Anglican Synod Wetland - City Of St. John's · This document was prepared for the party indicated...

163044.00 ● Final Report ● September 2016

Anglican Synod Wetland Wetland Functional Assessment

Final Report

Prepared by: Prepared for:

Final Report G. Sheppard Sept. 8, 2016 I. Bryson Draft Report G. Sheppard Aug. 3, 2016 I. Bryson

Issue or Revision Reviewed By: Date Issued By:

This document was prepared for the party indicated herein. The material and information in the document reflects CBCL Limited’s opinion and best judgment based on the information available at the time of preparation. Any use of this document or reliance on its content by third parties is the responsibility of the third party. CBCL Limited accepts no responsibility for any damages suffered as a result of third party use of this document.

Final Report 163044.00

CBCL Limited 163044.00 CSJ Synod Wetland Assessment – FINAL REPORT i

Contents

CHAPTER 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER 2 Wetland Assessment Methodology ............................................................................ 2

2.1 Desktop Research ............................................................................................................... 2

2.2 Field Surveys ....................................................................................................................... 2

2.2.1 Hydric Soils .............................................................................................................. 2

2.2.2 Hydrophytic Vegetation .......................................................................................... 2

2.2.3 Wetland Hydrology ................................................................................................. 3

2.2.4 Wetland Delineation ............................................................................................... 3

2.3 Functional Assessment ....................................................................................................... 3

2.3.1 WESPUS: Definition of Individual Wetland Functions ............................................ 4

2.3.2 WESPUS: Definition of Grouped Wetland Functions .............................................. 5

2.3.3 WESPUS: Definition of Other Wetland Attributes .................................................. 5

2.3.4 Interpretation of WESPUS Scores ........................................................................... 5

2.4 Personnel and Timing Assessment ..................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER 3 Wetland Assessment Findings .................................................................................... 7

3.1 Wetland Classification and Dominant Vegetation .............................................................. 7

3.2 Hydrology ............................................................................................................................ 8

3.3 Other Observations ............................................................................................................. 8

3.3.1 Local Usage ............................................................................................................. 8

3.4 Wetland Functional Assessment Findings .......................................................................... 8

CHAPTER 4 Stormwater Detention Pond Assessment .................................................................. 15

4.1 Design Guidelines.............................................................................................................. 16

4.2 Preliminary Design ............................................................................................................ 16

4.2.1 Hydrologic Assessment of Drainage System ......................................................... 16

4.2.2 Hydraulic Assessment of Detention Pond ............................................................ 17

CHAPTER 5 References and Closure ............................................................................................ 19

5.1 References ........................................................................................................................ 19

5.2 Closure .............................................................................................................................. 19

Appendices

A Wetland Figures B WESPUS v1.3 Data Forms and Responses C Subdivision Concept Plan D Penney Crescent As-built Drawings

CBCL Limited 163044.00 CSJ Synod Wetland Assessment – FINAL REPORT 1

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CBCL Limited was retained by the City of St. John's to survey and characterize the extent of wetlands on the Anglican Synod property located near Penney Lane, St. John's, NL (PIDs 24354 and 32488). The City has requested that functional assessment be performed for this site. The scope of work for the project includes: • Conducting field work to identify and delineate the extent of any on-site wetlands; • Assessing the potential functional significance of the wetland, based on a variety of criteria; • Based on the results of the above, determining whether the wetland should be identified as

‘significant’ and thereby be protected from development; • Providing recommendations for buffers, in the event that the wetland is identified as ‘significant’

and is to be retained; • In the event that the wetland is not found to be ‘significant’ and can be developed, assessing the

following: - The effects of discharging to the existing Groundwater Discharge System (GDS); - The effects of the above on downstream wetlands and waterbodies; - The impacts of developing the site with stormwater detention; and - The proposed size and footprint of the proposed detention pond.


CHAPTER 2 WETLAND ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 2.1 Desktop Research Prior to conducting the wetland delineation field program, recent aerial images and LiDAR Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were reviewed to determine the potential extent of existing wetlands within the subject property. Both imagery and LiDAR suggested the presence of a notable area of wetland. 2.2 Field Surveys A field survey was conducted, and where wetlands were encountered, ground level determination and delineation was performed as per the protocols outlined by the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Lab, 1987). This methodology focuses on establishing the wetland-upland edge, and is based upon the presence of positive indicators for hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils and wetland hydrology. In most situations, a positive indicator must be present for all three parameters in order to definitively identify any given site as a wetland. Sample points for these three parameters were established at representative locations within the suspected wetlands, when they are encountered. 2.2.1 Hydric Soils Hydric soil conditions are formed when an area is exposed to flooding or saturation for a sufficient length of time during the growing season, such that an anaerobic (oxygen free) environment is formed in the soil. These anaerobic conditions may manifest themselves in a variety of ways, such as through the formation of redox features (reduction-oxidation), organic soils (i.e., peat), and formation of hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg odour), among many other indicators. Interpretation of soil profiles, their associated colour, texture and presence/absence of any hydric soil indicators provides the basis for judgement of whether or not any given soil is a hydric soil. Soil samples were acquired by soil auger to identify conditions in wetland and upland soils. Soil horizons were documented in terms of their texture, thickness, color (Munsell chroma/value) and presence of hydric soil indicators (where applicable). Hydric soil indicators were determined as per US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (2006). 2.2.2 Hydrophytic Vegetation Hydrophytic vegetation arises in areas where saturation or inundation by water is of duration sufficient to exert a controlling influence on plant species presence. In such areas, plant species that are adapted to a high-moisture environment tend to dominate. In order for a given area to classify as a wetland,


hydrophytic vegetation should account for the majority (>50%) of the sample site’s total vegetation. For every plant species there is a wetland indicator status, which may be interpreted as that species’ estimated probability of occurring within a wetland. If the majority of plant cover in the sample area is comprised of species with facultative (FAC), facultative wetland (FACW) or obligate wetland (OBL) statuses, then the positive indicator for hydrophytic vegetation is met. Dominant species encountered at each of the sample locations were analyzed at three strata (tree, shrub and herb) and were documented in terms of their percent cover within a given plot size (5 m, 5 m and 2 m radius, respectively) and their wetland indicator status. 2.2.3 Wetland Hydrology Both at the formal sample locations and over the greater area of the wetland, observations were made concerning the presence of a hydrological regime that would sustain wetland processes. The site of the location in general, as well as the micro-topography of the wetland area specifically, was taken into consideration. Primary hydrology indicators (of which at least one must be present) include surface water, high water table, saturation and sediment deposits. Secondary indicators (of which two are required, in the absence of a primary indicator) include surface soil cracks and drainage patterns among others. 2.2.4 Wetland Delineation Upon positive wetland determination, a wetland edge condition was established based on the three indicators identified for soils, hydrology, and vegetation. This edge condition was used to navigate around the periphery of the wetland. As the wetland was delineated, handheld GPS waypoints (3-5 m horizontal accuracy typical) were recorded. Wetland inflows and outflows were georeferenced wherever encountered. Whenever possible, hydrological connections to other wetlands, watercourses or waterbodies were determined. Wetland boundaries were not flagged in the field. 2.3 Functional Assessment The Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol v1.3 for the United States (WESPUS; Adamus, 2011) was the functional assessment protocol used at the site. The WESPUS protocol is applicable throughout temperate North America, and regional variants of the methodology exist in several jurisdictions. The Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol for Atlantic Canada (WESP-AC) is being developed presently for our region, and will be adopted as the default functional assessment method in the near future by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador (pending its completion and calibration for usage in the Province). The WESPUS protocol provides value to this study in that it enables direct and quantitative comparison of functions (using numeric scores) between all other wetlands assessed along the proposed transmission corridor. The output of WESPUS takes many forms; first and foremost are scores for a variety of individual ecosystem functions. WESPUS determines these major wetland functions based upon input of 140 variables into a logic-based model. These 140 variables are obtained through a combination of field observations (in this case executed during wetland delineation) and desktop research. WESPUS also returns group scores, which are aggregated from the individual scores; these provide a high-level view of general wetland functions. Scores for other attributes such wetland ecological condition, wetland


stressors and wetland sensitivity are also returned. Definitions for the various WESPUS outputs are identified in the following sections. 2.3.1 WESPUS: Definition of Individual Wetland Functions The following individual function definitions are taken from the WESPUS Manual (Adamus, 2011): 1. Water storage and delay (WS): “The effectiveness of a wetland for storing water or delaying the

downslope movement of surface water for long or short periods (but for longer than a tidal cycle), and in doing so to potentially influence the height, timing, duration, and frequency of inundation in downstream or downslope areas.”

2. Sediment retention and stabilization (SR): “The effectiveness of a wetland for intercepting and filtering suspended inorganic sediments thus allowing their deposition, as well as reduce current velocity, resist erosion, and stabilize underlying sediments or soil. The performance of this function has both positive values (e.g., reduction in turbidity in downstream waters) and negative values (e.g., progressive sedimentation of productive wetlands, slowing of natural channel migration).”

3. Phosphorous retention (PR): “The effectiveness for retaining phosphorus for long periods (>1 growing season) as a result of chemical adsorption, or from translocation by plants to belowground zones with less potential for physically or chemically remobilizing phosphorus into the water column.”

4. Nitrate removal and retention (NR): “The effectiveness for retaining particulate nitrate and convert soluble nitrate and ammonia to nitrogen gas, primarily through the microbial process of denitrification, while generating little or no nitrous oxide (a potent “greenhouse gas”). Note that most published definitions of Nitrate Removal do not include the important restriction on N2O emission.”

5. Thermoregulation (T): “The effectiveness of a wetland for maintaining or reducing summertime water temperature, and in some cases, for moderating winter water temperature.”

6. Carbon sequestration (CS): “The effectiveness of a wetland both for retaining incoming particulate and dissolved carbon, and through the photosynthetic process, converting carbon dioxide gas to organic matter (particulate or dissolved). And to then retain that organic matter on a net annual basis for long periods while emitting little or no methane (a potent “greenhouse gas”). Note that most published definitions of Carbon Sequestration do not include the important limitation on methane emission.”

7. Organic Matter Export (OE): “The effectiveness of a wetland for producing and subsequently exporting organic matter, either particulate or dissolved.”

8. Aquatic invertebrate habitat (INV): “The capacity to support an abundance and diversity of marine and freshwater invertebrate animals which spend all or part of their life cycle underwater or in moist soil. Includes dragonflies, midges, crabs, clams, snails, crayfish, water beetles, shrimp, aquatic worms, and others.”

9. Anadromous fish habitat (FA): “The capacity to support an abundance of native anadromous fish (chiefly salmonids) for functions other than spawning.”

10. Non-anadromous fish habitat (FR): “The capacity to support an abundance and diversity of native non-anadromous fish (both resident and visiting species).”

11. Amphibian and reptile habitat (AM): “The capacity of a wetland to support an abundance and diversity of native amphibians and native wetland-dependent reptiles.”

12. Waterbird feeding habitat (WBF): “The capacity to support an abundance and diversity of feeding waterbirds, primarily outside of the usual nesting season.”


13. Waterbird nesting habitat (WBN): “The capacity to support an abundance and diversity of nesting waterbirds.”

14. Songbird, raptor and mammal habitat (SBM): “The capacity to support an abundance and diversity of songbirds, raptors, and mammals, especially species that are most dependent on wetlands or water.”

15. Pollinator habitat (POL): “The capacity to support pollinating insects, such as bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, and beetles.”

16. Native plant diversity (PD): “The capacity to support a diversity of native, hydrophytic, vascular plant species, communities, and functional groups, at either the site scale or through contribution to regional-scale native plant diversity.”

2.3.2 WESPUS: Definition of Grouped Wetland Functions The following grouped function definitions are taken from the WESPUS Manual (Adamus, 2011). • Hydrologic Function: Identical to WS score above. • Water Quality Group: Maximum of scores for SR, PR, NR and T. • Carbon Sequestration: Identical to CS score above. • Fish Support Group: Maximum of FA and FR scores. • Aquatic Support Group: Maximum of OE, AM, INV, WBF and WBN scores. • Terrestrial Support Group: Maximum of PD, POL and SBM scores. • Public Use and Recognition: “Prior official designation of the wetland as a Conservation Opportunity

Area or special protected area. Also, the potential and actual effectiveness of a wetland for sustaining low-intensity human uses such as hiking, nature photography, education, and research.”

• Provisioning Services: “The passive and sustainable providing of tangible natural items of potential commercial value.”

2.3.3 WESPUS: Definition of Other Wetland Attributes • Ecological Condition: “Operationally, the integrity or health of the wetland as defined primarily by

its vegetation composition. More broadly, the structure, composition, and function of an ecosystem as compared to reference ecosystems operating within the bounds of natural or historic disturbance regimes.”

• Wetland Stressors: “The degree to which the wetland is or has recently been altered by, or exposed to risk from, human and natural factors.”

• Wetland Sensitivity: “the lack of intrinsic resistance and resilience of the wetland to human and natural stressors (higher score = more sensitive).”

2.3.4 Interpretation of WESPUS Scores WESPUS results return two sets of scores for most functions, ‘Effectiveness’ and ‘Value’. Effectiveness of a function and its value are independent of one another and should be considered as such when interpreting the overall function of a wetland. For example, a basin swamp may be very effective for detaining floodwater flows (by virtue of its morphology and vegetation structure), but have relatively little value in performing this function if it is located in an area that does not receive such flooding. Theoretically, a high functioning wetland is one which scores high in both ‘Effectiveness’ and ‘Value’.


All of the scores generated by WESPUS have a theoretical range of 0 – 10. In practice some functions tend to trend high, while others trend low; some have a wide range of scores (full 0 to 10) while others occupy a narrow range (e.g., 4 to 7) (Adamus, 2011). For ease of presenting the results of the analysis, ‘Effectiveness’ and ‘Values’ scores were generalized to ‘Low’, ‘Medium’ or ‘High’; depending on the magnitude, these were categorized as follows: • High Score: ≥ 7. • Moderate Score: 3 to 7. • Low Score: < 3. Upon conversion of ‘Effectiveness’ and ‘Values’ scores to ‘Low’, ‘Medium’ or ‘High’ scores, these values were compared on a wetland by wetland basis. Depending on the combination of ‘Effectiveness’ and ‘Value’ scores, an overall interpretation was made as to the potential level of importance of the individual function within each wetland. The varying interpretations of the permutations of ‘Effectiveness’ and ‘Value’ score are presented in Table 2.1. Table 2.1: Interpretation of WESPUS Results Based on Permutations of ‘Effectiveness’ and ‘Value’ Scores

Individual Function Overall Interpretation of Function Effectiveness

Score Value Score

High High Major Function of Wetland High Moderate Moderate Function of Wetland High Low Moderate Function of Wetland Moderate High Moderate Function of Wetland Moderate Moderate Moderate Function of Wetland Moderate Low Minimal Function of Wetland, or Not a Function Low High Moderate Function of Wetland Low Moderate Minimal Function of Wetland, or Not a Function Low Low Minimal Function of Wetland, or Not a Function 2.4 Personnel and Timing Assessment The wetland assessment, including delineation and WESPUS functional assessment was performed on June 28, 2016 by Ian Bryson (CBCL Limited).


CHAPTER 3 WETLAND ASSESSMENT FINDINGS 3.1 Wetland Classification and Dominant Vegetation Though the large wetland (WL-1) pre-determined to be on site was the focus of the present study, two additional smaller wetlands (WL-2 and WL-3) were also noted to be present. Functional assessment was only conducted for WL-1. Aside from the observations related to hydrological connectivity indicated in subsequent sections, the wetland adjacent to Virginia River is considered out-of-scope for this project, and was not delineated or otherwise investigated. The wetlands are shown on Figures 3.1 and 3.2 (Appendix A). WL-1: (Bog/Treed Swamp, 2.59 ha): The main body of the wetland comprises the bog portion, which is dominated by a thick growth of shrubs, chiefly ericaceous species such as Sweet gale (Myrica gale), Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum), black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), leather-leaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), and blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), and dwarf trees species including black spruce (Picea mariana), and tamarack (Larix laricina). Ground vegetation is composed of Sphagnum moss (The dominant substrate), lichens, three-leaved Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum trifolium), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), deergrass (Scirpus caespitosus), and varying sedges including Carex utriculata, C. magellanica, and C. nigra. The periphery of the wetland typically contains a treed swamp fringe of black spruce, tamarack and balsam fir (Abies balsamea), with an understorey layer composed of cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea). There is a moderately thick layer of organic peat (sourced from accumulation of slow-decomposing Sphagnum moss), which through casual observation was determined to range from 15 cm to 75 cm in depth. Per the USDA soil classification, the hydric soil indicators encountered included A1 (Histosol) and A2 (Histic Epipedon), with the latter indicator being more prevalent in the swamp fringe, where shallower peat deposits exist (generally). WL-2: (Bog, 0.28 ha): This wetland exhibits similar characteristics to the shrub portion of WL-1, although at a greater stem density. The density of shrubs is such that the majority of herbaceous vegetation is excluded. Soil conditions are per those described in WL-1, although at a lower overall peat thickness. WL-3: (Treed Swamp, 0.13 ha): WL-3 appears to have been fragmented from its parent wetland (i.e., that adjacent to the Virginia River) through the construction of the Grand Concourse walking trail; at present it is unclear as to whether there remains any hydrological connection between these wetland areas. The vegetation of this site is primarily treed swamp, per that encountered in WL-1. Soils


encountered were generally shallow organics, complying with USDA hydric soil indicator A2 (histic epipedon) in the locations sampled. 3.2 Hydrology WL-1: No defined inflows or outflows were observed during the delineation of this wetland. This supports the functional classification of the wetland as a bog, which by definition receives its hydrology primarily from precipitation. There are several areas throughout the wetland where seasonal pooling was evident, although at the time of site visit, substantial drawdown of these areas had occurred. Saturation of the underlying peat substrate was observed to be at or near surface (i.e., within ~ 6”) in the locations surveyed. Bogs may often serve as groundwater recharge sites, and it seems likely that WL-1 and WL-2 may collectively be functioning in this capacity. The groundwater discharge system located behind Penney Lane is presumably lowering the water table in the wetland, and may in turn be negatively affecting the function of the wetland. WL-2: No defined inflows or outflows were noted during the delineation of this wetland; however, given its proximity and relative similarity in overall elevation it is considered plausible that a groundwater connection may exist between WL-1 and WL-2. The southwestern arm of WL-1 is at approximately the same elevation as WL-2 (~ 122.m), but is separated by a ~30 m wide natural berm. The southeastern arm of WL-1 is at ~121.4 m. It is possible that during extreme precipitation events, there may be overland flow of water through the low saddle that exists between WL-1 and WL-2. WL-3: No apparent surface connections exist between this wetland and either WL-1, WL-2 or the Virginia River wetland; though in the case of the latter it seems possible that sub-surface groundwater connections may exist between these features, given their proximity to one another. 3.3 Other Observations 3.3.1 Local Usage The local usage of the wetland and surrounding upland buffer appears to be significant, as indicated by a number of informal paths, ATV trails, and a variety of litter, debris and derelict campsites encountered during the course of the field assessment. In several upland areas surrounding the subject wetland, it appears as though domestic firewood harvesting may have taken place. It is expected that the bog itself may be used seasonally by local residents for berry picking (i.e., blueberries and potentially bakeapples). 3.4 Wetland Functional Assessment Findings The Synod Wetland site (WL-1) represents a bog type wetland with a dominant cover of ericaceous shrubs and sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.). Through the course of the analysis, it was determined that the site does potentially provide several important wetland functions which are described in subsequent sections.


Due to its apparent isolation from open water bodies, the wetland exhibits relatively low function in terms of hydrological function and aquatic support. Similarly, the capacity of the wetland of the wetland to store surface water (WS) is relatively minimal, owing to its shallow basin morphology, and relatively shallow peat deposits. The wetland provides low value for stream flow support (SFS), owing to it apparent lack of outlet; what function it does provide in this capacity is presumably through its contribution to the local groundwater aquifers; these contributions, in a less direct sense, may have some influence on stream flows off-site. Similarly, through its function as an assumed groundwater recharge site, the wetland appears to have some functional effect on streamwater cooling (WC), though its value appears to be nil in the context of the surrounding landscape. The most notable functions of the wetland appears to be in regards to providing habitat for various taxa. Though scoring only low-to-moderate in terms of habitat function for aquatic invertebrates (INV), amphibians (AM), pollinators (POL), songbirds/raptors/mammals (SBM) and native plants (PH), most of these taxa (with exception of PH) exhibited the maximum possible value scores (10). This is likely due to the wetland being a refuge for these taxa, particularly in the largely suburban context of the wetland. More specifically, aquatic taxa such as many invertebrates (INV) and amphibians (AM) benefit from the presence of inundated depressions and pools that are present within the bog for both breeding and foraging. Native plant diversity (PD) within the bog is supported by extensive natural land cover (though significantly altered in some locations) in surrounding buffer areas. The wetland’s irregular microtopography promotes hydrologic variation, which in turn encourages greater plant species diversity (Alsfeld et al., 2009). Correspondingly, pollinator habitat (POL) at the site is supported by the diversity of native plants, supplying a broad seasonal distribution of possible pollen and nectar sources. Lastly, songbirds, raptors and mammals (SBM) benefit from nearby contiguous forested habitat. Maintenance of water quality also appears to be a notable function of the wetland, with high function scores achieved for sediment and toxicant retention and stabilization (SR) and phosphorous retention (PR), and a moderate score for nitrate removal and retention; however the value of these functions is diminished somewhat by virtue of the wetlands bog status, which has hydrology sourced primarily from precipitation, with a very minor portion from overland flow. The wetland’s very dense vegetation, irregular microtopography and relatively flat internal gradient all contribute to retaining any sediment (SR), including organic carbon sources (CS), that are delivered to it. This in turn, helps to stabilize and retain phosphorous (PR) which is often adsorbed to sediments. The acidic soils that commonly underlie bogs help to slow the decomposition of organic material and thus carbon sequestration (CS) is often quite high in these wetlands; that is in part the case here, although carbon sequestration does not receive high scores owing to the relatively shallow peat (<1 m) deposits. Correspondingly, nitrate removal and retention (NR) is often limited by the amount of available carbon within a wetland, therefore denitrification processes are often higher in the organic soils found in bogs, as compared to mineral soils (Van Hoewyk et al., 2000). All WESPUS Results are summarized in Table 3.1 below; WESPUS Assessment questions and responses are provided in Appendix B.


Table 3.1: WESPUS Functional Assessment Results for the Anglican Synod Wetland Site.

Specific Functions Function Score

(Wetland's Relative Effectiveness)

Value Score (Potential or Actual)

Surface Water Storage (WS) 2.52 1.11 Stream Flow Support (SFS) 0.83 0.00 Streamwater Cooling (WC) 4.00 0.00 Streamwater Warming (WW) Sediment & Toxicant Retention & Stabilization (SR) 8.25 0.76 Phosphorus Retention (PR) 7.85 3.16 Nitrate Removal & Retention (NR) 5.32 3.33 Carbon Sequestration (CS) 6.85 Organic Nutrient Export (OE) 3.51 Anadromous Fish Habitat (FA) 0 0 Resident & Other Fish Habitat (FR) 0 0 Aquatic Invertebrate Habitat (INV) 3.12 10.00 Amphibian Habitat (AM) 4.97 10.00 Waterbird Feeding Habitat (WBF) 0 0 Waterbird Nesting Habitat (WBN) 0 0 Songbird, Raptor, & Mammal Habitat (SBM) 2.46 10.00 Pollinator Habitat (POL) 4.65 10.00 Native Plant Habitat (PH) 4.31 5.70 Public Use & Recognition (PU) 2.64 Wetland Sensitivity 3.63 Wetland Ecological Condition 7.33 Wetland Stressors (higher score means more) 3.64

Group Functions Group Scores (Functions)

Group Scores (Values)

Hydrologic Group Water Quality Group 8.25 8.25 Carbon Group 6.85 Fish Group Aquatic Support 4.97 4.97 Terrestrial Support 4.65 4.65 Social Group 2.64 Wetland Condition 7.33 Wetland Risk 3.63 Note: Colour Coding of Functions (Function &Values)

7.60 High Score (≥7)

3.00 Moderate Score (3 - 7)

0.50 Low Score (<3)

Not Applicable


Figure 3.3: General overview of the Anglican Synod Wetland Site. Figure 3.4: Typical conditions throughout much of WL-1, comprising a dense growth of Ericaceous and Coniferous Shrubs.


Figure 3.5: Shrub bog conditions (foreground) yielding to a Periphery of Treed Swamp; the latter in this location is dominated by Tamarack (Larix laricina). Figure 3.6: Typical ground vegetation in shrub bog areas; in this area consisting of a substrate of Sphagnum moss, bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) and three-leaved false Solomons Seal (Maianthemum trifolium).


Figure 3.7: In select locations of the wetland, evidence of seasonal water ponding was observed, generally in association with a more sedge-dominated community. The subject wetland appears to be providing a modest function for provision of habitat, with elevated values due to the surrounding urban and suburban context. While it does potentially provide habitat in the general sense for a variety of species, it is not considered to be a ‘significant’ wetland in terms of providing habitat for species at risk. The conditions encountered at the time of survey represent what is considered to be an exceedingly typical wetland type for the region. The habitat and other functions identified, while relatively high-scoring, are not considered to be unique to the subject wetland; indeed, it is quite likely that these functional scores are representative of (if not lower than) those functional scores that might be expected in similar wetlands within the region (which are numerous). The wetland itself has been compromised by its proximity to human developments (i.e., road and residential), with evidence of degraded conditions throughout the wetland and within its adjacent upland. The groundwater discharge system behind Penney Lane is presumably accelerating drainage from the wetland and diminishing its capacity as an assumed groundwater recharge site. Similarly, the construction of roads on 3 sides of the subject wetland may be a limiting factor in its hydrology, effectively reducing the contributing area of the wetland.


The wetland could be developed without adversely affecting the downstream environment of Virginia River, assuming a condition of hydrological and hydrogeological non-connectivity between these two wetland regions. It was noted during surveys that the wetland lacks a surface connection to Virginia River, and as such can be discounted as a major source of surface water flow to downstream systems. Any potential groundwater influence of the subject wetland on downstream systems is unsubstantiated through any known study to date. It should be noted that the present study does not address potential contributions of groundwater by the subject wetland to the Virginia River and its associated wetland.


CHAPTER 4 STORMWATER DETENTION POND ASSESSMENT The proposed development is located near Penney Crescent, St. John’s, NL, as shown in Figure 4.1 (the concept plan is also contained in Appendix C). This 7.1 hectare property will be subdivided to allow for approximately 99 new residential lots. The existing Penney Crescent development included the construction of drainage swales along the backs of the lots on Penney Crescent between Jackson Place and Slade Place. These drainage swales connect to a 450mm storm sewer that discharges to a drainage ditch (or infiltration ditch) located on the east side of Penney Crescent (the as-built drawings for this drainage system are contained in Appendix D). Figure 4.1: Synod Property Location


4.1 Design Guidelines The following guidelines and regulations govern the design of this detention pond: • Subdivision Design Manual (City of St. John’s Department of Engineering); and • Stormwater Detention Policy (City of St. John’s). 4.2 Preliminary Design The detention pond was sized to maintain pre-development peak flows while minimizing detention volume. It is intended to remove the increase in peak flows from post-development conditions. 4.2.1 Hydrologic Assessment of Drainage System A hydrologic assessment was carried out to determine peak flows for pre-development and post-development conditions. A table of watershed characteristics for the pre-development and post-development conditions is presented in Table 4.1. As shown in the table, it was assumed that the lots will be developed with an impervious area of 80% and an average surface slope of 4%. Table 4.1: Watershed Characteristics for Pre-Development & Post-Development Watersheds

Surface

Area (ha)

Percent Imperv.

(%)

Ave. Slope

(%)

Max. Overland

Flow Length

Surface Roughness

Imperv. Area (Manning's n)

Perv. Area (Manning's n)

Pre-Development 7.1 5 4 330 0.02 0.5 Post-Development 7.1 80 4 224 0.02 0.5 Runoff calculations were conducted using XPSWMM. The Green-Ampt Infiltration method was used for infiltration calculations with the suction head, hydraulic conductivity and initial moisture deficit of the soil to be 200mm, 0.001mm/hr and 0.3, respectively. Rainfall hyetographs used for runoff calculations include the 1 in 25, 50 and 100 year return periods. Each design storm was analyzed for the 1 hour, 2 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour and 24 hour durations. Design storms were based on the cumulative rainfall hyetographs in the City’s Subdivision Design Manual. Runoff quantities estimated by the model simulations are shown in Table 4.2.


Table 4.2: Stormwater Runoff Quantities Based on Model Simulation Results

Return Period Duration

(hr) Pre-development Peak Flow

(m3/s) Post-development Peak

Flow (m3/s)

1 in 100 Year

24 0.25 0.26 12 0.40 0.53 6 0.47 0.70 2 0.50 1.43 1 0.35 1.76

1 in 50 Year

24 0.23 0.24 12 0.32 0.40 6 0.42 0.64 2 0.43 1.28 1 0.30 1.58

1 in 25 Year

24 0.20 0.22 12 0.29 0.36 6 0.37 0.58 2 0.36 1.13 1 0.26 1.39

4.2.2 Hydraulic Assessment of Detention Pond A hydraulic assessment was carried out to optimize the design of the stormwater detention pond. Flow routing calculations were performed by model simulations using the XPSWMM model. The detention pond was designed for the future development of the proposed residential subdivision. The geometry of the pond and its outlet flow control structures were designed to maintain pre-development peak flows for the 1 in 25, 50 and 100 year storms. In the model, it is assumed that the detention pond has a constant surface area of 1180 m2 which is the approximate pond area presented on the latest concept plan. Based on this assumption, a weir with a length of 90 mm was selected as the outlet control structure; the maximum pond depth is 2.4 m and the total working volume is 2,800 m3. It is noted that the cross section of the weir will change if the pond geometry is changed at the detailed design stage. The design allows for flow regulation of the 1 in 25, 50 and 100 year storms as required by the St. John’s Stormwater Detention Policy. Model calculations of the peak flows, and storage volumes for the pond are shown in Table 4.3. As shown in Table 4.3, pre-development peak flows are maintained during post-development conditions by the pond flow control systems.


Table 4.3: Model Calculation Results for Pond Design

Return Period

Duration (hr)

Pre-Development Peak Flow (m3/s)

Post-Development Attenuated Peak Flow

(m3/s)

Peak Storage Volume

(m3)

1 in 100 year

24 0.25 0.25 1,900 12 0.40 0.40 2,600 6 0.47 0.46 2,800 2 0.50 0.46 2,800 1 0.35 0.32 2,200

1 in 50 year

24 0.23 0.23 1,800 12 0.32 0.32 2,200 6 0.42 0.42 2,600 2 0.43 0.39 2,500 1 0.30 0.27 2,000

1 in 25 year

24 0.20 0.20 1,700 12 0.29 0.29 2,100 6 0.37 0.37 2,400 2 0.36 0.34 2,300 1 0.26 0.24 1,800

The proposed detention pond must discharge to a downstream ditch or storm sewer which has the capacity to accept flows from the detention pond. It is recommended that the detention pond not discharge to the existing 450mm storm sewer connected to the drainage swales along the backs of the lots on Penney Crescent between Jackson Place and Slade Place for the following reasons: • The highest post-development attenuated peak flow (1 in 50 year, 6 hr) marginally exceeds the

capacity of the 450mm storm sewer; and • Since the drainage swales at the backs of the lots on Penney Crescent are designed to accept surface

water and groundwater, an allowance for groundwater flow should be reserved in the 450mm storm sewer. Estimating groundwater flow is beyond the scope of this study; however, even a relatively small amount of groundwater flow combined with the higher post-development peak flows listed in Table 4.3 would likely result in a combined flow that would exceed the capacity of the existing 450mm storm sewer.

It is recommended that the detention pond discharge to some other point downstream which has the capacity to handle the post-development flows. This connection point could be the existing storm sewer system in Penney Crescent or directly to the Virginia River. Determining the connection point for the detention pond is a detailed design exercise and, therefore, is beyond the scope of this study.


CHAPTER 5 REFERENCES AND CLOSURE 5.1 References Adamus, P.R. 2011. Manual for the Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol for the United States

(WESPUS). www.oregonstate.edu/~adamusp/WESPUS Alsfeld, A.J., Bowman, J.L., and Deller-Jacobs, A. 2009. Effects of woody debris, microtopography, and

organic matter amendments on the biotic community of constructed depressional wetlands. Biol Conserv 142(2):247-55.

Van Hoewyk, D., Groffman, P.M., Kiviat, E., Mihocko, G., and Stevens, G. 2000. Soil nitrogen dynamics in

organic and mineral soil calcareous wetlands in eastern New York. Soil Science Society of America Journal 64:2168–2173.

5.2 Closure This report has been prepared for the sole benefit of the City of St. John’s. The report may not be relied upon by any other person or entity without the express written consent of CBCL Limited and the City of St. John’s. Any use which a third party makes of this report and any reliance on decisions made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties. CBCL Limited accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions or actions made based on this report. The conclusions presented represent the best judgement of the assessor based on the observed site conditions. Due to the nature of the investigation and the limited data available, the assessor cannot warrant against undiscovered environmental conditions. Should additional information become available, CBCL Limited requests that this information be brought to our attention so that we may re-assess the conclusions presented herein.

http://www.oregonstate.edu/%7Eadamusp/WESPUS


Prepared by: Reviewed by: Ian Bryson, M.Sc., EP Greg Sheppard P.Eng. Senior Environmental Scientist Senior Civil Engineer This document was prepared for the party indicated herein. The material and information in the document reflects CBCL Limited’s opinion and best judgment based on the information available at the time of preparation. Any use of this document or reliance on its content by third parties is the responsibility of the third party. CBCL Limited accepts no responsibility for any damages suffered as a result of third party use of this document.

CBCL Limited Appendices

APPENDIX A

Wetland Figures

WL-12.597 ha

WL-20.286 ha

WL-30.127 ha

Halley

Penney

Trans Canada

Wedg

eport

Kershaw

Jackson

Strathie

Slade

Portugal Cove

Honeygold

Outer Ri

ng

Ledingham

Trans Canada

Outer Ri

ng

370000

370000

370500

370500

5273

500

5273

500

0 200100Meters

FIGURE 3.1Wetland Delineation Resultsw/ Aerial Imagery[Coordinate System: NAD 1983 CSRS UTM Zone 22N

City of St. John'sAnglican Synod Wetland Assessment

Delineated Wetland Boundaries

WL-12.597 ha

WL-20.286 ha

WL-30.127 ha

120119

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123116

115124

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127

112

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129

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121

128

117

116

122122

128128

123

121122

121121

123

125

121

118

122

118

125

122123

122

124

118

124

128

Halley

Penney

Trans Canada

Wedg

eport

Kershaw

Jackson

Strathie

Slade

Portugal Cove

Honeygold

Outer Ri

ngOute

r Ring

370000

370000

370500

370500

5273

500

5273

500

0 200100Meters

FIGURE 3.2Wetland Delineation Resultsw/ LiDAR Elevation[Coordinate System: NAD 1983 CSRS UTM Zone 22N

City of St. John'sAnglican Synod Wetland AssessmentContour Line (50 cm interval)

Delineated Wetland Boundaries


APPENDIX B

WESPUS v1.3 Data Forms and Responses

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5

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19

20

21

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A B C D E

# Indicator Condition Choices Data Explanations, Definitions

F1 Most of the vegetated part of the AA (wetland Assessment Area) is a (select ONE): [AM, CS, FA, FR, INV, NR, OE, PH, SEN, SFS, WBF, WBN]

F1.1Forested Peatland 1

Nearly all the AA is moss-covered. Peat depth usually 4-16 inches, sometimes greater. More than

30% tree and/or shrub canopy. Little or no open water. Not in floodplain.

F1.2

Open Peatland 0

Nearly all the AA is moss-covered. Peat depth usually > 16 inches. Treeless, or tree-shrub canopy

< 30%. Often with small (<25 sq ft) scattered pools with acidic, stained water. Some examples are

flat bogs, floating bogs, and sloping muskeg.

F1.3

Fen/ Marsh 0

Extensive surface water and emergent plants, e.g., sedges, burreed, pond lily, stonewort, horsetail,

marestail. Ground may or may not be moss-covered. Soils often muck or peat, seldom coarse

unless created by excavation. Often at base of steep slopes, or in depressions or along ponds or

lakes. Often with little or no tall woody vegetation.

F1.4

Vernal Pool / Swamp 0

Usually contains a wooded canopy (>30% tree and/or shrub cover), but ground cover is not

predominantly moss. Usually contains (or is entirely comprised of) one or more small (<0.1 ha)

pools with no year-round surface flow outlets. Deepest pool contains water only seasonally,

mainly as a result of high water table and precipitation.

F1.5

Floodplain Wetland 0

The source of most surface water is overbank flooding from a nearby nontidal river or wide stream.

Outside of the channel, most of AA has surface water only seasonally. Flood marks (e.g., silt or

debris deposition on plants) are obvious. Soils are silt or coarser (little or no organic soil or moss).

Vegetation can be woody or herbaceous. Often alder, willow. Includes some (not all) wetlands in

mapped floodplains.

F1.6

Tidal Marsh or Tidal Swamp. Do not continue. Use other spreadsheet. 0

Inundated by tide at least once annually and dominated by emergent herbaceous or woody plants.

The level of surface water fluctuates each day in response to tides. Do not include areas that are

entirely eelgrass or seaweeds.

The percentage of the AA that never contains surface water during an average year (that is, except perhaps for a few hours after snowmelt or

rainstorms), but which is still a wetland, is:

less than 1%, or <0.01 acre (about 20 ft on a side) never has surface water. In other words, all or nearly all of the AA is inundated permanently or

at least seasonally.0

1-25% of the AA never contains surface water. 0



>99% of the AA never contains surface water, except for water flowing in channels and/or in pools that occupy <1% of the AA. SKIP to F33.1

>99% of the AA never contains surface water, and AA is not intersected by channels that have flow, not even for a few days per year. SKIP to

F33.0

The percentage of the AA that has surface water (either ponded or flowing, either open or obscured by vegetation) during all of the growing

season during most years is:

less than 1%, or <0.01 acre (whichever is less). SKIP to F7. 0

1-25% of the AA, and mostly in narrow channels and/or small scattered pools. 0

Field (F) Data Form for Non-tidal Wetlands. WESP beta version 1.3

Investigator & Date:Site Name:

Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol (WESP) beta version 1.3. This method is intended for use in assessing ecosystem services (functions & values) of all wetland types throughout temperate North America, but has not yet been tested or calibrated widely.

WESP is provided for free with the understanding that if you see a need to optimize WESP for a particular state or region, you will consult with its primary developer (Dr. Paul Adamus, Oregon State University: [email protected]). Modifications to WESP

can potentially reduce its high repeatability (+ or - 0.5 point on a 1-10 scale). For most wetlands, completing a WESP assessment requires 1-3 hours. For most wetlands, completing an assessment requires 1-3 hours. Numbers from the Scores worksheet may

be used to (a) estimate a wetland’s relative ecological condition, stress, and sensitivity, (b) compare relative levels of ecosystem services among different wetland types, or (c) compare those in a single wetland before and after restoration, enhancement, or

loss. This information should be used to inform restoration design and performance standards, and to adjust or qualify mitigation ratios so they ensure functional replacement. For guidance and detailed descriptions of how scores are calculated from this

information, see Chapters 2 & 3 of the accompanying Manual. For a documented rationale for each indicator, open each of the worksheets below (one for each function or value) and see column H. For a listing of functions to which each question pertains, see

bracketed codes in column E. Codes for functions and values are: WS= Water Storage, SFS= Stream Flow Support, WC= Water Cooling, WW= Water Warming, SR= Sediment Retention, PR= Phosphorus Retention, NR= Nitrate Removal, CS= Carbon

Sequestration, OE= Organic Export, INV= Invertebrates, FA= Anadromous Fish, FR= Resident Fish, AM= Amphibians, WBF= Feeding Waterbirds, WBN= Nesting Waterbirds, SBM= Songbirds, Mammals, & Raptors, POL= Pollinators, PH= Plant Habitat, PU=

Public Use & Recognition, EC= Ecological Condition, Sens= Sensitivity, STR= Stressors.

Directions: Conduct an assessment only after reading the accompanying Manual and explanations in column E below. In the Data column, change the 0 (false) to a 1 (true) for the best choice, or for multiple choices where allowed and so indicated. Answer

these questions primarily based on your onsite observations and interpretations. Do not write in any shaded parts of this data form. Answering some questions accurately may require conferring with the landowner or other knowledgable persons, and/or

reviewing aerial imagery.

% Saturated Only This is the cumulative acreage of all areas lacking surface water in the AA. [AM, FA, FR, INV, NR,

PH, PR, SBM, SEN, SRv, WBF, WBN, WC, WW]

F2

F3 % with Persistent

Surface Water

Wetland Type

0.01 acre is about 20 ft on a side if square. This is the cumulative acreage of all areas that have

surface water. Sites fed by unregulated streams that descend on north-facing slopes, tend to

remain wet longer into the summer. Indicators of persistence may include fish, some dragonflies,

beaver, and muskrat. In the local soil survey, descriptions of the predominant soil types may

include information on saturation persistence. [AM, CS, FA, FR, INV, NR, POL, PR, SBM, WBF,

WBN]

FieldF form - Non-tidal Page 1 of 13

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24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

A B C D E

1-25% of the AA, and mostly in a single large pool, pond, and/or channel. 0

25-50% of the AA 0

50-95% of the AA 0

>95% of the AA 0

At mid-day during the warmest time of year, the area of surface water within the AA that is shaded by vegetation, incised channels, streambanks,

or other features also present within the AA is:

<5% of the water is shaded 0

5-25% of the water is shaded 0



>75% of the water is shaded 0

F5 Fringe Wetland The AA adjoins a lake, stream, or river whose wetted width (not counting the AA's wetland) during mean annual conditions is greater than 50 ft

and also more than 5 times the vegetated wetland's average width (measured perpendicular to upland). If true, enter "1" and continue. If false,

leave the 0 and continue.0

[SBM, WBF, WBN, WCv, WWv]

F6 Lacustrine Wetland The AA borders a body of ponded open water whose size (not counting the AA's wetland) exceeds 20 acres during most of the growing season.

Enter "1" if true, "0" if false. 0[FA, FR, PR, WBF, WBN]

Shading of Water

F3

F4

% with Persistent

Surface Water

0.01 acre is about 20 ft on a side if square. This is the cumulative acreage of all areas that have

surface water. Sites fed by unregulated streams that descend on north-facing slopes, tend to

remain wet longer into the summer. Indicators of persistence may include fish, some dragonflies,

beaver, and muskrat. In the local soil survey, descriptions of the predominant soil types may

include information on saturation persistence. [AM, CS, FA, FR, INV, NR, POL, PR, SBM, WBF,

WBN]

Consider the aspect and surrounding topographic relief as well as vegetation height and density.

[FA, FR, WC, WW]


35

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37

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39

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41

42

43

44

45

46

47

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50

51

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68

69

70

71

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A B C D E

The percentage of the AA that is covered by surface water only during the wettest time of year (and for >2 continuous weeks during that time) is:

<1% or <0.01 acre, whichever is less. SKIP to F9.0

1-25% 0

25-50% 0

50-95% 0

>95% 0

The maximum annual fluctuation in surface water within the AA is:

<0.5 ft 0

0.5 - 1 ft 0

1-3 ft 0

> 3 ft 0

During most of the growing season, surface water depth in most of the area where it is present is: [Note: This is not asking for the maximum

depth. ]

<0.5 ft deep (but >0) 0

0.5 - 1 ft deep 0

1-2 ft deep 0

2-6 ft deep 0

>6 ft deep. True for many fringe wetlands. 0

When present, surface water in most of the AA usually consists of (select one):

One depth class that comprises >90% of the AA’s inundated area (use the classes in the question above). 0

One depth class that comprises 50-90% of the AA's inundated area. 0

Neither of above. Multiple depth classes; none occupy more than 50% of the AA. 0

F11 Open Water - Extent During most of the growing season, the largest patch of open water that is in or bordering the AA is >1 acre and mostly deeper than 1 ft. If true

enter "1" and continue, If false, enter "0" and SKIP to F14. 0

Open water is water that is not obscured by vegetation in aerial ("duck's eye") view. It includes

vegetation floating on the water surface or entirely submersed beneath it. It may be flowing or

ponded.

The length of the AA's shoreline (along its ponded open water) that is bordered by areas that are nearly flat (a slope less than about 5%) is:

<1%, 0

1-25% 0

25-50% 0

50-75% 0

>75% 0

At the driest time of year (or lowest water level), the average width of vegetated area in the AA that separates adjoining uplands from the largest

patch of open water within or adjoining the AA is:

1-5 ft 0

5-25 ft 0

25-100 ft 0

100-300 ft 0

>300 ft 0

Near waters that are deeper than 2 ft, the cover for fish, aquatic invertebrates, and/or amphibians that is provided by horizontally incised banks

and/or partly-submerged accumulations of wood thicker than 4 inches (NOT by living vegetation) is:

Little or none, or all water is shallower than 2 ft most of the year. 0

Intermediate, e.g., 500 - 2500 cu. ft of instream wood per 1000 ft of channel. 0

Extensive: >8 pieces of wood per stream reach (reach= 10x channel width), or >2700 cu.ft of instream wood per 1000 ft of channel, or >10% of

bank length is incised.0

F14

F9

F7

F8

F10

F12

F13

Annual Water

Fluctuation Range

Depth Class

Distribution

% Flooded Only

Seasonally

Non-vegetated

Aquatic Cover

See diagram in the manual. If several isolated pools are present in early summer, estimate the

percent of their collective shorelines that has such a gentle slope. [SR, WBN]

Width of AA's

Vegetated Zone

"Vegetated area" does not include underwater or floating-leaved plants, i.e., aquatic bed. Width

may include wooded riparian areas if they have wetland soil or plant indicators. For most sites

larger than 10 acres and with persistent water, measure the width using aerial imagery rather than

estimate in the field. [AM, CS, NR, OE, PH, PR, SBM, SEN, SR, WBN]

Predominant Depth

Class

Flat Shoreline Extent

Estimate these proportions by considering the gradient and microtopography of the site. See

diagram in the manual. [FR, INV, WBF, WBN]

This question is asking about the spatial median depth that occurs during most of that time, even if

inundation is only seasonal or temporary. If inundation in most but not all of the wetland is brief, the

answer will be based on the depth of the most persistently inundated part of the wetland. Include

surface water in channels and ditches as well as ponded areas. See diagram in the Manual. [CS,

FA, FR, INV, OE, PH, PR, SEN, SFS, SR, WBF, WBN, WC, WW]

[AM, CS, INV, NR, OE, PH, PR, SR, WBN, WS]

0.01 acre is about 20 ft on a side if square. This is the cumulative acreage of all areas in the AA

that flood ONLY seasonally. Flood marks (algal mats, adventitious roots, debris lines, ice scour,

etc.) are often evident when not fully inundated. Also, such areas often have a larger proportion of

upland and annual (vs. perennial) plant species. In riverine systems, the extent of this zone can be

estimated by multiplying by 2 the bankful height and visualizing where that would intercept the land

along the river. Although useful only as a general guide, the water regime modifier code on some

wetland maps and soil survey descriptions of the predominant soil types usually include

information on flooding frequency and saturation persistence. [CS, FA, INV, NR, OE, PH, SR,

WBF, WBN, WS]

For this question, do not consider herbaceous plants. Consider only the wood that is at or

above the water surface. Accurately assessing underwater wood is difficult when using a rapid

assessment method. [AM, FA, FR, INV]


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81

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98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

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108

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111

112

113

114

115

A B C D E

During the part of the growing season when surface water levels are highest, the percentage of the AA's surface water that is within the drip line

of shrubs or trees (including those extending into the AA from outside) is:

<5% of the AA's water area, or there are no shrubs or trees near the AA's surface water. 0

5-25% of that water area 0



>95% of that water area 0

During most of the growing season, the percentage of the AA that has ponded surface water (stagnant, or flows so slowly that fine sediment is

not held in suspension) which is either open or shaded by emergent vegetation is:

<1% or none, or occupies <100 sq. ft cumulatively. Enter "1" and SKIP to F22. 0

1-25% of the AA, and mainly in small fishless pools. 0

1-25% of the AA, and mainly in a single large pool or pond, with or without fish access. 0

5-30% of the AA. 0

30-70% of the AA. 0

70-95% of the AA. 0

>95% of the AA. 0

The percentage of the ponded water that is open (lacking emergent vegetation during most of the growing season, and unhidden by a forest or

shrub canopy) is:

<1% or none, or largest pool or patch occupies <100 sq. ft. 0

1-5% of the ponded water. 0




100% of the ponded water. 0

During most of the growing season, the spatial pattern of herbaceous vegetation that has surface water beneath it (emergent vegetation) is

mostly:

scattered in small clumps, islands, or patches throughout the surface water area. 0

intermediate 0

clumped at one or a few sides of the surface water area, or mostly surrounds a central area of open water, or <1% of the AA has emergent

vegetation, or >99% of the AA is vegetated (none of the ponded water is open).0

During most of the growing season, the largest patch of open ponded water occupies:

<1% of the AA's open ponded water. i.e., there are many small pools and no proportionally large ones. 0

1-25% of the AA's open ponded water. 0



75-99% of the AA's open ponded water, but multiple smaller pools or patches are present. 0

100% (or nearly so) of the AA's open ponded water, and no smaller separate pools are present. e.g., most fringe wetlands. 0

SAV (submerged & floating-leaved aquatic vegetation) occupies an annual maximum of:

none, or <5% of the water area 0

5-25% of the water area 0



>95% of the water area 0

many SAV plants present, but impossible to select from the above categories. 0

F21 Floating Algae &

Duckweed

At some time of the year, mats of algae and/or duckweed cover most of the AA's otherwise-unshaded water surface or blanket the underwater

substrate. If true, enter "1" in next column. If untrue or uncertain, enter "0". 0[EC, PR, WBF]

F22 Ice Cover Ice (not just snow) covers nearly all of the AA's water surface for more than 4 continuous weeks during most years, potentially altering the air-

water exchange. If true, enter "1" in next column. If untrue, enter "0". 0Factors such as latitude, elevation, water body depth, flow velocity, and marine proximity should

be considered. [AM, CS, FR, NR, OE, PR, SEN, SFS, SR, WBF, WS]

F23 Stained Surface Water Most surface water is darkly-stained (from tannins, not iron bacteria), and/or its pH is usually <5.5. Nearby vegetation is mostly moss and/or

evergreens. 0[FR, OE, WBN, WW]

F24 Isolated Island The AA contains (or is part of) an island within a lake, pond, or river, and is isolated from the shore by water depths >3 ft on all sides during an

average June. The island may be solid, or it may be a floating vegetation mat suitable for nesting waterbirds. 0[WBN]

F19

F18

F15

F16

F17

Open Ponded Water -

Patch Size

All Ponded Water -

Extent

Emergent Vegetation -

Distribution

[AM, FA, FR, INV, NR, OE, PH, PR, SBM, SR, WBF, WBN]

Water Area Beneath

Woody

Open water may have floating aquatic vegetation provided it does not usually extend above the

water surface. [AM, CS, FA, FR, INV, NR, OE, PR, SR, WBF, WBN, WC, WW]

[SBM, WC]

Open Ponded Water -

Extent

Nearly all wetlands with surface water have some ponded water. [CS, FA, FR, INV, NR, OE,

SEN, SR, WBF, WBN, WC, WS, WW]

[AM, INV, SR, WBF, WBN]

SAV = herbaceous plants that characteristically grow at or below the water surface, i.e., whose

leaves are primarily and characteristically under or on the water surface during most of the part of

the growing season when surface water is present. Some species are rooted in the sediment

whereas others are not. If pond lily (Nuphar) is the predominant species, consider its maximum

extent only during the period when surface water is present beneath the leaves.

[OE,INV,FR,AM,WBF,WBN]

Floating-leaved &

Submerged Aquatic

Vegetation (SAV)

F20


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146

147

A B C D E

F25 Fish Fish (native or stocked) are known to be present in the AA. Or fish can access at least part of the AA during one or more days annually. 0

[AM, FR, WBN]

Use of the AA by beaver during the past 5 years is (select most applicable ONE):

evident from direct observation or presence of gnawed limbs, dams, tracks, dens, lodges, or extensive stands of water-killed trees (snags).0

likely based on known occurrence in the region and proximity to suitable habitat, which may include: (a) a persistent freshwater wetland, pond, or

lake, or a perennial low or mid-gradient (<10%) channel, and (b) a corridor or multiple stands of hardwood trees and shrubs in vegetated areas

near surface water.

0

unlikely because site characteristics above are deficient, and/or this is a settled area or other area where beaver are routinely removed. But

beaver occur in the region (e.g., within 10 miles).0

none. Beaver are absent from the region. 0

F27 The AA's surface water is mostly:

Brackish or saline (conductance of >25 mS/cm, or >5000 ppm TDS). Plants that indicate saline conditions dominate the vegetation. Salt crust

obvious around the perimeter and on flats.0

Slightly brackish (conductance of 2.5- 25 mS/cm, or 500 - 5000 ppm TDS). Plants that indicate saline conditions are significantly present. Salt

crust may or may not be present along perimeter.0

Fresh (conductance of < 2.5 mS/cm, or <500 ppm TDS). Plants that indicate saline conditions are sparse or absent. No salt crust along

perimeter.0

unknown 0

The percentage of the AA that has flowing water (flowing with enough force to keep sediment in suspension, and >1 inch deep for at least 2

continous weeks, and either open or shaded by emergent vegetation) at any time of a typical year is:

<1% or none. 0

1-25% of the AA, but in one or more channels whose wetted width does not expand >2x their width at annual low flow, e.g., channels may be

incised.0

1-25% of the AA, and in (or adjoining) one or more channels whose wetted width expands >2x their width at annual low flow. 0

5-30% of the AA. 0

30-70% of the AA. 0

70-95% of the AA. 0

>95% of the AA. 0

F29 Inflow At least once annually, surface water from upstream or from another water body moves into the AA. It may enter directly in a channel, or as

unconfined overflow from a contiguous river or lake, or via a pipe or hardened conduit. Consult topographic, soils, or other maps. If true, enter 1

and continue. If false, enter 0 and SKIP to F33.0

[NRv, PH, PRv, SRv]

F30 Input Water

Temperature

Based on lack of shade upstream or source characteristics, the inflow is likely to be warmer than the AA's surface water during part of most

years. Enter 1= yes, 0= no. 0 [WCv, WWv]

The gradient of the tributary with the largest inflow, averaged up to 300 ft from the AA (excluding any portion of the distance where water travels

through a pipe) is:

<1% 0

1-5% 0

5-30% 0

>30% 0

During peak annual flow, the surface water that flows through the AA:

is mostly non-channelized flow, i.e., encounters little or no vegetation, boulders, or other sources of friction, because (a) they are sparse or (b)

floodwater overtops most of them, or (c) they are protected by a levee or dike, or (d) the channel is very downcut, or (e) the AA is part of an

instream pond.

0

mostly encounters herbaceous vegetation that offers little resistance, and water follows a fairly straight path from entrance to exit (few internal

channels, only slight meandering).0

mostly encounters herbaceous vegetation that offers little resistance and follows a fairly indirect path from entrance to exit (many internal

channels, or very braided or tightly meandering).0

encounters measurable resistance from woody vegetation or channel-clogging debris, and follows a fairly straight path from entrance to exit.0

encounters measurable resistance from woody vegetation or channel-clogging debris, and follows a fairly indirect path from entrance to exit.0

Beaver

Input Stream Gradient

Flowing Water - Extent

[FA, FR, PH, SBM, SEN, WBF, WBN]

[FA, FR, INV, NR, OE, PR, SR, WBF, WBN, WS]

The flow must be visible and sufficient to suspend sediment, e.g., more than 1 ft per second. [INV]

F31

Throughflow

Complexity

Estimate gradient by dividing the elevation difference by horizontal distance over 300 ft. [PRv,

SRv]

Salinity, Alkalinity,

Conductance

[PR, CS, FR, AM, SBM]

F26

F28

F32


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A B C D E

The most persistent surface water connection (outlet channel or pipe, ditch, or overbank water exchange) between the AA and the closest off-

site downslope water body is:

persistent (>9 months/year) 0

seasonal (14 days to 9 months/year, not necessarily consecutive) 0

temporary (<14 days, not necessarily consecutive) 0

none -- but maps show a stream or other water body that is downslope from the AA and within a distance that is less than the AA's path length

(see definition, OF34). If so, mark "1" here and SKIP TO F35. 1

no surface water flows out of the wetland except possibly during extreme events (<once per 10 years). Or, water flows only into a wetland, ditch,

or lake that lacks an outlet. If so, mark "1" here and SKIP TO F35. 0

During major runoff events, in the places where surface water exits the AA or connected waters nearby, it:

mostly passes through a pipe, culvert, tidegate, narrowly breached dike, berm, beaver dam, or other partial obstruction (other than natural

topography)0

leaves through natural exits, not mainly through artificial or temporary features 0

exported more quickly than usual due to ditches within the AA or connected to its outlet, or because water is pumped out. 0

Select first applicable choice. In the AA:

(a) springs are observed, OR

(b) water visibly seeps into most 12-inch deep pits dug during the driest time of the year and located >30 ft from the closest surface water (but still

in the AA), OR

(c) water is markedly cooler in summer and warmer in winter (e.g., later ice formation) than in other wetlands nearby, OR

(d) measurements from shallow wells indicate groundwater is discharging to the AA.

0

(a) the upper end of the AA is located very close to the base of (but mostly not ON) a natural slope much steeper (usually >15%) than that within

the AA and longer than 300 ft, OR

(b) rust deposits ("iron floc"), colored precipitates, marl deposits, or dispersible natural oil sheen are prevalent in the AA, OR

(c) AA water is remarkably clear in contrast to naturally stained waters typical in nearby wetlands, OR

(d) AA is located at a geologic fault.

0

Neither of above is true, although some groundwater may discharge to or flow through the AA, or groundwater influx is unknown. 1

Groundwater:

Strength of Evidence

Path length is the length of a wetland measured in a straight line from inlet to outlet, or from

highest to lowest elevation within the wetland (i.e., in the direction of predominant downhill surface

flow). A channel is defined as an observably incised landform that transports surface water in a

downhill direction during some part of a normal year. A larger difference in elevation between the

wetland-upland boundary and the bottom of the wetland outlet (if any) indicates shorter outflow

duration. The frequencies given are only approximate and are for a "normal" year. The connection

need not occur during the growing season. [CS, FA, FR, NR, OE, PR, SEN, SFS, SR, WCv, WS,

WWv]

"Major runoff events" would include biennial high water caused by storms and/or rapid snowmelt.

[CS, NR, OE, PR, SEN, SR, STR, WS]

F35

F33

Consult topographic maps to detect breaks in slope described here. Localized orange coloration

associated with groundwater seeps may be most noticeable in ice formations along streams during

early winter. [AM, CS, FA, FR, INV, NR, OE, PH, PRv, SFS, WC, WS, WW]

Outflow Confinement

Outflow Duration

F34


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A B C D E

The gradient along most of the flow path within the AA is:

<2%, or, no slope is ever apparent (i.e., flat). Includes most depressional sites and ponds. 1

2-5% 0

6-10% 0

>10% 0

F37 Drawdown History During 4 of the last 5 years (a) Most of the AA has been covered with surface water year-round AND (b) On at least one occasion ALL of the AA

went totally dry (no surface water) but then most of it refilled (e.g., a repaired beaver flowage or an intentional drawdown and reflooding). If both

(a) and (b) are true enter 1 (yes) or 0 (no, or unknown).0

[PR, INV, WB, PH]

F38 Prairie, Desert, or

Shrub Steppe

(a) The AA is (a) within a large geographic region that characteristically is not dominated by trees AND (b) is not along a stream, river, or other

area that normally would support riparian trees. If both conditions met, enter 1 and SKIP TO F50. If not, enter 0 and continue. 0

"Characteristically" means that the natural potential vegetation is grassland, desert, shrub steppe,

or other generally treeless types.

Within the entire vegetated part of the AA, the percentage occupied by trees or shrubs taller than 3 feet is:

<5% of the vegetated AA, or there is no woody vegetation in the AA. SKIP to F49. 0

5-25%. 0

25-50% 0

50-75% 1

>75% 0

Within the vegetated part of the AA, just the trees that are taller than 20 ft occupy:

<1% of the vegetated AA, or the AA lacks trees. Enter "1" and SKIP to F45. 0

1-25% of the vegetated AA 1



>95% of the vegetated part of the AA 0

F41 Subcanopy Most (>50%) of the area under the dripline of the trees contains a layer (subcanopy) of shrubs taller than 3 ft. If yes, enter "1". If no, enter "0". 0

[AM, PH, SBM]

Mark all the classes of woody plants within the AA, but only IF they comprise more than 5% of the woody canopy within the AA. Do not count

trees that adjoin but are not within the AA.

evergreen 1-4" diameter and >3 ft tall 1

deciduous 1-4" diameter and >3 ft tall 0

evergreen 4-9" diameter 1

deciduous 4-9" diameter 0

evergreen 9-21" diameter 1

deciduous 9-21" diameter 0

evergreen >21" diameter 0

deciduous >21" diameter 0

The number of large snags (diameter >8") in the AA plus the area within 100 ft uphill of the closest upland to the wetland edge is:

Several ( >2/acre) and a pond or lake of at least 1 acre is within 1 mile. 1

Several ( >2/acre) but above not true. 0

Few or none 0

The number of downed wood pieces longer than 6 ft and with diameter >6", and not persistently submerged, is:

Several ( >5 if AA is >10 acres, or >2 for smaller AAs) 1

Few or none 0

F43

F44

Internal Gradient

Tree Canopy Extent

Downed Wood

Snags are standing trees at least 10 ft tall that are mainly without bark or foliage. [POL, SBM, WBN]

Tree & Tall Shrub

Extent

Do not count trees or shrubs if they merely hang into the wetland. They must be rooted in soils

that are saturated for several weeks of the growing season. The "vegetated part" should not

include floating-leaved or submersed aquatics. [NR, WBF, WBN]

Woody Diameter

Classes

The trees and shrubs need not be wetland species. Measurements are the d.b.h., the diameter of

the tree measured at 4.5 ft above the ground. [AM, CS, POL, SBM, SEN, WBN]

Except in isolated wetlands (no outlets), this is not the same as the shoreline slope. It is the

elevational difference between highest and lowest points within the site, divided by the flow-

distance between them and converted to percent. If most of the surface water is impounded within

the site, the gradient is the gradient of the water surface, not the gradient of the submerged

substrate. If available, use a clinometer to measure this. [AM, CS, NR, OE, PR, SR, WBF, WBN,

WS]

F42

Snags

Do not count trees if they merely hang into the wetland. They must be rooted in soils that are

saturated for several weeks of the growing season. The "vegetated part" should not include floating-

leaved or submersed aquatics. [PH, SBM, SEN]

Exclude temporary "burn piles." [AM, INV, POL, SBM]

F39

F36

F40


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A B C D E

Woody vegetation 3 to 20 ft tall that is not under the drip line of trees is:

<5% of the vegetated AA and (if a fringe wetland) <5% of its water edge. Or <0.01 acre. SKIP to F48. 0

5-25% of the vegetated AA or (if a fringe wetland) 5-25% of the water edge -- whichever is greater. 0

25-50% of the vegetated AA or the water edge, whichever is greater. 1

50-95% of the vegetated AA or the water edge, whichever is greater. 0

>95% of the vegetated part of the AA or the water edge, whichever is greater. 0

Determine which two native shrub species (3 to 20 ft tall) comprise the greatest portion of the native shrub cover. Then choose one:

those species together comprise > 50% of the areal cover of native shrub species. 1

those species together do not comprise > 50% of the areal cover of native shrub species. 0

The following best represents the distribution pattern of woody vegetation VS. unshaded herbaceous/moss vegetation within the AA:

(a) Woody cover and herbaceous/moss cover EACH comprise 30-70% of the vegetated part of the AA, AND (b) There are many patches of

woody vegetation scattered widely within herbaceous/moss vegetation, or many patches of herbaceous vegetation scattered widely within woody

vegetation.

1

(a) Woody cover and herbaceous/moss EACH comprise 30-70% of the vegetated AA, AND (b) There are few patches ("islands") of woody

vegetation scattered widely within herbaceous vegetation, or few patches of herbaceous/moss vegetation ("gaps") scattered widely within woody

vegetation.

0

(a) Woody cover OR herbaceous/moss comprise >70% of the vegetated AA, AND (b) There are several patches of the other scattered within it.

For example, forested AAs with patches -- not limited to corridors -- of herbaceous/moss, or herbaceous/moss AAs with scattered patches of

shrubs or trees.

0

(a) Woody over OR herbaceous/moss comprise >70% of the vegetated AA, AND (b) The other is absent or is mostly in a single area or distinct

zone with almost no intermixing of woody and unshaded herbaceous/moss vegetation.0

The percentage of the AA's tree or shrub cover that is deciduous and is taller than 3 feet is:

<1%, or largest patch occupies less than 400 sq. ft. 0

1-25% of the tree or shrub cover (whichever has more) 1



>75% of the tree or shrub cover (whichever has more) 0

The cover of peat-forming moss is:

<5% of the non-tree, vegetated part of the AA. 0

5-25% of the non-tree, vegetated part of the AA 0



>95% of the non-tree, vegetated part of the AA 0

The percent of the AA's shrub plus ground cover that is nitrogen-fixing plants (e.g., alder, sweetgale, arctic rush, lupine, clover, other legumes) is:

<1% or none 1

1-25% of the shrub plus ground cover, in the AA or along its water edge (whichever has more). 0



>75% of the shrub plus ground cover, in the AA or along its water edge (whichever has more). 0

F50

F49

F45

F46

F47

F48

Shrub & Tree

Patchiness

Deciduous Trees and

Shrubs

Exposed Shrub

Canopy

Shrub Species

Dominance

Moss Extent

In larger forested wetlands, patchiness is best interpreted from aerial imagery. Images that show

"coarse-grained" forests indicate presence of multiple age classes and/or numerous small

openings, whereas those that show "fine-grained" forests suggest more even-aged, even-sized

forest with little interspersion. [SBM, SEN]

The "vegetated part" may include moss, but it should not include floating-leaved or submersed

aquatics. [AM, PH, SBM]

[EC, PH, SBM, SEN]

Exclude moss growing on trees or rocks. [CS, PH]

"Ground cover" includes both moss and herbaceous vegetation. Do not include N-fixing algae or

lichens. Select only the first true statement. [FA, FR, INV, NRv, OE, PH, SBM, SEN]

Select only the first true statement. The trees or shrubs do not have to be wetland species, as long

as they are in the AA or overhang its water. In boreal climates, these are especially likely to occur

on mineral soils with little moss ground cover, such as burns, clearcuts, landslides, avalanche

paths, abandoned beaver flowages, heavily grazed or drained lands, and floodplains. [CS, INV,

OE, PH, SBM]

N Fixers


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A B C D E

Consider the parts of the AA that lack surface water at some time of the year. Viewed from 6 inches above the soil surface, the condition in the

part of that area that is most likely to be exposed to flowing water, runoff, or wind near the end of the growing season, or is otherwise more likely

to erode (e.g., due to slope, land use practices) is:

little or no (<5%) bare ground is visible between erect stems or under canopy and ground surface is extensively blanketed by moss, lichens,

graminoids with great stem densities, or plants with ground-hugging foliage. 1

some (5-20%) bare ground (or ground covered only with thatch) is visible. Herbaceous plants have moderate stem densities and do not closely

hug the ground. Most emergent wetlands.0

much (20-50%) bare ground (or ground covered only with thatch) is visible. Low stem density and/or tall plants with little living ground cover, e.g.,

some heavily shaded sites on mineral soil.0

mostly (>50%) bare ground or ground covered only with thatch. 0

Not applicable. Surface water (either open or obscured by emergent plants) covers all of the AA all the time. 0

Consider the parts of the AA that lack surface water at some time of the year. Excluding slash from logging, the number of small pits, raised

mounds, hummocks, boulders, upturned trees, animal burrows, gullies, natural levees, wide soil cracks, and microdepressions is:

Few or none (minimal microtopography; <1% of that area) 0

Intermediate 0

Several (extensive micro-topography) 1

Within the AA, inclusions of upland that individually are >100 sq. ft. are:

Few or none 1

Intermediate (1 - 10% of vegetated part of the AA). 0

Many (e.g., wetland-upland "mosaic", >10% of the vegetated AA). 0

In parts of the AA that lack persistent water, the texture of soil in the uppermost layer is mostly: [To determine this, use a trowel to check in at

least 3 widely spaced locations, and use the soil texture key in the Manual. If organic, use shovel to dig down to 16" depth or until hitting mineral

soil, whichever is first, then measure.]

Loamy: includes loam, sandy loam 0

Fines: includes silt, glacial flour, clay, clay loam, silty clay, silty clay loam, sandy clay, sandy clay loam. 0

Organic, from surface to within 4 inches of surface only. Exclude live roots unless from moss. 0

Organic, from surface to within 16 inches of surface only. Exclude live roots unless from moss. 0

Organic, from surface to greater than 16 inch depth. Exclude live roots unless from moss. 1

Coarse: includes sand, loamy sand, gravel, cobble, stones, boulders, fluvents, fluvaquents, riverwash. 0

Within the AA, the extent of mudflats, ponded areas shallower than 2 inches, or unwooded shortgrass areas that meet the definition of shorebird

habitat (column E) is usually:

none, or <100 sq. ft within the AA. 1

100-1000 sq. ft. within the AA. 0

1000 – 10,000 sq. ft. within the AA. 0

>10,000 sq. ft within the AA. 0

The maximum annual cover of herbaceous vegetation, excluding mosses and submerged and floating aquatics, that is not beneath the dripline of

trees or shrubs (i.e., is visible in birds-eye view) is:

<5% of the vegetated part of the AA, excluding parts beneath shrubs and trees, or <0.1 acre (whichever is less). Mark "1" here and SKIP to F61.0

5-25% of the vegetated AA excluding parts beneath shrubs and trees 1



>95% of the vegetated AA excluding parts beneath shrubs and trees 0

F57 The percentage of the emergent cover comprised of thick-stemmed herbaceous plants taller than 1 m is:

<1% of the emergent vegetation 1

1-25% of the emergent vegetation 0

25-75% of the emergent vegetation 0

>75%, of the emergent vegetation 0

In the herbaceous parts of the AA (excluding submerged and floating aquatics), the areal cover of forbs reaches an annual maximum of:

<5% of the herbaceous & moss cover 1

5-25% of the herbaceous & moss cover 0


F58

F55

F56

F51

F52

F53

F54

Shorebird Feeding

Habitats

Ground Irregularity

Exposed Herbaceous

Vegetation

These areas must have (a) no vegetation (bare/ fallow), or have herbaceous cover comprised

mainly of grasses shorter than 4 inches, and (b) soils that either are saturated or covered with <2"

of water during any part of this period, and (c) no detectable surrounding slope (e.g., not the

bottom of an incised dry channel), and (d) no shading shrubs or trees. This addresses needs of

most migratory sandpipers, plovers, and related species. [WBF]

Forb Cover

Bare Ground &

Accumulated Plant

Litter

forbs = flowering non-woody vascular plants (excludes grasses, sedges, ferns, mosses). Although

technically a forb, include horsetail (Equisetum ) as a graminoid, not a forb. Do not include non-

wetland forb species (i.e., species with a rating of FACU or UPL). [POL, CS]

Upland Inclusions

If no areas of obvious erosion potential are present, just describe the condition present in most of

the zone that is not persistently under water. Bare ground that is present under a tree or shrub

canopy should be counted. Wetlands that are heavily shaded or are dominated by annual plant

species tend to have more extensive areas that are bare during the early growing season. [AM,

EC, INV, NR, OE, POL, PR, SBM, SEN, SR]

"the vegetated AA" should include all vegetation, including moss in this case, except submerged

and floating aquatics. 0.1 acre is about 66 ft on a side if square. [POL, WBF, WBN]

Inclusions are slightly elevated "islands" or "pockets" dominated by upland vegetation and soils.

Do not count as inclusions the elevated roots of trees or logs unless supported by a mound of

mineral soil meeting the size threshold. Upland inclusions may include ones created by fill. [AM,

NR, SBM]

Soil Texture "Organic" includes muck, mucky peat, peat, and mucky mineral soils that comprise the "Oi"

horizon. These soils are much less common in floodplains. Do not include duff (loose organic

surface material, e.g., dead plant leaves and stems). If texture varies greatly, base your answer on

which texture predominates in the parts of the AA that lack persistent water. [CS, NR, OE, PH, PR,

SEN, SFS, WS]

"Microtopography" refers mainly to the patchiness of vertical relief of >6 inches and is represented

only by inorganic features, except where living plants have created depressions or mounds

(hummocks) of soil. If parts of the AA are flat but others are highly irregular, base your answer on

which condition predominates in the parts of the AA that lack persistent water. [AM, EC, INV, NR,

PH, POL, PR, SBM, SR, WS]

Tall Emergent Plant

Cover

Examples are cattail, tall bulrush, common reed (Phragmites), and giant cane (Arundo). [WB, PH,

EC]


271

272

273

274

275

276

277

A B C D E


>95% of the herbaceous & moss cover. SKIP to F60. 0

Sedges (Carex spp.) and/or cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) occupy:

<5% of the herbaceous cover, or <0.01 acre 1

5-50% of the herbaceous cover 0

50-95% of the herbaceous cover 0

>95% of the herbaceous cover 0

F58

F59

Forb Cover forbs = flowering non-woody vascular plants (excludes grasses, sedges, ferns, mosses). Although

technically a forb, include horsetail (Equisetum ) as a graminoid, not a forb. Do not include non-

wetland forb species (i.e., species with a rating of FACU or UPL). [POL, CS]

Sedge Cover [CS]


278

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296

297

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300

301

302

303

304

305

306

A B C D E

Determine which two native herbaceous (forb and graminoid) species comprise the greatest portion of the herbaceous cover that is unshaded by

a woody canopy. Then choose one:

those species together comprise > 50% of the areal cover of native herbaceous plants at any time during the year. 0

those species together do not comprise > 50% of the areal cover of native herbaceous plants at any time during the year. 1

F61 There is evidence that grazing by domestic or wild animals -- or mowing (multiple times per year), plowing, herbicides, harvesting, or fire -- has

repeatedly reduced vegetation cover (plants that normally grows taller than 10 cm) in the AA to less than 10 cm, or has created an obvious

browse line, over the following extent:

0% (such activities are absent). 1

1-5% of the AA (grazing or the other activities occur but effects on vegetation height are mostly unnoticeable). 0

5-50% 0

50-95% 0

>95% 0

Select first applicable choice.

no invasive or other non-native species that are herbaceous or woody are present in the AA. 1

invasive and/or non-native species are present. Invasives comprise <5% and non-native species comprise <20% of both the herb and the

woody cover.0

Invasive species comprise 5-20%, or all non-native species comprise 20-50%, of the herb or the woody cover -- whichever is greater.0

Invasive species comprise 20-50%, or all non-native species comprise 50-80%, of the herb or the woody cover-- whichever is greater.0

Invasive species comprise >50%, or all non-native species comprise >80% of the herb or the woody cover-- whichever is greater.0

Along the wetland-upland boundary closest to the AA, the percent of the upland edge (within 10 ft of wetland) that is occupied by herbs or shrubs

that are considered invasive is:

none of the upland edge (invasives apparently absent) 1

some (but <5%) of the upland edge 0

5-50% of the upland edge 0

most (>50%) of the upland edge 0

Along the wetland-upland edge and extending 100 ft upslope, the percentage of the upland that contains perennial (not necessarily native -- see

column E) land cover taller than 6 inches is:

<5% 0

5 to 30% 0

30 to 60% 0

60 to 90% 0

>90%. SKIP to F66. 1

Within 100 ft upslope of the wetland-upland edge closest to the AA, the upland land cover that is NOT unmanaged vegetation or water is mostly

(mark ONE):

impervious surface, e.g., paved road, parking lot, building, exposed rock. 0

bare or nearly bare pervious surface or managed vegetation, e.g., lawn, mostly-unvegetated clearcut, landslide, unpaved road, dike.0

F60

F62

F63

F64

F65

[EC, PH, POL, SEN]

Perennial cover includes wooded areas, peatlands, vegetated wetlands, and most other areas of

perennial vegetation. It does not include water, annual crops, residential areas, golf courses,

recreational fields, fields mowed >1x per year, pavement, bare soil, rock, bare sand, or gravel or

dirt roads. Perennial cover is not the same as native vegetation. It can include areas with invasive

plants. If the AA does not adjoin upland, base your answer on the closest upland. [AM, FA, FR,

INV, NRv, PH, PRv, SBM, SEN, SRv, STR, WBN]

Herbaceous Species

Dominance

Perennial Cover in

Buffer

[EC, INV, PH, POL, SEN]

Type of Cover in

Buffer

[AM, FA, INV, NRv, PH, SBM, STR, WBN]

Mowing, Grazing, Fire [SR, AM, WB, SBM, PH, EC]

If the wetland has no upland edge, or upland edge is <10% of wetland's perimeter, then answer for

the portion of the upland closest to the wetland. If a plant cannot be identified to species (e.g.,

winter conditions) but its genus contains an invasive species, assume the unidentified plant to also

be invasive. If vegetation is so senesced that invasive species cannot be identified, answer "none".

[PH, STR]

Invasive & Non-native

Cover

Weed Source Along

Upland Edge


307

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315

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321

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323

324

325

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327

328

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331

332

333

334

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338

339

340

A B C D E

The average percent slope of the land, measured from the AA's wetland-upland edge and extending uphill to the most extensive and/or closest

disturbance feature within 100 ft, is:

<1% (flat -- almost no noticeable slope) 0

2-5% 1

5-30% 0

>30% 0

F67 Cliffs, Banks, Licks,

Beaver, Muskrat

In the AA or within 300 ft, there are (a) muskrat houses or beaver lodges, or (b) mineral licks, or (c) elevated terrestrial features such as cliffs,

talus slopes, stream banks, or excavated pits (but not riprap) that extend at least 6 ft nearly vertically, are unvegetated, and potentially contain

crevices or other substrate suitable for nesting or den areas. Enter 1 (yes) or 0 (no).0

[POL, SBM]

The following are known or likely to have reproducing populations in this AA or in water bodies within 300 ft that connect to the AA at least

seasonally. Select all that apply:

non-native amphibian or reptile species 0

carp 0

other non-native fish species 0

non-native invertebrates (e.g., zebra mussel) 0

non-native wetland mammals (e.g., nutria) 0

none of above, or unknown 1

The AA is (or is within, or contains) a "new" wetland resulting from human actions (e.g., excavation, impoundment) or debris or lava flows, sea

level rise, or other factors affecting what once was upland (non-hydric) soil.

No 1

yes, and most recently created 20 - 100 years ago 0

yes, and most recently created 3-20 years ago 0

yes, and most recently created within last 3 years 0

yes, but time of origin unknown 0

unknown if new within 20 years or not 0

The maximum percent of the AA that is visible from the best vantage point on public roads, public parking lots, public buildings, or well-defined

public trails that intersect, adjoin, or are within 300 ft of the wetland (select one) is:

<25% 1

25-50% 0

>50% 0

Most of the AA is (select one):

publicly owned (federal, state, municipal) and with new timber harvest, roads, mineral extraction, and intensive summer recreation (e.g., off-road

vehicles) mostly excluded 0

other publicly owned or unknown. 0

owned by non-profit conservation organization or lease holder who allows public access. 0

other private ownership, including Tribes. 1

Assuming access permission was granted, select ALL statements that are true of the AA as it currently exists:

Walking is physically possible in (not just near) >5% of the AA during most of year, e.g., free of deep water and dense shrub thickets. 1

Maintained roads, parking areas, or foot-trails are within 30 ft of the AA, or the AA can be accessed part of the year by boats arriving via

contiguous waters.1

Within or near the AA, there is an interpretive center, trails with interpretive signs or brochures, and/or regular guided interpretive tours. 0

The AA contains or adjoins a public boat dock or ramp, or is within 0.5 mile of a ferry terminal, airstrip, public lodge, campsite, snowmobile park,

or picnic area.0

F72

F66

F70

F71 [PU, STR]

[PU, STR, WBFv]

[PU, STR]Non-consumptive

Uses - Actual or

Potential

Ownership

Disturbance feature = building, paved area, recently cleared area, dirt road, lawn, annually-

harvested row crops. Use judgment to decide if extent or proximity is more influential for a noted

disturbance. If no disturbances are present, select the slope that predominates along the

greatest length of the wetland-upland edge, and extending uphill 100 ft -- not the maximum slope.

If the AA is only part of a wetland and does not have an upland edge, evaluate this along the

upland edge closest to the AA. Estimate slope by dividing the elevation difference (between the

wetland and disturbed area) by their horizontal distance apart. [NRv, PRv, SEN, SRv]

Visibility

F69 New Wetland Do not include wetlands created by beaver dams except for the part where flooding affected

uplands (not just existing wetlands and streams). Determine this using historical aerial

photography, old maps, soil maps, or permit files as available [CS, NR, OE, PH, PRv, SEN, SRv]

Slope from Disturbed

Lands

Non-native Aquatic

Animals

F68 [INV, FA, FR, AM, WBF, EC]


341

342

343

344

345

346

347

348

349

350

351

352

353

354

355

356

357

358

359

360

361

362

363

364

365

A B C D E

The percentage of the AA almost never visited by humans during an average growing season probably comprises: [Note: Do not include visitors

on trails outside of the AA unless more than half the wetland is visible from the trails and they are within 100 ft of the wetland edge. In that case

add only the area occupied by the trail. ]

<5% and no inhabited building is within 300 ft of the AA 0

<5% and inhabited building is within 300 ft of the AA 0

5-50% and no inhabited building is within 300 ft of the AA 0

5-50% and inhabited building is within 300 ft of the AA 0

50-95% 0

>95% of the AA 1

The percentage of the AA visited by humans almost daily for several weeks during an average growing season probably comprises: [Note: Do

not include visitors on trails outside of the AA unless more than half the wetland is visible from the trails and they are within 100 ft of the wetland

edge. In that case add only the area occupied by the trail ].

<5%. If F73 was answered ">95%", SKIP to F77. 1

5-50% 0

50-95% 0

>95% of the AA 0

F75 BMP - Soils Boardwalks, paved trails, fences or other infrastructure and/or well-enforced regulations appear to effectively prevent visitors from walking on

unfrozen soils within nearly all of the AA. Enter "1" if true. 0[PH, PU]

F76 BMP - Wildlife

Protection

Fences, observation blinds, platforms, paved trails, exclusion periods, and/or well-enforced prohibitions on motorized boats, off-leash pets, and

off road vehicles appear to effectively exclude or divert visitors and their pets from the AA at critical times in order to minimize disturbance of

wildlife (except during hunting seasons). Enter "1" if true. 0

[AM, PU, WBF, WBN]

Recent evidence was found within the AA of the following potentially-sustainable consumptive uses. Select all that apply.

Low-impact commercial timber harvest (e.g., selective thinning) 0

Commercial or subsistence-based harvesting of native plants or mushrooms 0

Waterfowl hunting 0

Furbearer trapping 0

Fishing (including shellfish harvest) 0

None of the above 1

Wells or water bodies that currently provide drinking water are:

Within 500 ft and downslope from the AA or at same elevation 0

500-1000 ft and downslope or at same elevation 0

>1000 ft downslope, or none downslope, or no information 1

F74

F77

F78 Domestic Wells

Consumptive Uses

(Provisioning

Services)

Core Area 2

Core Area 1

If unknown, assume this is true if there is an inhabited structure within the specified distance and

the neighborhood is known to not be connected to a municipal drinking water system (e.g., is

outside a densely settled area). [NRv]

Include visits by foot, canoe, kayak, or any non-motorized mode. Judge this based on proximity to

population centers, roads, trails, accessibility of the wetland to the public, wetland size, usual water

depth, and physical evidence of human visitation. Exclude visits that are not likely to continue

and/or that are not an annual occurrence, e.g., by construction or monitoring crews. [AM, FAv,

FRv, PH, PU, SBM, STR, WBF, WBN]

Include visits by foot, canoe, kayak, or any non-motorized mode. Exclude visits that are not likely

to continue and/or that are not an annual occurrence, e.g., by construction or monitoring crews.

[AM, PH, PU, SBM, STR, WBF, WBN]

"Low impact" means adherence to Best Management Practices such as those defined by

certification groups. Evidence of these consumptive uses may consist of direct observation, or

presence of physical evidence (e.g., recently cut stumps, fishing lures, shell cases), or might be

obtained from communication with the land owner or manager. [FAv, FRv, PHv, , WBFv]

F73


Check Marks

x

x

Severe (3 points) Medium (2 points) Mild (1 point) Points

Spatial extent of resulting wetter condition >95% of wetland or >95% of its upland edge (if any)5-95% of wetland or 5-95% of its upland edge (if

any)<5% of wetland and <5% of its upland edge (if any) 1

When most of wetland's wetter condition began <3 yrs ago 3-9 yrs ago 10-100 yrs ago 3

Inundation now vs. previously persistent vs. seldom persistent vs. seasonal slightly longer or more often 1

Average water level increase >1 ft 6-12" <6 inches 1

6

Final Score= 0.50

Check Marks


Spatial extent of resulting wetter condition >20% of the wetland 5-20% of the wetland <5% of the wetland 0

When most of wetland's wetter condition began <3 yrs ago 3-9 yrs ago 10-100 yrs ago 0

Inundation now vs. previously persistent vs. seldom persistent vs. seasonal slightly longer or more often 0

Average water level increase >1 ft 6-12" <6 inches 0

0

Investigator & Date:Ian Bryson, CBCL, June 28, 2016Anglican Synod Wetland, St John's NL

sum=

sum=

excavation within the wetland, e.g., artificial pond, dead-end ditch

compaction (e.g., ruts) and/or subsidence of the wetland's substrate as a result of machinery, livestock, or off road vehicles

subsidies from stormwater, wastewater effluent, or septic system leakage

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points (3, 2, or 1 as shown in header) in the last column. However, if you believe the checked items had no measurable effect in making any part of the AA wetter,

then leave the "0's" for the scores in the following rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present. The sum and final score will compute automatically. If

this is a created or restored wetland, only consider changes occurring since the creation/restoration.

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points (3, 2, or 1 as shown in header) in the last column. However, if you believe the checked items had no measurable effect in making any part of the AA wetter,

then leave the "0's" for the scores in the following rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present.

removal of a water control structure or blockage in tributary upstream from the wetland

S1 Wetter Water Regime - Internal CausesIn the last column, place a check mark next to any item that is likely to have caused a part of the wetland to be inundated more extensively, more frequently, more deeply, and/or for longer duration than it would be without that item or activity .

(The items you check are not used automatically in subsequent calculations. They are included simply so they may be considered when evaluating the factors in the table beneath them). [CS, STR]

Score the following 2 rows only if the wetter conditions began within past 10 years, and only for the part of the wetland that got wetter.

Stressor (S) Non-tidal Wetland Field Data Form. WESP beta version 1.3

an impounding dam, dike, levee, weir, berm, road fill, or tidegate -- within or downgradient from the wetland, or raising of outlet culvert elevation.

excavation or reflooding of upland soils that adjoined the wetland, thus expanding the area of the wetland

S2

plugging of ditches or drain tile that otherwise would drain the wetland (as part of intentional restoration, or due to lack of maintenance, sedimentation, etc.)

Wetter Water Regime - External CausesIn the last column, place a check mark next to any item occurring in the wetland's contributing area (CA) that is likely to have caused a part of the wetland to be inundated more extensively, more frequently, more deeply, and/or for longer

duration than it would be without that item or activity. [STR]

pavement, ditches, or drain tile in the CA that incidentally increase the transport of water into the wetland

vegetation removal (e.g., logging) within the wetland

removal of timber in the CA or along the wetland's tributaries

Score the following 2 rows only if the wetter conditions began within past 10 years, and only for the part of the wetland that got wetter.

FieldS form Non-tidal 1

Final Score= 0.00

S2


Check Marks

x


Spatial extent of wetland's resulting drier condition >95% of wetland or >95% of its upland edge (if any)5-95% of wetland or 5-95% of its upland edge (if


When most of wetland's drier condition began <3 yrs ago 3-9 yrs ago 10-100 yrs ago 1

Inundation now vs. previously seldom vs. persistent seasonal vs. persistent slightly shorter or less often 0

Water level decrease >1 ft 6-12" <6 inches 0

3

Final Score= 0.25

Check Marks

Severe (3 points) Medium (2 pts) Mild (1 point) Points

Spatial extent of wetland's resulting drier condition >20% of the wetland 5-20% of the wetland <5% of the wetland 0

When most of wetland's drier condition began <3 yrs ago 3-9 yrs ago 10-100 yrs ago 0

Inundation now vs. previously seldom vs. persistent seasonal vs. persistent slightly shorter or less often 0

Water level decrease >1 ft 1-12" <1 inch 0

0

Final Score= 0

Drier Water Regime - Internal Causes

sum=

In the last column, place a check mark next to any item located within or immediately adjacent to the wetland, that is likely to have caused a part of the wetland to be inundated less extensively, less deeply, less frequently, and/or for shorter

duration that it would be without that item. [STR]

Drier Water Regime - External CausesIn the last column, place a check mark next to any item within the wetland's CA (including channels flowing into the wetland) that is likely to have caused a part of the wetland to be inundated less extensively, less deeply, less frequently, and/or

for shorter duration that it would be without those. [STR]

withdrawals (e.g., pumping) of natural surface or ground water directly out of the wetland (not its tributaries)

S3

ditches or drain tile in the wetland or along its edge that accelerate outflow from the wetland

lowering or enlargement of a surface water exit point (e.g., culvert) or modification of a water level control structure, resulting in quicker drainage

groundwater withdrawals that divert water that would otherwise reach the wetland

placement of fill material

accelerated downcutting or channelization of an adjacent or internal channel (incised below the historical water table level)

S4

Score the following 2 rows only if the drier conditions began within past 10 years, and only for the part of the wetland that got drier.

Score the following 2 rows only if the drier conditions began within past 10 years, and only for the part of the wetland that got drier.

a dam, dike, levee, weir, berm, or tidegate that interferes with natural inflow to the wetland

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below assign points that describe the combined maximum effect of those items in creating a drier water regime in the AA. To estimate that, contrast it with the condition if checked

items never occurred or were no longer present. However, if you believe the checked items had no measurable effect on the timing of water conditions in any part of the AA, then leave the "0's" for the scores in the following rows.

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points in the last column. However, if you believe the checked items had no measurable effect in making any part of the AA drier, then leave the "0's" for the scores

in the following rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present.

instream water withdrawals from tributaries whose water would otherwise reach the wetland

relocation of natural tributaries whose water would otherwise reach the wetland

sum=


Check Marks

Severe (3 pts) Medium (2 points) Mild (1 point) Points

Spatial extent within the wetland of timing shift >95% of wetland 5-95% of wetland <5% of wetland 0

When most of the timing shift began <3 yrs ago 3-9 yrs ago 10-100 yrs ago 0

Input timing now vs. previously shift of weeks shift of days shift of hours or minutes 0

Flashiness or muting became very flashy or controlled intermediate became mildly flashy or controlled 0

0

Final Score= 0.00

Check Marks


Usual toxicity of most toxic contaminants heavy loading of industrial effluent or toxics concentrated or heavy loading of mildly toxicmild or diluted (livestock, pets, low density

residential)0

Frequency & duration of input frequent and year-round frequent but mostly seasonal infrequent & during high runoff events mainly 0

AA proximity to main sources (actual or potential) 0-50 ft 50-300 ft or in groundwater in other part of the CA 0

0

Final Score= 0.00

Check Marks

sum=

S6

spraying of pesticides, as applied to lawns, croplands, roadsides, or other areas in the CA

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points. However, if you believe the checked items did not cumulatively expose the AA to significantly higher levels of contaminants and/or salts, then leave the "0's"

for the scores in the following rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present.

stormwater or wastewater effluent (including failing septic systems), landfills, industrial facilities

Accelerated Inputs of Contaminants and/or Salts

In the last column, place a check mark next to any item that is likely to have caused the timing of water inputs (but not necessarily their volume) to shift by hours, days, or weeks, becoming either more muted (smaller or less frequent peaks

spread over longer times, more temporal homogeneity of flow or water levels) or more flashy (larger or more frequent spikes but over shorter times). [FA, FR, INV, PH, STR]

metals & chemical wastes from mining, shooting ranges, snow storage areas, oil/ gas extraction, other sources

oil or chemical spills (not just chronic inputs) from nearby roads

straightening, ditching, dredging, and/or lining of tributary channels in the CA

S5

snow storage areas that drain directly to the wetland

S7 Accelerated Inputs of Nutrients

In the last column, place a check mark next to any item -- occurring in either the wetland or its CA -- that is likely to have accelerated the inputs of nutrients to the wetland. [STR]

stormwater or wastewater effluent (including failing septic systems), landfills

fertilizers applied to lawns, ag lands, or other areas in the CA

livestock, dogs

Score the following 2 rows only if the altered inputs began within past 10 years, and only for the part of the wetland that experiences those.

artificial drainage of upslope lands

increased pavement and other impervious surface in the CA

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points. However, if you believe the checked items had no measurable effect on the timing of water conditions in any part of the AA, then leave the "0's" for the

scores in the following rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present.

sum=

In the last column, place a check mark next to any item -- occurring in either the wetland or its CA -- that is likely to have accelerated the inputs of contaminants or salts to the AA. [FA, NRv, PRv, STR]

flow regulation in tributaries or water level regulation in adjoining water body, or tidegate or other control structure at water entry points that regulates inflow to the wetland

Altered Timing of Water Inputs



Type of loadinghigh density of unmaintained septic, some types of industrial

sources

moderate density septic, cropland, secondary

wastewater treatment plantlivestock, pets, low density residential 0

Frequency & duration of input frequent and year-round frequent but mostly seasonal infrequent & during high runoff events mainly 0

AA proximity to main sources (actual or potential) 0-50 ft 50-300 ft or in groundwater in other part of the CA 0

0

Final Score= 0.00

sum=

S7

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points. However, if you believe the checked items did not cumulatively expose the AA to significantly more nutrients, then leave the "0's" for the scores in the

following rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present.


Check Marks

x

x

x

x


Erosion in CA extensive evidence, high intensity*potentially (based on high-intensity* land use) or

scattered evidence

potentially (based on low-intensity* land use) with

little or no direct evidence2

Recentness of significant soil disturbance in the CA current & ongoing 1-12 months ago >1 yr ago 3

Duration of sediment inputs to the wetland frequent and year-round frequent but mostly seasonal infrequent & during high runoff events mainly 1

AA proximity to actual or potential sources 0-50 ft, or farther but on steep erodible slopes 50-300 ft in other part of the CA 2

sum= 8

Final Score= 0.67

Check Marks

x


Spatial extent of altered soil >95% of wetland or >95% of its upland edge (if any)5-95% of wetland or 5-95% of its upland edge (if


Recentness of significant soil alteration in wetland current & ongoing 1-12 months ago >1 yr ago 3

Duration long-lasting, minimal veg recovery long-lasting but mostly revegetated short-term, revegetated, not intense 3

Timing of soil alteration frequent and year-round frequent but mostly seasonal infrequent & mainly during scattered events 3

ditch cleaning or dredging in or adjacent to the wetland

erosion from livestock or foot traffic in the CA

stormwater or wastewater effluent

boat traffic in or adjacent to the wetland and sufficient to cause shore erosion or stir bottom sediments

fill or riprap, excluding small amounts of upland soils containing organic amendments (compost, etc.) or small amounts of topsoil imported from another wetland

artificial water level or flow manipulations sufficient to cause erosion or stir bottom sediments

Soil or Sediment Alteration Within the Assessment Area

In the last column, place a check mark next to any item present in the wetland that is likely to have compacted, eroded, or otherwise altered the wetland's soil. If the AA is a created or restored wetland or pond, exclude those actions. [CS, INV,

NR, PH, STR]

compaction from machinery, off-road vehicles, or mountain bikes, especially during wetter periods

Excessive Sediment Loading from Contributing Area

leveling or other grading not to the natural contour

accelerated channel downcutting or headcutting of tributaries due to altered land use

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points. However, if you believe the checked items did not measurably alter the soil structure and/or topography, then leave the "0's" for the scores in the following

rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present.

If any items were checked above, then for each row of the table below, assign points (3, 2, or 1 as shown in header) in the last column. However, if you believe the checked items did not cumulatively add significantly more sediment or

suspended solids to the AA, then leave the "0's" for the scores in the following rows. To estimate effects, contrast the current condition with the condition if the checked items never occurred or were no longer present.

sediment from road sanding, gravel mining, other mining, oil/ gas extraction

excavation

erosion from off-road vehicles in the CA

erosion from plowed fields, fill, timber harvest, dirt roads, vegetation clearing, fires

In the last column, place a check mark next to any item present in the CA that is likely to have elevated the load of waterborne or windborne sediment reaching the wetland from its CA. [FA, INV, SRv, STR]

erosion from construction, in-channel machinery in the CA

S8

S9

other human-related disturbances within the CA

tillage, plowing (but excluding disking for enhancement of native plants)

* high-intensity= extensive off-road vehicle use, plowing, grading, excavation, erosion with or without veg removal; low-intensity= veg removal only with little or no apparent erosion or

disturbance of soil or sediment


10

Final Score= 0.83

sum=

S9


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

A B C D E

# Indicator Conditions Data Explanations, Definitions

Measured along the maintained road or boat landing that is nearest the AA, the distance to the nearest population center is:

<0.5 mile 1

0.5 - 2 miles 0

2-5 miles 0

5-10 miles 0

>10 miles 0

OF2 Wildlife Access Draw a circle of radius of 0.5 mile from the center of the AA. If mammals and amphibians can move from the center of the AA to all other

separate wetlands located within the circle without being forced to cross maintained public roads (any width), lawns, annually tilled fields, bare

ground, marine waters, channels wider than 150 ft, and/or steep (>30%) slopes, mark 1= yes can move, or 0= no cannot move, or no other

wetlands present within 0.5 mile.

0

The route to other wetlands need not be direct -- it may be circuitous to avoid the barrier, as long

as the travel route remains entirely within the circle. [AM, SBM, STR]

From the center of the AA, the distance to the nearest maintained public road (dirt or paved) or railroad track is:

<100 ft 0

100-500 ft 1

500-1000 ft 0

1000-2600 ft 0

0.5- 1 mile 0

>1 mile 0

OF4 From the center of the AA, the distance to the nearest cultivated area larger than 0.1 hectare with annual crops (tillage fields) is:

<10 m 0

10 - 100 m 0

100 - 500 m 0

500 - 1000 m 0

>1000 m (>1 km) 1

[POLv]

"Population center" means a settled area with more than about 50 year-round residents per

square mile. [FAv, FRv, NRv, PH, PU, SBM, STR, WBFv]

Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol (WESP) beta version 1.3. This method is intended for use in assessing ecosystem services (functions & values) of all wetland types throughout temperate North America, but has not yet

been tested or calibrated widely. WESP is provided for free with the understanding that if you see a need to optimize WESP for a particular state or region, you will consult with its primary developer (Dr. Paul Adamus, Oregon State

University: [email protected]). Modifications to WESP can potentially reduce its high repeatability (+ or - 0.5 point on a 1-10 scale). For most wetlands, completing a WESP assessment requires 1-3 hours. For most wetlands,

completing an assessment requires 1-3 hours. Numbers from the Scores worksheet may be used to (a) estimate a wetland’s relative ecological condition, stress, and sensitivity, (b) compare relative levels of ecosystem services

among different wetland types, or (c) compare those in a single wetland before and after restoration, enhancement, or loss. This information should be used to inform restoration design and performance standards, and to adjust or

qualify mitigation ratios so they ensure functional replacement. For guidance and detailed descriptions of how scores are calculated from this information, see Chapters 2 & 3 of the accompanying Manual. For a documented rationale

for each indicator, open each of the worksheets below (one for each function or value) and see column H. For a listing of functions to which each question pertains, see bracketed codes in column E. Codes for functions and values

are: WS= Water Storage, SFS= Stream Flow Support, WC= Water Cooling, WW= Water Warming, SR= Sediment Retention, PR= Phosphorus Retention, NR= Nitrate Removal, CS= Carbon Sequestration, OE= Organic Export, INV=

Invertebrates, FA= Anadromous Fish, FR= Resident Fish, AM= Amphibians, WBF= Feeding Waterbirds, WBN= Nesting Waterbirds, SBM= Songbirds, Mammals, & Raptors, POL= Pollinators, PH= Plant Habitat, PU= Public Use &

Recognition, EC= Ecological Condition, Sens= Sensitivity, STR= Stressors.

Office (OF) Data Form for Non-tidal Wetlands. WESP beta version 1.3

Investigator & Date: Ian Bryson, CBCL - July 2016

Distance by Road to

Nearest Population

Center

OF1

Site Name: Anglican Synod Wetland, St Johns NL

Directions: Conduct an assessment only after reading the accompanying Manual and explanations in column E below. Answering many of the following questions requires viewing aerial imagery and maps, covering an area up to

within 2 miles of the AA. Consulting existing maps and other spatial data (GIS layers) may be necessary to answer some of the questions. However, where such information conflicts with your field observations, the field observations

should usually control. In the Data column below, change the 0 (false) to a 1 (true) for the best choice, or for multiple choices where allowed and so indicated. Do not write in any shaded parts of this data form. Although some land

cover types can vary greatly from year to year, report only the conditions known to prevail during the majority of the past 5 years, or if unknown, then the conditions found in the available aerial imagery.

Distance to Nearest

Maintained Road or

Railroad

Distance to Nearest

Cultivated Area

[AM, FAv, FRv, PH, PU, SBM, STR, WBN]OF3

Form OF Non-tidal 1

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

A B C D E

The minimum distance from the AA edge to the edge of the closest patch or corridor of natural (but not necessarily native-- see definition on

right) land cover larger than 100 acres, is:

<150 ft, or >100 acres of perennial cover is connected to the AA (not separated by maintained roads, stretches of open water, bare ground,

lawn, or impervious surface of any width), or the AA contains >100 acres of vegetation.1

<150 ft, but separated from the 100-acre perennial cover patch by maintained roads, stretches of open water, bare ground, lawn, or impervious

surface of any width, and the AA does not contain >100 acres of vegetation.0

150-300 ft, with or without interrupting features 0

300-1000 ft, with or without interrupting features 0

none of the above 0

Within a 2-mile radius measured from the center of the AA, the percent of the land that has perennial cover (see definition above) is:

<5% of the land 0

5 to 20% of the land 0



>90% of the land. SKIP to OF8. 0

Within a 2-mile radius measured from the center of the AA, the area that is not perennial cover or water is mostly:

impervious surface, e.g., paved road, parking lot, building, exposed rock. 1

mostly-bare pervious surface, e.g., annually plowed fields, recent (5 yrs ago) clearcut, dirt or gravel road, landslide. 0

Including the AA's vegetated area, the largest patch or corridor that is perennial cover and is contiguous with vegetation in the AA (i.e., not

separated by roads or channels that create gaps wider than 150 ft), occupies:

<1 acre, or larger but with average width <150 ft 0

1-10 acres 0

10-100 acres 0

100-1000 acres 1

>1000 acres 0

View aerial imagery. Disqualify any patch or corridor of perennial cover where it becomes

separated from the AA by a linear gap of >150 ft, if the gap is comprised of impervious surface,

bare dirt, or lawn, or if the natural land corridor narrows to less than 150 ft. [AM, SBM, SEN,

WBN]

Size of Largest

Nearby Tract or

Corridor of Perennial

Cover

Distance to Perennial

Cover

OF8

Aerial imagery and land cover maps should be examined to answer this. [AM, SBM]

[AM, SBM]Type of Land Cover

Alteration

OF5

OF6

OF7

Perennial Cover

Extent

Perennial cover includes wooded areas, peatlands, vegetated wetlands, and most other areas of

perennial cover. It includes low-intensity timber harvest areas and clearcuts harvested more than

10 years ago. It does not include water, annual crops, residential areas, golf courses, recreational

fields, fields mowed >1x per year, pavement, bare soil, rock, bare sand, or gravel or dirt roads.

Perennial cover is not the same as native vegetation. It can include areas dominated by non-

native plants if they provide perennial cover. Aerial imagery and land cover maps should be

examined to answer this, and preferably should be verified during a site visit. Do not include

parts of the perennial cover patch or corridor that are narrower than 150 ft. [AM, SBM, SEN]

Form OF Non-tidal 2

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

A B C D E

Draw a circle of radius of 2 miles centered on the AA. Including the AA, the amount of herbaceous openland (e.g., cropland, lawns, pasture,

peatland without a forest canopy, herbaceous wetland) that is in flat terrain (slope <5%) is:

<5% of the land 1

5 to 20% 0

20 to 50% 0

50 to 80% 0

>80% 0

The distance from the AA edge to the closest patch of flat herbaceous openland (see definition above) larger than 1 acre is:

<100 ft, or the AA contains >1 acre of such cover, or is contiguous to >1 acre of such cover 0

100 to 300 ft 0

300 to 1000 ft 1

>1000 ft 0

Measure the area of the largest patch of unshaded herbaceous vegetation (but excluding moss, floating-leaved, & submerged vegetation)

within the AA as it would appear during May of a normal year. If the AA is smaller than the wetland within which it is located, extend the patch

to include contiguous herbaceous vegetation in the same wetland and revise the area estimate. Do not include herbaceous vegetation outside

of the wetland.

<0.1 acre 1

0.1 - 1 acre 0

1 to 10 acres 0

10 to 100 acres 0

100 to 1000 acres 0

>1000 acres 0

Draw a circle of 2 mile radius centered on the AA. From aerial imagery, identify if any of the following are present in >10% of the vegetated part

of the AA and also comprise less than 10% of the land area within 2 miles. Select ALL that apply:

unshaded moss (peatland, muskeg) 0

herbaceous vegetation (sedges, grasses, forbs) that is unshaded and not mowed annually 0

unshaded shrubland 1

deciduous or coniferous trees 1

high density of woody cover (i.e., denser than in >90% of the land within 2 miles) 1

none of above 0

Draw a circle of radius of 2 miles centered on the AA. Including water ponded in the AA itself or in a fringing non-marine water body, the

amount of water that is ponded (standing) during most of the year is:

<5% of the circle, located in 5 or fewer ponds or lakes 0

<5% of the circle, located in >5 ponds or lakes 1

5 to 30%, located in 10 or fewer ponds or lakes 0

5 to 30%, located in >10 ponds or lakes 0

>30%, located in 15 or fewer ponds or lakes 0

>30%, located in >15 ponds or lakes 0

The minimum distance from the AA edge to the closest non-tidal wetland, pond, or lake that is larger than 1 acre, is ponded most of the year,

and is not part of the same wetland, pond, or lake as the AA, is:

<300 ft, and connected with a natural land corridor 0

<300 ft, but no uninterrupted natural land corridor 0

300-1000 ft, and connected with a natural land corridor 1

300-1000 ft, but no uninterrupted natural land corridor 0

>1000 ft, and connected with a natural land corridor 0

>1000 ft, but no uninterrupted natural land corridor 0

The distance from the AA edge to the closest (but separate) lake (a non-tidal body of water that is ponded during most of the year and is larger

than 20 acres or about 1000 ft on a side) during most of a normal year is:

<1 mile 0

Open Flat Land in

Landscape

OF15

OF13

OF14

Proximity to Open

Land

OF9

Ponded Water in

Landscape

OF10

OF12

OF11

Ponded Water

Proximity

Do not include orchards and vineyards as cropland in this question. [POL, WBF]

Wetland Local

Uniqueness

Aerial imagery should be examined to help answer this, but should be verified during a site visit:

[AMv, INVv, PHv, POLv, SBMv, SEN, WBFv, WBNv]

Aerial imagery should be examined to answer this. [POL, WBF]

As used in this question, ponded water includes any surface water greater than 1 acre that is not

obviously part of a river, stream, or tidal system. Also include herbaceous (emergent) wetlands

larger than 1 acre if they are inundated and water is ponded at least seasonally. [AM, PH, SBM,

SEN, WBF, WBN]

"Uninterrupted" means no roads, other unvegetated lands, or lawns -- regardless of their width.

"Perennial" land corridor means a corridor comprised of perennial cover as defined in OF4

above. If multiple smaller water bodies are separated by <150 ft they may be combined when

evaluating acreage. [ AM, PH, SBM, SEN, WBF, WBN]

If multiple smaller water bodies are separated by <150 ft they may be combined when evaluating

acreage. [SEN, WBF, WBN]

Use the Measure tool in GoogleEarth to determine this, or estimate during a site visit.

Herbaceous openland can include (for example) peatland without a tree canopy, pasture,

herbaceous wetland, meadow, row crops, plowed land, golf courses, grassed airports, and

hayfields. Do not include marine waters or open water of lakes, ponds, or rivers. [PH, SBM, SEN,

WBF, WBN]

Distance to Lake

Herbaceous

Vegetation Extent in

AA

Form OF Non-tidal 3

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

A B C D E

1-5 miles 1

>5 miles and on the mainland or the same island 0

>5 miles and on a different island 0

The distance from the AA edge to the closest tidal water body is:

<300 ft 0

300-1000 ft 0

1000 ft - 1 mile 0

1-5 miles 1

>5 miles 0

OF15

OF16

If multiple smaller water bodies are separated by <150 ft they may be combined when evaluating

acreage. [SEN, WBF, WBN]

[AM, CS, FA, FR, INV, NR, OE, PH, PR, PU, SBM, SEN, SR, WBF, WBN, WWv]

Distance to Lake

Tidal Proximity

Form OF Non-tidal 4

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

A B C D E

Most of the edge between the wetland and upland is (select one):

Linear: a significant proportion of the wetland's upland edge is straight, as in wetlands bounded partly or wholly by dikes or roads. 0

Convoluted: Wetland perimeter is many times longer than maximum width of the wetland, with many alcoves and indentations ("fingers").1

Intermediate: Wetland's perimeter either (a) is only mildly convoluted, or (b) mixed -- contains a lesser amount of artificially straight edge.0

OF18 Floodable Property From floodplain maps, topographic maps, aerial imagery, and/or contacts with public works and planning agencies, determine IF: downslope

from the AA and within 2 miles, structures are within a mapped 100-year floodplain or flood damage to structures has been documented, and

BOTH the following are true:

(a) The downslope flood damages were (or would be) caused mainly by rising river levels associated with precipitation and snow, not by high

tides, hillslope runoff, or sudden icefalls AND

(b) Between the AA and the downslope damage area, peak flow in a connecting channel (if any) is NOT regulated by dams.

If true, enter “1” in next column. If false, enter “0”.

0

[WSv]

Mark just the first choice that is true. The AA:

a) is known to support anadromous fish feeding and/or spawning. 0

b) is probably accessible to anadromous and other fish (at least seasonally, at least for feeding, partially or entirely), but anadromous fish have

not been documented..0

c) is not accessible to anadromous fish, but other resident fish are known (or can be assumed) present. 1

d) is fishless (i.e., not accessible to anadromous fish and is known or can be assumed to have no resident fish). 0

e) fish presence and potential fish access are unknown and undeterminable. 0

OF20 Designated IBA The AA is within or contains part of an officially designated Important Bird Area (IBA). Enter 1= yes, 0= no. 0

[SBMv, WBFv, WBNv]

The mean annual precipitation in the vicinity of the AA is (or was modeled as) (rounded to the nearest whole number):

A [insert appropriate range for this region] 0

B 0

C 0

D 1

E 0

F 0

no information available 0

The mean annual temperature in the vicinity of the AA is (or was modeled as) (rounded to the nearest whole number):

A [insert appropriate range for this region] 0

B 0

C 0

D 1

E 0

no information available 0

OF23 Basic pH or Karst The AA (a) is in a karst area as shown in geologic maps, or (b) has surface water that during most of the growing season has pH measured at

>7.5 or CaCO3 alkalinity >100 mg/L, or (c) is known to be underlain by limestone bedrock with a very high (>70%) calcium carbonate content.

Enter 1= yes, 0= no. 0

In karst landscapes, the bedrock is likely to have many subsurface cracks, channels, caves, and

sinkholes, and presence of karst is suggested by prevalence of certain plants. [AM, FA, FR, INV,

OE, PH]

OF24 Granitic Soils The AA is underlain primarily by granitic formations or glacial till that is known to be granitic, as indicated by geologic maps or preferably from

direct observation. Enter 1= yes, 0= no. 0[FR, INV, OE, PH]

A stream channel or upland within 200 ft upslope from the AA has been classified by specialists as highly erodible, unstable, or a landslide

hazard. Or, there is documentation of landslides, debris flows, or severe erosion above the AA within the past 20 years.

yes, and such conditions or classifications intersect the AA. 0

yes, but the conditions or classifications do not reach or intersect the AA. 0

no, or no information but very unlikely that AA is intersected by highly erodible lands or landslides 1

no information 0

OF17

OF21

Consider steep upslope areas with shallow depth to bedrock and/or dominated by alder to be

likely zones of past and possibly future erosion. [PH, PRv, SEN, SRv]

OF22

OF25

OF19 Proof of use is not required -- only fish access. Streams with average gradients (measured over

about a dozen feet) of more than 12%, can be assumed to be inaccessible to fish unless data

show otherwise. [AM, FA, FR, INV, NRv, PRv, WBF]

Fish Access or Use

Temperature, Mean

Annual

The category breaks may be based on the 10, 25, 50, 75, and 90th percentiles of modeled data

for grid cells covering the region. [AM, CS, FR, INV, NR, OE, PH, PR, SEN, SR, WBF, WCv, WS,

WWv]

[NR, SBM, SEN]

The category breaks may be based on the 10, 25, 50, 75, and 90th percentiles of modeled data

for grid cells covering the region. [SFS]

Upland Edge Shape

Complexity

Upslope Soil

Erodibility & Debris

Flow Potential

Precipitation, Mean

Annual

Form OF Non-tidal 5

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

144

145

146

147

148

149

150

A B C D E

Do maps or water quality data show a problem within the AA or in waters flowing into it, and the problem is that metals, hydrocarbons, or other

substances in the sediment, water, or tissues are at levels known to be harmful to aquatic life or humans? Select the first true statement. These

conditions are present:

within the AA 0

in waters within 1 mile that flow into the AA. 0

Sampling indicates no problems. 0

insufficient data, or problem is >1 mile upstream). 1

Maps or water quality data show such a problem in waters downslope from the AA. Select the first true statement. These conditions are

present:

within 1 mile downslope, and connected to the AA by a channel 0

within 1 mile downslope, but not connected to the AA by a channel 0

sampling indicates no problems 0

insufficient data, or problem is >1 mile upstream). 1

The sensitivity or vulnerability of groundwater within the AA or within 1 km downslope of the AA has been classified by geologists or soil

scientists as:

a [insert choices appropriate to this state or province] 0

b 0

c 0

d 0

e 0

f 0

g 0

h 0

none of above, or no data 1

Do NOT answer affirmatively if the problem is due to sediment, turbidity, TSS, bacteria, oxygen,

or temperature. If no quality-controlled sampling has been done, then a statement or rating

documenting the problem and published in a recent agency report or official correspondence may

be counted. Also, if time allows, in the U.S. you may query and retrieve water quality data from:

http://www.waterqualitydata.us/ Do not speculate or infer toxic conditions from presence of

potential pollution sources. The water quality problem must be ongoing, not only historical. [AM,

FA, FR, SRv, STR, WBF, WBN]

OF26

Toxicity Documented

Downstream

[NRv]Drinking Water

Source

See above. [SRv]OF27

OF28

Toxicity Documented

Upstream

Form OF Non-tidal 6

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158

159

160

161

162

163

164

165

166

167

168

169

170

171

172

173

174

175

176

177

178

A B C D E

This AA's relative position is [see last column for specific guidance ]:

in the upper one-third of the watershed, or distant from the basin's largest river or stream

1

in the middle one-third of the watershed0

in the lower one-third of the watershed, or very near the watershed's largest river or stream0

On a topographic map, draw the approximate bounds of this AA's contributing area (see Manual ). Relative to the extent of this contributing

area (CA), the AA comprises:

<1% of its CA (including but not limited to most wetlands flooded annually by a major river, many in karst landscapes, and most that have

multiple tributaries).0

1 to 10% of its CA 1

10 to 100% of its CA 0

Larger than the area of its CA (wetland has essentially no CA, e.g., isolated by dikes with no input channels, or is in terrain so flat that a CA

can't be delineated). SKIP TO OF34.0

The overland flow direction of most surface water (in streams or runoff) that enters the AA from its contributing area is:

Northward (N, NE). north-facing CA. 0

Southward (S, SW). south-facing CA. 0

other (E, SE, W, NW), or no detectable uphill slope or input channel (flat) 1

The proportion of the AA's contributing area (measured to no more than 1000 ft upslope) that is comprised of buildings, roads, parking lots,

other pavement, exposed bedrock, debris flows, and other mostly-bare (but unfrozen) surface is about :

<10% 1

10 to 25% 0

>25% 0

A relatively large proportion of the precipitation that falls farther upslope in the CA reaches this wetland quickly as runoff (surface water), as

indicated by the following:

(a) input channel is present,

(b) input channels have been straightened,

(c) upslope wetlands have been ditched extensively,

(d) land cover is mostly non-forest,

(e) CA slopes are steep, and/or

(f) most CA soils are shallow and/or have high runoff coefficients.

This statement is:

Mostly true 0

Somewhat true 0

Mostly untrue 1

The straight-line horizontal distance from the wetland's inlet to outlet is: [Note: If inlet and/or outlet are lacking, measure from the highest- to

lowest-elevation point in the wetland, or if wetland is flat, use the maximum width measured perpendicular to topographic lines uphill from the

wetland.]

<150 ft 0

150-300 ft 0

300-800 ft 0

800-2000 ft 1

2000 ft - 1 mile 0

>1 mile 0

OF30

OF32

OF33 [NRv, PRv, SRv, WSv]

The CA is basically the upslope area that has the potential to deliver water to the wetland, and is

a subset of the watershed. The CA boundary typically does not cross any streams or ditches

except the one at the wetland outlet (if any). Remember that if the wetland is flooded as little as

once every 2 years by river flow, the CA includes all upriver lands that feed that flooding river. If

the wetland is on the fringe of a pond or lake, compare the area of that water body to its

contributing area -- not the area of the wetland compared to only the wetland's contributing area.

For most wetlands, and especially ones containing tributaries, the first choice will be the most

appropriate. [NR, PR, SEN, SR, WSv]

Straight-line rather than channel distance is used here only for simplicity of measurement. [NR,

OE, PR, SR, WS]

Internal Flow Distance

(Path Length)

[FA, INV, NRv, PRv, SRv, STR, WCv, WSv, WWv]

If there are no inflowing streams: In what direction does most runoff or groundwater flow as it

moves through this AA? [AM, NR, PH, POL, SFS, WC, WS, WWv]

Refer to the state or provincial maps of watershed boundaries and interpret as follows:

1) Which end of the watershed is the bottom? Where streams join, the “V” that they form on the

map points towards bottom of the watershed.

2) If the AA is closer to the watershed's outlet than to its upper end, and is closer to the river or

large stream that exits at the bottom of the watershed than it is to the boundary (margin) of the

watershed, then check "lower 1/3” If not near that river, check "middle 1/3".

3) If the AA is closer to the watershed upper end than to its outlet, and is closer to the boundary

(margin) of the watershed than to the river or large stream that exits at the bottom of the

watershed, then check "upper 1/3”

4) For all other conditions, check "middle 1/3". [AM, CS, FA, FR, NR, OE, PH, PR, PU,

SBM, SEN, SFS, SR, WBF, WCv, WS, WWv]

Unvegetated Surface

in the Contributing

Area

OF31 Aspect

OF34

Transport From

Upslope

OF29 Elevation in

Watershed

Contributing Area

(CA) Percent

Form OF Non-tidal 7

179

180

181

182

183

A B C D E

Mark just the first choice that is true. One or more of these species -- [insert list of regionally rare or declining amphibian or turtle species]--

has been detected semi-annually under conditions similar to what now occur, by a qualified observer:

in the AA 0

outside the AA only, but within 0.5 mile and at nearly the same elevation (<500 ft higher). 0

outside the AA only, and 0.5 to 2 miles away and at nearly the same elevation. 0

other conditions, or no data 1

OF35 [AM, SEN]Amphibian Use

Form OF Non-tidal 8

184

185

186

187

188

189

190

191

192

193

194

195

196

197

198

199

200

201

202

203

204

205

206

207

A B C D E

Mark just the first choice below that is true. One or more of these species -- [insert list of regionally rare breeding waterbird species]-- has been

detected semi-annually under conditions similar to what now occur, by a qualified observer:

in the AA 0

outside the AA but within 0.5 mile, in a generally similar wetland 0

outside the AA and 0.5 to 2 miles away, in a generally similar wetland 0

beyond 2 miles, or no recent observation of these species by a qualified observer under conditions similar to what now occur, or no data.

However: at least one of the following have been confirmed nesting in the AA: [insert list of regionally uncommon but not rare species] 0


Mark just the first choice below that is true. One or more of these species -- [insert list of regionally rare nonbreeding waterbird species]-- has

been detected semi-annually under conditions similar to what now occur, by a qualified observer:

in the AA 0



beyond 2 miles, or no recent observation of these species by a qualified observer under conditions similar to what now occur, or no data. 1

Mark just the first choice below that is true. One or more of these species -- [insert list of regionally rare breeding songbird and raptor species]--

has been detected semi-annually under conditions similar to what now occur, by a qualified observer:

in the AA 0



beyond 2 miles, or no recent observation of these species by a qualified observer under conditions similar to what now occur. However: at

least one of the following have been confirmed nesting in the AA: [insert list of regionally uncommon but not rare species] 0


The AA contains an uncommon or imperiled wetland indicator plant that is (a) listed in Table ?? of the Manual, or (b) is a native species that is

not listed as occurring in the region but has been detected within the AA under conditions similar to what now occur, by a qualified observer,

and:

more than 1 such feature or species is present in the AA 0

only one such species or feature is present in the AA 1

there are no recent observations of these in the AA by a qualified observer under conditions similar to what now occur, or no data. 0

OF40 Mitigation Investment The AA is all or part of a mitigation site used explicitly to offset impacts elsewhere. Enter: yes= 1, no= 0. If no information, change to blank.0

[PU]

OF41 Conservation

Investment

The AA is part of or contiguous to a wetland on which public or private organizational funds were spent to preserve, create, restore, enhance,

the wetland (excluding mitigation wetlands). Enter: yes= 1, no= 0. If no information, change to blank. 0voluntary= WRP, CRP, land trust easements with partial public funding, etc. Locations of some

sites are shown online at: http://www.conservationregistry.org/ [PU]

OF42 Sustained Scientific

Use

Plants, animals, or water in the AA have been monitored for >2 years, unrelated to any regulatory requirements, and data are available to

the public. Or the AA is part of an area that has been designated by an agency or institution as a benchmark, reference, or status-trends

monitoring area. Enter: yes= 1, no= 0. If no information, change to blank.0

[PU]

OF39

OF36

OF37 These are waterbird species of conservation concern that, in most cases, do not breed in this

region but feed here regularly, especially during migration and/or winter. [SEN, WBFv]

Non-breeding

(Feeding) Waterbird

Species of

Conservation Concern

Nesting Waterbird

Species of


Plants of


Songbird or Raptor

Species of


[PHv, POLv, SEN]

"generally similar" means same type, where "type" is defined based on duration of ponded water

[SEN, WBNv]

OF38 These are wetland-associated songbird or raptor species of conservation concern that nest in this

region. [SBMv, SEN]

Form OF Non-tidal 9


APPENDIX C

Subdivision Concept Plan

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING & CONSULTING

62 CAMPBELL AVENUEST. JOHN'S, NLA1E 2Z6

TEL: (709) 368-1669FAX: (709) 368-0318

[email protected]


APPENDIX D

Penney Crescent As-built Drawings

Anglican Synod Wetland - City Of St. John's · This document was prepared for the party indicated...

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