METHODOLOGY

On-site methods will be used for accessible areas by first identifying hydrophytic plant communities. Analysis of soil types and hydrology from the communities will be used to verify the wetland community and its boundaries. Soil types will be determined by digging test holes 18" to 24" deep. The soil samples will be analyzed to identify the duff layer and the horizon "A" and "B" layers. Munsell charts will be used to determine the chroma, hue and value characteristics of each sample. The percent of mottling and gleying will also be recorded utilizing the Munsell system. Additional soil structure such as nodules and concretions will be included in the analysis. In the case of sandy soils, organic streaking and color variations will be used to analyze hydric conditions.

Off-site methods for wetland delineation will only be used when access to the property has been denied by landowners. When required, the off-site delineation will involve all available resources. These will include the National Hydric Soils List, SCS Hydric Soils List, topographic maps, aerial photographs, county soil surveys, National Wetlands Inventory, FEMA flood plain maps and the State Hydric Soils List. Although all of the above mentioned resources are valuable, it is necessary to extrapolate from adjacent sites where on-site methodology can be accomplished under these circumstances.

Disturbed or altered areas will require an investigation of the site from the historic viewpoint. Determination of when disturbances of hydrology, vegetation or soils occurred is important to wetland/upland determination. When this has been accomplished, depending on complexity, a routine or comprehensive methodology is pursued to make the determination.

The criteria adopted by the Division of State Lands for identifying "significant wetlands" will be used as the basis of the preliminary base mapping and identification of areas for field verification. The DSL criteria will also be used as a guideline during the field verification phase to ensure that all areas subject to classification as significant wetlands are inventoried and analyzed.

In all the mentioned methods for determining the upland/wetland delineation, the 1987 Field Guide for Wetland Delineation will be used in conjunction with the National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands, Wetland Plants of Washington and Oregon, and Wetland Plants of the Pacific Northwest.