Wetland Delineation Waters of the US ReportFinal Wetland Delineation/Waters of the U.S. Report
Glacier Town Center
Kalispell, MT
Preparedfor:
CTA Architects Engineers
fo r
Wolford Development, Inc.
Prepared by:
Hyalite Environmental, LLP
� P.O. Box 90
Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
(406) 763-4228
April 2007
Table of Contents
List of Figures
11
1.0
Introduction 1
2.0
Site Description 1
3.0
Methods 2
4.0
Results and Discussion 2
5.0
Wetlands and Waters of the U.S. Summary 5
6.0
References Cited 6
Figures
Appendix A: Photographs
Appendix B: Delineation Data Sheets
Appendix C: Additional Methodology Information
Final Wetland Delineation Report i Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, MT April 2007
List of Figures
Figure 1. Location of site
Figure 2a. 2006 Aerial photo of site
Figure 2b. 2006 Aerial photo of riparian portion of Glacier Town Center property
Figure 3: Wetland Delineation Map / Waters of US
Figure 4. Stream classification from National Hydrography Database (NHD) and Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks (MFWP)
Figure 5. Water rights and ground water wells
Figure 6. Soil survey map for the proposed project site
Final Wetland Delineation Report 11 Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, MT April 2007
1.0 Introduction
A wetland delineation was conducted in April 2007, by Hyalite Environmental, LLP (Hyalite), at the
request of CTA Architects Engineers, the design firm representing Wolford Development, Inc. The
parcel of interest is located just north of Kalispell, Montana. Hyalite personnel performing the work
were Chris Thelen, P.E., and Carol Lee -Roark, Ph.D. Field investigations were conducted on April
16 and 17, 2007.
The objective of the investigation was to provide the design team with an assessment describing the
type and extent of the wetlands and/or waters of the US located on the property for planning and
development, submittals and discussions with the County / City Planners and/or Commissioners, and
potential Section 404 and other environmental permitting requirements. A Wetland Delineation /
Waters of the US Report is being submitted that summarizes the findings of the field investigation
and the resources that were consulted in databases, published references and via interviews. This
document identifies the location of potential jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the US at the
proposed project site.
2.0 Site Description
The property of interest is located in Kalispell, MT, north of West Reserve Street, and between
Whitefish Stage Road and US Highway 93 (Figure 1). The property is comprised of 12 parcels and
is approximately 485 acres. The public land survey system location of the parcel of interest is
Sections 19 and 30, Township 29 North, Range 21 West, MPM.
The property is located on the upland that divides the lower Stillwater River and Whitefish River
drainages (Figure 2). The confluence of the two rivers is approximately 1.87 river miles south of the
site. Current use of the property is agriculture, including production of wheat and alfalfa. The
property ranges from 2960 feet above mean sea level on the southwest corner of the property next to
the Stillwater River, and rises to 3030 feet above mean sea level along the northern boundary.
The Kalispell weather station has recorded the average annual total precipitation as 15.26 inches
(Western Regional Climate Center, 2007). The average maximum temperature is 81.9°Fahrenheit
(F) in July and average minimum temperature is 14.4°Fin January. The average total annual
snowfall is 53.5 inches, and the average snow depth for January is 6 inches.
Final Wetland Delineation Report 1 Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT April 2007
3.0 Methods
The field investigation of the wetland areas followed the methods of the US Army Corps of
Engineers (COE) as authorized by 1977 Executive Order and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act,
and explained in the 1987 COE Wetlands Manual (COE, 1987; WTI, 1999). A Routine Level-2
Determination Method was used in the field to provide qualitative data. In addition, a review of
published records, survey maps and interviews with appropriate experts or persons with specific
knowledge of the site were used to finalize the delineation. Hyalite used aerial photos, calibrated
and quantified survey data from CTA, and field measurements by Hyalite to map the wetlands and
waters of the US for the site. The field delineation forms from Hyalite's field investigations are
included here in Appendix B. Additional methodology information describing the delineation
process and indicators, jurisdictional determination, and specific references used, are included in
Appendix C .
4.0 Results and Discussion
One potential water of the US with affiliated fringe wetlands was identified on the property (Figure
3). The eastern side of the Stillwater River borders the property at the southwestern edge. The
Stillwater River is considered a water of the US and contains varying amounts of fringe wetlands
(WL-1) along the eastern edge of the river. Approximately 032 acres of fringe wetlands were
delineated within the boundary of the property. Photos of the river and fringe wetlands are provided
in Appendix A.
The following sections describe the hydrology, soils and vegetation found within the drainages and
wetlands. There were no other drainage swales, irrigation ditches or roadside ditches with potential
waters of the US or wetlands within the site boundaries. The two rows of woody vegetation that run
north -south in the northern quarter of the site are an un-irrigated dry land windbreak planted in the
193 0' s, with no ditch or drainage swale located within the windbreak.
4.1 Results and Discussion -- Hydrology
The eastern edge of the Stillwater River borders the property at the southwestern corner and is the
only surface water channel within the property. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) and
the National Hydrography Database (NHD) stream classification systems both identify the Stillwater
River as a stream (Figure 4). The Stillwater River is a tributary to the Flathead River. The fields
within the property are irrigated using underground distribution piping and sprinkler (wheel line)
irrigation, and there are no surface irrigation ditches on the property. There are also no significant
roadside ditches with any potential waters of the US or wetlands.
Field investigations were conducted on April 16-17, 2007. The site was relatively dry, with no snow
accumulation on the ground at the time of the field investigation. The Stillwater River was flowing
close to the normal high water mark during the field investigation due to spring runoff conditions.
Final Wetland Delineation Report 2 Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT April 2007
According to current land operators and adjacent landowners, overland surface flows occur during
snow melt and spring runoff over frozen ground, with some flows reaching the Stillwater River.
USGS records for flow on the Stillwater show that highest flows have historically occurred during
rain-on-snow/frozen ground or midwinter thaw conditions. Although spring highflows are of longer
duration, they are of less magnitude than the mid -winter highflow events.
The Stillwater is incised in two stages through the area of interest. The river is incised within a
valley approximately twenty feet deep. The floodplain within that incised valley ranges from
approximately 300 to 100 feet wide. Throughout the area of interest near the Glacier Town Center
property, the river ranges from 200- to 3 3 0-feet wide. At the present day waters -edge, the river is
again incised, approximately 2 to 5 feet.
The portion of the Stillwater River within the property boundary encompasses a small peninsula, the
inside of a meander of the river within the floodplain that is likely pinned to this point by the
entrance of a culverted drainage swale on the southwest side of the river (from approximately the
intersection of US Highway 93 and West Reserve Drive). There is an abrupt bank edge around most
of the peninsula with vertical bank heights in the range of 2-5 feet (Photos 3 and 4, Appendix A).
Where the curving meander channel that circumscribes the peninsula meets the straighter portion of
the river channel just northwest and southeast of the peninsula, the bank edge of the GTC parcel is
more gradual and there is a dense scrub -shrub vegetation zone (Photos 1, 4 and 6, Appendix A). In
the reaches of gradual bank, there is a greater area at the edge of the river that is within the zone of
hydrologic fluctuation (of the river, groundwater table and saturated capillary fringe). It is only
within this range of fluctuating hydrology that the soils are saturated for sufficient duration to meet
the hydrology criterion for a wetland.
Data from the Ground Water Information Center (GWIC) indicates that the ground water in the
vicinity of the property ranges from 9 feet below the ground surface to over 200 feet below the
ground surface in wells located on the bench. Aground water well and water rights map for the
area is provided in Figure 5 (NRCS, 2007). In addition, ground water information from two
previous studies indicates that ground water levels are at depths greater than 10 feet below ground
surface. A Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation performed for the property in July 2003
measured saturated soils at depths ranging from 4.5 to greater than forty feet below ground surface
(TD&H, 2003). Shallow monitoring wells that were installed across the northern portion of the
property in 2004 recorded 68 wells out of the 75 wells installed as dry (Flathead City/County Health
Dept. 2007). The remaining 7 wells recorded ground water levels at approximately 10 feet or
greater. None of an additional sixteen soil borings drilled to 48 inches below the ground surface in
March of 2004 encountered ground water (TD&H, 2004).
4.2 Results and Discussion -- Soils
Soil maps published for this area (NRCS, 2007) show several soil units residing within the property
(Figure 6). The main soil series for the site includes the Blanchard, Tally and Kalispell series.
These soils series consist of very deep, well to excessively drained soils that formed in material
derived from eolian, alluvium or glaciofluvial deposits. Permeability is considered moderate to
Final Wetland Delineation Report 3 Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT April 2007
rapid. None of the soil units within the property are listed as hydric soils except for one: the Alluvial
land, well drained soil unit. The Alluvial land, well drained soil unit resides next to the Stillwater
River. This soil unit is considered hydric by the NRCS and consists of a well -drained fine sandy
loam with moderately rapid permeability.
Soil test pits were dug within the property to verify soil classifications. Soil test pit SP-1 was dug in
the vicinity of the wind -break row. The soils in SP-1 were a very dark brown (lOYR 2/2) and
contained many small and large root matter. The top 3 inches was entirely organic matter. Soil test
pit SP-2 was dug adjacent to the Stillwater River in a depressional area. The soils in SP-2 were dark
gray brown (IOYR 3/ 1) for the entire depth of the pit (18 inches) and did not contain mottling. The
field delineation data sheets are included in Appendix B.
4.3 Results and Discussion — Vegetation
The distribution of vegetation communities in the riparian area of the Glacier Town Center is
determined by a combination of anthropomorphic and hydrologic conditions that reflect the
topography. The steep banks (20-foot outer incised banks of the river valley) are characteristically
wooded, since they primarily are too steep for agricultural equipment. The flatter floodplain has
been cleared of shrubs and brush for agricultural and aesthetic considerations by previous
landowners. The zone of fluctuation of saturated conditions adjacent to the river, which varies in
width based upon the steepness of the innermost, incised, active river bank, has remained covered
with thick scrub -shrub.
Field work was performed inmid-April, so that identification of woody species was based upon tree
form, bark and buds. The woody vegetation in the fringe wetlands adjacent to the river is comprised
of Alnus incana (speckled alder — FACW), Salix spp. (willows — OBL to FACW), and Cornus
stolonifera (red -osier dogwood — FACW). The Salix appear to be dominantly S. exigua (sand bar
willow — OBL) and S. drummondi (Drummond's willow — FACW). Herbaceous vegetation is very
limited in the thick scrub/shrub, but is dominantly Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass —
FACW).
The cleared area of the floodplain is dominated by grass species. During field investigations, at least
one wheat grass was noted, but the majority of the grass appeared to be Bromus inermis (smooth
brome — NI). Phalaris arundinancea (reed canary grass — FACW) is an aggressive colonizer, and
although establishment of a strong stand with seed -reproduction requires an area of wetland
hydrologic conditions, runners of the reed canary grass community extend into the adjacent area that
does not have wetland hydrologic conditions through the aggressive extension of runners and
vegetative reproduction. Trees and shrubs that have not been cleared from the floodplain are
dominated by Salix spp, with minor hawthorne and wild rose.
Final Wetland Delineation Report 4 Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT April 2007
5.0 Wetland and Waters of the U.S. Summary
The portion of the Stillwater River that borders the property will most likely be considered "waters
of the US", and therefore, be considered jurisdictional by the COE. The fringe wetlands associated
with this watercourse are also anticipated to be jurisdictional, since they are adjacent to a water of
the US. A summary of the findings of this wetland delineation and investigation of waters of the US
is presented below in Table 1. The COE makes the final determination of jurisdiction.
Table 1. Summary of Wetlands/Waters of the U.S.
Wetland /Water
Likely
Designation
Type
Jurisdictional
Areal Extent
(Figure 3)
Status
WL-1
Riverine
Jurisdictional
032 acres
Stillwater River
Water of US
Jurisdictional
Final Wetland Delineation Report 5 Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT April 2007
6.0 References Cited
COE —see US Army Corps of Engineers
Flathead City/County Health Dept., 2007. Groundwater Monitoring Results for Wolford Property,
Received November 16, 2004.
Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2007. "Ground Water Information Center." Retrieved
April 2007, from http://mbmggwic.mtech.edu/
NRCS — see Natural Resource Conservation Service
Natural Resource Conservation Service, 2007. "Water Right Query System." Retrieved April
2007, http://nris.state.mt.us/apps/dnrc2002/waterrightmain.asp
Natural Resource Conservation Service, 2004. Natural Resource Conservation Service. "Hydric Soils
for MT617 (Upper Flathead Valley Area, MT)." Retrieved April 2007 from
http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.�ov/soils/mtsoils/hydric/mt6l7hyd.html
NRIS — see Natural Resource Information System - Montana State Library
NRIS, 2006. Natural Resource Information System Montana State Library. "Online Interactive
Map Builder." Retrieved from http://nris.state.mt.us/mapper/ April, 2007.
TD&H, 2003. "Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation for Wolford Development Site, US Hwy 93
and West Reserve Drive, Kalispell, MT." TD&H, July 2003.
US Army Corps of Engineers, 1987. "Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual." US
Army Corps of Engineers Technical Report Y-87-1: Vicksburg, MS.
US Geological Survey, 1987. "Kalispell, Montana." 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle Map.
Western Regional Climate Center, 2007, " Kalispell weather station," retrieved April 2007, from
http : //wrc c . dri . e duup date .
WTI, 1999. Wetland Training Institute, Inc. "Wetland Delineation Lecture Notes Based on Corps
of Engineers 1987 Manual." With revisions through 2001, WTI 99-1: Glenwood, NM.
Final Wetland Delineation Report 6 Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT April 2007
FIGURES
APPENDIX A
Photographs
APPENDIX B
Delineation Data Sheets
APPENDIX C
Additional Methodology Information
Figure 2a. 2006 Aerial photo of site
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Figure 2b. 2006 Aerial photo of riparian portion of Glacier Town Center property
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Figure 3. Wetland Delineation Map / Waters of the US
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Stream classification from the National
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Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) via
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flown August 2000 Water ri jkt data from the MT y
Natural Resource. Conservation Service, February
2007: Ground water w* data from the MT Bureau Ej Water right -- point Of diversion
of Mines and Geology Groundy Water Information GWIC wells
Center (GWIC), February 2007. Figure compiled by
Hyalite Environmental, LLP.
Figure 5. Water rights and ground water wells
Photo 1. Riparian area and fringe wetland along edge of Stillwater River, boundary of property -north.
Photo 2. Peninsula - showing steep embankment, looking east. Eastern edge of Stillwater River.
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT Page A-1
Photo 3. Peninsula - showing steep embankment, looking west. Eastern edge of Stillwater River.
Photo 4. Peninsula —looking south. Dense shrub -scrub vegetation next to river.
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT Page A-2
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Photo 5. Soil test pit SP-2. Located in peninsula in depressional area.
Photo 6. Riparian area and fringe wetland along edge of Stillwater River, boundary of property -south.
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT Page A-3
Glacier Town Center, Kalispell, MT Page A-4
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual)
Project/Site: Glacier Town Center Date: 4/17/07
Applicant/Owner: CTA Engineers Architects County: Flathead
Investigator: Chris Thelen, P.E., Carol Lee -Roark, Ph.D State: MT
Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Do Normal Circumstances exist on site? Yes Community ID: fringe wetland
within 3-4 feet (vertical) of
Stillwater River
Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? No Transect ID:
Is the area a potential Problem Area? No Plot ID: SP-2
(If needed, explain on reverse)
VEGETATION
Dominant Plant Species
Stratum
Indicator
1. Alnus incana, speckled alder
T35
FACW
2. Cornus stolonifera, red osier dogwood
T20
FACW
3. Salix spp., willow species (S. exigua, S. drummondl)
T35
OBL, FACW
4. Alnus incana, speckled alder
S20
FACW
5. Cornus stolonifera, red osier dogwood
S40
FACW
6. Salix spp., willow species (S. exigua, S. drummondi)
S20
OBL, FACW
7. Bromus inermis (smooth brome)
?H30
N
8. Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass)
?H30
FACW
9. other grasses
?H20
Likely FAC
Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW or FAC (excluding FAC-)
Tree >=90%; Shrub >=90; H? likely >=90%
Remarks: bank adjacent to river primarily occupied by scrub/shrub; herbaceous layer very limited.
Species determination of grasses was not possible due to timing
of field investigation;
no Typha,
Juncus, Carex species present
HYDROLOGY
X Recorded Data (describe in remarks)
X Stream, Lake or Tide Gauge
X Aerial Photographs
Other
No Recorded Data Available
Field Observations (inches)
Depth of Surface Water:
Depth to Free Water in Pit:
Depth to Saturated Soil:
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators:
Inundated
Drift lines
X Sat. upper 12 in
Sediment deposits
X Water Marks X
Drainage Pattern
Secondary Indicators:
Oxidized root channels upper
12 inches
Water stain leaves
FAC-neutral test
X Local Soil Survey
Other (explain)
Remarks:
Stillwater River provides hydrology for fringe wetlands along edge of river.
SOILS
Map Unit Name Alluvial Land, well drained (Ab)
Plot ID: SP-2
(Series and Phase)
Drainage Well drained, with
Class: 10% poorly drained
Taxonomy (subgroup)
Field observation confirm
mapped type? YES X NO
Depth Horizon Matrix Color Mottle
Mottle texture, structure
(in) (moist) Color
abundance concretions
0-18 10 YR 3/1
none silty sandy loam
Hydric Soil Indicators
Histosol
Concretions
Histic Epipedon
High organic content sandy soils
Sulfidic Odor
Organic streaking sandy soils
Aquic Moisture Regime
X Listed on local Hydric-Soil list
Reducing Conditions
Listed on National Hydric-Soil list
X Gleyed /low chroma
Other (explain in remarks)
Remarks:
Soils mapped as hydric unit throughout riparian zone.
WETLAND DETERMINATION
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes X No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes X No Is this Sampling Point
Hydric Soils Present? Yes X No within a Wetland? Yes X No
Remarks:
Project/Site:
Applicant/Owner:
ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION
(1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual)
Glacier Town Center
CTA Engineers Architects
Investigator: Chris Thelen, P.E., Carol Lee -Roark, Ph.D
Hyalite Environmental, LLP
Do Normal Circumstances exist on site? Yes
Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? No
Is the area a potential Problem Area? No
(If needed, explain on reverse)
VEGETATION
Date: 4/17/07
County: Flathead
State: MT
Community ID: uphill of fringe
wetland community, within the
riparian
Transect ID:
Plot ID: SP-2
Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator
1. Salix spp., willow species T90 FAC
2. Salix spp., willow species S60 FAC
3. Rosa sp S20 FAC to UPL
4. Bromus inermis (smooth brome) ?H30 N
5. Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) ?H5 FACW
6. other grasses ?H20 Likely FAC
7.
Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW or FAC (excluding FAC-)
T>=90%; S>=60%; H>=25%; wetland veg but very ambiguous (no strong wetland
species)
Remarks: Scrub / shrub has been cleared from the flat floodplain terrace (approximately 3 - 8 feet
above the river) and mown in the past (bench under tree at point of the peninunsala; minor (10%)
weedy species (including Cynoglossum officinale [hounds tongue] ) suggest that it has been less
well maintained recently than previously; some more steeply sloping areas remain scrub/shrub.
Species determination of grasses was not possible due to timing of field investigation; no Typha,
Juncus, Carex species present
HYDROLOGY
X Recorded Data (describe in remarks)
X Stream, Lake or Tide Gauge
X Aerial Photographs
Other
No Recorded Data Available
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators:
Inundated Drift lines
Sat. upper 12 in Sediment deposits
Water Marks Drainage Pattern
Field Observations (inches) Secondary Indicators:
Depth of Surface Water: Oxidized root channels upper 12 inches
Depth to Free Water in Pit: Water stain leaves FAC-neutral test
Depth to Saturated Soil: X Local Soil Survey Other (explain)
Remarks:
Soil pit SP-2 did not have any free water within pit or show any signs of soil saturation after 2
hours.
SOILS
Map Unit Name Alluvial Land, well drained (Ab)
Plot ID: SP-2
(Series and Phase)
Drainage Well drained, with
Class: 10% poorly drained
Taxonomy (subgroup)
Field observation confirm
mapped type? YES X NO
Depth Horizon Matrix Color Mottle
Mottle texture, structure
(in)(moist) Color
abundance concretions
0-18 10 YR 3/1
none silty sandy loam
Hydric Soil Indicators
Histosol
Concretions
Histic Epipedon
High organic content sandy soils
Sulfidic Odor
Organic streaking sandy soils
Aquic Moisture Regime
X Listed on local Hydric-Soil list
Reducing Conditions
Listed on National Hydric-Soil list
X Gleyed /low chroma
Other (explain in remarks)
Remarks:
Soils mapped as hydric throughout riparian zone.
WETLAND DETERMINATION
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present?
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Hydric Soils Present?
Remarks:
Yes X No
Yes No X Is this Sampling Point
Yes X No within a Wetland?
Yes No X
METHODOLOGY
The Section 404 definition of the Clean Water Act for a wetland is "an area that is
inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to
support and under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions" (33 CFR 328.3, 40 CFR 230.3). For an area
to be classified as a Jurisdictional wetland, it must be considered a water of the US and
meet the criteria for hydrology, vegetation, and soils as set by the US Army Corps of
Engineers. The following methodology for determining if an area meets the four criteria
is presented below (WTI, 1999).
Water of the US
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act defines waters of the US to include: waters which
were or could be used for interstate or foreign commerce; all interstate waters including
interstate wetlands; all other waters including intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including
intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet
meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use of degradation of which could affect
interstate or foreign commerce; all impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters
of the US; tributaries of aforementioned waters; territorial seas; and wetlands adjacent to
aforementioned waters (other than wetlands).
According to 33 CFR 328.4(c), the limits of jurisdiction in non -tidal waters are as
follows:
• In the absence of adjacent wetlands, the jurisdiction extends to the ordinary high
water mark, or
• When adjacent wetlands are present, the jurisdiction extends beyond the ordinary
high water mark to the limit of the adjacent wetlands,
• When the water of the US consists only of wetlands the jurisdiction extends to
the limit of the wetland.
Waters of the US are regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Any impacts to
waters of the US (including jurisdictional wetlands) require review and approval
(Section 404 permitting) by the Corps. Final jurisdictional determination is always made
by the Corps.
Methods -- Hydrology
The technical criterion for wetland hydrology has been established as permanent or
periodic inundation, or soil saturation for a significant period during the growing season
(5% - 12.5 % continual duration dependent upon certain conditions) . Areas saturated to
the surface for less than 5% of the growing season are non -wetlands. Wetland hydrology
exists if field indicators are present as indicated on the field delineation sheets.
C-1
Site -specific resources used to identify site hydrology following the technical criteria of
the COE Wetland Delineation Manual (COE, 1987) include:
• Topographic maps and digital aerial orthophotos from the US Geological
Survey (USGS, NRIS);
• Hydrological data from the Montana Department of Natural Resource
Conservation (DNRC), Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Montana
Department of Environmental Quality (KRIS);
• Water rights data from DNRC (DNRC);
• National Wetland Inventory data (USFWS);
• Ground water information from the Local Water Quality District (LWQD);
and
• Ground water information from the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
(MBMG).
• Published ground water research and/or published reports with ground water
data.
Methods -- Soils
Wetlands soils are soils that have been classified as hydric, or have characteristics that
are associated with reducing soil conditions. A hydric soil is a soil that has formed under
conditions of saturation, ponding or flooding long enough during the growing season to
develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil profile. Hydric indicators
include mottles, sulfidic odor, organic soil material, saturation, and gleyed or low-chroma
color as determined by a Munsell Soil Color Chart (Munsell, 1994).
Site -specific resources used to identify hydric soils, following the technical criteria of the
COE Wetland Delineation Manual (COE, 1987) include:
• The published soils survey for the area (MRCS and MAES).
• Published soil research and/or published reports with soil data.
Additional soil identification and technical resources routinely used include:
• Hurt, G.W., P.M. Whited and R.F. Pringle (eds.), 1996. "Field Indicators of
Hydric Soils in the United States." US Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Wetland Science Institute and Soils Division, in
cooperation with National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, version 3.2:
Washington, DC.
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• Pierce, Gary J., 1989. "Chapter 6: Wetland Soils." In S.K. Maiumdar, R.P.
Brooks, F.J. Brenner and R.W. Tiner, Jr. (eds.), "Wetlands Ecology and
Conservation: Emphasis in Pennsylvania," Pennsylvania Academy of Science:
Philadelphia, PA.
• US Department of Agriculture, 1999. "Soil Taxonomy and Keys to Soil
Taxon". Agriculture Handbook, 1999 revision: Washington, DC.
• US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, 1981. "Soil Survey
Manual 430-V." Issue I. Washington, D.C.
• Vepraskas, Michael J., 1999. "Redoximorphic Features for Identifying Aquic
Conditions." North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences, Technical Bulletin 301: Raleigh, NC.
• NA?Bozeman, MT, no date, "Welcome to the Geographical Information
System (GIS)", http://www.bozeman.net/gisweb/default.htm.
Methods -- Vegetation
Plants must be physiologically or morphologically adapted for life under saturated or
anaerobic soil conditions to grow in wetlands. Plant species have been assigned a
wetland indicator status by geographic region based on their probability to occur in a
wetland. Plants are categorized as obligate wet (OBL), facultative wetland (FACW),
facultative (FAC), facultative upland (FACU), or upland (UPL). An area is considered to
have wetland vegetation if more than 50% of the dominant plant species have an
indicator status of FAC, FACW or OBL.
Site -specific resources used to identify plants and plant communities, following the
technical criteria of the COE Wetland Delineation Manual (COE, 1987) include:
• Field survey and identification of dominant plant species in tree,
sapling/shrub, herbaceous and woody vine strata;
• Use of the online database of the Natural Heritage Program to identify plants
that have been previously identified in this area (MNHP); and
• Online plants database for wetlands indicator status (USDA NRCS).
Additional plant identification and technical resources routinely used include:
• Dorn, Robert D., 1984. "Vascular Plants of Montana." Mountain West
Publishing: Cheyenne, WY.
• Hitchcock, A.S., 1971. "Manual of the Grasses of the United States, 2nd ed."
Revised by Agnes Chase, in two volumes. Dover Publications: New York, NY.
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• Hurd, Emerenciana G., Nancy L. Shaw, Joy Mastrogiuseppe, Lynda C.
Smithman and Sherel Goodrich, 1998. "Field Guide to Intermountain Sedges."
General Technical report RMRS-GTR-10, US Department of Agricullure Forest
Service Rocky Mountain Research Station: Ogden, UT.
• Lackschewitz, Klaus, 1991. "Vascular Plants of West -Central Montana --
Identification Guidebook." General Technical Report INT-277 US Department of
Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Research Station: Ogden, UT.
• Lesica, Peter, and Peter Husby, 2001. "Field Guide to Montanan's Wetland
Vascular Plants." Montana Wetlands Trust: Helena, MT.
• Montana Natural Heritage Program. "Wetland Indicator Category and County
Search." http://nhp.nris.state.mt.us/plants/index.html?guidebook.asp retrieved
9/15/2004.
• US Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. The
PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data
Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
• Weber, William A., 1976. "Rocky Mountain Flora, 51h ed." University Press
of Colorado: Boulder, CO.
Using the COE Routine Wetland Determination Method (COE, 1987), field
investigations will determine pertinent vegetation, soil and hydrology characteristics
throughout the proposed project site. If all three parameters exhibit wetland
characteristics, a positive wetland determination will be made for the area represented by
each sampling location. If any one of the parameters does not exhibit positive wetland
indicators, the area will be determined to be non -wetland. Delineation data sheets from
field investigations are included in the final delineation report.
If a wetland is also considered a water of the US, then that wetland would be considered
"jurisdictional" under the US Army Corps of Engineers and subject to Section 404
permitting requirements.
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