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Home My WebLink About10. L2ST_SegA_CAR_2015 Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Areas Report Prepared for April 2015 Prepared by April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study Prepared for Parks Division 201 South Jackson, Seventh Floor Seattle, Washington 98104 Prepared by Parametrix 719 2nd Avenue, Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98104 T. 206.394.3700 F. 1.855.542.6353 www.parametrix.com CITATION Parametrix. 2015. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study. Prepared by Parametrix, Seattle, Washington. April 2015. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1‐1 1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................... 1‐1 1.2 PROJECT FEATURES ....................................................................................................................... 1‐1 1.3 PROJECT AREA AND SETTING ........................................................................................................ 1‐2 1.4 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED ...................................................................................................... 1‐2 1.5 PURPOSE OF REPORT .................................................................................................................... 1‐4 1.6 STUDY AREA .................................................................................................................................. 1‐4 1.7 APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS......................................................................................... 1‐4 2. METHODS ................................................................................................................................... 2‐1 2.1 REVIEW OF EXISTING INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 2‐1 2.2 FIELD INVESTIGATION ................................................................................................................... 2‐1 2.3 WETLANDS .................................................................................................................................... 2‐1 2.3.1 Identification and Delineation ......................................................................................... 2‐1 2.3.2 Wetland Classification and Rating ................................................................................... 2‐3 2.3.3 Wetland Functional Assessment ...................................................................................... 2‐4 2.4 STREAMS ....................................................................................................................................... 2‐4 2.5 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AREAS .................................................................. 2‐6 2.6 AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD .............................................................................................. 2‐7 2.7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................... 2‐7 3. RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................... 3‐1 3.1 GENERAL HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS .......................................................................................... 3‐1 3.1.1 Land Use ........................................................................................................................... 3‐1 3.1.2 Topography ...................................................................................................................... 3‐1 3.1.3 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 3‐1 3.1.4 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 3‐1 3.1.5 Fish and Wildlife ............................................................................................................... 3‐2 3.2 WETLANDS IN STUDY AREA .......................................................................................................... 3‐2 3.3 STREAMS ..................................................................................................................................... 3‐14 3.3.1 Green and Black River Basins ......................................................................................... 3‐14 3.3.2 Green River .................................................................................................................... 3‐15 3.3.3 Black River ...................................................................................................................... 3‐16 3.4 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AREAS ................................................................ 3‐18 3.5 AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD ............................................................................................ 3‐18 Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) ii April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 4. IMPACTS ..................................................................................................................................... 4‐1 4.1 WETLANDS .................................................................................................................................... 4‐1 4.1.1 Permanent Wetland Impacts ........................................................................................... 4‐1 4.1.2 Permanent Wetland Buffer Impacts ................................................................................ 4‐1 4.1.3 Temporary Wetland Impacts ........................................................................................... 4‐2 4.1.4 Temporary Wetland Buffer Impacts ................................................................................ 4‐2 4.2 STREAMS ....................................................................................................................................... 4‐2 4.2.1 Permanent Stream Impacts ............................................................................................. 4‐2 4.2.2 Permanent Stream Buffer Impacts ................................................................................ 4‐20 4.2.3 Temporary Stream Impacts ............................................................................................ 4‐21 4.2.4 Temporary Stream Buffer Impacts ................................................................................. 4‐21 4.3 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AREAS ................................................................ 4‐21 4.4 AREAS OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD ............................................................................................ 4‐21 5. MITIGATION ............................................................................................................................... 5‐1 5.1 AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION ................................................................................................. 5‐1 5.2 RESTORATION OF TEMPORARY IMPACTS ..................................................................................... 5‐1 5.3 COMPENSATORY MITIGATION ...................................................................................................... 5‐2 5.3.1 Regulatory Requirements for Compensatory Mitigation ................................................ 5‐2 5.3.2 Site Selection .................................................................................................................... 5‐3 5.3.3 Mitigation Site Existing Conditions .................................................................................. 5‐3 5.3.4 Proposed Mitigation......................................................................................................... 5‐4 5.3.5 Mitigation Goals, Objectives, and Performance Standards ............................................. 5‐4 6. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................. 6‐1 6.1 MONITORING ................................................................................................................................ 6‐1 6.1.1 Quantitative Monitoring .................................................................................................. 6‐1 6.1.2 Qualitative Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 6‐1 6.2 MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................. 6‐2 6.3 CONTINGENCY MEASURES ............................................................................................................ 6‐2 7. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 7‐1 LIST OF FIGURES 1‐1 Vicinity Map ............................................................................................................................... 1‐3 3‐1 Critical Areas .............................................................................................................................. 3‐3 3‐2 Critical Areas .............................................................................................................................. 3‐4 3‐3 Critical Areas .............................................................................................................................. 3‐5 Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) iii 3‐4 Drainage Basins, Subbasins, and Site Characteristics .............................................................. 3‐19 4‐1 Critical Areas Impacts ................................................................................................................. 4‐3 4‐2 Critical Areas Impacts ................................................................................................................. 4‐5 4‐3 Critical Areas Impacts ................................................................................................................. 4‐7 4‐4 Critical Areas Impacts ................................................................................................................. 4‐9 4‐5 Critical Areas Impacts ............................................................................................................... 4‐11 4‐6 Critical Areas Impacts ............................................................................................................... 4‐13 4‐7 Critical Areas Impacts ............................................................................................................... 4‐15 4‐8 Critical Areas Impacts ............................................................................................................... 4‐17 4‐9 Critical Areas Impacts ............................................................................................................... 4‐19 LIST OF TABLES 2‐1 Key to Plant Indicator Status Categories .................................................................................... 2‐2 2‐2 Criteria for Wetland Rating Categories as Specified by Ecology and the City of Renton .......... 2‐3 2‐3 Criteria for Stream Classifications as Specified by Washington State and the Cities of Renton and Tukwila ................................................................................................................... 2‐5 2‐4 Criteria for FWHCA Designations as Specified by the Cities of Renton and Tukwila ................. 2‐6 3‐1 Summary of Wetlands in the Project Area ................................................................................ 3‐6 3‐2 Summary of Wetland Functions for Wetlands in the Project Area ........................................... 3‐6 4‐1 Wetland and Buffer Impacts ...................................................................................................... 4‐1 4‐2 Stream and Buffer Impacts ........................................................................................................ 4‐2 6‐1 Contingency Measures for the Mitigation Site .......................................................................... 6‐3 APPENDICES A Wetland Determination Data Forms B Wetland Rating Forms C Wetland Functions and Values Forms D Site Photographs E Mitigation Plans Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) v ACRONYMS AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials BMP best management practice CFR Code of Federal Regulations cfs cubic feet per second Cities City of Renton and City of Tukwila CMAQ Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (program) Corps U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CWA Clean Water Act DNR Washington State Department of Natural Resources Ecology Washington State Department of Ecology EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FAC Facultative FACU Facultative Upland FACW Facultative Wetland FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FHWA Federal Highway Administration FWHCA fish and wildlife habitat conservation area HGM hydrogeomorphic classification HPA Hydraulic Project Approval LWD large woody debris NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service OBL Obligate OHWM ordinary high water mark PAA Potential Annexation Area PEM palustrine emergent PFO palustrine forested RCW Revised Code of Washington RM river mile SEPA State Environmental Policy Act SMP Shoreline Master Program Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County ACRONYMS (CONTINUED) vi April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) TESC temporary erosion and sediment control TMC Tukwila Municipal Code TNW Traditional Navigable Water UPL Upland USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WAC Washington Administrative Code WDFW Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife WRIA Water Resource Inventory Area WSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 1‐1 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Overview King County, together with the Cities of Renton and Tukwila, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is proposing to develop a 1.2‐mile segment of what will ultimately be the 16‐mile Lake to Sound Trail. The 1.2‐mile segment is referred to as Segment A of the Lake to Sound Trail. Segment A extends from Naches Avenue SW, runs parallel to the railroad tracks north of the Black River Riparian Forest, across a proposed non‐motorized pedestrian bridge northeast of Monster Road, and under two railroad bridges to the Green River Trail at the north end of the Starfire Sports Complex in Fort Dent Park (Figure 1‐1). Segment A, as well as the longer Lake to Sound Trail, is part of a Regional Trail System that provides non‐ motorized, alternative transportation and a recreational corridor for multiple trail users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, skaters, and others. A goal of the Lake to Sound Trail is to provide non‐motorized transportation facilities to economically disadvantaged communities in southwest King County that have been historically underserved by such facilities. Once complete, Segment A would become part of a larger planned system that would serve employment and residential centers in South King County and connect to regional trails in Seattle and the greater Regional Trail System network. Segment A provides a much needed trail connection between the regional growth centers of Renton and Tukwila and safe passage under the heavy rail lines. In addition to the Green River Trail, Segment A will connect to the Interurban Trail to the south, and in the future to the Cedar River Trail. 1.2 Project Features Segment A is typically approximately 12 feet of asphalt pavement bounded by two 2‐foot‐wide shoulders and 1‐foot‐wide clear zones, in accordance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) guidelines. The project includes:  Constructing a 12‐foot‐wide asphalt pavement trail with soft‐surface (gravel) shoulders.  Performing minor grading to construct the trail (approximately 1,410 cubic yards of cut and 2,980 cubic yards of fill, disturbing an area of approximately 0.72 acre outside the proposed trail footprint).  Performing ground improvements which would disturb an area of approximately 0.17 acre in addition to other disturbances from the trail.  Installing a new trail bridge over the Black River to the east of the existing Monster Road Bridge, which cannot be improved to safely accommodate the envisioned trail use.  Installing a pedestrian‐actuated signal crossing of Monster Road south of the bridge.  Constructing an undercrossing feature beneath two railroad bridges to protect trail users from potential falling debris.  Installing one box culvert for terrestrial habitat enhancement.  Building retaining walls near the south approach to Monster Road, north of the proposed pedestrian bridge over the Black River, and on either side of the box culvert. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 1‐2 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B)  Installing split‐rail fencing and plantings to discourage incursions into sensitive areas and to improve visual screening for sensitive wildlife. Constructing two approximately 10‐foot by 20‐foot pull‐out rest areas (one at the northern perimeter of the Black River Riparian Forest and one east of Monster Road and northwest of the Black River pump station) 1.3 Project Area and Setting The Segment A project area is a linear corridor mostly within an existing trail corridor (see Figure 1‐1). Segment A is located in Section 13, Township 23 North, Range 4 East, Willamette Meridian. Two parallel railroad tracks (BNSF and Union Pacific) cross the western quarter of the proposed trail corridor on elevated bridges heading north‐south. Another set of BNSF railroad tracks are located north of the eastern three‐quarters of the proposed trail corridor with an east‐west bearing. These tracks tie into the north‐south tracks north of the project area. East of the railroad bridges, the proposed trail alignment is within the city of Renton; west of the railroad bridges the proposed trail alignment is within the city of Tukwila. The project area is described from east to west below. The east terminus is located at a cul‐de‐sac on Naches Avenue SW near an office park. The eastern three‐quarters of the proposed trail alignment from Naches Avenue SW to the new pedestrian bridge northeast of Monster Road (approximately 4,100 linear feet) follows an existing gravel maintenance road south of the BNSF east‐west railroad tracks and north of the Black River, along the northern perimeter of the Black River Riparian Forest. The gravel maintenance road is currently used for walking and pet exercise. The existing road surface in most of this portion consists of compacted gravel ranging from 10 to 12 feet wide. Areas immediately outside the edge of the existing gravel surface generally consist of grasses, low‐growing annual plants, blackberry thickets, and native riparian trees. Uses outside this portion of the project area include a concrete recycling plant and an area zoned for light industrial uses just north of the railroad tracks. The proposed trail alignment crosses over the Black River using a proposed new non‐motorized pedestrian bridge northeast of Monster Road Bridge, then crosses Monster Road south of the river. For the western quarter of the proposed trail alignment, west of Monster Road, the alignment lies south of the Black River. For the first 150 feet west of Monster Road, the alignment is on existing paved surfaces, and then it follows a dirt footpath that joins an existing dirt road beneath the railroad bridges for 650 feet. The westernmost 600 feet of the proposed trail alignment is on maintained lawns associated with Fort Dent Park. West of the railroad bridges, the area south of the proposed trail alignment is dominated by Fort Dent Park and the Starfire Sports Complex. The confluence of the Black and Green rivers is located just north of the west end of the Segment A project area. Commercial businesses are north of the Black River and south of the trail corridor. 1.4 Project Purpose and Need The purpose of the Segment A project is to design and construct an alternative non‐motorized transportation corridor and multi‐use recreational trail between Naches Avenue SW in Renton and the Green River Trail in Tukwila. Segment A would provide non‐motorized access to recreation and employment centers and would complete a link in the Regional Trail System network. The trail is intended to safely accommodate a variety of user groups such as bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, wheelchair users, and skaters. Trail design standards will safely accommodate different ages and skill levels within those groups. Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) RailwaySW 7th StMonster R d S W 68 t h Oakesd a l e A v e S W Mau le A v e SNaches Ave SWS 143rd St 80th Ave SI n t e r u r b a n A v e S S 144th St Beacon Coa l M i n e B N S F S 143rd St Martin Luther King Way S Duwamish River G re e n RiverTrailGre en River CITY OFRENTONCITY OFTUKWILA UNINC.KING COUNTY Black RiverPump StationBlackRiver EndProject BeginProject ProposedRetaining Wall Proposed Culvert ConcreteRecyclingPlant Proposed Rest Area Proposed Rest Area Black RiverRiparian Forest Fort Dent Parkand StarfireSports Complex Waterworks Gardens FosterGolf Links 0 600300Feet Figure 1-1Vicinity Map Project Area LakeWashington 90 5 405 5 99 509 599 518 S E A T T L E R E N T O N B E L L E V U E S E A T A C T U K W I L A Legend: ProposedTrail Alignment Existing Trail City Boundary Railroad Parks and WDFWPriority Habitat AreasPath: U:\PSO\Projects\Clients\1521-KingCo\554-1521-084 L2ST\99Svcs\GIS\MapDocs\March2015\Vic-8x11fig_Apr2015.mxdParametrix Sources: King County, City of Renton, WDFW 2014, WSDOT. Lake to Sound Trail --- Segment A Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 1‐4 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Completion of Segment A would provide the following benefits:  Serve local and regional non‐motorized transportation needs and provide access to the trail for local communities.  Help satisfy the regional need for recreational trails and provide safe recreational opportunities to a wide variety of trail users.  Provide a critical link in the Regional Trail System.  Provide economic and health benefits to communities along the trail. 1.5 Purpose of Report Investigation of critical areas is required by the City of Renton Shoreline Master Program (SMP), as outlined in Renton Municipal Code 4‐3‐090 (Shoreline Master Program Regulations), and Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC) 18.44 and 18.45 (Shoreline Overlay and Environmentally Sensitive Areas). This Critical Area Study is intended to provide information in support of project planning and to facilitate permitting. This report describes wetlands, streams (watercourses), fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (FWHCAs), and Areas of Special Flood Hazard. It also presents measures included in the project design to avoid and minimize impacts on these critical areas. Specific objectives of this report are as follows:  Review, compile, and analyze existing wetland, stream, and FWHCA data for the project site and vicinity.  Identify and document wetlands, streams, and FWHCAs in the study area.  Evaluate potential impacts on wetlands, streams, FWHCAs, and their associated buffers from the proposed trail.  Identify mitigation measures to protect wetlands, streams, FWHCAs, and their associated buffers, and present compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts. Other critical areas regulated by the Cities of Renton and Tukwila, such as geologically hazardous areas and critical aquifer recharge areas, are not addressed in this report. 1.6 Study Area For the field investigation, the study area comprises the area within 100 feet of the trail corridor, from Naches Avenue SW parallel to the railroad tracks north of the Black River Riparian Forest, across Monster Road, and under two railroad bridges to the Green River Trail at the north end of the Starfire Sports Complex in Fort Dent Park. 1.7 Applicable Laws and Regulations King County is receiving federal funding through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program for the design of this segment of the Lake to Sound Trail. Federal funding triggers requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the National Historic Preservation Act. An Environmental Classification Summary, ESA Biological Assessment, and Cultural Resources Survey Report have been prepared for this project. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 1‐5 Wetlands and streams within the study area are subject to federal, state, and City of Renton or City of Tukwila regulations. At the federal level, wetlands and streams are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), which regulates placement of fill in waters of the United States. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is responsible for issuing permits under Section 404 of the CWA. In June 2007 and December 2008 (revised version), the Corps and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a joint memorandum that clarifies CWA jurisdiction following the Supreme Court’s decision in the Rapanos case. Guidance in the memorandum identifies situations where a developer may need to obtain a CWA Section 404 permit before completing work in wetlands, tributaries, or other waters of the United States. CWA jurisdiction may also be extended to waters that are not Traditional Navigable Waters (TNWs) of the United States if either of the following two standards is met. The first standard extends regulatory jurisdiction to non‐navigable tributaries of TNWs that are relatively permanent and wetlands that directly abut (there is a surface connection) these waters. The second standard requires a case‐by‐case determination (“significant nexus” analysis) for non‐navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent tributaries and adjacent wetlands that have characteristics that may significantly affect TNWs. Activities that affect wetlands and streams may also require a water quality certification (Section 401 of the CWA), which is administered at the federal level by the EPA and implemented at the state level by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). Ecology reviews projects for compliance with state water quality standards and makes permitting and mitigation decisions based on the nature and extent of impacts, as well as the type and quality of wetlands or streams being affected. Activities that use, divert, obstruct, or change the flow of a water of the state, including some wetlands, typically require a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) chapter 220‐ 110 regulates water‐crossing structures and describes requirements for a HPA from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Under the Renton SMP (4‐3‐050 and 4‐3‐090) and TMC (16.52, 18.44 and 18.45), the Cities of Renton and Tukwila designate and regulate activities within critical areas and their buffers, including wetlands, streams, special flood hazards, and FWHCAs. These regulations describe the Cities’ requirements for the identification, rating, and categorization of wetlands, streams, FWHCAs, and buffers; mitigation and performance standards; as well as the requirements for Critical Area Studies (or Sensitive Area Special Studies). Development of the proposed trail would require land use and shoreline permits from the Cities. All local permit applications and other land use decisions are also subject to State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review, unless specifically exempted. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 2‐1 2. METHODS This report is based on a review of existing information and field investigations. The goal of these efforts is to document existing information to reflect current site conditions and collect new information for conducting the project design and assessing impacts. 2.1 Review of Existing Information Prior to conducting fieldwork, biologists reviewed maps and materials including, but not limited to:  King County iMap (King County 2015).  Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey (USDA, NRCS 2010a).  National Wetlands Inventory online interactive mapper (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 2010).  Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Heritage Program database (DNR 2014).  Priority Habitats and Species database (WDFW 2015).  SalmonScape fish database and mapping application (WDFW 20144).  A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization, Volume 1, Puget Sound Region (Williams et al. 1975).  Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9 (Green/Duwamish River) Limiting Factors Analysis (WSCC 2000). 2.2 Field Investigation Project biologists performed field investigations over multiple site visits between November 2010 and February 2011 to identify and document wetlands. The biologists also conducted site visits on February 1 and March 29, 2011 to characterize streams, FWHCAs, and potential off‐site compensatory mitigation areas. Site investigations in the vicinity of the mitigation area were conducted during multiple site visits in March 2012. 2.3 Wetlands 2.3.1 Identification and Delineation The methods specified in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) were used by project biologists to delineate on‐site wetlands. Additionally, the methods specified in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (Corps 2010) were used. These methods comply with those in the Washington State Wetland Identification and Delineation Manual (Ecology 1997). Wetlands are defined as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. An area must have at Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 2‐2 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) least one positive indicator of wetland vegetation, soils, and hydrology to be considered a wetland. The delineated wetlands were instrument‐surveyed by professional land surveyors. Wetland determination data forms from the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (Corps 2010) were recorded for each wetland (Appendix A). Vegetation The dominant plants and their wetland indicator status were evaluated to determine if the vegetation was hydrophytic. Hydrophytic vegetation is generally defined as vegetation adapted to prolonged saturated soil conditions. To meet the hydrophytic vegetation criterion, more than 50 percent of the dominant plants must be Facultative (FAC), Facultative Wetland (FACW), or Obligate (OBL), based on the plant indicator status category assigned to each plant species by the USFWS (Reed 1988, 1993). Table 2‐ 1 lists the definitions of the indicator status categories. Scientific and common plant names follow currently accepted nomenclature. Most names are consistent with Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock and Cronquist 1973) and the PLANTS Database (USDA, NRCS 2010b). During the field investigations, dominant plant species were observed and recorded on data forms for each sample plot (Appendix A). Table 2‐1. Key to Plant Indicator Status Categories Plant Indicator Status Category Symbol Definition Obligate Wetland Plants OBL Plants that almost always (> 99% of the time) occur in wetlands, but which may rarely (< 1% of the time) occur in non‐wetlands. Facultative Wetland Plants FACW Plants that often (67% to 99% of the time) occur in wetlands, but sometimes (1% to 33% of the time) occur in non‐wetlands. Facultative Plants FAC Plants with a similar likelihood (33% to 66% of the time) of occurring in both wetlands and non‐wetlands. Facultative Upland Plants FACU Plants that sometimes (1% to 33% of the time) occur in wetlands, but occur more often (67% to 99% of the time) in non‐wetlands. Upland Plants UPL Plants that rarely (< 1% of the time) occur in wetlands, and almost always (> 99% of the time) occur in non‐wetlands. Source: Environmental Laboratory (1987) Soils Generally, an area must have hydric soils to be a wetland. Hydric soil forms when soils are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. Biological activities in saturated soil result in reduced oxygen concentrations that produce a preponderance of organisms using anaerobic processes for metabolism. Over time, anaerobic biological processes result in certain soil color patterns, which are used as indicators of hydric soil. Typically, low‐ chroma colors are formed in the soil matrix. Brightly‐colored redoximorphic features form within the matrix under a fluctuating water table. Other important hydric soil indicators include organic matter accumulations in the surface horizon, reduced sulfur odors, and organic matter staining in the subsurface. Soils were examined by excavating sample plots to a depth of 18 inches or more to observe Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 2‐3 soil profiles, colors, and textures. The depths of the sample plots ranged between 18 and 20 inches deep with varying widths, with the exception of two upland sample plots that were shallower because of the presence of quarry spalls or cobbles. Munsell color charts (GretagMacbeth 2000) were used to describe soil colors. Hydrology The project area was examined for evidence of hydrology. An area is considered to have wetland hydrology when soils are ponded or saturated consecutively 12.5 percent (sometimes 5 to 12.5 percent) of the growing season. In King County (Sea‐Tac Airport station), the growing season generally lasts from early March (March 9) to mid‐November (November 17) (USDA, NRCS 2002), so ponding or saturation must be present for approximately 32 consecutive days. Primary indicators of hydrology include surface inundation and saturated soils. Secondary indicators of hydrology include drainage patterns, watermarks on vegetation, water‐stained leaves, and oxidized root channels. 2.3.2 Wetland Classification and Rating Delineated wetlands were classified according to the USFWS Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al. 1979). Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) classifications were assigned to wetlands using the Corps methods established in a Hydrogeomorphic Classification System for Wetlands (Brinson 1993). Wetlands were rated according to the Renton SMP (4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington – Revised (Hruby 2004) (Appendix B). Table 2‐2 summarizes the state and local jurisdiction wetland rating criteria for each wetland category. Buffer widths assigned to wetlands in the project area reflect requirements of the Renton SMP( 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv.(c)). No wetlands were identified within the City of Tukwila. Table 2‐2. Criteria for Wetland Rating Categories as Specified by Ecology and the City of Renton Ecologya Category I Wetlands of exceptional value in terms of protecting water quality, storing flood water and stormwater, and/or providing habitat for wildlife as indicated by a rating system score of 70 points or more. These are wetland communities of infrequent occurrence that often provide documented habitat for sensitive, threatened, or endangered species and/or have other attributes that are very difficult or impossible to replace if altered. Category II Wetlands that have very important resources as indicated by a rating system score of between 51 and 69 points. These wetlands occur more commonly than Category I wetlands but still require a high level of protection. Category III Wetlands that have important resource value as indicated by a rating system score of between 30 and 50 points. Category IV Wetlands that are of limited resource value as indicated by a rating system score of less than 30 points. They typically have vegetation of similar age and class, lack special habitat features, and/or are isolated or disconnected from other aquatic systems or high quality upland habitats. Rentonb Wetlands shall be rated based on categories that reflect the functions and values of each wetland. Wetland categories shall be based on the criteria provided in the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington, revised August 2004 (Ecology Publication #04‐06‐025). These categories are generally defined above. a Hruby (2004) b Renton SMP (4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 2‐4 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 2.3.3 Wetland Functional Assessment Functions of individual wetlands were assessed using the WSDOT Wetland Functions Characterization Tool for Linear Projects (Null et al. 2000) (Appendix C). This method allows evaluation of wetland function, using best professional judgment and readily observed environmental characteristics. For example, an area of open water may provide habitat for waterfowl or aquatic animals. The upland habitats and buffers surrounding wetlands were also considered in the evaluation, because adjacent land uses affect the performance of wetland functions. Project biologists reviewed the indicator characteristics present for each wetland and assigned a summary rating of low, moderate, or high for each wetland function. Functions that were considered most relevant to this project are grouped into three categories: habitat, water quality, and hydrological support. Habitat functions include providing fish, avian species, and other wildlife access to food, cover, and breeding and rearing opportunities. Hydrological functions assessed include groundwater recharge/discharge, base flow support, and flood flow alteration (storage and desynchronization). Water quality functions include protection and enhancement through sedimentation, erosion protection, and nutrient retention/nutrient transformation. 2.4 Streams The Cities of Renton and Tukwila do not specifically define streams, but refer to streams as water courses. The City of Renton defines a watercourse as a channel in which a flow of water occurs either continuously or intermittently (Renton SMP 4‐6‐100). The City of Tukwila defines watercourses as a course or route formed by nature or modified by man, generally consisting of a channel with a bed and banks or sides substantially throughout its length along which surface water flows naturally, including the Green/Duwamish River. The channel or bed need not contain water year‐round. Watercourses do not include irrigation ditches, stormwater runoff channels or devices, or other entirely artificial watercourses unless they are used by salmonids or to convey or pass through stream flows naturally occurring prior to construction of such devices. The edges (ordinary high water mark [OHWM]) of project area streams were identified by project biologists and instrument‐surveyed by professional land surveyors. Streams associated with the project (Green River and Black River) in the city of Tukwila (west of the railroad bridges) are regulated under TMC 18.44, while in the city of Renton (east of the railroad bridges), the Black River and all of the Black River Riparian Forest is regulated under Renton SMP 4‐3‐ 090. Table 2‐3 lists the stream classification criteria as specified by these entities. Buffer widths assigned to streams in the project area reflect requirements of the Renton SMP (4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv.(c)) and TMC (18.45.080.D). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 2‐5 Table 2‐3. Criteria for Stream Classifications as Specified by Washington State and the Cities of Renton and Tukwila Washington Statea Type S Streams and waterbodies that are designated “shorelines of the state” as defined in Chapter 90.58.030 (Revised Code of Washington [RCW]). Type F Streams and waterbodies that are known to be used by fish, or meet the physical criteria to be potentially used by fish. Fish streams may or may not have flowing water all year; they may be perennial or seasonal. Type Np Streams that have flow year round, but do not meet the physical criteria of a Type F stream. This also includes streams that have been proven not to contain fish using methods described in the Forest Practices Board Manual Section 13. Type Ns Streams that do not have surface flow during at least some portion of the year, and do not meet the physical criteria of a Type F stream. Rentonb Class 1 Class 1 waters are perennial salmonid‐bearing waters which are classified by the City and State as Shorelines of the State. Class 2 Class 2 waters are perennial or intermittent salmonid‐bearing waters which meet one or more of the following criteria: (a) Mapped on Figure Q4, Renton Water Class Map, as Class 2; and/or (b) Historically and/or currently known to support salmonids, including resident trout, at any stage in the species lifecycle; and/or (c) Is a water body (e.g., pond, lake) between one half (0.5) acre and twenty (20) acres in size. Class 3 Class 3 waters are non‐salmonid‐bearing perennial waters during years of normal rainfall, and/or mapped on Figure Q4, Renton Water Class Map, as Class 3. Class 4 Class 4 waters are non‐salmonid‐bearing intermittent waters during years of normal rainfall, and/or mapped on Figure Q4, Renton Water Class Map, as Class 4. Class 5 Class 5 waters are non‐regulated non‐salmonid‐bearing waters which meet one or more of the following criteria: (a) Flow within an artificially constructed channel where no naturally defined channel had previously existed; and/or (b) Are a surficially isolated water body less than one‐half (0.5) acre (e.g., pond) not meeting the criteria for a wetland as defined in subsection M of this Section. Tukwila c Type 1 (S) Watercourses inventoried as Shorelines of the State, under RCW 90.58. These watercourses shall be regulated under TMC Chapter 18.44, Shoreline Overlay. Type 2 (F) Those watercourses that are known to be used by fish or meet the physical criteria to be potentially used by fish and that have perennial (year‐round) or seasonal flows. Type 3 (Np) Those watercourses that have perennial flows and do not meet the criteria of a Type F stream or have been proven not to contain fish using methods described in the Forest Practices Board Manual Section 13. Type 4 (Ns) Those watercourses that have intermittent flows (do not have surface flow during at least some portion of the year) and do not meet the physical criteria of a Type F watercourse. a WAC 222‐16‐031 b Renton SMP (4‐3‐050 L.1.a) c TMC (18.45.100.A) RCW = Revised Code of Washington Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 2‐6 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 2.5 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Proposed alterations to FWHCAs are regulated by both Cities (referred to as Fish Conservation Areas by the City of Renton). As defined in the Renton SMP, critical habitats are Category 1 wetlands and habitat associated with the documented presence of species proposed or listed by the federal government or the State of Washington as endangered, threatened, candidate, sensitive, monitor, or priority species. Areas designated as FWHCAs by the City of Tukwila are mapped by the City; they include areas with which endangered, threatened, or sensitive species have a primary association, as well as habitats and species of local importance. Table 2‐4 provides a list of habitat types afforded protection under the City of Tukwila critical area regulations. Project biologists reviewed existing information (listed under Section 2.1), the USFWS King County Species List, and NOAA Fisheries Service Species List to identify any potential FWHCAs in the project vicinity. See the Vegetation and Wildlife Discipline Report (Parametrix 2015a) for additional information about FWHCAs associated with wildlife species. Table 2‐4. Criteria for FWHCA Designations as Specified by the Cities of Renton and Tukwila Rentona 1. Areas with which endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary association; 2. Waters of the State (i.e., the Green/Duwamish River itself); 3. State natural area preserves and natural resource conservation areas; 4. Areas critical for habitat connectivity; and 5. The approximate location and extent of known fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas are identified in the Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report and are shown on the Sensitive Areas in the Shoreline Jurisdiction map. Only the salmon habitat enhancement project sites completed or underway are shown as Fish and Wildlife Conservation Areas on the Sensitive Areas in the Shoreline Jurisdiction Map. Streams are shown as watercourses. The river is not shown as a Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area for the sake of simplicity. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas correlate closely with the areas identified as regulated watercourses and wetlands and their buffers, as well as off‐channel habitat areas created to improve salmon habitat (shown on the Sensitive Areas Map) in the Shoreline jurisdiction. The Green/Duwamish River is recognized as the most significant fish and wildlife habitat corridor. In addition Gilliam Creek, Riverton Creek, Southgate Creek, Hamm Creek (in the North Potential Annexation Area (PAA), and Johnson Creek (South PAA) all provide salmonid habitat. Tukwilab 1. Areas with which endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary association; 2. Habitats and species of local importance, including but not limited to bald eagle habitat, heron rookeries; 3. Commercial and recreational shellfish areas; 4. Kelp and eelgrass beds; 5. Mudflats and marshes; 6. Naturally occurring ponds under 20 acres and their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife habitat; 7. Waters of the State; 8. State natural area preserves and natural resource conservation areas; and 9. Areas critical for habitat connectivity. a Renton SMP (4‐3‐090) b TMC (18.45.150) Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 2‐7 2.6 Areas of Special Flood Hazard The City of Tukwila and the City of Renton regulate Areas of Special Flood Hazard (TMC 16.52 and RMC 4‐3‐050) to minimize loss and damages caused by flooding. Areas of Special Food Hazard are defined as the land in the floodplain subject to one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year (TMC 16.52.030 and RMC 4‐3‐050.I) Floodplain elevations were taken from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 53033C0976F and Map Number 53033C0957F. (FEMA 1995). The project team depicted the floodplain boundary in the project plans and floodplain figures using City of Renton GIS data (Renton 2015), which is a digital interpretation of the 1995 FEMA FIRM. A floodplain analysis was performed for the Lake to Sound – Segment A project and is provided in the Final Technical Information Report (Parametrix 2015b). 2.7 Impact Assessment Impacts on wetlands, streams, FWHCAs, and associated buffers were assessed by overlaying the proposed design onto project base maps showing wetlands, streams, FWHCAs, and buffer locations. Impact areas were determined as the area of intersection between the proposed design and the base maps. In some areas, multiple impact types (e.g., stream buffer and wetland buffer) were present in a single location. In this report, all stream and riparian buffer impacts are reported; however, for purposes of compensatory mitigation, overlapping impacts were assigned based on the following hierarchy: wetland, stream (below OHWM), wetland buffer, and stream buffer impacts. Areas of Special Flood Hazard impacts include any site activity that will place material at or below the 100‐year floodplain elevation within a floodplain boundary. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3‐1 3. RESULTS This section describes overall site conditions as well as the specific condition of the wetlands, streams, FWHCAs, and buffers within the study area (as defined in Section 1.6). 3.1 General Habitat Characteristics Characteristics of the project area, including land use, topography, soils, vegetation, and fish and wildlife are described below. 3.1.1 Land Use The primary land use in the areas surrounding the project is commercial business and recreational park. In contrast to regional trends, much of the area consists of relatively undisturbed riparian hardwood forest. The area in Renton, south of the BNSF railroad corridor, is dominated by large trees and dense thickets of shrubby wetland (Black River Riparian Forest). The portion north of the railroad corridor, however, consists of an active concrete recycling plant and an area zoned for light industrial uses, supporting essentially no vegetation. The western end of the study area extends into Fort Dent Park in Tukwila. Additionally, some of the properties near the project area, specifically at the eastern end of the study area, have office park structures with associated driveways, parking lots, lawns, and ornamental plantings. 3.1.2 Topography The project area is generally flat, sloping gently from the east to the west. To the north is a gravel mining operation and an apartment complex, which are located at a considerably higher elevation than the project area. Additionally, there are steep slopes down from the banks of the Black River, south of the project area, between the Black River Pump Station and Monster Road. Elevations in the project area range from approximately 15 feet to 25 feet. 3.1.3 Soils The majority of the study area is mapped as Woodinville silt loam (USDA, NRCS 2010a). A small portion of the study area (near the northeastern most part) is mapped as Tukwila muck. The Woodinville series consists of deep, poorly drained soils formed in recent alluvium on flood plains and low terraces. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. The Tukwila series consists of deep, very poorly drained soils formed in organic material that is stratified with diatomaceous earth and volcanic ash. Tukwila soils are in depressions on stream terraces and glacial uplands. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. Information on soils observed during field investigations is provided in Section 3.2. 3.1.4 Vegetation Vegetation within the project area consists of both wetland and upland species. Wetlands in the project area contain emergent, shrub, and forested habitats. Dominant vegetation includes reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), red‐ osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), western redcedar (Thuja plicata), Pacific willow (Salix lucida), Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), and narrow‐leaf cattail (Typha angustifolia).Wetland habitats on the site are further detailed in Section 3.3. Upland plant communities within the project area consist primarily of upland forest and herbaceous vegetation. Vegetation includes red alder (Alnus rubra), tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix), salmonberry, Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐2 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) reed canarygrass, Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), black cottonwood, western redcedar, western swordfern (Polystichum munitum), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus). The DNR Natural Heritage Program does not identify any rare plants within or in the vicinity of the project area. 3.1.5 Fish and Wildlife Wildlife species present in the study area are adapted to a wide variety of conditions. Characteristic species include European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), American robins (Turdus migratorius), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), dark‐eyed juncos (Junco hymalis), spotted towhees (Pipilo maculatus), house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), black‐capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), raccoons (Procyon lotor), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). The Duwamish and lower Green River serves as a migration and rearing area for anadromous salmonids, with no spawning habitat available (Williams et al. 1975). Three Pacific salmon species inhabit the Green/Duwamish River basin in significant numbers, Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho (O. kisutch), and chum (O. keta) salmon. Pink (O. gorbuscha) and sockeye (O. nerka) salmon are occasionally seen in the Green River basin, but the Green River is primarily a chum, coho, and Chinook salmon stream (Williams et al. 1975). Although sockeye salmon are occasionally seen in streams that are not tributaries to lakes, sockeye almost always require a rearing lake below or near their spawning area (Foerster 1972). Anadromous game fish using these waters include steelhead (O. mykiss), sea‐run cutthroat trout (O. clarki clarki), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma), and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). WDFW (2011) data indicate that Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead trout, and cutthroat trout have documented presence within the Black River in the study area. The type of use is listed as migration for all species except coho, which use the lower Black River for juvenile rearing. Conditions favorable for Chinook salmon spawning and rearing do not exist in the project area; recent information and historical records (Harza 1995; Williams et al. 1975) indicate that Chinook do not use this area for these life history activities. However, very small numbers of adult fall Chinook migrating up the Green River occasionally stray into the Black River and become trapped above the Black River Pump Station (the pump station cannot pass adult salmon downstream). Adult Chinook were observed entering the Black River and attempting to spawn near the SW 27th Street culvert, in Springbrook Creek, 2.3 miles upstream of the project area, in fall 1997 (WSCC 2000). 3.2 Wetlands in Study Area The National Wetlands Inventory identifies four wetlands in the study area: three palustrine forested wetlands with a seasonally flooded hydrologic regime and one constructed riverine lower perennial unconsolidated bottom wetland with a permanently flooded hydrologic regime. Biologists identified and delineated five wetlands in their entirety (Wetlands 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) and delineated portions of larger wetland complexes in the study area (Wetlands 1/2 Complex and BR) (Figures 3‐1 through 3‐3). All wetlands are within the city of Renton. Classifications of the delineated wetlands are provided in Table 3‐1; wetland functions are summarized in Table 3‐2. General wetland characteristics are discussed below. Also included in this report is specific information for each of the sample plots (Appendix A), wetland rating forms (Appendix B), wetland functional assessment forms (Appendix C), and site photographs (Appendix D). Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) RailwayMonster Rd SW B lackR iverWetland 6 Wetland 5 B N S F CITY OFRENTONCITY OFTUKWILA B la c k R iv e rGreenRiverWetlandBR0 200100Feet Figure 3-1Critical Areas Legend: ProposedTrail Alignment City Boundary Wetland Wetland Buffer River Ordinary High Water Mark River BufferPath: U:\PSO\Projects\Clients\1521-KingCo\554-1521-084 L2ST\99Svcs\GIS\MapDocs\CrititcalAreasFig3-1_20150416.mxdParametrix Lake to Sound Trail Segment A Sources: King County, City of Renton, Parametrix, WSDOT, Aerials Express 2009. Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) RailwayWetland 6 Wetland 5 Wetland 4 Wetland 3 B la c k R iv e rWetland 7 Wetland BR 0 200100Feet Figure 3-2Critical Areas Legend: ProposedTrail Alignment City Boundary Wetland Wetland Buffer River Ordinary High Water Mark River BufferPath: U:\PSO\Projects\Clients\1521-KingCo\554-1521-084 L2ST\99Svcs\GIS\MapDocs\CrititcalAreasFig3-2_20150416.mxdParametrix Lake to Sound Trail Segment A Sources: King County, City of Renton, Parametrix, WSDOT, Aerials Express 2009. Wetland 4 Naches Ave SWBurlington Northern S a n t a F e ( B N S F ) R a i l w a y Wetland 3 Wetland 1 /2Complex Wetland 1 /2Complex Wetland 1 /2Complex Black RiverRiparian Forest 0 200100Feet Figure 3-3Critical Areas Legend: ProposedTrail Alignment City Boundary Wetland Wetland BufferPath: U:\PSO\Projects\Clients\1521-KingCo\554-1521-084 L2ST\99Svcs\GIS\MapDocs\CrititcalAreasFig3-3_20150407.mxdParametrix Lake to Sound Trail Segment A Sources: King County, City of Renton, Parametrix, WSDOT, Aerials Express 2009. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐6 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Table 3‐1. Summary of Wetlands in the Project Area Wetland Area (acre) City of Rentona Buffer Widthb (feet) Ecology Ratingc USFWS Classificationd HGM Classificatione 1/2 Complex >50 f II 100 II PFO Riverine/ Depressional 3 0.18 IV 50 IV PEM/PFO Depressional 4 0.04 IV 50 IV PFO Depressional 5 0.30 III 75 III PEM Depressional 6 0.83 III 75 III PEM Depressional 7 0.88 III 75 III PEM/PFO Slope BR ~1.9 f II 100 II PFO Riverine/ Depressional a Renton SMP (4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) b Renton SMP (4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv.(c)) c Hruby (2004) d Cowardin et al. (1979) e Brinson (1993) f Wetland size estimated based on aerial interpretation PFO = palustrine forested, PEM = palustrine emergent Table 3‐2. Summary of Wetland Functions for Wetlands in the Project Area Wetland Flood Flow Alteration Sediment Removal Nutrient and Toxicant Removal Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization Production of Organic Matter and its Export General Habitat Suitability Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates 1/2 Complex High Moderate Moderate Moderate High Moderate High 3 Low Low Low NA Moderate Low Low 4 Low Low Low NA NA Low Low 5 Moderate High High NA Low Low Low 6 Low Low Low NA Low Low Low 7 Low NA NA NA Low Low Low BR High Moderate Moderate Moderate High Moderate High Table 3‐2. Summary of Wetland Functions for Wetlands in the Project Area (continued) Wetland Habitat for Amphibians Habitat for Wetland‐ Associated Mammals Habitat for Wetland‐ Associated Birds General Fish Habitat Native Plant Richness Education or Scientific Value Uniqueness and Heritage 1/2 Complex Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Low NA NA 3 Low NA NA NA NA NA NA 4 Low NA NA NA NA NA NA 5 Low NA Low NA NA NA NA 6 Low NA NA NA NA NA NA 7 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA BR Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Low NA NA Note: Functions assessed using WSDOT method (Null et al. 2000); see Appendix C for indicator characteristics present in each wetland. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3‐7 Wetland 1/2 Complex Size: >50 acre (>2,178,000 square feet) City of Renton Rating: Category II Ecology Rating: Category II Buffer: 100 feet USFWS Classification: Palustrine Forested HGM Classification: Riverine/Depressional Sample Plots: W1‐SP1, W1‐SP2, W2‐SP1, and W2‐SP2 The Wetland 1/2 Complex is located west and east of the north end of Naches Avenue SW and north of the Black River, extending outside the study area to the south and east (Figure 3‐3). Wetland 1/2 Complex was initially delineated as two separate wetlands in the field, but after further review of hydrologic conditions and connections, it was determined to be one wetland complex. Wetland hydrology is supported by overbank flow from the Black River, stormwater runoff from nearby surfaces, and a shallow groundwater table. A large openwater area (Black River) located upgradient of the Black River Pump Station is associated with the Wetland 1/2 Complex. Much of the interior of the Wetland 1/2 Complex is seasonally inundated, while some outer portions are saturated. Inundation was observed throughout most of the wetland with depths of up to 12 inches of water. The wetland drains to the Black River, which meets the Green River near the western portion of the study area. The Wetland 1/2 Complex is composed of a forested community. Vegetation is dominated by black cottonwood, salmonberry, Himalayan blackberry, red alder, Pacific willow, and common ladyfern (Athyrium filix‐femina). Soil west and south of the proposed trail (W1‐SP1) was examined to a depth of 20 inches, consisting of two layers. The top layer is an 18‐inch dark gray (2.5Y 4/1) clay loam and the lower layer is a gray (2.5Y 6/1) clay loam. East of the proposed trail (W2‐SP1), the top layer is a 9‐inch very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam with yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) redoximorphic features. The lower layer is a gray (10YR 6/1) silty clay loam. Soils in the wetland are mapped by the NRCS as Woodinville silt loam. The buffer surrounding the Wetland 1/2 Complex consists of generally disturbed areas of upland grasses and forbs near the existing gravel maintenance road to the east and north, and forested areas closer to the wetland. Vegetation in the generally forested buffer includes red alder, bigleaf maple, western swordfern, salmonberry, black cottonwood, red elderberry, and Himalayan blackberry. A portion of the buffer located north of Wetland 1 and adjacent to an existing gravel maintenance road has been planted with native vegetation and includes western redcedar, salmonberry, grand fir (Abies grandis), and bigleaf maple. Other portions of the buffer north of the Wetland 1/2 Complex have historically been filled with asphalt, concrete rubble, and other debris. The Wetland 1/2 Complex is a palustrine forested wetland under the Cowardin (1979) system, and is a riverine/depressional wetland under the HGM system (Brinson 1993). According to the City of Renton (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and Ecology, the Wetland 1/2 Complex is rated a Category II. The wetland scored 56 points on Ecology’s rating form (22 points for water quality, 16 points for hydrologic functions, and 18 points for habitat functions) (Appendix B). The City of Renton requires a 100‐foot buffer for Category II wetlands with a habitat score of less than 20 points (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐8 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Wetland 3 Size: 0.18 acre (7,625 square feet) City of Renton Rating: Category IV Ecology Rating: Category IV Buffer: 50 feet USFWS Classification: Palustrine Scrub‐shrub /Palustrine Emergent HGM Classification: Depressional Sample Plots: W3‐SP1 and W3‐SP2 Wetland 3 is located north of Wetland 1 and south of the existing gravel maintenance road and BNSF rail tracks (Figure 3‐3). A portion of Wetland 3 is adjacent to the maintenance road. Wetland hydrology is supported by surface water coming from a culvert located north of the wetland under the BNSF rail tracks. The source appears to be surface runoff from the concrete recycling plant to the north. Soils were saturated, and some pockets of inundation were observed in channels and micro‐ depressions. The wetland is seasonally saturated. Water flows from Wetland 3 into a small drainage channel that drains to Wetland 1. Wetland 3 consists of a shrub community and an emergent community. The emergent community is dominated by reed canarygrass and the shrub community is dominated by young Oregon ash with some Himalayan blackberry. The sample plot was examined to a depth of 18 inches and consisted of four layers that appear to have been historically disturbed. Soils examined in Wetland 3 are composed of a 2‐inch layer of duff above a 6‐inch layer of dark gray (5Y 4/1) clay loam. Beneath those layers is a 6‐inch layer of dark gray (5Y 4/1) gravelly clay loam with strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) redoximorphic features over a 4‐inch layer of dark gray (5Y 4/1) sandy clay loam with strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) redoximorphic features. Some areas of the wetland contain debris in the soil. Soils in the wetland are mapped by the NRCS as Woodinville silt loam. The buffer of Wetland 3 consists primarily of upland grasses and forbs on fill. The buffer is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and black cottonwood. The soils have been historically disturbed and contain asphalt, concrete, and other construction debris. Wetland 3 is a palustrine scrub‐shrub/palustrine emergent wetland under the Cowardin (1979) system, and is a depressional wetland under the HGM system (Brinson 1993). According to the City of Renton (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and Ecology, Wetland 3 is rated a Category IV. The wetland scored 29 points on Ecology’s rating form (14 points for water quality, 5 points for hydrologic functions, and 10 points for habitat functions) (Appendix B). The City of Renton requires a 50‐foot buffer for Category IV wetlands with a habitat score of less than 20 points (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3‐9 Wetland 4 Size: 0.04 acre (1,700 square feet) City of Renton Rating: Category IV Ecology Rating: Category IV Buffer: 50 feet USFWS Classification: Palustrine Forested HGM Classification: Depressional Sample Plots: W4‐SP1 and W4‐SP2 Wetland 4 is located just southwest of Wetland 3 and north of the Wetland 1/2 Complex (Figure 3‐3). Wetland 4 likely was originally excavated. Wetland hydrology is supported primarily by runoff from the fill surrounding Wetland 4 and possibly from a subsurface connection to Wetland 3. Wetland 4 is seasonally saturated. Soils were saturated in the wetland and some pockets of inundation were observed in small depressions. Wetland 4 does not have an outlet. Wetland 4 consists of a forest community dominated by Oregon ash and black cottonwood. The understory is thinly populated with reed canarygrass. The sample plot was examined to a depth of 18 inches and consisted of two layers. Soils examined in Wetland 4 are composed of a 10‐inch layer of dark gray (5Y 4/1) clay loam with strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) redoximorphic features. Beneath this layer is an 8‐inch layer of dark gray (5Y 4/1) silty clay loam with strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) redoximorphic features. Soils in the wetland are mapped by the NRCS as Woodinville silt loam. The buffer of Wetland 4 consists of an upland forest community dominated by black cottonwood and Himalayan blackberry. The soils have been disturbed and contain asphalt, concrete, and other construction debris. Wetland 4 is a palustrine forested wetland under the Cowardin (1979) system, and is a depressional wetland under the HGM system (Brinson 1993). According to the City of Renton (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and Ecology, Wetland 4 is rated a Category IV. The wetland scored 25 points on Ecology’s rating form (10 points for water quality, 9 points for hydrologic functions, and 6 points for habitat functions) (Appendix B). The City of Renton requires a 50‐foot buffer for Category IV wetlands with a habitat score of less than 20 points (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐10 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Wetland 5 Size: 0.30 acre (13,192 square feet) City of Renton Rating: Category III Ecology Rating: Category III Buffer: 75 feet USFWS Classification: Palustrine Emergent HGM Classification: Depressional Sample Plots: W5‐SP1 and W5‐SP2 Wetland 5 is located north of the existing gravel maintenance road, east of Monster Road, and south of the BNSF rail tracks (Figure 3‐1). The wetland is possibly a created feature because the slopes are lined with quarry spalls and there are culverts at the inlet and the outlet, as well as a catch basin located just south of the wetland. Wetland hydrology is supported by surface water coming from a culvert located north of the wetland under the BNSF rail tracks outside of the study area. The source is likely overflow from detention ponds located on the concrete recycling plant to the north. Wetland 5 is occasionally inundated. The wetland was inundated to a depth of approximately 18 inches during one site investigation, while soils were saturated with no inundation during another site visit. Water flows from Wetland 5 into a culvert that drains to the buffer of the Black River to the south. Wetland 5 consists of an emergent community, although shrubs are located along the eastern boundary. The emergent community is dominated by narrow‐leaf cattail. The dominant shrub along the boundary is red‐osier dogwood. The sample plot was examined to a depth of 18 inches and consisted of a single layer. Soils examined in Wetland 5 are composed of a dark gray (2.5Y 4/1) sandy loam with strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) redoximorphic features. Soils in the wetland are mapped by the NRCS as Woodinville silt loam. The buffer of Wetland 5 consists primarily of upland shrubs and young trees on fill. The buffer is dominated by Himalayan blackberry and red alder. The soils have been disturbed and contain quarry spalls and other rocks and debris. Wetland 5 is a palustrine emergent wetland under the Cowardin (1979) system, and is a depressional wetland under the HGM system (Brinson 1993). According to the City of Renton (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and Ecology, Wetland 5 is rated a Category III. The wetland scored 49 points on Ecology’s rating form (22 points for water quality, 16 points for hydrologic functions, and 11 points for habitat functions) (Appendix B). The City of Renton requires a 75‐foot buffer for Category III wetlands with a habitat score of less than 20 points (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3‐11 Wetland 6 Size: 0.83 acre (36,210 square feet) City of Renton Rating: Category III Ecology Rating: Category III Buffer: 75 feet USFWS Classification: Palustrine Emergent HGM Classification: Depressional Sample Plots: W6‐SP1 and W6‐SP2 Wetland 6 is located in the fork of the existing gravel maintenance roads west of the Black River Pump Station (Figure 3‐1). A portion of Wetland 6 is adjacent to the maintenance road. Wetland hydrology is supported by surface water runoff from the surrounding compacted soils. Soils were saturated in portions of the wetland and inundated in two small depressions. Wetland 6 does not have an inlet or outlet and is seasonally saturated. Wetland 6 consists of an emergent community dominated by reed canarygrass. A small stand of black cottonwood is located on the western edge. The sample plot was examined to a depth of 18 inches and consisted of two layers that appear to have been historically disturbed. Soils examined in Wetland 6 are composed of a 4‐inch layer of very dark gray (2.5Y 3/1) clay loam with dark olive brown (2.5Y 3/3) redoximorphic features. Beneath this layer is a 14‐ inch layer of dark gray (2.5Y 4/1) fine sandy loam with dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) redoximorphic features. Soils in the wetland are mapped by the NRCS as Woodinville silt loam. The buffer of Wetland 6 consists primarily of upland grasses and forbs on fill. The buffer is dominated by bentgrasses (Agrostis spp.), tall fescue, Himalayan blackberry, and black cottonwood. The buffers are dissected on three sides of the wetland by the gravel maintenance roads. Wetland 6 is a palustrine emergent wetland under the Cowardin (1979) system, and is a depressional wetland under the HGM system (Brinson 1993). According to the City of Renton (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and Ecology, Wetland 6 is rated a Category III. The wetland scored 41 points on Ecology’s rating form (16 points for water quality, 17 points for hydrologic functions, and 8 points for habitat functions) (Appendix B). The City of Renton requires a 75‐foot buffer for Category III wetlands with a habitat score of less than 20 points (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐12 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Wetland 7 Size: 0.88 acre (38,508 square feet) City of Renton Rating: Category III Ecology Rating: Category III Buffer: 75 feet USFWS Classification: Palustrine Emergent/Palustrine Forested HGM Classification: Depressional Sample Plots: W7‐SP1 through W7‐SP6 Wetland 7 is located south of the existing gravel trail, northeast of the Black River Pump Station, and north of the Black River (Figure 3‐2). Wetland 7 is located topographically above the existing trail. Wetland hydrology is supported by precipitation and surface water runoff from the surrounding compacted soils. Soils were saturated in portions of the wetland and inundated in small depressions and shallow, narrow drainages throughout the wetland. Wetland 7 likely drains to the south and east below the soil surface and is seasonally saturated. Wetland 7 contains emergent and forested communities. The emergent portion is dominated by reed canarygrass and the forested portion is dominated by a stand of red alders on the eastern side of the wetland. The sample plot located within the emergent community was examined to a depth of 18 inches and consisted of two layers. Soils examined in Wetland 7 are composed of an 8‐inch layer of dark gray (2.5Y 4/1) silt loam with dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/6) redoximorphic features. Beneath this layer is a 10‐inch layer of dark greenish gray (10Y 4/1) silt loam with dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) redoximorphic features. Soils in the wetland are mapped by the NRCS as Woodinville silt loam. The buffer of Wetland 7 consists primarily of upland grasses and forbs to the north and west, shrubs to the south, and a narrow forested stretch to the east. The buffer is dominated by reed canarygrass, black cottonwood, and Himalayan blackberry. Wetland 7 is a palustrine emergent/palustrine forested wetland under the Cowardin (1979) system, and is a depressional wetland under the HGM system (Brinson 1993). According to the City of Renton (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and Ecology, Wetland 7 is rated a Category III. The wetland scored 37 points on Ecology’s rating form (16 points for water quality, 4 points for hydrologic functions, and 17 points for habitat functions) (Appendix B). The City of Renton requires a 75‐foot buffer for Category III wetlands with a habitat score of less than 20 points (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3‐13 Wetland BR Size: >1.5 acres (>65,340 square feet) City of Renton Rating: Category II Ecology Rating: Category II Buffer: 100 feet USFWS Classification: Palustrine Forested/Palustrine Emergent HGM Classification: Riverine/Depressional Sample Plots: WBR‐SP1 and WBR‐SP2 Wetland BR is southeast of the existing gravel trail, east‐northeast of the Black River Pump Station, and north of the Black River (Figure 3‐2). Wetland BR is hydrologically associated with the Black River and is part of the greater Black River Riparian Forest. Wetland hydrology is supported by overbank flow from the Black River, stormwater runoff from nearby surfaces, and a shallow groundwater table. A large openwater area (Black River) located upgradient of the Black River Pump Station is associated with Wetland BR. Much of the interior of Wetland BR is seasonally inundated, while some outer portions are saturated. Shallow inundation was observed throughout most of the wetland with depths of up to 2 inches of water. The wetland drains to the Black River, which meets the Green River near the western portion of the study area. Wetland BR is composed of forested and emergent communities. Vegetation is dominated by red alder, Pacific willow, reed canarygrass, yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus), and common ladyfern in the forested community. The emergent community is dominated by common cattail. Soil in Wetland BR was examined to a depth of 18 inches and consisted of three layers. The top layer is a 5‐inch very dark gray (2.5Y 3/1) silt loam with organics. The middle layer is a dark greenish gray (10Y 4/1) clay loam with strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) redoximorphic features. The lower layer is also a dark greenish gray (10Y 4/1) soil with strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) redoximorphic features, but has a texture of loamy sand. Soils in the wetland are mapped by the NRCS as Woodinville silt loam. The buffer surrounding Wetland BR consists of a slope primarily dominated by Himalayan blackberry and reed canarygrass. Some planted trees are located on the slope as well. They include western redcedar, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). Much of the buffer has been historically disturbed. Wetland BR is a palustrine forested wetland under the Cowardin (1979) system, and is a riverine/depressional wetland under the HGM system (Brinson 1993). According to the City of Renton (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.ii) and Ecology, Wetland BR is rated a Category II. The wetland scored 54 points on Ecology’s rating form (24 points for water quality, 12 points for hydrologic functions, and 18 points for habitat functions) (Appendix B). The City of Renton requires a 100‐foot buffer for Category II wetlands with a habitat score of less than 20 points (SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d.iv). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐14 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3.3 Streams Additional information is provided in the Stream Discipline Report (Parametrix 2015c). 3.3.1 Green and Black River Basins The Black River Basin makes up part of the Green River Watershed, which also includes Springbrook Creek, Mill Creek, Soos Creek, Jenkins Creek, Covington Creek, Newaukum Creek, Crisp Creek, and other tributaries. The Green River Watershed contains a population of about 400,000 people and is approximately 492 square miles (King County 2012). Land use varies considerably throughout the watershed. In the Upper Green River sub‐watershed it is used primarily for forest productions. The Middle Green sub‐watershed is a mix of residential, commercial forestry, and agricultural land uses. The Lower Green River sub‐watershed, in which the project area is located, is a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial land uses. The Green‐Duwamish Estuary sub‐watershed is a mix of residential and industrial uses (King County 2012). The project site is located within WRIA 9, the Green‐Duwamish River basin. The Duwamish River is defined as the portion of the Green/Duwamish River system downstream from the confluence of the Black River (River Mile [RM] 11.0) to Elliott Bay (RM 0.0), while the Green River extends upstream from the Black River. For this report, the term ‘Duwamish River’ pertains to the first 11 miles of the river system, while the term ‘Green River’ pertains to both the portion of river above RM 11.0 and the river system as a whole. Historically, the Green, White, Black, and Cedar rivers flowed into the Duwamish River, and the system drained an area of over 1,600 square miles. In the early 1900s, the Black, White, and Cedar rivers were diverted, reducing the Green River drainage over 60 percent to just 483 square miles (Blomberg 1988). Also, in 1913 the City of Tacoma constructed a diversion dam on the Green River, near the town of Palmer, at about RM 50.0. In 1963, the Howard Hanson Dam was built at RM 53.0. Both of these structures completely blocked fish migration to the upper Green River and its tributaries. Flow in the Green River is regulated by the operation of the Howard Hanson Dam. River velocities are dissipated as the river widens and currents converge with tidal pressures. Characterized by wet and dry seasons, discharge of the river varies seasonally. The wet season extends from November to July, and the dry season from August to October. The mean monthly flow rate in the lower Duwamish varies from 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) in August to 2,600 cfs in January. Stream banks are sloped and diked to contain flows of up to 11,000 cfs (Williams et al. 1975). According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the maximum regulated flow for the 100‐year recurrence interval is 12,000 cfs at the project site. The Lower Green River basin begins at the Auburn Narrows (RM 31) and continues to just downstream of the confluence with the Black River in Tukwila (RM 11). The lower Green River basin is composed of two areas that are split by the Black River basin to the north and the Mill Creek basin to the south. The lower Gren River basin is mostly on the urban side of the urban growth boundary and contains portions of the cities of Kent, Auburn, Tukwila, Federal Way, and SeaTac. Land uses include residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, as well as major highways, including Interstate 5. There are extensive areas of office/commercial and multi‐family residential development. This area has developed rapidly over the past 20 years. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3‐15 3.3.2 Green River Stream Type The project alignment intersects the Green River at about RM 11.0 on the right bank of the river (see Figure 1‐1). According to the DNR stream typing system, the Green River is a Type S stream, designated as a shoreline of the state. Within the project area, the stream is located within the local jurisdiction of the City of Tukwila, which also classifies the Green River as a Type S stream. The shoreline jurisdiction extends 200 feet from the river OHWM. According to the Tukwila SMP (Section 7.7), “the buffer will extend 125 feet landward from the ordinary high watermark, determined at the time of development or redevelopment of the site or when levee replacement or repair is programmed.” The remaining 75 feet landward of the buffer is also regulated under the Tukwila SMP. Fish Habitat Identified limiting habitat factors in the lower Green River Watershed include (1) urbanization, water diversions, and revetments that have resulted in disconnection of the river from floodplain off‐channel habitats such as sloughs and adjacent wetlands, (2) reduction of large woody debris and associated instream complexity, such as pools and riffles, (3) creation of adult salmon migration problems due to low flows, (4) chronic water quality problems, and (5) severe reductions in riparian habitats and associated functions (WSCC 2000). Currently, the reach within the study area is used by all native anadromous salmonid species for rearing and migration (see Fish Presence below). Water Quality Conditions The Green River has no listed exceedances on the 2012 Ecology 303(d) list within or immediately adjacent to the project limits (Ecology 2015). A 303(d) reach is located over 0.5 mile upstream from the project area, with recorded exceedances for stream temperature, dissolved oxygen, and fecal coliform. Biological Conditions Fish Presence The Duwamish and lower Green River serves as a migration and rearing area for anadromous salmonids, with no spawning habitat available (Williams et al. 1975). Three Pacific salmon species inhabit the Green/Duwamish River basin in significant numbers: Chinook, coho, and chum salmon. Pink and sockeye salmon are occasionally seen in the Green River basin, but the Green River is primarily a chum, coho, and Chinook salmon stream (Williams et al. 1975). Although sockeye salmon are occasionally seen in streams that are not tributaries to lakes, sockeye almost always require a rearing lake below or near their spawning area (Foerster 1972). Other anadromous fish using these waters include steelhead, sea‐ run cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and bull trout. Studies of juvenile salmonids in the Duwamish and lower Green River (Williams et al. 1975; Warner and Fritz 1995) have demonstrated the species presence, their timing within the project vicinity, and various characteristics of the fish. These investigations show that subyearling Chinook and chum salmon use shallow‐water shoreline habitats of various characteristics during their migration to the ocean. Juvenile pink salmon are likely to be found in the same areas during their spring migration period. The young salmon appear to prefer relatively protected shorelines with gradual slopes and depths of less than about 6 feet. However, they are also found along hard, steep to vertical substrates that are either natural or artificial. The young salmon tend to remain close to the shoreline but apparently cross deep water at night (Stober et al. 1973; Bax et al. 1979). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐16 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Yearling Chinook, steelhead, and coho also use shoreline areas but appear to be less shoreline‐oriented than the subyearling migrants. The substantially larger yearlings are commonly found in the near‐ surface water well away from the shoreline. Subadult and adult bull trout and Dolly Varden are likely to forage within the project vicinity during their late spring to summer migrations into Puget Sound. Juvenile salmon migrating past the project site include Chinook produced from the Soos Creek Hatchery, located about 39 miles upstream from the site. The juvenile migration period potentially extends from late February through mid‐June. During this period, wild fish commonly occur farther upstream and are more numerous in tributaries compared to hatchery fish. Stream Buffer Conditions Overstory riparian vegetation on the right bank of the river is generally limited to a relatively narrow (20 to 50 feet wide) zone with a sparse overstory of deciduous and coniferous trees. Trees include scattered Douglas fir, black cottonwood, western redcedar, and non‐native alder (Alnus spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.) species. Understory vegetation consists primarily of shrubs, with sumac (Rhus spp.), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), red‐osier dogwood, bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata), and substantial amounts of Himalayan blackberry. Invasive vegetation dominates the outer portion of the riparian zone, including a large amount of Himalayan blackberry and various grass species. A single line of ornamental trees is present on the south edge of the riparian zone, directly adjacent to Fort Dent Park. In addition, portions of the riparian zone consist of patches of bare ground. The vegetation is not adequate to provide the full range of riparian functions, although low to moderate levels of stream shading, large woody debris (LWD) recruitment, leaf litter production, and bank stability are provided by the existing riparian zone. Much of the shrub vegetation overhangs the river, offering some overhead cover for fish. 3.3.3 Black River Stream Type According to the DNR stream typing system, the Black River is a Type S stream, designated as a shoreline of the state. Within the project area, the stream is located within the local jurisdictions of the Cities of Tukwila and Renton (see Figure 1‐1), although the majority of the Black River is within Renton. Within Renton, the Black River is classified as a Class 1 water (shoreline of the state) (Renton SMP 4‐3‐090 F.1). The regulated buffer within shoreline jurisdiction (the Standard Vegetation Conservation Buffer width) includes lands within 100 feet, as measured on a horizontal plane, from the OHWM. Within Tukwila, the stream is classified as a Type S (shoreline of the state) stream. The regulated buffer extends 200 feet from the river OHWM. According to the Tukwila SMP (Section 7.7), “the buffer will extend 125 feet landward from the ordinary high watermark, determined at the time of development or redevelopment of the site or when levee replacement or repair is programmed.” The remaining 75 feet landward of the buffer is also regulated under the Tukwila SMP. Fish Habitat The Black River enters the Green River near Tukwila, on the right bank, at RM 11.0. On the Black River, a dam and pump station, which is approximately 600 feet upstream of Monster Road, prevent tidal upstream inundation of the river channel and maintain downstream flow, regardless of tidal influences. A Denil fishway allows upstream fish passage at the pump station, and an air lift pump arrangement aids downstream migrants in passing the structure during the spring months (Harza 1995). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 3‐17 The project site is located in a developed setting, zoned industrial, with large amounts of impervious surface within the project vicinity. A large gravel pit (Stoneway Concrete) is located north of the Monster Road Bridge; warehouses and an industrial operation are located to the north and south of the trail alignment; and railroad tracks run both parallel and perpendicular to the trail alignment. Instream habitat within the project area is dominated by run‐type channel morphology, with maximum stream depths of greater than 6 feet. At the time of the site visit (February 2011), the wetted width was approximately 25 feet, and no pools or riffles were observed. Bank‐full width was estimated at 30 feet. Streambed material consisted almost exclusively of sands and silts. The streambanks are relatively steep (approximately a 50‐degree angle) and bank condition appears to be relatively stable. Underneath the Monster Road Bridge, both streambanks are 100 percent armored with riprap, from the edge of the water to the bridge deck. No LWD was observed in the study area, and the presence of the pump station above the project site precludes LWD recruitment from upstream. Overall, the quality of fish habitat is poor, with little habitat diversity. Within the study area, the Black River would probably be used for migration or possibly rearing, although instream cover is somewhat limited. Water Quality Conditions The Black River from RM 0.25 to 1.44 is on the 2012 Ecology 303(d) list for exceeding the fecal coliform criteria (Ecology 2015). This exceedance includes the reach of the Black River between Monster Road Bridge and the Black River Pump Station. Biological Conditions Fish Presence WDFW (2014, 2015) data indicate that Chinook salmon, chum salmon, coho salmon, steelhead trout, and cutthroat trout have been documented in the Black River within the study area. The type of use is listed as migration for all species except coho, which use the lower Black River for juvenile rearing. Conditions favorable for Chinook salmon spawning and rearing do not exist in the project area. Recent information, as well as historical records (Harza 1995; Williams et al. 1975), indicate that Chinook do not use this area for spawning and rearing. However, very small numbers of adult fall Chinook migrating up the Green River occasionally stray into the Black River and become trapped above the Black River Pump Station (the pump station cannot pass adult salmon downstream). In the fall of 1997, adult Chinook were observed entering the Black River and attempting to spawn near the SW 27th Street culvert in Springbrook Creek, 2.3 miles upstream of the project area (WSCC 2000). Bull trout are not known to occur in the Black River and there are no documented occurrences of spawning (WDFW 1998). Water temperatures in the Black River basin are too high to support reproduction by this species (Harza 1995; Rieman and Chandler 1999). Stream Buffer Conditions The stream buffers in the Black River within the project area are relatively degraded, of limited widths, and composed of herbaceous, shrub, and non‐native species. Downstream of Monster Road Bridge, the stream buffer widths vary between 50 and 100 feet on the north side of the river to about 75 to 150 feet on the south side. Upstream of the bridge, vegetated buffer widths average from 100 to 150 feet on both sides of the Black River. The vegetated buffer consists of lightly forested and herbaceous plant communities, although the forested zone is restricted to within 50 feet of the river. Vegetation includes Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 3‐18 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) red alder, tall fescue, salmonberry, reed canarygrass, Himalayan blackberry, black cottonwood, western redcedar, western swordfern, bigleaf maple, red elderberry, and snowberry. Under existing conditions, the riparian corridor is not fully functioning, but it does provide some functions that support aquatic species, including some level of small woody debris or LWD recruitment, overhead stream cover, bank stability, leaf litter recruitment, and water quality maintenance. 3.4 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas The Black River Riparian Forest is designated as a Natural Area by the City of Renton and is therefore considered a Class 1 Fish Habitat Conservation Area. Regulations for Class 1 Streams and Lakes that would serve as FWHCAs are provided in the Renton SMP development and use standards, including but not limited to SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.c.iii. The Black River Riparian Forest is primarily forested riparian and wetland habitat, which supports a diverse wildlife community, including bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and a colony of great blue herons (Ardea herodias) that has actively nested here every year since 1986 and has been one of the largest such colonies in the Puget Sound region (Stenberg 2007). Data from the WDFW Priority Habitats and Species program indicate that the Black River Riparian Forest is also used by many waterfowl species, including bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), gadwall (Anas strepera), wigeon (Anas americana), scaup (Aythya affinis), and green‐winged teal (Anas crecca) (WDFW 2011a). Other bird species commonly found in riparian and wetland habitats in the Puget Lowlands include osprey (Pandion haliaetus), red‐tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), and a variety of songbirds. Mammals present may include coyotes (Canis latrans), raccoons (Procyon lotor), beavers (Castor canadensis), mice (Mus musculus), voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and moles (Scalopus aquaticus). Reptiles and amphibians that use these habitats include garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), Pacific chorus frogs (Pseudacris regilla), and long‐toed salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum). 3.5 Areas of Special Flood Hazard Portions of the Segment A trail alignment are located within the Green and Black River floodplains (Figure 3‐4). The threshold discharge areas (TDAs) identified for the site are depicted in Figure 3‐4 and described in the Technical Information Report (Parametrix 2015b). The length of trail within Areas of Special Flood Hazard, as well as the cut and fill quantities, are provided in Section 4‐4. BeginProject TDA 2 Ditch outfallto Black River S p r i ngbrookCreekBlack RiverProposed Rest Area Proposed Rest Area Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) RailwaySW 7th StMonster R d S W 68 t h Oakesd a l e A v e S W Mau le A v e SNaches Ave SWS 143rd St 80th Ave SI n t e r u r b a n A v e S S 144th St Beacon Coa l M i n e B N S F S 143rd St Martin Luther King Way S Duwamish River G re e n Ri verTrailGre en River CITY OFRENTONCITY OFTUKWILA UNINC.KING COUNTY Black RiverPump Station EndProject ProposedRetaining Wall Proposed Culvert ConcreteRecyclingPlant Springbrook 18Black River Basin Springbrook 17Black River Basin Springbrook 17Black River Basin Lower Green River - West Basin DuwamishRiverBasin 7 5 3 1/2 Complex 6 4 BR Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed 0 600300Feet Figure 3-4Drainage Basins, Subbasins,and Site CharacteristicsPath: U:\PSO\Projects\Clients\1521-KingCo\554-1521-084 L2ST\99Svcs\GIS\MapDocs\Fig1-3TIR-Drn-8x11Apr2015.mxdParametrix Sources: King County, City of Renton, WDFW 2014, WSDOT. Lake to Sound Trail --- Segment A Legend: TDA 1a-Tukwila TDA 1b-Renton TDA 2 TDA 3 TDA 4 TDA 5 Existing Trail City Boundary Railroad Wetlands Black River Riparian Forest Floodway Floodplains (100-year) Subbasin Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 4‐1 4. IMPACTS This chapter describes the extent and type of permanent and temporary impacts on critical areas and associated buffers that would occur as a result of the proposed project (Figures 4‐1 through 4‐9). 4.1 Wetlands No wetlands would be permanently or temporarily affected as a result of this project. However, some impacts on wetland buffers are unavoidable (Table 4‐1; Figures 4‐1 through 4‐9). Some overlap between stream buffers and wetland buffers occurs in the project area. Where this overlap occurs, impacts on these areas were calculated as wetland buffers. Table 4‐1. Wetland and Buffer Impacts Wetland City of Renton Ratinga Wetland Buffer Perm. Impacts acres (square feet) Temp. Impacts acres (square feet) Perm. Impacts acres (square feet) Temp. Impacts acres (square feet) 1/2 Complex II 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.27 (11,941) 0.07 (2,848) 3 IV 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.06 (2,695) 0.01 (600) 4 IV 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 5 III 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.14 (6,154) 0.02 (980) 6 III 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.01 (531) 0.02 (874) 7 III 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) BR II 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) Totalb 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.49 (21,321) 0.12 (5,302) a Renton SMP (4‐3‐090.D.2.d.ii) b Total acreage of impact was determined by converting the square footage of the total impact into acres and then rounding to the nearest 0.01 acre. Total quantities include buffer impact areas that occur where wetland and stream buffers overlap. Perm. = Permanent, Temp. = Temporary 4.1.1 Permanent Wetland Impacts No wetlands would be permanently affected as a result of this project. 4.1.2 Permanent Wetland Buffer Impacts Permanent impacts on the buffers of four wetlands would result from minor grading to construct a modular block retaining wall and widen the trail (see Figures 4‐1 through 4‐9). A total of approximately 0.49 acre (21,321 square feet) of impacts on project area wetland buffers are anticipated as a result of this project. This total includes those buffers that overlap with stream buffers. These buffers are generally low functioning and are composed primarily of grasses and forbs along the existing maintenance road edge. These impacts would affect the buffers of the Wetland 1/2 Complex, Wetland 3, Wetland 5, and Wetland 6 (Table 4‐1). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 4‐2 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 4.1.3 Temporary Wetland Impacts No wetlands would be temporarily affected as a result of this project. 4.1.4 Temporary Wetland Buffer Impacts Temporary impacts on wetland buffers would occur from construction‐related activities including, but not limited to, clearing vegetation. A total of approximately 0.12 acre (5,302 square feet) of temporary impacts on wetland buffers are anticipated as a result of the construction of the Segment A portion of the Lake to Sound Trail. This total includes those buffers that overlap with stream buffers. These impacts would affect the buffers of the Wetland 1/2 Complex, Wetland 3, Wetland 5, and Wetland 6 (Table 4‐1). 4.2 Streams This section describes the extent and type of temporary and permanent effects on streams and aquatic resources that could occur as a result of the proposed project. The project would result in 0.60 acre (25,926 square feet) of permanent impacts and 0.10 acre (4,455 square feet) of temporary impacts on stream buffers of streams in the study area (Table 4‐2; Figures 4‐1 through 4‐5). Impacts that would occur where stream and wetland buffers overlap were calculated as wetland buffer impacts. Table 4‐2. Stream and Buffer Impacts Stream City of Tukwila (T) a/Renton (R)b Typing Stream Buffer Perm. Impacts acres (square feet) Temp. Impacts acres (square feet) Perm. Impacts acres (square feet) Temp. Impacts acres (square feet) Green River S (T) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.06 (2,418) 0.01 (559) Black River S (T)/1 (R) 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.54 (23,508) 0.09 (3,896) Total c 0.00 (0) 0.00 (0) 0.60 (25,926) 0.10 (4,455) a Stream typing according to Tukwila SMP (Section 7.7) b Stream typing according to Renton SMP (4‐3‐090 F.1) c Total acreage of impact was determined by converting the square footage of the total impact into acres and then rounding to the nearest 0.01 acre. Total quantities do not include areas that occur where wetland and stream buffers overlap; these areas were calculated as wetland impacts (see Table 4‐1). Perm. = Permanent, Temp. = Temporary 4.2.1 Permanent Stream Impacts The project does not include construction activities below the OHWM of any stream; therefore, the project would not result in any stream fill, nor would alterations to fish passage structures be required. The new pedestrian bridge over the Black River would be 109 feet long and 12 feet wide. The portion of the bridge spanning the OHWM of the river would be approximately 44 feet long, meaning approximately 528 square feet of the river would be affected by shading from the bridge. Shade from overwater structures such as bridges can be a migration barrier for fish. Juvenile salmonids avoid dark, shaded areas under structures, resulting in loss of access to habitat, blockage of movement, and potentially increased exposure to predators. In addition, shade from overwater structures can provide hiding cover for some non‐native species, such as smallmouth bass, that prey on native fish. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 4‐20 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) The Black River is not considered to be an important migratory corridor for salmonids because the Black River pump station immediately upstream of the study area presents a substantial barrier to upstream and downstream migration. In addition, reaches of the Black River and Springbrook Creek upstream of the project action area are unlikely to provide suitable spawning or rearing habitat for Chinook salmon or high‐quality spawning or rearing habitat for steelhead. Moreover, the narrow footprint and north‐ south orientation of the bridge (minimizing the amount of time that any given point receives shade over the course of a day) would further diminish the potential for the structure to cast shade that presents a migration barrier for any juvenile salmonids that may pass through the project action area. All bridge components spanning the Black River would be designed and installed in accordance with the provisions of the HPA and other permits issued for the project. Per WAC 220‐660‐030, the HPA would include provisions designed to ensure no net loss of habitat functions necessary to sustain fish life. Compliance with the provisions of the HPA and other permits would be expected to avoid or minimize the potential for adverse effects resulting from bridge construction. Any unavoidable impacts would be addressed through compensatory mitigation. 4.2.2 Permanent Stream Buffer Impacts Permanent impacts on stream buffers would occur where the proposed trail alignment encroaches into currently vegetated areas within the regulatory buffers on the Green River and the Black River. As previously discussed, there is some overlap between stream buffers and wetland buffers. The total amount of riparian buffer that would be subjected to permanent impacts would be 0.73 acre (31,641 square feet) (see Figures 4‐2 through 4‐5). Of this area, 0.13 acre (5,715 square feet) also falls within wetland buffers and are identified as wetland buffer impacts for regulatory purposes. For this analysis, therefore, the project would result in 0.60 acre (25,926 square feet) of permanent impacts to riparian buffers (Table 4‐2). Permanent riparian buffer impacts would occur along the Black River and the Green River. In almost all cases, the quality of the riparian buffer that would be permanently displaced is low to moderate. Much of the riparian impact area along the Black River consists of grass or non‐native herbaceous and shrub species. However, there would be removal of some scattered larger trees (approximately 10 trees of greater than 4 inches diameter at breast height from the riparian buffer). The existing buffer functions are still somewhat degraded, compared to fully forested conditions, and these functions are provided at a low or moderate level. The predominant cover type within the project footprint is urban, consisting primarily of the gravel surface of the existing maintenance road. Where the existing surface is not composed of gravel, a worn dirt trail exists and is largely free of trees and shrubs. Clearing for trail construction would affect approximately 0.44 acre and is not expected to reduce species diversity or result in a substantial reduction in plant cover in the study area. Some low‐growing plants would be replaced with hard surfaces, however, and the overhead canopy may be slightly reduced in some places. Based on the nature and location of buffer impacts, no substantial degradation of riparian functions (e.g., fish and wildlife habitat, food chain support, water temperature maintenance) or process (e.g., water flow; erosion and accretion; infiltration; groundwater recharge and discharge; sediment delivery, transport, and storage; LWD recruitment; organic matter input; nutrient and pathogen removal; stream channel formation/maintenance) would result from permanent project‐ related clearing. No substantial effects on stream habitat or fish resources in any of the project area streams are anticipated. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 4‐21 4.2.3 Temporary Stream Impacts The project does not include construction activities below the OHWM of any stream; therefore, the project would not temporarily affect any streams. 4.2.4 Temporary Stream Buffer Impacts Temporary impacts on stream buffers would occur from minor clearing and grading during project construction, as well as from potential erosion, sedimentation, and noise disturbance during construction. As previously discussed, there is some overlap between stream buffers and wetland buffers. The total amount of riparian buffer that would be subjected to temporary impacts would be 0.11 acre (5,312 square feet) (see Figures 4‐2 through 4‐5). Approximately 0.01 acre of this area (857 square feet) also falls within wetland buffers and are identified as wetland buffer impacts for regulatory purposes. For this analysis, therefore, the project would result in 0.10 acre (4,455 square feet) of temporary impacts to riparian buffers (Table 4‐2). Temporary riparian buffer impacts would occur along a very small portion of the Green River, with the vast majority of impacts occurring within the Black River riparian buffer. Because the portions of the affected buffer are degraded (as discussed above) and these riparian areas would be replanted once construction is complete, temporary clearing is not expected to have a substantial effect on stream habitat or fish resources in any of the project area streams. Construction activities occurring directly adjacent to project area streams could increase turbidity and total suspended solid levels. However, no earthwork or riparian clearing would occur within 25 feet of the OHWM of the Green River or below the OHWM of the Black River. Along most of the proposed trail corridor, no ground‐disturbing work would take place within 40 feet of any streams. Furthermore, any construction‐related effects would be avoided through the development and implementation of best management practices (BMPs), including temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) and spill prevention control and countermeasures plans. 4.3 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Additional information is in the Stream Discipline Report (Parametrix 2015c). The Black River Riparian Forest is designated as a Natural Area by the City of Renton and is therefore considered a Class 1 Fish Habitat Conservation Area. The clearing and grading for trail construction would permanently convert some existing vegetated cover within the area of the project footprint to a developed condition. Nearly all clearing would occur along the existing maintenance road, most of which consists of hardened surfaces or low functioning vegetated cover dominated by non‐native plants. Some low‐growing plants would be replaced with hard surfaces, and the overhead canopy may be slightly reduced in some places. No impacts on wetlands or streams would occur. See the Vegetation and Wildlife Discipline Report (Parametrix 2015a) for additional information about potential impacts to FWHCAs associated with wildlife species. 4.4 Areas of Special Flood Hazard Approximately 1,050 feet of the Segment A trail alignment near the western end of the proposed trail corridor (from A‐Line Station 1+00 to Station 11+50) would be below the elevation of the 100‐year floodplain. Other trail segments in TDA 3 and TDA 5 would be located within the mapped floodplain of the Black River (Figure 3‐4) but the elevation of the constructed trail would be above the floodplain elevation (Parametrix 2015b). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 4‐22 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) The proposed vertical alignment of the trail would approximate existing grade as close as possible while providing smooth transitions for ADA compliance and positive drainage towards the river. Between A‐ Line Stations 1+00 and 12+25, approximately 217 cubic yards of fill would be placed and approximately 242 cubic yards of excavation would occur, for an overall net removal of approximately 25 cubic yards of material below the floodplain elevation. Detailed calculations and further information are provided in the Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A Final Technical Information Report (Parametrix 2015b). Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 5‐1 5. MITIGATION The Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A project would mitigate impacts on wetlands and streams in accordance with the mitigation sequencing requirements established by NEPA, CWA, and local wetland protection programs (TMC 18.45 and Renton SMP 4.3.090). According to NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] paragraphs 1508.20), the definition of mitigation is as follows: 1. Avoiding the impact all together by not taking a certain action or parts of an action. 2. Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation. 3. Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment. 4. Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action. 5. Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments. 5.1 Avoidance and Minimization Consistent with the above sequencing requirements, a high priority was placed on avoiding and minimizing critical area and buffer impacts. Wetlands and streams in the study area have been avoided to the greatest extent feasible with no permanent or temporary impacts anticipated. King County would apply the following strategies to critical area and buffer impacts during the design, permitting, and construction phases:  Use a retaining wall to narrow the trail footprint in the vicinity of wetland boundaries and some riparian buffers.  Limit earthwork near streams and wetlands to the dry season to reduce the potential for sediment runoff.  Construct the trail on an existing gravel maintenance road to minimize impacts on functioning riparian buffers.  Where feasible, widen the trail on the north side of the existing corridor to minimize impacts on buffers and wildlife habitat.  Use appropriate sediment and erosion control BMPs (e.g., mulching, matting, and netting; filter fabric fencing; sediment traps) to reduce the risk of erosion and reduce or minimize the chance of sediments entering project waterbodies.  Prepare and implement a TESC plan for clearing or removing vegetation, grading, ditching, filling, excavating, and conducting embankment compaction to minimize and control pollution and erosion from all vegetation or ground‐disturbing activities. 5.2 Restoration of Temporary Impacts All temporarily affected areas would be restored to pre‐construction conditions and re‐planted or seeded with native species. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 5‐2 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 5.3 Compensatory Mitigation Because permanent impacts on wetland buffers and stream buffers could not be completely avoided, King County would replace the buffer area and functions lost through compensatory mitigation. Mitigation measures for offsetting these impacts on wetland buffers and stream buffers are described below and included in the Mitigation Plan (Appendix E). 5.3.1 Regulatory Requirements for Compensatory Mitigation The City of Renton SMP (4‐3‐090 D.2.d.x.e) states that “Compensation for wetland buffer impacts shall occur at a minimum 1:1 ratio. Compensatory mitigation for buffer impacts shall include enhancement of degraded buffers by planting native species.” Therefore, impacts on wetland buffers would be replaced at a ratio of 1:1 at a minimum. Stream buffer would be replaced at a ratio of 1:1 at a minimum, as well. No wetlands were observed in the portion of the study area within the city of Tukwila. The following provisions of RMC 4‐10‐095 Shoreline Master Program Nonconforming Uses, Activities, Structures, and Sites apply to the proposed development F. Partial and Full Compliance, Alteration of an Existing Structure or Site Major Alteration Expansion of impervious surface by more than 25%; Install site improvements that protect the ecological functions and processes of the shoreline, consisting of either: o Full compliance with Vegetation Conservation provisions of RMC 4‐3‐090F1, Vegetation Conservation, consisting of revegetation of a native community of the full required* buffer, or 100% of the area between an existing building and the water’s edge if the full buffer cannot be planted, or at least 10 ft., or o An alternate mitigation proposal prepared by a qualified professional and approved by the Administrator of the Department of Community and Economic Development or designee that would provide at least equal protection of ecological functions and processes as the full required* setback and buffer. This requirement is met by a revegetation plan for areas between the trail and OHWM where the trail is within the 100 foot Vegetation Conservation Area of the Black River. This provision will be implemented for wetland buffers in conjunction with RMC 4‐03‐090.D.2.d.xii. Vegetation Management Plan Required: In order to maintain effective buffer conditions and functions, a vegetation management plan shall be required for all buffer areas, to include: (a) Maintaining adequate cover of native vegetation including trees and understory; if existing tree cover is less than a density of twenty (20) trees per acre, planting shall be required consisting of seedlings at a density of three hundred (300) stems per acre or the equivalent; (b) Providing a dense screen of native evergreen trees at the perimeter of the buffer if existing vegetation is not sufficient to prevent viewing adjacent development from within the buffer. Planting shall be required equivalent to two (2) rows of three feet (3') high stock of native Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 5‐3 evergreens at a triangular spacing of fifteen feet (15'), or three (3) rows of gallon containers at a triangular spacing of eight feet (8'). Fencing may be required if needed to block headlights or other sources of light or to provide an immediate effective visual screen; (c) Providing a plan for control of invasive weeds, and removal of existing invasive species; (d) Providing for a monitoring and maintenance plan for a period of at least five (5) years, except this provision may be waived for single family residential lots at the discretion of the Administrator of the Department of Community and Economic Development or designee. King County developed plans for habitat improvements or restoration to mitigate the effects of the project. This mitigation plan focuses on providing compensatory mitigation measures for riparian and wetland buffers at equal or greater functions than would be affected by the project. The mitigation sites would be planted at a ratio of at least 1:1 to offset project impacts. The riparian buffer component of the overall mitigation would consist of planting native trees and shrubs within the regulated riparian buffer of a fish‐bearing stream (Black River). Although mitigation was considered upstream or downstream of the project, or at a similar subbasin in the same geographic area, on‐site mitigation (within the project area and regulated buffer of the Black River) was selected as the preferred option. Any trees with trunks larger than 4 inches in diameter that are removed within sensitive areas or shoreline zones in the City of Tukwila would be replaced as prescribed by TMC requirements. 5.3.2 Site Selection The regulations of the local jurisdictions (Cities of Tukwila and Renton) identify a preference for compensatory mitigation to be conducted within the same subbasin and on site (TMC 18.45.090 F.5; Renton SMP 4‐3‐090 D.2.d x.(i)). However, the Cities may consider off‐site compensation if the applicant demonstrates that this provides a greater ecological benefit. King County considered multiple mitigation opportunities located on the project site. The identification of available parcels for mitigation is dependent upon size, current site conditions, land use, real estate conditions, local jurisdiction code, and future land use proposals. Based on the Cities’ preference for on‐site mitigation, project staff first considered opportunities within the trail right‐of‐way for compensatory mitigation. On‐site mitigation opportunities within the trail corridor are constrained by the narrow linear right‐of‐way, limited buffer area available for enhancement, and adjacent land uses and features (e.g., railroad tracks). Off‐site opportunities in the same subbasin and out of the subbasin (in the same WRIA) were also explored. The proposed mitigation sites are located outside of the trail right‐of‐way, but near the trail (Appendix E). The first site (Mitigation Site 1) was selected because it is located in the vicinity of both stream (Black River) buffer and wetland (Wetlands 7 and BR) buffer, dominated by invasive species, and large enough to accommodate all of the project’s wetland buffer mitigation needs at a single location. The second site (Mitigation Site 2) was selected because it is within the buffer of the Black River and adjacent to the trail. The proposed mitigation sites are located within the city of Renton and are owned by the City of Renton. Currently the proposed Mitigation Site 1 is being used as a natural area and is part of the Black River Riparian Forest. Mitigation Site 2 is on the sloped banks of the Black River at the western end of the Black River Riparian Forest. 5.3.3 Mitigation Site Existing Conditions Proposed Mitigation Site 1 is located between the Black River, Wetland 7, and Wetland BR. It is dominated by reed canarygrass and Himalayan blackberry. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 5‐4 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Proposed Mitigation Site 2 is located northeast of Monster Road, north and south of the Black River. It is dominated by Himalayan blackberry with butterfly bush (Buddleja sp.). Few native species are present in low numbers including Scouler’s willow (Salix scouleriana), snowberry, Indian plum (Oemleria cerasiformis), and Douglas spirea (Spiraea douglasii) at the water edge. A few trees are scattered on the site, primarily black cottonwood. The top of bank on the south side of the river consists of grasses and forbs, including poison hemlock. Rock and broken pieces of concrete are on top of and within the soil. 5.3.4 Proposed Mitigation Proposed conceptual mitigation includes enhancement of approximately 0.49 acre of wetland buffer and 0.38 acre of stream buffer at Mitigation Site 1 and enhancement of approximately 0.22 acre of stream buffer at Mitigation Site 2 (see Appendix E). The proposed enhancement at both mitigation sites would include a combination of invasive vegetation removal, tilling of soil, addition of compost (where needed) and mulch, and planting of native vegetation. Riparian mitigation may also consist of planting, or underplanting, in an area where existing riparian conditions are degraded. This type of mitigation would offset the project’s impacts on stream resources by maintaining or enhancing those riparian functions that support water quality and fish habitat. The riparian functions that would benefit from mitigation include LWD recruitment, stream temperature regulation, bank stability, leaf litter recruitment, and water quality functions. The goal of the mitigation effort is to augment the Black River corridor by establishing native vegetation and enhancing buffer functions of the stream and Wetland 7 in areas dominated by invasive species. These efforts would meld with previous and future enhancement activities performed by others. Impacts to FWHCAs, outside of wetland and stream buffers, would be compensated for with additional plantings where views toward the heron nesting colony are not already obscured by existing vegetation. Such plantings, combined with fence installation along the southern edge of the alignment of the trail adjacent to the Black River Riparian Forest, are expected to reduce the potential for disturbance to wildlife in the natural area. These plantings would be qualitatively monitored for general health and rigor in conjunction with the wetland buffer compensatory mitigation monitoring (qualitative) during Years 1, 2, and 3. 5.3.5 Mitigation Goals, Objectives, and Performance Standards The overall goal of the mitigation is to replace the habitats and functions lost as a result of the project. The proposed mitigation would accomplish this by enhancing 0.49 acre of wetland buffer and 0.60 acre of stream buffer. Specific goals and objectives formulated to achieve this result are presented below. Mitigation Goal Goal: Enhance 0.49 acre of wetland buffer and 0.60 acre of stream buffer to native forested upland. Achievement of this goal is expected to increase the production of organic matter by planting trees and shrubs in the enhanced buffer; increase wildlife habitat; and improve biological diversity by planting with a variety of native riparian plant species. Mitigation Objectives and Performance Standards Objective 1: Establish a minimum of 0.49 acre of forested wetland buffer and 0.60 acre of forested stream buffer by planting native trees and shrubs. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 5‐5 Performance Standards: Year 1 Survival of planted woody species in enhanced wetland buffer and stream buffer areas will be at least 80 percent. Year 3 Native woody species will achieve a minimum of 35 percent areal cover in the enhanced wetland buffer and stream buffer areas. Year 5 Native woody species will achieve a minimum of 60 percent areal cover in the enhanced wetland buffer and stream buffer areas. Objective 2: Limit invasive non‐native species throughout the mitigation site planting areas. Performance Standard: Years 1–5 Himalayan blackberry, cutleaf blackberry (Rubus laciniatus), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), butterfly bush, poison hemlock, Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), and reed canarygrass will not exceed 20 percent areal cover in all planting areas. Objective 3: Provide upland wildlife habitat. Performance Standard: Increase in areal cover of native woody species in the planted buffer, as measured in Objective 1 to be used as a surrogate to indicate increasing habitat functions. Objective 4: Protect the mitigation site from anthropogenic disturbance. Performance Standard: Years 1–5 Conduct yearly qualitative monitoring to assess the status of the sites during the 5‐year monitoring period for human disturbance, including but not limited to filling, trash, and vandalism. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 6‐1 6. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE 6.1 Monitoring The mitigation areas would be monitored during and after construction. During construction, monitoring would ensure that the BMPs are observed to minimize impacts, and the on‐site construction work (including earthwork and planting) would be coordinated to ensure that the site is constructed as designed. After construction is completed, an “as‐built” mitigation report would be submitted to the Cities of Renton and Tukwila within 1 month of mitigation installation. Post‐construction monitoring of the mitigation areas would be performed over a 5‐year period by qualified biologists. Monitoring would be performed quarterly the first year and annually for subsequent years to ensure that the goals and objectives of the mitigation are being met. A combination of qualitative and quantitative monitoring activities would be used to assess the management objectives and associated performance standards described in this mitigation proposal. Activities would include conducting site visits to monitor unnatural site disturbance, taking photographs to document site development, and collecting data for the quantitative evaluation of performance standards. The results of the monitoring will be submitted to the Cities of Renton and Tukwila following each monitoring event. Appropriate contingency measures will be developed, as needed, by a qualified professional to ensure that the sites develop healthy vegetation that meets the obligations described in this mitigation plan and the associated permits. 6.1.1 Quantitative Monitoring The following bulleted items describe the methods to be used for the quantitative monitoring, monitoring schedule, and report deadlines.  The mitigation sites will be assessed by an appropriate quantitative vegetative cover field assessment methodology. The line intercept method will be used for determining percent areal cover for woody and invasive species.  Quantitative vegetation assessments will follow the same method in each consecutive monitoring year.  Quantitative vegetation assessments will be performed between June 15 and September 15 of each monitoring year.  Monitoring reports will be sent to agencies requiring monitoring reports by February 15 of the following year.  Quantitative monitoring will include photographic documentation of the sites from permanent photograph stations. 6.1.2 Qualitative Monitoring Qualitative assessment will be performed yearly to visually assess the health of plants and identify areas that may need control of non‐native invasive species or other maintenance activities. Additionally, during Years 1, 2, and 3 the screening plantings (SP‐1 on Sheet MP1 in Appendix E) will Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 6‐2 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) also be qualitatively monitored to visually assess the health of the plants and identify areas that may need control of non‐native invasive species or other maintenance activities. 6.2 Maintenance The proposed mitigation is intended to achieve the performance standards with minimal ongoing maintenance. Planted vegetation species should be adapted to varying site conditions in the Puget Sound lowland; however, supplemental irrigation might be needed during the first two growing seasons after installation to ensure the long‐term survival of the plants. The need for irrigation would be evaluated based on the conditions observed during the establishment period. To ensure rapid establishment of the plant community, trees and shrubs would be planted closer together than would generally occur in natural mature stands. Some natural mortality is expected to occur during the monitoring period. All dead and downed woody material would be left in place to provide microhabitats for wildlife. Plants would be replaced as needed to meet performance standards. Maintenance to control nuisance species in the mitigation areas may be necessary. During the monitoring period, if it becomes evident that invasive species are impeding establishment of desirable native plants, measures would be implemented to control nuisance species. A progressively aggressive approach would be used to control nuisance species. Control measures would first include hand cutting and/or grubbing and removal; if this fails, an environmentally sensitive herbicide (Rodeo® or equivalent) may be applied. 6.3 Contingency Measures If monitoring indicates that the sites are not meeting performance standards, contingency measures would be implemented (Table 6‐1). Site conditions would be evaluated to determine the cause of the problem and the most appropriate countermeasures. Information from the annual monitoring program will be used to identify any maintenance and/or corrective actions. If problems are identified in monitoring, King County biologists will determine the cause of the problem and implement proper maintenance or corrective activities. These activities will be discussed in the annual monitoring report. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 6‐3 Table 6‐1. Contingency Measures for the Mitigation Site Problem Contingency Measure Less than 80% of planted woody species survive in Year 1 King County biologists (or other qualified biologist) would assess the site to determine what conditions are preventing the plants from thriving. Appropriate measures would be taken to correct any conditions that are limiting growth. Lost plants would be replaced with appropriate native species unless appropriate native woody species are volunteering at a rate sufficient to replace them. Additional measures (such as providing additional protection) would be considered if necessary. Additional protection could include the use of an herbivore repellent (Plantskydd or equivalent). Percent cover for woody species not met in Year 3 or 5 King County biologists (or other qualified biologist) would assess the sites to determine what conditions are preventing the plants from thriving. Appropriate measures would be taken to correct any conditions that are limiting growth. Invasive species exceed percent cover threshold Implement/revise invasive species control plan. Performance standards not met at Year 5 Continue the monitoring regime for 1 additional year. The sites would continue to be evaluated every year until they meet the stated performance standards associated with management objectives. Other contingency measures may be implemented during this period. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 7‐1 7. REFERENCES Bax, N. J., E.O. Salo, and B.P. Snyder. 1979. Salmonid outmigration studies in Hood Canal. Final report, phase VI. FRI‐UW‐7921, 89 p. Fish. Res. Inst., Univ. Wash., Seattle. Blomberg, G., C. Simenstad, and P. Hickey. 1988. Changes in Duwamish River estuary habitat over the past 125 years. Pages 437‐454 in Proceedings. First annual meeting on Puget Sound research. Volume 2. 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The sockeye salmon. Bulletin 162. Ottawa, Canada: Fisheries Research Board of Canada. 422 p. GretagMacbeth. 2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts. New Windsor, New York. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County 7‐2 April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) Harza. 1995. Comprehensive fisheries assessment of the Springbrook, Mill, and Garrison Creek watershed. Bellevue, Washington: prepared for City of Kent, Washington. Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, Seattle, Washington. Hruby, T. 2004. Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Western Washington ‐ Revised. Washington State Department of Ecology, Publication No. 04‐06‐025. King County. 2012. Green River Watershed. Available at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/watersheds/green‐river.aspx. Accessed February 27, 2012. King County. 2015. King County iMap Interactive Mapping Tool. Available at: <http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/gis/Maps/iMAP.aspx>. Accessed April 2015. Null, W.S., G. Skinner, and W. Leonard. 2000. Wetland Functions Characterization Tool for Linear Projects. Washington State Department of Transportation Environmental Affairs Office. Olympia, Washington. Parametrix. 2015a. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A Vegetation and Wildlife Discipline Report. April 2015. Seattle, Washington. Parametrix. 2015b. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A Final Technical Information Report. April 2015. Seattle, Washington. Parametrix. 2015c. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A Stream Discipline Report. April 2015. Seattle, Washington. Reed, P.B., Jr. 1993. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands, Northwest Region 9 Supplement. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, D.C. Reed, P.B., Jr. 1988. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, D.C. Renton, City of. 2015. GIS data. FEMA Floodplain Boundary. Available at: http://rentonwa.gov/government/default.aspx?id=29887. Data Downloaded March 30, 2015. Rieman, B.E. and G.L. Chandler. 1999. Empirical evaluation of temperature effects on bull trout distribution in the Northwest. Final Report, Contract No. 12957242‐01‐0. U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Boise, Idaho. Stenberg, K. 2007. The Black River Heron Colony: An Annotated History. Quailcroft Environmental Services, Sammamish, WA. Stober, Q.J, S.J. Walden, and D.T. Griggs. 1973. Juvenile salmonid migration through Skagit Bay, pp.35‐ 70. In Ecological studies of proposed Kiket Island nuclear power site. Edited by Q.J. Stober and E.O. Salo. FRI‐UW‐7304. 537pp. Lake to Sound Trail—Segment A Final Critical Area Study King County April 2015 │ 554‐1521‐084 (B/3T300B) 7‐3 USDA, NRCS (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2002. Climate Information. King County, Washington. Available at: <ftp://ftp.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/support/climate/wetlands/wa/53053.txt>. Water and Climate Center, Portland, Oregon. USDA, NRCS. 2010a. Web Soil Survey Online Interactive Mapper. Available at: <http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx>. Accessed December 2010. USDA, NRCS. 2010b. The PLANTS Database. Available at: http://plants.usda.gov. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2010. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), Online Interactive Mapper. Available at: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/. Warner, E.J., and R.L. Fritz. 1995. The distribution and growth of Green River chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) outmigrants in the Duwamish Estuary as a function of water quality and substrate. Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn, Washington. WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2015. PHS on the Web: An interactive map of WDFW priority habitats and species information for project review. Available online at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/. Accessed February 2, 2015. WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2014. Salmonscape fish database and mapping application. Available online at: https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/salmonscape/. Accessed January 16, 2014. Williams, W.R., R.M. Laramie, and J.J. Ames. 1975. A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization. Volume 1, Puget Sound Region. Washington Department of Fisheries, Olympia, Washington. WSCC (Washington State Conservation Commission). 2000. Habitat Limiting Factors and Reconnaissance Assessment Report: Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watersheds (Water Resource Inventory Area 9 and Vashon Island), Olympia, Washington. December 2000. Appendix A Wetland Determination Data Forms US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 02/04/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: SP-N1 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 0% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat Long Datum Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification Upland forest Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot Sp-N1 is located approximately 8 feet south of the gravel trail in a swale. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Poa pratensis 60 Y FAC 2. Schedonorus phoenix 20 Y FAC Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 80 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 20 Remarks: Bare ground and moss make up most of ground cover (no herbaceous layer) US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W3-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-4 2.5Y 4/1 85 10YR 4/6 15 C M Sandy loam 4+ Quarry Spalls Fill 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): 4 Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Surface Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 02/04/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W1-SP1 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 2% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 42.29” Long W122 14’10.03” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PFO Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Sample Plot W1-SP1 is located near the northern boundary of the wetland, approximately 15 feet north of Wetland Flag W1-26. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1.Populus balsamifera 50 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.Fraxinus latifolia 10 N FACW 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 3 (B) 4. 60 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 67 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1.Cornus sericea 10 Y FACW Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = 10 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Lysimachia nummularia 10 Y NL 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 10 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum _85___ Remarks: Vegetation is dominated by hydrophytic species. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W1-SP1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-18 2.5Y 4/1 85 2.5Y 5/6 10 C M Clay loam 10YR 5/8 5 C M 18-20 2.5Y 6/1 85 10YR 5/8 15 C M Clay loam 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Hydrogen sulfide and depleted matrix indicators are present. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): 6 Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Surface Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: The sample plot was inundated during the site investigation. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 02/04/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W1-SP2 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Hillslope Slope (%) 4% Local relief (concave, convex, none) convex Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 42.50” Long W122 14’ 09.96” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification Upland forest Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot W1 SP-2 located approximately 15 feet north of Wetland Flag W1-26. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Populus balsamifera 50 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 4 (B) 4. 50 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 25 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1.Sambucus racemosa 50 Y FACU Prevalence Index Worksheet 2.Rubus spectabilis 5 N FAC Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = 55 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Lysimachia nummularia 75 Y NL 2. Polystichum munitum 50 Y FACU Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1.Rubus armeniacus Trace N FACU 2. Trace = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 10______ Remarks: Vegetation is dominated by upland species. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W1-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-20 2.5Y 3/2 100 Gravelly clay loam Disturbed with small scattered inclusions 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Soils appear to be historically disturbed. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: No hydrology was present in sample plot during site investigation. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 12/21/10 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W2A-SP1 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 0% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28” 38.43” Long W122 14’ 44.53” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PFO Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: W2A-SP1 is located at the east end of the study area. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1.Populus balsamifera 70 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2.Fraxinus latifolia 50 Y FAC 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 4 (B) 4. 120 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 75 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1.Rubus spectabilis 80 Y FAC Prevalence Index Worksheet 2.Symphoricarpos alba 40 Y FACU Total % Cover of Multiply by 3.Rosa pisocarpa 10 N FAC OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = 130 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum ______ Remarks: Vegetation is dominated by hydrophytic species. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W2A-SP1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-9 10 YR 3/2 90 10YR 5/6 10 c m Silty loam 9-20 10 YR 6/1 70 10YR 5/6 30 c m Silty clay loam 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Soils meet the depleted matrix indicators. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): 9 Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Recent rain US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 12/21/10 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W2A-SP2 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 1% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 38.31” Long W122 14’ 03.14” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PFO Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot W2A SP-2 located approximately 8 feet south of Wetland Flag W2A-3. There have been recent rain events. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1.Populus balsamifera 75 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.Fraxinus latifolia 15 N FACW 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 3 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 66 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1.Symphoricarpos alba 40 Y FACU Prevalence Index Worksheet 2.Rubus spectabilis 15 Y FAC Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 60______ Remarks: Only snowberry is not hydrophytic. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W2A-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-9 10YR 3/2 100 Silty loam 9-16 10YR 4/3 100 Silty clay loam 16-20 10YR 4/3 60 5YR 4/4 40 c M Silty clay loam 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Soils lack hydric indicators. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): 10 Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): 9 Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Hydrology was present during site investigation. Recently rained. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 01/05/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W3-SP1 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 0% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 42.88” Long W122 14’ 22.03” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PEM Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 1 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Phalaris arundinacea 100 Y FACW 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum ______ Remarks: Sample plot is completely dominated by reed canarygrass. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W3-SP1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-2 Duff/roots 2-8 5Y 4/1 Clay loam 8-14 5Y 4/1 85 7.5YR 4/6 15 c m Sandy clay loam w/ gravel 14-18 5Y 4/1 70 7.5YR 4/6 30 c m Sandy clay loam w/ gravel and cobbles Disturbed-Multiple textures and some inclusions. 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Soils appear to be historically disturbed. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Surface Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Recent rain. Hydrology has been observed in this area during dry season in previous site visits. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 01/05/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W3-SP2 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 3% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 42.59” Long W122 14’ 23.11” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification Upland forest Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot W3 SP-2 located approximately 20 feet southwest of Wetland Flag W3-9. There have been recent rain events. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Fraxinus latifolia 90 Y FACW Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 1 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 90______ Remarks: Bare ground and moss make up most of ground cover (no herbaceous layer) US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W3-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-6 5Y 4/1 95 2.5Y 5/6 5 C M Clay loam 6-13 2.5Y 3/3 90 10YR 5/8 10 C M Sandy loam w/ gravel 13-18 2.5Y 3/2 90 10YR 5/8 10 C M Sandy loam w/ gravel 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): 13 Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): 13 Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 01/05/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W4-SP1 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 0% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 41.87” Long W122 14’ 23.38” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PFO Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Sample Plot W4-SP1 is located near the southern boundary of the wetland, in the vicinity of Wetland Flags W4-4 and W4-5. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1.Fraxinus latifolia 70 Y FACW Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A) 2.Populus balsamifera 25 Y FAC 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 3 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Phalaris arundinacea 15 Y FACW 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 15 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 85____ Remarks: Forested area dominated by Oregon ash. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W4-SP1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-10 5Y 4/1 70 7.5YR 4/6 30 C M Clay loam 10-18 5Y 4/1 60 7.5YR 4/6 40 C M Silty clay loam 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Depleted matrix indicators present. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Surface Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Recent rain US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 01/05/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W4-SP2 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 2% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 42.30” Long W122 14’ 24.06” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification Upland forest Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot W4 SP-2 located southeast of Wetland Flag W4-1. There have been recent rain events. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Populus balsamifera 85 Y FACW Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 3 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 33 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1.Symphorocarpos alba 15 Y FACU Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Phalaris arundinacea 5 N FACW 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. Rubus armeniacus 30 Y FACU 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 65______ Remarks: Bare ground makes up much of ground cover (minimal herbaceous layer) US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W4-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-10 5Y 3/1 30 Clay loam w/gravel 2.5Y 70 Silt clay w/gravel 10-20 2.5Y 4/2 80 Clay loam w/ gravel Distrubed Variable 20 Variety of inclusions 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Soils appear to be historically disturbed HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): 13 Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): 13 Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: No hydrology present. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 01/05/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W5-SP1 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 0% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 31.12 Long W122 14’ 49.48” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PEM Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Sample Plot W5-SP1 is located centrally in the southern portion of the wetland, in the vicinity of Wetland Flags W5-14 and W5-15. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1.Alnus rubra (rooted outside of wetland) 35 N FAC Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4. 35 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1.Salix lucida 2 N FACW Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = 2 = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Phalaris arundinacea 80 Y FACW 2. Typha angustifolia 60 Y OBL Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 140 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum ____ Remarks: Dominated by reed canarygrass and cattails. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W5-SP1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-18 2.5Y 4/1 70 7.5YR 5/8 30 C M Sandy loam 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Soils meet the depleted matrix indicators criteria. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): 6 Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Recent rain. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 01/05/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W5-SP2 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 1% Local relief (concave, convex, none) convex Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 30.96” Long W122 14’ 49.48” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification Upland forest Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot W5 SP-2 located between the trail and the wetland in the vicinity of Wetland Flags W5-14 and W5-15. There have been recent rain events. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Alnus rubra 70 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4. 70 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 50 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1.Rubus armeniacus 100 Y FACU 2. 100 = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 60______ Remarks: Dominated by Himalayan blackberry. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W5-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-6 5Y 3/1 30 Loam Primarily quarry spalls. Soil is found between the quarry spalls. 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Soils have been disturbed historically. Located near trail and filled with quarry spalls. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: No hydrology present. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 02/04/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W6-SP1 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 0% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 32.96” Long W122 14’ 44.77” Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PEM Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Sample Plot W6-SP1 is located centrally in the wetland. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 1 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Phalaris arundinacea 80 Y FACW 2. Poa sp. 10 N NL Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 90 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1.Rubus armeniacus Trace N FACU 2. Trace = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum ____ Remarks: Dominated by hydrophytic vegetation. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W6-SP1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-4 2.5Y 3/1 95 2.5Y 3/3 5 C M Clay loam 4-18 2.5Y 4/1 80 10YR 4/6 20 C M Fine sandy loam 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Hydric soils present. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): 5 Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Soils saturated to surface. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 02/04/11 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: W6-SP2 Investigator: C Hoffman, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 1% Local relief (concave, convex, none) convex Subregion (LRR) A Lat N47 28’ 32.85 Long W122 14’ 44.53 Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification Upland herbaceous Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot W6 SP-2 located just south-southeast of the wetland. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 50 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Agrostis capillaris 80 Y FAC 2. Plantago lanceolata Trace N FAC Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. Schedonorus phoenix Trace N FAC 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 80 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1.Rubus armeniacus 10 Y FACU 2. 10 = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 5______ Remarks: US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W6-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-9 10YR 3/1 70 10YR 3/4 30 C M Sandy loam Disturbed with carbon 9+ Cobble Fill 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 03/01/12 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: WBR-SP1 Investigator: C Worsley, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 0% Local relief (concave, convex, none) concave Subregion (LRR) A Lat Long Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification PEM Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: The sample plot is located approximately 15 feet south southeast from Wetland Flag WBR-7, near the toe of the slope. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1.Alnus rubra 90 Y FAC Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A) 2.Salix lasiandra 5 N FACW 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4. 95 = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Phalaris arundinacea 100 Y FACW 2. Scirpus microcarpus 10 N OBL Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. Athyrium filix-femina 5 N FACW 4. Ranunculus repens 2 N FACW Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 90 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1. 2. = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum ____ Remarks: Dominated by hydrophytic vegetation. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W6-SP1 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-5 2.5Y 3/1 100 - - - - Silt loam With organics 5-10 10Y 4/1 90 7.5YR 4/6 10 C M Clay loam 10-18 10Y 4/1 20 7.5YR 4/6 80 C M Loamy sand 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: Hydric soils present. HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): 9 Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Surface Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Soils saturated to surface. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Supplement to the 1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project Site: Lake to Sound Trail (Two Rivers) Sampling Date: 03/01/12 Applicant/Owner: King County Sampling Point: WBR-SP2 Investigator: C Worsley, M Maynard City/County: Renton/King Section, Township, Range: S13, T23N, R04E State: WA Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc) Slope (%) 1% Local relief (concave, convex, none) convex Subregion (LRR) A Lat Long Datum NAD 83 Soil Map Unit Name N/A NWI classification Upland herbaceous Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in remarks.) Are “Normal Circumstances” present on the site? Yes No (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? No Are Vegetation , Soil, , or Hydrology naturally problematic? No SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Remarks: Data Plot WBR SP-2 is located approximately 25 feet north northeast from Wetland Flag WBR-7. VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants. Tree Stratum (Plot size 10m___________) Absolute % Cover Dominant Species? Indicator Status Dominance Test Worksheet 1. Number of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 1 (A) 2. 3. Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 2 (B) 4. = Total Cover Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 50 (A/B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size 5m________) 1. Prevalence Index Worksheet 2. Total % Cover of Multiply by 3. OBL species x 1 = 4. FACW species x 2 = 5. FAC species x 3 = = Total Cover FACU species x 4 = UPL species x 5 = Herb Stratum (Plot size 1m ) Column totals (A) (B) 1. Phalaris arundinacea 70 Y FACW 2. Prevalence Index = B / A = 3. 4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators 5. Dominance test is > 50% 6. Prevalence test is ≤ 3.0 * 7. Morphological Adaptations * (provide supporting 8. data in remarks or on a separate sheet) 9. Wetland Non-Vascular Plants * 10. Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation * (explain) 11. 70 = Total Cover * Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size ) Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No 1.Rubus armeniacus 70 Y FACU 2. 70 = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0______ Remarks: Moss covers 90% of ground surface. US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Interim Version SOIL Sampling Point W6-SP2 Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.) Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks 0-8 2.5Y 3/2 100 Silt loam 8-18 2.5Y 4/1 65 7.5YR 4/6 30 C M Sandy loam 5YR 4/6 5 C M 1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains 2Loc: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3 Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2cm Muck (A10) Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2) Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Other (explain in remarks) Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3) Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) Restrictive Layer (if present): Hydric soil present? Type: ________________________________________ Yes No Depth (inches): _____________________________________ Remarks: The entire soil profile appears to be historically disturbed (mixed in inclusions and carbon). HYDROLOGY Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators (minimum of one required: check all that apply): Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Surface water (A1) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) High Water Table (A2) Water-Stained Leaves (except MLRA 1, 2, 4A & 4B) (B9) Drainage Patterns (B10) Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Dry-Season Water Table (C2) Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9) Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Geomorphic Position (D2) Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Shallow Aquitard (D3) Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) FAC-Neutral Test (D5) Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A) Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Frost-Heave Hummocks Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (explain in remarks) Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Present? Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (in): Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (in): Yes No Saturation Present? (includes capillary fringe) Yes No Depth (in): Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: Remarks: Appendix B Wetland Rating Forms Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12 WETLAND RATING FORM – WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 – Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats Name of wetland (if known): Wetland 1/2 Date of site visit: 01/17/11 Rated by: M Maynard Trained by Ecology? Yes X No Date of training: 04/06 SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 04E Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No X _ Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size >50 acres SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II X III IV Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 22 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 16 Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 18 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 56 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply X Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) II Summary of basic information about the wetland unit. Wetland Unit has Special Characteristics Wetland HGM Class used for Rating Estuarine Depressional X Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has multiple HGM classes present X Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection (in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. X SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). X SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? X SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. X To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12 Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term “Estuarine” wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p. _____ ). 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland meet both of the following criteria? ______ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8ha) in size; ______ At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). ______ The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. ______ The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 foot deep). NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The unit is in a valley or stream channel where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river. ______ The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.. NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, if present is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM Class to Use in Rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12 D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) D 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 3 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet ........ points = 2  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)Provide photo or drawing Figure ___ 2 D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 0 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class):  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 95% of area ............................................... points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/2 of area ................................................. points = 3  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/10 of area ............................................... points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation < 1/10 of area .................................................. points = 0 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ 5 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years.  Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 2  Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods Figure ___ 4 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 11 D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging X Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 22 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation. D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 4 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet ......... points = 2  Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 0 2 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry).  Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet ....................... points = 7  The wetland is a “headwater” wetland .................................................................................. points = 5 Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ........................... points = 5  Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ...................................... points = 3 Wetland is flat (yes to Q.2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1  Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft ......................................................................................... points = 0 3 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.  The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit.................................................... points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit ................................................. points = 3  The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit .......................................... points = 0 Entire unit is in the FLATS class ......................................................................................... points = 5 3 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 8 Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12 D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. X Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 16 Comments: Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12 R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) R 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event:  Depressions cover > 3/4 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 8 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 4(If depressions > 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map)  Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland. ........................................................... points = 2 No depressions present ........................................................................................................ points = 0 Figure ___ R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height):  Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the unit ................................................................................... points = 8 Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland ............................................................................. points = 6 Ungrazed, herbaceous plants > 2/3 area of unit .................................................................... points = 6 Ungrazed herbaceous plants > 1/3 area of unit ..................................................................... points = 3 Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of unit ................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 by R2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit) / (average width of stream between banks).  If the ratio is more than 20 ................................................................................................... points = 9 If the ratio is between 10 – 20 .............................................................................................. points = 6 If the ratio is 5- <10 ............................................................................................................. points = 4 If the ratio is 1- <5 ............................................................................................................... points = 2 If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. points = 1 Aerial photo or map showing average widths Figure ___ R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as “forest or shrub”. Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes):  Forest or shrub for > 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants > 2/3 area ............................................ points = 7 Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants > 1/3 area .......................................... points = 4 Vegetation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges, farms) that can be damaged by flooding. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding ___ Other (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12 L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes):  Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ........................................................................... points = 6 Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft ............................................................ points = 3 Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft ............................................................. points = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.......................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked Figure ___ L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is total cover in the unit, but it can be in patches. NOTE: Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed.  Cover of herbaceous plants is > 90% of the vegetated area ................................................... points = 6 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 2/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 4 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 1/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers > 2/3 of the unit .................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area ........................................... points = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit .............................................................. points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or polluted surface water flowing through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Parks with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. of lake shore) Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 by L2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion. L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62) L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland)  3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide ................................................. points = 6 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. .................................................... points = 4 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide. ................................................ points = 4 Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ...................................... points = 2 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ Record the points in the boxes above L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12 S Slope Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) (see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit:  Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) ......... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ................................................................................................................. points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ................................................................................................................ points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ...................................................................................................... points = 0 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 inches.  Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area ........................................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area ............................................................... points = 3 Dense, woody, vegetation > 1/2 of area. ............................................................................... points = 2 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area ............................................................... points = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation ......................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons Figure ___ Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows).  Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland ............................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland............................................................. points = 3 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................ points = 1 More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid............................. points = 0 S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows. The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 points NO = 0 points Add the points in the boxes above S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the following conditions apply. Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score per box) H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 72): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) – Size threshold for each class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic Bed Emergent plants Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) X Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: X The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures ................... points = 22 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure .................... points = 0 Figure ___ 1 H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). X Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3 X Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present ...... points = 2 X Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present ................... points = 1 Saturated only 1 type present .................... points = 0 X Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake-fringe wetland ................. = 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland ......... = 2 points Map of hydroperiods Figure ___ 3 H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle. If you counted: > 19 species ...................... points = 2 5 – 19 species .................... points = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0 1 H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation (described in H1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water, the rating is always “high”. Use map of Cowardin classes. Figure ___ 2 H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 77): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. X Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) X Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) X Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 3 H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 10 Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12 H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score per box) H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of “undisturbed”. 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use).. ........... points = 5 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 X 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 3 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference .............................................................................................. points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above: No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK .................................. points = 2 No paved areas of buildings within 50m of wetland for > 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ................................................................... points = 2 Heavy grazing in buffer ................................................................................................ points = 1 Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ............................. points = 0 Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above .............................................................. points = 1 Arial photo showing buffers Figure ___ 4 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland:  Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR  Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point  Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points 0 Comments: Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm ) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland unit? NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. ____ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha (1 acre). ____ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152). ____ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. ____ Old-growth/Mature forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. ____ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158). _X___ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. ____ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161). ____ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. ____ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report: pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A). ____ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. ____ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. ____ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. ____ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats = 4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats = 3 points If wetland has 1 priority habitat = 1 point No habitats = 0 points Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4) 1 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits (see p. 84)  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development .......... points = 5  The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ............................................................................................................................ points = 3  The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................................................... points = 3  There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile ........................................................................... points = 2  There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................. points = 0 3 H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 8 TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 10  Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 18 Comments: Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type – Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO X SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II ___ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. ___ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland ___ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating I/II SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.) S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site YES Contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO X not a Heritage Wetland Cat I SC3 Bogs (see p. 87) Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the “bog” species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16” deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the “bog” plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the unit forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann’s spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland name or number 1/2 ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12 SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 90) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and “OR” so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 – 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. YES = Category I NO = X not a forested wetland with special characteristics Cat. I SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks. The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO X not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO X not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:  Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103  Grayland-Westport -- lands west of SR 105  Ocean Shores-Copalis – lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. II Cat. III  Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the “highest” rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter “Not Applicable” on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 3 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12 WETLAND RATING FORM – WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 – Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats Name of wetland (if known): Wetland 3 Date of site visit: 01/05/11 Rated by: M Maynard Trained by Ecology? Yes X No Date of training: 04/06 SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 04E Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No X _ Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size 0.18 acre SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III IV X Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 14 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 5 Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 10 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 29 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply X Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) IV Summary of basic information about the wetland unit. Wetland Unit has Special Characteristics Wetland HGM Class used for Rating Estuarine Depressional X Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has multiple HGM classes present X Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection (in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. X SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). X SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? X SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. X To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12 Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term “Estuarine” wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p. _____ ). 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland meet both of the following criteria? ______ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8ha) in size; ______ At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). ______ The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. ______ The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 foot deep). NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The unit is in a valley or stream channel where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river. ______ The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.. NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, if present is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM Class to Use in Rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12 D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) D 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 3 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet ........ points = 2  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)Provide photo or drawing Figure ___ 2 D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 0 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class):  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 95% of area ............................................... points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/2 of area ................................................. points = 3  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/10 of area ............................................... points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation < 1/10 of area .................................................. points = 0 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ 5 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years.  Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 2  Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods Figure ___ 0 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 7 D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland X A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 14 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation. D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 4 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet ......... points = 2  Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 0 2 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry).  Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet ....................... points = 7  The wetland is a “headwater” wetland .................................................................................. points = 5 Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ........................... points = 5  Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ...................................... points = 3 Wetland is flat (yes to Q.2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1  Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft ......................................................................................... points = 0 0 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.  The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit.................................................... points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit ................................................. points = 3  The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit .......................................... points = 0 Entire unit is in the FLATS class ......................................................................................... points = 5 3 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 5 Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12 D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 1  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 5 Comments: Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12 R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) R 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event:  Depressions cover > 3/4 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 8 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 4(If depressions > 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map)  Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland. ........................................................... points = 2 No depressions present ........................................................................................................ points = 0 Figure ___ R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height):  Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the unit ................................................................................... points = 8 Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland ............................................................................. points = 6 Ungrazed, herbaceous plants > 2/3 area of unit .................................................................... points = 6 Ungrazed herbaceous plants > 1/3 area of unit ..................................................................... points = 3 Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of unit ................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 by R2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit) / (average width of stream between banks).  If the ratio is more than 20 ................................................................................................... points = 9 If the ratio is between 10 – 20 .............................................................................................. points = 6 If the ratio is 5- <10 ............................................................................................................. points = 4 If the ratio is 1- <5 ............................................................................................................... points = 2 If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. points = 1 Aerial photo or map showing average widths Figure ___ R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as “forest or shrub”. Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes):  Forest or shrub for > 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants > 2/3 area ............................................ points = 7 Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants > 1/3 area .......................................... points = 4 Vegetation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges, farms) that can be damaged by flooding. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding ___ Other (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12 L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes):  Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ........................................................................... points = 6 Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft ............................................................ points = 3 Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft ............................................................. points = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.......................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked Figure ___ L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is total cover in the unit, but it can be in patches. NOTE: Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed.  Cover of herbaceous plants is > 90% of the vegetated area ................................................... points = 6 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 2/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 4 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 1/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers > 2/3 of the unit .................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area ........................................... points = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit .............................................................. points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or polluted surface water flowing through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Parks with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. of lake shore) Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 by L2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion. L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62) L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland)  3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide ................................................. points = 6 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. .................................................... points = 4 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide. ................................................ points = 4 Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ...................................... points = 2 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ Record the points in the boxes above L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12 S Slope Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) (see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit:  Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) ......... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ................................................................................................................. points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ................................................................................................................ points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ...................................................................................................... points = 0 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 inches.  Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area ........................................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area ............................................................... points = 3 Dense, woody, vegetation > 1/2 of area. ............................................................................... points = 2 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area ............................................................... points = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation ......................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons Figure ___ Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows).  Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland ............................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland............................................................. points = 3 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................ points = 1 More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid............................. points = 0 S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows. The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 points NO = 0 points Add the points in the boxes above S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the following conditions apply. Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score per box) H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 72): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) – Size threshold for each class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic Bed X Emergent plants X Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures ................... points = 22 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure .................... points = 0 Figure ___ 1 H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3 X Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present ...... points = 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present ................... points = 1 X Saturated only 1 type present .................... points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake-fringe wetland ................. = 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland ......... = 2 points Map of hydroperiods Figure ___ 1 H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle. If you counted: > 19 species ...................... points = 2 5 – 19 species .................... points = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0 1 H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation (described in H1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water, the rating is always “high”. Use map of Cowardin classes. Figure ___ 2 H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 77): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 0 H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 5 Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12 H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score per box) H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of “undisturbed”. 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use).. ........... points = 5 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 3 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference .............................................................................................. points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above: No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK .................................. points = 2 X No paved areas or buildings within 50m of wetland for > 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ................................................................... points = 2 Heavy grazing in buffer ................................................................................................ points = 1 Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ............................. points = 0 Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above .............................................................. points = 1 Arial photo showing buffers Figure ___ 2 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland:  Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR  Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point  Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points 0 Comments: Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm ) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland unit? NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. ____ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha (1 acre). ____ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152). ____ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. ____ Old-growth/Mature forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. ____ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158). _ ___ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. ____ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161). ____ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. ____ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report: pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A). ____ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. ____ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. ____ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. ____ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats = 4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats = 3 points If wetland has 1 priority habitat = 1 point No habitats = 0 points Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4) 0 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits (see p. 84)  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development .......... points = 5  The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ............................................................................................................................ points = 3  The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................................................... points = 3  There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile ........................................................................... points = 2  There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................. points = 0 3 H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 5 TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 5  Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 10 Comments: Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type – Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO X SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II ___ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. ___ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland ___ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating I/II SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.) S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site YES Contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO X not a Heritage Wetland Cat I SC3 Bogs (see p. 87) Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the “bog” species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16” deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the “bog” plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the unit forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann’s spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland name or number 3 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12 SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 90) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and “OR” so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 – 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. YES = Category I NO = X not a forested wetland with special characteristics Cat. I SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks. The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO X not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO X not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:  Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103  Grayland-Westport -- lands west of SR 105  Ocean Shores-Copalis – lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. II Cat. III  Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the “highest” rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter “Not Applicable” on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 4 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12 WETLAND RATING FORM – WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 – Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats Name of wetland (if known): Wetland 4 Date of site visit: 01/05/11 Rated by: M Maynard Trained by Ecology? Yes X No Date of training: 04/06 SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 04E Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No X _ Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size .04 acre SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III IV X Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 10 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 9 Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 6 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 25 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply X Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) IV Summary of basic information about the wetland unit. Wetland Unit has Special Characteristics Wetland HGM Class used for Rating Estuarine Depressional X Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has multiple HGM classes present X Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection (in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. X SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). X SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? X SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. X To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12 Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term “Estuarine” wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p. _____ ). 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland meet both of the following criteria? ______ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8ha) in size; ______ At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). ______ The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. ______ The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 foot deep). NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The unit is in a valley or stream channel where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river. ______ The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.. NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, if present is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM Class to Use in Rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12 D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) D 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 3 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet ........ points = 2  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)Provide photo or drawing Figure ___ 3 D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 0 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class):  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 95% of area ............................................... points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/2 of area ................................................. points = 3  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/10 of area ............................................... points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation < 1/10 of area .................................................. points = 0 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ 5 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years.  Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 2  Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods Figure ___ 2 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 10 D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 1  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 10 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation. D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 4 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet ......... points = 2  Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 0 4 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry).  Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet ....................... points = 7  The wetland is a “headwater” wetland .................................................................................. points = 5 Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ........................... points = 5  Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ...................................... points = 3 Wetland is flat (yes to Q.2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1  Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft ......................................................................................... points = 0 0 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.  The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit.................................................... points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit ................................................. points = 3  The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit .......................................... points = 0 Entire unit is in the FLATS class ......................................................................................... points = 5 5 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 9 Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12 D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 1  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 9 Comments: Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12 R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) R 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event:  Depressions cover > 3/4 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 8 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 4(If depressions > 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map)  Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland. ........................................................... points = 2 No depressions present ........................................................................................................ points = 0 Figure ___ R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height):  Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the unit ................................................................................... points = 8 Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland ............................................................................. points = 6 Ungrazed, herbaceous plants > 2/3 area of unit .................................................................... points = 6 Ungrazed herbaceous plants > 1/3 area of unit ..................................................................... points = 3 Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of unit ................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 by R2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit) / (average width of stream between banks).  If the ratio is more than 20 ................................................................................................... points = 9 If the ratio is between 10 – 20 .............................................................................................. points = 6 If the ratio is 5- <10 ............................................................................................................. points = 4 If the ratio is 1- <5 ............................................................................................................... points = 2 If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. points = 1 Aerial photo or map showing average widths Figure ___ R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as “forest or shrub”. Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes):  Forest or shrub for > 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants > 2/3 area ............................................ points = 7 Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants > 1/3 area .......................................... points = 4 Vegetation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges, farms) that can be damaged by flooding. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding ___ Other (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12 L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes):  Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ........................................................................... points = 6 Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft ............................................................ points = 3 Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft ............................................................. points = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.......................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked Figure ___ L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is total cover in the unit, but it can be in patches. NOTE: Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed.  Cover of herbaceous plants is > 90% of the vegetated area ................................................... points = 6 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 2/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 4 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 1/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers > 2/3 of the unit .................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area ........................................... points = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit .............................................................. points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or polluted surface water flowing through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Parks with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. of lake shore) Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 by L2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion. L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62) L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland)  3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide ................................................. points = 6 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. .................................................... points = 4 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide. ................................................ points = 4 Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ...................................... points = 2 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ Record the points in the boxes above L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12 S Slope Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) (see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit:  Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) ......... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ................................................................................................................. points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ................................................................................................................ points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ...................................................................................................... points = 0 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 inches.  Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area ........................................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area ............................................................... points = 3 Dense, woody, vegetation > 1/2 of area. ............................................................................... points = 2 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area ............................................................... points = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation ......................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons Figure ___ Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows).  Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland ............................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland............................................................. points = 3 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................ points = 1 More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid............................. points = 0 S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows. The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 points NO = 0 points Add the points in the boxes above S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the following conditions apply. Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score per box) H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 72): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) – Size threshold for each class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic Bed Emergent plants Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) X Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures ................... points = 22 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure .................... points = 0 Figure ___ 0 H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3 X Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present ...... points = 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present ................... points = 1 X Saturated only 1 type present .................... points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake-fringe wetland ................. = 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland ......... = 2 points Map of hydroperiods Figure ___ 1 H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle. If you counted: > 19 species ...................... points = 2 5 – 19 species .................... points = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0 0 H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation (described in H1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water, the rating is always “high”. Use map of Cowardin classes. Figure ___ 0 H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 77): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 0 H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 1 Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12 H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score per box) H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of “undisturbed”. 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use).. ........... points = 5 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 3 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference .............................................................................................. points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above: No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK .................................. points = 2 X No paved areas or buildings within 50m of wetland for > 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ................................................................... points = 2 Heavy grazing in buffer ................................................................................................ points = 1 Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ............................. points = 0 Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above .............................................................. points = 1 Arial photo showing buffers Figure ___ 2 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland:  Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR  Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point  Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points 0 Comments: Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm ) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland unit? NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. ____ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha (1 acre). ____ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152). ____ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. ____ Old-growth/Mature forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. ____ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158). _ ___ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. ____ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161). ____ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. ____ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report: pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A). ____ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. ____ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. ____ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. ____ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats = 4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats = 3 points If wetland has 1 priority habitat = 1 point No habitats = 0 points Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4) 0 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits (see p. 84)  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development .......... points = 5  The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ............................................................................................................................ points = 3  The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................................................... points = 3  There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile ........................................................................... points = 2  There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................. points = 0 3 H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 5 TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 1  Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 6 Comments: Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type – Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO X SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II ___ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. ___ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland ___ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating I/II SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.) S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site YES Contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO X not a Heritage Wetland Cat I SC3 Bogs (see p. 87) Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the “bog” species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16” deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the “bog” plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the unit forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann’s spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland name or number 4 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12 SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 90) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and “OR” so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 – 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. YES = Category I NO = X not a forested wetland with special characteristics Cat. I SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks. The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO X not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO X not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:  Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103  Grayland-Westport -- lands west of SR 105  Ocean Shores-Copalis – lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. II Cat. III  Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the “highest” rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter “Not Applicable” on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12 WETLAND RATING FORM – WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 – Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats Name of wetland (if known): Wetland 5 Date of site visit: 01/05/11 Rated by: M Maynard Trained by Ecology? Yes X No Date of training: 04/06 SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 04E Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No X _ Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size 0.30 acre SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III X IV Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 22 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 16 Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 11 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 49 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply X Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) III Summary of basic information about the wetland unit. Wetland Unit has Special Characteristics Wetland HGM Class used for Rating Estuarine Depressional X Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has multiple HGM classes present X Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection (in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. X SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). X SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? X SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. X To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12 Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term “Estuarine” wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p. _____ ). 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland meet both of the following criteria? ______ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8ha) in size; ______ At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). ______ The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. ______ The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 foot deep). NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The unit is in a valley or stream channel where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river. ______ The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.. NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, if present is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM Class to Use in Rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12 D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) D 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 3 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet ........ points = 2  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)Provide photo or drawing Figure ___ 2 D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 0 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class):  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 95% of area ............................................... points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/2 of area ................................................. points = 3  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/10 of area ............................................... points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation < 1/10 of area .................................................. points = 0 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ 5 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years.  Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 2  Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods Figure ___ 4 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 11 D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 22 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation. D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 4 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet ......... points = 2  Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 0 2 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry).  Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet ....................... points = 7  The wetland is a “headwater” wetland .................................................................................. points = 5 Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ........................... points = 5  Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ...................................... points = 3 Wetland is flat (yes to Q.2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1  Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft ......................................................................................... points = 0 3 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.  The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit.................................................... points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit ................................................. points = 3  The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit .......................................... points = 0 Entire unit is in the FLATS class ......................................................................................... points = 5 3 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 8 Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12 D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. X Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 16 Comments: Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12 R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) R 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event:  Depressions cover > 3/4 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 8 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 4(If depressions > 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map)  Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland. ........................................................... points = 2 No depressions present ........................................................................................................ points = 0 Figure ___ R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height):  Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the unit ................................................................................... points = 8 Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland ............................................................................. points = 6 Ungrazed, herbaceous plants > 2/3 area of unit .................................................................... points = 6 Ungrazed herbaceous plants > 1/3 area of unit ..................................................................... points = 3 Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of unit ................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 by R2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit) / (average width of stream between banks).  If the ratio is more than 20 ................................................................................................... points = 9 If the ratio is between 10 – 20 .............................................................................................. points = 6 If the ratio is 5- <10 ............................................................................................................. points = 4 If the ratio is 1- <5 ............................................................................................................... points = 2 If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. points = 1 Aerial photo or map showing average widths Figure ___ R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as “forest or shrub”. Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes):  Forest or shrub for > 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants > 2/3 area ............................................ points = 7 Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants > 1/3 area .......................................... points = 4 Vegetation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges, farms) that can be damaged by flooding. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding ___ Other (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12 L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes):  Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ........................................................................... points = 6 Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft ............................................................ points = 3 Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft ............................................................. points = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.......................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked Figure ___ L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is total cover in the unit, but it can be in patches. NOTE: Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed.  Cover of herbaceous plants is > 90% of the vegetated area ................................................... points = 6 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 2/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 4 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 1/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers > 2/3 of the unit .................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area ........................................... points = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit .............................................................. points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or polluted surface water flowing through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Parks with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. of lake shore) Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 by L2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion. L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62) L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland)  3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide ................................................. points = 6 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. .................................................... points = 4 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide. ................................................ points = 4 Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ...................................... points = 2 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ Record the points in the boxes above L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12 S Slope Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) (see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit:  Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) ......... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ................................................................................................................. points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ................................................................................................................ points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ...................................................................................................... points = 0 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 inches.  Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area ........................................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area ............................................................... points = 3 Dense, woody, vegetation > 1/2 of area. ............................................................................... points = 2 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area ............................................................... points = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation ......................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons Figure ___ Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows).  Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland ............................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland............................................................. points = 3 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................ points = 1 More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid............................. points = 0 S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows. The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 points NO = 0 points Add the points in the boxes above S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the following conditions apply. Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score per box) H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 72): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) – Size threshold for each class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic Bed X Emergent plants Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures ................... points = 22 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure .................... points = 0 Figure ___ 0 H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3 X Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present ...... points = 2 X Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present ................... points = 1 X Saturated only 1 type present .................... points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake-fringe wetland ................. = 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland ......... = 2 points Map of hydroperiods Figure ___ 2 H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle. If you counted: > 19 species ...................... points = 2 5 – 19 species .................... points = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0 1 H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation (described in H1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water, the rating is always “high”. Use map of Cowardin classes. Figure ___ 1 H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 77): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. X Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) X Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 2 H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 6 Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12 H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score per box) H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of “undisturbed”. 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use).. ........... points = 5 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 3 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference .............................................................................................. points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above: No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK .................................. points = 2 X No paved areas or buildings within 50m of wetland for > 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ................................................................... points = 2 Heavy grazing in buffer ................................................................................................ points = 1 Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ............................. points = 0 Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above .............................................................. points = 1 Arial photo showing buffers Figure ___ 2 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland:  Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR  Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point  Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points 0 Comments: Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm ) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland unit? NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. ____ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha (1 acre). ____ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152). ____ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. ____ Old-growth/Mature forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. ____ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158). _ ___ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. ____ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161). ____ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. ____ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report: pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A). ____ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. ____ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. ____ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. ____ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats = 4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats = 3 points If wetland has 1 priority habitat = 1 point No habitats = 0 points Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4) 0 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits (see p. 84)  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development .......... points = 5  The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ............................................................................................................................ points = 3  The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................................................... points = 3  There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile ........................................................................... points = 2  There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................. points = 0 3 H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 5 TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 6  Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 11 Comments: Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type – Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO X SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II ___ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. ___ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland ___ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating I/II SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.) S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site YES Contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO X not a Heritage Wetland Cat I SC3 Bogs (see p. 87) Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the “bog” species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16” deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the “bog” plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the unit forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann’s spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland name or number 5 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12 SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 90) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and “OR” so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 – 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. YES = Category I NO = X not a forested wetland with special characteristics Cat. I SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks. The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO X not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO X not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:  Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103  Grayland-Westport -- lands west of SR 105  Ocean Shores-Copalis – lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. II Cat. III  Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the “highest” rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter “Not Applicable” on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 6 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12 WETLAND RATING FORM – WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 – Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats Name of wetland (if known): Wetland 6 Date of site visit: 01/05/11 Rated by: M Maynard Trained by Ecology? Yes X No Date of training: 04/06 SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 04E Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No X _ Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size 0.83 acre SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III X IV Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 16 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 17 Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 8 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 41 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply X Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) III Summary of basic information about the wetland unit. Wetland Unit has Special Characteristics Wetland HGM Class used for Rating Estuarine Depressional X Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has multiple HGM classes present X Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection (in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. X SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). X SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? X SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. X To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12 Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term “Estuarine” wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p. _____ ). 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland meet both of the following criteria? ______ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8ha) in size; ______ At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). ______ The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. ______ The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 foot deep). NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The unit is in a valley or stream channel where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river. ______ The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.. NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, if present is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM Class to Use in Rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12 D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) D 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland:  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 3 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet ........ points = 2  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 1 Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)Provide photo or drawing Figure ___ 3 D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 0 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class):  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 95% of area ............................................... points = 5 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/2 of area ................................................. points = 3  Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/10 of area ............................................... points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation < 1/10 of area .................................................. points = 0 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ 5 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years.  Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 4 Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 2  Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods Figure ___ 0 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 8 D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging X Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 16 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation. D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit  Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 4 Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet ......... points = 2  Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1(If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”)  Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 0 4 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry).  Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet ....................... points = 7  The wetland is a “headwater” wetland .................................................................................. points = 5 Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ........................... points = 5  Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ...................................... points = 3 Wetland is flat (yes to Q.2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1  Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft ......................................................................................... points = 0 0 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.  The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit.................................................... points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit ................................................. points = 3  The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit .......................................... points = 0 Entire unit is in the FLATS class ......................................................................................... points = 5 3 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 7 Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12 D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 1  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 7 Comments: Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12 R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) R 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event:  Depressions cover > 3/4 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 8 Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 4(If depressions > 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map)  Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland. ........................................................... points = 2 No depressions present ........................................................................................................ points = 0 Figure ___ R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height):  Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the unit ................................................................................... points = 8 Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland ............................................................................. points = 6 Ungrazed, herbaceous plants > 2/3 area of unit .................................................................... points = 6 Ungrazed herbaceous plants > 1/3 area of unit ..................................................................... points = 3 Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of unit ................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 by R2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit) / (average width of stream between banks).  If the ratio is more than 20 ................................................................................................... points = 9 If the ratio is between 10 – 20 .............................................................................................. points = 6 If the ratio is 5- <10 ............................................................................................................. points = 4 If the ratio is 1- <5 ............................................................................................................... points = 2 If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. points = 1 Aerial photo or map showing average widths Figure ___ R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as “forest or shrub”. Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes):  Forest or shrub for > 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants > 2/3 area ............................................ points = 7 Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants > 1/3 area .......................................... points = 4 Vegetation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges, farms) that can be damaged by flooding. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding ___ Other (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12 L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes):  Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ........................................................................... points = 6 Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft ............................................................ points = 3 Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft ............................................................. points = 1 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.......................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked Figure ___ L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is total cover in the unit, but it can be in patches. NOTE: Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed.  Cover of herbaceous plants is > 90% of the vegetated area ................................................... points = 6 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 2/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 4 Cover of herbaceous plants is > 1/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers > 2/3 of the unit .................... points = 3 Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area ........................................... points = 1 Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit .............................................................. points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or polluted surface water flowing through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Parks with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. of lake shore) Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 by L2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion. L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62) L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland)  3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide ................................................. points = 6 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. .................................................... points = 4 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide. ................................................ points = 4 Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ...................................... points = 2 Vegetation is less than 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ Record the points in the boxes above L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12 S Slope Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) (see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit:  Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) ......... points = 3 Slope is 1% - 2% ................................................................................................................. points = 2 Slope is 2% - 5%. ................................................................................................................ points = 1 Slope is greater than 5% ...................................................................................................... points = 0 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 inches.  Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area ........................................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area ............................................................... points = 3 Dense, woody, vegetation > 1/2 of area. ............................................................................... points = 2 Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area ............................................................... points = 1 Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation ......................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons Figure ___ Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows).  Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland ............................... points = 6 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland............................................................. points = 3 Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................ points = 1 More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid............................. points = 0 S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows. The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 points NO = 0 points Add the points in the boxes above S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the following conditions apply. Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score per box) H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 72): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) – Size threshold for each class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic Bed X Emergent plants X Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures ................... points = 22 structures ....................points = 1 1 structure .................... points = 0 Figure ___ 1 H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3 X Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present ...... points = 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present ................... points = 1 X Saturated only 1 type present .................... points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake-fringe wetland ................. = 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland ......... = 2 points Map of hydroperiods Figure ___ 1 H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle. If you counted: > 19 species ...................... points = 2 5 – 19 species .................... points = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0 0 H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation (described in H1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water, the rating is always “high”. Use map of Cowardin classes. Figure ___ 1 H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 77): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 0 H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 3 Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12 H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score per box) H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of “undisturbed”. 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use).. ........... points = 5 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 3 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference .............................................................................................. points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above: No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK .................................. points = 2 X No paved areas or buildings within 50m of wetland for > 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ................................................................... points = 2 Heavy grazing in buffer ................................................................................................ points = 1 Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ............................. points = 0 Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above .............................................................. points = 1 Arial photo showing buffers Figure ___ 2 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland:  Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR  Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point  Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points 0 Comments: Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm ) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland unit? NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. ____ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha (1 acre). ____ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152). ____ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. ____ Old-growth/Mature forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. ____ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158). _ ___ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. ____ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161). ____ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. ____ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report: pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A). ____ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. ____ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. ____ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. ____ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats = 4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats = 3 points If wetland has 1 priority habitat = 1 point No habitats = 0 points Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4) 0 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits (see p. 84)  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development .......... points = 5  The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5  There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ............................................................................................................................ points = 3  The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................................................... points = 3  There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile ........................................................................... points = 2  There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................. points = 0 3 H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 5 TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 3  Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 8 Comments: Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type – Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO X SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II ___ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. ___ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland ___ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating I/II SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.) S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site YES Contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO X not a Heritage Wetland Cat I SC3 Bogs (see p. 87) Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the “bog” species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16” deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the “bog” plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the unit forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann’s spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland name or number 6 ____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12 SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 90) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and “OR” so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 – 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. YES = Category I NO = X not a forested wetland with special characteristics Cat. I SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks. The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO X not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO X not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:  Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103  Grayland-Westport -- lands west of SR 105  Ocean Shores-Copalis – lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. II Cat. III  Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the “highest” rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter “Not Applicable” on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12 WETLAND RATING FORM – WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 – Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats Name of wetland (if known): Wetland 7 Date of site visit: 03/08/12 Rated by: M Maynard Trained by Ecology? Yes X No Date of training: 04/06 SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 04E Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No X _ Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size 0.88 acre SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II III X IV Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 16 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 4 Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 17 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 37 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply X Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) III Summary of basic information about the wetland unit. Wetland Unit has Special Characteristics Wetland HGM Class used for Rating Estuarine Depressional Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope X Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has multiple HGM classes present Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection (in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. X SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). X SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? X SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. X To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12 Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term “Estuarine” wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p. _____ ). 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland meet both of the following criteria? ______ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8ha) in size; ______ At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). ______ The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. ______ The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 foot deep). NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The unit is in a valley or stream channel where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river. ______ The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.. NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, if present is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM Class to Use in Rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12 D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) D 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland: • Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 3 • Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet ........ points = 2 • Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 1 • Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1 (If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”) Provide photo or drawing Figure ___ D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class): • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 95% of area ............................................... points = 5 • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/2 of area ................................................. points = 3 • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/10 of area ............................................... points = 1 • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation < 1/10 of area .................................................. points = 0 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years. • Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 4 • Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 2 • Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods Figure ___ Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging X Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation. D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit • Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 4 • Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet ......... points = 2 • Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1 (If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”) • Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 0 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry). • Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet ....................... points = 7 • The wetland is a “headwater” wetland.................................................................................. points = 5 • Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ........................... points = 5 • Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ...................................... points = 3 • Wetland is flat (yes to Q.2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water. points = 1 • Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft ......................................................................................... points = 0 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself. • The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit.................................................... points = 5 • The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit.................................................. points = 3 • The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit .......................................... points = 0 • Entire unit is in the FLATS class ......................................................................................... points = 5 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12 D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12 R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) R 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event: • Depressions cover > 3/4 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 8 • Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 4 (If depressions > 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map) • Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland. ........................................................... points = 2 • No depressions present ........................................................................................................ points = 0 Figure ___ R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height): • Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the unit ................................................................................... points = 8 • Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland ............................................................................. points = 6 • Ungrazed, herbaceous plants > 2/3 area of unit .................................................................... points = 6 • Ungrazed herbaceous plants > 1/3 area of unit ..................................................................... points = 3 • Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of unit ................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 by R2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit) / (average width of stream between banks). • If the ratio is more than 20 ................................................................................................... points = 9 • If the ratio is between 10 – 20 .............................................................................................. points = 6 • If the ratio is 5- <10 ............................................................................................................. points = 4 • If the ratio is 1- <5 ............................................................................................................... points = 2 • If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. points = 1 Aerial photo or map showing average widths Figure ___ R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as “forest or shrub”. Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes): • Forest or shrub for > 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants > 2/3 area ............................................ points = 7 • Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants > 1/3 area .......................................... points = 4 • Vegetation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges, farms) that can be damaged by flooding. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding ___ Other (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12 L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes): • Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ........................................................................... points = 6 • Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft............................................................. points = 3 • Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft ............................................................. points = 1 • Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.......................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked Figure ___ L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is total cover in the unit, but it can be in patches. NOTE: Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed. • Cover of herbaceous plants is > 90% of the vegetated area ................................................... points = 6 • Cover of herbaceous plants is > 2/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 4 • Cover of herbaceous plants is > 1/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 3 • Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers > 2/3 of the unit .................... points = 3 • Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area............................................ points = 1 • Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit .............................................................. points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or polluted surface water flowing through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Parks with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. of lake shore) Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 by L2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion. L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62) L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland) • 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide ................................................. points = 6 • 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. .................................................... points = 4 • 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide. ................................................ points = 4 • Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed)...................................... points = 2 • Vegetation is less than 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ Record the points in the boxes above L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12 S Slope Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) (see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit: • Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) ......... points = 3 • Slope is 1% - 2% ................................................................................................................. points = 2 • Slope is 2% - 5%. ................................................................................................................ points = 1 • Slope is greater than 5% ...................................................................................................... points = 0 2 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points 0 S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 inches. • Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area ........................................... points = 6 • Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area ............................................................... points = 3 • Dense, woody, vegetation > 1/2 of area. ............................................................................... points = 2 • Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area ............................................................... points = 1 • Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation ......................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons Figure ___ 6 Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above 8 S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland X Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1 16 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows). • Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland ............................... points = 6 • Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland............................................................. points = 3 • Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................ points = 1 • More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid ............................. points = 0 0 S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows. The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 points NO = 0 points 2 Add the points in the boxes above 2 S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the following conditions apply. X Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1 4 Comments: Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score per box) H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 72): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) – Size threshold for each class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic Bed X Emergent plants Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) X Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: X The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes 4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures ................... points = 2 2 structures .................... points = 1 1 structure .................... points = 0 Figure ___ 2 H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3 Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present ...... points = 2 X Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present ................... points = 1 X Saturated only 1 type present .................... points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake-fringe wetland ................. = 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland ......... = 2 points Map of hydroperiods Figure ___ 1 H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle. If you counted: > 19 species ...................... points = 2 5 – 19 species .................... points = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0 1 H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation (described in H1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water, the rating is always “high”. Use map of Cowardin classes. Figure ___ 1 H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 77): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 0 H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 5 Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12 H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score per box) H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of “undisturbed”. 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use).. ............points = 5 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .....................................................................................................points = 4 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference .....................................................................................................points = 4 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference .....................................................................................................points = 3 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference ...............................................................................................points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above: No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ...................................points = 2 X No paved areas or buildings within 50m of wetland for > 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ....................................................................points = 2 Heavy grazing in buffer .................................................................................................points = 1 Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ..............................points = 0 Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above ...............................................................points = 1 Arial photo showing buffers Figure ___ 4 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland: • Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR • Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point • Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points 2 Comments: Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm ) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland unit? NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. ____ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha (1 acre). ____ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152). ____ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. ____ Old-growth/Mature forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. ____ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158). _X ___ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. ____ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161). ____ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. ____ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report: pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A). ____ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. ____ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. ____ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. ____ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats = 4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats = 3 points If wetland has 1 priority habitat = 1 point No habitats = 0 points Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4) 1 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits (see p. 84) • There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development .......... points = 5 • The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5 • There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ............................................................................................................................ points = 3 • The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................................................... points = 3 • There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile ........................................................................... points = 2 • There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile.................................................................................. points = 0 5 H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 12 TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 5  Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 17 Comments: Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type – Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO X SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II ___ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. ___ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland ___ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating I/II SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.) S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site YES Contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO X not a Heritage Wetland Cat I SC3 Bogs (see p. 87) Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the “bog” species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16” deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the “bog” plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the unit forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann’s spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland name or number 7 _____________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12 SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 90) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and “OR” so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 – 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. YES = Category I NO = X not a forested wetland with special characteristics Cat. I SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks. The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO X not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO X not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas: • Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103 • Grayland-Westport -- lands west of SR 105 • Ocean Shores-Copalis – lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. II Cat. III  Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the “highest” rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter “Not Applicable” on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 1 of 12 WETLAND RATING FORM – WESTERN WASHINGTON Version 2 – Updated July 2006 to increase accuracy and reproducibility among users Updated Oct. 2008 with the new WDFW definitions for priority habitats Name of wetland (if known): Wetland BR Date of site visit: 03/01/12 Rated by: M Maynard Trained by Ecology? Yes X No Date of training: 04/06 SEC: 13 TWNSHP: 23N RNGE: 04E Is S/T/R in Appendix D? Yes No X _ Map of wetland unit: Figure Estimated size ~1.9 acres SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland: I II X III IV Category I = Score > 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 24 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 12 Category III = Score 30 – 50 Score for Habitat Functions 18 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 54 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTCS of Wetland I II Does not apply X Final Category (choose the “highest” category from above”) II Summary of basic information about the wetland unit. Wetland Unit has Special Characteristics Wetland HGM Class used for Rating Estuarine Depressional X Natural Heritage Wetland Riverine Bog Lake-fringe Mature Forest Slope Old Growth Forest Flats Coastal Lagoon Freshwater Tidal Interdunal None of the above Check if unit has multiple HGM classes present X Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the regulations regarding the special characteristics found in the wetland. Check List for Wetlands that Need Additional Protection (in addition to the protection recommended for its category) YES NO SP1. Has the wetland unit been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered animal or plant species (T/E species)? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. X SP2. Has the wetland unit been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, “documented” means the wetland is on the appropriate state database. Note: Wetlands with State listed plant species are categorized as Category 1 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 19 of data form). X SP3. Does the wetland unit contain individuals of Priority species listed by the WDFW for the state? X SP4. Does the wetland unit have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local management plan as having special significance. X To complete the next part of the data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 2 of 12 Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term “Estuarine” wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p. _____ ). 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a “Flats” wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the entire wetland meet both of the following criteria? ______ The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20 acres (8ha) in size; ______ At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). ______ The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. ______ The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 foot deep). NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope 5. Does the entire wetland meet all of the following criteria? ______ The unit is in a valley or stream channel where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river. ______ The overbank flooding occurs at least once every two years. NOTE: The riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding.. NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, if present is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the entire wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding. The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit, classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM Classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM Class to Use in Rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake-fringe Lake-fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary Depressional Depressional + Lake-fringe Depressional Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE under wetlands with special characteristics If you are unable still to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 3 of 12 D Depressional and Flat Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) D 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland: • Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 3 • Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted, permanently flowing outlet ........ points = 2 • Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 1 • Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key), or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1 (If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”) Provide photo or drawing Figure ___ 1 D 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay or organic (use NRCS definitions) YES points = 4 NO points = 0 4 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest Cowardin class): • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 95% of area ............................................... points = 5 • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/2 of area ................................................. points = 3 • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation > = 1/10 of area ............................................... points = 1 • Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation < 1/10 of area .................................................. points = 0 Map of Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ 5 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded for at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded. Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 10 years. • Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 4 • Area seasonally ponded is > 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 2 • Area seasonally ponded is < 1/4 total area of wetland .......................................................... points = 0 Map of Hydroperiods Figure ___ 2 Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above 12 D 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging X Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from D1 by D2; then add score to table on p. 1 24 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland unit functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation. D 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland unit • Unit is a depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) ........................................... points = 4 • Unit has an intermittently flowing, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet ......... points = 2 • Unit is a “flat” depression (Q.7 on key) or in the Flats class, with permanent surface outflow and no obvious natural outlet and/or outlet is a man-made ditch ........................... points = 1 (If ditch is not permanently flowing treat unit as “intermittently flowing”) • Unit has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet (permanently flowing) ....... points = 0 0 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For units with no outlet measure from the surface of permanent water or deepest part (if dry). • Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface or bottom of the outlet ....................... points = 7 • The wetland is a “headwater” wetland.................................................................................. points = 5 • Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ........................... points = 5 • Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface or bottom of outlet ...................................... points = 3 • Wetland is flat (yes to Q.2 or Q.7 on key)but has small depressions on the surface that trap water. points = 1 • Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft ......................................................................................... points = 0 3 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland unit to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself. • The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of unit.................................................... points = 5 • The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit.................................................. points = 3 • The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit .......................................... points = 0 • Entire unit is in the FLATS class ......................................................................................... points = 5 3 Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above 6 Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 4 of 12 D 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the unit is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater in areas where damaging groundwater flooding does not occur. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. X Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier 2  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from D3 by D4; then add score to table on p. 1 12 Comments: Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 5 of 12 R Riverine and Freshwater Tidal Fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) R 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event: • Depressions cover > 3/4 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 8 • Depressions cover > 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................................. points = 4 (If depressions > 1/2 of area of unit draw polygons on aerial photo or map) • Depressions present but cover < 1/2 area of wetland. ........................................................... points = 2 • No depressions present ........................................................................................................ points = 0 Figure ___ R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the unit (areas with >90% cover at person height): • Trees or shrubs > 2/3 area of the unit ................................................................................... points = 8 • Trees or shrubs > 1/3 area of the wetland ............................................................................. points = 6 • Ungrazed, herbaceous plants > 2/3 area of unit .................................................................... points = 6 • Ungrazed herbaceous plants > 1/3 area of unit ..................................................................... points = 3 • Trees, shrubs, and ungrazed herbaceous < 1/3 area of unit ................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have raised levels of sediment, toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water quality. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from R1 by R2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (average width of unit) / (average width of stream between banks). • If the ratio is more than 20 ................................................................................................... points = 9 • If the ratio is between 10 – 20 .............................................................................................. points = 6 • If the ratio is 5- <10 ............................................................................................................. points = 4 • If the ratio is 1- <5 ............................................................................................................... points = 2 • If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. points = 1 Aerial photo or map showing average widths Figure ___ R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as “forest or shrub”. Choose the points appropriate for the best description. (polygons need to have >90% cover at person height NOT Cowardin classes): • Forest or shrub for > 1/3 area OR herbaceous plants > 2/3 area ............................................ points = 7 • Forest or shrub for > 1/10 area OR herbaceous plants > 1/3 area .......................................... points = 4 • Vegetation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map showing polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities downstream (roads, buildings, bridges, farms) that can be damaged by flooding. There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding ___ Other (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from R3 by R4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 6 of 12 L Lake-fringe Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that the wetland unit functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) L 1 Does the wetland unit have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore (use polygons of Cowardin classes): • Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide ........................................................................... points = 6 • Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft............................................................. points = 3 • Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft ............................................................. points = 1 • Vegetation is less than 6 ft. wide.......................................................................................... points = 0 Map of Cowardin classes with widths marked Figure ___ L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. The herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form or as an understory in a shrub or forest community. These are not Cowardin classes. Area of Cover is total cover in the unit, but it can be in patches. NOTE: Herbaceous does not include aquatic bed. • Cover of herbaceous plants is > 90% of the vegetated area ................................................... points = 6 • Cover of herbaceous plants is > 2/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 4 • Cover of herbaceous plants is > 1/3 of the vegetated area ..................................................... points = 3 • Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed or herbaceous covers > 2/3 of the unit .................... points = 3 • Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area............................................ points = 1 • Aquatic bed cover and open water > 2/3 of the unit .............................................................. points = 0 Map with polygons of different vegetation types Figure ___ Add the points in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p.61) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or polluted surface water flowing through the unit to the lake. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland Parks with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. of lake shore) Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from L1 by L2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce shoreline erosion. L 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.62) L 3 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland) • 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide ................................................. points = 6 • 3/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. .................................................... points = 4 • 1/4 of distance is shrubs or forest at least 33 ft. (10m) wide. ................................................ points = 4 • Vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed)...................................... points = 2 • Vegetation is less than 6 ft. (2m) wide (any type except aquatic bed) ................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with Cowardin vegetation classes Figure ___ Record the points in the boxes above L 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce erosion? (see p. 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from L3 by L4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 7 of 12 S Slope Wetlands Points WATER QUALITY FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to improve water quality. (only 1 score per box) (see p.64) S 1 Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? S 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of unit: • Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevation for every 100 ft. horizontal distance) ......... points = 3 • Slope is 1% - 2% ................................................................................................................. points = 2 • Slope is 2% - 5%. ................................................................................................................ points = 1 • Slope is greater than 5% ...................................................................................................... points = 0 S 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface (or duff layer) is clay, organic (Use NRCS definitions). YES = 3 points NO = 0 points S 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface (>75% cover), and uncut means not grazed or mowed and plants are higher than 6 inches. • Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 90% of the wetland area ........................................... points = 6 • Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/2 of area ............................................................... points = 3 • Dense, woody, vegetation > 1/2 of area. ............................................................................... points = 2 • Dense, uncut, herbaceous vegetation > 1/4 of area ............................................................... points = 1 • Does not meet any of the criteria above for vegetation ......................................................... points = 0 Aerial photo or map with vegetation polygons Figure ___ Total for S 1 Add the points in the boxes above S 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 67) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. A unit may have pollutants coming from several sources, but any single source would qualify as opportunity. Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields, logging, or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland Residential, urban areas, or golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Water Quality Functions Multiply the score from S1 by S2; then add score to table on p. 1 HYDROLOGIC FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to reduce flooding and stream erosion. S 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.68) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland (stems of plants should be thick enough (usually > 1/8in), or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows). • Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers > 90% of the area of the wetland ............................... points = 6 • Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland............................................................. points = 3 • Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................ points = 1 • More than 1/4 of area is grazed, mowed, tilled, or vegetation is not rigid ............................. points = 0 S 3.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts of flood flows. The slope has small surface depressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 points NO = 0 points Add the points in the boxes above S 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 70) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the following conditions apply. Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multiplier is 2 NO multiplier is 1 Multiplier  TOTAL – Hydrologic Functions Multiply the score from S3 by S4; then add score to table on p. 1 Comments: Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 8 of 12 These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Points HABITAT FUNCTIONS – Indicators that wetland functions to provide important habitat. (only 1 score per box) H 1 Does the wetland have the potential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 72): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) – Size threshold for each class is 1/4 acre or more than 10% of the area if unit is smaller than 2.5 acres. Aquatic Bed X Emergent plants Scrub/shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) X Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) If the unit has a forested class check if: X The forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the forested polygon. Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: Map of Cowardin vegetation classes 4 structures or more ....... points = 4 3 structures ................... points = 2 2 structures .................... points = 1 1 structure .................... points = 0 Figure ___ 2 H 1.2 Hydroperiods (see p.73): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). X Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present points = 3 X Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 or more types present ...... points = 2 X Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present ................... points = 1 Saturated only 1 type present .................... points = 0 X Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake-fringe wetland ................. = 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland ......... = 2 points Map of hydroperiods Figure ___ 3 H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 75): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2 (different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle. If you counted: > 19 species ...................... points = 2 5 – 19 species .................... points = 1 List species below if you want to: < 5 species ........................ points = 0 1 H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 76): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between Cowardin vegetation (described in H1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. Note: If you have 4 or more classes or 3 vegetation classes and open water, the rating is always “high”. Use map of Cowardin classes. Figure ___ 2 H 1.5 Special Habitat Features (see p. 77): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. X Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) X Standing snags (diameter at the bottom > 4 inches) in the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the unit, for at least 33 ft. (10m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet turned grey/brown) At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants NOTE: The 20% stated in early printings of the manual on page 78 is an error. 2 H 1 TOTAL Score – potential for providing habitat Add the points in the column above 10 Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 9 of 12 H 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to provide habitat for many species? (only 1 score per box) H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 80): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland unit. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of “undisturbed”. 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No structures are within the undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing, no landscaping, no daily human use).. ............points = 5 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .....................................................................................................points = 4 X 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference .....................................................................................................points = 4 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference .....................................................................................................points = 3 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for > 50% circumference ...............................................................................................points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the criteria above: No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ...................................points = 2 No paved areas of buildings within 50m of wetland for > 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ....................................................................points = 2 Heavy grazing in buffer .................................................................................................points = 1 Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ..............................points = 0 Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above ...............................................................points = 1 Arial photo showing buffers Figure ___ 4 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 81) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a Lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? YES = 2 points (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland: • Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR • Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point • Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? NO = 0 points 0 Comments: Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 10 of 12 H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 82): (see new and complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, in the PHS report http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phslist.htm ) Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland unit? NOTE: the connections do not have to be relatively undisturbed. ____ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.4 ha (1 acre). ____ Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 152). ____ Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. ____ Old-growth/Mature forests: (Old-growth west of Cascade crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81 cm (32 in) dbh or > 200 years of age. (Mature forests) Stands with average diameters exceeding 53 cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less that 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade crest. ____ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands Stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158). _X___ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. ____ Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161). ____ Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. ____ Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report: pp. 167-169 and glossary in Appendix A). ____ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. ____ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6 m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. ____ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.0 m (0.5 - 6.5 ft), composed of basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. ____ Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 51 cm (20 in) in western Washington and are > 2 m (6.5 ft) in height. Priority logs are > 30 cm (12 in) in diameter at the largest end, and > 6 m (20 ft) long. If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats = 4 points If wetland has 2 priority habitats = 3 points If wetland has 1 priority habitat = 1 point No habitats = 0 points Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list. Nearby wetlands are addressed in question H 2.4) 1 H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description of the landscape around the wetland that best fits (see p. 84) • There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK, as is lake shore with some boating, but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads, fill, fields, or other development .......... points = 5 • The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5 • There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ............................................................................................................................ points = 3 • The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile .................................................................................................................... points = 3 • There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile ........................................................................... points = 2 • There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile.................................................................................. points = 0 3 H 2 TOTAL Score – opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores from H2.1, H2.2, H2.3, H2.4 8 TOTAL for H 1 from page 8 10  Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 18 Comments: Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 11 of 12 CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. Wetland Type – Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the Category when the appropriate criteria are met. SC1 Estuarine wetlands? (see p.86) Does the wetland unit meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? The dominant water regime is tidal, Vegetated, and With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO X SC 1.1 Is the wetland unit within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II ___ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I/II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size threshold of 1 acre. ___ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland ___ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating I/II SC2 Natural Heritage Wetlands (see p. 87) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a Section/Township/Range that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR.) S/T/R information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHP/DNR web site YES Contact WNHP/DNR (see p. 79) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO X not a Heritage Wetland Cat I SC3 Bogs (see p. 87) Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. 1. Does the unit have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the unit have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the “bog” species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16” deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the “bog” plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the unit forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann’s spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrub/herbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland name or number BR ___________ Wetland Rating Form – Western Washington, Version 2 (7/06), updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 Page 12 of 12 SC4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 90) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function. Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth rates are often slower. The DFW criterion is and “OR” so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 – 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth. YES = Category I NO = X not a forested wetland with special characteristics Cat. I SC5 Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons (see p. 91) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks. The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO X not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. I Cat. II SC6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 93) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO X not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas: • Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103 • Grayland-Westport -- lands west of SR 105 • Ocean Shores-Copalis – lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC 6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. II Cat. III  Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics Choose the “highest” rating if wetland falls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter “Not Applicable” on p. 1 Comments: Appendix C Wetland Functions and Values Forms Wetland Functions & Values Form Wetland I.D. 1/2 Project: _______Lake to Sound Trail________________ Assessed by: M Maynard Cowardin Class: PFO Ecology Category: II Local Rating: Cat 2 Wetland size: _>50 ac Date:02/09/11 Function/Value Occurrence Y N Rationale Principal Function(s) Comments Flood Flow Alteration X Wetland 1 has a high holding capacity due to depressional association with the Black River and its large size. 2,4,5,6 High-Wetland 1 is large and forested. Sediment Removal X The wetland has large areas of standing water. 2,4,5,6 Moderate-Limited by opportunity. Nutrient & Toxicant Removal X The wetland provides long duration 1, 2, 3 Moderate-Opportunity from surrounding urban setting. Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization X The wetland has dense trees and shrubs. 3 Moderate Production of Organic Matter and its Export X Wetland 1 has dense herbaceous vegetation 2,4,5,6 High-High interspersion of water and vegetation. General Habitat Suitability X The upland surrounding Wetland 1 is partially developed. 3,5,7 Moderate-Plant diversity is low. Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates X The wetland has large areas of inundation with leaf litter. 1,2,4,6 High-The Black River is associated with the wetland. Habitat for Amphibians X A frog was observed in the buffer of Wetland 1. 1,2,6 Moderate-Limited emergent vegetation. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Mammals X Dense trees and shrubs in the wetland. 1,3,5 Moderate-No evidence of wetland associated mammal use was observed. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Birds X Wetland 1 provides valuable habitat for wetland associated birds. 1,3,4,6 Moderate General Fish Habitat X Wetland 1 is associated with a fish bearing water (Black River). 1,2,4 Moderate Native Plant Richness X The wetland has limited diversity. 1 Low Educational or Scientific Value X No scientific value or suitable parking. Uniqueness and Heritage X No unique features or threatened or endangered species are known to be in WS-2. Wetland Functions & Values Form Wetland I.D. 3 Project: _______Lake to Sound Trail________________ Assessed by: M Maynard Cowardin Class: PEM/PSS Ecology Category: IV Local Rating: Cat 3 Wetland size: _0.18 ac Date:02/09/11 Function/Value Occurrence Y N Rationale Principal Function(s) Comments Flood Flow Alteration X Wetland 3 has a limited holding capacity due to outlets and small size. 2 Low-Much of the water flow in and out of the wetland is channelized. Sediment Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation, but has limited opportunities. 3,4 Low-Limited area where ponding can occur. Nutrient & Toxicant Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation, but has limited opportunities. 1,24 Low- Limited area where ponding can occur. Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization X The wetland is not associated with a water course. Production of Organic Matter and its Export X Wetland 3 has dense herbaceous vegetation and an outlet. 1,2,4,5,6 Moderate General Habitat Suitability X Wetland 3 has low vegetation diversity and is small. 3,5 Low-Upland around wetland has been disturbed. Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates X Herbaceous vegetation throughout wetland, but habitat is limited by size. 1,4,6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Amphibians X The wetland is adjacent to the gravel trail and is small in size. 1,2 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Mammals X No permanent water and habitat is insufficient to support any wetland associated mammals. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Birds X Lacks required open water ratio to support wetland associated birds. General Fish Habitat X Not associated with a fish bearing water. Native Plant Richness X Low diversity and dominated by an invasive species. Educational or Scientific Value X No scientific value or suitable parking. Uniqueness and Heritage X No unique features or threatened or endangered species are known to be in WS-2. Wetland Functions & Values Form Wetland I.D. 4 Project: _______Lake to Sound Trail________________ Assessed by: M Maynard Cowardin Class: PFO Ecology Category: IV Local Rating: Cat 2 Wetland size: _0.04 ac Date:02/09/11 Function/Value Occurrence Y N Rationale Principal Function(s) Comments Flood Flow Alteration X Wetland 4 has a limited holding capacity due to outlets and small size. 3,5 Low-Wetland 4 is small. Sediment Removal X The wetland does not have dense herbaceous vegetation. 3,5 Low-Limited opportunity. Nutrient & Toxicant Removal X The wetland does not have dense herbaceous vegetation. 2,3 Low-Limited opportunity. Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization X The wetland is not associated with a water course. Production of Organic Matter and its Export X Wetland 4 does not provide this function because there is no outlet. General Habitat Suitability X There is only one Cowardin class and vegetation is sparse. 3 Low-Low plant diversity. Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates X A stream (Black River) and other wetlands are located within 1 mile. 1,6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Amphibians X A stream (Black River) and other wetlands are located within 1 mile. 1,6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Mammals X No permanent water and habitat is insufficient to support any wetland associated mammals. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Birds X Lacks required open water ratio to support wetland associated birds. General Fish Habitat X Not associated with a fish bearing water. Native Plant Richness X Wetland 4 has low plant diversity. 1 Low Educational or Scientific Value X No scientific value or suitable parking. Uniqueness and Heritage X No unique features or threatened or endangered species are known to be in WS-2. Wetland Functions & Values Form Wetland I.D. 5 Project: _______Lake to Sound Trail________________ Assessed by: M Maynard Cowardin Class: PEM Ecology Category: III Local Rating: Cat 2 Wetland size: _0.30 ac Date:02/09/11 Function/Value Occurrence Y N Rationale Principal Function(s) Comments Flood Flow Alteration X Wetland 5 is not associated with a water course and does not receive water from sheet flow . 2,4 Moderate-Wetland 5 may have been constructed for the purpose of flood storage and sediment/toxicant removal. Sediment Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation and opportunity from upgradient sources. 1,2,3,4,5,6 High-Wetland 5 may have been constructed for the purpose of flood storage and sediment/toxicant removal. Nutrient & Toxicant Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation and opportunity from upgradient sources 1,2,3,4,5 High-Wetland 5 may have been constructed for the purpose of flood storage and sediment/toxicant removal. Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization X The wetland is not associated with a water course. Production of Organic Matter and its Export X Wetland 5 has deciduous vegetation, but a constricted outlet. 1,2,4,5 Low-Constricted outlet. General Habitat Suitability X Water levels fluctuate and the wetland is surrounded by trail and railroad tracks. 3 Low-Near Monster Rd. Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates X Herbaceous vegetation throughout wetland, but habitat is limited by size and fluctuating water levels. 1,4,5,6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Amphibians X Herbaceous vegetation throughout wetland, but habitat is limited by size and fluctuating water levels 1,4,6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Mammals X No permanent water and habitat is insufficient to support any wetland associated mammals. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Birds X Wetland 5 has open water and emergent vegetation. 1,2,4 Low-Ponding likely becomes very limited for much of the year. General Fish Habitat X Not associated with a fish bearing water. Native Plant Richness X Dominates are not native and plant diversity is relatively low. Single Cowardin Class. Educational or Scientific Value X No scientific value or suitable parking. Uniqueness and Heritage X No unique features or threatened or endangered species are known to be in WS-2. Wetland Functions & Values Form Wetland I.D. 6 Project: _______Lake to Sound Trail________________ Assessed by: M Maynard Cowardin Class: PEM Ecology Category: III Local Rating: Cat 3 Wetland size: _0.04 ac Date:02/09/11 Function/Value Occurrence Y N Rationale Principal Function(s) Comments Flood Flow Alteration X Wetland 6 has a limited holding capacity due small size. 3 Low-Very small, shallow depressions Sediment Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation, but has limited opportunities. 3,5 Low-Only two small areas where ponding can occur. Nutrient & Toxicant Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation, but has limited opportunities. 2,4 Low-Only two small areas where ponding can occur. Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization X The wetland is not associated with a water course. Production of Organic Matter and its Export X Wetland 6 is small and has no outlet. 1,2,5 Low-Small areas of inundation General Habitat Suitability X Wetland 6 is small and surrounded by gravel trails/drives. 3 Low Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates X Herbaceous vegetation throughout wetland, but habitat is limited by size and small areas of inundation. 1,6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Amphibians X Herbaceous vegetation throughout wetland, but habitat is limited by size and small areas of inundation. 1,6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Mammals X No permanent water and habitat is insufficient to support any wetland associated mammals. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Birds X Lacks required open water ratio to support wetland associated birds. General Fish Habitat X Not associated with a fish bearing water. Native Plant Richness X Dominated by non-native grasses and forbs. Educational or Scientific Value X No scientific value or suitable parking. Uniqueness and Heritage X No unique features or threatened or endangered species are known to be in WS-2. Wetland Functions & Values Form Wetland I.D. 7 Project: _______Lake to Sound Trail________________ Assessed by: M Maynard Cowardin Class: PEM/PFO Ecology Category: III Local Rating: Cat III Wetland size: 0.88 ac Date: 03/08/12 Function/Value Occurrence Y N Rationale Principal Function(s) Comments Flood Flow Alteration X Wetland 7 has a limited holding capacity due to slope with micro-depressions. 3 Low-Very small, shallow depressions Sediment Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation, but has no opportunities. Nutrient & Toxicant Removal X The wetland has dense herbaceous vegetation, but has no opportunities. Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization X The wetland is not associated with a water course. Production of Organic Matter and its Export X Wetland 7 has no surface outlet. 1,2, Low-Very limited shallow areas of inundation General Habitat Suitability X Wetland 7 is adjacent to the Black River and associated habitats. 1,2,3,5 Low-Limited habitat structure within wetland Habitat for Aquatic Invertebrates X Herbaceous vegetation throughout wetland, but habitat is limited by size and small areas of inundation. 6 Low-Inundation likely becomes very limited for much of the year. Habitat for Amphibians X Herbaceous vegetation throughout wetland, but lacks sufficient inundation. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Mammals X No permanent water and habitat is insufficient to support any wetland associated mammals. Habitat for Wetland-Associated Birds X Lacks required open water ratio to support wetland associated birds. General Fish Habitat X Not associated with a fish bearing water. Native Plant Richness X Dominated by non-native grasses and forbs. Educational or Scientific Value X No scientific value or suitable parking. Uniqueness and Heritage X No unique features or threatened or endangered species are known to be in WS-2. Appendix D Site Photographs Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A June 2013 D-1 Critical Areas Report 554-1521-084 (B/3T300B) King County Photograph 1. Wetland 1/2 Complex facing west from north of Naches Avenue SW on the proposed trail location. Photograph 2. Wetland 1/2 Complex facing northeast from north of Naches Avenue SW on the proposed trail location. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A June 2013 D-2 Critical Areas Report 554-1521-084 (B/3T300B) King County Photograph 3. Wetland 3 facing southeast from just south of the proposed trail location. Photograph 4. Wetland 4 facing south from the buffer north of the wetland. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A June 2013 D-3 Critical Areas Report 554-1521-084 (B/3T300B) King County Photograph 5. Wetland 5 facing northeast from the proposed trail location. Photograph 6. Wetland 6 facing west from the eastern end of the wetland. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A June 2013 D-4 Critical Areas Report 554-1521-084 (B/3T300B) King County Photograph 7. Wetland 7 facing west from the eastern boundary of the wetland. Photograph 8. View of left bank riparian vegetation along the Black River, looking east from Fort Dent Park. Note presence of shrub vegetation and scattered small trees. Himalayan blackberry and other non-native species are also present. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A June 2013 D-5 Critical Areas Report 554-1521-084 (B/3T300B) King County Photograph 9. View of proposed trail alignment, looking east from near the Green River Trail. Note degraded understory riparian conditions and the lack of vegetated ground cover. The trees will be maintained in place, where feasible. Photograph 10. View of riparian conditions on right bank of Black River, looking south from immediately upstream (east) of the Monster Road Bridge. Note the presence of non-native vegetation and scarcity of mature trees. Lake to Sound Trail – Segment A June 2013 D-6 Critical Areas Report 554-1521-084 (B/3T300B) King County Photograph 11. View of existing gravel trail/proposed trail alignment, looking east from immediately upstream (east) of the Monster Road Bridge. The Black River is on the right side of the photo and the Black River Pump station is in the background. Appendix E Mitigation Plans 2+003+0 0 4 + 0 0 5+ 0 0 99+ 9 4 100 + 0 0 101+ 0 0 102+0 0 103 + 0 0 Black R i v e r ENGINEERING . PLANNING . ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES OFLAKE TO SOUND TRAIL SEGMENT A GREEN RIVER TRAIL TO NACHES AVE SW 47 DRAFT 411 108TH AVENUE N.E., SUITE 1800 BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON 98004 T. 425.458.6200 F. 425.458.6363 www.parametrix.com 60% REVIEW SUBMITTAL 45 MP2MITIGATION PLAN LEGEND: 109+00 110+00 111+00 112+00 113+00 114+00 115+00 116+00 117+00 118+00 119+00 W7-SP3 B L A C K R I V E R P/LLEGEND: ENGINEERING . PLANNING . ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES OFLAKE TO SOUND TRAIL SEGMENT A GREEN RIVER TRAIL TO NACHES AVE SW 47 DRAFT 411 108TH AVENUE N.E., SUITE 1800 BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON 98004 T. 425.458.6200 F. 425.458.6363 www.parametrix.com 60% REVIEW SUBMITTAL 45 MP4MITIGATION PLAN ENGINEERING . PLANNING . ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES OFLAKE TO SOUND TRAIL SEGMENT A GREEN RIVER TRAIL TO NACHES AVE SW 47 DRAFT 411 108TH AVENUE N.E., SUITE 1800 BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON 98004 T. 425.458.6200 F. 425.458.6363 www.parametrix.com 60% REVIEW SUBMITTAL 47 MP6MITIGATION NOTES