Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-102624-SU-Wetland Assessment-06-10-2022-V1
Wetland Report
Prepared For: Arnie Ellingson
Site Address: 1224 South 376th Street, Federal Way
Tax Parcel Number: 3221049136, 3221049036, 3221049138
Date: September 26, 2017
Updated: February 25, 2020
Prepared By:
Environmental Design, LLC.
Septic Design Wetlands Mapping
901 L Street, Centralia, WA 98531
(360) 219-3343
2 Job Number: 2015-039
Client Name: Ellingson, Arnie
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 3
Site Description ................................................................................................... 3
Methodology........................................................................................................ 3
Observation ......................................................................................................... 4
Vegetation ......................................................................................................... 4
Soils ................................................................................................................... 4
Hydrology .......................................................................................................... 5
Wildlife ............................................................................................................... 5
Topography ....................................................................................................... 5
Surrounding Wetlands and Impacts .................................................................. 5
Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 6
References .......................................................................................................... 7
Appendix A: Wetland Maps
Figure 1: Site Location Map
Figure 2: NRCS Soil Map
Figure 3: National Wetlands Inventory Map
Figure 4: King County Critical Areas Map
Figure 5: Stream Map
Figure 6: Fish and Wildlife PHS Map
Figure 7: Site Plan Map with Buffer and Test Sites
Appendix B: Site Pictures
Appendix C: Test Plot Data Forms
Appendix D: Wetland Rating Forms
3 Job Number: 2015-039
Client Name: Ellingson, Arnie
Introduction:
Environmental Design, LLC conducted a Wetland Study on April 22, 2016 to
determine if wetland habitat is present on the property located 1224 South 376th
Street in Federal Way. The site was revisited on January 27, 2020 to update
information regarding the wetland and to determine if the site has had any
changes since the last evaluation.
In order to conduct a thorough review of the site to determine if wetlands are
present on the site several resources were reviewed. The project started by
pulling research and reviewing the research from several sources. After review of
the research it was noted that wetlands were mapped on the site. A site visit was
then conducted in order to test in areas for wetland habitat. Since the site has not
been disturbed for many years and is thick with vegetation, test sites were
completed in areas where vegetation, elevation or other characteristics changed
that indicated a possible presence of wetland habitat.
Site Description:
The site is located at 1224 South 376th Street in Federal Way, Washington. The
site is identified by King County by the parcel number 0217154067. The site is
located in Section 15 of Township 17 North, Range 02 East. The property is
about 2 acres in size and varies in elevation with hills located throughout the site
to the west. The site is currently vacant land with residential homes surrounding
it. According to the research pulled wetland habitat is mapped on the site;
however, upon inspection of the site it was noted that although the depression
area has wetland habitat it appears have been constructed and is a storm water
pond.
The area around the sites are residential and vacant land.
Methodology:
A site visit was conducted on April 22, 2016 and January 27th, 2020 where
Environmental Design walked the property and reviewed the site. The depression
area has a gentle slope to it of about 3:1. The pond does have wetland
vegetation and does meet hydrology and soil criteria.
Environmental Design, LLC completed the wetland study of this site by using the
Routine Determination Method according to the 1987 U.S. Army Corp of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the 2010 Regional Supplement to
the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains,
Valleys, and Coast Region.
In order to complete this method first research was conducted by pulling
information and maps from the National Wetland Inventory website, the King
4 Job Number: 2015-039
Client Name: Ellingson, Arnie
County Website, the NRCS website to find out what the soils were and also
further information was pulled from the Department of Natural Resources
website.
When using the Routine Approach, a wetland area must meet three specific
parameters. These three parameters are hydrology, vegetation and hydric soils.
Hydrology can be difficult to assess because it may or may not be present,
depending on the time of year. Vegetation and soils are important to assess if
there has been hydrology present in the past. If the site meets the hydrology,
vegetative and hydric soil parameters then the site is considered a wetland. If
one parameter is not met then the area is not considered a wetland.
Observations:
Vegetation:
Wetland Vegetation has been classified into indicator statuses of how likely the
plant is to be found in a wetland habitat. The indicator status of each plant
species can be found on the data forms. The different indicator statuses are
listed below:
- Obligate Wetland (OBL) – highly likely to be in a natural wetland
environment
- Facultative Wetland (FACW) –most likely to be present in a natural
wetland environment
- Facultative (FAC) – can be present in both a natural wetland and non-
wetland environment
- Facultative Upland (FACU) –may be present in a natural wetland, but
most likely to be seen in non-wetland conditions
- Obligate Upland (UPL) – most likley to occur in non-wetland conditions
- No Indicator – the plant does not have enough data to determine the
indicator status yet
The site is primarily vegetated with Douglas Fir, Yard grass mixtures and
Blackberries species throughout the upper edge of the pond. The pond has a
variety of wetland vegetation such as cattails, lily pads, spirea and willows.
The surrounding area are vegetated with field grass mixtures and Douglas Firs.
Soils:
The site is mapped as Alderwood Gravelly Sandy Loam Series according to the
U.S.D.A Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey of Pierce County,
Washington (1979). The series is not listed on the hydric soils list produced by
the U.S.D.A Natural Resources Conservation.
The NRCS describes the Alderwood Gravelly Sandy Loam as moderately well
drained soil located on glacial till plains. In a representative profile, the surface
5 Job Number: 2015-039
Client Name: Ellingson, Arnie
layer is about 6 inches thick and is very dark brown gravelly sandy loam. The
following layer is about 9 inches thick and is dark brown gravelly sandy loam.
The next layer is dark brown very gravelly sandy loam about 15 inches thick. The
next layer is a weakly cemented hardpan that is at a depth of about 30 inches.
The hardpan is strongly compacted and crushes to very gravelly loamy sand.
The depth of the hardpan is between 20 to 40 inches.
The soil appeared to be well drained and no indications of ponding or of the soil
being hydric were present on the site outside of the depression.
Hydrology:
The site appears to be well drained and did not show any signs of ponding on the
site, except for pond area where it was fed by storm water from the existing
highway and surrounding upland areas.
The surrounding sites were reviewed for indicators of hydrology and no areas of
hydrology were noted.
Wildlife:
The area is shown on the Priority Habitat Species Map produced by Fish and
Wildlife to have critical habitat; however, it is the storm water pond on the site.
The trees and depressional pond area do provide great habitat for nesting for
birds and habitat for other mammals like squirrels.
Topography:
The topography at the site has a gentle slope to the pond.
Surrounding Wetlands and Impacts:
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map did not depict mapped wetlands
within the area. It needs to be noted that the NWI maps and GeoData Center
needs to be used cautiously as they compile general wetland data.
Environmental Design did find wetland habitat located on the site; although it
appears to be man made it does meet the criteria of wetland habitat.
Environmental Design conducted a further site investigation covering an area of
300 feet or more by site visit and by the use of mapping resources to determine if
wetlands were present around the site or if buffers from other wetland habitats
would impact the site.
For this report the wetland on the site has been named Wetland A. Wetland A
has been rated in accordance with the current Department of Ecology's Rating
forms and it calculated to be a Category III wetland. Wetland A has a protective
buffer of 80 feet as stated in the City of Federal Way's Critical Area Ordinance
19.145.420(2) Table 1.
6 Job Number: 2015-039
Client Name: Ellingson, Arnie
Conclusions:
Environmental Design, LLC concludes that wetland habitat is present on the site
and needs to meet the current code setbacks.
The wetland has a buffer of 80 feet in compliance with the City of Federal Way's
code. The client has disturbed a portion of the wetland and buffer and will be
working in every effort possible to restore the habitat per the mitigation plan set
out in this report. The disturbance has been currently stabilized through the use
of erosion control techniques in order to keep the site from further damaging the
wetland area. The client will conduct removal of the berm, planting and re-
grading of the site will take place in the spring of 2018.
7 Job Number: 2015-039
Client Name: Ellingson, Arnie
References:
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation
Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways
Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
King County. Critical Areas Map. Public GIS.
http://www.co.king.wa.us.
Soil Conservation Service. 1995. Hydric Soils for Washington. Online document:
http://www.statlab.iastate.edy:80/soils/hydric/wa/html.
Soil Conservation Service. 1979. Soil Survey of Pierce County, Washington. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington DC.
U.S Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys and
Coast Region (Version 2.0), ed. J. S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C. V.
Noble. ERDC / EL TR-103. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research
and Development Center.
Washington State Department of Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands
Identification and Delineation Manual. Publication # 96-94. Olympia,
Washington.
Washington State Department of Ecology. 2004. Washington State Wetlands
Rating System: Western Washington Revised. Publ. # 04-06-025. Olympia,
Washington.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Priority Habitat Species (PHS)
Database. (August 2014)
The determination of this wetland was completed by Environmental Design, LLC. The determination of this
wetland is based on scientific method and our best professional judgment. Environmental Design, LLC
agrees that the conclusion should agree with the local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
Completed By:
Becky Rieger
Wetland Specialist
Appendix A:
Wetland Maps
Map of:
1224 S 376th St
Federal Way, WA 98003-7505
Notes
Figure 1: Site Map Location
©2016 MapQuest, Inc. Use of directions and maps is subject to the MapQuest Terms of Use. We make no guarantee of the accuracy of their content, road conditions or route
usability. You assume all risk of use. View Terms of Use
©2016 MapQuest - Portions ©2016 TomTom | Te rms | Privacy
1224 S 376th St, Federal Way, WA 98003 Directions, Location and Map ... http://classic.mapquest.com/print?a=app.core.a3bb2c9cd2df00b7a6be9ee0
1 of 1 6/26/2016 7:39 PM
Soil Map—King County Area, Washington
(Figure 2: NRCS Soil Map)
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
6/26/2016
Page 1 of 352347605234810523486052349105234960523501052350605234760523481052348605234910523496052350105235060551310551360551410551460551510551560551610551660551710551760
551310 551360 551410 551460 551510 551560 551610 551660 551710 551760
47° 16' 1'' N 122° 19' 19'' W47° 16' 1'' N122° 18' 56'' W47° 15' 51'' N
122° 19' 19'' W47° 15' 51'' N
122° 18' 56'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 10N WGS84
0 100 200 400 600
Feet
0 30 60 120 180
Meters
Map Scale: 1:2,200 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause
misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line
placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting
soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator
projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the
Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate
calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of
the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: King County Area, Washington
Survey Area Data: Version 11, Sep 14, 2015
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000
or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jul 8, 2014—Jul 15,
2014
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were
compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting
of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Soil Map—King County Area, Washington
(Figure 2: NRCS Soil Map)
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
6/26/2016
Page 2 of 3
Map Unit Legend
King County Area, Washington (WA633)
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
AgC Alderwood gravelly sandy loam,
8 to 15 percent slopes
7.9 45.7%
EvC Everett very gravelly sandy
loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
7.9 45.8%
W Water 1.5 8.5%
Totals for Area of Interest 17.3 100.0%
Soil Map—King County Area, Washington Figure 2: NRCS Soil Map
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
6/26/2016
Page 3 of 3
FIgure 3: NWI Map
Jun 26, 2016
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is not
responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the base data shown on this map. All
wetlands related data should be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on
the Wetlands Mapper web site.
User Remarks:
King County, Pictometry International Corp.
King County
Date: 6/26/2016
The information included on this map has been compiled by King County staff from a variety of sources and is subject to change
without notice. King County makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness,
or rights to the use of such information. This document is not intended for use as a survey product. King County shall not be liable
for any general, special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages including, but not limited to, lost revenues or lost profits
resulting from the use or misuse of the information contained on this map. Any sale of this map or information on this map is
prohibited except by written permission of King County.
«k
E E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E E
200200200200
200200
F
F
F
X
F
F
F
X
F F
F
N
N X
N
X FN
FF
FF
I-5SR-99I-51710888
1711826
1710886
1711808
1711920
1711900
1710980
1710960
1711828
1711806
17108681710866
32
5
29
5
33
4
32
31
31
30 28
6
Date: 6/26/2016 Time: 7:51:15 PM
NAD 83
Contour Interval: 40 Feet
Application #: ________________________
FOREST PRACTICE ACTIVITY MAP
TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH HALF 0, RANGE 04 EAST (W.M.) HALF 0, SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH HALF 0, RANGE 04 EAST (W.M.) HALF 0, SECTION 32
1,000
Feet
Please use the legend from the FPA Instruction or provide a list of symbols used.
®
SOURCE DATASET:WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFEPRIORITY HABITATS AND SPECIES REPORTREPORT DATE:P160626195210PHSPlusPublic06/26/2016 7.52Query ID:Priority AreaCommon NameAccuracySource EntityOccurrence TypeResolutionNotesSource DateSite NamePHS Listing StatusScientific NameSource DatasetState StatusMgmt RecommendationsMore Information (URL)Sensitive DataFederal StatusGeometry TypeSource RecordN/APolygonsN/A1/4 mile (Quarter902763AS MAPPEDN/AHYLEBOS CREEK WETLANDSPHSREGIONWetlandsPHS LISTEDWA Dept. of Fish and Wildlifehttp://www.ecy.wa.NAquatic HabitatDISCLAIMER. This report includes information that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) maintains in a central computer database. It is not an attempt to provide you with an official agency responseas to the impacts of your project on fish and wildlife. This information only documents the location of fish and wildlife resources to the best of our knowledge. It is not a complete inventory and it is important to note that fishand wildlife resources may occur in areas not currently known to WDFW biologists, or in areas for which comprehensive surveys have not been conducted. Site specific surveys are frequently necesssary to rule out thepresence of priority resources. Locations of fish and wildlife resources are subject to vraition caused by disturbance, changes in season and weather, and other factors. WDFW does not recommend using reports more thansix months old.06/26/2016 7.521
WDFW Test Map
WDFW
PHS Report Clip Area
PT
LN
AS MAPPED
SECTION
QTR-TWP
TOWNSHIP
June 26, 2016
0 0.3 0.60.15 mi
0 0.55 1.10.275 km
1:19,842
Appendix B:
Site Pictures
Environmental Design, LLC.
Septic Design Wetlands Mapping
View of Site
View of Site
Environmental Design, LLC.
Septic Design Wetlands Mapping
View to the East
View of Pond
Environmental Design, LLC.
Septic Design Wetlands Mapping
Storm Pond Inlet
Pond Inlet
Environmental Design, LLC.
Septic Design Wetlands Mapping
View of Construction Entrance
Edge of Pond to West
Environmental Design, LLC.
Septic Design Wetlands Mapping
Edge of Pond
View of Pond
Appendix E:
Test Plot Data Forms
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants
Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is > 50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.0 1
1
1
Morphological Adaptations (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation (Explain)
1
1
1 - Rapid Test for Hydrologic Vegetation
WTP 1
0.0 0.0
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
0
0
0
0
40
0
0
0
0
40
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Yes No
Vegetatation does meet criteria
20.0%
0.0%
20.0%
0.0%
100.0%0
100.0%FACW
0.0%
0.0%40 40
0.0%40 80
0.0%0 0
0 040
0 0
100.0%OBL 80 1200.0%
1.5000.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
40
0.0%
0.0%
0
, or Hydrology
Prevalence Index = B/A =
1.
2.
3.
4.
(A/B)
Project/Site:
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Applicant/Owner:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sampling Date:
Lat.: Long.:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
T
Number of Dominant Species
That are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
1.
2.
Remarks:
OBL species
FACW species
FAC species
FACU species
UPL species
Column Totals:
x 1 =
x 2 =
x 3 =
x 4 =
x 5 =
(A)
(A)
Are Vegetation
(B)
Are "Normal Circumstances" present?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Soil Map Unit Name:
Datum:
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year?
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present?
NWI classification:
Remarks:
Tree Stratum
Sapling/Shrub Stratum
*Indicator suffix = National status or professional decision assigned because Regional status not defined by FWS.
R
Absolute
% Cover
Are Vegetation
Section, Township, Range: S
significantly disturbed?
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland?
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
naturally problematic?
Slope:
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
, Soil
Summary of Findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
% /
, Soil
Hydric Soil Present?
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
Woody Vine Stratum
(B)
Herb Stratum
= Total Cover
Subregion (LRR):
Indicator
Status
°
= Total Cover
= Total Cover
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
US Army Corps of Engineers
(If no, explain in Remarks.)
Dominance Test worksheet:
City/County:
Percent of dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
Prevalence Index worksheet:
State:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
, or Hydrology
Dominant
Species?
Rel.Strat.
Cover
Test plot meets criteria
0 0.0%
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
22-Apr-161224 South 376th Street Federal Way / King
Arnie Ellingson Washington
2 E17 N15Becky Rieger
Alderwood Gravelly Sandy Loam N/A
Spiraea douglasii
Nuphar luteum
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
)
)
)
)
VEGETATION -Use scientific names of plants.
Soil appears to be hydric
WTP 1
6
0
Hydrology does appear to be present
Soil Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Type: C=Concentration. D=Depletion. RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains ²Location: PL=Pore Lining. M=Matrix
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils :
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present?
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Muck Mineral (S1)
Sandy Redox (S5)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except in MLRA 1)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox depressions (F8)
2 cm Muck (A10)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Type:
Depth (inches):
Hydrology
Remarks:
Surface Water (A1)
High Water Table (A2)
Saturation (A3)
Water Marks (B1)
Sediment Deposits (B2)
Drift deposits (B3)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
Iron Deposits (B5)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
Salt Crust (B11)
Dry Season Water Table (C2)Aquatic Invertebrates (B13)
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Drainage Patterns (B10)
Frost Heave Hummocks (D7)
Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A)
Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Geomorphic Position (D2)
FAC-neutral Test (D5)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply)
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present?
Water Table Present?
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe)
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
Secondary Indicators (minimum of two required)
Water Table
5
Aerial Photos / Previouls Inspections
Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA
1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
4A, and 4B)
Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
3
3
1
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth
(inches) Color (moist) Color (moist)
Matrix Redox Features
%Loc²Texture RemarksType%
Gravelly
1
0-5
5-20
10YR
10YR
4/3
5/1
100
75 10YR 6/6 25 C M Coarse Loamy Sand
Sandy Loam
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants
Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is > 50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.0 1
1
1
Morphological Adaptations (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation (Explain)
1
1
1 - Rapid Test for Hydrologic Vegetation
WTP 2
0.0 0.0
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
0
0
0
0
40
0
0
0
0
40
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Yes No
Vegetatation does meet criteria
20.0%
0.0%
20.0%
0.0%
100.0%0
100.0%FACW
0.0%
0.0%40 40
0.0%40 80
0.0%0 0
0 040
0 0
100.0%OBL 80 1200.0%
1.5000.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
40
0.0%
0.0%
0
, or Hydrology
Prevalence Index = B/A =
1.
2.
3.
4.
(A/B)
Project/Site:
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Applicant/Owner:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sampling Date:
Lat.: Long.:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
T
Number of Dominant Species
That are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
1.
2.
Remarks:
OBL species
FACW species
FAC species
FACU species
UPL species
Column Totals:
x 1 =
x 2 =
x 3 =
x 4 =
x 5 =
(A)
(A)
Are Vegetation
(B)
Are "Normal Circumstances" present?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Soil Map Unit Name:
Datum:
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year?
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present?
NWI classification:
Remarks:
Tree Stratum
Sapling/Shrub Stratum
*Indicator suffix = National status or professional decision assigned because Regional status not defined by FWS.
R
Absolute
% Cover
Are Vegetation
Section, Township, Range: S
significantly disturbed?
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland?
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
naturally problematic?
Slope:
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
, Soil
Summary of Findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
% /
, Soil
Hydric Soil Present?
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
Woody Vine Stratum
(B)
Herb Stratum
= Total Cover
Subregion (LRR):
Indicator
Status
°
= Total Cover
= Total Cover
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
US Army Corps of Engineers
(If no, explain in Remarks.)
Dominance Test worksheet:
City/County:
Percent of dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
Prevalence Index worksheet:
State:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
, or Hydrology
Dominant
Species?
Rel.Strat.
Cover
Test plot meets criteria
0 0.0%
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
22-Apr-161224 South 376th Street Federal Way / King
Arnie Ellingson Washington
2 E17 N15Becky Rieger
Alderwood Gravelly Sandy Loam N/A
Spiraea douglasii
Nuphar luteum
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
)
)
)
)
VEGETATION -Use scientific names of plants.
Soil appears to be hydric
WTP 2
6
0
Hydrology does appear to be present
Soil Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Type: C=Concentration. D=Depletion. RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains ²Location: PL=Pore Lining. M=Matrix
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils :
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present?
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Muck Mineral (S1)
Sandy Redox (S5)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except in MLRA 1)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox depressions (F8)
2 cm Muck (A10)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Type:
Depth (inches):
Hydrology
Remarks:
Surface Water (A1)
High Water Table (A2)
Saturation (A3)
Water Marks (B1)
Sediment Deposits (B2)
Drift deposits (B3)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
Iron Deposits (B5)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
Salt Crust (B11)
Dry Season Water Table (C2)Aquatic Invertebrates (B13)
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Drainage Patterns (B10)
Frost Heave Hummocks (D7)
Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A)
Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Geomorphic Position (D2)
FAC-neutral Test (D5)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply)
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present?
Water Table Present?
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe)
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
Secondary Indicators (minimum of two required)
Water Table
5
Aerial Photos / Previouls Inspections
Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA
1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
4A, and 4B)
Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
3
3
1
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth
(inches) Color (moist) Color (moist)
Matrix Redox Features
%Loc²Texture RemarksType%
Gravelly
1
0-5
5-20
10YR
10YR
4/3
5/1
100
75 10YR 6/6 25 C M Coarse Loamy Sand
Sandy Loam
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 - Wetland Non-Vascular Plants
Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is > 50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.0 1
1
1
Morphological Adaptations (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation (Explain)
1
1
1 - Rapid Test for Hydrologic Vegetation
WTP 3
0.0 0.0
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
80
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Yes No
Vegetatation does meet criteria
10.0%
0.0%
10.0%
0.0%
100.0%0
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%0 0
0.0%0 0
0.0%80 240
0 00
0 0
100.0%FAC 80 2400.0%
3.0000.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
80
0.0%
0.0%
0
, or Hydrology
Prevalence Index = B/A =
1.
2.
3.
4.
(A/B)
Project/Site:
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Applicant/Owner:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sampling Date:
Lat.: Long.:
Sampling Point:
Investigator(s):
= Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum:
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
T
Number of Dominant Species
That are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
1.
2.
Remarks:
OBL species
FACW species
FAC species
FACU species
UPL species
Column Totals:
x 1 =
x 2 =
x 3 =
x 4 =
x 5 =
(A)
(A)
Are Vegetation
(B)
Are "Normal Circumstances" present?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Soil Map Unit Name:
Datum:
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year?
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present?
NWI classification:
Remarks:
Tree Stratum
Sapling/Shrub Stratum
*Indicator suffix = National status or professional decision assigned because Regional status not defined by FWS.
R
Absolute
% Cover
Are Vegetation
Section, Township, Range: S
significantly disturbed?
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland?
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
naturally problematic?
Slope:
(If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
, Soil
Summary of Findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
% /
, Soil
Hydric Soil Present?
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
Woody Vine Stratum
(B)
Herb Stratum
= Total Cover
Subregion (LRR):
Indicator
Status
°
= Total Cover
= Total Cover
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present?
US Army Corps of Engineers
(If no, explain in Remarks.)
Dominance Test worksheet:
City/County:
Percent of dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
Prevalence Index worksheet:
State:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
, or Hydrology
Dominant
Species?
Rel.Strat.
Cover
Test plot does not meet criteria
0 0.0%
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
22-Apr-161224 South 376th Street Federal Way / King
Arnie Ellingson Washington
2 E17 N15Becky Rieger
Alderwood Gravelly Sandy Loam N/A
Poa annua
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
(Plot size:
)
)
)
)
VEGETATION -Use scientific names of plants.
Soil does not appear to be hydric
WTP 3
Hydrology does not appear to be present
Soil Sampling Point:
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Type: C=Concentration. D=Depletion. RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains ²Location: PL=Pore Lining. M=Matrix
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils :
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Hydric Soil Present?
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Muck Mineral (S1)
Sandy Redox (S5)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except in MLRA 1)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox depressions (F8)
2 cm Muck (A10)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Type:
Depth (inches):
Hydrology
Remarks:
Surface Water (A1)
High Water Table (A2)
Saturation (A3)
Water Marks (B1)
Sediment Deposits (B2)
Drift deposits (B3)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
Iron Deposits (B5)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
Salt Crust (B11)
Dry Season Water Table (C2)Aquatic Invertebrates (B13)
Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Drainage Patterns (B10)
Frost Heave Hummocks (D7)
Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A)
Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Geomorphic Position (D2)
FAC-neutral Test (D5)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply)
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present?
Water Table Present?
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe)
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast - Version 2.0
Secondary Indicators (minimum of two required)
Aerial Photos / Previouls Inspections
Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA
1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
4A, and 4B)
Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
3
3
1
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth
(inches) Color (moist) Color (moist)
Matrix Redox Features
%Loc²Texture RemarksType%1
0-24 10YR 4/3 100 Sandy Loam
Appendix F:
Wetland Rating Forms
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 1
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
Score for each
function based
on three
ratings
(order of ratings
is not
important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Rated by____________________________ Trained by Ecology?__ Yes ___No Date of training______
HGM Class used for rating_________________ Wetland has multiple HGM classes?___Y ____N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map ______________________________________
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY ____ (based on functions___ or special characteristics___)
1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
_______Category I – Total score = 23 - 27
_______Category II – Total score = 20 - 22
_______Category III – Total score = 16 - 19
_______Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION
Improving
Water Quality
Hydrologic
Habitat
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on
Ratings
2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY
Estuarine I II
Wetland of High Conservation Value I
Bog I
Mature Forest I
Old Growth Forest I
Coastal Lagoon I II
Interdunal I II III IV
None of the above
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for
Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2
Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3
Lake Fringe Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3
Slope Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S 4.1
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 3
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods?
NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it
is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to
score functions for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater
and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any
plants on the surface at any time of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size;
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m).
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from
seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks,
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and
shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft
deep).
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that
stream or river,
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years.
For questions 1-7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you
probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in
questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8.
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine
NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not
flooding
6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the
surface, at some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior
of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank
flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be
maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural
outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM
classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small
stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY
WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT
AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the
appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the
wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or
more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2
is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the
total area.
HGM classes within the wetland unit
being rated
HGM class to
use in rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake Fringe Lake Fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake Fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake Fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or if you have
more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the
rating.
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 5
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet).
points = 3
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet.
points = 2
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 1
Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1
D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions).Yes = 4 No = 0
D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes):
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > ½ of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation :
This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is > ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1 -D 2.3?
Source__Livestock_____________ Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 or 4 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the
303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (answer YES
if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 6
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation
D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) points = 4
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outletpoints = 2
Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch points = 1
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 0
D 4.2. Depth of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands
with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part.
Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points = 7
Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 5
Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland points = 3
Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in) points = 0
D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin
contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself.
The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5
The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points = 3
The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit points = 0
Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5
Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions of the site?
D 5.1. Does the wetland receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at
>1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1. The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around
the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met .
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down -gradient into areas where flooding has
damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds):
Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2
Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down-gradient. points = 1
Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the
water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why _Depression____________ points = 0
There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0
D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan?
Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat
H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat?
H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the
Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold
of ¼ ac or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked.
____Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4
____Emergent 3 structures: points = 2
____Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0
If the unit has a Forested class, check if:
____The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover)
that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover
more than 10% of the wetland or ¼ ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present: points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft 2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name
the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or
the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you
have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high.
None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points
All three diagrams
in this row
are HIGH = 3points
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
H 1.5. Special habitat features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m)
over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree
slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered
where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ ac of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are
permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of
strata)
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit).
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
If total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3
20-33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2
10-19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1
< 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3
Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If
> 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
≤ 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 = H 1-3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rated.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page)
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species
It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a
Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan
Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1
Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value If score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
WDFW Priority Habitats
Priority habitats listed by WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can
be found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington.
177 pp. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/)
Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE: This question is
independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat.
Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha).
Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and
wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report).
Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock.
Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade crest – Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-
layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) > 32 in (81 cm) dbh or > 200
years of age. Mature forests – Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 in (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less
than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that
found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest.
Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak
component is important (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 158 – see web link above).
Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other.
Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet
prairie (full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 – see web link above).
Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide
functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources.
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and
Puget Sound Nearshore. (full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report –
see web link on previous page).
Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock,
ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human.
Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation.
Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of basalt, andesite,
and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs.
Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to
enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 in (51 cm) in western
Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12 in (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft
(6 m) long.
Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed
elsewhere.
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Wetland Type
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the category when the appropriate criteria are met.
Category
SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands
Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
The dominant water regime is tidal,
Vegetated, and
With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes –Go to SC 1.1 No= Not an estuarine wetland
SC 1.1. Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area
Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332 -30-151?
Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 1.2
Cat. I
SC 1.2. Is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less
than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartina, see page 25)
At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-
mowed grassland.
The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or
contiguous freshwater wetlands. Yes = Category I No = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV)
SC 2.1. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High
Conservation Value? Yes – Go to SC 2.2 No – Go to SC 2.3
SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value?
Yes = Category I No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland?
http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands.pdf
Yes – Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on
their website? Yes = Category I No = Not a WHCV
Cat. I
SC 3.0. Bogs
Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key
below. If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
SC 3.1. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in or
more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No – Go to SC 3.2
SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep
over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or
pond? Yes – Go to SC 3.3 No = Is not a bog
SC 3.3. Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30%
cover of plant species listed in Table 4? Yes = Is a Category I bog No – Go to SC 3.4
NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory , you may substitute that criterion by
measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the
plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog.
SC 3.4. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar,
western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the
species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy?
Yes = Is a Category I bog No = Is not a bog
Cat. I
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 17
Rating Form – Effective January 1, 2015
SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands
Does the wetland have at least 1 contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA
Department of Fish and Wildlife’s forests as priority habitats? If you answer YES you will still need to rate
the wetland based on its functions.
Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered
canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of
age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in (81 cm) or more.
Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR the
species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in (53 cm).
Yes = Category I No = Not a forested wetland for this section
Cat. I
SC 5.0. Wetlands in Coastal Lagoons
Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon?
The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from
marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks
The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains ponded water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt)
during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom)
Yes – Go to SC 5.1 No = Not a wetland in a coastal lagoon
SC 5.1. Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions?
The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has less
than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100).
At least ¾ of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un -grazed or un-
mowed grassland.
The wetland is larger than 1/10 ac (4350 ft2)
Yes = Category I No = Category II
Cat. I
Cat. II
SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands
Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? If
you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its habitat functions.
In practical terms that means the following geographic areas:
Long Beach Peninsula: Lands west of SR 103
Grayland-Westport: Lands west of SR 105
Ocean Shores-Copalis: Lands west of SR 115 and SR 109
Yes – Go to SC 6.1 No = not an interdunal wetland for rating
SC 6.1. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M
for the three aspects of function)? Yes = Category I No – Go to SC 6.2
SC 6.2. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger?
Yes = Category II No – Go to SC 6.3
SC 6.3. Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac?
Yes = Category III No = Category IV
Cat I
Cat. II
Cat. III
Cat. IV
Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics
If you answered No for all types, enter “Not Applicable” on Summary Form
Rating Form 1: Cowardin Plant Classes
Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the
GIS user community
September 26, 2017
0 0.1 0.20.05 mi
0 0.2 0.40.1 km
1:7,396
This page was produced by the NWI mapper
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife
Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the
base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should
be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the
Wetlands Mapper web site.
Rating Form 2: Hydroperiods
Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the
GIS user community
September 26, 2017
0 0.1 0.20.05 mi
0 0.2 0.40.1 km
1:7,396
This page was produced by the NWI mapper
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife
Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the
base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should
be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the
Wetlands Mapper web site.
Rating Form 3: Contributing Basin
Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the
GIS user community
September 26, 2017
0 0.1 0.20.05 mi
0 0.2 0.40.1 km
1:7,396
This page was produced by the NWI mapper
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife
Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the
base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should
be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the
Wetlands Mapper web site.
Rating Form 4: 1km Polygon
Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the
GIS user community
September 26, 2017
0 0.5 10.25 mi
0 0.8 1.60.4 km
1:29,585
This page was produced by the NWI mapper
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife
Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the
base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should
be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the
Wetlands Mapper web site.
303d
Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO,
USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey,
Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, ©
September 26, 2017
0 0.1 0.20.05
Miles
K
AssessedWaters/Sediment
Water
Category 5 - 303d
Category 4C
Category 4B
Category 4A
Category 2
Category 1
Sediment
Category 5 - 303d
Category 4C
Category 4B
Category 4A
Category 2
Category 1