Wetland Classification, Identification,Delineation/Notice of Decision-2014

Home Browse Search

subsequent versions. Where differences in the two documents occur, this Regional Supplement takes precedence over the Corps Manual for applications in the Midwest Region." National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps (Figure 2), Web Soil Survey of Hennepin County map (Figure 3), Minnesota Public Waters Inventory maps (Figure 4), and 2012 aerial photographs were reviewed prior to the site visit to identify areas that may be wetlands. Areas illustrating evidence of wetland conditions were examined in greater detail during the field survey. Vegetation, soils and hydrology were examined (as outlined in the 1987 Manual) and used to characterize wetland types and determine wetland boundaries. Sample transects were established in representative wetland-to-upland transition zones in order to characterize the vegetation, soils, and hydrology of the site. Transects consist of a representa.tive upland sample point and representative wetland sample point. Information obtained at the sample points can be found on the field data sheets located in the Technical Documents section. Wetland boundaries were marked at the site by pink "Wetland Delineation" pin flags. The wetland boundary is considered to be the topographically highest extent of the wetland basin; areas below the staked boundary met the three required wetland criteria while areas above were lacking in one or more of these criteria. Wetlands were classified in accordance with methods described by Cowardin et al. (1979) and used in the NWI (e.g. PEMB, PSS1C, etc.), completed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Circular 39 and Eggers and Reed classification systems are also given. The indicator status of plants, as described in the Technical Documents section, was determined using the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands — Region 3 (Sabine 1999). RESULTS The National Wetland Inventory indicates the presence of one wetland in the survey area. The open wetland is categorized by the NWI as PEM/SS1C (Figure 2). The Web Soil Survey of Hennepin County (Figure 3) identifies three soil map units present on the subject property. They are as follows: Houghton and Muskego soils, depressional; Lester loam, morainic; and Angus loam, morainic. The Houghton and Muskego type is hydric. The Lester and Angus loam types are predominantly nonhydric. Soil series descriptions are provided in the Technical Documents section. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, State Protected Waters Map (Public Water Inventory) indicates no public water wetland within the study area(Figure 4). Site Visit SER ecologists examined the subject property for areas meeting jurisdictional wetland criteria during the site visit. One area meeting the jurisdictional criteria of a wetland was flagged, and boundaries were determined and delineated. The approximate wetland boundaries are outlined in yellow(Figure 5). Of note, the water level appears to be higher than normal in the area. The spring snowmelt and recent precipitation have been significant and likely are affecting soil water. Svoboda Ecological Resources 2 2560 Kelly Ave Project Number: 2014-006 Orono,MN