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5.3.3 FunctionarAssessment <br />Orono'5 1980 Community Monogement Plan artlcu cted *ne general boss <br />for wetland protection, but lacked a functions assessment of the values <br />attributable to each of its protected wetlands. Such an assessment was <br />needed to be able to develop protection or enhancement strategies for <br />individual wetlands. <br />The New Hompshire Method, slightly modified for conditions in Orono, wos <br />used for the functional assessment of wetlorxds. The Minrkesota Routine <br />Assessment Method (MnRAM) was also modified, end used in conjunction <br />with the New Hampshire Method. The Intent of combining these methods <br />was to allow for city staff to assist In future assessments of wetlands. <br />The New Hampshire Method is designed to be "user friendly* and is <br />specifically set up so that non-sdentlsts con fill out the method. MnRAM is <br />a technico method that needs to be filled out by a wetland scientist, it <br />wos rvecessary to Include MnRAM because the New Hampshire Method <br />does not odequotely address floral diversity, (an important factor with <br />regord to runoff protection and buffer strips). <br />The New Hampshire Method allows for a comparison between wetlonas <br />v/ithin G project boundary. It Is one of the few methods that gives an <br />octuol number rankiryg. This allows for comparison of functional values. <br />The method addresses up to 14 functional values of wetlands, which are <br />llst^ In Table 5.1. <br />Table 5.1 Functional Values Under the New Hampshire Method <br />Ecologicai integrity Water-based recreation Shorerme anchorlr.g <br />1 Wildlife habitat Flood control potential Urban quality of life <br />1 Rsh habitat Groindwater use potential Urban quality oMife <br />EducaUonal potential Sediment trapping Noceworthiness <br />VIsuat/Besmetic quality |Nutrient attenuation <br />Of these 14 functional values, the City chose the following three for <br />assessment of the wetlands identified for the SWMP; <br /><» Ecologfcol Integrity determines the degree of human Influence. <br />❖ \MldSfe Habitat assesses the overall suitability of a wetland for ‘ <br />widlife typically associated vyflh wetlands. <br />❖ Vaual/Aesihetic Qua% ranks the wetland's scenic beauty. <br />Fur^ctiond value Indces for each wetland or© presented In Appendix <br />indudhg the MnRAM rating of a wetland's florol dlversity/infegiity. <br />OtyefOeno