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CRITICAL AREAS STUDY & CONCEPTUAL
BUFFER ENHANCEMENT PLAN
FOR
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT – OFF-SITE BENEFIT PARCEL
CITY OF RENTON, WA
Wetland Resources, Inc. Project #19300
Prepared By
Wetland Resources, Inc.
9505 19th Avenue SE, Suite 106
Everett, WA 98208
(425) 337-3174
Prepared For
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn: Evan Mann
11232 120th Ave NE, Suite 204
Renton, WA 98033
November 21, 2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................. 2
2.0 CRITICAL AREAS DETERMINATION REPORT ......................................................................... 2
2.1 PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA .......................................................................................................... 2
2.2 WETLAND & STREAM DETERMINATION METHODOLOGY ............................................................ 3
2.3 WETLAND & STREAM BOUNDARY DETERMINATION FINDINGS ................................................... 4
2.4 BUFFER ENHANCEMENT ............................................................................................................... 6
3.0 FUNCTIONS AND VALUES ASSESSMENT ................................................................................. 7
3.1 EXISTING WETLAND CONDITIONS ............................................................................................... 8
3.2 POST CONSTRUCTION WETLAND FUNCTIONS AND VALUES ........................................................ 8
4.0 PROJECT NOTES .................................................................................................................... 8
5.0 PLANTING NOTES .................................................................................................................. 9
6.0 PROJECT MONITORING PROGRAM ...................................................................................... 12
6.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR MONITORING PROJECT: ............................................................................ 12
6.2 MONITORING REPORT CONTENTS ............................................................................................ 13
7.0 PROJECT SUCCESS & COMPLIANCE ..................................................................................... 13
7.1 CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS .............................................................................................................. 13
7.2 DEFINITION OF SUCCESS ............................................................................................................ 13
8.0 MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................... 14
9.0 CONTINGENCY PLAN ........................................................................................................... 15
10.0 FENCING & SIGNAGE ......................................................................................................... 15
11.0 COST ESTIMATE & SURETY DEVICE .................................................................................. 15
12.0 USE OF THIS REPORT ....................................................................................................... 16
13.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 16
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 - AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL. ...................................................................... 1
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: U.S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORMS
APPENDIX B: DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY WETLAND RATING FORMS
APPENDIX C: CRITICAL AREAS STUDY AND BUFFER ENHANCEMENT MAP
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Wetland Resources, Inc. (WRI) conducted site investigations on October 18, 2019 to locate
wetlands and streams on and in the vicinity of the investigation area, which is composed of King
County tax parcel 3343300861. The site is approximately 1.9-acres, located west of the intersection
of Lake Washington Boulevard NE and Southeast 73rd Street in the City of Renton, Washington
(Section 29, Township 24N, Range 5E, W.M. The body of this report presents findings regarding
the wetlands and streams on-site.
1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION
The investigation area is located within the May Creek sub-basin of the Cedar River/Lake
Washington Watershed (WRIA 8). Lake Washington is approximately 600 feet west of the subject
property. Surrounding land use is generally residential and undeveloped land with Interstate 405
border the site along its western boundary. The site is undeveloped and vegetation is mostly
dominated by native species with areas of Himalayan blackberry in the understory. Topography
is generally a moderate to steep west aspect
- Aerial view of the subject parcel.
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Three wetlands (Wetlands A through C) and two stream (Streams A and B) were identified within
the investigation area.
Pursuant to Renton Municipal Code (RMC), on-site wetlands were classified under the Washington
State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update (Hruby 2014). Wetland A is classified
as Category IV wetland. Wetlands B and C are classified as Category III wetlands with moderate
habitat scores (5 habitat points). Per RMC (7)(a) the onsite streams were classified based on the
WAC 222-16-030. As such, Stream A is classified as a Type F Stream and Stream B is classified as
a Type Ns. Per 4-3-050(G)(2), Category IV wetlands typically receive 50-foot buffers, Category III
wetlands typically receive 100-foot buffers (when adjacent to non-low impact land uses), Type F
streams typically receive 115-foot buffer and Type Np streams typically receive 75-foot buffers.
1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant is proposing to purchase this property for the purpose of conservation. The intent
is to acquire, enhance and permanently protect this property for the public benefit.
2.0 CRITICAL AREAS DETERMINATION REPORT
2.1 PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA
Prior to conducting the site investigation, public resource information was reviewed to gather
background information on the subject parcels and the surrounding area in regards to wetlands,
streams, and other critical areas. These sources included the following:
• USDA/NRCS Web Soil Survey shows 2 soil units underlying the subject property: Alderwood
gravelly sandy loam (8-15 percent slopes) and Kitsap silt loam (8-15 percent slopes).
• WDFW SalmonScape Interactive Mapping System depicts a stream on the subject property, but
does not identify it as fish bearing.
• USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) does not show any wetlands on the subject
property, however it does map a stream.
• WDFW Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) Interactive Map does not show any priority species or
habitats on the subject parcel or in the near vicinity.
• King County iMap shows an unclassified stream within the boundary of the subject property.
• City of Renton Maps of Your Community (CRM) shows a stream flowing across the property.
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2.2 WETLAND & STREAM DETERMINATION METHODOLOGY
The OHWM of streams in the investigation area were identified using the methodologies described
in the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE), Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark for
Shoreline Management Act Compliance in Washington State (Anderson et al. 2016). The Washington State
Shoreline Management Act (SMA) defines ordinary high water mark as,
“…that mark that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and
action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the
soil a character distinct from that of the abutting upland, in respect to vegetation as that condition exists on
June 1, 1971, as it may naturally change thereafter, or as it may change thereafter in accordance with
permits issued by a local government or the department: PROVIDED, that in any area where the ordinary
high water mark cannot be found, the ordinary high water mark adjoining salt water shall be the line of
mean higher high tide and the ordinary high water mark adjoining fresh water shall be the line of mean high
water.”
Wetland boundaries were determined using the routine approach described in the Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys,
and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010). Under the routine
methodology, the process for making a wetland determination is based on three steps:
1) Examination of the site for hydrophytic vegetation (species present and percent cover);
2) Examination of the site for hydric soils;
3) Determining the presence of wetland hydrology
The following criteria must be met in order to make a positive wetland determination:
2.2.1 Hydrophytic Vegetation Criteria
The Corps Manual and 2010 Regional Supplement define hydrophytic vegetation as “the
assemblage of macrophytes that occurs in areas where inundation or soil saturation is either
permanent or of sufficient frequency and duration to influence plant occurrence.” Field indicators
are used to determine whether the hydrophytic vegetation criteria have been met. Examples of
these indicators include, but are not limited to, the rapid test for hydrophytic vegetation, a
dominance test result of greater than 50%, and/or a prevalence index score less than or equal to
3.0.
2.2.2 Soils Criteria and Mapped Description
The 2010 Regional Supplement (per the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils) defines
hydric soils as soils “that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough
during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.” Field indicators are
used to determine whether a given soil meets the definition for hydric soils. Indicators are
numerous and include, but are not limited to, presence of a histosol or histic epipedon, a sandy
gleyed matrix, depleted matrix, and redoximorphic depressions.
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According to the NRCS Web Soil Survey, two soil map units are predicted to occur on the subject
property: Ragnar-Indianola association (moderately steep, sloping) and Alderwood gravelly sandy
loam (8-15, 15-30 percent slopes).
Alderwood Gravelly Sandy Loam (8-15 percent slopes,), is described as a moderately well
drained soil on till plains. It is moderately deep over a hardpan. This soil formed in glacial till.
Typically, the surface layer is very dark grayish brown gravelly sandy loam about 7 inches thick.
The upper part of the subsoil is dark yellowish brown and dark brown very gravelly sandy loam
about 23 inches thick. Included in this unit are small areas of soils that have a stony or bouldery
surface layer and areas of McKenna soils, Norma soils, and Terric Medisaprists in drainageways
on plains. Also included are small areas of Everett, Indianola, and Ragnar soils on terraces and
outwash plains. Included areas make up about 15 percent of the total acreage. Permeability of this
soil is moderately rapid above the hardpan and very slow through it. Available water capacity is
low.
Kitsap Silt Loam (8-15 percent slopes) is made up of moderately well drained soils that formed
in glacial lake deposits, under a cover of conifers and shrubs. These soils are on terraces and
strongly dissected terrace fronts. They are generally undulating and rolling and moderately steep.
Platy, silty sediments are at a depth of 18 to 40 inches. In a representative profile, the surface layer
and subsoil are very dark brown and dark yellowish brown silt loam that extends to a depth of
about 24 inches. The subsoil is olive-gray silty clay loam. It extends to a depth of 60 inches or more.
Soils included with this soil in mapping make up no more than 30 percent of the total acreage.
Some areas are up to 15 percent Alderwood gravelly sandy loam; some are up to 15 percent the
very deep, sandy Indianola soils; and some are up to 2 percent the poorly drained Bellingham,
Seattle, and Tukwila soils. Runoff is rapid, and the erosion hazard is severe. Slippage potential is
severe. Permeability is moderate above the substratum and very slow within it. Available water
capacity is moderate to moderately high.
2.2.3 Hydrology Criteria
The 2010 Regional Supplement defines wetland hydrology as “areas that are inundated (flooded
or ponded) or the water table is less than or equal to 12 inches below the soil surface for 14 or more
consecutive days during the growing season at a minimum frequency of 5 years in 10.” During the
early growing season, wetland hydrology determinations are made based on physical observation
of surface water, a high water table, or saturation in the upper 12 inches. Outside of the early
growing season, wetland hydrology determinations are made based on physical evidence of recent
inundation or saturation (i.e. water marks, surface soil cracks, water-stained leaves).
2.3 WETLAND & STREAM BOUNDARY DETERMINATION FINDINGS
2.3.1 Wetland A
Cowardin Classification: Palustrine, Forested, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated Only.
City of Renton Classification: Category IV (low wildlife function)
City of Renton Buffer: 50-feet
Wetland A is a slope wetland located in the southern portion of the investigation area, Dominant
vegetation within the wetland includes red alder (Alnus rubra; FAC), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus
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armeniacus; FAC). The majority of the dominant species rate “facultative” or wetter, indicating that
a hydrophytic vegetative community is present. Typical soils in Wetland A are very dark grayish
brown (2.5Y 3/2) silt loam from the surface to 10 inches below. From 10 inches to greater than 18
inches, the soils change to a dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) silt loam with dark yellowish brown
redoximorphic features. At the time of the October 2019 investigation, soils were dry.
Given the hydrophytic community, hydric soils, and indications of hydrology, the area mapped as
off-site Wetland A meets the criteria for a wetland.
2.3.2 Wetland B
Cowardin Classification: Palustrine, Forested, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated.
City of Renton Classification: Category III (moderate wildlife function)
City of Renton Buffer: 75-feet
Wetland B is a depressional wetland located in the west-central portion of the investigation area.
Dominant vegetation within the wetland includes: red alder (Alnus rubra; FAC), black cottonwood
(Populus balsamifera; FAC), red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea, FACW), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus
armeniacus; FAC), giant horsetail (Equisetum telmateia; FACW), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina; FAC),
and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea, FACW). The majority of the dominant species rate
“facultative” or wetter, indicating that a hydrophytic vegetative community is present. Within the
wetland, from 0 to 8 inches below the surface, soils are generally a black (10YR 2/1) and a sandy
loam texture. The sublayer is a very dark gray (10YR 3/1) with dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)
redoximorphic features and a sandy loam texture. At the time of the October 2019 investigation,
soils were saturated within the top 12 inches.
Given the hydrophytic community, hydric soils, and presence of hydrology, the area mapped as
off-site Wetland B meets the criteria for a wetland.
2.3.3 Wetland C
Cowardin Classification: Palustrine, Scrub-Shrub, Broad-leaved Deciduous, Saturated.
City of Renton Classification: Category III (moderate wildlife function)
City of Renton Buffer: 75-feet
Wetland C is a slope wetland located in the northeastern portion of the investigation area and
associated with Stream A. Dominant vegetation within the wetland includes salmonberry (Rubus
spectabilis; FAC), andskunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus; OBL). The majority of the dominant
species rate “facultative” or wetter, indicating that a hydrophytic vegetative community is present.
Within the wetland, from 0 to 9 inches below the surface, soils are generally a very dark gray (2.5Y
3/1) and a silt loam texture. The sublayer is a dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) silt loam with dark
yellowish brown redoximorphic features. At the time of the October 2019 investigation, soils were
saturated to the surface with a water table visible at 10 inches below the soil surface.
Given the hydrophytic community, hydric soils, and presence of hydrology, the area mapped as
off-site Wetland C meets the criteria for a wetland.
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2.3.4 Non-wetland Areas
In non-wetland areas, vegetation includes: red alder (Alnus rubra; FAC), bigleaf maple (Acer
macrophyllum; FACU), beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta; FACU), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus
armeniacus; FAC), , bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea; FACW),
and sword fern (Polystichum munitum; FACU). Typical soils from soils in areas mapped as upland
were a very dark brown (10YR 3/2) with a sandy loam texture in the upper layer. In the sublayer,
soils were generally dark brown to dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) and a gravelly loam texture.
Soils in area mapped as non-wetland were dry at the time of the May 2018 site investigation. This
typical soil profile does not meet any hydric soil indicators.
No hydrological indicators were observed in the non-wetland areas adjacent to the on-site
wetlands. Given the lack of a hydrophytic vegetation community, wetland hydrology, and hydric
soils, the areas mapped as non-wetland do not meet the criteria for wetlands.
2.3.5 Stream A
Cowardin Classification: Riverine, Upper Perennial, Unconsolidated Bottom, Cobble-Gravel.
City of Renton Classification: Type F
City of Renton Buffer: 115-feet
Stream A bisects the property and is located in the northeastern region of the investigation are and
associated with Wetland C. At the time of the October 2019 site investigation, Stream A was
flowing, had an average width greater than 2 feet, and exhibited bed and bank characteristics.
Based on precipitation preceding the site investigations, WRI believes that Stream A is a perennial
feature.
Based on information gathered from on-site observations, Stream A is a perennial feature that is
consistent with RMC and WAC 222-16-030 Type F Stream Classification.
2.3.6 Stream B
Cowardin Classification: Riverine, Intermittent, Streambed, Cobble-Gravel.
City of Renton Classification: Type Ns
City of Renton Buffer: 50-feet
Stream B is a short tributary to Stream A. At the time of the October 2019 site investigation,
Stream B was flowing, had an average width of less than 2 feet, and exhibited bed and bank
characteristics. Based on precipitation preceding the site investigations, WRI believes that Stream
B is an intermittent feature.
Based on information gathered from on-site observations, Stream B is an intermittent feature that
is consistent with RMC and WAC 222-16-030 Type Ns Stream Classification.
2.4 BUFFER ENHANCEMENT
As part of the conservation plan for the off-site benefit parcel, the applicant is proposing to enhance
the degraded portions of the buffers associated with all the on-site critical areas. The buffer
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enhancement will involve removing invasive species and planting native trees and shrubs. The total
area of enhancement will be determined prior to final approval.
Prior to planting, invasive woody species including (but not limited to) Himalayan blackberry
(Rubus armeniacus) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium) will be removed from the buffer enhancement
area. Any existing native plants within the buffer shall be retained and protected. The following
native shrubs and groundcover will be planted in the buffer enhancement area.
Wetland B Buffer Enhancement
Common Name Latin Name Size Spacing
Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii 1 gallon 10’
Western red cedar Thuja plicata 1 gallon 10’
Vine maple Acer circinatum 1 gallon 6’
Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus 1 gallon 6’
Sword fern Polystichum munitum 1 gallon 4’
Low Oregon grape Mahonia nervosa 1 gallon 4’
3.0 FUNCTIONS AND VALUES ASSESSMENT
Wetlands and streams in Western Washington perform a variety of ecosystem functions. Included
among the most important functions provided by wetlands are stormwater control, water quality
improvement, fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetic value, recreational opportunities and education.
The most commonly assessed functions and their descriptions are listed below. Assessments of
these functions for the project site are provided in the “Analysis” section of this report.
Hydrologic Functions
Wetlands often function as natural water storage areas during periods of precipitation and flooding.
By storing water that otherwise might be channeled into open flow systems, wetlands can attenuate
or modify potentially damaging effects of storm events, reducing erosion and peak flows to
downstream systems. Additionally, the soils underlying wetlands are often less permeable,
providing long-term storage of stormwater or floodflow and controlling baseflows of downstream
systems. Stormwater storage capacity and floodflow attenuation are generally a function of the
size of the wetland and their topographic characteristics.
Water Quality
Surface water quality improvement is another important function provided by wetlands. Surface
runoff during periods of precipitation increases the potential for sediments and pollutants to enter
surface water. Wetlands improve water quality by acting as filters as water passes through them,
trapping sediments and pollutants from surface water. Ponded areas within depressional wetlands
also allow sediments to drop out of suspension, thereby increasing water quality.
Wildlife Habitat
Wetlands have potential to provide diverse habitat for aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species for
nesting, rearing, resting, cover, and foraging. Wildlife species are commonly dependent upon a
variety of intermingled habitat types, including: wetlands, adjacent uplands, large bodies of water,
and movement corridors between them. Human intrusion, including development within and
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adjacent to wetlands, and impacts to movement corridors are the most limiting factors for wildlife
habitat functions.
3.1 EXISTING WETLAND CONDITIONS
Wetland A is a slope wetland with an overstory of red alder and black cottonwood and an
understory dominated by: Himalayan blackberry, hazelnut, vine maple, and swordfern. This
wetland provides some hydrologic functions by slowing water velocity, especially during periods of
high flows. Vegetation within the wetland assists in filtration of sediments and pollutants. The
hydrological and water quality functions of this wetland are limited by the low residence time of
water within the wetland. This wetland provides low habitat value, due to limited structural
diversity, interspersion of habitats, special habitat features, and low landscape potential to support
habitat functions on-site. Overall, this wetland provides a low to moderate level of functions.
Wetland B is a depressional wetland with a canopy of red alder and black cottonwood, and
understory dominated by: red osier dogwood, salmonberry Himalayan blackberry, and reed
canarygrass. This wetland provides some hydrologic functions by slowing water velocity, especially
during periods of high flows. Vegetation within the wetland assists in filtration of sediments and
pollutants. Similar to Wetland A, this wetland provides low habitat value, due to: limited structural
diversity, interspersion of habitats, special habitat features, and low landscape potential to support
habitat functions on-site. Overall, this wetland provides a low to moderate level of functions.
Wetland C is a small depressional wetland dominated by salmonberry and skunk cabbage. This
wetland provides some hydrologic functions by slowing water velocity, especially during periods of
high flows. Vegetation within the wetland assists in filtration of sediments and pollutants. The
hydrological and water quality functions of this wetland are limited by the low residence time of
water within the wetland. This wetland does provide moderate habitat value, partially attributed
to its association with Stream A. Overall, this wetland provides a moderate level of functions.
3.2 POST CONSTRUCTION WETLAND FUNCTIONS AND VALUES
As mitigation for the proposed development on this property, the applicant is proposing to enhance
areas of existing buffer dominated by invasive species. The proposed buffer enhancement plantings
will provide a greater diversity of vegetation, facilitating more opportunities for wildlife to find
refuge. Additional native, fruit bearing shrubs will provide an increase in food sources for wildlife
in the area. This is a vital uplift in functions for all the on-site critical areas.
4.0 PROJECT NOTES
Pre-Construction Meeting
Mitigation projects are typically more complex to install than to describe in plans. Careful
monitoring by a wetland professional for all portions of this project is strongly recommended.
Construction timing and sequencing is important to the success of this type of project. There will
be a pre-construction meeting on this site between the Permittee, the consulting wetland
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professional, and laborers. The objective will be to verify the location of erosion control facilities,
verify the location of mitigation areas, and to discuss project sequencing.
Inspections
A wetland professional shall be contracted to periodically inspect the mitigation installation
described in this plan. Minor adjustments to the original design may be necessary prior to and
during construction due to unusual or hidden site conditions. A City of Renton representative
and/or the consulting professional will make these decisions during construction.
5.0 PLANTING NOTES
Plant in the early spring or late fall and obtain all plants from a reputable nursery. Care and
handling of all plant materials is extremely important to the overall success of the project. The
origin of all plant materials specified in this plan shall be native plants, nursery grown in the Puget
Sound region of Washington. Some limited species substitution may be allowed, only with the
agreement of the landscape designer, wetland professional, and/or City staff.
Pre-Planting Meeting
Prior to control of invasive species or installation of mitigation plantings, a site meeting between
the contracted landscaper and the consulting wetland professional shall occur to resolve any
questions that may arise. During this meeting a discussion regarding plant spacing and locations
of plant species including wetland verses buffer species shall occur between the landscape
contractor and the consulting wetland professional.
Handling
Plants shall be handled so as to avoid all damage, including: breaking, bruising, root damage,
sunburn, drying, freezing or other injury. Plants must be covered during transport. Plants shall
not be bound with wire or rope in a manner that could damage branches. Protect plant roots with
shade and wet soil in the time period between delivery and installation. Do not lift container stock
by trunks, stems, or tops. Do not remove from containers until ready to plant. Water all plants as
necessary to keep moisture levels appropriate to the species horticultural requirements. Plants shall
not be allowed to dry out. All plants shall be watered thoroughly immediately upon installation.
Soak all containerized plants thoroughly prior to installation.
Storage
Plants stored by the Permittee for longer than one month prior to planting shall be planted in
nursery rows and treated in a manner suitable to those species’ horticultural requirements. Plants
must be re-inspected by the wetland professional and/or landscape designer prior to installation.
Damaged plants
Damaged, dried out, or otherwise mishandled plants will be rejected at installation inspection. All
rejected plants shall be immediately removed from the site.
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Plant Names
Plant names shall comply with those generally accepted in the native plant nursery trade. Any
question regarding plant species or variety shall be referred to the landscape designer, wetland
professional, or City staff. All plant materials shall be true to species and variety and legibly tagged.
Quality and condition
Plants shall be normal in pattern of growth, healthy, well-branched, vigorous, with well-developed
root systems, and free of pests and diseases. Damaged, diseased, pest-infested, scraped, bruised,
dried out, burned, broken, or defective plants will be rejected. Plants with pruning wounds over
1-inch in diameter will be rejected.
Roots
All plants shall be balled and burlapped (B &B) or containerized, unless explicitly authorized by
the landscape designer and/or wetland professional. Rootbound plants or B&B plants with
damaged, cracked, or loose rootballs (major damage) will be rejected. Immediately before
installation, plants with minor root damage (some broken and/or twisted roots) must be root-
pruned. Matted or circling roots of containerized plantings must be pruned or straightened and
the sides of the root ball must be roughened from top to bottom to a depth of approximately half
an inch in two to four places. Bare root plantings of woody material are allowed only with
permission from the landscape designer, wetland professional and/or City staff.
Sizes
Plant sizes shall be the size indicated in the plant schedule in approved plans. Larger stock may
be acceptable provided that it has not been cut back to the size specified, and that the root ball is
proportionate to the size of the plant. Smaller stock may be acceptable, and preferable under
some circumstances, based on site-specific conditions. Measurements, caliper, branching, and
balling and burlapping shall conform to the American Standard of Nursery Stock by the American
Association of Nurserymen (latest edition).
Form
Evergreen trees shall have single trunks and symmetrical, well-developed form. Deciduous trees
shall be single trunked unless specified as multi-stem in the plant schedule. Shrubs shall have
multiple stems and be well-branched.
Timing of Planting
Unless otherwise approved by City staff, all planting shall occur between November 1 and March
1. Overall, the earlier plants go into the ground during the dormant period, the more time they
have to adapt to the site and extend their root systems before the water demands of spring and
summer.
Weeding
Existing and exotic vegetation in the mitigation areas will be hand-weeded from around all newly
installed plants at the time of installation and on a routine basis throughout the monitoring period.
No chemical control of vegetation on any portion of the site is recommended.
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Site conditions
The contractor shall immediately notify the landscape designer and/or wetland professional of
drainage or soil conditions likely to be detrimental to the growth or survival of plants. Planting
operations shall not be conducted under the following conditions: freezing weather, when the
ground is frozen, excessively wet weather, excessively windy weather, or in excessive heat.
Planting Pits
Planting pits shall be circular or square with vertical sides, and shall be 6” deeper and 12” larger
in diameter than the root ball of the plant. Break up the sides of the pit in compacted soils. Set
plants upright in pits. Burlap shall be removed from the planting pit. Backfill shall be worked back
into holes such that air pockets are removed without adversely compacting down soils.
Fertilizer
Slow release fertilizer may be used if pre-approved by City of Renton staff. Fertilizers shall be
applied only at the base of plantings underneath the required covering of mulch (that does not
make contact with stems of the plants). No soil amendment or fertilizers will be placed in planting
holes.
Staking
Most shrubs and many trees DO NOT require any staking. If the plant can stand alone without
staking in a moderate wind, do not use a stake. If the plant needs support, then strapping or
webbing should be used as low as possible on the trunk to loosely brace the tree with two stakes.
Do not brace the tree tightly or too high on the trunk. If the tree is unable to sway, it will further
lose the ability to support itself. Do not use wire in a rubber hose for strapping as it exerts too much
pressure on the bark. As soon as supporting the plant becomes unnecessary, remove the stakes. All
stakes must be removed within two (2) years of installation.
Plant Location
Colored surveyors ribbon or other appropriate marking shall be attached to the installed plants to
assist in locating the plants while removing the competing non-native vegetation and during the
monitoring period.
Arrangement and Spacing
The plants shall be arranged in a pattern with the appropriate numbers, sizes, species, and
distribution that are required in accordance with the approved plans. The actual placement of
individual plants shall mimic natural, asymmetric vegetation patterns found on similar undisturbed
sites in the area. Spacing of the plantings may be adjusted to maintain existing vegetation with the
agreement of the landscape designer, wetland professional, and/or City staff.
Inspection(s)
A wetland professional shall be present on site to inspect the plants prior to planting. Minor
adjustments to the original design may be required prior to and during construction.
Woodchip Mulch
All landscaped areas denuded of vegetation and soil surface surrounding all planting pit areas shall
receive no less than 2 to 4 inches of certified woodchip mulch after planting. A layer of woodchip
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
Blue Fern Development – Off-site Benefit Parcel 12 November 21, 2019
mulch will be placed around the base of each plant in a 3-foot radius and at a depth of 2 to 4
inches. The woodchip mulch shall not be allowed to contact plant stems in order to avoid plant
decay and rot.
6.0 PROJECT MONITORING PROGRAM
6.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR MONITORING PROJECT:
1. Initial compliance/as-built report
2. Site inspection (twice per year) for five years
3. Annual reports (one report submitted during each monitored year)
Purpose for Monitoring
The purpose for monitoring this mitigation project shall be to evaluate its success. Success will be
determined if monitoring shows at the end of five years that the definitions of success stated below
are met. The property owner shall grant access to the mitigation area for inspection and
maintenance to the contracted landscape and/or wetland specialist and City of Renton during the
monitoring period or until the project is evaluated as successful.
Monitoring
Monitoring shall be conducted twice annually for five years in accordance with the approved
Mitigation Plan. The monitoring period will begin once the City receives written notification
confirming the mitigation plan has been implemented and City staff inspects the site and issues
approval of the installation.
Vegetation Monitoring
Sampling points or transects will be established for vegetation monitoring and photo points will be
established from which photos will be taken throughout the monitoring period. Permanent
sampling points must be identified on the mitigation site plans in the first monitoring report (they
may be drawn on approved plans by hand). Each sampling point shall detail herbaceous, shrub,
and tree coverage. Monitoring of vegetation sampling points shall occur once per monitored year.
Wetland Hydrology Monitoring
To ensure that wetland hydrology is not impacted by the development, the wetland boundaries
will be reviewed during the spring monitoring visit of each monitored year. If it appears that any
existing wetland areas are no longer saturated or inundated for sufficient duration to support
wetland conditions, those areas will be demarcated in the field and depicted on a map. Additional
mitigation may need to be provided, as described in the contingency plan in Section 15, below.
Photo points
No less than four permanent photo points will be established within the mitigation areas.
Photographs will be taken from these points to visually record condition of the mitigation areas.
Photos shall be taken annually between May 15 and September 30 (prior to leaf drop), unless
otherwise specified.
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
Blue Fern Development – Off-site Benefit Parcel 13 November 21, 2019
6.2 MONITORING REPORT CONTENTS
Monitoring reports shall be submitted by December 31 of each year during the monitoring period.
As applicable, monitoring reports must include descriptions / data for:
1. Site plan and vicinity map
2. Historic description of project, including date of installation, current year of monitoring,
restatement of enhancement goals, and performance standards
3. Plant survival, vigor, and areal coverage for every plant community (transect or sampling
point data), and explanation of monitoring methodology in the context of assessing
performance standards
4. Wetland and buffer conditions, e.g., surrounding land use, use by humans, and/or wild
and domestic creatures
5. Observed wildlife, including amphibians, avians, and others
6. Assessment of nuisance / exotic biota and recommendations for management
7. Color photographs taken from permanent photo-points that shall be depicted on the
monitoring report map
7.0 PROJECT SUCCESS & COMPLIANCE
7.1 CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS
Upon completion of the proposed mitigation project, an inspection by a qualified biologist will be
made to determine plan compliance. A compliance report will be supplied to the City of Renton
within 30 days after the completion of planting. A landscape professional or wetland professional
will perform condition monitoring of the plantings in the spring and fall of each monitored year.
A written report describing the monitoring results will be submitted to the City after each site
inspection of each monitored year. Final inspection will occur five years after completion of this
project. The contracted consultant will prepare a report as to the success of the project.
7.2 DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
The planting areas shall meet the following performance standards:
a) End of Year 1
• 100 percent survival of newly planted species and
• Less than 20 percent cover of weedy/invasive species
b) End of Year 2
• 80 percent survival of newly planted species
• Less than 20 percent cover of weedy/invasive species
c) End of Year 3
• At least 50 percent native vegetation coverage within the mitigation areas*
• Less than 20 percent cover of weedy/invasive species
d) End of Year 5
• At least 80 percent aerial cover of native woody plant species*,
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
Blue Fern Development – Off-site Benefit Parcel 14 November 21, 2019
• Less than 20 percent cover of weedy/invasive species.
*Volunteering native species may be included in the aerial cover calculations.
The species mix should resemble that proposed in the planting plans, but strict adherence to
obtaining all of the species shall not be a criterion for success.
8.0 MAINTENANCE
The mitigation areas will require periodic maintenance to remove undesirable species and replace
vegetation mortality. Maintenance shall occur in accordance with the approved plans. Chemical
control, only if approved by City staff, shall be applied by a licensed applicator following all label
instructions.
Duration and Extent
In order to achieve performance standards, the permittee shall have the mitigation area maintained
for the duration of the five-year monitoring period. Maintenance will include: watering, weeding
around the base of installed plants, pruning, replacement, re-staking, removal of all classes of
noxious weeds (see Washington State Noxious Weeds List, WAC 16-750-005) as well as Himalayan
blackberry, and any other measures needed to ensure plant survival. The landscape designer
and/or wetland professional shall direct all maintenance.
Survival
The permittee shall be responsible for the health of 100% of all newly installed plants for one growing
season after installation has been accepted by the City of Renton. A growing season for these
purposes is defined as occurring from spring to spring (March 15 to March 15 of the following
year). For fall installation (often required), the growing season will begin the following spring. The
permittee shall replace any plants that are: failing, weak, defective in manner of growth, or dead
during this growing season, as directed by the landscape designer, wetland professional, and/or
City of Renton staff.
Installation Timing for Replacement Plants
Replacement plants shall be installed between September 15 and January 15, unless otherwise
determined by the landscape designer, wetland professional, and/or City of Renton staff.
Standards for Replacement Plants
Replacement plants shall meet the same standards for size and type as those specified for the
original installation, unless otherwise directed by the landscape designer, wetland professional,
and/or City of Renton staff.
Replanting
Plants that have settled in their planting pits too deep, too shallow, loose, or crooked shall be
replanted as directed by the landscape designer, wetland professional, and/or City of Renton staff.
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
Blue Fern Development – Off-site Benefit Parcel 15 November 21, 2019
Herbicides / Pesticides
In general, chemical controls shall not be used in the mitigation area, sensitive areas, or their
buffers. However, limited use of herbicides may be approved depending on site-specific conditions,
only if approved by City of Renton staff.
Irrigation / Watering
Water shall be provided during the dry season (July 1 through October 15) for the first two years
after installation to ensure plant survival and establishment. A temporary above ground irrigation
system shall be installed within the Stream S buffer enhancement area and Wetland B buffer
enhancement area to provide water. Water shall be applied at a rate of 1” of water twice per week
for year one and 1” per week during year two. If the mitigation plantings meet 80 percent survival
at the end of year two, the system may be removed.
General
The permittee shall include in general maintenance activities the replacement of any vandalized
or damaged signs, habitat features, fences, or other structural components of this mitigation site.
9.0 CONTINGENCY PLAN
If 20% of the plants are severely stressed during any of the inspections, or it appears 20 percent
may not survive, additional plantings of the same species may be added to the planting area.
Elements of a contingency plan may include, but will not be limited to: more aggressive weed
control, pest control, mulching, replanting with larger plant material, species substitution,
fertilization, soil amendments, and/or irrigation.
10.0 FENCING & SIGNAGE
Per RMC 4-3-050(G)(3)(f)-(h) outlines fencing and signage requirements. Prior to construction, the
outer extent of the approved critical area buffer and areas not to be disturbed shall be marked with
high visibility orange construction fencing and silt fencing. Subsequently, permanent fencing of the
native growth protection area containing critical area shall be installed, along with permanent signs
(made of wood or metal, adhered to treated or metal posts). Sign locations and size specifications
shall be approved by the city. RMC 4-3-050(G)(3)(h) recommends the following wording for signs,
“Protection of this natural area is in your care. Alteration or disturbance is
prohibited by law.”
11.0 COST ESTIMATE & SURETY DEVICE
A surety device shall be provided to the City of Renton for the period of five years from the
completion of the project, in the amount of equal to the estimated cost for plant material and labor.
The City of Renton shall release this bond at the end of the five years, upon successful
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
Blue Fern Development – Off-site Benefit Parcel 16 November 21, 2019
determination for all portions of this mitigation project. The estimated project cost will be
estimated once the final buffer enhancement area has been determined.
12.0 USE OF THIS REPORT
This Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan is supplied to Blue Fern
Development, LLC as a means of determining on-site critical area conditions, as required by the
City of Renton during the permitting process. This report is based largely on readily observable
conditions and, to a lesser extent, on readily ascertainable conditions. No attempt has been made
to determine hidden or concealed conditions.
The laws applicable to wetlands are subject to varying interpretations and may be changed at any
time by the courts or legislative bodies. This report is intended to provide information deemed
relevant in the applicant's attempt to comply with the laws now in effect.
The work for this report has conformed to the standard of care employed by wetland ecologists.
No other representation or warranty is made concerning the work or this report, and any implied
representation or warranty is disclaimed.
Wetland Resources, Inc.
Scott Brainard, PWS
Principal Ecologist
13.0 REFERENCES
Anderson et al. 2016. Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark for Shoreline Management
Act Compliance in Washington State. WA Department of Ecology. Publication #16-06-
029.
Brinson, M.M. 1993. A Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands. Technical Report WRPDE-4. US
Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
Blue Fern Development – Off-site Benefit Parcel 17 November 21, 2019
Cowardin, et al., 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S.
Department of the Interior. FWS/OBS-79/31. December 1979.
Ecology, Department of. Shoreline Master Programs Handbook (SMP Handbook). Washington State
Department of Ecology. Publication #11-06-010. Olympia, WA.
Lichvar, Tobert W. and J.T. Kartesz, 2014. National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.0. U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research
and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover NH and BONAP, Chapel Hill, NC.
http://wetland_plants.usace.army.mil
Hruby, T. 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update.
Publication #14-06-029. Washington Department of Ecology. Olympia, WA.
King County. 2019. iMap Interactive Mapping Tool.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/GIS/Maps/iMAP.aspx.
Munsell Color. 2012. Munsell Soil Color Book. Munsell Color, Grand Rapids, MI.
NRCS. 2018. Web Soil Survey. United States Department of Agriculture.
http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.
Sheldon, D., T. Hruby, P. Johnson, K. Harper, A. McMillan, T. Granger, S. Stanley, and E.
Stockdale. March 2005. Wetlands in Washington State - Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science.
Washington State Department of Ecology. Publication #05-06-006. Olympia, WA.
Renton, City of. Renton Municipal Code. 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations (current through
Ordinance 5921, passed February 11, 2019).
Renton, City of. City of Renton Maps of Your Community.
http://rp.rentonwa.gov/HTML5Public/Index.HTML?viewer=CORMaps
US Army COE. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western
Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0). Vicksburg, MS
USFWS. 2019. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Online Mapper.
http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html.
WDFW. 2009. Fish Passage and Surface Water Diversion Screening Assessment and Prioritization
Manual. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Olympia, Washington.
WDFW. 2019. Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) Interactive Map.
http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/phsontheweb/.
WDFW. 2019. SalmonScape Online Mapping Application.
http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/salmonscape/map.html.
Critical Area Study & Conceptual Buffer Enhancement Plan Wetland Resources, Inc. #19300
Blue Fern Development – Off-site Benefit Parcel 18 November 21, 2019
WDFW. 2019. Washington State Fish Passage.
https://geodataservices.wdfw.wa.gov/hp/fishpassage/index.html.
APPENDIX A
US Army Corps of Engineers Data Forms
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site:
City/County:
Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner:
State:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR):
Lat:
Long:
Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name:
NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size:
) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
(B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A)
(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Blue Fern Off-site Benefit Parcel Renton/King 10/18
Blue Fern Development LLC WA S1
SB 29, 24, 5
Hillslope Concave 5+
LLR-A 47.538083 -122.193429
4
4
4
4
4
4
Alnus rubra 50 Y FacW
Populus balsamifera 30 Y FacW
80
Rubus armeniacus 50 Y Fac
Rubus spectabilis 30 Y Fac
F
80
Atherium felix femina 50 Y Fac
Tellima grandiflora 40 Y Fac
0
6
6
100
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
4
4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
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
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S1
0-12 10YR 3/1 95 7.5YR 4/6 5 C M Sil
12-18+2.5Y 5/2 80 7.5YR 4/6 10 C M
4
4
4
4 12 4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site:
City/County:
Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner:
State:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR):
Lat:
Long:
Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name:
NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size:
) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
(B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A)
(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Blue Fern Off-site Benefit Parcel Renton/King 10/18
Blue Fern Development LLC WA S2
SB 29, 24, 5
Hillslope Concave 5+
LLR-A 47.538083 -122.193429
4
4
4
4
4
4
Alnus rubra 30 Y Fac
Acer macrophyllum 20 Y FacW
50
Corylus cornuta 30 Y FacU
Oemleria cerasiformis 25 Y FacU
Rubus armeniacus 20 Y Fac
75
Polystichum munitum 50 Y FacU
Mahonia nervosa 20 Y FacU
70
0
2
7
29
0 0
0 0
21 63
79 316
0 0
100 379
3.8
4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
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
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S2
0-11 10YR 3/2 100
11-18+10YR 4/3 90 7.5YR 4/6 10 C M
4
4 4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site:
City/County:
Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner:
State:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR):
Lat:
Long:
Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name:
NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size:
) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
(B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A)
(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Blue Fern Off-site Benefit Parcel Renton/King 10/18
Blue Fern Development LLC WA S3
SB 29, 24, 5
Hillslope Concave 5+
LLR-A 47.538083 -122.193429
4
4
4
4
4
4
Fraxinus latifolia 50 Y FacW
Populus balsamifera 30 Y FacW
80
Cornus sericea 50 Y FacW
Acer circinatum 30 Y Fac
Rubus spectabilis 10 N Fac
90
Atherium felix femina 50 Y Fac
Tellima grandiflora 40 Y Fac
0
6
6
100
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
4
4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
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
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S3
0-10 10YR 3/1 95 7.5YR 4/6 5 C M Sil
10-18+2.5Y 5/2 80 7.5YR 4/6 10 C M
4
4
4
4 10 4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site:
City/County:
Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner:
State:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR):
Lat:
Long:
Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name:
NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size:
) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
(B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A)
(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Blue Fern Off-site Benefit Parcel Renton/King 10/18
Blue Fern Development LLC WA S2
SB 29, 24, 5
Hillslope Concave 5+
LLR-A 47.538083 -122.193429
4
4
4
4
4
4
Alnus rubra 30 Y Fac
Acer macrophyllum 20 Y FacW
50
Corylus cornuta 30 Y FacU
Oemleria cerasiformis 25 Y FacU
Rubus armeniacus 20 Y Fac
Rubus spectabilis 10 N Fac
85
Polystichum munitum 50 Y FacU
Mahonia nervosa 20 Y FacU
70
0
2
7
29
0 0
0 0
21 63
79 316
0 0
100 379
3.8
4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
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
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S2
0-11 10YR 3/2 100
11-18+10YR 4/3 90 7.5YR 4/6 10 C M
4
4 4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site:
City/County:
Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner:
State:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR):
Lat:
Long:
Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name:
NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size:
) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
(B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A)
(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Blue Fern Off-site Benefit Parcel Renton/King 10/18
Blue Fern Development LLC WA S3
SB 29, 24, 5
Hillslope Concave 5+
LLR-A 47.538083 -122.193429
4
4
4
4
4
4
Rubus spectabilis 20 Y Fac
Phalaris arundinacea 60 Y FacW
Lysichiton americanus 20 Y Obl
Equisetum telmatiea 10 N FacW
0
3
4
75
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
4
4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
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
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S3
0-18+"10YR 3/1 95 7.5YR 4/6 5 C M Sil
4
4
4
4 6 4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site:
City/County:
Sampling Date:
Applicant/Owner:
State:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
Section, Township, Range:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Slope (%):
Subregion (LRR):
Lat:
Long:
Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name:
NWI classification:
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation
, Soil
, or Hydrology
naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks:
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size:
) % Cover Species? Status
1.
2.
3.
4.
= Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
= Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:
)
1.
2.
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
(B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
(A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A)
(B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks:
Blue Fern Off-site Benefit Parcel Renton/King 10/18
Blue Fern Development LLC WA S6
SB 29, 24, 5
Hillslope Concave 5+
LLR-A 47.538083 -122.193429
4
4
4
4
4
4
Thuja plicata 40 Y Fac
Acer macrophyllum 20 Y FacU
60
Corylus cornuta 30 Y FacU
Oemleria cerasiformis 20 Y FacU
50
Polystichum munitum 50 Y FacU
Mahonia nervosa 20 Y FacU
70
0
1
6
50
0 0
0 0
22 66
77 308
0 0
99 374
3.7
4
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point:
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
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
S6
0-18 10YR 3/2 100
4
4 4
APPENDIX B
Department of Ecology Wetland Rating Forms
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 1
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Rated by____________________________ Trained by Ecology?__ Yes ___No Date of training______
HGM Class used for rating_________________ Wetland has multiple HGM classes?___Y ____N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map ______________________________________
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY ____ (based on functions___ or special characteristics___)
1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
_______Category I – Total score = 23 - 27
_______Category II – Total score = 20 - 22
_______Category III – Total score = 16 - 19
_______Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION
Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic
Habitat
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on
Ratings
2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY
Estuarine I II
Wetland of High Conservation Value I
Bog I
Mature Forest I
Old Growth Forest I
Coastal Lagoon I II
Interdunal I II III IV
None of the above
A
4
19300 - WL A 10/17/19
EC 10/18
SLOPE 4
King County
IV 4
4
5 5 4 14
4
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2
Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3
Lake Fringe Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3
Slope Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S 4.1
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3
A
A1
A1
A4
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 3
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 11
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
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
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
Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above
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
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
Total for S 2 Add the points in the boxes above
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
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
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
Total for S 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
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2
2
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1
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1
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1
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1
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 12
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
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
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
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 downstr eam 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
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
Total for S 6 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
NOTES and FIELD OBSERVATIONS:
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
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
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft 2.
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
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
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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)
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
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
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
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
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
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 = H 1-3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rated.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page)
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species
It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a
Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1
Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value If score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands.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
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 17
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
A
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 18
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
This page left blank intentionally
Go to First Page
LEGEND
SATURATED ONLY
FORESTED VEGETATION
150' FROM WL BOUNDARY
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 1- WETLAND A
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
Scale 1" = 100'
10050 150 2000
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure A-1
Wetland A
Scale 1" = 1,000'
0 1,000 2,000
WETLAND
LEGEND
1 KM FROM
WETLAND
RELATIVELY
UNDISTURBED
LOW/MOD.
INTENSITY
HIGH
INTENSITY
ACCESSIBLE
HABITAT
CONTRIBUTING
BASIN
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 2- WETLAND A
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure A-2
Wetland A
Scale 1" = 3,000'
0 3,000 6,000
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 3- WETLAND A
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
NOTE: NO AQUATIC RESOURCES WITH ACTIVE TMDL IN VICINITY OF WETLAND
LEGEND
AQUATIC RESOURCES
ON THE 303(d) LIST
WETLAND
AQUATIC RESOURCES
WITH ACTIVE TMDL
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure A-3
Wetland A
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 4- WETLAND A
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
LEGEND
DENSE UNCUT
RIDGID
DENSE WOODY
DENSE UNCUT
HERBACEOUS
WETLAND
Scale 1" = 40'
0 40 80
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure A-4
Wetland A
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 1
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Rated by____________________________ Trained by Ecology?__ Yes ___No Date of training______
HGM Class used for rating_________________ Wetland has multiple HGM classes?___Y ____N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map ______________________________________
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY ____ (based on functions___ or special characteristics___)
1.Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
_______Category I – Total score = 23 - 27
_______Category II – Total score = 20 - 22
_______Category III – Total score = 16 - 19
_______Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on
Ratings
2.Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY
Estuarine I II
Wetland of High Conservation Value I
Bog I
Mature Forest I
Old Growth Forest I
Coastal Lagoon I II
Interdunal I II III IV
None of the above
B
6 4 5 15
4
19300 WL B 10/23/19
SB 4
DEPRESSIONAL 4
King County
4
4
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2
Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3
Lake Fringe Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3
Slope Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S 4.1
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3
B
B1
B1
B1
B1
B2
B2
B3
B3
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 3
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
B
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
B
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 5
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet).
points = 3
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet.
points = 2
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 1
Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1
D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions).Yes = 4 No = 0
D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes):
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > ½ of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation :
This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1 -D 2.3?
Source_______________ Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 or 4 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1. Does the 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
D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (answer YES
if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
B
4 2
4
5
0
4
2
9
4
0
1
1
0
0
2
4
1
0
1
4
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 6
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation
D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) points = 4
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outletpoints = 2
Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch points = 1
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 0
D 4.2. Depth of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands
with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part.
Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points = 7
Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 5
Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland points = 3
Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in) points = 0
D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin
contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.
The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5
The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points = 3
The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit points = 0
Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5
Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions of the site?
D 5.1. Does the wetland receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at
>1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1. The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around
the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met .
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down -gradient into areas where flooding has
damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds):
Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the
water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why _____________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0
D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan?
Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
B
4 2
0
4
4
0
2
4
0
1
1
2
4
0
4
0
0
4
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
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
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft 2.
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
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
B
4
4
4
2
1
4
4
1
2
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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)
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat +[(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
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
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
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
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
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 = H 1-3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rated.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page)
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species
It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a
Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1
Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value If score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
B
8
4
2
4
4
1 1 2
0
11 6 17
1
-2
-1
4
1
4
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4
4
4
4
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
4
4
B
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands.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
B
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 17
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
B
N/A
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 18
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
This page left blank intentionally
Scale 1" = 100'
0 100 200
SCRUB-SHRUB
LEGEND
EMERGENT VEGETATION
SATURATED ONLY
FORESTED VEGETATION
SEASONALLY FLOODED
150' FROM WL BOUNDARY
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 1- WETLAND B
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure B-1
Wetland B
Scale 1" = 1,000'
0 1,000 2,000
WETLAND
LEGEND
1 KM FROM
WETLAND
RELATIVELY
UNDISTURBED
LOW/MOD.
INTENSITY
HIGH
INTENSITY
ACCESSIBLE
HABITAT
CONTRIBUTING
BASIN
CONTRIBUTING BASIN
AREA RELATIVE TO
WETLAND UNIT IS 136:1
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 2- WETLAND B
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure B-2
Wetland B
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 3- WETLAND B
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
Scale 1" = 3,000'
0 3,000 6,000
NOTE: NO AQUATIC RESOURCES WITH ACTIVE TMDL IN VICINITY OF WETLAND
LEGEND
AQUATIC RESOURCES
ON THE 303(d) LIST
WETLAND
AQUATIC RESOURCES
WITH ACTIVE TMDL
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure B-3
Wetland B
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 1
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Rated by____________________________ Trained by Ecology?__ Yes ___No Date of training______
HGM Class used for rating_________________ Wetland has multiple HGM classes?___Y ____N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map ______________________________________
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY ____ (based on functions___ or special characteristics___)
1.Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
_______Category I – Total score = 23 - 27
_______Category II – Total score = 20 - 22
_______Category III – Total score = 16 - 19
_______Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic Habitat
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on
Ratings
2.Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY
Estuarine I II
Wetland of High Conservation Value I
Bog I
Mature Forest I
Old Growth Forest I
Coastal Lagoon I II
Interdunal I II III IV
None of the above
C
6 5 4 15
4
19300 WL C 10/23/19
SB 4
DEPRESSIONAL 4
King County
IC 4
4
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2
Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3
Lake Fringe Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3
Slope Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S 4.1
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3
C
C1
C1
C1
C1
C2
C2
C3
C3
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 3
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
C
Go to First Page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
C
4
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 5
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet).
points = 3
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet.
points = 2
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 1
Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1
D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions).Yes = 4 No = 0
D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes):
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > ½ of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation :
This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1 -D 2.3?
Source_______________ Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 or 4 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1. Does the 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
D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (answer YES
if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
C
4 2
4 3
0
4
2
7
4
0
1
1
0
0
2
4
1
0
1
4
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 6
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation
D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) points = 4
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outletpoints = 2
Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch points = 1
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 0
D 4.2. Depth of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands
with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part.
Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points = 7
Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 5
Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland points = 3
Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in) points = 0
D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin
contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.
The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5
The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points = 3
The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit points = 0
Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5
Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions of the site?
D 5.1. Does the wetland receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at
>1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1. The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around
the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met .
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down -gradient into areas where flooding has
damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds):
Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the
water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why _____________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0
D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan?
Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
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
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft 2.
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
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
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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)
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat +[(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
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
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
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
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
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 = H 1-3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rated.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page)
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species
It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a
Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1
Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value If score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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.
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands.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
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Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 17
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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
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Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 18
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
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WETLAND RATING FIGURE 1- WETLAND C
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
Scale 1" = 100'
10050 150 2000
SCRUB-SHRUB
LEGEND
SATURATED ONLY
SEASONALLY FLOODED
150' FROM WL BOUNDARY
INTERMITTENT STREAM
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure C-1
Wetland C
WETLAND
LEGEND
1 KM FROM
WETLAND
RELATIVELY
UNDISTURBED
LOW/MOD.
INTENSITY
HIGH
INTENSITY
ACCESSIBLE
HABITAT
CONTRIBUTING
BASIN
CONTRIBUTING BASIN
AREA RELATIVE TO
WETLAND UNIT IS XX:1
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 2- WETLAND C
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure C-2
Wetland C
Scale 1" = 1,000'
0 1,000 2,000
WETLAND RATING
Blue Fern Development, LLC
Attn. Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #204
Kirkland , WA 98033
Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com WRI Job # 19300
Rated by: EC
Figure C-3
Wetland C
WETLAND RATING FIGURE 3- WETLAND C
BLUE FERN DEVELOPMENT - OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
Scale 1" = 3,000'
0 3,000 6,000
NOTE: NO AQUATIC RESOURCES WITH ACTIVE TMDL IN VICINITY OF WETLAND
LEGEND
AQUATIC RESOURCES
ON THE 303(d) LIST
WETLAND
AQUATIC RESOURCES
WITH ACTIVE TMDL
APPENDIX C
Critical Area Study and Buffer Enhancement Map
LAKE WASHINGTON BLVD NEN28°48'38"ES88°47'49"E
287.93
S00°55'52"W414.74S81°12'12"E
68.16 N28°48'38"E442.45Delineation / Mitigation / Restoration / Habitat Creation / Permit Assistance
9505 19th Avenue S.E. Suite 106 Everett,Washington 98208
Phone: (425) 337-3174
Fax: (425) 337-3045
Email: mailbox@wetlandresources .com
Date: 11/25/2019
BLUE FERN - OFF SITE BENEFIT
Blue Fern Development LLC
Attn: Jordan Salisbury
11232 120th Ave NE, #102
Kirkland, WA 98033
CITY OF RENTON
CRITICAL AREA STUDY
BUFFER ENAHNCEMENT MAP
Drawn by: SB
WRI #: 19300
Sheet 1/1
WETLAND A
CATEGORY IV
50' BUFFER
WETLAND B
CATEGORY III
100' BUFFER
WETLAND C
CATEGORY III
100' BUFFER
STREAM A
TYPE F
115' BUFFER
STREAM B
TYPE NP
75' BUFFER
BLUE FERN OFFSITE BENEFIT PARCEL
CRITICAL AREA STUDY AND BUFFER ENHANCEMENT MAP
PORTION OF SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 24N, RANGE 5E, W.M.
Scale 1" = 50'
5025 75 1000
LEGEND
PROPERTY BOUNDARY
WETLAND
STREAM
BUFFER
DATAS1S6
S1
S4
S2
S5
S3
S6