed by the City to mitigate unavoidable wetland impacts associated
with the Howard Street Extension Project. This mitigation plan also accommodates mitigation for
future commercial development proposed by Mt. Townsend Creamery for a site adjacent to the
proposed roadway improvements. The future commercial development will have 1,223 sf of wetland
impacts (Wetland C) and 14,924 sf of buffer impacts. Mt. Townsend Creamery has approached the
City requesting to purchase wetland mitigation capacity. The City is evaluating Mt. Townsend
Creamery’s request.
The City has purchased property in order to use preservation as a mitigation method for the impacts
to Wetlands E, I, and C and buffer impacts. The preservation area includes Markley Wetlands 3 and 4,
a portion of Markley Wetland 2, and associated native forest buffer areas. Based on the Washington
State Department of Ecology credit-debit evaluation method resulting in an 11:1 wetland preservation
ratio and an 8.5:1 buffer preservation ratio with an average buffer width of 100 ft, the preserved
wetlands are of a much higher quality than the wetlands impacted by the Howard Street Extension
Project and future commercial development and will adequately replace the loss of wetland functions
due to project impacts.
As determined during the project pre-application meeting with USACE and Ecology on November 10,
2014, the City will be waiving a jurisdictional review by USACE and will be granting jurisdiction of the
wetlands to USACE.
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Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I iv November 16, 2017
MITIGATION FACT SHEET
Site Information
Location Wetland Impact & Mitigation Sites (same drainage basin)
Site Names Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I, Mt. Townsend Creamery Development, and
Markley 2, 3, and 4 Wetland/Buffer Areas
County Jefferson
City Port Townsend
Section, Township, Range Section 9, Township 30 North, Range 01 West
Latitude, Longitude (GIS verified) 48º 06’ 37.71”N, -122º 48’ 20.60”W
Watershed Quilcene-Snow
WRIA 17
Is the mitigation site(s) off of the project development site? Yes, located approximately 2,000 ft. north of Discovery
Road (the northern border of the development site).
Construction schedule (development site and compensation site[s]): Project Impacts are scheduled for summer of 2015.
Documentation/approval of wetland preservation will be completed prior to construction.
Summary of project, including proposed type and location of work, discussion of avoidance and minimization measures, goals and
objectives, wetland functions, impacted and mitigated (note assessment method used), and the general design concept (include
where it has been done before).
The City of Port Townsend is proposing to realign and extend Howard Street to Discovery Road. Future commercial development is also
proposed adjacent to the Howard Street Extension Project and mitigation for unavoidable impacts associated with this development is
also included in this report. The projects (Howard Street Extension Project and the future commercial development) will impact three
small wetlands along road sides and in a mowed field. The mitigation plan described in this report includes wetland preservation within
the vicinity of impacted wetlands and their buffers to preserve existing high quality wetlands and their buffers from development and
fragmentation.
A key goal of the mitigation plan is to preserve a cluster of Category II and III forested wetlands and their buffer areas from being
impacted or compromised by future development. The proposed mitigation will meet required mitigation area standards and meet
function replacement as determined using Ecology’s credit-debit method (Ecology et al. 2006b; Hruby 2012).
Wetland Impact Sites
Wetland
Name
Wetland
Impacts (sf)
Type of
Wetland
Rating
(Total
Score)
Water
Quality
Score
Hydrologic
Score
Habitat
Score
Class
Cowardin/
HGM
Project
Causing
Impact
C 1,223
404/USACE
and City
Jurisdictional
IV (22) 12 4 6 PEM/
Depressional
Mt. Townsend
Creamery
E 212 Not regulated
by PTMC IV (22) 12 4 6 PEM/
Depressional
Howard Street
Extension
Project,
Phase I
I 355
404/USACE
and City
Jurisdictional
III (39) 22 5 12 PSS/
Depressional
Howard Street
Extension
Project,
Phase I
Total estimated square feet of wetland impact: 1,790
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Wetland Mitigation Sites
Wetland
Name
Wetland area
preserved (sf)
Rating
(Total
Score)
Water
Quality
Score
Hydrologic
Score
Habitat
Score
Class
Cowardin/HGM
Markley
Wetland 2 10,366 II (57) 24 7 26 PFO/Depressional
Markley
Wetland 3 2,962 III (40) 12 7 21 PFO-PEM/Depressional
Markley
Wetland 4 6,097 II (55) 24 7 24 PFO-PSS/Depressional
Total estimated square feet wetland preserved: 19,425
Describe other impacts and/or other mitigation activities.
The roadway project will impact 19,037 sf of wetland buffer area associated with Wetland A, Wetland I, and Wetland J. The proposed
development by Mt. Townsend Creamery would impact 14,924 sf of buffer associated with Wetland C. The City will preserve a
contiguous 271,800 sf of upland buffer and 16,228 sf of Markley Wetland 2 area to perform as buffer to protect the preserved wetland
areas of Markley 2, 3, and 4; 207,494sf of this total buffer mitigation area will mitigate for buffer impacts associated with the roadway
project and 80,534 sf will of this total buffer mitigation area will mitigate for buffer impacts associated with proposed development by
Mt. Townsend Creamery.
Describe the buffers being provided for the mitigation site, including minimum and maximum width, total buffer area, and
description of surrounding land uses.
The buffer mitigation was designed to accommodate a buffer on average greater than 100 ft and ranging from 90 to 200 ft surrounding
the preserved wetland area. A contiguous 271,800 sf of upland buffer will be protected, as well as 16,228 sf of Markley Wetland 2 area
to perform as buffer between the protected wetland area and the adjacent private property to the south. The proposed buffer includes
areas of contiguous vegetation, avoids existing roads/trails, and takes into account future planned roadway/trail and utility
improvements. Buffers will be marked along the perimeter at an interval of one small sign per lot or every 100 ft, whichever is less.
Buffers will also be marked with temporary fencing during any construction activities.
Describe the water regime at the mitigation site(s), including source of water, expected water depth, average outflow (winter,
spring, summer), and ownership of water rights.
Existing wetlands to be preserved, existing hydrology will be maintained.
Provide a list of performance standards and the estimated time to reach each.
City property (wetlands and identified buffers) will be put into a restrictive covenant for permanent protection by September of 2015.
The restrictive covenant and proposed wetland mitigation plan takes into account future buffer impacts to the Markley 2, Markley 3,
and Markley 4. Buffer perimeters will be marked by April of 2015.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1 Project Description ............................................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Regulatory Background ...................................................................................................... 1-2
2.0 METHODS ....................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Wetland Investigation ........................................................................................................ 2-1
2.1.1 Wetland Delineation ......................................................................................2-1
2.2 Wetland Classification, Rating, and Buffer Width .............................................................. 2-1
2.3 Mitigation Sequencing and Design ..................................................................................... 2-2
2.3.1 Impact Assessment .........................................................................................2-3
2.3.2 Mitigation Plan ...............................................................................................2-3
3.0 MITIGATION AREA VERIFICATION .................................................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Previous Studies ................................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Field Verification ................................................................................................................. 3-1
4.0 MITIGATION ................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Mitigation Sequencing ........................................................................................................ 4-1
4.1.1 Avoidance ......................................................................................................4-1
4.1.2 Minimization ..................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Unavoidable Impacts .......................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3 Mitigation Requirements ................................................................................................... 4-2
4.3.1 Mitigation Plan ...............................................................................................4-2
4.3.2 Rationale for Proposed Mitigation Plan ...........................................................4-4
4.4 Wetland Functional Impacts............................................................................................... 4-7
4.4.1 Function Debits ..............................................................................................4-7
4.4.2 Function Credits .............................................................................................4-7
4.5 Assessment of No Net Loss ................................................................................................ 4-9
4.6 Mitigation Goal, Objective, and Performance Standards................................................... 4-9
5.0 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................ 5-1
6.0 USE OF THIS REPORT ...................................................................................................................... 6-1
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FIGURES
Figure Title
1 Project Area and Mitigation Area Vicinity Map
2a-2b Project Alignment Map
3 Project Mitigation Map
APPENDICES
Appendix Title
A Joint Aquatics Resources Permit Application Figures
B Markley Wetland Data Sheets
C Markley Wetland Rating Forms
D Function Credit and Debit Evaluation
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
City ............................................................................................... City of Port Townsend
CWA ....................................................................................................... Clean Water Act
Ecology ........................................................... Washington State Department of Ecology
ft........................................................................................................................ foot/feet
GIS .................................................................................. geographic information system
HGM .................................................................................................... hydrogeomorphic
JARPA ................................................... Joint Aquatics Resources Permitting Application
LAI ............................................................................................... Landau Associates, Inc.
PEM ................................................................................................. palustrine emergent
PFO .................................................................................................... palustrine forested
PSS ............................................................................................... palustrine scrub-shrub
PTMC .............................................................................. Port Townsend Municipal Code
PUD ....................................................................................... planned unit development
ROW ............................................................................................................. right-of-way
sf ........................................................................................................... square foot/feet
USACE.................................................................................. US Army Corps of Engineers
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Port Townsend (City) is planning to extend Howard Street approximately 300 ft north of
State Route 20/Sims Way to Discovery Road (Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I), located in
Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington (Figure 1). The Howard Street Extension Project will
improve traffic congestion issues on State Route 20/Sims Way by improving connectivity between
Howard Street and Discovery Road (project area). Additionally, the project will improve safety for
motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project will also facilitate development of the City’s last
remaining commercially zoned area.
Landau Associates, Inc, (LAI), under contract to BergerABAM, conducted an investigation to assist the
City in determining potential impacts to wetlands and buffers. Design of the proposed Howard Street
alignment was initiated in 2008 and has been re-designed to minimize adverse impacts to wetlands.
The current alignment avoids impacts to high quality wetlands and limits impacts to low quality
wetlands and wetland buffers. As a result of the proposed project, unavoidable impacts will occur to
567 square feet (sf) of wetlands and 19,037 sf of associated buffers. Existing wetlands in the project
corridor are described in the Howard Street Extension, Port Townsend, Washington (Wetland Report;
LAI 2014). Because of project impacts to critical areas, LAI completed this report in support of
mitigation sequencing for wetlands and their associated buffers within the proposed project. The
mitigation sequence described in this report includes preservation of existing wetlands near the
project. This mitigation plan also accommodates mitigation for future commercial development
proposed by Mt. Townsend Creamery for a site adjacent to the proposed roadway improvements. The
future commercial development will have 1,223 sf of wetland impacts and 14,924 sf of associated
buffer impacts. The results of LAI’s investigation are presented in this report.
This report outlines the proposed mitigation to compensate for unavoidable wetland impacts from
the Howard Street Extension Project, Phase 1 and future commercial development adjacent to the
project corridor by Mt. Townsend Creamery.
1.1 Project Description
The project area is located in Township 30 North, Range 1 West, Sections 09 and 10, and Water
Resource Inventory Area 17 – Quilcene-Snow. The Howard Street Extension Project will include the
following improvements:
• Construction of an intersection connecting 6th Street and Howard Street approximately 500
feet (ft) north of the Sims Way/Howard Street roundabout;
• Construction of two intersections that will eventually connect Howard Street to 7th Street and
9th Street (roadway extension/connection will be completed at a later date under a separate
project and is not included in this report);
• Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Howard Street, Rainier Street, 10th Street,
and Discovery Road;
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• Realignment and extension of Howard Street to Discovery Road as a two-lane road with on-
street parking and non-motorized transportation elements;
• Construction of stormwater features along the Howard Street roadway;
• Installation of municipal utilities (water, sewer, and power), franchise utilities, and lighting.
Three wetlands will be impacted due to the construction associated with the Howard Street Extension
Project and adjacent commercial development [Figures 2a and 2b and Joint Aquatics Resources
Permitting Application (JARPA) figures in Appendix A]. Unavoidable impacts to Wetlands E, I, and C
will be mitigated at the proposed mitigation site located approximately 2,000 ft north of the Howard
Street Extension Project and future commercial development. It consists of approximately 7.05 acres
of native forested upland and wetlands bounded by 18th Street to the south, 20th Street to the north,
Howard Street to the east, and Rainer Street to the west (Figure 3). This area was delineated by LAI in
2010. The mitigation area consists of the former Markley property, including Markley Wetlands 3 and
4, a portion of Markley Wetland 2, and associated native forest buffer areas.
1.2 Regulatory Background
The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires authorization for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the
“waters of the U.S.” under Section 404. The City of Port Townsend Municipal Code (PTMC; Port
Townsend website 2014a) contains requirements for establishing wetland buffer widths and building
setbacks and for any alteration, including fill, of wetlands and their buffers. Washington State
Department of Ecology (Ecology) has administrative oversight of Section 401 of the CWA for water
quality certification in the case of impacts to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional
“waters of the U.S.” Wetlands and certain waterways are regulated by federal, state, and local
governmental agencies and compliance with one agency does not necessarily fulfill permitting
requirements of any other agencies.
All delineated wetlands described in this report are subject to verification by USACE. USACE
determines the jurisdiction of a wetland based on the connection, more commonly referred to as
adjacency, to other “waters of the U.S.” Those wetlands determined to be “isolated” do not fall under
the jurisdiction of the USACE (USACE website 2008). If delineated wetlands are determined to be
adjacent rather than isolated, any filling or dredging of onsite wetlands would require compliance
with Section 404 and 401 of the CWA and the Endangered Species Act. Only USACE can make the
determination if a wetland is adjacent or isolated. If the wetlands are determined to be isolated, they
may still be subject to regulation by Ecology under the State Water Pollution Control Act (Revised
Code of Washington 90.48).
As determined during the project pre-application meeting with USACE and Ecology on November 10,
2014, the City will be waiving a jurisdictional review by USACE, and will be granting jurisdiction of the
wetlands to USACE. Ecology and USACE have verbally accepted the delineation and USACE has
verbally accepted the presumption of jurisdiction. Ecology has commented that Wetland A may have a
slight area projection to the north not identified by the current delineation; however, this will not be
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impacted by the proposed Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I. Further investigation of Wetland
A may be required for future projects along 6th Street right-of-way (ROW).
PTMC 19.05.110 – Critical area 5 – Wetlands, Paragraph E.7 allows for averaging of the buffer widths
when the applicant can demonstrate all of the following:
i. That width averaging will not adversely impact the functions and values; and
ii. That the total area contained within the buffer after averaging is no less than that
contained within the standard buffer prior to averaging;
iii. In no instance shall the buffer width be reduced by more than 50 percent of the standard
buffer or be less than 25 feet unless it would deny reasonable use of the affected property.
The City’s planning department has completed review of the wetlands presented in this document to
determine jurisdiction under the City’s Critical Area Ordinance.
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2.0 METHODS
LAI conducted an information review, wetland delineation and impact assessment, and prepared this
mitigation plan for impacts to critical areas associated with the proposed project according to the
methods described below.
2.1 Wetland Investigation
LAI conducted wetland boundary verification and, as needed, re-delineation of wetlands proposed for
use as mitigation [evaluation of wetlands in the roadway improvement project corridor are
documented in the Wetland Report (LAI 2014)]. The PTMC Critical Areas section 19.05 utilizes the
Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual (Ecology 1997); however, as of
March 1, 2011, Ecology has adopted the USACE Regional Supplement (USACE 2010). Therefore, LAI
conducted the wetland verification and re-delineation in accordance with the methodology contained
in the USACE Regional Supplement. All wetlands were rated according to the Washington State
Wetlands Rating System for Western Washington (Hruby 2004), which is an accepted practice by the
City.
2.1.1 Wetland Delineation
Both USACE and Ecology outline a three-parameter approach to determine the presence or absence
of wetlands that requires evaluating vegetation, soil, and hydrology. LAI biologists completed the field
delineation using the routine onsite method where data are collected at locations representative of
typical wetlands and/or uplands of the study area. Following this method, an area is determined to be
wetland if each of the following three criteria is met:
• The dominant vegetation is hydrophytic;
• Soils are hydric; and
• Wetland hydrology is present.
2.2 Wetland Classification, Rating, and Buffer Width
Wetlands identified as part of this project were classified according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service’s Cowardin classification system (Cowardin et al. 1979) and the USACE hydrogeomorphic
(HGM) classification system (Brinson 1993).
Wetlands were rated according to the Ecology wetland rating system (Hruby 2004), which is an
accepted practice by the City. This system categorizes wetlands based on their existing functions
including water quality, hydrology, and habitat, as well as the wetland’s rarity and sensitivity to
disturbance. The wetland categories range from I to IV, and are defined in the PTMC Section
19.05.110 as follows:
Category I wetlands are those that are (1) relatively undisturbed estuarine wetlands
larger than one acre, (2) wetlands that are identified by scientists of the Washington
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Natural Heritage Program/DNR as high quality wetlands, (3) bogs larger than one-half
acre, (4) mature and old growth forested wetlands larger than one acre, (5) wetlands
in coastal lagoons, and (6) wetlands that perform many functions well.
Category II wetlands are (1) estuarine wetlands smaller than one acre, or disturbed
estuarine wetlands larger than one acre, (2) wetlands identified by the WSDNR as
containing “sensitive” plant species, (3) bogs between one-quarter and one-half acre in
size; (6) interdunal wetlands larger than one acre, and (4) wetlands with a moderately
high level of functions.
Category III wetlands are (1) wetlands with a moderate level of functions and (2)
interdunal wetlands between one-tenth of an acre and one acre in size.
Category IV wetlands have the lowest levels of functions (scores less than 30 points)
and are often heavily disturbed. These are wetlands that are capable of being
replaced, and in some cases improved.
Wetland buffers were determined in accordance with PTMC Section 19.05.110(E)(3)(a) and (b). Unless
otherwise specified in this report, buffer widths were determined assuming a “high intensity” land use
[defined in PTMC 19.05.001E(3)(b)], based on the proposed project, projected future land use, and as
requested by the City. Buffer habitat and water quality functions and values were evaluated using
Ecology’s Update on Wetland Buffers: The State of Science Final Report (Ecology 2013).
2.3 Mitigation Sequencing and Design
This project was designed in accordance with PTMC, USACE, and Ecology guidance and requirements
for mitigation sequencing, which allow for impacts to wetlands and/or other critical habitat when
impacts are unavoidable and necessary.
The PTMC requires mitigation sequencing in the following order of preference:
a) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking certain action or parts of an action;
b) Minimizing the impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and
implementation, by using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or
reduce impacts;
c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;
d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations; or
e) Compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or
environments.
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2.3.1 Impact Assessment
Estimated proposed limits of clearing and grading were overlaid on the wetland and buffer boundaries
using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The areas of wetland and buffer impacts and the
mitigation areas were calculated using GIS software.
Impacted wetland functions (i.e., debits) were assessed based on Ecology’s Credit-Debit System
(Hruby 2012) and evaluation using best professional judgment given specific indicators. Existing buffer
functions were assessed in a narrative evaluation using Wetland Mitigation in Washington State Part
1: A Synthesis of the Science (Ecology 2005) and best professional judgment given specific indicators.
2.3.2 Mitigation Plan
The wetland mitigation plan was developed using the Wetland Mitigation in Washington State Part 2:
Developing Mitigation Plans (Ecology et al. 2006a). The mitigation was evaluated using Ecology’s
Credit-Debit System (Hruby 2012), which estimates if compensatory mitigation will adequately replace
the functions and values lost when a wetland is altered. This is completed by estimating the functions
and values lost when a wetland is altered (i.e., debit) and by estimating the gain (i.e., credit) in
functions and values that result from the mitigation. The Credit-Debit method provides a means of
quantifying wetland functions into “acre points” for purpose of calculating credits and debits.
Comparison of buffer functions for pre- and post-mitigation was conducted using best professional
judgment and incorporated into the functional assessment for the wetland mitigation project, as
applicable for improving wetland functions.
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3.0 MITIGATION AREA VERIFICATION
The wetland conditions and ratings within the mitigation area were verified by LAI and discussed in
this section. The location of the wetlands within and adjacent to the mitigation area are shown on
Figure 3.
3.1 Previous Studies
The mitigation area was previously investigated by LAI scientists, Jessica Stone and Theresa Turpin, on
August 25 and 26, 2009. Follow-up investigations for additional delineations were completed by Perry
Welch and Jessica Stone on September 11, 2009 and Jennifer Wynkoop and Jessica Stone on October
28, 2009. On the September 11, 2009 site visit, Rick Mraz with Ecology and Judy Surber with the City
also reviewed the wetland mitigation site. The results of these field investigations and delineation
methods are described in the Wetland Delineation Report (LAI 2010). Wetland conditions (within
Markley Wetlands 2, 3, and 4) were verified by Jessica Stone, Brittany Gordon, and Jamie Sloan on
May 12, 2014. All field investigations were completed during the growing season.
3.2 Field Verification
Four wetlands (Markley 1 through 4) were initially delineated on the Markley property. Three of these
wetlands (a portion of Markley Wetland 2 and the entirety of Markley Wetland 3 and Markley
Wetland 4) are within the proposed mitigation area. The wetland verification of Markley Wetlands 2,
3, and 4 indicated that the wetland boundaries and conditions have not significantly changed since
the 2009 investigations which are described in detail in the Wetland Delineation report (LAI 2010).
The sampling points (Markley Wetland Data Sheets) from the verification of Markley Wetlands 2, 3,
and 4 are provided in Appendix B, and the rating forms are provided in Appendix C.
The Markley wetlands are depressional and primarily receive their hydrology from a high groundwater
table. They are densely vegetated with native forest dominated by red alders (Alnus rubra) and
Scouler’s willow (Salix scouleriana), scrub-shrub vegetation dominated by Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana)
and Douglas’ spirea (Spiraea douglasii), and an herbaceous understory dominated by slough sedge
(Carex obnupta) and water parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa). Wetland hydric soil indicators included a
depleted matrix and redox dark surface.
Buffer areas between the Markley wetlands provide connectivity between the wetlands and are
primarily undisturbed native forest dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) with a native
shrub understory dominated by salal (Gaultheria shallon), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) and
trailing blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). The outer buffer area of Markley Wetland 2 contains Rainier
Street (currently a gravel road) and the outer buffer area of Markley Wetland 4 contains 20th Street, a
paved roadway, and a utility ROW, which is commonly used as a hiking trail. As discussed in the
Wetland Report (LAI 2014), the effective functioning buffers only extend to existing substantial
improvements, such as roadways and utility easements, per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8) because these
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Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I 3-2 November 16, 2017
improvements effectively eliminate buffer functions [due to impervious surface (including compacted
gravel) and lack of vegetation that would provide habitat and water quality functions]. Therefore, the
City will be applying a buffer waiver to the buffer of Markley Wetlands 2 and 4.
A trail intersects Markley Wetland 2 and its buffer from east to west. Although this trail may interrupt
some wetland and buffer functions, it does not eliminate functions for the following reasons:
• The buffer, though compacted, comprises dirt and not gravel
• The trail is very narrow and not wide enough to significantly disrupt habitat connectivity, as
demonstrated by the continuously forested Cowardin vegetation class (i.e., there is no break
in the forested Cowardin class where the trail is located, as is the case with wider trails and
roads)
• The trail is only slightly elevated above the wetland and under wet conditions, hydrology likely
flows over the trail.
Therefore, a buffer waiver was not applied for the Markley Wetland 2 buffer due to this trail.
These wetlands are not shown on the National Wetlands Inventory map (USFWS 2014), but are shown
on the City’s Landslide and Erosion Hazard Areas map as two wetland areas (Port Townsend website
2014b).
These wetlands and their Ecology rating scores are described in the table below:
Function Scores
Wetland Classification (a) Size Category Total Water Quality Hydrologic Habitat
Markley
Wetland 2 PFO/Depressional 29,410 sf II 57 24 7 26
Markley
Wetland 3 PFO-PEM/Depressional 2,962 sf III 40 12 7 21
Markley
Wetland 4 PFO-PSS/Depressional 6,097 sf II 55 24 7 24
(a) Cowardin/HGM
sf = square feet
PEM = palustrine emergent
PFO = palustrine forested
PSS = palustrine scrub-shrub
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4.0 MITIGATION
This section presents the mitigation sequencing and mitigation plan for unavoidable impacts to
wetlands, their buffers, and their functions.
4.1 Mitigation Sequencing
The mitigation sequencing details identifying avoidance and minimization for the proposed project are
described below.
4.1.1 Avoidance
Impacts to wetlands were avoided to the greatest extent practicable. Design of the proposed Howard
Street alignment was initiated in 2008 and through multiple design iterations avoids impacts to
Wetlands A, J, and L.
4.1.2 Minimization
Minimization of impacts includes sensitive site design and placement of construction staging areas
and site access away from wetlands and the innermost portion of buffers to the greatest extent
practicable. The current alignment limits impacts to low quality wetlands and wetland buffers.
Temporary impacts to wetlands and buffers may also occur, and will be restored following project
construction.
Since a high groundwater table is the primary source of hydrology for the impacted wetlands and
surrounding wetlands, the diversion and treatment of stormwater from the roadways will not impact
wetland hydrology; therefore, no indirect effects (e.g., change in water quantity to the wetlands) will
result from the proposed project.
4.2 Unavoidable Impacts
In the vicinity of smaller, noncontiguous, and isolated Wetlands E and I, no practicable alternative was
available to avoid impacts to these wetlands and/or their buffers due to the location of the proposed
alignment and ability to provide safe transitions to the existing roadways and future right-of-way
alignments.
Wetland C is located outside of the current roadway alignment. However, the City is proposing to
include mitigation for Wetland C, which will be impacted as a result of future commercial
development (Mt. Townsend Creamery). The impact square footage for Wetland C is included in this
mitigation plan as advanced mitigation. Mt. Townsend Creamery will be filling Wetland C as part of
their commercial building development. The City is currently evaluating the request for Mt. Townsend
Creamery to purchase wetland mitigation.
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Wetland and buffer impact areas are also shown on Figures 2a and 2b and on the JARPA figures in
Appendix A. The impacts are also summarized in the tables below:
Wetland Regulating Agency Permanent Impacts
Wetland C USACE and City 1,223 sf
Wetland E USACE 212 sf
Wetland I USACE and City 355 sf
Total Wetland Impacts: 1,790 sf
Wetland Buffer Regulating Agency Permanent Impacts
Wetland A City 7,830 sf
Wetland C City 14,924 sf
Wetland I City 4,272 sf
Wetland J City 6,935 sf
Total Buffer Impacts: 33,961 sf
4.3 Mitigation Requirements
Permanent wetland impacts must be compensated for by replacing, enhancing, or providing
substitute in-kind resources or environments. The PTMC specifies mitigation requirements for
wetlands, which can consist of creation, re-establishment, rehabilitation, enhancement, preservation
or any combination thereof in varying ratios of impacts to mitigation. The mitigation strategies and
ratios are consistent with the guidance document (Ecology et al. 2006b). No net loss is also a policy
goal of the CWA.
Buffer impacts are not regulated by the USACE but are regulated by the City. The PTMC does not
provide specific mitigation ratios for buffer impacts, an 8.5:1 mitigation ratio for buffer impacts in the
form of preservation of higher quality buffer areas is proposed. A site mitigation plan identifying
measures to protect critical areas near construction activities under PTMC 19.05.060 (D)(6) will be
submitted along with construction plans for the project.
4.3.1 Mitigation Plan
The City considered onsite and offsite mitigation options and is proposing 19,425 sf of wetland
preservation and 288,028 sf of associated buffer preservation, which includes the Markley Wetlands 3
and 4, a portion of Markley Wetland 2, and associated native forest buffer areas. The mitigation area
is bounded by 18th Street to the south, 20th Street to the north, Howard Street to the east, and
Rainer Street to the west, which consists of ROWs and city-owned property. The City has purchased
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the mitigation site from private ownership with the intent of permanently preserving the higher
quality (Category II and III) and contiguous wetland systems located north of the proposed project.
The wetlands within the proposed mitigation site support a diverse native plant population, contain
multiple habitat features, and provide an opportunity to maintain wetland and buffer connectivity
and wildlife habitat. The table below summarizes the wetlands and their buffers which the City is
proposing to use for mitigation:
Wetlands Preserved
(Category)
Existing Wetland
Area Existing Buffer Area Wetland Area
Preserved Buffers Preserved
Markley Wetland 2
(Category II) 296,410 sf
271,176 sf (a)
10,366 sf (35% of a
29,410 sf wetland) 271,800 sf of upland
buffer and 16,228 sf
of Markley Wetland 2
area to perform as
buffer (b; total
288,028 sf)
Markley Wetland 3
(Category III) 2,962 sf 2,962 sf
Markley Wetland 4
(Category II) 6,097 sf 6,097 sf
Total: 19,425 sf See above
Mitigation to Impact Ratio: 11:1 8.5:1
(a) Buffer area on existing City property. Wetland buffers overlap and are combined. Standard buffer for wetland
complex is 150 ft
(b) Buffer area preserved determined through buffer averaging. Following averaging, the minimum buffer distance
provided is approximately 85 linear feet.
The wetlands proposed for preservation (Markley Wetlands 3 and 4 and a portion of Markley Wetland
2) are within or adjacent to the drainage basin and are located approximately 2,000 ft north of the
intersection of Discovery Road, Rainier Street ROW, and the proposed Howard Street alignment. The
buffer area proposed (see Figures 3) is much more substantial and more contiguous than the buffers
in the impacted area. A portion of Markley Wetland 2 (10 percent) and its buffer (14 percent) is not
included within the City-owned property boundary. Additionally, as the wetland area of Markley
Wetland 2 extends over the City-owned property boundary into privately owned property, all wetland
area of Markley Wetland 2 within 100 ft of the property boundary will be considered “buffer” and not
wetland area for preservation as shown on Figure 3 and the JARPA figures located in Appendix A.
The City will preserve a contiguous 271,800 sf of upland buffer and 16,228 sf of Markley Wetland 2
area to perform as buffer to protect the preserved wetland areas of Markley 2, 3, and 4. Of this total
buffer preservation area, 207,494 sf will mitigate for buffer impacts associated with the roadway
project and 80,534 sf will mitigate for buffer impacts associated with the proposed development by
Mt. Townsend Creamery.
A restrictive covenant will be placed on the property by the City. The buffer perimeter will be clearly
marked, including at a high density along trails and during construction activities.
Landau Associates
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Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I 4-4 November 16, 2017
4.3.2 Rationale for Proposed Mitigation Plan
The proposed mitigation plan was developed to comply with local and federal regulations. Prior to
purchasing the Markley properties, the City considered other onsite and offsite mitigation options.
Wetland creation and enhancement within the project area were not considered feasible due to
commercial development anticipated to occur as a result of the proposed roadway project, limitations
of area within City ownership, and the condition of the impacted wetlands.
Prior to the purchase of the proposed preservation property, the City-owned land was not adequate
for replacement and enhancement due to future capital projects and development opportunities for
residential zones within the northwest portion of the City of Port Townsend (i.e., it is not reasonable
to remove mature forest to accommodate wetland mitigation). Offsite mitigation within project
drainage basins was also considered; however, drainage basin extents and conditions limit offsite
mitigation opportunities. Therefore, preservation and the purchase of the proposed preservation
property were chosen to provide mitigation for the Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I.
In recognition of development pressure on the Markley properties and the potential need for wetland
mitigation associated with the anticipated realignment of Howard Street, the City purchased the
Markley wetland property in advance of the proposed project.
The wetland area to be preserved is 19,425 sf; additionally, 16,228 sf of the Markley Wetland 2 area
will be preserved as functioning “buffer.” The wetland preservation alone provides an 11:1 ratio of
wetland preservation to impacts and meets Ecology’s debit/credit system results. Additionally, when
the 16,228 sf of the Markley Wetland 2 is included, the overall preserved wetland area provides a 20:1
ratio of wetland preservation to impacts. The upland buffer areas protected (not including the 16,228
sf of Markley Wetland 2 area to perform as buffer) provide a 8:1 ratio of buffer preservation to
impacts. These mitigation ratios are shown on the table below:
Preservation Mitigation Permanent Impacts Ratios
Wetlands 35,653 sf (a) 1,790 sf 20:1
Buffers 271,800 sf (b) 33,961 sf (c) 8:1
(a) Includes 16,228 sf of Markley Wetland 2 wetland area, which also serves as buffer
(b) Not including the 16,228 sf of Markley Wetland 2, which also serves as buffer
(c) Upland buffer area only
The proposed mitigation plan meets mitigation ratios established in the PTMC which specifies that
mitigation ratios for preservation as the sole means of mitigation shall generally start at 20:1. The
proposed plan also exceeds compensation for lost wetland functions (see below Section 4.4).
The proposed mitigation plan also meets federal preservation mitigation requirements documented in
the Federal Register Rules and Regulations regarding Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic
Resources (USACE and EPA 2008). According to federal regulations:
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(1) “Preservation may be used to provide compensatory mitigation for activities authorized by
DA permits when all the following criteria are met:
(i) The resources to be preserved provide important physical, chemical, or
biological functions for the watershed;
(ii) The resources to be preserved contribute significantly to the ecological
sustainability of the watershed. In determining the contribution of those resources to
the ecological sustainability of the watershed, the district engineer must use
appropriate quantitative assessment tools, where available;
(iii) Preservation is determined by the district engineer to be appropriate and
practicable
(iv) The resources are under threat of destruction or adverse modifications; and
(v) The preserved site will be permanently protected through an appropriate real
estate or other legal instrument (e.g., easement, title transfer to state resource agency
or land trust).
(2) Where preservation is used to provide compensatory mitigation, to the extent appropriate
and practicable the preservation shall be done in conjunction with aquatic resource
restoration, establishment, and/or enhancement activities. This requirement may be waived by
the district engineer where preservation has been identified as a high priority using a
watershed approach described in paragraph (c) of this section, but compensation ratios shall
be higher.”
The proposed mitigation plan meets these requirements as follows:
(1) “Preservation may be used to provide compensatory mitigation for activities authorized by
DA permits when all the following criteria are met:
(i) The resources to be preserved provide important physical, chemical, or
biological functions for the watershed. The wetlands to be preserved consist of two
large Category II wetlands and one Category III wetland, which are of much higher
quality than the Category III and IV wetlands to be impacted. The preservation
wetlands are located in an approximately 33-acre corridor of mature forest that
exhibits high connectivity between the Markley wetlands and other identified
wetlands (Gunstone-White and Roberts wetlands to the south), buffer areas, and
other native forest habitat and are surrounded by development to the north, east, and
south. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E), the wetlands provide moderate habitat functions,
which are important biological functions for the watershed. According to the City
Aquifer Recharge Map (City of Port Townsend 2015), the preservation wetlands are
located in an aquifer recharge area. According to PTMC 19.05.070, “Aquifer recharge
areas are characterized as porous geologic formations which store surface water that
has percolated into the soil (ground water).” Although aquifers in Port Townsend are
not currently used for drinking water, the PTMC states that aquifer quality must be
protected so that groundwater may be used for agricultural or landscaping uses or as
a potable drinking water source in the future, if needed (PTMC 19.05.070). Therefore,
the preservation wetlands provide important physical (hydrologic) and chemical
(water quality) functions as well.
Landau Associates
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(ii) The resources to be preserved contribute significantly to the ecological
sustainability of the watershed. In determining the contribution of those resources to
the ecological sustainability of the watershed, the district engineer must use
appropriate quantitative assessment tools, where available. The Markley wetlands are
part of an approximately 33-acre forested corridor that contains at least five large,
high quality, relatively undisturbed forested wetlands (including Markley wetlands 1,
2, and 3, the Roberts wetland, and the Gunstone-White wetland) and is surrounded by
development on 3 sides. The surrounding area has experienced residential
development in the last 10 years, and further development is anticipated in the
future. As development and population growth in the watershed continue, natural
corridors such as this become more important for maintaining the ecological
sustainability of the watershed. The Ecology Credit evaluation, presented in Section
4.4 of this report, provides a quantitative assessment of the resources to be preserved
in comparison to the resources lost through project impacts.
(iii) Preservation is determined by the district engineer to be appropriate and
practicable. The project is awaiting final approval from the district engineer to confirm
that preservation mitigation is appropriate and practicable.
(iv) The resources are under threat of destruction or adverse modifications. The
area surrounding the Markley properties has experienced residential development in
the last 10 years, and the Markley wetlands and buffer areas are under threat of
destruction and adverse modifications. These properties are zoned Residential II –
Medium Density Single-Family (R-II). R-II zoning normally allows development of up to
eight dwelling units per acre with a minimum lot size for a single-family dwelling of
5,000 sf (Port Townsend 2010); however, maximum density in confirmed critical areas
or their associated buffers shall be one dwelling unit per each 10,000 sf of site area.
Wetlands cannot be included in calculating the allowable density and the developer
must demonstrate that there is sufficient development area lying outside of any
wetland and/or wetland buffer (PTMC19.05.060D). The R-II zoning also allows for
duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes provided the minimum lot size is increased. To
help offset the loss of developable land as part of meeting critical area goals, PTMC
also allows consideration of Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), where both
additional density and clustering of development can reclaim density lost to critical
area protection. While difficult to quantify exactly through the PUD process, it is
estimated that this area could be developed with up to 29 lots/dwelling units if
preservation is not implemented.
(v) The preserved site will be permanently protected through an appropriate real
estate or other legal instrument. The Markley wetlands within the preservation area
have been purchased by the City, and will be permanently protected through a
restrictive covenant which will be placed on the property by the City. The buffer
perimeter will be clearly marked, including at a high density along trails and during
construction activities.
(2) Aquatic resource restoration, establishment, and enhancement activities are not proposed
in conjunction with the proposed preservation mitigation because preservation of the Markley
wetlands has been identified as a high priority. The Markley wetlands are located in an aquifer
recharge area (City of Port Townsend 2015). The Watershed Management Plan and Detailed
Implementation Plan for the Quilcene-Snow Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA 17)
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(Watershed Management Plan; EJWC 2011), indicates that sustained aquifer yields and
recharge may not be sufficient for future demand and recommends long term protection of
recharge zones. Therefore, preservation of the Markley Wetlands supports the goals and
recommendations of the Watershed Management Plan. Additionally, as provided in Section
4.4 of this report, the function credits gained by the preservation of the Markley wetlands
sufficiently compensates for the loss of functions associated with the project.
4.4 Wetland Functional Impacts
Ecology’s credit-debit method was applied to the impacted wetlands (Wetlands C, E, and I) and the
wetlands located within the mitigation area (Markley Wetlands 2, 3, and 4) to document that the
preservation of the Markley wetlands adequately replaces the water quality improvement, hydrologic,
and habitat functions and values impacted by the proposed Howard Street Extension Project and the
future commercial development. The credit-debit forms and supporting tables are provided in
Appendix D. Supporting rating forms are provided in Appendix C for Markley Wetlands 2, 3, and 4 and
in the Wetland Report (LAI 2014) for wetlands C, E, and I.
4.4.1 Function Debits
Debit forms were completed for the three impacted wetlands: Wetlands C, E, and I, as provided in
Appendix D. As the proposed mitigation consists of the preservation of existing wetlands, which were
already purchased by the City, there would be no temporal loss of functions due to impacts (temporal
loss factor of “1” was applied in calculation of debits; refer to Appendix D). Their calculated function
debits in acre points are as follows for improving water quality, hydrologic, and habitat.
Improving Water Quality
(acre points)
Hydrologic Function (acre
points)
Habitat Function (acre
points)
Wetland C -0.140 -0.112 -0.112
Wetland E -0.034 -0.027 -0.027
Wetland I -0.053 -0.044 -0.035
Total -0.226 -0.183 -0.174
4.4.2 Function Credits
Credit forms were completed for the three preservation wetlands: Markley Wetlands 2, 3, and 4; as
provided in Appendix D. Markley Wetlands 3 and 4 will be preserved in their entirety, and the
preservation of Markley Wetland 2 will be limited to the City-owned property and adjusted to
accommodate a 100 ft buffer to the adjacent property to the south.
As the mitigation consists of preservation, the acre points for the wetlands must be scaled based on
wetland category, location, and threat of impact. As discussed in Section 4.3.2, if the Markley
wetlands and their associated buffers remained in private ownership, they would be fragmented and
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developed as the surrounding areas; therefore, these wetlands were considered to be under high
threat for impact.
Improving Water Quality
(acre points)
Hydrologic Function (acre
points)
Habitat Function (acre
points)
Markley 2 0.143 0.119 0.167
Markley 3 0.026 0.021 0.026
Markley 4 0.074 0.062 0.086
Total 0.242 0.202 0.278
In order for the mitigation to be successful, the amount of wetland credits must be greater than the
wetland debits. Based on the credit-debit calculations, the function credits gained from preserving
Markley Wetland 3 and Markley Wetland 4 exceeds the water quality improvement, hydrologic, and
habitat function debits associated with the Howard Street Extension Project (impacts to Wetlands E
and I), and therefore, provide adequate mitigation as shown below:
Improving Water Quality
(acre points)
Hydrologic Function (acre
points)
Habitat Function (acre
points)
Wetland E -0.034 -0.027 -0.027
Wetland I -0.053 -0.044 -0.035
Markley 3 0.026 0.021 0.026
Markley 4 0.074 0.062 0.086
Total 0.013 0.012 0.050
The function debits associated with the commercial development associated with Mt. Townsend
Creamery (impacts to Wetland C) are proposed to be mitigated using the function credits gained form
preserving a portion of Markley Wetland 2 as shown below:
Improving Water Quality
(acre points)
Hydrologic Function (acre
points)
Habitat Function (acre
points)
Wetland C -0.140 -0.112 -0.112
Markley 2 0.143 0.119 0.167
Total 0.003 0.007 0.055
As there is an excess of acre-credits associated with the preservation of Markley Wetlands 2, 3 and 4
(not including the 16,228 sf of Markley Wetland 2 area to perform as buffer) these acre-credits may
be applied to future wetland mitigation associated with City projects.
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4.5 Assessment of No Net Loss
Preservation, by design, does not result in a gain of wetland area or result in a net loss of wetland
area; however, some wetlands are not adequately protected and can benefit from being placed in
public ownership (Ecology et al. 2006b). Preservation protects wetlands, buffers, and provides
corridors and connectivity between them especially in locations, such as the proposed mitigation site,
that are under direct threat of being developed. As stated in the joint agency guidance (Ecology et al.
2006b):
Preservation of large tracts of wetlands and uplands can provide benefits that are
impossible to achieve using typical regulatory approaches. One way to think about net
loss with respect to preservation is that some wetlands are going to experience
unmitigated impacts unless they are protected. Preservation can therefore provide a
net gain in functions over what would otherwise occur.
As demonstrated in the credit-debit method (Appendix D), the function credits provided by preserving
the higher quality Markley wetlands from development are greater than the function debits lost
through impacting the lower quality existing wetlands, resulting in a no-net loss of wetland functions.
4.6 Mitigation Goal, Objective, and Performance Standards
Mitigation goals are used to define the intent or purpose of the proposed mitigation. Objectives
specify the direct actions necessary to achieve the stated goal. Performance standards are the
measureable values of specific items that ensure the mitigation is meeting the objectives. These
elements are the basis for determining if the goals are met and if the mitigation is a regulatory
success.
One main goal has been outlined for this effort:
• Compensate for the functional loss of 1,790 sf of wetland and 33,961 buffer impacts through
the preservation of 19,425 sf of wetland area and 288,028 sf of buffer area.
‒ Objective: Preserve 19,425 sf of wetland area and 288,028 sf of contiguous
surrounding buffer area.
Performance Standard 1: The protected buffer area will be marked along the
perimeter with wetland protection signs per lot or every 100 ft, whichever is
less, by April 2015.
Performance Standard 2: The identified wetland and buffer preservation area
will be put into a restrictive covenant for permanent protection by September
of 2015.
Performance Standard 3: Protective, high visibility fencing, will be used to
identify and protect the wetland and buffer preservation area during any
adjacent construction activities.
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Wetland Mitigation Report 0526011.010.011
Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I 5-1 November 16, 2017
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
The mitigation plan presented in this report meets City requirements, as outlined in the PTMC and
meets state and federal agency guidance. Preserving these wetlands provides excess mitigation for
the impacts to wetlands along the Howard Street Extension Project. The wetlands in the Howard
Street ROW are preservation as mitigation is allowed per PTMC 19.05.110 subparagraph F(8).
Based on the credit-debit evaluation, the Markley wetlands provide a higher function credit then the
lower quality wetlands impacted by the construction on the Howard Street Extension Project and
adjacent commercial development. The proposed project will provide no net loss of wetland or buffer
functions.
Landau Associates
Wetland Mitigation Report 0526011.010.011
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6.0 USE OF THIS REPORT
The findings presented herein are based on our understanding of the PTMC, the USACE and Ecology
wetland delineation methodology, and on our interpretation of the vegetative, soil, and hydrological
conditions observed during the site visits. Within the limitations of scope, schedule, and budget, the
findings presented in this report were prepared in accordance with generally accepted sensitive area
investigation principles and practices in this locality at the time the report was prepared. We make no
other warranty, either express or implied.
This report was prepared for the use of BergerABAM and the City of Port Townsend, and applicable
regulatory agencies. No other party is entitled to rely on the information, conclusions, and
recommendations included in this document without the express written consent of LAI. Further, the
reuse of information, conclusions, and recommendations provided herein for extensions of the
project or for any other project, without review and authorization by LAI, shall be at the user’s sole
risk.
Wetland areas delineated by LAI are considered preliminary until the USACE and/or local jurisdictional
agencies validate the wetland boundaries. Because wetlands are dynamic communities, wetland
boundaries may change over time. The agencies typically recognize wetland delineations for a period
of 5 years following an approved jurisdictional determination. In addition, changes in government
code, regulations, and/or laws may occur.
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7.0 REFERENCES
Brinson, M. 1993. Final Report: A Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands. Wetlands Research
Program Technical Report WRP-DE-4. East Carolina University, Biology Department. Greenville,
North Carolina. Prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. August.
City of Port Townsend. 2015. Aquifer Recharge Area Map. Provided by Samantha Trone, P.E., City of
Port Townsend, to Jessica Stone, LAI, on March 11.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater
Habitats of the United States. Government Printing Office. Washington, D.C.
Ecology. 2005. Wetlands in Washington State Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science. Publication No.
05 06-006. Washington State Department of Ecology. March.
Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual. Publication No.
96 94. Washington State Department of Ecology. Olympia, Washington. March.
Ecology, USACE, and EPA. 2006a. Wetland Mitigation in Washington State – Part 2: Developing
Mitigation Plans (Version 1). Publication No. 06-06-011b. Washington State Department of
Ecology, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10.
March.
Ecology, USACE, and EPA. 2006b. Wetland Mitigation in Washington State – Part 1: Agency Policies
and Guidance (Version 1). Publication No. 06-06-011a. Washington State Department of Ecology,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10. March.
EJWC 2011. Watershed Management Plan and Detailed Implementation Plan for the Quilcene-Snow
Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA 17). Adopted by the East Jefferson Watershed Council.
October.
Hruby, T. 2012. Calculating Credits and Debits for Compensatory Mitigation in Wetlands of Western
Washington, Final Report, March 2012. Publication No. 10-06-11. Washington State Department
of Ecology. Olympia, Washington.
Hruby, T. 2004. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington – Revised.
Publication No. 04-06-025. Washington State Department of Ecology. Olympia, Washington.
LAI. 2014. Draft Report: Agency Review Draft Wetland Report, Howard Street Extension, Port
Townsend, Washington. Prepared for City of Port Townsend under contract to BergerABAM.
August 4.
LAI. 2010. Report: Wetland Delineation Report, Markley and Gunstone-White Wetlands, Port
Townsend, Washington. Prepared for City of Port Townsend. February 23.
Port Townsend website. 2014a. Port Townsend Municipal Code. http://www.codepublishing.com
/wa/porttownsend.html. City of Port Townsend. Accessed August 4.
Port Townsend website. 2014b. Landslide and Erosion Hazard Areas. http://cityofpt.
us/user/image/esa.pdf. City of Port Townsend. Accessed August 18.
Port Townsend website. 2010. Official Zoning. http://www.cityofpt.us/user/image/zone.pdf. City of
Port Townsend. Accessed June 29, 2014
USACE. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western
Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region. Technical Report ERDC/EL TR-10-3. U.S. Army Corps of
Landau Associates
Wetland Mitigation Report 0526011.010.011
Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I 7-2 November 16, 2017
Engineers Research and Development Center Environmental Laboratory. Vicksburg, Mississippi.
May.
USACE and EPA. 2008. Compensatory Mitigation for Loss of Aquatic Resources; Final Rule. Federal
Register. Code of Federal Regulations 40, Part 230. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. April 10.
USACE website. 2008. Jurisdictional Determinations. Regulatory Guidance Letter.
http://www.usace.army.mil/Portals/2/docs/civilworks/RGLS/rgl08-02.pdf. U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. Accessed June 26.
USFWS website. 2014. National Wetlands Inventory Map. http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/
data/mapper.html. U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. Accessed August 13.
Proposed Mitigation AreaProject Vicinity
Howard Street Extension, Phase IProject Vicinity
Markley 3
Markley 4
Markley 2
Wetland E
Wetland C
Wetland A
Wetland I
ST20
W S im sW a y Discovery Rd12Th St
15Th St
5Th St6Th St
4Th St
14Th St
Beacon Pl
7ThSt
3Rd St
2Nd St
Quimper Pl
DanaPlKingsleyPl QueenMaryWaySummitWayThomas St9Th StW Park AveN Park AveHoward StS Park Ave
Ivy
S
t Baker StCliffSt10Th St VictoriaTownePtMcpherson StHoodStVictoria Ave
CommerceLoop Eddy StRainier StLake St0 400 800
Scale in Feet
Data Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington
Project Area and Mitigation AreaVicinity Map
Figure1
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\F01ProjectAreaVicMap.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Legend
Wetlands
Note
1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and lead to incorrect interpretation.
50 FT Wetland Buffer
80 FT Wetland Buffer
Area H
Area B
Area D
7th St Discovery RdE Park AveHoward StWetland E
Wetland C
Wetland A
Data Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington Project Alignment Map Figure
0 150 300
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may
waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer functions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.2. Per PTMC 19.05.110, Wetland E is not
regulated; therefore a buffer was not assigned.3. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Wetlands (2014)
Wetlands/Areas (2008)
Wetland Buffers
Tax Parcels
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\F02A_align.mxd 3/12/2015 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet2a
80 FT Wetland Buffer
80 FT Wetland Buffer
80 FT Wetland Buffer
Area I(Formerly Wetland I)
Area G
Approximate Northern Limit of Howard Street Extension Project, Phase I.
80 FT Wetland Buffer Wetland K
Wetland I
Wetland J
Wetland L Area O(Formerly Wetland O)
Area N(Formerly Wetland N)Howard St10th St Discovery RdRainier StData Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington Project Alignment Map Figure
0 100 200
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may waive standard buffer widths where
existing roadways or other substantial
developments have eliminated buffer fuctions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.2. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Wetlands (2014)
Wetland/Areas (2008)
Wetland Buffers
Tax Parcels
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\F02B_align.mxd 3/12/2015 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet2b
Howard Street Extension, Phase IIto occur in the future and avoidbuffers
Proposed buffer modifiedin this location toaccomodate futureimprovements to 20th Street
Wetland inCity Property=26,594 sf
PreservedWetland Area=10,366 sf
Offsite WetlandArea=2,824 sf
Proposed buffer modified inthis location to accomodateDrinking Water Treatment Facility project
This area of Markley 2is proposed to serveas wetland buffer
Markley 4Category II6,097sfMarkley 3Category III2,962sf
Markley 2Category II29,418sf
Markley 1Category II47,357sf
Data Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington Project Mitigation Map Figure
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Legend
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\F03Howard_mitigation.mxd 3/12/2015 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 FeetExisting and Planned Trails
Existing Buffer
Proposed Buffer
Preserved Wetland Area
City Property
Parcels
Wetland (on City Property)
Wetland (Offsite)
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director
may waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer fuctions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.2. Black and white reproduction of this color
original may reduce its effectiveness and lead to incorrect interpretation.
3
APPENDIX A
Joint Aquatics Resources Permit Application Figures
Wetland E
Wetland C
Wetland A
80 FT Wetland Buffer
50 FT Wetland Buffer
W Park AveW Park AveN Park AveN Park Ave
CommerceCommerceLoopLoop9Th St9Th StE Park AveE Park Ave S Park AveS Park AveDDiissccoovveerryyRRdd
CClliiffffSSttHoward StHoward StLake StLake StWW SS ii mm ss WW aa yy ST20
001094004
001094005
001094007
001094012
001094013
001094031
001094032
001094033
974700202
989800001
989800036989800037
989800038989800039
989800040989800041
989800042989800043
989800045989800046
989800047
989800048989800049
989800050
989800051989800052
997800201 997800301
997800302
997800401997800402
997800501
997800502997800601997800602
997801101 997801201
70 8075
122°48'10"W122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'20"N
48°6'20"N
48°6'10"N
48°6'10"N
PURPOSE: EXTENSION OF HOWARD STREET
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.103570 N/ -122.805716 W to48.108415 N/ -122.805716 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
DELINEATION MAP
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 2 OF 7
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
HOWARD STREET EXTENSION PROJECT, PHASE 1(NWS-2008-1381)
Legend
WetlandsWetland BuffersParcelsContour
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer functions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.2. Per PTMC 19.05.110, Wetland E is not regulated; therefore a buffer was not assigned.
80 FT Wetland Buffer
80 FT Wetland Buffer 80 FT Wetland Buffer
Matchline
Wetland L Wetland J
Wetland E
Wetland K
Wetland I
80 FT Wetland Buffer
Discovery RdDiscovery Rd14Th14ThStSt
N Park AveN Park AveHoward StHoward StLake StLake St9Th St9Th StWWPPaarrkkAAvveeEddy StEddy St1100TThhSStt Rainier StRainier St8580001092006
621900000
944700501 944700601
954000101954000201
954000301
954000601
954000701 954000801
954000901954001001954001101
973800301 973800301 987001201
987001301987001301
987001302
987001302
987001401
987001401
987001401
987001410987001501987001502
987001503
987001504
987001505
987001506
987001507
987001508
987001509
987001510
987001601
987001601987001601 987001701
987001703
987001704
987001706 987001708
987001709
987001710
987001711
987001801
987001801
987001901
987001901
987002002
987002003
987002004
987002005 987002007
987002008
987002010
987002011
987002101
987002101
987002107
987002108
987002109
987002110
989800032
989800033
989800034
989800035989800036989800037
989800038
989800039
989800040989800041
989800042989800043
989800064
989800065
989800066
989800067
989800068
989800074
997800201
997800301
997800302
997800401997800402
997800501 997800502997800601997800602
997800702
997800703997800705
122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'30"N
48°6'30"N
PURPOSE: EXTENSION OF HOWARD STREET
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.103570 N/ -122.805716 W to48.108415 N/ -122.805716 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
DELINEATION MAP
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 3 OF 7
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
HOWARD STREET EXTENSION PROJECT, PHASE 1(NWS-2008-1381)
Legend
ContourParcelsWetlandWetland Buffer
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer functions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.2. Per PTMC 19.05.110, Wetland E is not regulated; therefore a buffer was not assigned.
Matchline
Markley 4Markley 3
Markley 2
2200TThh SSttBaker StBaker St9080
85001044008001044016
001091001
001092006
944700101
944700102
944700203
944700204
944700301 944700401
944700501 944700601
944800001
944800002
944800003
944800004
944800005
944800006
944800007
944800008
944800009
944800010
944800011
944800012
944800013
955900018
955900019
955900020955900022955900023955900024
955900025955900026955900027955900028955900029
955900031
955900032955900033
955900112955900112
973800101 973800101
973800201
973800201
973800301973800301
987001102
987001201
987001214
987300102
987300103
987300201
987300203
987300204987300205987300301
987300303
987300305
999100093
999100094
999100095999100096
999100097
999100098
999100099
999100100
999100101
999100102
999100103
999100104
999100105
999100106
999100107
999100108999100109
999100110
999100111
999100116999100117
999100118
999100119
999100120999100121999100122999100123
999100157
999100158
999100159
999100160999100161
999100162
999100999
999100999
999100999
122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'50"N
48°6'50"N
48°6'40"N
48°6'40"N
PURPOSE: EXTENSION OF HOWARD STREET
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.103570 N/ -122.805716 W to48.108415 N/ -122.805716 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
DELINEATION MAP
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 4 OF 7
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
HOWARD STREET EXTENSION PROJECT, PHASE 1(NWS-2008-1381)
Legend
Existing and Planned TrailsWetlandParcelsWetland BuffersContour
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer functions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.
AeccDbAlignment (AeccLand100)
Matchline
Wetland E
Wetland C
Wetland A
Wetland Impact (212 sq ft)
Buffer Impact (7,830 sq ft)
50 FT Wetland Buffer
80 FT Wetland Buffer9Th St9Th StW Park AveW Park AveN Park AveN Park Ave
CommerceCommerceLoopLoopE Park AveE Park Ave S Park AveS Park AveDDiissccoovveerryyRRdd
CClliiffffSSttHoward StHoward StLake StLake StWW SS ii mm ss WW aa yy ST20
001094004
001094005
001094007
001094012
001094013
001094031
001094032
001094033
974700202
989800001
989800036989800037989800038
989800039
989800040989800041
989800042989800043
989800045
989800046
989800047
989800048
989800049
989800050
989800051989800052
997800201 997800301
997800302 997800401997800402
997800501
997800502997800601
997800602
997801101 99780120180
7 0
75
122°48'10"W122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'20"N
48°6'20"N
48°6'10"N
48°6'10"N
PURPOSE: EXTENSION OF HOWARD STREET
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.103570 N/ -122.805716 W to48.108415 N/ -122.805716 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
IMPACT MAP
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 5 OF 7
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
HOWARD STREET EXTENSION PROJECT, PHASE 1(NWS-2008-1381)
Legend
WetlandsWetland BuffersParcelsBuffer ImpactWetland ImpactContour
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer functions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.2. Per PTMC 19.05.110, Wetland E is not regulated; therefore a buffer was not assigned.
IMPACT SUMMARY (THIS SHEET)
Buffer Impact (Wetland A) = 7,830 sq ftWetland Impact (Wetland E) = 212 sq ft
Matchline
Wetland K
Wetland I
Wetland J
Wetland L
Buffer Impact (6,935 sq ft)Buffer Impact (4,272 sq ft)
Wetland Impact (355 sq ft)
Wetland E
14Th St14Th St
Discovery RdDiscovery Rd9Th St9Th StN Park AveN Park Ave
Lake StLake StDDiissccoovveerryyRRddHoward StHoward St9Th9ThStStLakeLakeStStWWPPaarrkkAAvveeEddy StEddy St1100TThhSStt Rainier StRainier St8580001092006
621900000
944700501 944700601
954000101954000201
954000701
954000801
954000901954001001
956400001
973800301 973800301 987001201
987001301987001301
987001302
987001302
987001401
987001401
987001401
987001410987001501987001502
987001503
987001504
987001505
987001506
987001507
987001508
987001509
987001510
987001601
987001601
987001601 987001701
987001703
987001704
987001706 987001708
987001709
987001710
987001711
987001801
987001801
987001901 987001901
987002002
987002003
987002004
987002005 987002007
987002008
987002010
987002011987002101
987002101
987002107
987002108
987002109
987002110 987002201
987002301
989800030
989800031
989800032
989800033
989800034
989800035989800036989800037
989800038
989800039
989800040989800041
989800042989800043
989800064
989800065
989800066
989800067
989800068 989800069
989800074
997800201
997800301
997800302
997800401997800402
997800501 997800502997800601997800602
997800702
997800703
997800704
122°48'10"W122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'30"N
48°6'30"N
PURPOSE: EXTENSION OF HOWARD STREET
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.103570 N/ -122.805716 W to48.108415 N/ -122.805716 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
IMPACT MAP
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 6 OF 7
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
HOWARD STREET EXTENSION PROJECT, PHASE 1(NWS-2008-1381)
Legend
ContourParcelsWetlandWetland BufferBuffer ImpactWetland Impact
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer functions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.2. Per PTMC 19.05.110, Wetland E is not regulated; therefore a buffer was not assigned.
Approximate Northern Limit of Phase 1
IMPACT SUMMARY (THIS SHEET)
Buffer Impact (Wetland I and Wetland J) = 11,207 sq ftWetland Impact (Wetland I) = 355 sq ft
Proposed buffer modifiedin this location toaccommodate futureimprovements to 20th Street
This area of Markley 2is proposed for inclusion as buffer
Proposed buffer modifiedin this location to accommodateproposed improvementsassociated with the WaterTreatment Facility Markley 4
Markley 3
Markley 2
20Th St20Th StBaker StBaker St908 0
85001044008001044016
001091001
001092006
944700101
944700102
944700204
944700301 944700401
944700501 944700601
944800001944800002
944800003
944800004
944800005
944800006
944800007
944800008
944800009
944800010
944800011
944800012
944800013
955900020
955900023955900024
955900025
955900026955900027955900028955900029
955900031
955900032955900033
955900112
973800101 973800101
973800201
973800201
973800301973800301
987001102
987001201
987001214
987300102
987300103
987300201
987300203
987300204987300205987300301
987300303
987300305
999100093
999100094
999100095999100096
999100097
999100098
999100099
999100100
999100102
999100103
999100104
999100105
999100106
999100107
999100108999100109
999100110
999100111
999100116999100117
999100118
999100119
999100120999100121999100122999100123
999100157
999100158
999100160999100161
999100162
999100999
999100999
122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'50"N
48°6'50"N
48°6'40"N
48°6'40"N
PURPOSE: EXTENSION OF HOWARD STREET
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.103570 N/ -122.805716 W to48.108415 N/ -122.805716 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
MITIGATION MAP(PRESERVATION)
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 7 OF 7
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
HOWARD STREET EXTENSION PROJECT, PHASE 1(NWS-2008-1381)
Legend
Wetland Area PreservationProposed BufferWetlandTrailsParcelsCity PropertyContour
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Proposed buffer was established using buffer width averaging, as allowed by PTMC 19.05.110(E)(7).
2. Per PTMC 19.05.110(E)(8), the director may waive standard buffer widths where existing roadways or other substantial developments have eliminated buffer functions. Therefore, only the effective functioning buffers are shown.
Areas Proposed for Preservation:
Markley 2 = 10,366 sq. ft (0.24 ac)Markley 3 = 2,962 sq. ft (0.07 ac)Markley 4 = 6,097 sq. ft (0.14 ac)Existing Upland Buffer = 271,800 sq. ft (6.24 ac)Existing Markley 2 WetlandProposed for Inclusion As Buffer = 16,228 sq. ft. (0.37 ac)
Wetland Total = 19,425 sq ft (0.45 ac)Buffer Total = 288,028 sq ft (6.6 ac)
50 FT Wetland Buffer(14,924 sq ft)
Wetland C(1,223 sq ft)
7th St9Th St9Th StS ParkS ParkAveAveW Park AveW Park AveCommerceCommerceLoopLoop
Discovery RdDiscovery Rd7Th St7Th St
E Park AveE Park Ave
Howard StHoward StLake StLake StW Sims WayW Sims Way ST20
001094004
001094005
001094007
001094012
001094013
001094031
001094032
001094033
974700202
989800001
989800036989800037
989800038989800039
989800040989800041
989800042989800043
989800045989800046
989800047
989800048989800049
989800050
989800051989800052
997800201
997800301
997800302 997800401997800402
997800501
997800502997800601
997800602
997801101 997801201
70
7580 122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'20"N
48°6'20"N
48°6'10"N
48°6'10"N
PURPOSE: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.105091 N/ -122.806823 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
DELINEATION, IMPACT, AND MITIGATION MAP
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: MOUNT TOWNSEND CREAMERY
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 2 OF 3
MOUNT TOWNSEND CREAMERY
MOUNT TOWNSEND CREAMERYDEVELOPMENT
Legend
WetlandWetland BufferTax ParcelsContour
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Parcel containing Wetland C will be developed commercially as a Mt. Townsend Creamery facility. 2. Mitigation is being conducted with the Phase 1 Howard Street Corridor project (NWS-2008-1381).3. Proposed design and construction details are unknown at this time. This application is documenting advanced mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts.
50 FT Wetland Buffer(14,924 sq ft)
Wetland C(1,223 sq ft)
7th St9Th St9Th StS ParkS ParkAveAveW Park AveW Park AveCommerceCommerceLoopLoop
Discovery RdDiscovery Rd7Th St7Th St
E Park AveE Park Ave
Howard StHoward StLake StLake StW Sims WayW Sims Way ST20
001094004
001094005
001094007
001094012
001094013
001094031
001094032
001094033
974700202
989800001
989800036989800037
989800038989800039
989800040989800041
989800042989800043
989800045989800046
989800047
989800048989800049
989800050
989800051989800052
997800201
997800301
997800302 997800401997800402
997800501
997800502997800601
997800602
997801101 997801201
70
7580 122°48'20"W122°48'30"W
48°6'20"N
48°6'20"N
48°6'10"N
48°6'10"N
PURPOSE: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
TOWNSHIP/RANGE: SEC 9 TWP 30N RGE 01W
LAT/LONG: 448.105091 N/ -122.806823 W; DATUM; NAD83
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS:1. REFER TO JARPA
PROPOSED WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
PROPOSED: WETLAND AND BUFFERIMPACTS
IN: WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
AT: CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
APPLICATION BY: MOUNT TOWNSEND CREAMERY
DATE: 11-21-2014; revised 02-27-2015
SHEET: 3 OF 3
MOUNT TOWNSEND CREAMERY
MOUNT TOWNSEND CREAMERYDEVELOPMENT
Legend
Wetland ImpactBuffer ImpactTax ParcelsContour
0 200 400
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Parcel containing Wetland C will be developed commercially as a Mt. Townsend Creamery facility. 2. Mitigation is being conducted with the Phase 1 Howard Street Corridor project (NWS-2008-1381).3. Proposed design and construction details are unknown at this time. This application is documenting advanced mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts.
IMPACT SUMMARY (THIS SHEET)
Buffer Impact (Wetland C) = 14,924 sq ftWetland Impact (Wetland C) = 1,223 sq ft
APPENDIX B
Markley Wetland Data Sheets
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: Markley Wetland 2 City/County: Port Townsend Sampling Date:5/12/2014
Applicant/Owner: City of Port Townsend State: WA Sampling Point: MSP-8B
Investigator(s): Jessica Stone, Brittany Gordon, Jamie Sloan Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Depression Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave Slope (%): <1%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Clallam gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 15') % Cover Species? Status
1. Salix scouleriana 80 Yes FAC
2.
3.
4.
80 = Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 5')
1. Rosa nutkana 15 Yes FAC
2. Rubus ursinus 3 Yes FACU
3.
4.
5.
18 = Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 3')
1. Carex obnupta 80 Yes OBL
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
80 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 20
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 4 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 75% (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species 80 x 1 = 80
FACW species 0 x 2 = 0
FAC species 95 x 3 = 285
FACU species 3 x 4 = 12
UPL species 0 x 5 = 0
Column Totals: 178 (A) 377 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.12
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks: Sambucus racemosa observed just outside sampling point.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: MSP-8B
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-8 10 YR 2/1 100 loam moist
8-15 10 YR 3/2 80 7.5 YR 3/4 20 C PL loamy sand distinct; moist
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Located in a depression dominated by Carex obnupta (OBL).
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: Markley Wetland 3 City/County: Port Townsend Sampling Date:5/12/2014
Applicant/Owner: City of Port Townsend State: WA Sampling Point: MSP-4B
Investigator(s): Jessica Stone, Brittany Gordon, Jamie Sloan Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Depression Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave Slope (%): <1%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Clallam gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 15') % Cover Species? Status
1. Salix scouleriana 100 Yes FAC
2.
3.
4.
100 = Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 5')
1. Rosa nutkana 10 Yes FAC
2.
3.
4.
5.
10 = Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 3')
1. Carex obnupta 80 Yes OBL
2. Oenanthe sarmentosa 3 No OBL
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
93 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 7
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100% (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species 83 x 1 = 83
FACW species 0 x 2 = 0
FAC species 110 x 3 = 330
FACU species 0 x 4 = 0
UPL species 0 x 5 = 0
Column Totals: 193 (A) 413 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.14
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: MSP-4B
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-6 10 YR 2/1 100 loam saturated
6-13 10 YR 2/1 95 7.5 YR 2.5/3 5 C PL sandy loam saturated; distinct
13-16 10 YR 2/2 85 7.5 YR 2.5/3 15 C PL silty loam saturated; faint
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks: Hydrogen sulfide odor observed.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): 1 inch BGS
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches): surface
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: Markley Wetland 4 City/County: Port Townsend Sampling Date:5/12/2014
Applicant/Owner: City of Port Townsend State: WA Sampling Point: MSP-6B
Investigator(s): Jessica Stone, Brittany Gordon, Jamie Sloan Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Depression Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave Slope (%): <1%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Clallam gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 15') % Cover Species? Status
1. Alnus rubra 80 Yes FAC
2. Salix scouleriana 20 Yes FAC
3.
4.
100 = Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 5')
1. Rosa nutkana 10 Yes FAC
2. Rubus ursinus 5 Yes FACU
3. Spiraea douglasii 5 Yes FACW
4.
5.
20 = Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 3')
1. Carex obnupta 70 Yes OBL
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
70 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 30
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 5 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 6 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 83% (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species 70 x 1 = 70
FACW species 5 x 2 = 10
FAC species 110 x 3 = 330
FACU species 5 x 4 = 20
UPL species 0 x 5 = 0
Column Totals: 190 (A) 430 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.26
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: MSP-6B
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-5 10 YR 2/1 100 loam moist
5-14 10 YR 5/2 95 7.5 YR 3/4 5 C PL loamy sand moist; distinct
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Located in depression with bare ground and water-stained leaves.
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: Markley Upland City/County: Port Townsend Sampling Date:5/12/2014
Applicant/Owner: City of Port Townsend State: WA Sampling Point: MSP-7B
Investigator(s): Jessica Stone, Brittany Gordon, Jamie Sloan Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Flat Local relief (concave, convex, none): None Slope (%): 0%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Clallam gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 15') % Cover Species? Status
1. Pseudotsuga menziesii 50 Yes FACU
2. Alnus rubra 20 Yes FAC
3.
4.
70 = Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 5')
1. Holodiscus discolor 100 Yes FACU
2. Gaultheria shallon 50 Yes FACU
3. Rubus ursinus 20 Yes FACU
4. Symphoricarpos albus 10 No FACU
5. Rubus armeniacus 10 No FACU
190 = Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 3')
1. Polystichum munitum 15 Yes FACU
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
15 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 85
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 6 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 17% (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species 0 x 1 = 0
FACW species 0 x 2 = 0
FAC species 20 x 3 = 60
FACU species 255 x 4 = 1020
UPL species 0 x 5 = 0
Column Totals: 275 (A) 1080 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 3.93
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: MSP-7B
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-7 7.5 YR 3/4 100 sandy loam moist
7-15 7.5 YR 4/6 100 loamy sand moist
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
APPENDIX C
Markley Wetland Rating Forms
Wetland 2
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 2Cowardin Vegetation
FigureC-1
0 50 100
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Forested
Scrub Schrub
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FC1Wetland2-Cowardin.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
264
264260264
2602662
6
0
260260260 2642642
6
4
262262264
2642
6
8
266260264260268260262264 260
260264
262264264266260
264264262 264264260
26
4
268
268262270260260 26426026427426826
2
266
2
7
2
262
26426426426
4
2
7
0
26426826
6
260
26
6
268
264
264
260
260262
262268
26
2
260
264
264
266
264262
Wetland 2
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 2Hydroperiods
FigureC-2
0 50 100
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated Only
Seasonally Flooded
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FC2Wetland2-Hydroperiods.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12
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):Markley Wetland 2 Date of site visit: 5/12/2014
Rated by:Jessica Stone Trained by Ecology? Yes No Date of training:6/18/2008
SEC: 9 TOWNSHP: 30 North RNGE: 1 West Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No
Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size 29,340.98 sf (0.67 ac)
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III IV
Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 24
Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 7
Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 26
Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 57
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
Characteristics Wetland HGM Class
used for Rating
Estuarine Depressional
Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine
Bog Lake-fringe
Mature Forest Slope
Old Growth Forest Flats
Coastal Lagoon 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
(in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO
SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or
Endangered animal or plant species (T/E 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 for 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 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 answer how well the wetland
functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12
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)
If your 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 1 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-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of
freshwater wetland
Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special
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 name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12
D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
D 1 Does the wetland have the potential 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 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 = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface 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”)Provide photo or drawing
Figure
3
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 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 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
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
Figure
5
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently 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
Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland ..................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods
Figure
4
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 12
D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 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 Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
2
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 24
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 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
4
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 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 Q.2 or Q.7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that trap water . points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft .................................................................................... points = 0
0
D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate 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 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
3
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 7
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12
D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 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. 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 stream that has flooding problems Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
1
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 7
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12
R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
R 1 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 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland ......................................................................... points = 4 (If depressions > 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
Figure
R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height): 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
Figure
Add the points in the boxes above
R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 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.54)
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
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 average widths
Figure
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% 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 Vegetation does not meet above criteria .......................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types
Figure
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. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12
L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59)
L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes): Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ...................................................................... points = 6 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 = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide..................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked
Figure
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
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 = 3 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 = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit ......................................................... points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types
Figure
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
may 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 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 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 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) 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
Figure
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) that can be damaged by erosion. 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12
S Slope Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
(see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality?
S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit: Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) .... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ............................................................................................................ points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ........................................................................................................... points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ................................................................................................. points = 0
S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points
S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points
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 = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation .................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons
Figure
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above
S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 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, logging, or orchards within 150 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1
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
enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows). 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. 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? (see p. 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 the downstream side of a dam)
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points
HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score
per 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) – Size threshold for each class is
1/4 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) If the unit has a forested class check if: The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures .............. points = 2 2 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure ............... points = 0
Figure
2
H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73):
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to
cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 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 Freshwater tidal wetland ............. = 2 points Map of hydroperiods
Figure
1
H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 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 = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0
2
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.
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.
Figure
2
H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 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. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) 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 in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error.
4
H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 11
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12
H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score
per box)
H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80):
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
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 = 1
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
Arial photo showing buffers
Figure
4
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 = 1 point
Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points
2
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12
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
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm )
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 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 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 1 priority habitat = 1 point
No habitats = 0 points
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)
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
within 1/2 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
5
H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 15
TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 11
Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 26
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12
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
332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2
Cat. 1
SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions?
YES = Category I NO = Category II 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 that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands.
Cat. I
Cat. II
Dual
Rating
I/II
SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 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
or endangered plant species?
YES = Category 1 NO not a Heritage Wetland
Cat I
SC3 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)?
YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating
Cat. I
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12
SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 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 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.
YES = Category I NO = not a forested wetland with special characteristics
Cat. I
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
un-mowed grassland.
The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.)
YES = Category I NO = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 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 Grayland-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?
YES = Category II 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?
YES = Category III
Cat. II
Cat. 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 3
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 3Cowardin Vegetation
FigureC-3
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Forested
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FC3Wetland3-Cowardin.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland 3
264
260264
2
6
0
2602
6
2
262
2
6
4
266
262
262
262
266
262
264264264260
262
262264262266
262
264262
2642
6
2
262
26
6
262
264264260264
2
6
2
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 3Hydroperiods
FigureC-4
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated Only
Seasonally Flooded
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FC4Wetland3-Hydroperiods.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12
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):Markley Wetland 3 Date of site visit: 5/12/2014
Rated by:Jessica Stone Trained by Ecology? Yes No Date of training:6/18/2008
SEC: 9 TOWNSHP: 30 North RNGE: 1 West Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No
Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size 2,951.13 sf (0.07 ac)
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III IV
Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 12
Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 7
Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 21
Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 40
Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply
Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) III
Summary of basic information about the wetland unit.
Wetland Unit has Special
Characteristics Wetland HGM Class
used for Rating
Estuarine Depressional
Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine
Bog Lake-fringe
Mature Forest Slope
Old Growth Forest Flats
Coastal Lagoon 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
(in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO
SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or
Endangered animal or plant species (T/E 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 for 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 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 answer how well the wetland
functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12
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)
If your 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 1 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-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of
freshwater wetland
Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special
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 name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12
D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
D 1 Does the wetland have the potential 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 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 = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface 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”)Provide photo or drawing
Figure
3
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 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 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
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
Figure
5
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently 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
Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland ..................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods
Figure
4
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 12
D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 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 Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
1
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 12
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 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
4
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 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 Q.2 or Q.7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that trap water . points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft .................................................................................... points = 0
0
D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate 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 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
3
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 7
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12
D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 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. 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 stream that has flooding problems Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
1
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 7
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12
R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
R 1 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 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland ......................................................................... points = 4 (If depressions > 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
Figure
R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height): 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
Figure
Add the points in the boxes above
R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 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.54)
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
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 average widths
Figure
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% 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 Vegetation does not meet above criteria .......................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types
Figure
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. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12
L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59)
L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes): Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ...................................................................... points = 6 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 = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide..................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked
Figure
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
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 = 3 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 = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit ......................................................... points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types
Figure
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
may 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 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 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 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) 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
Figure
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) that can be damaged by erosion. 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12
S Slope Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
(see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality?
S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit: Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) .... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ............................................................................................................ points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ........................................................................................................... points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ................................................................................................. points = 0
S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points
S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points
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 = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation .................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons
Figure
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above
S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 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, logging, or orchards within 150 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1
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
enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows). 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. 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? (see p. 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 the downstream side of a dam)
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points
HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score
per 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) – Size threshold for each class is
1/4 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) If the unit has a forested class check if: The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures .............. points = 2 2 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure ............... points = 0
Figure
1
H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73):
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to
cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 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 Freshwater tidal wetland ............. = 2 points Map of hydroperiods
Figure
1
H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 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 = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0
1
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.
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.
Figure
2
H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 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. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) 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 in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error.
1
H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 6
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12
H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score
per box)
H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80):
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
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 = 1
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
Arial photo showing buffers
Figure
4
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 = 1 point
Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points
2
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12
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
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm )
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 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 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 1 priority habitat = 1 point
No habitats = 0 points
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)
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
within 1/2 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
5
H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 15
TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 6
Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 21
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12
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
332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2
Cat. 1
SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions?
YES = Category I NO = Category II 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 that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands.
Cat. I
Cat. II
Dual
Rating
I/II
SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 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
or endangered plant species?
YES = Category 1 NO not a Heritage Wetland
Cat I
SC3 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)?
YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating
Cat. I
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12
SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 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 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.
YES = Category I NO = not a forested wetland with special characteristics
Cat. I
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
un-mowed grassland.
The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.)
YES = Category I NO = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 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 Grayland-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?
YES = Category II 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?
YES = Category III
Cat. II
Cat. 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 4
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 4Cowardin Vegetation
FigureC-5
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Forested
Scrub-Shrub
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FC5Wetland4-Cowardin.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland 4
2
6
2
260
262
260
2602642602602622
6
2 264262262
264262
264
264 260264
260
266
264
266 266260
26
4
262264260
264264260
262
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 4Hydroperiods
FigureC-6
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated Only
Seasonally Flooded
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FC6Wetland4-Hydroperiods.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12
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):Markley Wetland 4 Date of site visit: 5/12/2014
Rated by:Jessica Stone Trained by Ecology? Yes No Date of training:6/18/2008
SEC: 9 TOWNSHP: 30 North RNGE: 1 West Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No
Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size 6,148.76 sf (0.14 ac)
SUMMARY OF RATING
Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III IV
Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 24
Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 7
Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 24
Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 55
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
Characteristics Wetland HGM Class
used for Rating
Estuarine Depressional
Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine
Bog Lake-fringe
Mature Forest Slope
Old Growth Forest Flats
Coastal Lagoon 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
(in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO
SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or
Endangered animal or plant species (T/E 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 for 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 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 answer how well the wetland
functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands.
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12
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)
If your 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 1 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-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of
freshwater wetland
Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special
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 name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12
D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
D 1 Does the wetland have the potential 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 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 = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface 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”)Provide photo or drawing
Figure
3
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 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 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
Map of Cowardin vegetation classes
Figure
5
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently 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
Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland ..................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods
Figure
4
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 12
D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 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 Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
2
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 24
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 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
4
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 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 Q.2 or Q.7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that trap water . points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft .................................................................................... points = 0
0
D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate 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 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
3
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 7
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12
D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 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. 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 stream that has flooding problems Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
1
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 7
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12
R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
R 1 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 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland ......................................................................... points = 4 (If depressions > 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
Figure
R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height): 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
Figure
Add the points in the boxes above
R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 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.54)
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
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 average widths
Figure
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% 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 Vegetation does not meet above criteria .......................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types
Figure
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. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12
L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59)
L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes): Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ...................................................................... points = 6 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 = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide..................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked
Figure
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
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 = 3 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 = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit ......................................................... points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types
Figure
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
may 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 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 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 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) 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
Figure
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) that can be damaged by erosion. 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12
S Slope Wetlands Points
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score
per box)
(see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality?
S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit: Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) .... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ............................................................................................................ points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ........................................................................................................... points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ................................................................................................. points = 0
S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points
S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points
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 = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation .................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons
Figure
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above
S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 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 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, logging, or orchards within 150 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
Multiplier
TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1
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
enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows). 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. 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? (see p. 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 the downstream side of a dam)
YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1
Multiplier
TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points
HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score
per 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) – Size threshold for each class is
1/4 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) If the unit has a forested class check if: The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures .............. points = 2 2 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure ............... points = 0
Figure
2
H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73):
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to
cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 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 Freshwater tidal wetland ............. = 2 points Map of hydroperiods
Figure
1
H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 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 = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0
1
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.
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.
Figure
2
H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 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. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) 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 in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error.
3
H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 9
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12
H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score
per box)
H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80):
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
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 = 1
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
Arial photo showing buffers
Figure
4
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 = 1 point
Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points
2
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12
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
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm )
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 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 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 1 priority habitat = 1 point
No habitats = 0 points
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)
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
within 1/2 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
5
H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 15
TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 9
Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 24
Comments:
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12
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
332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2
Cat. 1
SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions?
YES = Category I NO = Category II 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 that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands.
Cat. I
Cat. II
Dual
Rating
I/II
SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 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
or endangered plant species?
YES = Category 1 NO not a Heritage Wetland
Cat I
SC3 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)?
YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating
Cat. I
Wetland name or number _______________________
Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12
SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 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 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.
YES = Category I NO = not a forested wetland with special characteristics
Cat. I
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
un-mowed grassland.
The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.)
YES = Category I NO = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 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 Grayland-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?
YES = Category II 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?
YES = Category III
Cat. II
Cat. 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:
APPENDIX D
Function Credit and Debit Evaluation
TABLE D-1
WETLAND MARKLEY 2
WETLAND PRESERVATION CALCULATION
PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON
Table D-1
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Calculating Credits When Preserving
Wetlands
Improving Water
Quality
Hydrologic
Functions
Habitat
Functions
Scores of wetland being preserved (from
scoring sheet)6 5 7
Acres of preservation
Basic Score= Score x acres of wetland
preserved 1.427 1.190 1.665
Scaling Factors see tables below
Wetland category
Location
Threat
Sum of Scaling Factors
CREDITS AVAILABLE (Basic Score) x (sum of
scaling factors)=0.143 0.119 0.167
0.1
0.238
0.025
0.025
0.05
TABLE D-2
WETLAND MARKLEY 3
WETLAND PRESERVATION CALCULATION
PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON
Table D-2
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Calculating Credits When Preserving
Wetlands
Improving Water
Quality
Hydrologic
Functions
Habitat
Functions
Scores of wetland being preserved (from
scoring sheet)6 5 6
Acres of preservation
Basic Score= Score x acres of wetland
preserved 0.408 0.340 0.408
Scaling Factors see tables below
Wetland category
Location
Threat
Sum of Scaling Factors
CREDITS AVAILABLE (Basic Score) x (sum of
scaling factors)=0.026 0.021 0.026
0.063
0.068
0
0.013
0.05
TABLE D-3
WETLAND MARKLEY 4
WETLAND PRESERVATION CALCULATION
PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON
Table D-3
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Calculating Credits When Preserving
Wetlands
Improving Water
Quality
Hydrologic
Functions
Habitat
Functions
Scores of wetland being preserved (from
scoring sheet)6 5 7
Acres of preservation
Basic Score= Score x acres of wetland
preserved 0.839 0.700 0.979
Scaling Factors see tables below
Wetland category
Location
Threat
Sum of Scaling Factors
CREDITS AVAILABLE (Basic Score) x (sum of
scaling factors)=0.074 0.062 0.086
0.088
0.14
0.025
0.013
0.05
TABLE D-4
WETLAND C
SUMMARY OF CREDITS AND DEBITS
PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON
Table D-4
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Debits
(all numbers are acre-points)
Improving Water Quality Hydrologic Function Habitat Function
Wetland C 0.14 0.112 0.112
TOTAL (in acre-points)0.14 0.112 0.112
Credits
(all numbers are acre-points)Improving Water Quality Hydrologic Function Habitat Function
Creation/ re-establishment
Rehabilitation
Enhancement
Wetland Preservation Markley 2 0.143 0.119 0.167
Upland Preservation
TOTAL Credits Available
(In acre-points)0.143 0.119 0.167
BALANCE Credits-Debits 0.003 0.007 0.055
Summary of Credits and Debits
Summary of debit impacts to Wetland C and the for credits provided by Markley Wetland 2
TABLE D-5
WETLANDS E AND I
SUMMARY OF CREDITS AND DEBITS
PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON
Table D-5
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Debits
(all numbers are acre-points)
Improving Water Quality Hydrologic Function Habitat Function
Wetland E 0.034 0.027 0.027
Wetland I 0.053 0.044 0.035
TOTAL
(in acre-points)0.086 0.071 0.062
Credits
(all numbers are acre-points)Improving Water Quality Hydrologic Function Habitat Function
Creation/ re-establishment
Rehabilitation
Enhancement
Wetland Preservation Markley 3 0.026 0.021 0.026
Wetland Preservation Markley 4 0.074 0.062 0.086
Upland Preservation
TOTAL Credits Available
(In acre-points)0.100 0.083 0.112
BALANCE Credits-Debits 0.013 0.012 0.050
Summary of Credits and Debits
Summary of debit impacts to Wetland E and I and the for credits provided by Markley Wetlands 3 and 4
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 1
Scoring Form
Scores
(Order of ratings is not important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
SCORING FORM
Scoring functions to calculate mitigation credits and debits in Western
Washington
Name of wetland (if known): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Scored by____________________________
SEC: ___ TWNSHP: ____ RNGE: ____ Estimated size:______ Aerial photo included? _________
These scores are for:
___________Wetland being altered
___________Mitigation site before mitigation takes place
___________Mitigation site after goals and objectives are met
SUMMARY OF SCORING
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Rating of Site Potential
Rating of Landscape Potential
Rating of Value
Score Based on Ratings
(see table below)
Wetland HGM Class Used
for Rating
Depressional
Riverine
Lake-fringe
Slope
Flats
Freshwater Tidal
Check if unit has multiple
HGM classes present
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested.
Put only the highest score for a question in each box of the form, even if more than one
indicator applies to the unit. Do NOT add the scores within a question.
7
H
30N
L
X
5
H
M
5/13/2014
Wetland Markley 2
X
29340
SF
9
M
Yes
Wetland Markley 2
M
01W
M
L
Jessica Stone
M
6
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 2
Scoring Form
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt
(parts per thousand)?
YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for
Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and not
scored. This method cannot be used for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it.
Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional
wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open
water (without any plants on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m)?
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and
usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale
without distinct banks.
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in
very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are
usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep).
NO - go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank
flooding from that stream or river
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years.
For questions 1-7 the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being
rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which
hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
Wetland Markley 2
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 3
Scoring Form
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 during the year? This means that any outlet, if
present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no
overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The
unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be
ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several
different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a
riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of
flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC
REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT
(make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present
within the wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column
represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of
the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the
class that represents more than 90% of the total area.
HGM Classes Within the Wetland Unit
Being Rated
HGM Class to
Use in Rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake-fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your
wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary,
classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland Markley 2
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 4
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality.
Questions D 1.1 – D 1.4 are from the Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 1.0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
Provide photo or drawing
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
flowing) points = 1
Unit is a “flat” depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent
surface 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”)
Figure ___
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS
definitions)
YES: points = 4 NO: points = 0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent plants (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 1/2 of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants ≥ 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
Figure ___
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
Provide map of hydroperiods
This is the area of the wetland unit that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out
sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate
area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Figure ___
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
3
D2
D2
D1
H
5
12
4
Wetland Markley 2
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 5
Scoring Form
D 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function at
the site?
D 2.1 Does the Wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.2 Is more than 10% of the area within 150 ft of wetland unit in agricultural,
pasture, residential, commercial, or urban? Yes
= 1 No = 0
D 2.3 Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland unit? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.4 Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed
in questions D 2.1 – D 2.3? Source_______________ Yes = 1
No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 or 4 = H
1 or 2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0 Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1 Does the unit discharge directly to a stream, river, or lake that is on the 303d
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2 Is the unit in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d)
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3 Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for
maintaining water quality? (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which
unit is found) Yes = 2 No
= 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value: If score is 2-4 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D14
0
M
1
0
L
Wetland Markley 2
0
0
0
0
1
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 6
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and
stream degradation.
Questions D 4.1 – D 4.3 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 4. 0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
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 outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch points = 1
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet and is
permanently flowing) points = 0
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)
D 4.2 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 outlet points = 7
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland” points = 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
Unit is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that
trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft points = 0
D 4.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed
Estimate 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 the unit points = 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 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
0
Wetland Markley 2
4
M
7
3
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 7
Scoring Form
D 5.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions at the site?
D 5.1 Does the unit receive any stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D5.2 Is >10% of the land use within 150 ft of the wetland unit agriculture, pasture,
residential, urban, or commercial? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3 Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland unit covered with
intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/1 acre, urban, commercial,
agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 = H
1,2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0 Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1 The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems.
Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being
rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met.
The site has been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a
regional flood control plan. points = 2
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow downgradient into
areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., salmon
redds), AND
o Damage occurs in sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
o Damage occurs in a sub-basin further down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or
natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that
flood. Explain why __________________________________________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the unit. points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
0
0
L
2
1
1
Wetland Markley 2
M
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 17
Scoring Form
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat.
Questions H 1.1 – H 1.5 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
H 1. Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Structure of plant community – indicators are Cowardin classes and layers in forest
Check the Cowardin plant classes in unit – Polygons for each class must total ¼ acre, or more
than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
____Aquatic bed
____Emergent plants
____Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)
If the unit has a forested class check if:
____The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous,
moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon
Add the number of structures checked. If you have: 4 structures or more points = 4
3 structures points = 2
2 structures points = 1
1 structure points = 0
Figure__
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ acre to count (see text for
descriptions of hydroperiods).
Provide map of polygons with different hydroperiods
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Figure__
H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland unit that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do
not have to name the species.
Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
List species below if you want to: 5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
X
X
Wetland Markley 2
X
X
D2
2
D1
2
X
1
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 18
Scoring Form
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin plants classes
(described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes (same as H1.1)
None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
[riparian braided channels with 2 classes]
High = 3 points
NOTE: If you have four or more classes or three plants classes and open water the rating is
always “high.”
Figure__
H 1.5. Special Habitat Features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the unit (>4 inches diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) within the unit
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2m) and/or overhanging plants extends at
least 3.3 ft (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft
(10m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning
(>30degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees
that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ acre of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in
areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated.(structures for egg-laying by
amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H
1.1 for list of strata)
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H 1.1, H 1.2, H 1.3, H 1.4, and H 1.5
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 15 - 18 = H
7 – 14 = M
0 – 6 = L
Record the rating on the first page
X
D1
Wetland Markley 2
4
M
X
11
2
X
X
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 19
Scoring Form
H 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support habitat at the site?
H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______
Provide map of land use within 1 km of unit edge
If total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km circle (~100 hectares or 250 acres) points = 3
20 - 33% of 1 km circle points = 2
10 - 19% of 1 km circle points = 1
<10% of 1 km circle points = 0
Figure__
H 2.2 Undisturbed habitat in 1 km circle around unit. If:
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of circle points = 3
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of circle points = 0
H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km circle. If:
> 50% of circle is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
Does not meet criterion above points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 4- 6 = H
1-3 = M
< 1 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0 Is the Habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H3.1Does the site provides habitat for species valued in laws, regulations or policies?
(choose only the highest score)
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or
animal on the state or federal lists)
It is a “priority area” for an individual WDFW species
It is a Natural Heritage Site as determined by the Department of Natural
Resources
It scores 4 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional
comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site scores 1-3 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H
x
2
Wetland Markley 2
1
Note: although a large forested area
is present it contains a network of
trails and not considered one patch.
1
2
D7
M
0
Wetland 2
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 2Cowardin Vegetation
FigureD-1
0 50 100
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Forested
Scrub Schrub
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD1Wetland2-Cowardin.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
264
264260264
2602662
6
0
260260260 2642642
6
4
262262264
2642
6
8
266260264260268260262264 260
260264
262264264266260
264264262 264264260
26
4
268
268262270260260 26426026427426826
2
266
2
7
2
262
26426426426
4
2
7
0
26426826
6
260
26
6
268
264
264
260
260262
262268
26
2
260
264
264
266
264262
Wetland 2
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 2Hydroperiods
FigureD-2
0 50 100
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated Only
Seasonally Flooded
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD2Wetland2-Hydroperiods.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 1
Scoring Form
Scores
(Order of ratings is not important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
SCORING FORM
Scoring functions to calculate mitigation credits and debits in Western
Washington
Name of wetland (if known): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Scored by____________________________
SEC: ___ TWNSHP: ____ RNGE: ____ Estimated size:______ Aerial photo included? _________
These scores are for:
___________Wetland being altered
___________Mitigation site before mitigation takes place
___________Mitigation site after goals and objectives are met
SUMMARY OF SCORING
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Rating of Site Potential
Rating of Landscape Potential
Rating of Value
Score Based on Ratings
(see table below)
Wetland HGM Class Used
for Rating
Depressional
Riverine
Lake-fringe
Slope
Flats
Freshwater Tidal
Check if unit has multiple
HGM classes present
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested.
Put only the highest score for a question in each box of the form, even if more than one
indicator applies to the unit. Do NOT add the scores within a question.
6
H
30N
L
M
Wetland Markley 3
6
X
2963
SF
5
M
X
Yes9
H
Wetland Markley 3
01W
L
5/13/2014
L
Jessica Stone
M
L
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 2
Scoring Form
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt
(parts per thousand)?
YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for
Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and not
scored. This method cannot be used for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it.
Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional
wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open
water (without any plants on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m)?
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and
usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale
without distinct banks.
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in
very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are
usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep).
NO - go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank
flooding from that stream or river
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years.
For questions 1-7 the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being
rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which
hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
Wetland Markley 3
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 3
Scoring Form
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 during the year? This means that any outlet, if
present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no
overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The
unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be
ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several
different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a
riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of
flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC
REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT
(make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present
within the wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column
represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of
the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the
class that represents more than 90% of the total area.
HGM Classes Within the Wetland Unit
Being Rated
HGM Class to
Use in Rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake-fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your
wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary,
classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland Markley 3
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 4
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality.
Questions D 1.1 – D 1.4 are from the Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 1.0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
Provide photo or drawing
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
flowing) points = 1
Unit is a “flat” depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent
surface 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”)
Figure ___
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS
definitions)
YES: points = 4 NO: points = 0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent plants (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 1/2 of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants ≥ 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
Figure ___
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
Provide map of hydroperiods
This is the area of the wetland unit that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out
sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate
area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Figure ___
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D3
H
D4
Wetland Markley 3
3
D4
5
12
4
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 5
Scoring Form
D 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function at
the site?
D 2.1 Does the Wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.2 Is more than 10% of the area within 150 ft of wetland unit in agricultural,
pasture, residential, commercial, or urban? Yes
= 1 No = 0
D 2.3 Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland unit? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.4 Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed
in questions D 2.1 – D 2.3? Source_______________ Yes = 1
No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 or 4 = H
1 or 2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0 Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1 Does the unit discharge directly to a stream, river, or lake that is on the 303d
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2 Is the unit in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d)
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3 Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for
maintaining water quality? (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which
unit is found) Yes = 2 No
= 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value: If score is 2-4 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D14
0
0
0
L
L
0
0
0
0
Wetland Markley 3
0
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 6
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and
stream degradation.
Questions D 4.1 – D 4.3 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 4. 0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
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 outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch points = 1
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet and is
permanently flowing) points = 0
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)
D 4.2 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 outlet points = 7
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland” points = 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
Unit is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that
trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft points = 0
D 4.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed
Estimate 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 the unit points = 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 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
0
3
4
M
7
Wetland Markley 3
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 7
Scoring Form
D 5.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions at the site?
D 5.1 Does the unit receive any stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D5.2 Is >10% of the land use within 150 ft of the wetland unit agriculture, pasture,
residential, urban, or commercial? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3 Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland unit covered with
intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/1 acre, urban, commercial,
agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 = H
1,2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0 Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1 The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems.
Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being
rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met.
The site has been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a
regional flood control plan. points = 2
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow downgradient into
areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., salmon
redds), AND
o Damage occurs in sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
o Damage occurs in a sub-basin further down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or
natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that
flood. Explain why __________________________________________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the unit. points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
2
Wetland Markley 3
L
1
1
0
0
M
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 17
Scoring Form
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat.
Questions H 1.1 – H 1.5 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
H 1. Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Structure of plant community – indicators are Cowardin classes and layers in forest
Check the Cowardin plant classes in unit – Polygons for each class must total ¼ acre, or more
than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
____Aquatic bed
____Emergent plants
____Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)
If the unit has a forested class check if:
____The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous,
moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon
Add the number of structures checked. If you have: 4 structures or more points = 4
3 structures points = 2
2 structures points = 1
1 structure points = 0
Figure__
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ acre to count (see text for
descriptions of hydroperiods).
Provide map of polygons with different hydroperiods
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Figure__
H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland unit that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do
not have to name the species.
Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
List species below if you want to: 5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
X
X
1
X
D3
1
D4
X
Wetland Markley 3
1
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 18
Scoring Form
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin plants classes
(described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes (same as H1.1)
None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
[riparian braided channels with 2 classes]
High = 3 points
NOTE: If you have four or more classes or three plants classes and open water the rating is
always “high.”
Figure__
H 1.5. Special Habitat Features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the unit (>4 inches diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) within the unit
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2m) and/or overhanging plants extends at
least 3.3 ft (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft
(10m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning
(>30degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees
that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ acre of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in
areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated.(structures for egg-laying by
amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H
1.1 for list of strata)
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H 1.1, H 1.2, H 1.3, H 1.4, and H 1.5
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 15 - 18 = H
7 – 14 = M
0 – 6 = L
Record the rating on the first page
6
D3
Wetland Markley 3
2
X
L
1
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 19
Scoring Form
H 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support habitat at the site?
H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______
Provide map of land use within 1 km of unit edge
If total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km circle (~100 hectares or 250 acres) points = 3
20 - 33% of 1 km circle points = 2
10 - 19% of 1 km circle points = 1
<10% of 1 km circle points = 0
Figure__
H 2.2 Undisturbed habitat in 1 km circle around unit. If:
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of circle points = 3
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of circle points = 0
H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km circle. If:
> 50% of circle is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
Does not meet criterion above points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 4- 6 = H
1-3 = M
< 1 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0 Is the Habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H3.1Does the site provides habitat for species valued in laws, regulations or policies?
(choose only the highest score)
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or
animal on the state or federal lists)
It is a “priority area” for an individual WDFW species
It is a Natural Heritage Site as determined by the Department of Natural
Resources
It scores 4 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional
comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site scores 1-3 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H
X
2
1
Wetland Markley 3
Note: although a large forested area
is present it contains a network of
trails and not considered one patch.
2
D7
0
1
M
Wetland 3
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 3Cowardin Vegetation
FigureD-3
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Forested
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD3Wetland3-Cowardin.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland 3
264
260264
2
6
0
2602
6
2
262
2
6
4
266
262
262
262
266
262
264264264260
262
262264262266
262
264262
2642
6
2
262
26
6
262
264264260264
2
6
2
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 3Hydroperiods
FigureD-4
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated Only
Seasonally Flooded
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD4Wetland3-Hydroperiods.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 1
Scoring Form
Scores
(Order of ratings is not important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
SCORING FORM
Scoring functions to calculate mitigation credits and debits in Western
Washington
Name of wetland (if known): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Scored by____________________________
SEC: ___ TWNSHP: ____ RNGE: ____ Estimated size:______ Aerial photo included? _________
These scores are for:
___________Wetland being altered
___________Mitigation site before mitigation takes place
___________Mitigation site after goals and objectives are met
SUMMARY OF SCORING
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Rating of Site Potential
Rating of Landscape Potential
Rating of Value
Score Based on Ratings
(see table below)
Wetland HGM Class Used
for Rating
Depressional
Riverine
Lake-fringe
Slope
Flats
Freshwater Tidal
Check if unit has multiple
HGM classes present
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested.
Put only the highest score for a question in each box of the form, even if more than one
indicator applies to the unit. Do NOT add the scores within a question.
7
H
30N
M
Wetland Markley 4
Wetland Markley 4
H
M
5/13/2014
6079
SF
X
M
9 Yes
X
01W
L
M
5
L
Jessica Stone
M
6
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 2
Scoring Form
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt
(parts per thousand)?
YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for
Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and not
scored. This method cannot be used for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it.
Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional
wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open
water (without any plants on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m)?
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and
usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale
without distinct banks.
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in
very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are
usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep).
NO - go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank
flooding from that stream or river
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years.
For questions 1-7 the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being
rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which
hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
Wetland Markley 4
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 3
Scoring Form
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 during the year? This means that any outlet, if
present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no
overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The
unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be
ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several
different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a
riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of
flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC
REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT
(make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present
within the wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column
represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of
the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the
class that represents more than 90% of the total area.
HGM Classes Within the Wetland Unit
Being Rated
HGM Class to
Use in Rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake-fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your
wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary,
classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland Markley 4
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 4
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality.
Questions D 1.1 – D 1.4 are from the Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 1.0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
Provide photo or drawing
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
flowing) points = 1
Unit is a “flat” depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent
surface 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”)
Figure ___
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS
definitions)
YES: points = 4 NO: points = 0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent plants (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 1/2 of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants ≥ 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
Figure ___
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
Provide map of hydroperiods
This is the area of the wetland unit that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out
sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate
area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Figure ___
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
H
4
D6
3
D6
12
D5
5
Wetland Markley 4
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 5
Scoring Form
D 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function at
the site?
D 2.1 Does the Wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.2 Is more than 10% of the area within 150 ft of wetland unit in agricultural,
pasture, residential, commercial, or urban? Yes
= 1 No = 0
D 2.3 Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland unit? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.4 Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed
in questions D 2.1 – D 2.3? Source_______________ Yes = 1
No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 or 4 = H
1 or 2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0 Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1 Does the unit discharge directly to a stream, river, or lake that is on the 303d
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2 Is the unit in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d)
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3 Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for
maintaining water quality? (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which
unit is found) Yes = 2 No
= 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value: If score is 2-4 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D14
0
Wetland Markley 4
M
1
L
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 6
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and
stream degradation.
Questions D 4.1 – D 4.3 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 4. 0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
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 outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch points = 1
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet and is
permanently flowing) points = 0
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)
D 4.2 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 outlet points = 7
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland” points = 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
Unit is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that
trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft points = 0
D 4.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed
Estimate 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 the unit points = 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 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
0
3
M
4
7
Wetland Markley 4
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 7
Scoring Form
D 5.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions at the site?
D 5.1 Does the unit receive any stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D5.2 Is >10% of the land use within 150 ft of the wetland unit agriculture, pasture,
residential, urban, or commercial? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3 Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland unit covered with
intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/1 acre, urban, commercial,
agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 = H
1,2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0 Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1 The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems.
Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being
rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met.
The site has been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a
regional flood control plan. points = 2
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow downgradient into
areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., salmon
redds), AND
o Damage occurs in sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
o Damage occurs in a sub-basin further down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or
natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that
flood. Explain why __________________________________________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the unit. points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
L
2
0
1
0
1
Wetland Markley 4
M
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 17
Scoring Form
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat.
Questions H 1.1 – H 1.5 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
H 1. Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Structure of plant community – indicators are Cowardin classes and layers in forest
Check the Cowardin plant classes in unit – Polygons for each class must total ¼ acre, or more
than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
____Aquatic bed
____Emergent plants
____Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)
If the unit has a forested class check if:
____The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous,
moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon
Add the number of structures checked. If you have: 4 structures or more points = 4
3 structures points = 2
2 structures points = 1
1 structure points = 0
Figure__
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ acre to count (see text for
descriptions of hydroperiods).
Provide map of polygons with different hydroperiods
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Figure__
H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland unit that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do
not have to name the species.
Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
List species below if you want to: 5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
X
X
X
X
D6
Wetland Markley 4
1
2
X
1
D5
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 18
Scoring Form
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin plants classes
(described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes (same as H1.1)
None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
[riparian braided channels with 2 classes]
High = 3 points
NOTE: If you have four or more classes or three plants classes and open water the rating is
always “high.”
Figure__
H 1.5. Special Habitat Features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the unit (>4 inches diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) within the unit
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2m) and/or overhanging plants extends at
least 3.3 ft (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft
(10m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning
(>30degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees
that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ acre of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in
areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated.(structures for egg-laying by
amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H
1.1 for list of strata)
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H 1.1, H 1.2, H 1.3, H 1.4, and H 1.5
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 15 - 18 = H
7 – 14 = M
0 – 6 = L
Record the rating on the first page
M
9
3
X
Wetland Markley 4
D5
2
X
X
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 19
Scoring Form
H 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support habitat at the site?
H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______
Provide map of land use within 1 km of unit edge
If total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km circle (~100 hectares or 250 acres) points = 3
20 - 33% of 1 km circle points = 2
10 - 19% of 1 km circle points = 1
<10% of 1 km circle points = 0
Figure__
H 2.2 Undisturbed habitat in 1 km circle around unit. If:
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of circle points = 3
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of circle points = 0
H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km circle. If:
> 50% of circle is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
Does not meet criterion above points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 4- 6 = H
1-3 = M
< 1 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0 Is the Habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H3.1Does the site provides habitat for species valued in laws, regulations or policies?
(choose only the highest score)
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or
animal on the state or federal lists)
It is a “priority area” for an individual WDFW species
It is a Natural Heritage Site as determined by the Department of Natural
Resources
It scores 4 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional
comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site scores 1-3 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
X
2
H
Wetland Markley 4
1
D7
Note: although a large forested area
is present it contains a network of
trails and not considered one patch.
2
0
1
M
Wetland 4
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 4Cowardin Vegetation
FigureD-5
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Forested
Scrub-Shrub
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD5Wetland4-Cowardin.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland 4
2
6
2
260
262
260
2602642602602622
6
2 264262262
264262
264
264 260264
260
266
264
266 266260
26
4
262264260
264264260
262
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Markley Wetland 4Hydroperiods
FigureD-6
0 30 60
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated Only
Seasonally Flooded
Wetland
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD6Wetland4-Hydroperiods.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Howard Street ExtensionPort Townsend, Washington Wetlands Markley 2, 3 and 41 Kilometer Circle
FigureD-7
0 2,000 4,000
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Wetlands Markley 2, 3 & 4
1 Kilometer Circle
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD7Wetlands234-1kmCircle.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 FeetHastings Avenue W
Discover
y
R
o
a
d
¬«20
Port Townsend Bay
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 1
Scoring Form
Scores
(Order of ratings is not important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
SCORING FORM
Scoring functions to calculate mitigation credits and debits in Western
Washington
Name of wetland (if known): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Scored by____________________________
SEC: ___ TWNSHP: ____ RNGE: ____ Estimated size:______ Aerial photo included? _________
These scores are for:
___________Wetland being altered
___________Mitigation site before mitigation takes place
___________Mitigation site after goals and objectives are met
SUMMARY OF SCORING
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Rating of Site Potential
Rating of Landscape Potential
Rating of Value
Score Based on Ratings
(see table below)
Wetland HGM Class Used
for Rating
Depressional
Riverine
Lake-fringe
Slope
Flats
Freshwater Tidal
Check if unit has multiple
HGM classes present
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested.
Put only the highest score for a question in each box of the form, even if more than one
indicator applies to the unit. Do NOT add the scores within a question.
30N
L
M
L
X
L
4
H
5/13/2014
45
L
Wetland C
X
9 Yes01W
L
1,223
SF
L
Jessica Stone
M
Wetland C
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 2
Scoring Form
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt
(parts per thousand)?
YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for
Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and not
scored. This method cannot be used for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it.
Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional
wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open
water (without any plants on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m)?
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and
usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale
without distinct banks.
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in
very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are
usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep).
NO - go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank
flooding from that stream or river
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years.
For questions 1-7 the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being
rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which
hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
Wetland C
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 3
Scoring Form
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 during the year? This means that any outlet, if
present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no
overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The
unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be
ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several
different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a
riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of
flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC
REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT
(make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present
within the wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column
represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of
the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the
class that represents more than 90% of the total area.
HGM Classes Within the Wetland Unit
Being Rated
HGM Class to
Use in Rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake-fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your
wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary,
classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland C
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 4
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality.
Questions D 1.1 – D 1.4 are from the Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 1.0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
Provide photo or drawing
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
flowing) points = 1
Unit is a “flat” depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent
surface 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”)
Figure ___
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS
definitions)
YES: points = 4 NO: points = 0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent plants (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 1/2 of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants ≥ 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
Figure ___
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
Provide map of hydroperiods
This is the area of the wetland unit that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out
sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate
area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Figure ___
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D9
D8
D9
H
Wetland C
3
5
12
4
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 5
Scoring Form
D 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function at
the site?
D 2.1 Does the Wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.2 Is more than 10% of the area within 150 ft of wetland unit in agricultural,
pasture, residential, commercial, or urban? Yes
= 1 No = 0
D 2.3 Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland unit? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.4 Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed
in questions D 2.1 – D 2.3? Source_______________ Yes = 1
No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 or 4 = H
1 or 2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0 Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1 Does the unit discharge directly to a stream, river, or lake that is on the 303d
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2 Is the unit in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d)
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3 Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for
maintaining water quality? (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which
unit is found) Yes = 2 No
= 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value: If score is 2-4 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D14
0
0
Wetland C
0
L
0
L
0
0
0
0
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 6
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and
stream degradation.
Questions D 4.1 – D 4.3 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 4. 0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
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 outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch points = 1
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet and is
permanently flowing) points = 0
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)
D 4.2 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 outlet points = 7
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland” points = 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
Unit is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that
trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft points = 0
D 4.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed
Estimate 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 the unit points = 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 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
0
Wetland C
L
4
4
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 7
Scoring Form
D 5.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions at the site?
D 5.1 Does the unit receive any stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D5.2 Is >10% of the land use within 150 ft of the wetland unit agriculture, pasture,
residential, urban, or commercial? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3 Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland unit covered with
intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/1 acre, urban, commercial,
agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 = H
1,2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0 Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1 The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems.
Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being
rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met.
The site has been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a
regional flood control plan. points = 2
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow downgradient into
areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., salmon
redds), AND
o Damage occurs in sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
o Damage occurs in a sub-basin further down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or
natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that
flood. Explain why __________________________________________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the unit. points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
0
L
0
1
1
0
M
Wetland C
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 17
Scoring Form
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat.
Questions H 1.1 – H 1.5 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
H 1. Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Structure of plant community – indicators are Cowardin classes and layers in forest
Check the Cowardin plant classes in unit – Polygons for each class must total ¼ acre, or more
than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
____Aquatic bed
____Emergent plants
____Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)
If the unit has a forested class check if:
____The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous,
moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon
Add the number of structures checked. If you have: 4 structures or more points = 4
3 structures points = 2
2 structures points = 1
1 structure points = 0
Figure__
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ acre to count (see text for
descriptions of hydroperiods).
Provide map of polygons with different hydroperiods
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Figure__
H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland unit that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do
not have to name the species.
Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
List species below if you want to: 5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
D9
D8
0
0
X
X
0
Wetland C
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 18
Scoring Form
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin plants classes
(described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes (same as H1.1)
None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
[riparian braided channels with 2 classes]
High = 3 points
NOTE: If you have four or more classes or three plants classes and open water the rating is
always “high.”
Figure__
H 1.5. Special Habitat Features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the unit (>4 inches diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) within the unit
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2m) and/or overhanging plants extends at
least 3.3 ft (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft
(10m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning
(>30degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees
that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ acre of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in
areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated.(structures for egg-laying by
amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H
1.1 for list of strata)
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H 1.1, H 1.2, H 1.3, H 1.4, and H 1.5
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 15 - 18 = H
7 – 14 = M
0 – 6 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D8
0
0
Wetland C
0
L
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 19
Scoring Form
H 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support habitat at the site?
H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______
Provide map of land use within 1 km of unit edge
If total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km circle (~100 hectares or 250 acres) points = 3
20 - 33% of 1 km circle points = 2
10 - 19% of 1 km circle points = 1
<10% of 1 km circle points = 0
Figure__
H 2.2 Undisturbed habitat in 1 km circle around unit. If:
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of circle points = 3
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of circle points = 0
H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km circle. If:
> 50% of circle is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
Does not meet criterion above points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 4- 6 = H
1-3 = M
< 1 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0 Is the Habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H3.1Does the site provides habitat for species valued in laws, regulations or policies?
(choose only the highest score)
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or
animal on the state or federal lists)
It is a “priority area” for an individual WDFW species
It is a Natural Heritage Site as determined by the Department of Natural
Resources
It scores 4 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional
comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site scores 1-3 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D10
Note: although a large forested area
is present it contains a network of
trails and not considered one patch.
Wetland C
0
L
1
1
M
0
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 1
Scoring Form
Scores
(Order of ratings is not important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
SCORING FORM
Scoring functions to calculate mitigation credits and debits in Western
Washington
Name of wetland (if known): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Scored by____________________________
SEC: ___ TWNSHP: ____ RNGE: ____ Estimated size:______ Aerial photo included? _________
These scores are for:
___________Wetland being altered
___________Mitigation site before mitigation takes place
___________Mitigation site after goals and objectives are met
SUMMARY OF SCORING
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Rating of Site Potential
Rating of Landscape Potential
Rating of Value
Score Based on Ratings
(see table below)
Wetland HGM Class Used
for Rating
Depressional
Riverine
Lake-fringe
Slope
Flats
Freshwater Tidal
Check if unit has multiple
HGM classes present
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested.
Put only the highest score for a question in each box of the form, even if more than one
indicator applies to the unit. Do NOT add the scores within a question.
30N
L
M
Wetland E
Wetland E
X
L
LH
5/13/2014
45
L
L
X
9 240
SF Yes01W
L
Jessica Stone
4
M
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 2
Scoring Form
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt
(parts per thousand)?
YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for
Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and not
scored. This method cannot be used for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it.
Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional
wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open
water (without any plants on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m)?
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and
usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale
without distinct banks.
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in
very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are
usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep).
NO - go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank
flooding from that stream or river
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years.
For questions 1-7 the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being
rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which
hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
Wetland E
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 3
Scoring Form
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 during the year? This means that any outlet, if
present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no
overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The
unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be
ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several
different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a
riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of
flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC
REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT
(make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present
within the wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column
represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of
the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the
class that represents more than 90% of the total area.
HGM Classes Within the Wetland Unit
Being Rated
HGM Class to
Use in Rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake-fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your
wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary,
classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland E
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 4
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality.
Questions D 1.1 – D 1.4 are from the Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 1.0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
Provide photo or drawing
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
flowing) points = 1
Unit is a “flat” depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent
surface 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”)
Figure ___
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS
definitions)
YES: points = 4 NO: points = 0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent plants (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 1/2 of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants ≥ 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
Figure ___
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
Provide map of hydroperiods
This is the area of the wetland unit that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out
sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate
area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Figure ___
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D9
D8
D9
3
Wetland E
4
12
5
H
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 5
Scoring Form
D 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function at
the site?
D 2.1 Does the Wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.2 Is more than 10% of the area within 150 ft of wetland unit in agricultural,
pasture, residential, commercial, or urban? Yes
= 1 No = 0
D 2.3 Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland unit? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.4 Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed
in questions D 2.1 – D 2.3? Source_______________ Yes = 1
No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 or 4 = H
1 or 2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0 Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1 Does the unit discharge directly to a stream, river, or lake that is on the 303d
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2 Is the unit in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d)
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3 Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for
maintaining water quality? (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which
unit is found) Yes = 2 No
= 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value: If score is 2-4 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D14
0
0
0
L
0
L
0
0
Wetland E
0
0
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 6
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and
stream degradation.
Questions D 4.1 – D 4.3 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 4. 0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
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 outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch points = 1
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet and is
permanently flowing) points = 0
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)
D 4.2 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 outlet points = 7
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland” points = 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
Unit is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that
trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft points = 0
D 4.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed
Estimate 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 the unit points = 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 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
Wetland E
L
4
0
4
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 7
Scoring Form
D 5.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions at the site?
D 5.1 Does the unit receive any stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D5.2 Is >10% of the land use within 150 ft of the wetland unit agriculture, pasture,
residential, urban, or commercial? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3 Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland unit covered with
intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/1 acre, urban, commercial,
agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 = H
1,2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0 Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1 The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems.
Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being
rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met.
The site has been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a
regional flood control plan. points = 2
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow downgradient into
areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., salmon
redds), AND
o Damage occurs in sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
o Damage occurs in a sub-basin further down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or
natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that
flood. Explain why __________________________________________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the unit. points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
Wetland E
0
0
L
0
1
1
M
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 17
Scoring Form
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat.
Questions H 1.1 – H 1.5 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
H 1. Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Structure of plant community – indicators are Cowardin classes and layers in forest
Check the Cowardin plant classes in unit – Polygons for each class must total ¼ acre, or more
than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
____Aquatic bed
____Emergent plants
____Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)
If the unit has a forested class check if:
____The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous,
moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon
Add the number of structures checked. If you have: 4 structures or more points = 4
3 structures points = 2
2 structures points = 1
1 structure points = 0
Figure__
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ acre to count (see text for
descriptions of hydroperiods).
Provide map of polygons with different hydroperiods
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Figure__
H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland unit that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do
not have to name the species.
Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
List species below if you want to: 5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
D9
D8
X
X
0
Wetland E
0
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 18
Scoring Form
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin plants classes
(described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes (same as H1.1)
None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
[riparian braided channels with 2 classes]
High = 3 points
NOTE: If you have four or more classes or three plants classes and open water the rating is
always “high.”
Figure__
H 1.5. Special Habitat Features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the unit (>4 inches diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) within the unit
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2m) and/or overhanging plants extends at
least 3.3 ft (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft
(10m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning
(>30degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees
that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ acre of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in
areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated.(structures for egg-laying by
amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H
1.1 for list of strata)
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H 1.1, H 1.2, H 1.3, H 1.4, and H 1.5
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 15 - 18 = H
7 – 14 = M
0 – 6 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D8
0
0
0
Wetland E
L
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 19
Scoring Form
H 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support habitat at the site?
H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______
Provide map of land use within 1 km of unit edge
If total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km circle (~100 hectares or 250 acres) points = 3
20 - 33% of 1 km circle points = 2
10 - 19% of 1 km circle points = 1
<10% of 1 km circle points = 0
Figure__
H 2.2 Undisturbed habitat in 1 km circle around unit. If:
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of circle points = 3
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of circle points = 0
H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km circle. If:
> 50% of circle is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
Does not meet criterion above points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 4- 6 = H
1-3 = M
< 1 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0 Is the Habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H3.1Does the site provides habitat for species valued in laws, regulations or policies?
(choose only the highest score)
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or
animal on the state or federal lists)
It is a “priority area” for an individual WDFW species
It is a Natural Heritage Site as determined by the Department of Natural
Resources
It scores 4 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional
comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site scores 1-3 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
Note: although a large forested area
is present it contains a network of
trails and not considered one patch.
D10
0
Wetland E
L
1
1
M
0
0
Discovery RdE Park AveHoward StWetland E
Wetland C
Wetland A
Data Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington
Wetlands A,C,ECowardin Vegetation FigureD-8
0 130 260
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Emergent
Forested
Wetlands
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD8Vegetation_ACE.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Discovery RdE Park AveHoward StWetland E
Wetland C
Wetland A
Data Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington
Wetlands A,C,EHydroperiods FigureD-9
0 120 240
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Per PTMC 19.05.110, wetland buffers do not extend beyond existing roadways or
other substantial developments.
2. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated
Seasonally Flooded
Wetlands
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD9Hydroperiods_ACE.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Howard Street ExtensionPort Townsend, Washington Wetlands C and E1 Kilometer Circle
FigureD-10
0 2,000 4,000
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Wetlands C and E
1 Kilometer Circle
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD10WetlandsCE-1kmCircle.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 FeetHastings Avenue W
Discov
er
y
R
o
a
d
¬«20
Port Townsend Bay
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 1
Scoring Form
Scores
(Order of ratings is not important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
SCORING FORM
Scoring functions to calculate mitigation credits and debits in Western
Washington
Name of wetland (if known): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Scored by____________________________
SEC: ___ TWNSHP: ____ RNGE: ____ Estimated size:______ Aerial photo included? _________
These scores are for:
___________Wetland being altered
___________Mitigation site before mitigation takes place
___________Mitigation site after goals and objectives are met
SUMMARY OF SCORING
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Rating of Site Potential
Rating of Landscape Potential
Rating of Value
Score Based on Ratings
(see table below)
Wetland HGM Class Used
for Rating
Depressional
Riverine
Lake-fringe
Slope
Flats
Freshwater Tidal
Check if unit has multiple
HGM classes present
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested.
Put only the highest score for a question in each box of the form, even if more than one
indicator applies to the unit. Do NOT add the scores within a question.
30N
H
4
L
X
L
Wetland I
6
M
5/13/2014
L
Wetland I
X
9 Yes01W
L
H
9,029
SF
M
L
5
Jessica Stone
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 2
Scoring Form
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt
(parts per thousand)?
YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine)
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for
Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and not
scored. This method cannot be used for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it.
Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional
wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open
water (without any plants on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size;
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m)?
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and
usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale
without distinct banks.
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded?
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in
very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are
usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep).
NO - go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank
flooding from that stream or river
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years.
For questions 1-7 the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being
rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which
hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
Wetland I
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 3
Scoring Form
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 during the year? This means that any outlet, if
present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no
overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The
unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be
ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several
different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a
riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of
flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC
REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT
(make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present
within the wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column
represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of
the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the
class that represents more than 90% of the total area.
HGM Classes Within the Wetland Unit
Being Rated
HGM Class to
Use in Rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake-fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your
wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary,
classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland I
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 4
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality.
Questions D 1.1 – D 1.4 are from the Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 1.0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
Provide photo or drawing
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
flowing) points = 1
Unit is a “flat” depression (Q. 7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent
surface 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”)
Figure ___
D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS
definitions)
YES: points = 4 NO: points = 0
D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent plants (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants ≥ 1/2 of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants ≥ 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
Figure ___
D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation.
Provide map of hydroperiods
This is the area of the wetland unit that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out
sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate
area as the average condition 5 out of 10 yrs.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Figure ___
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D12
D11
D12
M
11
2
5
Wetland I
4
0
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 5
Scoring Form
D 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function at
the site?
D 2.1 Does the Wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.2 Is more than 10% of the area within 150 ft of wetland unit in agricultural,
pasture, residential, commercial, or urban? Yes
= 1 No = 0
D 2.3 Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland unit? Yes = 1 No =
0
D 2.4 Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed
in questions D 2.1 – D 2.3? Source_______________ Yes = 1
No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 or 4 = H
1 or 2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0 Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1 Does the unit discharge directly to a stream, river, or lake that is on the 303d
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2 Is the unit in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d)
list?
Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3 Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for
maintaining water quality? (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which
unit is found) Yes = 2 No
= 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value: If score is 2-4 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
D14
Wetland I
0
H
2
L
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 6
Scoring Form
Depressional and Flats Wetlands
HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and
stream degradation.
Questions D 4.1 – D 4.3 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
D 4. 0 Does the wetland unit have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:
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 outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made
ditch points = 1
Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet and is
permanently flowing) points = 0
(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)
D 4.2 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 outlet points = 7
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland” points = 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
Unit is flat (yes to Q. 2 or Q. 7 on key) but has small depressions on the surface that
trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft points = 0
D 4.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed
Estimate 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 the unit points = 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 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 12 – 16 = H
6 - 11 = M
0 - 5 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
5
Wetland I
0
L
3
2
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 7
Scoring Form
D 5.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions at the site?
D 5.1 Does the unit receive any stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D5.2 Is >10% of the land use within 150 ft of the wetland unit agriculture, pasture,
residential, urban, or commercial? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3 Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland unit covered with
intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/1 acre, urban, commercial,
agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 3 = H
1,2 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0 Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1 The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems.
Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being
rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met.
The site has been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a
regional flood control plan. points = 2
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow downgradient into
areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., salmon
redds), AND
o Damage occurs in sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
o Damage occurs in a sub-basin further down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or
natural conditions that the water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that
flood. Explain why __________________________________________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the unit. points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
0
Wetland I
L
H
3
1
1
1
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 17
Scoring Form
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat.
Questions H 1.1 – H 1.5 are from Wetland Rating System (Hruby 2004b).
H 1. Does the wetland unit have the potential to provide habitat for many species?
H 1.1 Structure of plant community – indicators are Cowardin classes and layers in forest
Check the Cowardin plant classes in unit – Polygons for each class must total ¼ acre, or more
than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 acres.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes
____Aquatic bed
____Emergent plants
____Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover)
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover)
If the unit has a forested class check if:
____The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous,
moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon
Add the number of structures checked. If you have: 4 structures or more points = 4
3 structures points = 2
2 structures points = 1
1 structure points = 0
Figure__
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water
regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ acre to count (see text for
descriptions of hydroperiods).
Provide map of polygons with different hydroperiods
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake-fringe wetland = 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland = 2 points
Figure__
H 1.3. Richness of Plant Species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland unit that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do
not have to name the species.
Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
List species below if you want to: 5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
D12
D11
1
1
X
Wetland I
X 0
X
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 18
Scoring Form
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin plants classes
(described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or
mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none.
Provide map of Cowardin plant classes (same as H1.1)
None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
[riparian braided channels with 2 classes]
High = 3 points
NOTE: If you have four or more classes or three plants classes and open water the rating is
always “high.”
Figure__
H 1.5. Special Habitat Features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the
number of points you put into the next column.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the unit (>4 inches diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) within the unit
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2m) and/or overhanging plants extends at
least 3.3 ft (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft
(10m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning
(>30degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees
that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ acre of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in
areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated.(structures for egg-laying by
amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H
1.1 for list of strata)
H 1. TOTAL Score - potential for providing habitat
Add the scores from H 1.1, H 1.2, H 1.3, H 1.4, and H 1.5
Rating of Site Potential: If score is 15 - 18 = H
7 – 14 = M
0 – 6 = L
Record the rating on the first page
D11
3
X
1
Wetland I
0
L
Wetland name or number ______
Calculating Credits and Debits for Mitigation in Western WA Final Report March 2012 19
Scoring Form
H 2.0 Does the landscape have the potential to support habitat at the site?
H 2.1 Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______
Provide map of land use within 1 km of unit edge
If total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km circle (~100 hectares or 250 acres) points = 3
20 - 33% of 1 km circle points = 2
10 - 19% of 1 km circle points = 1
<10% of 1 km circle points = 0
Figure__
H 2.2 Undisturbed habitat in 1 km circle around unit. If:
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of circle points = 3
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Undisturbed habitat 10 - 50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of circle points = 0
H 2.3 Land use intensity in 1 km circle. If:
> 50% of circle is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
Does not meet criterion above points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential: If score is 4- 6 = H
1-3 = M
< 1 = L
Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0 Is the Habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H3.1Does the site provides habitat for species valued in laws, regulations or policies?
(choose only the highest score)
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or
animal on the state or federal lists)
It is a “priority area” for an individual WDFW species
It is a Natural Heritage Site as determined by the Department of Natural
Resources
It scores 4 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional
comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site scores 1-3 on question H2.3 of the wetland rating system points = 1 Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value: If score is 2 = H
1 = M
0 = L
Record the rating on the first page
Note: although a large forested area
is present it contains a network of
trails and not considered one patch.
D13
1
0
M
1
L
Wetland I
0
0
Wetland I Howard St10th S
t Discovery RdRainier StData Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington
Wetland ICowardin Vegetation
FigureD-11
0 100 200
Scale in Feet
Notes
1. Due to lack of access, Wetland L was not rated.2. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Forested
Scrub-Shrub
Wetlands
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD11Vegetation_I.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet
Wetland I Howard St10th S
t Discovery RdRainier StData Source: Esri World Imagery.
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington
Wetland IHydroperiods
FigureD-12
0 100 200
Scale in Feet
Notes1. Due to lack of access, Wetland L was not rated.2. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Saturated
Seasonally Flooded
Wetlands
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD12Hydroperiods_I.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 FeetCulvert
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Howard Street ExtensionPort Townsend, Washington Wetland I1 Kilometer Circle
FigureD-13
0 2,000 4,000
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and
lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Wetland I
1 Kilometer Circle
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD13WetlandI-1kmCircle.mxd 11/25/2014 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 FeetHastings Avenue W
Discover
y
R
o
a
d
¬«20 Port Townsend Bay
Figure D-14 303(d) Listing Waters
11/25/14 Y:\526\011\R\Updated JARPA\Rating Evaluation\Score Sheets\303(d) list.docx
Howard Street Extension
Port Townsend, Washington
Source: Washington Department of Ecology, Water Quality Assessment and 303(d)
List, available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/Wq/303d/index.html Accessed November 13, 2014.
Wetland 3 Wetland 4
Wetland 2
Wetland E
Wetland C
Wetland I
Data Source: Esri World Imagery;
Water Treatment FacilityPort Townsend, Washington Hydrologic Unit FigureD-15
0 450 900
Scale in Feet
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and lead to incorrect interpretation.
Note1. Black and white reproduction of this color original may reduce its effectiveness and lead to incorrect interpretation.
Legend
Wetland
Hydrologic Unit: Marrowstone Island-Frontal Port Townsend
G:\Projects\526\011\020\021\FD15HydrologicUnit.mxd 1/30/2015 NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet