HomeMy WebLinkAbout438491_Critical_Area_Study_05-31-2017_16_14_37_170511 Wetland Delineation Letter
May 30, 2017
Nick Nied
Ichijo USA Co., Ltd.
Phone: 425.223.7482
Via email: nick@ichijousa.com
Re: Renton Wolf Woods property, Wetland and Stream
Delineation Report
The Watershed Company Reference Number: 170511
Dear Nick:
On May 15, 2017, ecologists, Sam Payne and Katy Crandall, completed a wetland and
stream delineation study located at 1815 Nile Avenue NE, Renton, WA 98059. The study
area was approximately 10.95 acres and included two parcels (parcel numbers 032305-
9014 and -9047) located in the City of Renton and King County, respectively. This letter
summarizes the findings of the delineation study and details applicable federal, state,
and local regulations. The following documents are enclosed:
• Wetland Delineation Sketch
• Wetland Determination Data Forms
• 2014 Ecology Rating Forms and Figures
Methods
Public-domain information on the subject properties was reviewed for this delineation
study including the following:
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey (WSS)
application
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) interactive mapping
programs (PHS on the Web, SalmonScape)
• Washington Department of Natural Resources, Forest Practices Application
Mapping Tool (FPARS)
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 2
• King County’s GIS mapping website (iMAP)
• City of Renton (COR) maps
Characterization of climatic conditions for precipitation was determined using the
WETS table methodology from the USDA NRCS document Part 650 Engineering Field
Handbook, National Engineering Handbook, Hydrology Tools for Wetland Identification and
Analysis, Chapter 19 (September 2015). The Seattle-Tacoma International AP station as
recorded by NOAA (http://agacis.rcc-acis.org/) was used as a source for precipitation
data. The WETS table methodology uses climate data from the three months prior to the
site visit month to determine if normal conditions are present.
Wetlands
The study area was evaluated for wetlands using methodology from the Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains,
Valleys, and Coast Region Version 2.0 (Regional Supplement) (US Army Corps of
Engineers [Corps] May 2010). The wetland boundary was determined on the basis of an
examination of vegetation, soils, and hydrology. Areas meeting the criteria in the
Regional Supplement were identified as wetland. Soil, vegetation, and hydrologic
parameters were sampled at several locations along the wetland boundary to make the
determination. Wetlands were marked with pink- and black-striped flagging. Data
points were marked with yellow- and black-striped flagging.
Identified wetlands within the property were classified using the 2014 Update to the
Western Washington Wetland Rating System (Publication #14-06-029) (2014 Rating System).
Streams
The study area was also evaluated for streams based on the presence or absence of an
ordinary high water mark (OHWM) as defined by the Revised Code of Washington
(RCW) 90.58.030 and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 220-660-030. The
OHWM edge was located by examining the bed and bank physical characteristics and
vegetation to ascertain the water elevation for mean annual floods. Streams were
marked with blue- and white-striped flagging.
Onsite streams were classified using the stream typing system established by WAC 222-
16-030, per City of Renton regulations.
Findings
The study area is located within the Cedar-Sammamish Drainage Basin (WRIA 8), May
Creek Sub-Basin; in Township 23 North, Range 5 East, Section 3. The property includes
a forested ravine that slopes down to Greenes Creek.
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 3
Public-domain information reviewed for the subject properties is summarized in Table
1.
Table 1. Summary of online mapping and inventory resources.
Resource Summary
USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Web Soil
Survey (WSS) application
Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Wetland Inventory (NWI)
maps
Riverine; R4SBC
Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife (WDFW), Priority Habitats
and Species (PHS on the Web)
No priority habitat or species
Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife, SalmonScape
Modeled presence of salmonids including chinook,
coho, sockeye, and steelhead.
Washington Department of Natural
Resources, Forest Practices
Application Mapping Tool (FPARS)
Type F and Type N stream
King County’s GIS mapping website
(iMAP) Mapped stream, Unclassified per 1990 SAO
City of Renton (COR Maps) Mapped stream: Greenes Creek (Type Ns), mapped
wetlands
Wetland A
Wetland A is located on the northern parcel boundary within the Greenes Creek ravine.
It includes both riverine and slope hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classifications and is
considered riverine for rating purposes. Cowardin vegetation classifications include
forested, scrub-shrub, and emergent.
Dominant vegetation within the wetland area includes western red cedar, red alder, red-
osier dogwood, salmonberry, vine maple, creeping buttercup, and velvet grass.
Soils in the wetland unit were very dark (10YR 2/1 and 10YR 3/1) with abundant
redoximorphic features such as iron concentrations within the top 12 inches. A
hydrogen sulfide odor was detected during subsurface investigation. Hydric soil
indicators Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) and Redox Dark Surface (F6) were met at the recorded
wetland data point (DP-1).
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 4
Hydrology of the riverine HGM area is primarily provided by Greenes Creek and
associated hyporheic groundwater. Hydrology to the slope HGM area is provided by
groundwater. Wetland hydrology indicators High Water Table (A2), Saturation (A3),
and Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) were observed at DP-1.
Figure 1. Wetland A (background) with boundary at edge of shrubs.
Wetland B
Wetland B is located at the southern parcel boundary associated with Greenes Creek. It
is characterized by a riverine HGM classification and forested and scrub-shrub
Cowardin vegetation classifications.
The vegetative community consists of primarily black cottonwood, red alder, red-osier
dogwood, black twinberry, salmonberry, beaked hazelnut, vine maple, piggy-back
plant, and creeping buttercup.
Soils in the wetland unit are dark with a 10YR 2/2 matrix in all soils layers.
Redoximorphic features were not observed, however they may have been masked by
dark soils. Wetland soils were saturated to the surface in the wetland area and it is likely
that iron concentrations had been reduced and rendered undetectable. Due to the
presence hydrophytic vegetation and strong hydrology, soils were assumed to be hydric
and meeting wetland criteria.
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 5
Hydrology is provided by Greenes Creek and associated hyporheic groundwater.
Wetland hydrology indicators High Water Table (A2) and Saturation (A3) were
observed at the recorded data point (DP-4).
Wetland C
Wetland C is a ditch feature adjacent to the road with wetland characteristics that drains
into Greenes Creek. It has a slope HGM classification and both scrub-shrub and
emergent Cowardin vegetative classifications. It is clearly an excavated feature cut out of
the surrounding upland areas. No signs of scour or other ordinary high water mark
indicators were identified.
The vegetative community was dominated by salmonberry, red-osier dogwood, velvet
grass, and creeping buttercup.
Soils were dark (10YR 3/1) with redoximophic iron concentrations in the top 12 inches.
Hydric soil indicator Redox Dark Surface (F7) was met at the wetland data point (DP-6).
Hydrology is provided by groundwater and surface runoff from the uphill slope area.
Wetland hydrology indicators High Water Table (A2) and Saturation (A3) were
observed at DP-6.
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 6
Figure 2. Wetland C, approximate boundary in yellow.
Non-wetland areas
The forest community is composed primarily of large Douglas-fir, western hemlock, big-
leaf maple, red alder, and black cottonwood with and an understory of salal, sword fern,
salmonberry, Indian plum, vine maple, and beaked-hazelnut. A dirt road runs east to
west through the study area.
A patch of slough sedge was found near the western edge of the property (Figure 3), but
no wetland hydrology indicators were observed. Additionally, the surrounding plant
community consisted of non-wetland species. This area is not a wetland area because it
lacks wetland hydrology, even during a period of wetter than normal conditions.
A residence is located on the eastern property area including out-structures and lawn
area. Two other adjacent residences have expanded lawn and garden area into the
subject property and a few trails extend throughout.
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 7
Figure 3. Slough sedge patch in a small depression surrounded by a non-wetland plant
community.
Greenes Creek
Greenes Creek flows from south to north through the center of the ravine and drains
into May Creek approximately 0.5 miles downstream. Observed flow in Greenes Creek
was typically three feet wide during the site visit, although it ranged in width from
approximately 1-5 feet. Water depth was approximately three inches and pools of up to
one foot in depth were observed. Streambed sediments were primarily gravels, sands,
and silts. The stream rests below a forest canopy that opens in a few patches of thick
shrubs. Dual 2-foot metal corrugated culverts connect the stream underneath the dirt
road onsite. SalmonScape identifies a modeled presence of salmonids, including
federally-listed Puget Sound Chinook and Puget Sound steelhead within the study area.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources FPARS Map identifies Greenes Creek
as a Type F stream, indicating fish presence. However, the City of Renton identifies the
stream as a Type Ns stream, indicating a non-fish seasonal watercourse. Greenes Creek
is assumed to be Type F due to the proximity to May Creek, unknown quality of
downstream fish passage, and modeled presence of salmonids by WDFW.
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 8
Figure 4. Greenes Creek
Stream B (Unnamed Creek)
Stream B is an unnamed ditched creek located just off-site to the south that converges
with Greenes Creek at the southern property boundary. It flows from east to west
adjacent and parallel to the south parcel boundary and curves southeast through the
nearby development. The stream is identified as type ‘N’ on DNR’s FPARS and is
unmapped by the City of Renton and SalmonScape. Type N indicates non-fish streams
with unknown hydroperiods. Field observations indicate that the flow of Stream B is
roughly equivalent to Greenes Creek at the point of convergence. As the stream was
offsite, we could not take measurements on width and depth. By visual assessment, it
was approximately 2 feet wide and 2 inches deep during the site visit. Based on the
observed size, approximate gradient, and connectivity to Greenes Creek, Stream B
should also be considered a Type F water.
Local Regulations
The study area includes two parcels; one is City of Renton jurisdiction, the other is King
County jurisdiction. The current intent is to annex the King County parcel into the City
of Renton. Therefore, City of Renton regulations are presented in this report for the
entire study area.
Since Wetland C is a ditch excavated from non-wetland, it likely would not be regulated
by the City of Renton. Per RMC 4-3-050 “Wetlands created or restored as a part of a
mitigation project are regulated wetlands. Regulated wetlands do not include those
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 9
artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but not
limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities,
wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands
created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction
of a road, street, or highway.”
Critical areas in Renton are regulated under Section 4-3-050 (Critical Areas) of the
Renton Municipal Code (RMC). According to the RMC, wetlands are classified based on
the 2014 Rating System. Wetland buffer widths are determined based upon the type of
proposed land use, wetland category, and habitat score generated using the 2014 Rating
System. Streams are classified based upon status as shoreline of the state, presence of
fish use or fish habitat, and duration of flow. Critical area classifications, associated
buffer widths, and structure setback are provided in Table 2.
Table 2. Summary of wetland rating scores, critical area classifications, standard buffer widths,
and structure setbacks per RMC 4-3-050.
2014 Rating System Scores Wetland
Category/
Stream Type
Standard
Buffer Width
(feet)
Setback
(feet) Water
Quality
Hydro-
logic Habitat Total
Wetland
A 7 8 6 21 II 150 15
Wetland
B 7 8 6 21 II 150 15
Wetland
C* 7 6 5 18 III 100 15
Greenes
Creek
N/A N/A N/A N/A F 115 15
Stream B N/A N/A N/A N/A F 115 15
*May not be regulated by City of Renton. Ecology and Corps would likely
regulate the loss of this wetland, if proposed.
State and Federal Regulations
Redevelopment of these properties that require changes to the road and stream crossing
will require a Hydraulic Project Approval from WDFW. This will likely involve
upgrading the culvert to a structure that complies with the WDFW Water Crossing
Design Guidelines (2013).
Wetlands and streams are also regulated by the Corps under section 404 of the Clean
Water Act. Any proposed filling or other direct impacts to Waters of the U.S., including
Wetland Delineation Report
Nick Nied, Ichijo USA
May 30, 2017
Page 10
wetlands (except isolated wetlands), would require notification and permits from the
Corps. All delineated wetlands are non-isolated due to a hydrologic connection with
Greenes Creek.
Federally permitted actions that could affect endangered species may also require a
biological assessment study and consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service. Compliance with the Endangered Species
Act must be demonstrated for activities within jurisdictional wetlands and the 100-year
floodplain. Application for Corps permits may also require an individual 401 Water
Quality Certification and Coastal Zone Management Consistency determination from
Ecology and a cultural resource study in accordance with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act.
In general, neither the Corps nor Ecology regulates wetland buffers, unless direct
impacts are proposed. When direct impacts are proposed, mitigated wetlands may be
required to employ buffers based on Corps and Ecology joint regulatory guidance.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this letter or report is based on the application of technical
guidelines currently accepted as the best available science and in conjunction with the
manuals and criteria outlined in the methods section. All discussions, conclusions and
recommendations reflect the best professional judgment of the author(s) and are based
upon information available at the time the study was conducted. All work was
completed within the constraints of budget, scope, and timing. The findings of this
report are subject to verification and agreement by the appropriate local, state and
federal regulatory authorities. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made.
Please call if you have any questions or if we can provide you with any additional
information.
Sincerely,
Sam Payne
Ecologist
Page 1 of 1
Wetland and Stream Delineation Field Sketch
Site Address: 1815 Nile Avenue; Renton, WA 98059 Prepared for: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Co.
Parcel Number: 032305-9014, -9047 TWC Ref. No.: 170511
Site Visit Date: May 15, 2017
Culvert
DP-3
Stream A
Flags WMA-1L/R
through WMA-23L/R
Wetland C
Flags C1 through C8
Wetland B
Flags B1 through B14
DP-1
DP-2
DP-6
DP-7
DP-4
DP-5
LEGEND
Wetland
Delineated wetland boundary
Delineated stream ordinary high
water mark (OHWM)
Non-delineated stream OHWM
Data Point (DP)
Study Area
Note: Field sketch only. Features depicted are
approximate and not to scale. Wetland boundary is
marked with pink- and black-striped flags. Stream
OHWM is marked with blue- and white-striped
flags. Data points are marked with yellow- and
black-striped flags.
Wetland A
Flags A1 through A13
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland, Washington 98033
(425) 822-5242
watershedco.com
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the
1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual
Project Site: Renton Woods Ichijo Sampling Date: 5/15/2017
Applicant/Owner: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Sampling Point: DP- 1
Investigator: S. Payne, K. Crandall City/County: Renton
Sect., Township, Range: S 3 T 23N R 5E State: WA
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): Depression adjacent to stream
Slope (%): <5 Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 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 “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? ☒ Yes ☐ No
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ significantly disturbed?
Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ naturally problematic
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Is the Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes ☒No ☐Hydric Soils Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Remarks: Wetter than normal conditions based on three months prior data from NRCS SeaTac Airport Station. Wetland A in-pit.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5m diam.) Absolute %
Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet
1.Alnus rubra 40 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4.
40 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3m diam.)
1.Sequoia sempervirens 5 N NL Prevalence Index Worksheet
2.Cornus sericea 80 Y FACW Total % Cover of Multiply by
3.Rubus spectabilis 2 N FAC OBL species x 1 =
4. FACW species x 2 =
5. FAC species x 3 =
87 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1m diam.) Column totals (A) (B)
1.Vinca minor (rooted in uplands)5 - NL
2. Prevalence Index = B / A =
3.
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
5. ☒ Dominance test is > 50%
6. ☐ Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 *
7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting
8. ☐ data in remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ☐ Wetland Non-Vascular Plants *
10. ☐ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain)
11.
5 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
present, unless disturbed or problematic
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
1.Rubus ursinus Trace N FACU
2.Calystegia sepium Trace N FAC
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 95
Remarks:
DP- 1
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
SOIL Sampling Point – DP-1
HYDROLOGY
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
0-10 10YR 2/1 100 Sandy clay loam
10-16 10YR 3/1 80 10YR 3/6 20 C M Sandy clay loam
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☒ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic ☐ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) ☐ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
☐ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ☐ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric soil present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Very messy mucky soil (mineral)
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
☐ Surface water (A1) ☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B)
☒ High Water Table (A2) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) ☐ Drainage Patterns (B10)
☒ Saturation (A3) ☐ Salt Crust (B11) ☐ Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
☐ Water Marks (B1) ☐ Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) ☐ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
☐ Sediment Deposits (B2) ☒ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) ☐ Geomorphic Position (D2)
☐ Drift Deposits (B3) ☐ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ☐ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
☐ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ☐ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ☐ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
☐ Iron Deposits (B5) ☐ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Surface Soil Cracks (B6) ☐ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery
(B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks)
Field Observations
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Water Table Present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 2
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 0
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland, Washington 98033
(425) 822-5242
watershedco.com
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the
1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual
Project Site: Renton Woods Ichijo Sampling Date: 5/15/2017
Applicant/Owner: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Sampling Point: DP- 2
Investigator: S. Payne, K. Crandall City/County: Renton
Sect., Township, Range: S 3 T 23N R 5E State: WA
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): hillslope (lawn)
Slope (%): 5-10 Local relief (concave, convex, none): none
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 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 “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? ☒ Yes ☐ No
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ significantly disturbed?
Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ naturally problematic
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Is the Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes ☐No ☒Hydric Soils Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Remarks: Wetter than normal conditions based on three months prior data from NRCS SeaTac Airport Station. Wetland A out pit.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5m diam.) Absolute %
Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet
1. Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 (B) 4.
0 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3m diam.)
1. Prevalence Index Worksheet
2. Total % Cover of Multiply by
3. OBL species x 1 =
4. FACW species x 2 =
5. FAC species x 3 =
0 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1m diam.) Column totals (A) (B)
1.Ranunculus repens 40 Y FAC
2.Holcus Linnaeus 40 Y FAC Prevalence Index = B / A =
3.Trifolium pretense 10 N FACU
4.Taraxacum officinale 7 N FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
5.Poaceae sp.30 Y FAC* ☒ Dominance test is > 50%
6. ☐ Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 *
7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting
8. ☐ data in remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ☐ Wetland Non-Vascular Plants *
10. ☐ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain)
11.
127 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
present, unless disturbed or problematic
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 0
Remarks: *Presumed
DP- 2
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
SOIL Sampling Point – DP-2
HYDROLOGY
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
0-4 10YR 3/2 100 Clay loam
4-11 2.5Y 2.5/1 90 Clay loam Mixed
matrix
4-11 10YR 3/2 10 Clay loam
11-16 2.5Y 2.5/1 70 10YR 4/6 1 C M Clay loam Mixed
matrix
11-16 10YR 3/2 29 Clay loam
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☐ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic ☐ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) ☐ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
☐ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ☐ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric soil present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
☐ Surface water (A1) ☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B)
☒ High Water Table (A2) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) ☐ Drainage Patterns (B10)
☒ Saturation (A3) ☐ Salt Crust (B11) ☐ Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
☐ Water Marks (B1) ☐ Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) ☐ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
☐ Sediment Deposits (B2) ☐ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) ☐ Geomorphic Position (D2)
☐ Drift Deposits (B3) ☐ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ☐ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
☐ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ☐ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ☐ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
☐ Iron Deposits (B5) ☐ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Surface Soil Cracks (B6) ☐ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery
(B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks)
Field Observations
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Water Table Present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 12
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 10
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland, Washington 98033
(425) 822-5242
watershedco.com
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the
1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual
Project Site: Renton Woods Ichijo Sampling Date: 5/15/2017
Applicant/Owner: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Sampling Point: DP- 3
Investigator: S. Payne, K. Crandall City/County: Renton
Sect., Township, Range: S 3 T 23N R 5E State: WA
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): Depression
Slope (%): 0 Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 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 “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? ☒ Yes ☐ No
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ significantly disturbed?
Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ naturally problematic
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Is the Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes ☐No ☒Hydric Soils Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Remarks: Wetter than normal conditions based on three months prior data from NRCS SeaTac Airport Station.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5m diam.) Absolute %
Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet
1.Thuja plicata 30 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2.Acer macrophyllum 50 Y FACU
3.Pseudotsuga menziesii 35 Y FACU Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 6 (B) 4.
115 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 50 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3m diam.)
1.Acer macrophyllum 10 Y FACU Prevalence Index Worksheet
2.Rubus spectabilis 10 Y FAC Total % Cover of Multiply by
3.Gaultheria shallon 10 Y FACU OBL species 60 x 1 = 60
4. FACW species 0 x 2 = 0
5. FAC species 40 x 3 = 230
30 = Total Cover FACU species 110 x 4 = 440
UPL species 0 x 5 = 0
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1m diam.) Column totals (A) 210 (B) 630
1.Carex obnupta 60 Y OBL
2.Polystichum munitum 5 N FACU Prevalence Index = B / A = 3.0
3.
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
5. ☐ Dominance test is > 50%
6. ☒ Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 *
7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting
8. ☐ data in remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ☐ Wetland Non-Vascular Plants *
10. ☐ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain)
11.
65 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
present, unless disturbed or problematic
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 35
Remarks:
DP- 3
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
SOIL Sampling Point – DP-3
HYDROLOGY
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
0-3 7.5 YR 2.5/1 100 Loam Duff mixed
in
3-7 10YR 3/2 100 Silt loam
7-16 2.5Y 5/1 90 7.5 YR 4/4 10 C M, PL Silt loam
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☐ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic ☐ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) ☐ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
☐ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ☐ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric soil present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
☐ Surface water (A1) ☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B)
☐ High Water Table (A2) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) ☐ Drainage Patterns (B10)
☐ Saturation (A3) ☐ Salt Crust (B11) ☐ Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
☐ Water Marks (B1) ☐ Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) ☐ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
☐ Sediment Deposits (B2) ☐ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) ☐ Geomorphic Position (D2)
☐ Drift Deposits (B3) ☐ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ☐ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
☐ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ☐ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ☐ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
☐ Iron Deposits (B5) ☐ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Surface Soil Cracks (B6) ☐ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery
(B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks)
Field Observations
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Water Table Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Damp but not saturated soils
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland, Washington 98033
(425) 822-5242
watershedco.com
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the
1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual
Project Site: Renton Woods Ichijo Sampling Date: 5/15/2017
Applicant/Owner: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Sampling Point: DP- 4
Investigator: S. Payne, K. Crandall City/County: Renton
Sect., Township, Range: S 3 T 23N R 5E State: WA
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): Terrace (edge of stream)
Slope (%): <5 Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes NWI classification: R4SBC
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? ☐ Yes ☒ No (If no, explain in remarks.)
Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? ☒ Yes ☐ No
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ significantly disturbed?
Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☒ naturally problematic
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Is the Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes ☒ No ☐ Hydric Soils Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Remarks: Wetter than normal conditions based on three months prior data from NRCS SeaTac Airport Station.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5m diam.) Absolute %
Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet
1. Populus balsamifera 70 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 5 (B) 4.
70 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 60 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3m diam.)
1. Corylus cornuta 5 Y FACU Prevalence Index Worksheet
2. Oemleria cerasiformis 10 Y FACU Total % Cover of Multiply by
3. Rubus spectabilis 10 Y FAC OBL species x 1 =
4. FACW species x 2 =
5. FAC species x 3 =
25 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1m diam.) Column totals (A) (B)
1. Athyrium cyclosorum 50 Y FAC
2. Prevalence Index = B / A =
3.
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
5. ☒ Dominance test is > 50%
6. ☐ Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 *
7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting
8. ☐ data in remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ☐ Wetland Non-Vascular Plants *
10. ☐ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain)
11.
50 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
present, unless disturbed or problematic
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 50
Remarks:
DP- 4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
SOIL Sampling Point – DP-4
HYDROLOGY
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
0-16 10YR 2/2 100 Loam
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☐ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic ☐ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) ☐ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
☐ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ☐ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric soil present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks: Very wet and dark soils masking redox, and iron presumed in aqueous phase.
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
☐ Surface water (A1) ☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B)
☒ High Water Table (A2) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) ☐ Drainage Patterns (B10)
☒ Saturation (A3) ☐ Salt Crust (B11) ☐ Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
☐ Water Marks (B1) ☐ Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) ☐ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
☐ Sediment Deposits (B2) ☐ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) ☐ Geomorphic Position (D2)
☐ Drift Deposits (B3) ☐ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ☐ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
☐ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ☐ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ☐ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
☐ Iron Deposits (B5) ☐ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Surface Soil Cracks (B6) ☐ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery
(B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks)
Field Observations
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒No ☐
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Water Table Present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 6
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 0-16
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland, Washington 98033
(425) 822-5242
watershedco.com
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the
1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual
Project Site: Renton Woods Ichijo Sampling Date: 5/15/2017
Applicant/Owner: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Sampling Point: DP- 5
Investigator: S. Payne, K. Crandall City/County: Renton
Sect., Township, Range: S 3 T 23N R 5E State: WA
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): hillslope
Slope (%): 5-10 Local relief (concave, convex, none): none
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 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 “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? ☒ Yes ☐ No
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ significantly disturbed?
Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ naturally problematic
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Is the Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes ☐ No ☒ Hydric Soils Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Remarks: Wetter than normal conditions based on three months prior data from NRCS SeaTac Airport Station.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5m diam.) Absolute %
Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet
1. Tsuga heterophylla 30 Y FACU Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2. Populus balsamifera 60 Y FAC
3. Alnus rubra 20 N FAC Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 5 (B) 4. Sorbus aucuparia 10 N UPL
120 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 60 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3m diam.)
1. Acer circinatum 10 Y FAC Prevalence Index Worksheet
2. Sorbus aucuparia 5 N UPL Total % Cover of Multiply by
3. OBL species x 1 =
4. FACW species x 2 =
5. FAC species x 3 =
= Total Cover FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1m diam.) Column totals (A) (B)
1. Polystichum munitum 30 Y FACU
2. Athyrium cyclosorum 10 Y FAC Prevalence Index = B / A =
3.
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
5. ☐ Dominance test is > 50%
6. ☐ Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 *
7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting
8. ☐ data in remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ☐ Wetland Non-Vascular Plants *
10. ☐ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain)
11.
40 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
present, unless disturbed or problematic
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 60
Remarks:
DP- 5
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
SOIL Sampling Point – DP-5
HYDROLOGY
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 10YR 2/2 100 Loam
6-16 10YR 3/3 100 Loam
Burnt wood
and/or
charcoal
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☐ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic ☐ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) ☐ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
☐ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ☐ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric soil present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
☐ Surface water (A1) ☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B)
☐ High Water Table (A2) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) ☐ Drainage Patterns (B10)
☐ Saturation (A3) ☐ Salt Crust (B11) ☐ Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
☐ Water Marks (B1) ☐ Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) ☐ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
☐ Sediment Deposits (B2) ☐ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) ☐ Geomorphic Position (D2)
☐ Drift Deposits (B3) ☐ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ☐ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
☐ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ☐ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ☐ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
☐ Iron Deposits (B5) ☐ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Surface Soil Cracks (B6) ☐ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery
(B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks)
Field Observations
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Water Table Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland, Washington 98033
(425) 822-5242
watershedco.com
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the
1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual
Project Site: Renton Woods Ichijo Sampling Date: 5/15/2017
Applicant/Owner: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Sampling Point: DP- 6
Investigator: S. Payne, K. Crandall City/County: Renton
Sect., Township, Range: S 3 T 23N R 5E State: WA
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): hillslope (swale)
Slope (%): 5-10 Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 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 “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? ☒ Yes ☐ No
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ significantly disturbed?
Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ naturally problematic
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Is the Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes ☒No ☐Hydric Soils Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Remarks: Wetter than normal conditions based on three months prior data from NRCS SeaTac Airport Station. Wetland C in-pit.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5m diam.) Absolute %
Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet
1.Robinia pseudoacacia 5 Y FACU Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 (B) 4.
5 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 60 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3m diam.)
1. Prevalence Index Worksheet
2. Total % Cover of Multiply by
3. OBL species x 1 =
4. FACW species x 2 =
5. FAC species x 3 =
0 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1m diam.) Column totals (A) (B)
1.Ranunculus repens 60 Y FAC
2.Holcus lanatus 60 Y FAC Prevalence Index = B / A =
3.
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
5. ☒ Dominance test is > 50%
6. ☐ Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 *
7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting
8. ☐ data in remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ☐ Wetland Non-Vascular Plants *
10. ☐ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain)
11.
120 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
present, unless disturbed or problematic
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 0
Remarks:
DP- 6
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
SOIL Sampling Point – DP-6
HYDROLOGY
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
0-10 10YR 3/1 100 Clay loam
10-18 10YR 3/1 98 7.5YR 3/3 2 C M Clay loam
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☒ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic ☐ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) ☐ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
☐ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ☐ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric soil present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
☐ Surface water (A1) ☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B)
☒ High Water Table (A2) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) ☐ Drainage Patterns (B10)
☒ Saturation (A3) ☐ Salt Crust (B11) ☐ Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
☐ Water Marks (B1) ☐ Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) ☐ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
☐ Sediment Deposits (B2) ☐ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) ☐ Geomorphic Position (D2)
☐ Drift Deposits (B3) ☐ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ☐ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
☐ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ☐ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ☐ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
☐ Iron Deposits (B5) ☐ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Surface Soil Cracks (B6) ☐ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery
(B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks)
Field Observations
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Water Table Present? Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 10
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 0
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
750 Sixth Street South
Kirkland, Washington 98033
(425) 822-5242
watershedco.com
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the
1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual
Project Site: Renton Woods Ichijo Sampling Date: 5/15/2017
Applicant/Owner: Nick Nied, Ichijo USA Sampling Point: DP- 7
Investigator: S. Payne, K. Crandall City/County: Renton
Sect., Township, Range: S 3 T 23N R 5E State: WA
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc): hillslope
Slope (%): 5-10 Local relief (concave, convex, none): none
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 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 “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? ☒ Yes ☐ No
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ significantly disturbed?
Are Vegetation☐, Soil ☐, or Hydrology ☐ naturally problematic
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Is the Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes ☐ No ☒ Hydric Soils Present? Yes ☐ No ☒
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Remarks: Wetter than normal conditions based on three months prior data from NRCS SeaTac Airport Station. Wetland C out-pit.
Soils extremely marginal and hydrology was only met because wetter than normal conditions.
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 5m diam.) Absolute %
Cover
Dominant
Species?
Indicator
Status Dominance Test Worksheet
1. Acer macrophyllum 20 Y FACU Number of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2. Crataegus monogyna 5 Y FAC
3. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 4 (B) 4.
25 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species
that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 75 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 3m diam.)
1. Prevalence Index Worksheet
2. Total % Cover of Multiply by
3. OBL species x 1 =
4. FACW species x 2 =
5. FAC species x 3 =
0 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 1m diam.) Column totals (A) (B)
1. Ranunculus repens 60 Y FAC
2. Holcus Linnaeus 60 Y FAC Prevalence Index = B / A =
3.
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators
5. ☒ Dominance test is > 50%
6. ☐ Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 *
7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting
8. ☐ data in remarks or on a separate sheet)
9. ☐ Wetland Non-Vascular Plants *
10. ☐ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain)
11.
120 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
present, unless disturbed or problematic
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum: 0
Remarks:
DP- 7
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version
SOIL Sampling Point – DP-7
HYDROLOGY
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
0-10 10YR 3/2 100 Clay loam
10-14 10YR 3/1 80 10YR 3/6 1 C M Clay loam Mixed
matrix
10-14 10YR 3/2 19 Clay loam Mixed
Matrix
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: 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) ☐ 2cm 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)
☐ Thick Dark Surface (A12) ☐ Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic ☐ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) ☐ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
☐ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ☐ Redox Depressions (F8)
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric soil present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required):
☐ Surface water (A1) ☐ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B)
☐ High Water Table (A2) ☐ Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) ☐ Drainage Patterns (B10)
☒ Saturation (A3) ☐ Salt Crust (B11) ☐ Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
☐ Water Marks (B1) ☐ Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) ☐ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
☐ Sediment Deposits (B2) ☐ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) ☐ Geomorphic Position (D2)
☐ Drift Deposits (B3) ☐ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ☐ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
☐ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ☐ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ☐ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
☐ Iron Deposits (B5) ☐ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ☐ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
☐ Surface Soil Cracks (B6) ☐ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) ☐ Frost-Heave Hummocks
☐ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery
(B7) ☐ Other (explain in remarks)
Field Observations
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ☒ No ☐
Surface Water Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Water Table Present? Yes ☐ No ☒ Depth (in):
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe) Yes ☒ No ☐ Depth (in): 11
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Saturation at 11 inches during wetter than normal conditions.
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 1
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #):Wetland A Date of site visit: 5/15/2017
Rated by: Katy Crandall Trained by Ecology? ☒Y ☐N Date of training: September 2014
HGM Class used for rating: Riverine Wetland has multiple HGM classes? ☒Y ☐N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map: King County iMap
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 7 8 6 21
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
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 2
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 1
Hydroperiods H 1.2 2
Ponded depressions R 1.1 2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4 1
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2 3
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1 2
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2 4
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 5
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1 6
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3 7
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 3
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 sheetflow, 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). 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.
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 name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 4
☒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.
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 5
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 4
☐ Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland points = 4
☒ Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland points = 2
☐ No depressions present points = 0
2
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
8
Total for R 1 Add the points in the boxes above 10
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 2
R 2.2. Does the contributing basin to the wetland include a UGA or incorporated area? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
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 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 1
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: Click here to enter text. ☐Yes = 1 ☒No = 0 0
Total for R 2 Add the points in the boxes above 4
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
1
R 3.2. Is the wetland along a stream or river that has TMDL limits for nutrients, toxics, or pathogens?
☐Yes = 1 ☒No = 0 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 for the drainage in which the unit is found) ☐Yes = 2 ☒No = 0 0
Total for R 3 Add the points in the boxes above 1
Rating of Value If score is: ☐2-4 = H ☒1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 6
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
2
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
7
Total for R 4 Add the points in the boxes above 9
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 1
R 5.2. Does the up-gradient watershed include a UGA or incorporated area? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
R 5.3. Is the up-gradient stream or river controlled by dams? ☐Yes = 0 ☒No = 1 1
Total for R 5 Add the points in the boxes above 3
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 down-gradient 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 down-gradient points = 1
☐ No flooding problems anywhere downstream points = 0
2
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 0
Total for R 6 Add the points in the boxes above 2
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2-4 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 7
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 or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked.
☐ 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/ground-cover)
that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
2
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 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
☐ Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
☐ Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
☐ Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
2
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, Canadian thistle
If you counted: ☒ > 19 species points = 2
☐ 5 - 19 species points = 1
☐ < 5 species points = 0
2
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.
☐ None = 0 points ☐ Low = 1 point ☒ Moderate = 2 points
All three diagrams in
this row are
☐ HIGH = 3points
2
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 8
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 extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m) over 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 for
list of strata).
4
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above 12
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 that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = 1% + (0%/2) = 1%
If 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
0
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2 = 14% + (25%/2) = 26%
☐ Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon 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 1 km Polygon points = 0
2
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If
☒ > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
☐ ≤ 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points = 0
-2
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above 0
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
☐ 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
2
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 9
WDFW Priority Habitats Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/) Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE: This question is
independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat.
☐ 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 (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report).
☐ 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 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) > 32 in (81 cm) 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.
☐ Oregon White Oak: Woodland 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 – see web link above).
☒ 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 – see web link above).
☒ 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 – see web link on previous page).
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed elsewhere.
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 10
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 page 25)
☐ 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. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High
Conservation Value? ☒Yes – Go to SC 2.2 ☐No – Go to SC 2.3
SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value?
☐Yes = Category I ☒No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland?
http://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_nh_wetlands_trs.pdf
☐Yes – Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 ☐No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on
their website? ☐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 = Is 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 = Is a 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 = Is a Category I bog ☐No = Is not a bog
Cat. I
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 11
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)
☐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 on p. 100).
☐ 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
☐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
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 12
Wetland name or number: Wetland A
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Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 1
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #):Wetland B Date of site visit: 5/15/2017
Rated by: Katy Crandall Trained by Ecology? ☒Y ☐N Date of training: September 2014
HGM Class used for rating: Riverine Wetland has multiple HGM classes? ☐Y ☒N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map: King County iMap
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 7 8 6 21
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
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 2
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 1
Hydroperiods H 1.2 2
Ponded depressions R 1.1 2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4 1
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2 3
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1 2
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2 4
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 5
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1 6
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3 7
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 3
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 sheetflow, 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). 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.
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 name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 4
☒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.
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 5
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 4
☐ Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland points = 4
☒ Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland points = 2
☐ No depressions present points = 0
2
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
6
Total for R 1 Add the points in the boxes above 8
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 2
R 2.2. Does the contributing basin to the wetland include a UGA or incorporated area? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
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 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 1
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: Click here to enter text. ☐Yes = 1 ☒No = 0 0
Total for R 2 Add the points in the boxes above 4
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
1
R 3.2. Is the wetland along a stream or river that has TMDL limits for nutrients, toxics, or pathogens?
☐Yes = 1 ☒No = 0 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 for the drainage in which the unit is found) ☐Yes = 2 ☒No = 0 0
Total for R 3 Add the points in the boxes above 1
Rating of Value If score is: ☐2-4 = H ☒1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 6
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
2
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
7
Total for R 4 Add the points in the boxes above 9
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 1
R 5.2. Does the up-gradient watershed include a UGA or incorporated area? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
R 5.3. Is the up-gradient stream or river controlled by dams? ☐Yes = 0 ☒No = 1 1
Total for R 5 Add the points in the boxes above 3
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 down-gradient 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 down-gradient points = 1
☐ No flooding problems anywhere downstream points = 0
2
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 0
Total for R 6 Add the points in the boxes above 2
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2-4 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 7
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 or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked.
☐ 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/ground-cover)
that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
2
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 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
☐ Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
☐ Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
☐ Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
1
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, Canadian thistle
If you counted: ☐ > 19 species points = 2
☒ 5 - 19 species points = 1
☐ < 5 species points = 0
1
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.
☐ None = 0 points ☐ Low = 1 point ☒ Moderate = 2 points
All three diagrams in
this row are
☐ HIGH = 3points
2
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 8
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 extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m) over 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 for
list of strata).
3
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above 9
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 that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = 1% + (0%/2) = 1%
If 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
0
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2 = 14% + (25%/2) = 26%
☐ Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon 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 1 km Polygon points = 0
2
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If
☒ > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
☐ ≤ 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points = 0
-2
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above 0
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
☐ 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
2
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 9
WDFW Priority Habitats Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/) Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE: This question is
independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat.
☐ 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 (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report).
☐ 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 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) > 32 in (81 cm) 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.
☐ Oregon White Oak: Woodland 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 – see web link above).
☒ 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 – see web link above).
☒ 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 – see web link on previous page).
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed elsewhere.
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 10
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 page 25)
☐ 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. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High
Conservation Value? ☒Yes – Go to SC 2.2 ☐No – Go to SC 2.3
SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value?
☐Yes = Category I ☒No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland?
http://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_nh_wetlands_trs.pdf
☐Yes – Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 ☐No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on
their website? ☐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 = Is 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 = Is a 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 = Is a Category I bog ☐No = Is not a bog
Cat. I
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 11
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)
☐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 on p. 100).
☐ 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
☐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
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 12
Wetland name or number: Wetland B
This page left blank intentionally
Wetland Name: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 1
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): Wetland C Date of site visit: 5/15/2017
Rated by: Katy Crandall Trained by Ecology? ☒Y ☐N Date of training: September 2014
HGM Class used for rating: Slope Wetland has multiple HGM classes? ☐Y ☒N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map: King County iMap
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 7 6 5 18
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
Wetland Name: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 2
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Slope Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 1
Hydroperiods H 1.2 2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3 3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S 4.1 3
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1 1
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 5
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2 6
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3 7
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 3
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
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 sheetflow, 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). 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.
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 name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 4
☐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.
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 11
SLOPE WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
S 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
S 1.1. Characteristics of the average slope of the wetland: (a 1% slope has a 1 ft vertical drop in elevation for every
100 ft of horizontal distance)
☐ Slope is 1% or less points = 3
☐ Slope is > 1%-2% points = 2
☒ Slope is > 2%-5% points = 1
☐ Slope is greater than 5% points = 0
1
S 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions): Yes = 3 No = 0 0
S 1.3. Characteristics of the plants in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants:
Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the plants in the wetland. Dense means you
have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher
than 6 in.
☒ Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > 90% of the wetland area points = 6
☐ Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > ½ of area points = 3
☐ Dense, woody, plants > ½ of area points = 2
☐ Dense, uncut, herbaceous plants > ¼ of area points = 1
☐ Does not meet any of the criteria above for plants points = 0
6
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above 7
Rating of Site Potential If score is: ☐12 = H ☒6-11 = M ☐0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
S 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
S 2.1. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft on the uphill side of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants?
☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
S 2.2. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in question S 2.1?
Other sources ☐Yes = 1 ☒No = 0 0
Total for S 2 Add the points in the boxes above 1
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: ☒1-2 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
S 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
S 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the
303(d) list? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
S 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where water quality is an issue? At least one aquatic resource in the basin is
on the 303(d) list. ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
S 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 0
Total for S 3 Add the points in the boxes above 2
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2-4 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 12
SLOPE WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion
S 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion?
S 4.1. Characteristics of plants 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 >1/8 8 in), or dense enough, to remain erect during surface flows.
☐ Dense, uncut, rigid plants cover > 90% of the area of the wetland points = 1
☒ All other conditions points = 0
0
Rating of Site Potential If score is: ☐1 = M ☒0 = L Record the rating on the first page
S 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the hydrologic functions of the site?
S 5.1. Is more than 25% of the area within 150 ft upslope of wetland in land uses or cover that generate excess surface
runoff? ☒Yes = 1 ☐No = 0 1
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: ☒1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
S 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
S 6.1. Distance to the nearest areas downstream that have flooding problems:
☒ The sub-basin immediately down-gradient of site 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 down-gradient points = 1
☐ No flooding problems anywhere downstream points = 0
2
S 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 0
Total for S 6 Add the points in the boxes above 2
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2-4 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 13
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 or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked.
☐ 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/ground-cover)
that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
1
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 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
☐ Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
☐ Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
☐ Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
0
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, Canadian thistle
If you counted: ☐ > 19 species points = 2
☒ 5 - 19 species points = 1
☐ < 5 species points = 0
1
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.
☐ None = 0 points ☒ Low = 1 point ☐ Moderate = 2 points
All three diagrams in
this row are
☐ HIGH = 3points
1
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 14
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 extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m)
over 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 for list of
strata).
1
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above 4
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 that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] =1 + (0/2) = 1
If 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
0
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(%moderate and low intensity land uses)/2 = 14% + (25/2) = 26%
☐ Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon 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 1 km Polygon points = 0
1
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If
☒ > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
☐ ≤ 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points = 0
-2
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above -1
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
☐ 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
3
Rating of Value If score is: ☒2 = H ☐1 = M ☐0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 15
WDFW Priority Habitats Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/) Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE: This question is
independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat.
☐ 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 (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report).
☐ 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 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) > 32 in (81 cm) 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.
☐ Oregon White Oak: Woodland 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 – see web link above).
☒ 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 – see web link above).
☒ 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 – see web link on previous page).
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
☐ 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.
Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed elsewhere.
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 16
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 page 25)
☐ 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. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High
Conservation Value? ☐Yes – Go to SC 2.2 ☒No – Go to SC 2.3
SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value?
☐Yes = Category I ☒No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland?
http://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_nh_wetlands_trs.pdf
☐Yes – Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 ☐No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on
their website? ☐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 = Is 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 = Is a 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 = Is a Category I bog ☐No = Is not a bog
Cat. I
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 17
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)
☐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 on p. 100).
☐ 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
☐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 NA
Wetland name or number: Wetland C
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015 18
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2014 Ecology Wetland Rating Form Figures
R ENTON W OLF W OODS I CHIJO USA
Wetland A, B, C (Riverine & Slope) ............................................................................................................... 1
Figure 1. Cowardin plant classes and 150-ft buffer – H1.1, H1.4, R2.4, S2.1, S5.1 ................................. 1
Figure 2. Hydroperiods, ponded depressions, and wetland-width-to-stream-width ratio – H1.2, R1.1,
R4.1......................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3. Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants (not Cowardin) – R1.2, R4.2, S1.3, S4.1 3
Figure 4. Map of the contributing basin – R2.2, R2.3, R5.2 ..................................................................... 4
Figure 5. Undisturbed habitat and moderate-low intensity land uses within 1 km from wetland edge
including polygon for accessible habitat – H2.1, H2.2, H2.3 .................................................. 5
Figure 6. Screen-capture of 303(d) listed waters in basin – R3.1, S3.1, S3.2 .......................................... 6
Figure 7. Screen-capture of TMDL list for WRIA in which unit is found – R3.2, R3.3, S3.3 ..................... 7
Page left blank intentionally to allow for duplex printing.
Features depicted are not be to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 1
WETLAND A, B, C (RIVERINE & SLOPE)
Figure 1. Cowardin plant classes and 150-ft buffer – H1.1, H1.4, R2.4, S2.1, S5.1
150-ft buffer
Emergent
(<10%)
Scrub-shrub
Forested
Stream
Wetland B
Wetland C
Wetland A
Features depicted are not be to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 2
Figure 2. Hydroperiods, ponded depressions, and wetland-width-to-stream-width ratio – H1.2, R1.1,
R4.1
Permanently-flowing stream
Wetland B
Width of Wetland
Unit/Width of Stream
=20 FT : 5 FT
=4:1
Wetland C
Wetland A
Width of Wetland
Unit/Width of Stream
=20 FT : 5 FT
=4:1
Stream A
All wetlands outlet at stream, flowing north.
Saturated only
Occasionally flooded
Features depicted are not be to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 3
Figure 3. Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants (not Cowardin) – R1.2, R4.2, S1.3, S4.1
Trees/Shrubs
> 90%
Herbaceous
> 90%
Wetland B
Wetland C
Wetland A
Trees/Shrubs
> 90%
Dense, Uncut, and
Rigid Vegetation > 90%
Dense Uncut
Vegetation > 90%
Features depicted are not be to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 4
Figure 4. Map of the contributing basin – R2.2, R2.3, R5.2
Contributing Basin
for Wetland A and C
Wetland Unit A and C
Approximate location
Features depicted are not be to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 5
Figure 5. Undisturbed habitat and moderate-low intensity land uses within 1 km from wetland edge
including polygon for accessible habitat – H2.1, H2.2, H2.3
High-intensity land use
Moderate-low
intensity land use
Undisturbed habitat
1 km buffer
Accessible area
Features depicted are not be to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 6
Figure 6. Screen-capture of 303(d) listed waters in basin – R3.1, S3.1, S3.2
Approximate
wetland location
Features depicted are not be to scale. Sketches are based on available data and best professional
judgment.
Wetland Figures - 7
Figure 7. Screen-capture of TMDL list for WRIA in which unit is found – R3.2, R3.3, S3.3