HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-2 MDT_Wetland Assessment FormMDT MONTANA WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM (revised March 2008)
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1. Project Name: Voyager 2. MDT Project #: N/A 3. Control #: N/A
3. Evaluation Date: May 5, 2023 4. Evaluator(s): Faith Doty 5. Wetland/Site #(s): WET 1
6. Wetland Location(s): Township 2 S, Range 5 E, Section 2; Township N, Range E, Section
Approximate Stationing or Roadposts: N/A Watershed: 6 - Upper Missouri County: Lincoln
7. Evaluating Agency: Private by Power Engineers 8. Wetland Size (acre): (visually estimated) Purpose of Evaluation: 0.51 (measured, e.g. GPS) Wetland potentially affected by MDT project Mitigation wetlands; pre-construction Mitigation wetlands; post-construction 9. Assessment Area (AA) Size (acre): (visually estimated) Other potentially impacted by private entity (see manual for determining AA) 14.4 (measured, e.g. GPS)
10. CLASSIFICATION OF WETLAND AND AQUATIC HABITATS IN AA (See manual for definitions.)
HGM Class (Brinson) Class (Cowardin) Modifier (Cowardin) Water Regime % OF AA
Depressional Emergent Wetland Permanent / Perennial 100
Comments: Temporarily flooded, surface water is present for brief periods during the growing season
11. ESTIMATED RELATIVE ABUNDANCE (of similarly classified sites within the same Major Montana Watershed Basin; see manual.) common
12. GENERAL CONDITION OF AA
i. Disturbance: Use matrix below to select the appropriate response; see manual for Montana listed noxious weed and aquatic nuisance vegetation species lists.
Conditions within AA
Predominant Conditions Adjacent to (within 500 feet of) AA
Managed in predominantly natural state; is not grazed, hayed, logged, or otherwise converted; does not contain roads or buildings; and noxious weed or ANVS cover is ≤15%.
Land not cultivated, but may be moderately grazed or hayed or selectively logged; or has been subject to minor clearing; contains few roads or buildings; noxious weed or ANVS cover is ≤30%.
Land cultivated or heavily grazed or logged; subject to substantial fill placement, grading, clearing, or hydrological alteration; high road or building density; or noxious weed or ANVS cover is >30%.
AA occurs and is managed in predominantly natural state; is not grazed, hayed, logged, or otherwise converted; does not contain roads or occupied buildings; and noxious weed or ANVS cover is ≤15%.
--- --- ---
AA not cultivated, but may be moderately grazed or hayed or selectively logged; or has been subject to relatively minor clearing, fill placement, or hydrological alteration; contains few roads or buildings; noxious weed or ANVS cover is ≤30%.
--- --- ---
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 ANVS cover is >30%.
--- --- high disturbance
Comments (types of disturbance, intensity, season, etc.): The AA is an agricultural field, used for hay and/or cereal crop production.
ii. Prominent noxious, aquatic nuisance, and other exotic vegetation species: Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle) - low to moderate density invasion iii. Provide brief descriptive summary of AA and surrounding land use/habitat: The AA is flat, undeveloped land. The site is bound by Tschache Lane to the south, 27th Avenue to the west, Baxter Apartments to the northwest, Baxter Lane to the north, BSV Condos to the northeast, and residential deveolopment to the east. The AA consists of mowed grasslands and areas of shallow groundwater. 13. STRUCTURAL DIVERSITY (Based on number of “Cowardin” vegetated classes present [do not include unvegetated classes]; see #10 above.)
Existing # of “Cowardin” Vegetated Classes in AA
Initial Rating Is current management preventing (passive) existence of additional vegetated classes? Modified Rating
≥3 (or 2 if one is forested) classes --- NA NA NA 2 (or 1 if forested) classes --- NA NA NA
1 class, but not a monoculture mod ←NO YES→ low
1 class, monoculture (1 species comprises ≥90% of total cover) --- NA NA NA
Comments:
MDT MONTANA WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM (revised March 2008) SECTION PERTAINING TO FUNCTIONS & VALUES ASSESSMENT
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Wetland/Site #(s): WET 1
14A. HABITAT FOR FEDERALLY LISTED OR PROPOSED THREATENED OR ENDANGERED PLANTS OR ANIMALS
i. AA is Documented (D) or Suspected (S) to contain: Check box based on definitions in manual. Primary or critical habitat (list species) D S Secondary habitat (list species) D S Incidental habitat (list species) D S No usable habitat S
ii. Rating: Based on the strongest habitat chosen in 14A(i) above, select the corresponding functional point and rating.
Highest Habitat Level Doc/Primary Sus/Primary Doc/Secondary Sus/Secondary Doc/Incidental Sus/Incidental None
Functional Point/Rating --- --- --- --- --- --- 0L
Sources for documented use (e.g. observations, records): USFWS IPaC, MTNHP, observation 14B. HABITAT FOR PLANTS OR ANIMALS RATED S1, S2, OR S3 BY THE MONTANA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM Do not include species listed in 14A above.
i. AA is Documented (D) or Suspected (S) to contain: Check box based on definitions in manual. Primary or critical habitat (list species) D S Secondary habitat (list species) D S Incidental habitat (list species) D S No usable habitat S
ii. Rating: Based on the strongest habitat chosen in 14A(i) above, select the corresponding functional point and rating.
Highest Habitat Level Doc/Primary Sus/Primary Doc/Secondary Sus/Secondary Doc/Incidental Sus/Incidental None
S1 Species Functional Point/Rating --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
S2 and S3 Species Functional Point/Rating --- --- --- --- .2L --- ---
Sources for documented use (e.g. observations, records): MTNHP Environmental Summary Report 14C. GENERAL WILDLIFE HABITAT RATING
i. Evidence of Overall Wildlife Use in the AA: Check 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 interview with local biologist with knowledge of the AA interview with local biologist with knowledge of 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. adequate adjacent upland food sources interview with local biologist with knowledge of the AA
ii. Wildlife Habitat Features: Working from top to bottom, check 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 = temporary/ephemeral; and A = absent [see manual 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 P/P S/I T/E A P/P S/I 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) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Moderate Disturbance at AA (see #12i) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- M --- ---
High Disturbance at AA (see #12i) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
iii. Rating: Use the conclusions from i and ii above and the matrix below to select the functional point and rating.
Evidence of Wildlife Use (i)
Wildlife Habitat Features Rating (ii)
Exceptional High Moderate Low
Substantial --- --- --- --- Moderate --- --- --- --- Minimal --- --- --- .1L
Comments: The AA is not safe habitat for wildlife. The AA is completely surrounded by paved streets and established or developing residential areas. Small amounts of deer sign was observed at the AA, but the site does not provide adequate connectivity or forage potential for wildlife habitat other than incidentiall pass-through.
MDT MONTANA WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM (revised March 2008) SECTION PERTAINING TO FUNCTIONS & VALUES ASSESSMENT
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Wetland/Site #(s): WET 1
14D. GENERAL FISH HABITAT NA (proceed to 14E) 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 check the NA box and proceed to 14E.
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].
Type of Fishery: Cold Water (CW) Warm Water (WW) Use the CW or WW guidelines in the manual to complete the matrix.
i. Habitat Quality and Known / Suspected Fish Species in AA: Use matrix to select the functional point and rating.
Duration of Surface Water in AA Permanent / Perennial Seasonal / Intermittent Temporary / Ephemeral
Aquatic Hiding / Resting / Escape Cover Optimal Adequate Poor Optimal Adequate Poor Optimal Adequate Poor Thermal Cover: optimal / suboptimal O S O S O S O S O S O S O S O S O S
FWP Tier I fish species --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
FWP Tier II or Native Game fish species --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
FWP Tier III or Introduced Game fish --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
FWP Non-Game Tier IV or No fish species --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Sources used for identifying fish spp. potentially found in AA: ii. Modified Rating: NOTE: Modified score cannot exceed 1.0 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? YES, reduce score in i by 0.1 = or N0
b) Does the AA contain a documented spawning area or other critical habitat feature (i.e., sanctuary pool, upwelling area; specify in comments) for
native fish or introduced game fish? YES, add to score in i or iia 0.1 = or N0
iii. Final Score and Rating: Comments: 14E. FLOOD ATTENUATION NA (proceed to 14F) Applies only to wetlands that are subject to flooding via in-channel or overbank flow. If wetlands in AA are not flooded from in-channel or overbank flow, check the NA box and proceed to 14F. Entrenchment Ratio (ER) Estimation (see 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 / bankfull width = entrenchment ratio
Slightly Entrenched ER ≥ 2.2 Moderately Entrenched ER = 1.41 – 2.2 Entrenched 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
i. Rating: Working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to select the functional point and rating.
Estimated or Calculated Entrenchment (Rosgen 1994, 1996) Slightly Entrenched C, D, E stream types Moderately Entrenched B stream type Entrenched A, F, G stream types Percent 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 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
AA contains unrestricted outlet --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
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? YES NO Comments: .
Flood-prone Width
Bankfull Width Bankfull Depth
2 x Bankfull Depth
MDT MONTANA WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM (revised March 2008) SECTION PERTAINING TO FUNCTIONS & VALUES ASSESSMENT
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Wetland/Site #(s): WET 1
14F. SHORT AND LONG TERM SURFACE WATER STORAGE NA (proceed to 14G) 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, then check the NA box and proceed to 14G.
i. Rating: Working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to select the functional point and rating. Abbreviations for surface water durations are as follows: P/P = permanent/perennial; S/I = seasonal/intermittent; and T/E = temporary/ephemeral [see manual for further definitions of these terms].
Estimated Maximum Acre Feet of Water Contained in Wetlands within the AA that are Subject to Periodic Flooding or Ponding >5 acre feet 1.1 to 5 acre feet ≤1 acre foot
Duration of Surface Water at Wetlands within the AA P/P S/I T/E P/P S/I T/E P/P S/I T/E
Wetlands in AA flood or pond ≥ 5 out of 10 years --- --- --- --- .6M --- --- --- ---
Wetlands in AA flood or pond < 5 out of 10 years --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Comments: . 14G. SEDIMENT / NUTRIENT / TOXICANT / RETENTION AND REMOVAL NA (proceed to 14H) Applies to wetland 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, check the NA box and proceed to 14H.
i. Rating: Working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to select the functional point and rating.
Sediment, Nutrient, and Toxicant Input Levels within AA
AA receives or surrounding land use has potential to deliver sediments, nutrients, or compounds at levels such that other functions are not substantially impaired. Minor sedimentation, sources of nutrients or toxicants, or signs of eutrophication present.
Waterbody is on MDEQ list of waterbodies in need of TMDL development for “probable causes” related to sediment, nutrients, or toxicants or AA receives or surrounding land use has potential to deliver high levels of sediments, nutrients, or compounds such that other functions are substantially impaired. Major sedimentation, sources of nutrients or toxicants, or signs of eutrophication present.
% Cover of Wetland Vegetation in AA ≥ 70% < 70% ≥ 70% < 70% Evidence of Flooding / Ponding in AA Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
AA contains no or restricted outlet --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
AA contains unrestricted outlet --- --- .6M --- --- --- --- .1L
Comments: Wetlands could potentially receive runoff from surrounding developments or roads. 14H. SEDIMENT / SHORELINE STABILIZATION NA (proceed to 14I) Applies only if AA occurs on or within the banks of 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, check the NA box and proceed to 14I.
% Cover of Wetland Streambank or Shoreline by Species with Stability Ratings of ≥6 (see Appendix F).
Duration of Surface Water Adjacent to Rooted Vegetation
Permanent / Perennial Seasonal / Intermittent Temporary / Ephemeral
≥ 65% --- --- ---
35-64% --- --- --- < 35% --- --- ---
Comments: 14I. PRODUCTION EXPORT / FOOD CHAIN SUPPORT
i. Level of Biological Activity: Synthesis of wildlife and fish habitat rates (select).
ii. Rating: Working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to select the functional point and rating. Factor A = acreage of vegetated wetland component in the AA; Factor B = level of biological activity rating from above (14Ii); Factor C = whether or not the AA contains a surface or subsurface outlet; the final three rows pertain to the duration of surface water in the AA, where P/P, S/I, and T/E were previously defined, and A = “absent” [see manual for further definitions of these terms].
A Vegetated Component >5 acres Vegetated Component 1-5 acres Vegetated Component <1 acre B High Moderate Low High Moderate Low High Moderate Low C Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
P/P --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- S/I --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- T/E/A --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- .5M --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
General Fish Habitat Rating (14Diii)
General Wildlife Habitat Rating (14Ciii)
E/H M L
E/H --- --- --- M --- --- ---
L --- --- --- NA --- M ---
MDT MONTANA WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM (revised March 2008) SECTION PERTAINING TO FUNCTIONS & VALUES ASSESSMENT
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Wetland/Site #(s): WET 1
14I. PRODUCTION EXPORT / FOOD CHAIN SUPPORT (continued)
iii. Modified Rating: Note: Modified score cannot exceed 1.0 or be less than 0.1.
Vegetated Upland Buffer: 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). Is there an average ≥ 50-foot wide vegetated upland buffer around ≥ 75% of the AA’s perimeter? YES, add 0.1 to score in ii = 0.50 NO
iv. Final Score and Rating: .6M Comments: 14J. GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE / RECHARGE Check the appropriate indicators in i and 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. 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. Shallow water table and the site is saturated to the surface. Other:
iii. Rating: Use the information from i and ii above and the table below to select the functional point and rating.
Criteria
Duration of Saturation at AA Wetlands FROM GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE or WITH WATER THAT IS RECHARGING THE GROUNDWATER SYSTEM
P/P S/I T None
Groundwater Discharge or Recharge --- .7M --- --- Insufficient Data/Information NA
Comments: 14K. UNIQUENESS
i. Rating: Working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to select the functional point and rating.
Replacement Potential
AA contains fen, bog, warm springs or mature (>80 yr-old) forested wetland OR plant association listed as “S1” by the MTNHP
AA does not contain previously cited rare types AND structural diversity (#13) is high OR contains plant association listed as “S2” by the MTNHP
AA does not contain previously cited rare types OR associations AND structural diversity (#13) is low-moderate
Estimated Relative Abundance (#11) Rare Common Abundant Rare Common Abundant Rare Common Abundant
Low Disturbance at AA (#12i) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Moderate Disturbance at AA (#12i) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- .3L --- High Disturbance at AA (#12i) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Comments: larger wetland complex off property disturbed by development 14L. RECREATION / EDUCATION POTENTIAL NA (proceed to Overall Summary and Rating page) Affords ‘bonus’ points if AA provides a recreational or educational opportunity.
i. Is the AA a known or potential recreational or educational site? YES, go to ii. NO, check the NA box.
ii. Check categories that apply to the AA: Educational/Scientific Study Consumptive Recreational Non-consumptive recreational Other:
iii. Rating: Use the matrix below to select the functional point and rating.
Known or Potential Recreational or Educational Area Known Potential
Public ownership or public easement with general public access (no permission required) --- --- Private ownership with general public access (no permission required) --- --- Private or public ownership without general public access, or requiring permission for public access --- ---
Comments: 15. GENERAL SITE NOTES:
MDT MONTANA WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM (revised March 2008) FUNCTION & VALUE SUMMARY AND OVERALL RATING
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Wetland/Site #(s): WET 1
Function & Value Variables Rating – Actual Functional Points
Possible Functional Points
Functional Units: Actual Points x Estimated AA Acreage
Indicate the Four Most Prominent Functions with an Asterisk
A. Listed / Proposed T&E Species Habitat low 0.00 1.00 0 B. MT Natural Heritage Program Species Habitat low 0.20 1.00 2.88 *
C. General Wildlife Habitat low 0.10 1.00 1.44
D. General Fish Habitat NA NA NA
E. Flood Attenuation NA NA NA
F. Short and Long Term Surface Water Storage mod 0.60 1.00 8.64 * G. Sediment / Nutrient / Toxicant Removal low 0.10 1.00 1.44
H. Sediment / Shoreline Stabilization NA NA NA
I. Production Export / Food Chain Support mod 0.50 1.00 7.2 *
J. Groundwater Discharge / Recharge mod 0.70 1.00 10
K. Uniqueness low 0.30 1.00 4.32 *
L. Recreation / Education Potential (bonus point) NA 0
Total Points 2.5 8 35.92 Total Functional Units Percent of Possible Score 60% (round to nearest whole number)
Category I Wetland: (must satisfy one of the following criteria; otherwise go to Category II) 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; if not go to Category III) "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 (AA) RATING: Check the appropriate category based on the criteria outlined above. I II III IV