HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland Classification, Identification, Delineation-2013 37II Northern Ave
Orono, MN
Prepared by Svoboda Ecological
Resources for-
George Stickney
Wetland Classification,
Identification, and
DelineationReport
Project No. 2012-012-03
July 3, 2012
Providing the S1:arper Edge to
Natural Resources & Enoiron>'nentad Consulting
ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES
25580 Nelsine Drive,Suite 100 Shorewood,NIN 55331
(952)471-1100 (952)471-0007(Fax)
3700 Northern Avenue
Hennepin County NDN
Wetland Classification, Identification, and
Delineation Report
Prepared for:
George Stickney
By:
Svoboda Ecological Resources
Project Number 2012-020
July 3,2012
The contents and format of this report are considered intellectual property and
are subject to copyright restrictions and may not be reproduced without
the express permission of Svoboda Ecological Resources.
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................1
METHODS..................................................................................................................................................1
RESULTS....................................................................................................................................................2
DISCUSSION..............................................................................................................................................3
RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................................4
CERTIFICATION......................................................................................................................................5
DATASOURCES.......................................................................................................................................6
LITERATURE REFERENCED................................................................................................................7
FIGURES:
Figure 1: Site Location Overlaid on Topographic Map
Figure 2: National Wetlands Inventory
Figure 3: Web Soil Survey-Hennepin County
Figure 4: DNR-Public Waters Map
Figure 5: Approximate Wetland Boundary and Sample Transect Location
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS:
Field Data Sheets
Photo Log
Plant Indicator Status
Soil Series Data
Wetland Definition
ABSTRACT
Svoboda Ecological Resources (SER) visited the above referenced property on 6/12/12 to
examine the site for the presence of areas meeting wetland criteria. The study parcel is located
in Orono MN, Hennepin County (Figure 1). One wetland boundary was delineated at this site.
One sample transect was established along the boundary in order to characterize the soil,
vegetation, and existing hydrology within the wetland-to-upland transition zone.
INTRODUCTION
The subject parcel is approximately 4.9 acres and is dominated by southern terrace forest, turf
grass, and early successional invasives. The topography of the site slopes towards the central
basin on the property. The surrounding land use is suburban consisting mostly of single family
homes. The identified wetlands were classified according to the Cowardin et al., the Circular 39
and the Eggers and Reed classification systems and marked with pink"Wetland Delineation"pin
flags. The Technical Documents section of this report contains field data sheets, plant indicator
status information, soil survey information, and wetland definition information.
METHODS
The methods used to delineate the subject parcel are as described in the 1987 US Army Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and the 2010 Midwest Regional Supplement Manual. In
the 1987 Manual, the methods used were described under the "routine" methods for sites less
than 5 acres. This methodology is followed in order to assess whether the three parameters of a
wetland are met for areas on the subject parcel. The three parameters required under normal
circumstances in order to delineate a wetland are described in the Technical Documents section.
The Midwest Regional Supplement Wetland Delineation Manual is also being utilized to
increase the accuracy of our wetland boundaries. This addendum to the original 87 Manual was
created to address the many regional differences that affect wetlands and the delineation methods
used throughout the country. The following explanations are passages from that document.
"This Regional Supplement is part of a nationwide effort to address regional
wetland characteristics and improve the accuracy and efficiency of wetland-
delineation procedures. Regional differences in climate, geology, soils,
hydrology plant and animal communities,and other factors are important to the
identification and functioning of wetlands. These differences cannot be
considered adequately in a single national manual. The development of this
supplement follows National Academy of Sciences recommendations to increase
the regional sensitivity of wetland-delineation methods (National Research
Svoboda Ecological Resources 3700 Northern Avenue
Project Number: 2012-020 1 Orono MN
Council 1995).The intent of this supplement is to bring the Corps Manual up to
date with current knowledge and practice in the region and not to change
wetland boundaries." "...This Regional Supplement is designed for use with the
current version of the Corps Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and all
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 2010 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 representative 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.
Hydrophytic status of plants was based on the National Wetland Plant List issued on May 15,
2012 and effective June 1, 2012 and as characterized by the plant status on the Excel Midwest
Region data sheet provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District.
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 within the study area,
classified as PEMA(Figure 2).
The Web Soil Survey of Hennepin County (Figure 3) identifies four soil map units within the
study area. They are as follows: Urban land-Udorthents, Lester loam, Hamel overwash Hamel,
and Klossner soils. Klossner soils are considered hydric, Lester loam and Hamel overwash hamel
are partially hydric, and Urban land-Udorthents is unknown. Soil series descriptions are provided
in the Technical Documents section.
Svoboda Ecological Resources 3700 Northern Avenue
Project Number: 2012-020 2 Orono MN
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, State Protected Waters Map (Public Water
Inventory) indicates no public waters 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 the
boundary determined and delineated. The approximate wetland boundary is outlined in yellow
(Figure 5).
Wetland is a Type 1 PEMA Seasonally Flooded Basin. The vegetation at sample point 1-1 UP
consisted of a canopy of swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor, FACW) with an understory of
silver maple(Acer saccharinum, FACW) and common buckthorn(Rhamnus cathatica, FAC). At
sample point 1-1 WET the vegetation consisted of a canopy layer of cottonwood (Populus
deltoides, FACW) with an understory of box elder (Acer negundo, FAC) and common
buckthorn. The transition from wetland to upland is characterized, in part, by this vegetative
change.
The soils at sample point 1-1 UP consisted of an initial 6 inches of 10yr 3/2 silt loam. From 6-9
inches there was 10yr 3/2 silty clay loam with 3% 7.5yr 5/8 matrix concentrations, from 9-20
inches there is 10yr 3/2 silty clay with 10% 7.5yr 5/8 matrix concentrations. From 20-30 there
was 10yr 5/1 silty clay with 5% 7.5yr 5/8 matrix concentrations. The soils at sample point 1-1
WET consisted of an initial 12 inches of 10yr 2/1 mucky loam with 10yr 2/1 silt loam from 12-
24 inches. From 24-30 inches there was 10yr 5/1 silty clay with 2% 5yr 4/6 matrix
concentrations. Hydric indicator F1 (Mucky Mineral)was noted.
Wetland hydrology was observed at sample point 1-1 UP. Indicators A2 (High Water Table), A3
(Saturation), B4 (Algal Mat or Crust), B9 (Water Stained Leaves) and D5 (FAC-Neutral Test)
were all present. The wetland is partially represented in the National Wetland Inventory but is
not present in the DNR Public Waters Inventory.
Wetland 1 appears to have increased in size, approximately doubled, from the original polygon
as mapped by the NWI in the early 1980's. The wetland type remains unchanged.
Detailed soils, vegetation, and hydrology data for the delineated jurisdictional wetlands are
provided in the data sheets of the Technical Documents section.
DISCUSSION
SER completed all on-site delineations based on the three required technical criteria as outlined
by the 1987 Manual: the presence of hydric soils, a predominance of hydrophytic vegetation,
and indicators of wetland hydrology in each basin. The site visit portion of the wetland
delineation was completed on 6/12/12.
Svoboda Ecological Resources 3700 Northern Avenue
Project Number: 2012-020 3 Orono MN
SER personnel examined the subject property for areas meeting jurisdictional wetland criteria
during the site visit and delineated the edge of two basins as being jurisdictional wetlands
(Figure 5). Detailed soils, vegetation and hydrology data is provided in the data sheets of the
Technical Documents section. A set of figures is provided in the Figures section.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Activities that impact or could potentially impact wetlands are regulated at several levels of
government. In Minnesota, the two primary jurisdictions are covered at the state and federal
levels by the provisions of the following legislative actions.
➢ State jurisdiction by the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 (WCA) administered
by the WCA Local Governmental Unit(LGU).
➢ Federal jurisdiction by the Clean Water Act of 1972 and subsequent amendments.
Wetland protection is implemented by the Corps of Engineers(Corps)with permit
certification issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.
While the wetland boundaries that SER has delineated are not official until approved by a WCA
approved local government unit (LGU), SER advises the property owner/developer to refrain
from any filling, draining, or excavating, or any impact to the area SER has delineated as
wetland. No grading or filling in wetland basins should commence until all necessary permits
have been obtained. Violation of wetland regulations may result in substantial civil and criminal
penalties. Local ordinances may regulate wetland modifications such as brush and tree removal
and burning in addition to grading and filling. Depending on the location of the property,buffers
around the wetland may also be protected. Any activities in the proximity of the wetland should
be cleared with appropriate WCA regulatory agencies. It is also advisable to have the wetland
boundary surveyed by a licensed land surveyor. Since the pin flags used along the boundary can
be vandalized or inadvertently knocked over, a GPS survey of the flags will assure the
permanence of the boundary. The client should also be aware that according to current BWSR
and COE wetland rules and regulations approved wetland boundaries are typically valid for five
years from the date of approval.
To avoid project delays associated with wetland regulations, it is essential that you acquire
necessary permits from all jurisdictional agencies before initiating activities. A WCA
Sequencing form, a WCA and Army Corps of Engineers Replacement Plan Application form,
and a DNR permit application are among the materials that you may be required to submit if
impacts are proposed for the delineated wetlands. By initiating the permit process as soon as
possible,potential costly delays to the project may be avoided.
Svoboda Ecological Resources 3700 Northern Avenue
Project Number: 2012-020 4 Orono MN
CERTIFICATION
Frank Svoboda completed the above-described delineation on 6/12/12. This delineation was
performed according to the procedures described by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the
1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual and the 2007 Midwest Region Supplement Wetland
Delineation Manual. The delineation meets the standards and a criterion described in these
manuals and conforms to the applicable standards and regulations in force at the time the
delineation was completed.
Report and graphics were prepared by David Haar(Wetland Ecologist UGIS Specialist)on this
day 06/19/12. The delineation report was reviewed by Frank Svoboda,President of Svoboda
Ecological Resources. Field work was completed by Blair Bollig and field checked by Frank
Svoboda.
Client: George Stickney
Project Name: 3700 Northern Avenue
Project No.: 2012-020
Location: Orono MN
�/ '-,� _Zck `'
Wetland Ecologist UGIS Specialist
President, Svoboda Ecological Resources
06/19/12
Date
Svoboda Ecological Resources 3700 Northern Avenue
Project Number:2012-020 5 Orono MN
DATA SOURCES
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Public Waters Inventory Basin Delineations,
Published 7/31/2008 and retrieved from http://deli.dnr.state.mn.us
United States Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory Map. Retrieved from
http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html on 06/19/12.
2010 Aerial Color Photos. Publicly Distributed by MN Geo WMS Service.
Topographic maps obtained via the National Geographic Society's USA Topo service through
ESRI.
Web Soil Survey for Hennepin County,MN. Retrieved from
http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm
Svoboda Ecological Resources 3700 Northern Avenue
Project Number:2012-020 6 Orono MN
LITERATURE REFERENCED
Cowardin, L.M.,V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and R.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,FWS/OBS-79/31.
103pp.
Eggers, Steve D. and Donald M. Reed. 1997. Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of
Minnesota and Wisconsin. US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District. 263pp,unclassified.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. 1987 U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation
Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1,US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station,
Vicksburg,Mississippi.
Gleason,H.A. and A.C. Cronquist. 1991.Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United
States and Adjacent Canada.New York Botanical Garden,Bronx. 91Opp.
Sabine,B. J. 1999.National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands:Region 3—North
Central(Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin). Resource
Management Group, Inc. 77pp.
Shaw, S.P., and C.G. Fredine. 1956. Wetlands of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Circular 39. 67pp.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. August 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Midwest Region(Version 2.0). ERDC/EL TR-10-16. Vicksburg,
MS: US Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
Svoboda Ecological Resources 3700 Northern Avenue
Project Number: 2012-020 7 Orono MN
FIGURES
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THE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION SECTION
Field Data Sheets
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM-Midwest Region
Project/Site 3700 Northern Ave City/County: Spring Lake/Hennepin Sampling Date: 6/12/12
Applicant/Owner.. Coldwell Banker Bumet Realty State: Minnesota Sampling Point: 1-1 Wet
Investigator(s): Frank Svoboda&Blair Bollig Section,Township,Range: Sec 17,T1 17N,R23W
Landform(hillslope,terrace,etc.): Depression Local relief(concave,convex,none): Concave
Slope(%): 0 Lat: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name Klossner 4WI Classification: PEMA
Are climaticthydrologic conditions of the site typical for this time of the year? Y (If no,explain in remarks)
Are vegetation soil or hydrology significantly disturbed? Are"normal circumstances"
Are vegetation soil or hydrology naturally problematic? present? Yes
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS (If needed,explain any answers in remarks.)
Hydrophytic vegetation present? Y
Hydric soil present? Y Is the sampled area within a wetland? Y
Indicators of wetland hydrology present? Y f yes,optional wetland site ID:
Remarks:(Explain alternative procedures here or in a separate report.)
VEGETATION—Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominan Indicator Dominance Test Worksheet
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30 ) %Cover t Species Staus Number of Dominant Species
1 Populus tremuloides 15 Y FAC that are OBL,FACW,or FAC: 5 (A)
2 Fraxinus pennsylvanica 10 Y FACW Total Number of Dominant
3 Species Across all Strata: 5 (B)
4 Percent of Dominant Species
5 that are OBL,FACW,or FAC: 100.00% (A/B)
25 =Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub straturr (Plot size: 15 ) Prevalence Index Worksheet
1 Acer negundo 20 Y FAC Total%Cover of:
2 Rhamnus cathartica 15 Y FAC OBL species 5 x 1 = 5
3 FACW species 10 x2= 20
4 FAC species 50 x 3= 150
5 FACU species 0 x4= 0
35 =Total Cover UPL species 0 x 5= 0
Herb stratum (Plot size: 5 ) Column totals 65 (A) 175 (B)
1 Carex lacustris 5 Y OBL Prevalence Index=B/A= 2.69
2
3 Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4 _Rapid test for hydrophytic vegetation
5 X Dominance test is>50%
6 X Prevalence index is 53.0*
7 Morphogical adaptations*(provide
8 supporting data in Remarks or on a
9 _separate sheet)
10 Problematic hydrophytic vegetation*
5 =Total Cover _(explain)
Woody vine stratum (Plot size: 30 )
Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
1 present,unless disturbed or problematic
2 Hydrophytic
0 =Total Cover vegetation
present? Y
Remarks:(Include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet)
US Amy Corps of Engineers Midwest Region
SOIL Sampling Point: 1-1 Wet
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the Indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(Inches) Color(moist) % Color(moist) % Type* Loc** Texture Remarks
12 10YR 2/1 100 Muck S.O.M High,Saturated,Sapric
24 10YR 2/1 100 Silt Loam Saturated
30 10YR 5/1 98 5YR 4/6 2 C M Silt Clay
*Type:C=Concentration,D=Depletion,RM=Reduced Matrix,MS=Masked Sand Grains. **Location:PL=Pore Lining,M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
Histisol(Al) _Sandy Gleyed Matrix(S4) _Coast Prairie Redox(A16)(LRR K,L,R)
X Histic Epipedon(A2) _Sandy Redox(S5) _Dark Surface(S7)(LRR K,L)
_Black Histic(A3) _Stripped Matrix(S6) _5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat(S3)(LRR K,L,R)
_Hydrogen Sulfide(A4) _Loamy Mucky Mineral(F1) _Iron-Manganese Masses(F12)(LRR K,L,R)
_Stratified Layers(A5) _Loamy Gleyed Matrix(F2) _Very Shallow Dark Surface(TF12)
2 cm Muck(A10) _Depleted Matrix(F3) _Other(explain in remarks)
_Depleted Below Dark Surface(A11) _Redox Dark Surface(F6)
_Thick Dark Surface(Al2) _Depleted Dark Surface(F7) *Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and weltand
_Sandy Mucky Mineral(S1) _Redox Depressions(F8) hydrology must be present,unless disturbed or
problematic
Restrictive Layer(if observed):
Type: Hydric soil present? Y
Depth(inches):
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators(minimum of one is reauired:check all that apply) Secondary Indicators minimum of two re uired
Surface Water(Al) _Aquatic Fauna(613) _Surface Soil Cracks(136)
X High Water Table(A2) _True Aquatic Plants(1314) _Drainage Patterns(1310)
T Saturation(A3) _Hydrogen Sulfide Odor(Cl) _Dry-Season Water Table(C2)
Water Marks(B1) Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots_Crayfish Burrows(C8)
Sediment Deposits(132) _(C3) _Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery(C9)
Drift Deposits(133) _Presence of Reduced Iron(C4) _Stunted or Stressed Plants(D1)
X Algal Mat or Crust(134) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils Geomorphic Position(D2)
Iron Deposits(135) (C6) X FAC-Neutral Test(D5)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery(137) _Thin Muck Surface(C7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface(68) _Gauge or Well Data(D9)
X Water-Stained Leaves(139) _Other(Explain in Remarks)
Field Observations:
Surface water present? Yes No X Depth(inches):
Water table present? Yes X No Depth(inches): 2 Indicators of wetland
Saturation present? Yes No Depth(inches): 0 hydrology present? Y
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe recorded data(stream gauge,monitoring well,aerial photos,previous inspections),if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Midwest Region
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM-Midwest Region
Project/Site 3700 Northern Ave City/County: Spring Lake/Hennepin Sampling Date: 6/12/2012
Applicant/Owner. Coldwell Banker Bumet Realty State: Minnesota Sampling Point: 1-1 UPI
Investigator(s): Frank Svoboda&Blair Bollig Section,Township,Range: Sec 17,T1 17N,R23W
Landform(hillslope,terrace,etc.): Terrace Local relief(concave,convex,none): Concave
Slope(%): 2 Let: Long: Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name Klossner VWI Classification: PEMA
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions of the site typical for this time of the year? Y (If no,explain in remarks)
Are vegetation Soil or hydrology significantly disturbed? Are"normal circumstances"
Are vegetation soil or hydrology naturally problematic? present? Yes
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS (If needed,explain any answers in remarks.)
Hydrophytic vegetation present? Y
Hydric soil present? N Is the sampled area within a wetland? N
Indicators of wetland hydrology present? N f yes,optional wetland site ID:
Remarks:(Explain alternative procedures here or in a separate report.)
VEGETATION--Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominan Indicator Dominance Test Worksheet
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30 ) %Cover t Species Staus Number of Dominant Species
1 Quercus bicolor 15 Y FACW that are OBL,FACW,or FAC: 4 (A)
2 Populus tremuloides 5 Y FAC Total Number of Dominant
3 Tilia americana 5 Y FACU Species Across all Strata: 5 (B)
4 Percent of Dominant Species
5 that are OBL,FACW,or FAC: 80.00% (A/B)
25 =Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub straturr (Plot size: 15 ) Prevalence Index Worksheet
1 Acer saccharinum 35 Y FACW Total%Cover of:
2 Rhamnus cathartics 25 Y FAC OBL species 0 x 1 = 0
3 Fraxinus pennsylvanica 5 N FACW FACW species 55 x2= 110
4 FAC species 30 x 3= 90
5 FACU species 7 x4= 28
65 =Total Cover UPL species 0 x 5= 0
Herb stratum (Plot size: 5 ) Column totals 92 (A) 228 (B)
1 Parthenocissus quinquefolia 2 FACU Prevalence Index=B/A= 2.48
2
3 Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
4 _Rapid test for hydrophytic vegetation
5 X Dominance test is>50%
6 X Prevalence index is 53.0*
7 Morphogical adaptations*(provide
8 supporting data in Remarks or on a
9 _separate sheet)
10 Problematic hydrophytic vegetation*
2 =Total Cover _(explain)
Woody vine stratum (Plot size: 30 ) *Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be
1 present,unless disturbed or problematic
2 Hydrophytic
0 =Total Cover vegetation
present? Y
Remarks:(Include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet)
5%of ground cover was occupied by moss
US Amy Corps of Engineers Midwest Region
SOIL Sampling Point: 1-1 UPI
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of Indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(Inches) Color(moist) % Color(moist) % Type* Loc'* Texture Remarks
6 10YR 3/2 100 Silt Loam
9 !0 YR 3/2 97 7.5YR 5/8 3 C M Silty Clay Loam
20 10YR 3/2 90 7.5YR 5/8 10 C M Silty Clay
30 10YR 5/1 95 7.5YR 5/8 5 C M Silty Clay
*Type:C=Concentration,D=Depletion,RM=Reduced Matrix,MS=Masked Sand Grains. **Location:PL=Pore Lining,M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
_H!stisol(Al) _Sandy Gleyed Matrix(S4) _Coast Prairie Redox(A16)(LRR K,L,R)
_Histic Epipedon(A2) _Sandy Redox(S5) _Dark Surface(S7)(LRR K,L)
_Black Histic(A3) _Stripped Matrix(S6) _5 cm Mucky Peat or Peat(S3)(LRR K,L,R)
_Hydrogen Sulfide(A4) _Loamy Mucky Mineral(F1) _Iron-Manganese Masses(F12)(LRR K,L,R)
_Stratified Layers(A5) _Loamy Gleyed Matrix(F2) _Very Shallow Dark Surface(TF12)
_2 cm Muck(A10) _Depleted Matrix(F3) _Other(explain In remarks)
_Depleted Below Dark Surface(A11) _Redox Dark Surface(F6)
Thick Dark Surface(Al2) Depleted Dark Surface(F7) *Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and weltand
_Sandy Mucky Mineral(S1) _Redox Depressions(F8) hydrology must be present,unless disturbed or
problematic
Restrictive Layer(if observed):
Type: Hydric soil present? N
Depth(inches):
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators(minimum of one is required:check all that apply) Secondary Indicators minimum of two required
Surface Water(Al) _Aquatic Fauna(B13) _Surface Soil Cracks(B6)
High Water Table(A2) _True Aquatic Plants(B14) _Drainage Patterns(B10)
Saturation(A3) _Hydrogen Sulfide Odor(Cl) _Dry-Season Water Table(C2)
Water Marks(B1) Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots_Crayfish Burrows(C8)
Sediment Deposits(B2) (C3) _Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery(C9)
Drift Deposits(133) _Presence of Reduced Iron(C4) _Stunted or Stressed Plants(D1)
Algal Mat or Crust(64) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils Geomorphic Position(D2)
Iron Deposits(B5) (C6) X FAC-Neutral Test(D5)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery(B7) _Thin Muck Surface(C7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface(B8) _Gauge or Well Data(D9)
Water-Stained Leaves(139) _Other(Explain in Remarks)
Field Observations:
Surface water present? Yes No X Depth(inches):
Water table present? Yes No X Depth(inches): Indicators of wetland
Saturation present? Yes No --37-Depth(inches): hydrology present? N
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe recorded data(stream gauge,monitoring well,aerial photos,previous Inspections),if available:
Remarks:
US Army Corps of Engineers Midwest Region
THE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION SECTION
Plant Indicator Status
INDICATOR CATEGORIES*
Obligate Wetland(OBL)—Occur almost always (estimated probability>99%)under natural
conditions in wetlands.
Facultative Wetland(FACW)—Usually occur in wetlands (estimated probability 67%-99%),
but occasionally found in non-wetlands.
Facultative(FAC)—Equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands (estimated probability
34%-66916).
Facultative Upland(FACU)—Usually occur in non-wetlands (estimated probability 67%-
99%),but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability I%-33%).
Obligate Upland (UPL)—Occur in wetlands in another region,but occur almost always
(estimated probability>99%)under natural conditions in non-wetlands in the region specified. If
a species does not occur in wetlands in any region, it is not on the National List.
*Reed, P.B. 1988. National list of plant species that occur in wetlands: Minnesota. National
Wetlands Inventory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Petersburg,Florida.
THE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION SECTION
Soil Series Descriptions
Acquired from Natural Resource Conservation Service Website,Official Soil Series Descriptions
KLOSSNER SERIES
The Klossner series consists of very deep,very poorly drained soils formed in well decomposed organic
material 16 to 50 inches thick overlying loamy deposits on moraines,till plains,lake plains,flood plains,
and hillside seep areas.They have moderately slow to moderately rapid permeability in the organic
material,and moderate or moderately slow permeability in the loamy material.Slopes range from 0 to 8
percent.Mean annual precipitation is about 28 inches.Mean annual temperature is about 47 degrees F.
TAXONOMIC CLASS: Loamy,mixed, euic, mesic Terric Haplosaprists
TYPICAL PEDON: Klossner muck-with a 1 percent slope in a cultivated field. (Colors
are for moist soil unless otherwise stated.)
Oap--O to 10 inches;black(N 2/0)muck,very dark gray(IOYR 3/1)dry; about 20
percent fiber, less than 5 percent rubbed;weak fine subangular blocky structure;very
friable;many very fine roots; moderately acid; abrupt smooth boundary.
Oa--10 to 26 inches;black(10YR 2/1)muck, dark gray(1 OYR 4/1)dry; about 60 percent
fiber, about 6 percent rubbed; weak fine subangular blocky structure;very friable;many
very fine roots; moderately acid; gradual smooth boundary. (Combined thickness of O
horizon is 16 to 50 inches.)
2A1--26 to 36 inches;black(N 2/0)mucky silty clay loam; weak medium subangular
blocky structure; friable; few very fine roots; slightly acid; gradual smooth boundary.
2A2--36 to 48 inches;black(N 2/0) silty clay loam; massive; friable; few dark reddish
brown(5YR 3/4)iron oxide concentrations in root channels; about 1 percent gravel;
neutral; gradual wavy boundary. (Combined thickness of 2A horizon is 8 to 45 inches
thick.)
2Cg1--48 to 65 inches; olive gray(5Y 5/2) clay loam;massive; friable; dark reddish
brown(5YR 3/4)Fe oxide concentrations in root channels;many medium prominent
yellowish brown(1 OYR 5/6)Fe concentrations; about 1 percent gravel; slightly
effervescent; slightly alkaline; gradual wavy bounday.
2Cg2--65 to 80 inches; gray(5Y 5/1)loam;massive; friable;many medium prominent
light olive brown(2.5Y 5/4) and yellowish brown(IOYR 5/4)Fe concentrations; about 3
percent gravel; slightly effervescent; slightly alkaline.
TYPE LOCATION:Nicollet County,Minnesota; 2600 feet north and 2300 feet east of
the southwest comer, sec. 12,T. 110 N.,R. 28 W.;USGS Nicollet quadrangle; lat. 44
degrees 20 minutes 53 seconds N. and long. 94 degrees 8 minutes 28 seconds W.,
NAD27.
RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS: The thickness of the organic material ranges from
16 to 50 inches. It is derived primarily from herbaceous plants. The organic matter
content ranges from 25 to 60 percent in the organic surface and 5 to 20 percent in the 2A
horizon. The reaction of the organic material ranges from moderately acid to slightly
alkaline. Some organic layers contain free carbonates.
The O horizon has hue of l OYR, 5YR, or is neutral,value of 2 or 3 and chroma of 0 to 2.
It is dominantly muck(sapric material)however, some pedons have thin layers of hemic
material, less than 10 inches thick.
Some pedons have highly organic mineral plow layers.
The 2A horizon has hue of l OYR, 2.5Y, 5Y or is neutral, value of 2 or 3 and chroma of 0
to 1. It is loam, silt loam, sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clay loam or mucky modifiers
of these textures. It is moderately acid to slightly alkaline. Some pedons contain thin
layers of coprogenous earth.
The 2Cg horizon has hue of l OYR, 2.5Y, 5Y, 5GY,or is neutral, value of 2 to 7 and
chroma of 0 to 2. It is loam, silt loam, silty clay loam, clay loam, sandy clay loam, sandy
loam or fine sandy loam, or their gravelly or cobbly analogues. It is slightly acid to
moderately alkaline. The upper 12 inches of this horizon averages less than 35 percent
clay. Some pedons contain thin strata of fine sand, loamy sand, or silt. Gravel or cobble
sized rock fragments range from 0 to 25 percent by volume. Some pedons contain free
carbonates. Sandy substratum and ponded phases are recognized.
COMPETING SERIES: These are Linwood, Medo, Palms, Philbon and Shalcar series.
Linwood soils have well expressed granular structure to depths of more than 12 inches
and formed mainly in woody fibers. Medo soils have sandy textures in the lower part of
the series control section. Palms soils have organic matter content greater than 75 percent
and do not have an A horizon directly below the organic material. Philbon soils have
fibric and hemic material in the upper 12 inches. Shalcar soils ave less than 26 degrees
difference between mean January and mean July temperatures.
GEOGRAPHIC SETTING: Klossner soils are in basins that were formerly lakes or
ponds, lake plains,till plains, flood plains,or moraines. They are also on hillside seep
areas in moraines and sideslopes of river valleys. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent. The
soils on nearby uplands are generally loamy. The mean annual temperature ranges from
45 to 50 degrees F. The mean annual precipitation ranges from 24 to 32 inches. Frost free
days range from 110 to 160. Elevations above sea level range from 800 to 1400 feet.
GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS: The main ones are the Canisteo, Harps,
Okoboii, Glencoe, Muskego and Houghton soils. Canisteo and Harps soils are on the rims
of depressions. Glencoe and Okoboji are at the outer edges of the depressions. Muskego
and Houghton soils are in larger depressions.
DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY: Very poorly drained. Surface runoff is
negligible. Permeability is moderately slow to moderately rapid in the organic layers and
moderate or moderately slow in the loamy material.
USE AND VEGETATION: The greater part of this soil is cultivated to corn, soybeans,
small grains and specialty crops such as vegetables or grass sod. Other areas are in
vegetation of grasses,reeds, sedges, alder, aspen, or willow. Some of the hillside seep
areas are set aside as natural areas and called fens.
DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: The south central and southeast part of Minnesota
and possibly northern Iowa. The series is extensive.
MLRA OFFICE RESPONSIBLE: St. Paul,Minnesota
SERIES ESTABLISHED:Nicollet County, Minnesota, 1989.
REMARKS: Diagnostic horizons and features recognized are: sapric soil materials from
the surface to about 26 inches; loamy mineral material from 26 to 50 inches or more;
aquic moisture regime. This soil was formerly included in the Palms Series in Minnesota.
ADDITIONAL DATA: Refer to MASS-CFC#'s 2697, 3251, 3400 and 3475.
THE TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION SECTION
Wetland Definition
WETLAND DEFINITION
According to the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers "Wetlands Delineation Manual" (1987
Manual; the document used by all delineators to define wetlands) a wetland is "Those areas that
are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to
support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." The Minnesota State Wetland Conservation Act
Rules, Chapter 8420, further clarifies that"...wetlands must: (1)have a predominance of hydric
soils; (2) be inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support a prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated
soil conditions; and (3) under normal circumstances, support a prevalence of hydrophytic
vegetation." The 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Manual in Part II, item 24. states that,
"The interaction of hydrology, vegetation, and soil results in the development of characteristics
unique to wetlands. Therefore, the following technical guidelines for wetlands are based on the
three parameters, and diagnostic environmental characteristics used in applying the technical
guideline are represented by various indicators of these parameters." It is this premise by which
SER ecologists has, in their professional judgment, delineated the wetlands on the subject parcel
described in this report.
Wetland Hydrology
The most important wetland criterion is hydrology. The presence and persistence of water
influences the vegetation types and changes soil morphology. Hydrology may be observed as
standing water(inundation),or may be observed as freestanding water within the soil pit or auger
hole (saturation) usually within the upper 12 inches. This is what would be considered primary
hydrology indicators. Only one primary indicator is necessary to make the determination that
wetland hydrology indeed exists. The 1987 Corps Manual also has a range of hydrologic zones
established based on period of inundation or saturation. These zones and the periods of
inundation or saturation for each can be observed in Table 1 below.
Excerpted from the 1987 Manual,Hydrologic Zones—Nontidal Areas
Zone Name Duration Comments Wetland or Not
I Permanently Inundated 100% Inundation>6.6 ft.mean Not(Aquatic Habitat Zone,or Deep Water
water depth Habitat
Semipermanently To Nearly <75- Inundation defined as
II Permanently Inundated Or <100% :!96.6 feet mean water Wetland
Saturated depth
III Regularly Inundated Or >25-75% Wetland
Saturated
IV Seasonally Inundated Or <12.5-
Saturated 25% Wetland
Irregularly Inundated or Many areas having these
V y >5-12.5% hydrologic characteristics Wetland(if hydrophytic also
s e t and hydric
Saturated are not wetlands soils also present
Intermittently Or Nevero Areas with these
VI Inundated Or Saturated <5% hydrologic characteristics Not
are not wetlands
A-1
The definition of appropriate hydrology according to the 1987 Manual includes two important
terms that must be clarified. First, the definition of a growing season is needed. The growing
season is defined in the 1987 Manual as: "...the portion of the year when soil temperature
(measured 19.7 inches below the surface) is above biological zero (5° C or 41° F)." According to
the 1987 Manual this period of time can be approximated by using the"starting and ending dates
for the growing season based on a 28° F air temperature threshold at a frequency of 5 years in
10." Based on this definition the growing season ranges approximately 160 days to 180 days in
the Minneapolis/St.Paul metropolitan area(160 in the northern suburbs and greater to the south).
Therefore, the required inundation or saturation to the surface for 5% of the growing season
would be 8 or 9 consecutive days that ground water would need to be at the surface or saturated
to the surface.
The second term in the appropriate hydrology definition from the above paragraph to be clarified
is "in most years". This means in 5 of 10 years hydrology must exist within a "jurisdictional
wetland"for the 8 or 9 consecutive days of the growing season. This means that one observation
date or even one whole year worth of detailed hydrology data may be deemed insufficient to
determine if appropriate hydrology exists at a given location. In the event that precipitation
events accumulate to above or below normal during just prior to a site visit or during a more
intensive hydrology study,_the data may be confounded by non-normal circumstances and may
be considered outside the bounds of "most years". Ideally, both antecedent soil moisture
conditions and precipitation would be normal during all delineations. However, this is not a
realistic impression of climate. Therefore, primary indicators of hydrology must be reviewed
with scrutiny prior to determining if hydrology indeed exists.
Wetland hydrology may be observed as standing water (inundation), or may be observed as
freestanding water within a soil pit or auger hole (saturation)usually within the upper 12 inches.
This is what would be considered primary hydrology indicators. Examination of this indicator
requires digging a soil pit to a depth of 16 inches and observing the level at which water stands
after sufficient time has been allowed for water to drain into the hole. The required time will
vary depending on soil texture. This level represents the depth to the water table; the depth to
saturated soils will always be nearer the surface due to the capillary fringe. According to the
Hydrology criteria in the 1987 Delineation Manual, for soil saturation to impact vegetation, it
must occur within a major portion of the root zone, typically within 12 inches of the surface.
Only one primary indicator is necessary to make the determination that wetland hydrology is
present. However, since a single observation is not enough evidence, based on the percentage of
the growing season this inundation or saturation is required, these data are only valid when
reviewed while also considering the abundance of recent precipitation events or the seasonal
trend of climate when the site visit was made (this may be done through review of precipitation
records where available). In addition to the primary indicators of wetland hydrology, there are
secondary indicators (e.g. oxidized root channels, water-stained leaves, local soil survey data,
FAC-Neutral test), of which two must be present to consider the sample point as having wetland
hydrology.
A-2
Hydrophytic Vegetation (Wetland Vegetation)
Wetland vegetation is defined in the 1987 Manual as "The sum total of macrophytic plant life
growing in water or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of
excessive water content. When hydrophytic vegetation comprises a community where indicators
of hydric soils and wetland hydrology also occur, the area has wetland vegetation." In more
standard terms, some plants are more adapted to growing within inundated or saturated soil.
Based on literature records and professional experience, a panel of experts compiled a list of
plant species and assigned each a hydrophytic status (described below and includes five major
classes of probability of a plant occurring within a wetland).
In terms of delineation there is a gradient of plant species that are adapted to "growing in water
or on substrate that is at least periodically deficient of oxygen". Fieldwork associated with
wetland delineations includes a procedure (the 50/20 Rule, for determination of dominance),
which is also outlined in the 1987 Manual, by which to determine if hydrophytic plant species
dominate the vegetation at a given location. This procedure has been used for the wetland
delineation at the subject parcel of this report.
Hydric Soil
Defined in the 1987 Manual as "A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during
the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor the growth and regeneration of
hydrophytic vegetation. Hydric soils that occur in areas having positive indicators of
hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology are wetland soils."
For the purposes of delineation of wetlands, soils cannot be viewed without digging pits or
extracting soil using an auger. Therefore, transects of soil samples are taken from perceived
upland to perceived wetlands along a transitional boundary. There are specific color indicators,
textures, and depth requirements in the soil that are reviewed in order to determine whether
hydric soils occur at a given point or not. After a transect of soil samples has been taken, upon
consideration of vegetation and indicators of appropriate hydrology a working prototype for the
given wetland is developed by the delineator. The wetland delineator then uses this working
prototype to complete the location of the remainder of the wetland boundary, unless the wetland
is large enough or the landscape features (vegetation or topography) change enough to warrant
additional transect samples.
A-3
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