HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Critical_Area_Delineation_&_Rating_Report_251014_V1Wetland Delineation • Mitigation Design • Compliance Monitoring
Ocvtober 14, 2025
Project No. 22003
Pavillon, LLC
Attention: Steven Jewett
8201 164th Avenue NE, Suite 260
Redmond, Washington 98052
Regarding: Critical Area Delineation and Rating Report: Wetlands and Streams
Vision House Phase 4
King County Tax Parcel Number 102305-9086
Steven,
INTRODUCTION
This critical area delineation and rating report has been prepared for the proposed Vision House – Phase
4 project located in Renton, Washington. On February 2, 2022, I screened the project site and vicinity
for wetlands and streams. As a result of this work, I determined that a Category III wetland and Type Ns
stream exist south and east of the site. The buffer and building setback associated with the wetland
encroaches the extreme southeast corner of the site. This letter summarizes my findings.
AUTHORIZATION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
Authorization to proceed and all rights-of-entry to complete the work covered by this report were
granted by Melissa Gehrig on January 18, 2022. This report has been prepared per the stream study and
wetland assessment requirements established in Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-3-050F. The general
scope of services for this report was to identify and classify wetlands and streams that exist within
and/or otherwise affect the project site. The purpose of the work is to assist with project planning. All
work was conducted per City of Renton standards.
QUALIFICATIONS OF REPORT AUTHOR
I am a certified Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS). My educational and training background includes
a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Washington State University, a Certificate in
Wetland Science and Management from the University of Washington, and continuing education
specific to wetland delineation, classification, functional assessment, and impact mitigation. I maintain
nearly 26 years of critical area consulting experience in the King County area of western Washington. I
have previously completed similar unrelated studies at 451 Duvall Avenue NE and 4502 NE 4th Street.
Both unrelated studies included analysis of the same wetland and stream discussed in this report.
PO Box 1721
Issaquah, Washington 98027
(425) 677-7166
www.evergreenarc.com
Critical Area Delineation and Rating Report: Wetlands and Streams
Vision House – Phase 4
Page 2
PROJECT SITE
The project site is an undeveloped commercial arterial (CA) zoned parcel located west of Duvall Avenue
NE, east of Bremerton Avenue NE, and north of NE 4th Street in Renton, Washington. The site is
situated in the southwest quarter of Section 10, Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Willamette Meridian
and is described as King County tax parcel number 102305-9086. The site has a total area of 53,578 sf
(1.23 acres) and measures roughly 161 feet east to west by 333 feet north to south. Currently a fenced
children’s playground exists in the northern portion of the site and an informal vehicle parking area
exists in the central portion of the site.
PRELIMINARY DATA GATHERING AND SYNTHESIS
The wetlands and streams discussed in this report have been extensively studied over the last
approximately 20 years. The scope of these studies has varied, but collectively this work has largely
concluded that a Category III or IV wetland and a Type Ns stream exists south and east of the project
site. Table 1 below summarizes existing studies and findings.
TABLE 1 – SUMMARY OF EXISTING STUDIES AND FINDINGS
PERMIT
NUMBER
PROJECT
NAME CONSULTANT WORK PRODUCT FINDINGS NOTES
LUA02-
003
Highlands
Professional
Plaza
Coughlin Porter
Lundeen Site plan
Category IV
wetland
Type Ns stream
1. Older code.
2. Out-of-date methods.
3. Best mapping of
wetland and stream.
LUA19-
000153
4th Dimension
Mixed Use
Raedeke
Associates, Inc.
Technical
memorandum dated
07/25/2019 and
response letter dated
10/27/2019
Category III
wetland
(4 habitat points)
Type Ns stream
1. Off-site analysis only.
2. Similar code
3. Prior revision to
current assessment
methods.
PRE21-
000462
Soyam
Commercial
Building
The Watershed
Company
Ecological critical area
reconnaissance study
dated 12/08/2021
Category IV
wetland
(4 habitat points)
Type Ns stream
1. On & off-site analysis.
2. Current code.
3. Current assessment
methods. Could not
verify application.
Sewall Wetland
Consultants, Inc
Critical area report
dated 02/29/2016
Category IV
wetland
(4 habitat points)
Type Ns stream
1. On & off-site analysis
2. Similar code
3. Prior revision to
current assessment
methods.
LUA25-
000193
4th Dimension
Building
Raedeke
Associates, Inc.
Technical
memorandum dated
07/25/2019 and
response letter dated
10/27/2019.
Category III
wetland
(4 habitat points)
Type Ns stream
1. Off-site analysis only.
2. Similar code
3. Prior revision to
current assessment
methods.
LUA25-
000195
Oasis Home
Daycare
Altman Oliver
Associates, LLC
Wetland and stream
study dated
05/21/2025
Category III
wetland
(5 habitat points)
Type Ns stream
1. Off-site analysis only.
2. Current code
3. Current assessment
methods, but incorrect
application.
Critical Area Delineation and Rating Report: Wetlands and Streams
Vision House – Phase 4
Page 3
BASELINE CONDITIONS FOR CRITICAL AREA DETERMINATIONS:
1. Weather and Climatic Conditions: Critical areas determinations were made during the statistical
wet season at the time when the drought index was classified as “mild wetness” and when
precipitation was considered “drier than normal”. Weather conditions at the time of the
determinations included overcast sky conditions with ambient air temperatures ranging to
approximately 45 °F. Antecedent precipitation and/or the weather conditions at the time of critical
area determinations did not prevent or otherwise limit the ability to make accurate critical area
determinations.
2. Normal Circumstances: For the purposes of wetland determinations, normal circumstances
(conditions) were assumed throughout the site. The site has been altered from natural conditions.
These alterations include native vegetation removal, soil excavation and grading, and historic
building construction. In general, these alterations are not recent and have a time scale of relative
permanence. Atypical or naturally problematic and/or difficult wetland conditions were not
encountered or are not known to exist within the site.
3. Off-Site Access Limitations: At the time of the on-site determinations, access was not granted to
review adjacent private properties. As necessary, off-site areas were assessed by viewing conditions
from the project site, private easements, and public right-of-way and then correlating observations
to remote sensing data such as topographic contours derived from publicly available LIDAR data.
Where assessed, off-site wetlands and aquatic areas were noted only to the degree necessary to
determine buffer widths and any related buffer encroachment onto the project site.
ON-SITE WETLAND AND STREAM DETERMINATION
Summary:
Wetlands and streams do not exist within the site. A wetland determination form for the project site is
attached to this report.
Methodology:
On-site wetland determinations were made using the “routine determination” methods required for
“on-site inspections” as described in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual
(Environmental Laboratory 1987). Vegetation, soil, and hydrology characteristics were examined at
multiple locations and then compared to the specific criteria established for the three wetland
indicators described in the Regional Supplement To The Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region - Version 2.0 (US Army Corps of Engineers 2010). When
hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soil, and wetland hydrology indicators were present, an area was
determined to be a wetland. In the absence of all three indicators or when exclusionary situations
apply, an area was considered non-wetland, or “upland”.
On-site stream determinations utilized the definitions and related water typing criteria described in
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 222-16-030 (Water Typing System) and RMC 4-3-50 (Critical
Critical Area Delineation and Rating Report: Wetlands and Streams
Vision House – Phase 4
Page 4
Areas Regulations). Fisheries utilization within a stream considered the physical characteristics of the
stream such as width and gradient as well as records of any known fish use or natural blockages within
the stream and/or connected downstream waters, including wetlands.
Findings:
The northern and central portion of the project site is relatively flat to gently sloping with a base
elevation of approximately 410 feet (NAVD 88). The southern portion of the site includes sloping
topography that trends to the south and east. The highest elevation on the site is located near the
center point of the western property line at an elevation of approximately 417 feet (NAVD 88). The
lowest elevation of the site is near the southeast property corner at an elevation of approximately 396
feet (NAVD 88). Vegetation in the northern and central portions of the site includes scattered Douglas-
fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii, FACU) with occasional bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum, FACU) and western
redcedar (Thuja plicata, FAC) over mainly mowed grasses with a perimeter of moderately dense
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus aremeniacus, FAC) with occasional butterfly bush (Buddleja sp.). The
sloping area in the southern portion of the site includes mostly young black cottonwood (Populus
balsamifera, FAC) over moderately dense Himalayan blackberry. Soil present within the topographically
lowest portion of the site was generally a very dark brown (10YR 2/2) gravelly sandy loam overlying a
dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) to brown (7.5YR 4/3) gravelly sandy loam. Wetland hydrology indicators were
not present within the project site.
OFF-SITE WETLAND AND STREAM DETERMINATION
Summary:
A Category III wetland and a Type Ns stream exist south and east of the project site. A 75 foot buffer is
required the wetland and a 50 foot buffer is required from the Type Ns stream. Wetland rating forms
for the wetland are attached to this report.
Findings:
A seasonally flooded palustrine persistent emergent (PEM1C) and seasonally flooded palustrine scrub-
shrub (PSSC) wetland exists within a riverine hydrogeomorphic (HGM) landform located south and east
of the project site. Dominant plant species within the wetland include Himalayan blackberry and reed
canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FACW). Sub-dominant plant species include small Oregon ash
(Fraxinus latifolia, FACW), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis, FAC), Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana, FAC),
Pacific willow (Salix lucida, FACW), Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis, FACW), and creeping buttercup
(Ranunculus repens, FACW). The wetland is topographically confined and drains to the west via a
narrow-excavated channel. The wetland was assigned a Category III rating based on the total score of
“16” that the wetland received for functions. Based on classification and a habitat score of “4”, a 75
foot standard width buffer is required from the delineated wetland limits for all land uses except low
impact land uses. An additional 15 foot setback is required from the outer limits of the buffer for
buildings and other structures.
A stream exists southeast of the project site interior to the off-site wetland. The stream originates east
Critical Area Delineation and Rating Report: Wetlands and Streams
Vision House – Phase 4
Page 5
of Duvall Avenue NE within a large critical area tract. The stream then drains west and south under
Duvall Avenue NE and then through the off-site Category III wetland to an existing 24 inch diameter pipe
located south of the project site. The stream is classified a Type Ns (non-fish bearing seasonal
seasonally flowing) stream. A 50 foot standard width buffer is required from the OHWM of the stream
or the top of bank of the stream if the OHWM cannot be determined. An additional 15 foot setback
from the outer limits of the buffer for buildings and other structures.
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
The presence of a wetland located south and east of the project site is well established. The wetland
classification presented in this report, including a habitat score of “4”, is consistent with work reviewed
by the City of Renton under LUA19-000153 and LUA25-000193. In addition, a habitat score of “4” has is
also consistent with reporting submitted to the City of Renton under PRE21-000462. The only outlier is
a recent study submitted under LUA25-000195, which assigns a similar Category III rating to the wetland
but reports a habitat score of “5”. The habitat score of “5” is incorrect because it relies on a
characterization of wetland conditions that do not exist. A habitat score of “4” is the correct
determination because the wetland has only scrub-shrub and emergent Cowardin classes and two
hydroperiods (seasonally flooded and seasonal stream) present. A detailed map showing the limits of
vegetation types and hydroperiods is included on the wetland rating forms attached to this report.
The presence of a stream located south and east of the project site is well established; however, unlike
the findings of this report, some studies refer to the excavated outlet of the Category III wetland as a
continuation of the mapped stream either in whole or part. There is no need to clarify if a stream exists
in this location because the 50 foot buffer from a Type Ns stream, if present within the outlet, would be
fully contained within the 75 foot buffer from the wetland.
REPORT LIMITATIONS
Within the limitations of scope, schedule, and budget, the critical area consulting services summarized
in this report conform to the generally accepted standard of care in effect at the time the work was
conducted. No other warranty, express or implied, is made. The collection, assessment, and
determinations made, if any, related to soil characteristics and groundwater conditions are for the sole
purpose of wetland identification/delineation and have been conducted in accordance with the wetland
delineation methods adopted under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 90.58.380 and WAC 173-22-
035. The purpose of the work summarized by this report is to describe site conditions per City of Renton
critical area regulations in effect at the time of report preparation. All opinions presented in this report
should be considered preliminary until reviewed and confirmed by the City of Renton.
CLOSURE
Based on my review of the proposed Vision House – Phase 4 project site located in Renton, Washington,
I determined that wetlands or streams do not exist within the project site and a Category III wetland and
Type Ns stream exist south and east of the project site. A standard width 75 foot buffer is required from
the Category III wetland and a standard width 50 foot buffer is required from the Type Ns stream. An
Critical Area Delineation and Rating Report: Wetlands and Streams
Vision House – Phase 4
Page 6
additional 15 foot setback is required from the outer limits of both buffers for buildings and other
structures. Please contact me if you require clarification, additional site analysis, or assistance with
permitting. I am available at (425) 677-7166 or psuper@evergreenarc.com.
EVERGREEN AQUATIC RESOURCE CONSULTANTS, LLC
Issaquah, Washington
Peter P. Super
Professional Wetland Scientist
Attachment 1 – Critical Area Map: Wetlands and Streams
Attachment 2 – Wetland Determination Forms
Attachment 3 – Wetland Rating Forms
REFERENCES
Environmental Laboratory (1987) Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Vicksburg, MS:
Technical Report Y-87-1. US Army Engineer Waterway Experiment Station.
Hruby, T. (2014) Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update.
Washington State Department of Ecology Publication #14-06-029. Olympia, Washington.
United States Army Corps of Engineers. (2010). Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0.). Vicksburg, MS:
US Army Engineer Research and Development Center: ed. J.S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C.V.
Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. May 2010.
STORM WATER
POND PER RENON
GIS & #LUA02-003
DP1
75'
BUFFER
15' BSBL
Catego
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Evergreen Aquatic
Wetland Delineation Mitigation Design Compliance Monitoring
Resource Consultants, LLC03060
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Critical Area Map:
Wetlands and Streams
10/14/2025
Vision House Phase 4 - TPN 102305-9086
Renton, Washington
Figure 1
Legend:
Wetland
Standard Width Wetland Buffer
15' Building Setback
Wetland Determination Point
DP1
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
VEGETATION
Tree Stratum (Plot Size: 10 meter) Absolute
% Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet:
1. Populus balsamifera 70 YES FAC Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL,
FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All
Strata: 1 (B) 4.
70 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL,
FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot Size: 5 meter)
1. Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species x1 =
4. FACW species x2 =
5. FAC species x3 =
n/a = Total Cover FACU species x4 =
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: 1 meter) UPL species x5 =
1. Column Totals: (A) (B)
2. Prevalence Index =
3. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4. YES Dominance Test is >50%
5. Prevalence Index is <3.01
6. Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in
Remarks or on a separate sheet) 7.
8. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
9. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
10.
1 Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless
disturbed or problematic. 11.
n/a = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot Size: 1 meter)
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
1. Rubus armeniacus 100 YES FAC
2.
100 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum – n/a
Remarks: Plant species scientific names and wetland indicator statuses are per USDA PLANTS online database available on 02/03/2022 at:
http://plants.usda.gov.
Project Site: TPN 102305-9086 City/County: Renton Sampling Date: 02/03/2022
Applicant/Owner: Vision House State: WA Sampling Point: DP 1
Investigator(s): Peter P. Super – Professional Wetland Scientist Section, Township, Range: 10-23-05
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Hillslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): Slope (%): 15%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: 14.48986 Long: -122.15797 Datum: NAD 88
Soil Map Unit Name: NWI classification:
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
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Is the Sampling Area within a Wetland?
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks:
NO
SOIL DP 1
Profile Description:
Depth
(inches)
Matrix Redox Features
Color (moist) % Color (Moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0 to 6 10YR 2/2 100 gravelly
sandy loam
6 to 14 7.5YR 3/2 100 gravelly
sandy loam
14 to 18 7.5YR 4/3 100 gravelly
sandy loam
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) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland
hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or
problematic.
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present): None Present
Hydric Soils Present? Yes No
Type:
Depth (Inches):
Remarks: Soil textures stated are apparent field textures. Soil colors are for moist soil per Munsell Soil Color Charts (GretagMacbeth 2001 with updated
color charts).
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) Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
High Water Table (A2) (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (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 Stresses Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches): n/a
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Yes
No
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): n/a
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (inches): n/a
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
Project Site: TPN 102305-9086
Vegetation Conditions at DP1
Soil Conditions at DP1
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 1
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Rated by____________________________ Trained by Ecology?__ Yes ___No Date of training______
HGM Class used for rating_________________ Wetland has multiple HGM classes?___Y ____N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the required figures (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map ______________________________________
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY ____ (based on functions___ or special characteristics__)
1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
_______Category I – Total score = 23 - 27
_______Category II – Total score = 20 - 22
_______Category III – Total score = 16 - 19
_______Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION
Improving
Water
Quality
Hydrologic
Habitat
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on
Ratings
2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY
Estuarine I II
Wetland of High Conservation Value I
Bog I
Mature Forest I
Old Growth Forest I
Coastal Lagoon I II
Interdunal I II III IV
None of the above
Score for each
function based
on three
ratings
(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
Peter Super X
King County
Off-site Wetland
Off-site Wetland
Caution: Wetland is located off-site.
Conditions may be estimated or assumed.
02/03/2022
XRiverine
5 4
X
X
X
7
III
16
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2
Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3
Lake Fringe Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3
Slope Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S 4.1
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3
Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 1
Attached
Attached
Figure 2
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 3
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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.
1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides 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)?
NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe
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 is not scored. This method cannot be used to score
functions 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 any time of the year) at least 20 ac (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 sheet flow, or in a swale without distinct banks,
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
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).
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
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 2 years.
NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine
NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding
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 HGM 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.
6
X
X
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 7
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
RIVERINE AND FRESHWATER TIDAL FRINGE WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
R 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
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 > ½ area of wetland points = 4
Depressions present but cover ч ½ area of wetland points = 2
No depressions present points = 0
R 1.2. Structure of plants in the wetland (areas with >90% cover at person height, not Cowardin classes)
Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the wetland points = 8
Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland points = 6
Herbaceous plants (> 6 in. high) > 2/3 area of the wetland points = 6
Herbaceous plants (> 6 in. high) > 1/3 area of the wetland points = 3
Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of the wetland points = 0
Total for R 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
R 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
R 2.1. Is the wetland within an incorporated city or within its UGA? Yes = 2 No = 0
R 2.2. Does the contributing basin to the wetland include a UGA or incorporated area? Yes = 1 No = 0
R 2.3. Does at least 10% of the contributing basin contain tilled fields, pastures, or forests that have been clearcut
within the last 5 years? Yes = 1 No = 0
R 2.4. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? Yes = 1 No = 0
R 2.5. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions R 2.1-R 2.4?
Other sources ____________________ Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for R 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3-6 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
R 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
R 3.1. Is the wetland along a stream or river that is on the 303(d) list or on a tributary that drains to one within 1 mi?
Yes = 1 No = 0
R 3.2. Is the wetland along a stream or river that has TMDL limits for nutrients, toxics, or pathogens?
Yes = 1 No = 0
R 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 in development or in effect for the drainage in which the unit is found.) Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for R 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
6
2
1
0
1
0
3
X
X
0
basin - Cedar River
subbasin - Maplewood Creek
0
6
0
1
1
X
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 8
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
RIVERINE AND FRESHWATER TIDAL FRINGE WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that site functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion
R 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
R 4.1. 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 wetland)/(average
width of stream between banks).
If the ratio is more than 20 points = 9
If the ratio is 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
R 4.2. Characteristics of plants 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. These are NOT Cowardin classes).
Forest or shrub for >1/3 area OR emergent plants > 2/3 area points = 7
Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR emergent plants > 1/3 area points = 4
Plants do not meet above criteria points = 0
Total for R 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
R 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the hydrologic functions of the site?
R 5.1. Is the stream or river adjacent to the wetland downcut? Yes = 0 No = 1
R 5.2. Does the upgradient watershed include a UGA or incorporated area? Yes = 1 No = 0
R 5.3. Is the upgradient stream or river controlled by dams? Yes = 0 No = 1
Total for R 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
R 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
R 6.1. Distance to the nearest areas downstream that have flooding problems?
Choose the description that best fits the site.
The sub-basin immediately downgradient of the wetland has flooding problems that result in damage to
human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds) points = 2
Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther downgradient points = 1
No flooding problems anywhere downstream points = 0
R 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan?
Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for R 6 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
4
7
11
X
0
1
0
1
X
0
0
0
X
basin - Cedar River
subbasin - Maplewood Creek
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat
H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat?
H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the
Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold
of ¼ ac if the unit is at least 2.5 ac, or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac.
____Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4
____Emergent 3 structures: points = 2
____Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0
If the unit has a Forested class, check if:
____The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/groundcover) that
each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
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 if the unit is < 2.5 ac, or ¼ ac if the unit is at least 2.5 ac to count (see text for
descriptions of 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
____Intermittently or seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
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 and you do not have to
name the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canada thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or
the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you
have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high.
1
1
X
1
X
X
X
PHAR, RUAR, RUSP, SPDO, RONU, SALA, SASI, COSE,
CAOB, RARE, OESA,
1
PSS PEMPEM
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
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.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (dbh > 4 in.) within the wetland
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extend at least 3.3 ft (1 m)
over open water or a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m)
____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 weathered
where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ ac 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 above for the
list of strata and H 1.5 in the manual for the list of aggressive plant species)
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat polygons accessible from the wetland.
Calculate: % relatively undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
Total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3
20-33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2
10-19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1
< 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
H 2.2. Total habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % relatively undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
Total habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3
Total habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Total habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Total habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon:
> 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
ч50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity 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?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rated.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It has 3 or more Priority Habitats within 100 m (see next page)
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW Priority Species
It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources data
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 has 1 or 2 Priority Habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m 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
0
0
X
X
1 1
1 9
0
-2
-2
X
X
1
2
X
6
8
PHAR DOMINANT
PSS = 6,000 sf
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
WDFW Priority Habitats
See complete descriptions of Priority Habitats listed by WDFW, and the counties in which they can be
found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008 (current year, as revised). Priority Habitat and
Species List.133 This list was updated for consistency with guidance from WDFW.
This question is independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the Priority Habitat. All vegetated
wetlands are by definition a Priority Habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed by this
rating system.
Count how many of the following Priority Habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit:
Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha).
Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of
native fish and wildlife. This habitat automatically counts if mapped on the PHS online map within 100m
of the wetland. If not mapped, a determination can be made in the field.
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 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation.
Fresh Deepwater: Lands permanently flooded with freshwater, including environments where surface
water is permanent and often deep, so that water, rather than air, is the principal medium within which
the dominant organisms live. Substrate does not support emergent vegetation. Do not select if Instream
habitat is also present, or if the entire Deepwater feature is included in the wetland unit being rated
(such as a pond with a vegetated fringe).
Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock.
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. Do not select if
Fresh Deepwater habitat is also present.
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast
Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore.
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 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) >
32 in. (81 cm) diameter at breast height (dbh) or > 200 years of age. Mature forests – Stands with
average diameters exceeding 21 in. (53 cm) dbh; 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; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest.
133 http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf
X
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of
the oak component is important. For single oaks or oak stands <0.4 ha in urban areas, WDFW’s
Management Recommendations for Oregon White Oak 134 provides more detail for determining if they
are Priority Habitats
Riparian: The area adjacent to freshwater aquatic systems with flowing or standing water that contains
elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other.
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 > 20 in. (51 cm) in western Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12
in. (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft (6 m) long.
Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of
basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated
with cliffs.
Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry
prairie or a wet prairie.
134 https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00030/wdfw00030.pdf
X
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 17
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Wetland Type
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the category when the appropriate criteria are met.
Category
SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands
Does the wetland 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= Not an estuarine wetland
SC 1.1. Is the wetland 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. I
SC 1.2. Is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has less
than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If non-native species are Spartina, see chapter 4.8 in the
manual.
At least ¾ 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 two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or
contiguous freshwater wetlands. Yes = Category I No = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV)
SC 2.1. Does the wetland overlap with any known or historical rare plant or rare & high-quality ecosystem polygons
on the WNHP Data Explorer?135 Yes = Category I No – Go to SC 2.2
SC 2.2. Does the wetland have a rare plant species, rare ecosystem (e.g., plant community), or high-quality common
ecosystem that may qualify the site as a WHCV? Contact WNHP for resources to help determine the
presence of these elements.
Yes – Submit data to WA Natural Heritage Program for determination,136 Go to SC 2.3 No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Did WNHP review the site within 30 days and determine that it has a rare plant or ecosystem that meets their
criteria?
Yes = Category I No = Not a WHCV
Cat. I
SC 3.0. Bogs
Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key
below. If you answer YES, you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
SC 3.1. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in.
or more of the first 32 in. of the soil profile? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No – Go to SC 3.2
SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in. deep
over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or
pond? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No = Not a bog
SC 3.3. Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30%
cover of plant species listed in Table 4? Yes = Category I bog No – Go to SC 3.4
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 in. deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and
the plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog.
SC 3.4. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the
species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy?
Yes = Category I bog No = Not a bog
Cat. I
135 https://www.dnr.wa.gov/NHPdata
136 https://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amp_nh_sighting_form.pdf
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 18
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands
Does the wetland have at least 1 contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA
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 functions.
Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered
canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of
age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in. (81 cm) or more.
Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR the
species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in. (53 cm).
Yes = Category I No = Not a forested wetland for this section
Cat. I
SC 5.0. Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons
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 ponded 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)
The lagoon retains some of its surface water at low tide during spring tides
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 aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species in H 1.5 in the manual).
At least ¾ 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 ac (4350 ft2)
Yes = Category I No = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands
Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? If
you answer YES, you will still need to rate the wetland based on its habitat 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 and Ocean Shores Blvd SW, including lands west
of E. Oceans Shores Blvd SW.
Yes – Go to SC 6.1 No = Not an interdunal wetland for rating
SC 6.1. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M
for the three aspects of function)? Yes = Category I No – Go to SC 6.2
SC 6.2. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger?
Yes = Category II No – Go to SC 6.3
SC 6.3. Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac?
Yes = Category III No = Category IV
Cat I
Cat. II
Cat. III
Cat. IV
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
If you answered No for all types, enter “Not Applicable” on Summary Form
N/A
Evergreen Aquatic
Wetland Delineation Mitigation Design Compliance Monitoring
Resource Consultants, LLC
Wetland Unit Including 150 ft Off-Set
Vision House Phase 4
Renton, Washington
0 50 100
N WETLAND UNIT
AREA THAT CAN GENERATEPOLLUTANTS AND EXCESSRUNOFF
Figure 1
150 FT OFFSET
150 FT OFFSET
FIGURE NOTES:
1. 24"CCP PIPE (CULVERT). LOCATION PER CITY OF RENTON GIS.SIZE AND MATERIAL REFERENCE = LUA19-000153 +
LUA25-000193).2. WETLAND OUTLET = 24' CCP PIPE
3. EXCAVATED VEGETATED SHALLOW DITCH DRAINS WETLAND.
NO EVIDENCE OF NATURAL CHANNEL FORMATION
(REFERENCE: THE WATERSHED CO. 2021; PRE21-000462).
ALTMAN OLIVER ASSOCIATES REPORT (2025; LUA25-000195)WAS DISREGARDED BECAUSE IT APPROXIMATES
WETLAND/STREAM LOCATIONS AND IS NOT CONSISTENT
PRE21-000462.4. WETLAND AND STREAM LOCATION PER LUA02-003.5. STORM POND PER LUA02-003. LOCATION PER RENTON GIS.
6. WETLAND INLET - 48' CMP + 12" PIPE (UNKNOWN MATERIAL).
7. NO FISH PER RAEDEKE, ASSOCIATES, INC. 2019 (REFERENCE:
LUA19-000153).
PEM
1
C
PSSC
TYPE Ns STREAM
(RIVERINE)
PEM1Cx(RIVERINE)
1
2 3
4
5
6
6
COTTONWOODTREES ARE LOCATEDOUTSIDE OFWETLAND
COTTONWOODTREES ARELOCATED OUTSIDEOF WETLAND
TREES ROOTEDOUTSIDE OFWETLAND
RIVERINE
PSSC(RIVERINE)
COTTONWOODTREE IS LOCATEDOUTSIDE OFWETLAND
Accessible Habitat, Relative Undist. Habitat, & Low
Intensity Land Use within 1 km of Wetland
Evergreen Aquatic
Wetland Delineation Mitigation Design Compliance Monitoring
Resource Consultants, LLC
0 500 1000
N
Wetland unit
Accessible Undisturbed Habitat (<1%)
Relatively Undisturbed Habitat (7%)
Moderate/Low Intensity Land Use (1%)
Figure 2
Vision House Phase 4
Renton, Washington
LIMITS OFACCESSIBLEHABITAT
LIMITS OF 1 KMPOLYGON
9,028 752
Legend
0 256
Notes
512
WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere
All data, information, and maps are provided "as
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512 Feet
Pipe
Public Pipe
Private Pipe
Public Culvert
Private Culvert
Public Roofdrain
Private Roofdrain
Open Drains
Facility Outline
Vegetated
Non-Vegetated
Streets
2023.sid
Red: Band_1
Green: Band_2
Blue: Band_3
7,691.48 ft
303d-TMDL Map
WSU Facilities Services GIS, King County, WA State Parks GIS, Esri,
TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS,
Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, US Census Bureau, USDA,
October 13, 2025
0 0.45 0.90.23
Miles
K
Assessed Water/Sediment
Water
Category 5 - 303d
Category 4C
Category 4B
Category 4A
Category 2
Category 1
Sediment
Category 5 - 303d
Category 4C
Category 4B
Category 4A
Category 2
Category 1
WQ Improvement Projects
TMDL - Approved
4B - Approved
STI - Approved
ARP - Approved
TMDL - In Development
STI - In Development
ARP - In Development