HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP-22-020 - Supplemental - 0039 Bowdoin Street (7)VERMONT WETLAND EVALUATION FORM
Wetland ID#:___________________________ Project #:____________________
Date: ____________________ Investigator:_______________________________
SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION:
Each function gets a score of 0= not present; L = Low; P = Present; or H = High.
1.Water Storage for Flood Water and
Storm Runoff
6.Rare, Threatened, and Endangered
Species Habitat
2.Surface & Ground Water Protection 7.Education and Research in Natural
Sciences
3.Fish Habitat
4.Wildlife Habitat
8.Recreational Value and Economic
Benefits
9.Open Space and Aesthetics
5.Exemplary Wetland Natural
Community
10.Erosion Control through Binding and
Stabilizing the Soil
Note:
o When to use this form: This is a field form to help you compile data needed to evaluate the
10 possible functions and values of a wetland as described in the Vermont Wetland Rules.
All information in this form is replicated in the applications for both wetland determinations
and wetland permits.
o Both a desktop review and field examination should be employed to accurately determine
surrounding land use, hydrology, hydroperiod, vegetation, position in the landscape, and
physical attributes.
o The entire wetland or wetland complex in question must be evaluated to determine the
level of function in all ten (10) categories for accurate classification. A wetland complex can
be defined as a series of interconnected wetland types.
o The surrounding upland and outflow area of the wetland should be examined to determine
land use, development, nearby natural resources, and hydrology. The surrounding land use,
previous development, and cumulative impacts may play a role in the current function of the
wetland. For best results please read all descriptions prior to scoring activity.
o Evaluation: The first portion in each section determines whether the wetland does or does
not provide the function. If none of the conditions listed in the first section are met, proceed
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
1
to the next section. If any of these conditions are met, determine if the wetland provides this
function at a higher or lower level based on the information listed in the subsequent sections.
o Presumptions: Please note that many wetlands are already presumed to be significant
under the Vermont Wetland Rules. A wetland is presumed to be significant if:
o The wetland is mapped on the VSWI map
o The wetland is contiguous to a VSWI mapped wetland
o The wetland meets the presumptions of significance under Section 4.6
o The wetland has a preliminary determination that it is Class II
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
2
1. Water Storage for Flood Water and Storm Runoff
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Constricted outlet or no outlet and an unconstricted inlet.
Physical space for floodwater expansion and dense, persistent, emergent vegetation
or dense woody vegetation that slows down flood waters or stormwater runoff during
peak flows and facilitates water removal by evaporation and transpiration.
If a stream is present, its course is sinuous and there is sufficient woody vegetation to
intercept surface flows in the portion of the wetland that floods.
Physical evidence of seasonal flooding or ponding such as water stained leaves,
water marks on trees, drift rows, debris deposits, or standing water.
Hydrologic or hydraulic study indicates wetland attenuates flooding.
If any of the above boxes are checked, the wetland provides this function. Complete the
following to determine if the wetland provides this function above or below a moderate
level:
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a lower level.
Significant flood storage capacity upstream of the wetland, and the wetland in
question provides this function at a negligible level in comparison to upstream storage
(unless the upstream storage is temporary such as a beaver impoundment).
Wetland is contiguous to a major lake or pond that provides storage benefits
independently of the wetland.
Wetland's storage capacity is created primarily by recent beaver dams or other
temporary structures.
Wetland is very small in size, not contiguous to a stream, and not part of a collection
of small wetlands in the landscape that provide this function cumulatively.
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a higher level.
History of downstream flood damage to public or private property.
Any of the following conditions present downstream of the wetland, but upstream of a
major lake or pond, could be impacted by a loss or reduction of the water storage
function.
1. Developed public or private property.
2. Stream banks susceptible to scouring and erosion.
3. Important habitat for aquatic life.
The wetland is large in size and naturally vegetated.
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
3
Any of the following conditions present upstream of the wetland may indicate a large
volume of runoff may reach the wetland.
1. A large amount of impervious surface in urbanized areas.
2. Relatively impervious soils.
3. Steep slopes in the adjacent areas.
2. Surface and Ground Water Protection
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Constricted or no outlets.
Low water velocity through dense, persistent vegetation.
Hydroperiod permanently flooded or saturated.
Wetlands in depositional environments with persistent vegetation wider than 20 feet.
Wetlands with persistent vegetation comprising a defined delta, island, bar or
peninsula.
Presence of seeps or springs.
Wetland contains a high amount of microtopography that helps slow and filter surface
water.
Position in the landscape indicates the wetland is a headwaters area.
Wetland is adjacent to surface waters.
Wetland recharges a drinking water source.
Water sampling indicates removal of pollutants or nutrients.
Water sampling indicates retention of sediments or organic matter.
Fine mineral soils and alkalinity not low.
The wetland provides an obvious filter between surface water or ground water and
land uses that may contribute point or nonpoint sources of sediments, toxic
substances or nutrients to the wetland, such as: steep erodible slopes; row crops;
dumps; areas of pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer application; feed lots; parking lots or
heavily traveled road; and septic systems.
If any of the above boxes are checked, the wetland provides this function. Complete the
following to determine if the wetland provides this function above or below a moderate
level.
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a lower level.
Presence of dead forest or shrub areas in sufficient amounts to result in diminished
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
4
nutrient uptake.
Presence of ditches or channels that confine water and restrict contact of water with
vegetation.
Wetland is very small in size, not contiguous to a stream, and not part of a collection
of small wetlands in the landscape that provide this function cumulatively.
Current use in the wetland results in disturbance that compromises this function.
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a higher level.
The wetland is adjacent to a well head or source protection area, and provides
ground water recharge.
The wetland provides flows to Class A surface waters.
The wetland contributes to the protection or improvement of water quality of any
impaired waters.
The wetland is large in size and naturally vegetated.
3.Fish Habitat
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Contains woody vegetation that overhangs the banks of a stream or river and
provides any of the following: shading that controls summer water temperature; cover
including refuges created by overhanging branches or undercut banks; source of
terrestrial insects as fish food; or streambank stability.
Provides spawning, nursery, feeding or cover habitat for fish (documented or
professionally judged). Common habitat includes deep marsh and shallow marsh
associates with lakes and streams, and seasonally flooded wetlands associated with
streams and rivers.
Documented or professionally judged spawning habitat for northern pike.
Provides cold spring discharge that lowers the temperature of receiving waters and
creates summer habitat for salmonoid species.
The wetland is located along a tributary that does not support fish, but contributes to
a larger body of water that does support fish. The tributary supports downstream fish
by providing cooler water, and food sources.
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
5
4. Wildlife Habitat
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Provides resting, feeding staging or roosting habitat to support waterfowl migration,
and feeding habitat for wading birds. Good habitats for these species include open
water wetlands.
Habitat to support one or more breeding pairs or broods of waterfowl including all
species of ducks, geese, and swans. Good habitats for these species include open
water habitats adjacent shallow marsh, deep marsh, shrub wetland, forested wetland,
or naturally vegetated buffer zone.
Provides a nest site, a buffer for a nest site or feeding habitat for wading birds
including but not limited to: great blue heron, black-crowned night heron, green-
backed heron, cattle egret, or snowy egret. Good habitats for these species include
open water or deep marsh adjacent to forested wetlands, or standing dead trees.
Supports or has the habitat to support one or more breeding pairs of any migratory
bird that requires wetland habitat for breeding, nesting, rearing of young, feeding,
staging roosting, or migration, including: Virginia rail, common snipe, marsh wren,
American bittern, northern water thrush, northern harrier, spruce grouse, Cerulean
warbler, and common loon.
Supports winter habitat for white-tailed deer. Good habitats for these species include
softwood swamps. Evidence of use includes deer browsing, bark stripping, worn
trails, or pellet piles.
Provides important feeding habitat for black bear, bobcat, or moose based on an
assessment of use. Good habitat for these types of species includes wetlands located
in a forested mosaic.
Has the habitat to support muskrat, otter or mink. Good habitats for these species
include deep marshes, wetlands adjacent to bodies of water including lakes, ponds,
rivers and streams.
Supports an active beaver dam, one or more lodges, or evidence of use in two or
more consecutive years by an adult beaver population.
Provides the following habitats that support the reproduction of Uncommon Vermont
amphibian species including:
1. Wood Frog, Jefferson Salamander, Blue-spotted Salamander, or Spotted
Salamander. Breeding habitat for these species includes vernal pools and
small ponds.
2. Northern Dusky Salamander and the Spring Salamander. Habitat for these
species includes headwater seeps, springs, and streams.
3. The Four-toed salamander; Fowler’s Toad; Western or Boreal Chorus frog, or
other amphibians found in Vermont of similar significance.
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
6
Supports or has the habitat to support significant populations of Vermont amphibian
species including, but not limited to Pickerel Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Mink Frog,
and others found in Vermont of similar significance. Good habitat for these types of
species includes large marsh systems with open water components.
Supports or has the habitat to support populations of uncommon Vermont reptile
species including: Wood Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Eastern Musk Turtle, Spotted
Turtle, Spiny Softshell, Eastern Ribbonsnake, Northern Watersnake, and others found
in Vermont of similar significance.
Supports or has the habitat to support significant populations of Vermont reptile
species, including Smooth Greensnake, DeKay’s Brownsnake, or other more
common wetland-associated species.
Meets four or more of the following conditions indicative of wildlife habitat diversity:
1. Three or more wetland vegetation classes (greater than 1/2 acre) present
including but not limited to: open water contiguous to, but not necessarily part
of, the wetland, deep marsh, shallow marsh, shrub swamp, forested swamp,
fen, or bog;
2. The dominant vegetation class is one of the following types: deep marsh,
shallow marsh, shrub swamp or, forested swamp;
3. Located adjacent to a lake, pond, river or stream;
4. Fifty percent or more of surrounding habitat type is one or more of the
following: forest, agricultural land, old field or open land;
5. Emergent or woody vegetation occupies 26 to 75 percent of wetland, the rest
is open water;
6. One of the following:
i. hydrologically connected to other wetlands of different dominant
classes or open water within 1 mile;
ii. hydrologically connected to other wetlands of same dominant class
within 1/2 mile;
iii. within 1/4 mile of other wetlands of different dominant classes or open
water, but not hydrologically connected;
Wetland or wetland complex is owned in whole or in part by state or federal
government and managed for wildlife and habitat conservation; and
Contains evidence that it is used by wetland dependent wildlife species.
If any of the above boxes are checked, the wetland provides this function. Complete the
following to determine if the wetland provides this function above or below a moderate
level.
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a lower level.
The wetland is small in size for its type and does not represent fugitive habitat in
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
7
developed areas (vernal pools and seeps are generally small in size, so this does not
apply).
The surrounding land use is densely developed enough to limit use by wildlife species
(with the exception of wetlands with open water habitat). Can be negated by
evidence of use.
The current use in the wetland results in frequent cutting, mowing or other
disturbance.
The wetland hydrology and character is at a drier end of the scale and does not
support wetland dependent species.
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a higher level.
The wetland complex is large in size and high in quality.
The habitat has the potential to support several species based on the assessment
above.
Wetland is associated with an important wildlife corridor.
The wetland has been identified by ANR-F&W as important habitat.
5.Exemplary Wetland Natural Community
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Wetlands that are identified as high quality examples of Vermont’s natural community
types recognized by the Natural Heritage Information Project of the Vermont Fish and
Wildlife Department, including rare types such as dwarf shrub bogs, rich fens, alpine
peatlands, red maple-black gum swamps and the more common types including deep
bulrush marshes, cattail marshes, northern white cedar swamps, spruce-fir-tamarack
swamps, and red maple-black ash seepage swamps are automatically significant for
this function.
The wetland is also likely to be significant if any of the following conditions are met:
Is an example of a wetland natural community type that has been identified and
mapped by, or meets the ranking and mapping standards of, the Natural Heritage
Information Project of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Contains ecological features that contribute to Vermont’s natural heritage, including,
but not limited to:
Deep peat accumulation reflecting a long history of wetland formation;
Forested wetlands displaying very old trees and other old growth characteristics;
A wetland natural community that is at the edge of the normal range for that
type;
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
8
A wetland mosaic containing examples of several to many wetland community
types; or
A large wetland complex with examples of several wetland community types.
6. Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Habitat
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Wetlands that contain one or more species on the federal or state threatened or
endangered lists, as well as species that are rare in Vermont, are automatically
significant for this function.
The wetland is also likely to be significant if any of the following apply:
There is creditable documentation that the wetland provides important habitat for any
species on the federal or state threatened or endangered species lists;
There is creditable documentation that threatened or endangered species have been
present in past 10 years;
There is creditable documentation that the wetland provides important habitat for any
species listed as rare in Vermont (S1 or S2 ranks), state historic (SH rank), or rare to
uncommon globally (G1, G2, or G3 ranks) by the Natural Heritage Information Project
of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department;
There is creditable documentation that the wetland provides habitat for multiple
uncommon species of plants or animals (S3 rank).
List name of species and ranking:
7. Education and Research in Natural Sciences
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following characteristics indicate
the wetland provides this function.
Owned by or leased to a public entity dedicated to education or research.
History of use for education or research.
Has one or more characteristics making it valuable for education or research.
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
9
8.Recreational Value and Economic Benefits
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following characteristics indicate
the wetland provides this function.
Used for, or contributes to, recreational activities.
Provides economic benefits.
Provides important habitat for fish or wildlife which can be fished, hunted or trapped
under applicable state law.
Used for harvesting of wild foods.
Comments:
9.Open Space and Aesthetics
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Can be readily observed by the public; and
Possesses special or unique aesthetic qualities; or
Has prominence as a distinct feature in the surrounding landscape;
Has been identified as important open space in a municipal, regional or state plan.
10.Erosion Control through Binding and Stabilizing the Soil
Function is present and likely to be significant: Any of the following physical and vegetative
characteristics indicate the wetland provides this function.
Erosive forces such as wave or current energy are present and any of the following
are present as well:
Dense, persistent vegetation along a shoreline or stream bank that reduces an
adjacent erosive force.
Good interspersion of persistent emergent vegetation and water along course of
water flow.
Studies show that wetlands of similar size, vegetation type, and hydrology are
important for erosion control.
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
10
What type of erosive forces are present?
Lake fetch and waves
High current velocities
Water level influenced by upstream impoundment
If any of the above boxes are checked, the wetland provides this function. Complete the
following to determine if the wetland provides this function above or below a moderate
level.
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a lower level.
The stream is artificially channelized and/or lacks vegetation that contributes to
controlling the erosive force.
Check box if any of the following conditions apply that may indicate the wetland provides
this function at a higher level.
The stream contains high sinuosity.
Has been identified through fluvial geomorphic assessment to be important in
maintaining the natural condition of the stream or river corridor.
Vermont Wetland Evaluation Form Jan. 2019
11