Wetland Delineation-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Precipitation Data Analysis Precipitation data from the Minnesota Climatology Working Group and Natural Resources Conservation Service WETS Tables were used in conjunction with the NRCS Method for Evaluating Antecedent Moisture Conditions to determine precipitation conditions under which the investigation was conducted. ON-SITE METHODOLOGY Field Sampling Procedures Sample transects were established in representative transition zones between wetland and upland for each observed plant community. For potential wetland areas greater than five acres in size, a minimum of three transects were established along the baseline wetland boundary for lengths of up to one mile, three to five transects for one to two miles, five to eight transects for two to four miles, and eight or more transects for wetland baseline boundaries that exceed four miles in length. Transect intervals do not exceed 0.5 mile apart for each other. Transects are comprised of two sample points, one sample in upland and one sample point in wetland. A field data sheet was completed describing the dominant soil characteristics (to a minimum of 24 inches below the soil surface), plant communities, and hydrology indicators at the sample point. The presence of water was observed after time (depending on soil characteristics) was allowed for movement of water through the soil substrate. Absolute percent areal cover was recorded for the species that were observed (which may exceed 100% total area due to overlap) and dominance was determined by using the 50/20 rule. Vegetation was sampled within each stratum present at a sample point using the following circular plot sizes: • Trees — 30 ft radius • Saplings and Shrubs — 15 ft radius • Herbaceous — 5 ft radius • Woody Vines — 30 ft radius The sample points were marked with 4-foot lathe, photographed, and flagged with surveyor's tape (if not within an agricultural land use). Other samples were taken at unmarked locations to provide verification of the wetland edge, as needed. Wetland Boundary Delineation The wetland boundaries were determined using changes in topography, dominance of hydrophytic/non-hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soil indicators, and/or hydrology characteristics. Wetland edges were marked with pink"wetland delineation" flags. The wetland edge is considered 2525 Shadywood Road Page 4