HomeMy WebLinkAboutApp. E. - MDT Wetland Assessment Form 04-24-2020 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Form (revised March 2008)
1.Project Name: Norton East Ranch Expansion of Mitigation Wetland 2.MDT Project#: NWO 2007-01084-MTH Control#:
3. Evaluation Date: September 14,2018 4. Evaluator(s): Rich McEldowney 5.Wetlands/Site#(s): Wetland 1
6.Wetland Location(s):i.Legal: T2S, R5E,9;
ii.Approx.Stationing or Mileposts:
iii.Watershed: 1002008 Watershed Name,County: Upper Missouri, Gallatin
7. a.Evaluating Agency:US Army Corps of Engineers 8.Wetland size: 4.164 acres(measured)
b.Purpose of Evaluation:
1. _ Wetlands potentially affected by MDT project 9.Assessment area(AA): 4.164 acres(estimated)
2. _ Mitigation wetlands;pre-construction
3. Mitigation wetlands;post-construction
4. X Other:Expanded wetland fringe under Bozeman review
10.Classification of Wetland and Aquatic Habitats in AA
Abbreviations:(see manual for definitions)
HGM Class(Brinson) Class Modifier Water Regime %of AA HGM Classes: Riverine(R), Depressional(D),Slope(S),
Cowardin Cowardin Mineral Soil Flats(MSF),Organic Soil Flats(OSF),Lacustrine
D EM TE 100 Fringe(LF);
Cowardin Classes:Rock Bottom(RB), Unconsolidated bottom
(UB),Aquatic Bed(AB),Unconsolidated Shore(US),Moss-
lichen Wetland(ML),Emergent Wetland(EM),Scrub-Shrub
Wetland(SS),Forested Wetland(FO)
Modifiers:Excavated(E),Impounded(1), Diked(D),Partly
Drained(PD), Farmed(F),Artificial(A)
Water Regimes:Permanent/Perennial(PP),Seasonal/
Intermittent(SI),Temporary/Ephemeral(TE)
11.Estimated relative abundance:(of similarly classified sites within the same Major Montana Watershed Basin,see definitions)
ABUNDANT
12.General condition of AA:
i. Disturbance:(use matrix below to determine[circle]appropriate response—see instructions for Montana-listed noxious weed and aquatic
nuisance vegetation sped ANVS lists
Predominant conditions adjacent to within 500 feet o AA
Managed in predominantly natural state; Land not cultivated,but may be moderately Land cultivated or heavily grazed or logged;
Conditions within AA is not grazed,hayed,logged,or grazed or hayed or selectively logged;or subject to substantial fill placement,grading,
otherwise converted;does not contain has been subject to minor clearing;contains clearing,or hydrological alteration,high road
roads or buildings;and noxious weed or few roads or buildings;noxious weed or or building density;or noxious weed or ANVS
ANVS cover is s15%. ANVS cover is s30%. cover is>30%.
AA occurs and is managed in predominantly natural state;is not
grazed,hayed,logged,or otherwise converted;does not contain low disturbance low disturbance moderate disturbance
roads or occupied buildings;and noxious weed or ANVS cover is
515%.
AA not cultivated,but may be moderately grazed or hayed or
selectively logged;or has been subject torelatively minor moderate disturbance clearing,fill placement,or hydrological altIt surance moderate disturbance high contains few disturbance
roads or buildin s;noxious weed or ANVS cover is s30%.
AA cultivated or heavily grazed or logged;subject to relatively
substantial fill placement,grading,clearing,or hydrological
alteration;high road or building density;or noxious weed or high disturbance high disturbance high disturbance
ANVS cover is>30%.
Comments:(types of disturbance,intensity,season,etc.): Wetland fringe expanded from 2010 to 2018 as a result of temporary surface water
sources. Sources included broken French drain,dewatering activities,filling in an historic ditch. Water sources have been abandoned or rectified
through the installation of a new French drain at south boundary. Seasonal sources of water and surrounding construction have contributed to increase
cover of Canadian thistle and sow thistle.
ii.Prominent noxious,aquatic nuisance,&other exotic vegetation species: Canadian thistle,sow thistle
iii.Provide brief descriptive summary of AA and surrounding land uselhabitat: Expanded wetland fringe at edge of mitigation preservation
wetland. Fringe surrounded by subdivision to the north and south. Proposed subdivision development west of preservation wetland. North/south Road
bisects mitigation wetland. Park east of road.
13.Structural Diversity: based on number of"Cowardin"ve etated classes resent do not include unve etated classes],see#10 above
Initial Is current management preventing(passive)
Existing#of"Cowardin"Vegetated Classes in AA Rating existence of additional vegetated classes? Modified Ratin
>_3(or 2 if 1 is forested)classes H NA NA NA
2(or 1 if forested)classes M NA NA NA
1 class,but not a monoculture M +—NO YES— L
1 class,monoculture(1 species comprises z90%of total cover) L NA NA NA
Comments: No woody species exist in Mitigation Preservation Wetland and wetland fringe.Expanded wetland fringe dominated by emergent
species such as field meadow foxtail, reed canary grass,Canadian thistle,and sow thistle. Mitigation Preservation Wetland is inundated in center of
wetland facilitating increased growth of sedges and rushes.
1
SECTION PERTAINING to FUNCTIONS&VALUES ASSESSMENT
14A. Habitat for Federally Listed or Proposed Threatened or Endangered Plants or Animals:
i. AA is Documented(D)or Suspected(S)to contain(circle one based on definitions contained in instructions):
Primary or critical habitat(list species)
Secondary habitat(list species)
Incidental habitat(list species)
No usable habitat S
ii. Rating use the conclusions from i above and the matrix below to arrive at circle the functional poin s and rating)
Highest Habitat Level doc/ rims sus/primary sus/primary doc/seconda sus/secondary doc/incidental sus/incidental None
Functional Points and Rating 1 H .9H .8M .7M 3L AL OL j
Sources for documented use(e_g.observations,records,etc): No woody species in expanded wetland fringe or Mitigation wetland.
1413.Habitat for plant or animals rated S1,S2,or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage Program.(not including species listed in14A above)
L AA is Documented(D)or Suspected(S)to contain(circle one based on definitions contained in instructions):
Primary or critical habitat(list species)
Secondary habitat(list species)
Incidental habitat(list species)
No usable habitat S
ii. Rating use the conclusions from i above and the matrix below to arrive at circle the functional points and rating)
Highest Habitat Level doc/ rima sus/ rima doc/seconda sus/secondary doc/incidental sus/incidental None
Species:Functional
1 H .8H .7M .6M .2L .1 L OL
Functional Points and Rating
S2 and S3 Species: 911 .7M .6M .5M .2L 1 L OL
Functional Points and Ratin
Sources for documented use(e.g.observations,records,etc.): Wetland fringe developed in upland from 2010 to 2018. Water sources no longer
evident. Low diversity of plants. No woody species.
14C. General Wildlife Habitat Rating:
i. Evidence of overall wildlife use in the AA(circle substantial,moderate,or low based on supporting evidence):
Substantial (based on any of the following[check]): Minimal (based on any of the following[check]):
observations of abundant wildlife#s or high species diversity(during any period) _ few or no wildlife observations during peak use periods
abundant wildlife sign such as scat,tracks, nest structures,game trails,etc. little to no wildlife sign
presence of extremely limiting habitat features not available in the surrounding area _ sparse adjacent upland food sources
_ interviews with local biologists with knowledge of the AA _ interviews with local biologists with knowledge of the AA
Moderate (based on any of the following[check]):
observations of scattered wildlife groups or individuals or relatively few species during peak periods
common occurrence of wildlife sign such as scat,tracks,nest structures,game trails,etc.
X adequate adjacent upland food sources
interviews with local biologists with knowledge of the AA
ii.Wildlife habitat features(Working from top to bottom,circle appropriate AA attributes in matrix to arrive at rating. Structural diversity is from#13.
For class cover to be considered evenly distributed,the most and least prevalent vegetated classes must be within 20%of each other in terms of their
percent composition of the AA(see#10). Abbreviations for surface water durations are as follows:P/P=permanent/perennial;S/I=
seasonal/intermittent;T/E=tempora /e hemeral;and A=absent see instructions for further definitions of these terms
Structural diversity see#13 High Moderate Low
Class cover distribution(all vegetated classes) Even Uneven Even Uneven Even
Duration of surface water in
10%of AA PIP]
/P S/I T/E A P/P S/1 T/E A P/P S/I T/E A P/P S/I T/E A P/P S/I T/E A
Low disturbance at AA(see#12i) E E E H E E H H E H H M E H M M E H M M
Moderate disturbance at AA see#12i H H H H H H H M H H M M H M M L H M L IL
High disturbance at AA(see
#12i M M M L M M L L M M L L M L L L L L L Ill. Rating use the conclusions from i and ii above and the matrix below to arrive at[circlel the functional points and rating)
Evidence of wildlife use(i) Wildlife habitat features ratina ii
Exceptional High J1 Moderate Low
Substantial 1 E .9H F- .8H .7M
Moderate .9H .7M .5M .3L
Minimal .6M AM .2L AL
Comments:
2
14D.General Fish Habitat Rating:(Assess this function if the AA is used by fish or the existing situation is"correctable"such that the AA could be used
by fish[i.e.,fish use is precluded by perched culvert or other barrier,etc.]. If the AA is not used by fish,fish use is not restorable due to habitat
constraints,or is not desired from a management perspective[such as fish entrapped in a canal],then mark X NA and proceed to 14E.)
Type of Fishery: Cold Water(CW) Warm Water(WW) Use the CW or WW guidelines in the user manual to complete the matrix
i. Habitat Quality and Known/Suspected Fish Species in AA use matrix to arrive at circle the functional points and rating)
Duration of surface
water in AA Permanent/Perennial SeaF/Intermi7ftent Tem ora /E hemeral
e�ape couatic ve/sting/ Optimal Adequate Poor Optimal Poor Optimal Adequate Poor
Thermal cover optimal/ O S O S 0 S O S S O S O S O S
subo tima1
FWP Tier I fish species 1 E .9H .8H .7M .6M .5M .9H .8H .7M .6M .5M AM .7M .6M .5M AM .31- .31-
FWP Tier II or Native
species
Game fish 9H .8H .7M .6M .5M .5M .8H .7M .6M .5M AM AM .6M .5M AM .3L .2L .21-
FWP Tier III or 8H .7M .6M .5M .5M AM .7M .6M .5M AM AM t.2
3L .5M AM .3L .2L .2L 1 L
Introduced Game fish
FWP Non-Game Tier IV
or No fish species .5M .5M .5M AM AM .31- AM AM AM .3L .3L .2L .2L .2L .1 L AL AL
Sources used for identifying fish sp.potentially found in AA:
ii. Modified Rating (NOTE: Modified score cannot exceed 1 or be less than 0.1)
a)Is fish use of the AA significantly reduced by a culvert,dike, or other man-made structure or activity or is the waterbody included on the current final
MDEQ list of waterbodies in need of TMDL development with listed"Probable Impaired Uses"including cold or warm water fishery or aquatic life
support,or do aquatic nuisance plant or animal species(see Appendix E)occur in fish habitat? _ If yes,reduce score in i above by 0.1.
b)Does the AA contain a documented spawning area or other critical habitat feature(i.e.,sanctuary pool, upwe/ling area,etc.-specify in comments)for
native fish or introduced game fish? _ if yes,add 0.1 to the adjusted score in i or iia.
iii. Final Score and Rating: NA Comments: No fisheries habitat. No stream or large surface water areas.
14E. Flood Attenuation:(Applies only to wetlands subject to flooding via in-channel or overbank flow. If wetlands in AA are not flooded from in-
channel or overbank flow,mark X NA and proceed to 14F.)
i. Rating(working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to arrive at circle the functional oints and rating)
Slightly entrenched-C, Moderately entrenched- Entrenched-A,F,G stream
Estimated or Calculated Entrenchment Ros en 1994, 1996 D, E stream es B stream t e t es
%of flooded wetland classified as forested and/or scrub/shrub 75% 25-75% <25% 75% 25-75% <25% 75% 25-75% <25%
AA contains no outlet or restricted outlet 1 H 9H .6M .8H 7M .5M 4M .3L .2L
AA contains unrestricted outlet .9H .8H .5M .7M .6M 4M .3L 2L 1L
Entrenchment ratio(ER)estimation-see User's Manual for additional guidance. Entrenchment ratio=(flood-prone width)/(bankfull width)
Flood-prone width=estimated horizontal projection of where 2 x maximum bankfull depth elevation intersects the floodplain on each side of the stream.
flood-prone Width
Flood-prone x�Derone Bankfull Entrenchment ratio �.■�. _ �Pdth
width width (ER)
AUgIMWO Depfi
Slightly Entrenched Moderately Entrenched Entrenched
ER=>2.2 ER=1.41-2.2 ER=1.0-1.4
C stream type D stream type E stream type B stream type A stream type F stream type G stream type
-IM ----0--- -----W_ 1W 1A kw Id
ii. Are>10 acres of wetland in the AA subject to flooding AND are man-made features which may be significantly damaged by floods located within 0.5
mile downstream of the AA(circle)? _ Comments: No in channel or overbank flow.
14F. Short and Long Term Surface water Storage:(Applies to wetlands that flood or pond from overbank or in-channel flow, precipitation,upland
surface flow,or groundwater flow. If no wetlands in the AA are subject to flooding or ponding,mark _ NA and proceed to 14G.)
L Rating(Working from top to bottom,use the matrix below to arrive at[circle]the functional points and rating.Abbreviations for surface water
durations are as follows: PIP=permanent/perennial;S/I=seasonal/intermittent;and TIE=temporary/ephemeral[see instructions for further definitions
of these terms.)
Estimated maximum acre feet of water contained in�wetlands� >5 acre feet �to �feet ��_<l�acrefoot
within the AA that are subject to eriodic floodin oDuration of surface water at wetlands within the AAIP S/1 TIE ]�l
T/E
Wetlands in AA flood or pond?5 out of 10 years 1 H .9H .8H 8H 6M 5M 4M 3L 2L
Wetlands in AA flood or pond<5 out of 10 years .9H I .8H .7M .7M I .5M 4M 3L .2L AL_
Comments:
3
14G. Sediment/Nutrient/Toxicant Retention and Removal:(Applies to wetlands with potential to receive sediments,nutrients,or toxicants through
influx of surface or ground water or direct input. If no wetlands in the AA are subject to such input,mark _ NA and proceed to 14H.)
i. Rating(working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to arrive at circle the functional oints and ratin H=high,M=moderate,or L=low,
Sediment,nutrient,and toxicant Waterbody on MDEQ list of waterbodies in need of
input levels within AA TMDL development for"probable causes'related to
AA receives or surrounding land use with potential to sediment, nutrients,or toxicants or AA receives or
deliver levels of sediments, nutrients,or compounds surrounding land use with potential to deliver high levels
at levels such that other functions are not of sediments,nutrients,or compounds such that other
substantially impaired.Minor sedimentation,sources functions are substantially impaired.Major
of nutrients or toxicants,or signs of eutrophication sedimentation,sources of nutrients or toxicants,or signs
resent. of eutro hication resent.
%cover of wetland vegetation in AA >_70% <70% >_70% <700/0
Evidence of flooding/ ondin in AA Yes No Yes I No Yes No Yes No
AA contains no or restricted outlet 1H .8H .7M 5M 5M AM .3L .2L
AA contains unrestricted outlet 9H 7M 6M 4M 4M .3L 2L AL
Comments: Closed depression fed by groundwater primarily. Surrounding subdivisions.
14H Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization: (Applies only if AA occurs on or within the banks or a river,stream,or other natural or man-made drainage,or
on the shoreline of a standing water body which is subject to wave action. If 14H does not apply,mark X NA and proceed to 141.)
I. Rating(working from top to bottom,use the matrix below to arrive at circle the functional points and rating)
%Cover of wetland streambank or Duration of surface water adjacent to rooted ve etation
shoreline by species with stability
ratings of>6 see Appendix F. Permanent/Perennial Seasonal/Intermittent Temporary/Ephemeral
>65% 1 H .9H .7M
35-64% .7M .6M .5M
<35% .3L .2L AL
Comments:
141. Production Export/Food Chain Support:
I. Level of Biological Activi s nthesis of wildlife and fish habitat ratings[circle])
General Fish Habitat General Wildlife Habitat Ratin 14C.iii.
Rating 14D.iii. E/H M L
E/H H H M
M H M M
L M M L
N/A H M L
ii. Rating(Working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to arrive at[circle]the functional points and rating.Factor A =acreage of vegetated
wetland component in the AA;Factor B=level of biological activity rating from above(141.i.);Factor C=whether or not the AA contains a surface or
subsurface outlet;the final three rows pertain to duration of surface water in the AA,where P/P,S/l,and T/E are as previously defined,and A="absent"
see instructions for further definitions of these terms.)
A Ve etated com onent>5 acres Vegetated component 1-5 acres Ve etated cam anent<1 acre
8 Hi h Moderate Low Hi h Moderate Low Hi ph Moderate Low
C Yes I No Yes No Yes No Yes I No Yes No Yes No Yes I No Yes No Yes No
P/P 1 H .7M .8H 5M 6M 4M .9H .6M .7M AM .5M .3L .8H .6M .6M AM .3L .2L
S/I .9H .6M .7M AM 5M 3L 8H .5M .6M .3L AM .2L .7M .5M .5M 3L 3L 2L
T/E/A 8H 5M .6M .31 4M 2L .7M AM .5M .2L .3L AL .6M AM AM .2L .2L 1 L
III. Modified Rating (NOTE: Modified score cannot exceed 1 or be less than 0.1.) Vegetated Upland Buffer(VUB):Area with>30%plant cover,<_
15%noxious weed or ANVS cover,and that is not subjected to periodic mechanical mowing or clearing(unless for weed control).
a)Is there an average>_50 foot-wide vegetated upland buffer around>_759.of the AA circumference? _ If yes,add 0.1 to the score in ii above.
iv. Final Score and Rating: 0.21- Comments: Buffer for mitigation wetland 25 feet or more on NE bndy. Newly expanded fringe does not have
upland buffer.
14J. Groundwater Discharge/Recharge:(check the appropriate indicators in i&ii below)
I. Discharge Indicators ii. Recharge Indicators
The AA is a slope wetland Permeable substrate present without underlying impeding layer
Springs or seeps are known or observed Wetland contains inlet but no outlet
X Vegetation growing during dormant season/drought Stream is a known`losing'stream;discharge volume decreases
Wetland occurs at the toe of a natural slope Other:
Seeps are present at the wetland edge
AA permanently flooded during drought periods
Wetland contains an outlet, but no inlet
X Shallow water table and the site is saturated to the surface
Other:
4
iii. Rating use the information from i and ii above and the table below to arrive at circle the functional points and ratin
Duration of saturation at AA Wetlands FROM GROUNDWATER
DISCHARGE OR WITH WATER THAT IS RECHARGING THE
GROUNDWATER SYSTEM
Criteria P/P S/I T None
Groundwater Discharge or Recharge 1 H 7M 4M 1 L
Insufficient Data/Information N/A
Comments: Water sources in wetland fringe abandoned or removed. Area of expanded wetland fringe will likely decrease over time without sustaining
water sources.
14K.Uniqueness:
I. Rating(working from top to bottom,use the matrix below to arrive at circle the functional points and rating)
AA does not contain previously cited
AA contains fen,bog,warm springs rare types and structural diversity AA does not contain previously
Replacement potential or mature(>80 yr-old)forested (#13)is high or contains plant cited rare types or associations
wetland or plant association listed association listed as"ST by the and structural diversity(#13)is
as"S1"b the MTNHP MTNHP low-moderate
Estimated relative abundance #11 rare common abundant rare common abundant rare common I abundant
Low disturbance at AA(#12i) 1 H .9H .8H 8H 6M 5M 5M 4M 3L
Moderate disturbance at AA(#12i) .9H .8H .7M .7M .5M AM AM .3L .2L
High disturbance at AA(#12i) .8H .7M .6M .6M AM .3L 31 21 11
Comments:
14L.Recreation/Education Potential: (affords"bonus"points if AA provides recreation or education opportunity)
L Is the AA a known or potential rec./ed.site:(circle) X (if'Yes'continue with the evaluation;if'No'then mark NA and proceed to the overall
summary and rating page)
ii. Check categories that apply to the AA: X Educational/scientific study;_Consumptive rec.;_Non-consumptive rec.;_Other
iii. Rating(use the matrix below to arrive at[circle]the functional points and rating)
Known or Potential Recreation or Education Area Known Potential
Public ownership or public easement with general public access(no permission required) .2H ASH
Private ownership with general public access(no permission required) .15H AM
Private or public ownership without general public access,or requiring permission for public access AM .05L
Comments: Expanded wetland fringe will likely decrease in area as a result of loss of water sources. Fringe dominated by weedy species and
aggressive species such as field meadow foxtail and reed canary grass.
General Site Notes
5
FUNCTION&VALUE SUMMARY&OVERALL RATING FOR WETLAND/SITE#(S): Wetland 1
Functional
Indicate the
four most
Actual Possible Units: prominent
(Actual Points x
Functional Functional Estimated AA functions with
Function&Value Variables Ratin Points Points Acreage) an asterisk
A. Listed/Proposed T&E Species Habitat L 0.0 1 0.00
B. MT Natural Heritage Program Species Habitat L 0.0 1 0.00
C. General Wildlife Habitat M 0.5 1 2.08
D. General Fish Habitat NA
E. Flood Attenuation NA
F. Short and Long Term Surface Water Storage M 0.4 1.0 1.67
G. Sediment/Nutrient/Toxicant Removal H 1.0 1.0 4.16
H. Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization NA
I. Production Export/Food Chain Support L 0.2 1 0.83
J. Groundwater Discharge/Recharge M 0.4 1.0 1.67
K. Uniqueness L 0.2 1 0.83
L. Recreation/Education Potential bonus oints H 0.15 NA 0.62
Totals: J_ 2.85 8.0 11.87
Percent of Possible Score 36%
Category I Wetland: (must satisfy one of the following criteria; otherwise go to Category ll)
Score of 1 functional point for Listed/Proposed Threatened or Endangered Species;or
Score of 1 functional point for Uniqueness; or
Score of 1 functional point for Flood Attenuation and answer to Question 14E.ii is"yes';or
Percent of possible score>80% (round to nearest whole#).
Category II Wetland: (Criteria for Category I not satisfied and meets any one of the following criteria;otherwise go to Category IV)
Score of 1 functional point for MT Natural Heritage Program Species Habitat;or
Score of.9 or 1 functional point for General Wildlife Habitat; or
Score of.9 or 1 functional point for General Fish Habitat;or
"High"to"Exceptional"ratings for both General Wildlife Habitat and General Fish/Aquatic Habitat; or
Score of.9 functional point for Uniqueness;or
Percent of possible score>65% (round to nearest whole#).
Category III Wetland: (Criteria for Categories I, II, or IV not satisfied)
Category IV Wetland: (Criteria for Categories I or II are not satisfied and all of the following criteria are met;otherwise go to
Category III)
X "Low"rating for Uniqueness;and
Vegetated wetland component< 1 acre(do not include upland vegetated buffer);and
Percent of possible score<35% (round to nearest whole#).
OVERALL ANALYSIS AREA RATING: III
6