5 333.918 T6mwam 1999 ]SAnviifrf MDT yetland Assessment Method Prepared for: Montana Department of Transportation and Morrison-Maierle, Inc. Prepared by: Jeff Berglund Western EcoTech Mav 25, 1999 i « (ATE DOCUMENTS CnilECTION APi^ 0 4 2003 Montana state liukaky 1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59620 ••••• MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 3 0864 1001 9044 9 nATF niiF ' ■' -■ c- ?nns — — ^^-) 1 DEWCa 38-301 MPT Montana Wetland Assessment Method Prepared for: Montana Department of Transportation Environmental Services 2 701 Prospect Avenue P.O. Box 201001 Helena, Montana 59620-1001 and Momson-Maierle, Inc. 910 Helena A venue P.O. Box 6147 Helena, Montana 59604-6147 Prepared by: Jejf Berglund Western EcoTech 1280 Lariat Road Helena, Montcma 59602 Mav25, 1999 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This revised assessment method would not have come to pass without the review and comments pro\ided by several wetland professionals. The Montana Department of Transportation wetland resources stafEl includmg Pat Basting, Dave Hill, Larry Sickerson, Gordon Stockstad. Mark Traxler, Larrv' Urtan. and Deb Wambach, provided intensive review and valuable comments at all phases of this project. Pam Hackle\ (OEA Research). Robert Harris (Turnstone Biological), and Beth Kunkel (BRW. Inc.) also participiated in the imtial brainstorming session and provided key suggestions for revision. Alan Steinle of the U.S. Ariiiv' Corps of Engineers in Helena provided helpfiil comments from a policy perspective. Jeff Ryan of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality' assisted with issues pertaining to impaired waters. Additional members of the Montana Interagency Wetland Group provided helpful informal comments and suggestions. Finally, Steve Cooper and Bonnie Heidel of the Montana Natural Heritage Program provided invaluable assistance with respect to rare wetland plants and plant associations in Montana. TABLE OF CONTENTS Paje INTRODUCTION 1 METHODS 1 INSTRUCTIONS AND DISCUSSION 1 1 . Project Name 3 2. Project # and Control # 3 3. Evaluation Date 3 4. Evaluatoits) — 3 5. Wetland/Site #(s) 3 6. Wetland Location(s) 3 7. Evaluating Agenc>' and Purpose 3 8. Estimated Total Wetland Size 3 9. Estimated Acreage of Assessment Area (AA) 3 10. Classification of Wetland and Aquatic Habitats in AA 4 1 1 . Estimated Relative Abundance 4 12. General Condition of AA 5 1 3 . Structural Di\ersit\- 5 14. a) Habitat for Federally Listed and Proposed Threatened or Endangered Plants or Animals 5 b) Habitat for Species Rated S 1 , S2. or S3 b>' the Montana Natural Heritage Program 6 c) General WUdlife Habitat '- 6 d) General Fish / Aquatic Habitat 7 e) Flood Attenuation 8 f) Short and Long-Term Surface Water Storage 9 g) Sediment/Nutrient/To.Kicant Retention and Removal 9 h) Sediment/Shorelme Stabilization 10 i) Production E.xportTFood Chain Support 10 j) Groundwater Discharge/Recharge 1 1 1) Recreation/Education Potential 12 Function & Value Summary- and Overall Rating 12 LITERATURE CITED AND PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS 15 Appendi.x A; MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Form A Appendix B: Map ofMajor Montana Watershed Basins B Appendix C: Key to HGM Classes and Cowardm Classification Hierarchy C Appendix D: Proposed and Listed Threatened and Endangered Species in Montana and Species Designated S 1. S2. or S3 by the MNHP Associated With Wetland Habitats D Table 1 - Potential Wetland Plant Associations Ranked as SI or S2 b>- the Montana Natural Heriuge Program 1 1 Figure 1 - Sample Assessment Areas Follows Page 3 KfDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25, 1999 INTRODUCTION In 1989. the Montana Dqiartment of Transportation (MDT) and the Montana Dq)artment of FisL Wildlife & Parks (MDFWP) developed a wetland evaluation method to be appbed to highway projects in Montana. Substantial revisions of the method and corresponding field forms were undertaken in 1994 and 1996. The 1996 version (Berglund 1996) was tested for three field seasons at several hundred wetlands. Opportunities to miprove assessment accuracy and evaluator consistency were noted during this period and incorporated into the 1999 revision. These instructions and the correspondmg field forms comprise the 1999 version of this functional assessment method. As with previous versions, the 1 999 evaluation method discussed in this report was primarily designed to address highway and other Linear projects, such as pipelines and transmission hnes. However, the method can be appUed to other types of projects, including mitigation projects, at the discretion of the user. It is important to note that this method is intended to evaluate wetland functions and values, and is not to be used to delineate jurisdictional wetland boundaries. Wetland dehneation should be conducted prior to evaluation using the 1987 Corps of Engineers (COE) wetland delineation manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) or other COE- approved methods. The objectives of the revised form are to provide a rapid, economicaL, repeatable wetland evaluation method applicable to Montana that: • meets the needs of local regulatory agencies in terms of quantifying jurisdictional wetland fimctions and values with respect to the majority of proposed wetland disturbance-related and mitigation projects in the state, particularly highway projects; • minimizes subjectivity and variability between evaluators; • provides a means of assigning wetlands overall ratings to facilitate avoidance priorities; and • incorporates some of the principles of the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) assessment method to foster use of the revised form as an interim method until HGM is fully implemented in Montana, and as an alternate method once HGM is implemented. As of the writing of these instructions, the Regional Guidebook for Assessing the Functions oflntermontane Prairie Pothole Wetlands in the Northern Rocky Xlountains (Hauer et al. 1 999) has been completed, and a guidebook addressing riverine wetlands will be available in early summer 1999 (Hauer pers. comm.). METHODS Methods appUed during the substantial 1 996 revisions to the original MDT method are presented in the 1 996 instructions (Berglund 1996). Potential revisions to the 1996 version of the method and form were initially discussed at a meeting conducted at MDT during late 1998. Meeting attendees included MDT biologists and primary MDT wetland consxiltants. A draft revised form was presented to the Montana Interagency Group (consistmg of MDT, COE. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service [USFWS]. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], Federal Highways Admimstration [FHWA], Montana Department of Environmental Quality [MDEQ]. Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS]. and MDFWP for review and comment in early May 1999. The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MNHP) was consulted with respect to formatting for development of an electronic version of the data forms The method and corresponding data form were revised in spring of 1 999 based upon received comments, meeting results, and literature review . Primary literature sources referenced during the course of the 1996 method and form development and 1999 revision included Regional Guidebook for Assessing the Functions oflntermontane Prairie Pothole Wetlands in the Northern Rocky Mountains (Hauer et al. 1999), /I Comprehensive Review of Wetland Assessment Procedures (Bartoldus 1999). Oregon Freshwater Wetland Assessment Methodology (Roth et al. \991>), Minnesota Routine Assessment Method for Evaluating Wetland Functions (Miimesota Interagency Wetland Group \996). Draft Hydrogeomorphic Assessment of Riverine Wetlands (Viiwer zad Coo)s. 1996). An Approach for Assessing Wetland Functions Using Hydrogeomorphic Classification, Reference Wetlands, and Functional Indices (Smith et al. 1995), Wetland Evaluation Technique (Adamus et al. 1991), the Highway Methodology Workbook (COE 1995). Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Eastern Washington (Washington State Department of Ecology [WDE] 1991), and Washington State Wetlands Rating System - Western Washington (WDE 1993). INSTRUCTIONS AND DISCUSSION A copy of the five-page 1999 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Form is provided in Appendrx A. This section of the report 1 \fDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25. 1999 provides discussion and instructions for completing each of the fields on the form. The COE Regulatory' Division must consider impacts to wetland ftmctions and values when evaluating Section 404 pennit apphcations. Functions are self-sustaining properties of a wetland ecosystem that exist in the absence of society, and relate to ecological significance without regard to subjective human values (COE 1995). Groundwater discharge is an example of a wetland function. Values are benefits that derive from either one or more functions and the physical characteristics associated with a wetland (COE 1995). The value of a given wetland function, or combination of functions, is based on human judgment of the worth, ment. importance, or quality attributed to those functions. The following functions and values are evaluated by this method: Habitat for federally listed or proposed threatened or endangered plants or animals Habitat for plants or animals rated S 1 , S2, or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage Program General wildlife habitat General fish/aquatic habitat Flood attenuation Long and short-term surface water storage Sediment/nutrient/toxicant retention and removal Sediment/shoreline stabilization Production export/food chain support Groundwater discharge/recharge Umqueness Recreation/education potential The form assesses and assigns each of the 12 fiinctions and values ratings of "low", '"moderate", or "high" (or, in some cases, "exceptional"), and scores each on a scale of . 1 (lowest) to 1 (highest) "functional points". The scoring scale for each function and value is similar to that of HGM, although HGM does not generalh consider values and not all of the variables considered by HGM with respect to a given function were included in this method. Functional points are summed on the data form and expressed as a percentage of the possible total; functions that do not apply to a given wetland are assigned a rank of "NA" and are not included m point totals. This percentage is then used in conjunction with other cnteria to provide an overall wetland ranking into one of four categories. Category I is the highest overall ranking a wetland can receive, followed by Categorv II. Category III, and Category IV. Functional points can be multiplied by the total existing or expected (post-project) acreage in the assessment area (AA) to determine the total "functional units" existing. ex"pected to be lost or expected to be gained at a given site. Wetland categories and functional units are further discussed in the latter portion of this section. When completing fields 14A through 14L (the functions and values assessment portion of the form), if it is the evaluator's best professional opinion that a rating for a particular function is inadequately represented on the form due to specific site conditions, it is appropriate to override the calculated value and note the justification in the comment space provided. It is important to note. howe\er, that this should be treated as the exception rather than the rule. Generally, it is appropnate to assess wetlands, or assessment areas (AAs). indi\idualh' on separate data forms. Howe\er, it is also appropnate to address several AAs on one data form if the AAs are very similar with respect to size, composition, exposure to disturbance, and other features. Several very similar roadside ditch wetlands along a proposed highway project would comprise an example of when several AAs could be assessed on one data form. AAs that differ enough from one another such that they would result in different ratings for various fiinctions and values should be assessed on separate data forms. Several attributes throughout the form are rated by working through matrices. Variables used within these matrices are addressed in a dichotomous, "top to bottom" fashion, resulting in an assignment of functional points and a rating for each evaluated function. An example based on the matrix used to evaluate flood attenuation is provided below. In this example, estimated wetland acreage subject to floodmg is at least 10 acres. > 75 percent of the flooded wetland is forested, scrub-shrub, or both, and the site contains an unrestricted outlet, receiving a score of .9 and a rating of "high" for this function. S(DT Montana Wetland Assessment Method Mav25.1999 Estimated wetland area in AA subject to peiiodic flooding , ^ QlOacr^_J) < 10, >2 acres <2 acres % of flooded wetland classified '^ as forested, scnib/shivb. or both 75%^ 25-75% <25% 75% 25-75% <25% 75% 25-75% <25% AA contains no outlet or restricted outlet 1(H) .9(H) .6(M) ■8(H} .7(H) .5(M) .4cation(s): Enter the appropriate legal descriptions, stationing or mileposts, eight-digit watershed descriptor (fi^m the Hydrologic Unit Slap - 1974: State of Montana [U.S. Geological Survey 1976]), global positioning station (GPS) reference s (if available; not required), and other desired location information for the evaluated wetlands. 7. Evaluating Agency and Purpose: Fill in the appropriate agenc>- (for MDT projects, this will generalh' be "MD'P) and check the appropriate project categor.'. 8. Estimated Total Wetland Size: Enter the estimated or measured (not required) size of the entire wetland that includes the assessment area (.AA). If the AA is delineated such that the entire wetland is included, the responses to 8 and 9 wiU be the same. If evaluating more than one AA on a single data form, enter the average wetland size or the range of wetland sizes. 9. Estimated Acreage of Assessment Area (AA): Indicate the estimated or measured (not required) acreage within the boundanes of the AA usmg the guidance below. If splitting a wetland into more than one AA. indicate the AA boundaries on the wetland delineation map. Wetlands bisected by roads may be considered as a single AA or as more than one AA, depending on the perceived degree of hydrologic/biological interaction between the two halves. If evaluating more than one AA on a single data form, enter the average AA size or the range of AA sizes. Several example AAs relative to highway projects are provided in Figure 1 . The AA includes the portion of a wetland that is (see Figure 1): A. within a proposed project nght-of-way, construction easement, permit area, known detour area, etc. (e.g., within the area of interest) and contiguous to a distance determined by B or C below, whichever distance is closer to the proposed project. B. contiguous up and downstream fi'om the project to physical points of significant hvdrologic change (these can include jurisdictional boundaries, points where jurisdictional wetlands are no longer adjacent to a non-wetland channel natural [geomorphic] or man made constrictions or expansions, points where the gradient changes rapidly, points of significant inflow [e.g., tributaries], or places where other factors limit hydrologic interaction) or C. contiguous up and downstream fi-om the project to maximum distances of 0.5 mile if no points of significant hydrologic change (including termination of the wetland) occtir within this radius. The following conditions apply to wetlands contiguous with open water. Open water is defined as any area of standing orfloM-mg water without emergent (not including pioneer species), scrub-shrub, or forested vegetation (e.g., in most cases, a flooded Met meadow would not be considered to contain open water) . Where wetlands are contiguous with standing non-wetland water bodies (lakes, ponds); If wetlands are contiguous with < 20 acres of open water (e.g., prairie pothole), include all open water in the AA to a Figure 1 - Sample Assessment Areas AA1 I "^Z 1. Contiguous :=> AA2 2. Disproportional 3. Hydroiogic Change 4. Hydrologic Change 5. Hydrologic Change (No Wetlands=No AA) AA, -AA. ■ AA AA. 6. Open Water < 20 7. Open Water > 20 8. Individual Sites 9. Fringe; Stream > 1 50 10. Fringe; Stream Acres Acres feet wide < 150 feet wide UW1 AAf. AAf 11. Nonfringe; Any Stream Width 12. Fringe; Stream > 150 feet wide 13. Fringe; Stream < 150 feet wide 14. Oxbov;; channel < 150 feet wide 15. Braided Channel 16. Fringe; Stream > 150 feet wide 17. Nonfringe; Any Stream Width 18. Mitigation Siie; Several Individual Wetlands ; - Highway - Wetland ■ Non-Wetland Water of the U.S. t\ ■ Assessment Area (AA) MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25, 1999 distance from the project determined by A. B, and C above (see Figure 1. Panel #6). If wetlands are contiguous with > 20 acres of open water (e.g., Flathead Lake), include open water in the AA to the estimated deep water line (>6.6 feet) or to a point that is double the wetland shoreline width, whichever is greater (see Figure 1 , Panel #1). Where wetlands are contiguous with flowing non-wetland water bodies (rivers, streams, irrigation canals): For fringe wetlands (cumulative width along both banks < 3x bankfuU channel width) adjacent to a channel with a bankfiill width 2 150 feet (e.g., Missouri River), onh' include the actual wetlands in the AA to a distance fix)m the project determined by A, B, and C. Do not include the channel in the AA unless the wetlands extend into it (see Figure 1, Panel #s 9, 12. 16, 18). For all nonfiinge wetlands (cumulative width s 3x bankfiiU channel width) or those fringe wetlands adjacent to a channel with a bankfiill width < 150 feet (e.g.. Link Blackfoot Rrv'er), include the entire channel in the AA to a distance from the project determined by A, B. and C (seeFigm-e 1, Panel #s 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 17, and 18). 10. Classification of AA: Enter the HGM class(es) (Smith et aL 1995) pertaining to the AA in column 1. HGM classes apphcable to Montana are riverine. depressionaL slope, mineral soil flats, organic soil flats, and lacustrine fringe. A ke\' to these classes is provided in Appendix C. Class descriptions are provided in Smith et al. (1995). For columns 2-6, enter the systems, subsystems, classes, water regimes, and special modifiers that apply to the AA using the Cowardin et al. (1979) classification system. Only the riverine, lacustrine, and palustrine svstems apph' to Montana. A classification hierarchy showing systems, subsystems, and classes from Cowardm et el. (1979) is included in Appendix C. For column 7, enter the estimated percentage of the AA that corresponds to each Cowardin class. Vegetated classes are distinguished on the basis of what species constitute the uppermost layer of vegetation and cover more than 30% of the substrate (Cowardin et al. 1 979). For example, an area with 50% areal coverage of trees over a shrub layer with 60% areal coverage would be classified as a forested wetland; an area with 20% areal coverage of trees over a shrub layer with 60% areal coverage would be classified as scrub-shrub wetland. When trees or shrubs alone cover less than 30% of an area but in combination cover 30% or more, the wetland is classified as scrub-shrub. When trees and shrubs cover less than 30% of an area but the total vegetative cover is 30% or greater, the wetland is assigned to the appropriate class for the predominant life form (e.g., emergent) below the shrub layer. Vegetated classes likely to be encountered are defined below: Aquatic bed class: Any areas of open water dominated by plants that grow principalh' on or below the water surface for most of the growing season. Vegetation is non-persistent and includes submerged or floating-leaved rooted vascular plants, free-floating vascular plants, submergent mosses, and algae. Emergent class: Vegetated wetland characterized by erect, herbaceous hydrophytes (e.g., sedges, rushes, grasses, bukush, cattail), excluding mosses and Lichens. Scrub-shrub class: Vegetated wetland dominated by woody vegetation less than 6m (20 ft) tall. Species include shrubs, young trees, and stunted trees and shrubs. Forested class: Vegetated wetland characterized by woody vegetation that is 6m (20 ft) tall or taller. Moss-lichen class: Wetland where mosses or lichens cover substrates other than rock and where emergents. shrubs, or trees make up less than 30% of areal cover. 11. Estimated Relative Abundance of Similarly Classified Sites within Major Montana Watershed Basin: Circle the estimated relative abundance of sites that are similar in composition to the AA and occur within the same major Montana watershed basin (Appendix A) using the following definitions: Rare estimated < 10% of wetlands in basin similar to AA Common estimated 10-50% of wetlands in basin similar to AA Abundant estimated >50% of wetlands in basin similar to AA MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25, 1999 The Major Montana Watershed Basin Map is based on a modification of the 1974 United States Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Map for Montana, and is used by the MDT Interagency Wetlands Group to determine the suitability of mitigation project locations relative to impact locations. 12. General Condition: i. Regarding Disturbance. Disturbance at the AA is defmed based on land use both at the AA and in the surrounding area. Land use in surroundmg areas can provide a measure of disturbance within AAs and negatively influence their habitat quality' e\en though the AAs themseKes may be relatively undisturbed. Use the matrw on the form to arrive at an overall determination of "low"", "moderate", or "high" disturbance at the AA. Fill in comments as desired. ii. Prominent Weedy, Alien, and Introduced Species. List prominent weedy, alien, and introduced vegetation species within the AA. ' iii. Descriptrve Summary. Provide a brief (1 to 2 sentence) descriptive surtunary of the AA and surrounding area. The description may kiclude dominant species, adjacent land use, proximit}' to other wetlands, etc. 13. Structural Diversity: Using the table provided on the form, determine the structural diversity rating for the AA. Count only those classes listed imder #10 that are vegetated; do not include unvegetaled (e.g., rock bottom, unconsolidated shore, etc.) classes. Rate the structural diversity based on the "best case'' for a given wetland. For example, if non-persistent floating-leaved vegetation is absent during the evaluation, but the reviewer knows or strongly suspects that such vegetation is present during some portion of the year, then this class should be counted in addition to other vegetated classes. 14A. Habitat for Federally Listed or Proposed Threatened or Endangered Plants or Animals: A "red flag" attribute, this field assesses habitat for species recei\ing protection under pro\isions of the Endangered Species Act: that is, listed or proposed threatened or endangered species. Potential effects to threatened and endangered species are examined by the COE during 404 permit application reviews. According to the COE general conditions for Nationwide 404 permits, "no activity is authorized which is likeh' to jeopardize the contiuued existence of a threatened or endangered species or a species proposed for such designation, as identified under the federal Endangered Species Act or which is likely to destroy or adverseh' modify- the critical habitat of such species.". A 1999 USFWS list of threatened and endangered species and species proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act in Montana is presented in .Appendix D. i. Circle D or S to indicate whether habitat for listed or proposed T&E species is documented or suspected within the AA at the ascertained level using the definitions provided below. It may be appropriate to indicate more than one use level for multiple species. For example, an AA may contain secondar.' habitat for bald eagles and incidental habitat for peregrine falcons. List the species that correspond to each habitat level determined to applv to the AA. Primary Habitat: Habitat essential to the short or long-term viabihtv' of individuals or populations. The presence of traditional breeding, spawning, nesting, denning, or critical migratory habitat large seasonal congregations (including communal roosts, staging habitat traditional foraging congregations, etc.). or USFWS- designated critical habitat or core areas in the AA indicates primary habitat as does any occurrence of a T&E plant. Secondary Habitat: Habitat that is occasionally or semi-regularly used by a given species, but that is not necessarih' essential to the short or long-term viabilil}' of individuals or populations. Examples would include non-specific migration areas and occasional forage or perch sites. Primary habitat as defined above, may occur in the general vicinity (e.g., within the project area, section, drainage, watershed, etc.), but not m the AA. Incidental Habitat: Habitat that receives chance, inconsequential use by a given species or habitat conditions or the known distribution of the species would indicate this level of use. This term implies that, while it may be concervable that a given species may occur at an AA at a given point in time, the chance is remote and the use is not likely to be repeated. iL Rating. Use the highest level habitat (e.g., the level that corresponds to the highest fimctional point value) determined under i to detenrune the functional point value for the AA. If T&E species habitat is documented at the AA, indicate the source of the documentation. MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25, 1999 14B. Habitat for Plants or Animals Rated SI, S2, or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage Program: This field assesses use of the AA by species rated S 1 (critically imperiled). S2 (imperiled), or S3 (voilnerable) by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (not including '^vatch list" species). Species within these MNHP categories are inclusive of U. S. Forest Service-listed sensitive species and USFWS candidate species that are not subject to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. To avoid duplication, do not include species listed above under 14A. Lists of plants and animals rated SI. S2. and S3 by the MNHP that may be associated with wetlands in Montana are presented in .Appendix D. i. Circle D or S to indicate whether habitat for these species is documented or suspected within the AA at the ascertained level using the definitions provided above under 14A. As discussed under 14A. it may be appropriate to indicate more than one habitat level for multiple species. List the species that correspond to each habitat level applying to the AA. ii. Rating. Use the highest level habitat (e.g.. the level that corresponds to the highest functional point value) determined under i to detenmne the functional point value for the AA. If sensitive species habitat is documented at the AA, indicate the source of the documentation. 14C. General Wildlife Habitat: This field assesses general wildlife habitat potential of the AA based upon evidence of wildlife use and habitat features. The combination of these two variables is considered to more accurately assess this function than if habitat features alone were used. A site may contain what are perceKed to be outstanding habitat features for wildlife, but for reasons difBcult to detect (such as presence of toxins, etc.) may onh' receive minimal to moderate use. Opportumties for enhancement may exist if such a situation were correctable. Converseh'. a site may contain few desirable habitat features, but mav receive significant use due to a general lack of habitat in the area or other factors and mav be under-rated for this function if wildlife use was not considered. With respect to habitat features, variables assessed include structural diversity, evenness of vegetated classes, duration of surface water in at least 10 percent of the AA. and degree of disturbance. Structural diversity and evenness of vegetated classes relate to the amount of niches available in an area. More niches are potentially available as more layers of habitat occur, so more wildlife species potentially are supported by more structurally complex habitats (Cooperrider et al. 1986). Similarly, Hauer and others (1999) state that pothole wetlands with the highest level of ecosvstem complexity and diversit\' tend to have a relatively even spatial distribution of wetland zones. The duration of surface water, whether perennial or intermittent plays an important role in the habitat function of wetlands. Free water is an extremeh' important habitat component of wetlands, particularly during summer (Brown 1985). Generally, the longer surface water is present dunng the year, the more available it is for wildlife use at a variety of life stages. Degree of disturbance at a wetland can greath' influence its use by wOdlife. Examples of disturbance include direct conversion, conversion of upland supporting habitats, and encroachment by human actnity' sources, such as residences and roads L Evidence of Overall Wildlife use in the AA. First determine the level of evidence indicating wildlife use in the AA based on direct observations (auditory detections are counted as observations), presence of wildlife sign, adjacent upland food sources, presence of extremely limiting habitat features, or interviews with local biologists with knowledge of the AA. Whether or not a habitat feature would be considered as extremely limiting depends on the feature itself as well as the estimated availabihtv of that feature in the general vicinity. For example, bogs or warm springs within areas in which these features rarely occur would be considered extremelv limiting habitat features. Circle ''substantial", "moderate", or "low" evidence of use based on the criteria listed on the data form For fiirther guidance, refer to the definitions of substantial moderate, or little to no use provided below. Evidence of use is considered to be indicative of level of use. Substantial use: AA is regularly used in high numbers relative to local or transient populations. Moderate use: A.A is regularly used in small to moderate numbers relative to local populations, or infi^equently or sporadically used in any numbers relative to local or transient populations. Little to No use: AA is regularly, infi^quently. or sporadically used by extremely small numbers relative to local populations, or receives chance, inconsequential use in any numbers relative to local or transient populations. ii Wildlife Habitat Features. Working fi-om top to bottom within the double vertical lines, circle the appropriate AA attributes in the matrix provided on the data form to arrive at an exceptional (E), high (H). moderate (M), or low (L) rating. The first variable considered is the structural drversitv ratiac from #13. The second variable is class cover distribution. For class cover to be considered MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25. 1999 evenly distributed, vegetated classes must be within 20% of each other in terms of their percent composition of the AA (refer to the percentages listed under #10). The third variable is the maximum duration of surface water (any water above the ground surface that is available to wildlife; not necessarily open water) covering at least 10% of the AA. The 10 percent criterion should be considered a rule of thumb and is intended to be applied primarily at smaller (e.g., less than 1 or 2 acres), rather than larger sites. For example, 9 acres of surface water should not be dismissed at a 100-acre AA sunph' because this 10 percent guidance is not met. The intent of this criterion is to allow consideration of significant surface water amounts within an AA relatrv'e to wildlife habitat while disallowing insignificant surface water amounts. The fmal call will depend on the specific situation at hand and is therefore left to the evaloator. Abbreviations for surface water durations are as follows: P/P = pennanent/perennial; S/I = seasonal/intermittent; T/E = temporary/ephemeral; and A = absent where: Permanent/perennial: Surface water is present throughout the year except during years of extreme drought. SeasonaL'intermittent: Surface water is present for expended periods, especialK' earh' in the growing season, or may persist throughout the growing season, but may be absent at the end of the growing season: or surface water does not flow continuoush', as when water losses from evaporation or seepage exceed the available streamflow. Temporary/ephemeral . Surface water is present for brief periods during the growing season, but the water table is well below the surface most of the year; or surface water flows briefly in direct response to precipitation in the immediate vicinit}' and the channel is above the water table. TTie final variable is degree of disturbance at the AA as determined under #12. This will determine the habitat features rating. iiL Rating. Determine and circle the general wildlife habitat rating and functional pwDints for the AA by apphing the results of i and ii to the matrix provided in the data form. 14D. General Fish / Aquatic Habitat: This field assesses general fish and aquatic habitat at the AA based upon the presence of certain groups offish and habitat features. Assess this fiinction onh,' if the \K is used by fish or the existing situation is "correctable" such that the AA could be used by fish (e.g., fish use is precluded by perched culvert or other barrier, etc.). If the AA is not or was not historically used by fish due to lack of habitat (includmg duration of surface water), excessive gradient, etc. (e.g., the AA does not have the opportunity to provide habitat for fish), circle NA where indicated on the data form and proceed to the next function. Variables assessed to determine a rating for habitat qualitv include duration of surface water, structural cover, shading, and habitat availabiht>'. Presence of surface water is an obvious critical component offish habitat. Seasonally flooded areas can be important nursery and foraging areas for fish (and can result in "high"' habitat quaht)' ratings using this assessment); however, longer duration of surface water generally results in higher ratings because surface waters of such duration are available to fish for greater periods and varieties of life stages. Flow or w ater level stabiht>- is an important habitat component for a variet}' of Montana fish species (Raleigh 1982. Raleigh et al 1984, Raleigh et al. 1986, McConneU et al. 1984, Hickman and Raleigh 1982, Marcus et al. 1984, Inskip 1982. Stuberetal. 1982). Abundant structural cover and well-vegetated streambanks and shorelines are also important habitat components for se\'eral Montana fish species (Raleigh 1982. Raleigh et al. 1984, Raleigh et al. 1986. McConneU et al. 1984, Hickman and Raleigh 1982. Inskip 1982, Stuber et al. 1982, Krieger et al. 1983, Edwards et al. 1983). Structural cover such as submerged logs and vegetation, other wood}' debris, floating-leaved vegetation, and large rocks provides resting areas, refiige fi"om predators, hiding areas for predators, and functions as a substrate for insect larva; an important food source for many fish species. High water temperatures that result fix)m removal of streamside vegetation can render habitat as unsuitable for fish that are sensitive to higher temperatures, such as bull trout. Vegetation along streams, ponds, and lakes also provides insect habitat an important food source for man) fish species. Although the physical habitat attributes of a site may be attractive to fish, use of the area may be significanth' reduced or precluded due to the presence of inadequately-sized culverts, dikes, continual sources of degradation, or other causes. Consequenth. such potential "habitat modifiers'' are also considered in the assessment. In addition to the presence of undersized culverts, dikes, and other such structural habitat modifiers, the method considers whether a waterbody within the AA is hsted on the MDEQ list of Waterbodies in Need of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Development (MDEQ 1999) with listed "probable impaired uses" that include ^^■arm water fishery, cold water fishery, or aquatic life support. Fish use and aquatic habitat quaht}.' of such listed waterbodies have been determined by MDEQ to be "impaired". The impaired waterbodv' Ust is lengthy and d\-namic and is not included as an appendix to this MDT Montana IVetland Assessment Method May 25, 1999 document; however, the list is available on the internet at http:/Avater.moDtana.edu/doc$/tmdl/303d/303dContents.htm . The presence of certain groups offish in the AA is considered along with habitat features to derive an overall fish/aquatic habitat rating. This was included in the assessment to reflect MDFWP fisheries management priorities. The ranking of such groups was based on the guiding principles of MDFWP's "Fisheries Beyond 2000" 10-year strategic fisheries management plan (MDFWP 1999). The mission of the plan and the Fishenes Program has the aim of preserving and enhancing all aquatic species and their ecosystems to meet the pub he's demand for recreational opportunities while assuring prudent stewardship of aquatic species. The Fisheries Program seeks to accomplish this imssion by developing and implementing policies and programs that foster sound management of wild fish populations and their habitats, at the same time that it monitors and regulates angler harvests, maintains recreational activities for anglers, and provides improved access to fisheries (MDFWP 1999). Given these management priorities (managing for wild fish populations and recreational opportumties). the following groups offish are considered in the assessment m order of descendmg "rank": native game fish; introduced game fish; non-game fish; and no fish. L Habitat Quality. Working from top to bottom within the double vertical Lmes. circle the appropriate AA attributes m the matrix provided on the data form to arrive at an exceptional (E). high (H). moderate (M), or low (L) rating. The first variable considered is the maximum duration of surface water in the AA. Use the definitions provided above imder 14C. The second variable is structural cover. Estimate the percentage of the waterbody within the AA that contains cover objects such as submerged logs, large rocks and boulders, overhanging banks, and submerged and floating-leaved vegetation. The final vanable is shading, as determined by estimating the percent of streambank or shoreline within the AA that contains wetland or riparian scrub-shrub or forested communities. This will determine the rating for habitat quahtv'. u. Modified Habitat Quality. Circle the appropriate response to the following question; Is fish use of the AA precluded or significantly reduced by a culvert, dike, or other man-made structure or activity or is the waterbody included on the MDEO list of waterbodies in need ofTXIDL development with listed "Probable Impaired Uses " including cold or warm water fishery or aquatic life support? If the answer is yes. then reduce the habitat quahtv' rating determined in i above by one level (E = H. H = M, M = L, L = L). If the answer is no. then do not modify the habitat quality rating determined in i. iiL Rating. Determine and circle the general fish/aquatic habitat rating and fiinctional jwints for the AA by appKing the results of i and ii to the matnx provided in the data form. The term "native" implies a species indigenous to Montana; not necessarily to a given drainage or v^ater bodv The evaluator is referred to A Field Guide To Montana Fishes (Holton 1 990) for the status (native vs. introduced) offish species known or suspected to occur in the AA. As listed in the Montana Code Annotated (1997). "game fish" means all species of the family Salmonidae (chars, trout salmon- grayling, and whitefish); all species of the genus Stizostedion (sandpike or sauger and walleyed pike or yellowpike perch); all species of the genus Esox (northern pike, pickerel and muskellunge); all species of the ssmis Micropterus (bass); all species of the genus Polyodon (paddlefish); all species of the famih' Acipensendae (sturgeon); all species of the genus Lota (burbot or ling); and the species Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish). Native game fish in Montana include: white. paUid. and shovebose sturgeon; paddlefish; mountain whitefish; pygmy whitefish; westslope cutthroat, Yellowstone cutthroat, interior redband. buU, and lake trout; arctic grayling; channel catfish; burbot; and sauger. 14E. Flood Attenuation: This field assesses the capabiUtv of jurisdictional wetland in the AA to slow in-channel or overbank flow during high water/flood events. This parameter appUes onK" if the AA occurs within or contains a discernible floodplain (e.g.. is subject to flooding and possesses the opportunitv' to attenuate flood waters), based on floodwater proximity, evidence of flood deposits, FEMA maps, etc., and can appK' to any AA that includes a flowing water/channel component (e.g., rivers, streams, flowing ditches). If jurisdictional wetland v\ithin the AA does not occur within a channel or discernible floodplain. circle NA where indicated on the form and proceed to the next fimction. Variables used to assess this function are: the area of jurisdictional wetland subject to periodic flooding; percent composition of this area by woody vegetation; and outlet presence or absence. Generally, the larger the wetland, the greater its abUity to attenuate flood flows. Wetlands with dense woody vegetation are better able to slow floodwaters than are wetlands dominated by oi)en water or low- growing vegetation, which ofier httle resistance to such flows. Finally, wetlands with no outlets or with restricted outlets can attenuate and capture floodwaters more efiectively than wetiands with unrestricted outlets. i. Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the fiinctional points and rating [H = high, M = moderate, or L = low] for this function. 8 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25. 1999 First, estimate the area of jurisdictional wetland that is subject to periodic flooding within the AA. This can be based on aerial photos, water marks, silt lines, alternating layers of leaves and fine sediment, ice scars, drift hnes, sediment deposition, directionally bent vegetation, or other physical evidence. Do not include non-wetland open water channel in this estimate. Next, determine the approximate percentage of jurisdictional wetland subject to flooding that is classified in forested or scrub-shrub classes (note: in some cases it may be appropnate to consider dense, extensive stands of hardy persistent emergent vegetation, such as cattail, as scrub- shrub for purposes of this form, as these stands act as primary floodwater attenuators in some parts of the state. If this situation applies, note in the comments section). Finally, determine whether or not the wetland contains a restricted outlet and circle the appropriate fiinctional points and rating. ii. Indicate whether there are residences, businesses, or other features (parks, sports fields, historic sites, roads, etc.) that could be damaged by floodwaters located within 0.5 mile downstream of the AA. Describe these features in the comments section. 14F. Short and Long Term Surface Water Storage: This field assesses the potential of the AA to capture and hold surface water originating from floodmg, precipitation, upland surface (sheetflow) or subsurface (groundwater) flow. If jurisdictional wetlands in the AA are not subject to flooding or ponding, circle NA where indicated on the data form and proceed with the evaluation. Variables used to assess this fiinction are: estimated ma.ximum acre feet of water contained in wetlands that are subject to flooding or ponding; duration of surface water, and flood frequency. Wetlands able to contaio more water volume (acre feet) are more effective at storing water than wetlands restricted to less capacity under the same conditions. Wetlands that contain surface water for longer periods are capable of storage for slower release into the local system than are wetlands that store surface waters for shorter penods. assisting in the stabilization of local flow regimes. Wetlands that flood or pond frequently provide water storage functions more often than do wetlands that flood or pond less fi^quenth'. i. Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, M = moderate, or L = low] for this function. First, estimate the maximum acre feet of water contained vnlhm jurisdictional wetland subject to periodic flooding or ponding within the AA. This can be based on observation, aerial photos, water marks, and other physical evidence (indicate basis in comments). Next determine the maximum duration of surface water and flooded or ponded wetlands using the definitions provided above under 14C. Finally, estimate (based on photographs. NRCS data, interviews, knowledge of the area, etc.) whether the jurisdictional wetlands that flood or pond do so at a fi^uency greater than or less than 5 out of every 10 years and circle the appropriate functional points and rating. 14G. Sediment/Nutrient/Toiicant Retention and Removal: This field assesses the ability of the AA to retain sediments and retain and remove excess nutrients and toxicants. This field only appUes to wetlands with potential to recerve sediments and excess nutrients or toxicants through influx of surface or ground water or direct input. If no wetlands in the AA are subject to such input circle NA where indicated on the data form and proceed with the evaluation. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the two nutrients most often associated with water pollution; both occur in high concentrations in fertilizers and discharges from sewage treatment plants and livestock operations, and excessrve amounts of either can result in algal blooms and subsequent oxygen deficiencies in receiving waters. Toxicants include pesticides, herbicides, petroleimi products, metals, and other potentially harmful constituents. The assessment is based on the site's proximity to sediment/nutrient/toxicant sources; percent cover of vegetation; evidence of floodmg or ponding; and presence or absence of an outlet. Wetlands with the potential to receive and successfully process sediment nutnents. and toxicants provide these fiinctions at a higher capacity than do wetlands that receive excessive amoimts of these constituents such that other functions are impaired. Generalh", a wetland 's ability to uptake nutrients and toxicants and filter sediment increases with the density of its vegetation. Flooded or ponded wetlands are indicative of sites that retain water; these areas allow sediments to settle out and increase nutrient/toxicant contact time with vegetation, facihtating uptake. Sites with no outlets or restricted outlets retain w ater longer (allow more settling and vegetation contact) than do sites with unrestricted outlets. L Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, M = moderate, or L = low] for this function. First, determine if the AA receives or surrounding lands have the potential to deliver low to moderate levels of sediments, nutrients, or toxicants such that other functions in the AA are not substantialh' impaired (e.g.. the wetland is processing these inputs but is not significantly affected by them). Observation of some sedimentation, relativeh' minor potential sources of nutrients or toxicants, or signs of minor to moderate eutrophication would be indicative of this input level. If the waterbody within the AA is listed on the MDEQ list of Waterbodies in Need of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) 9 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25. 1 999 Development (MDEQ 1999) with listed "probable causes" related to sediment, nutrients, or toxicants (e.g. not based exclusiveh' on flow alteration, other habitat alterations, etc.), then the second column of the matrix should be used. Such related probable causes include '"metals", "nutrients", "organic enrichment/DO", "'suspended solids", "unionized ammonia". "priorit]t' orgamcs", '"sUtation", "other inorganics", "salinitv'/TDS/chlorides". etc. The impaired waterbody list is lengthy and dynamic and is not included as an appendLX to this document; however, the list is available on the internet at hrtp://water.montana.edu/docs/tmdl/303d/303dContents htm If the AA is not included on the MDEQ TMDL hst but high levels of these inputs are observed or e\-pected and are impairing other functions at the AA. as evidenced bv observations of major sedimentation, major contaminant sources, major eutrophication. etc.. then the second column of the matrix should be used. The nex! two variables address the percent of wetland vegetated cover and whether or not evidence of ponding or flooding occurs in the AA (see indicators under 14E). respecti\eh-. The final variable determines the appropriate functional points and rating and pertains to whether or not the AA contains a restricted (or no) outlet or an unrestricted outlet. 14H. Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization: This field assesses the ability of the AA to dissipate flow or wave energv, reducing erosion. Complete this field only if the jurisdictional wetland within the AA occurs on the banks of a river, stream, or other natural or manmade channel, or occurs on the shoreline of a standing water body that is subject to wave action. Variables to consider when detennimng if a waterbody is subject to wave action include estimated wind velocity, water depth, and fetch (distance across the water). Although not required for application of this assessment method, Lrnsley and Franzini (1979) cite the following equation for determining wave height: rise of wave (ft) = [(wind velocity [mph])' x fetch (miles)] ^ (1,400 x water depth [ft]). If this field does not apph'. circle NA where indicated on the data form and proceed to the next fimction. Variables used to assess this fiinction are: percent cover of the wetland streambank or shorehne by si)ecies with deep, binding rootmasses; and duration of surface water adjacent to rooted vegetation. GeneraU}', vegetation species with deep, binding rootmasses are more efficient at stabilizing streambanks and shorelines than are species with minor root systems. Wetlands adjacent to surface waters of longer duration generally provide this function more fi^equently than wetlands adjacent to surface waters of less duration. i. Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = higk M = moderate, or L = low] for this fiinction. First, estimate the total percent cover of wetland streambank or shoreline by species with deep, binding rootmasses. AH trees and shrubs are considered to have deep, binding rootmasses. With respect to herbaceous species, annual plants are considered to lack such rootmasses. Pereimial herbaceous species van with respect to their root masses and should be considered individually. Sedges and rushes, for example, are considered to provide deep, binding rootmasses, while Kentucky bluegrass is not. Next, determine the longest duration of surface water adjacent to rooted vegetation in the AA using the definitions provided above under #14C and circle the appropriate functional points and rating. 141. Production Export/Food Chain Support: This field assesses the potential of the AA to produce and export food/nutrients for living organisms. For purposes of this assessment "food/nutrients" include particulate and dissolved organic matter, plant forage species, invertebrates, wildlife prey species, etc. Variables used to assess this function are: vegetated area in the AA; structural diversity; outlet (surface or subsurface) presence or absence; and duration of stirface water. GeneralI^•, wetlands with greater areas of vegetation have potential for more forage plant production and particulate and dissoKed organic material production than do wetlands containing smaller areas of vegetation. Plant layers increase with structural diversitv. which tends to increase food chain support by providing forage species and cover for a greater variety of wildlife and insect life. Wetlands with surface or subsurface outlets can more readih export organic material to downstream habitats than can wetlands without outlets. AvaUabiUty of surface waters for use by fish, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic wildlife, all potential food chain constituents, generalN- increases with the duration of these waters. Also, opportunities for breakdown and export of organic materials to downstream aquatic habitats via surface water are generally greater at wetlands containing such waters for longer, rather than shorter durations. i. Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the functional points and ratmg [H = high. M = moderate, or L = low] for this function. For Factor A in the matrix, estimate the acreage of the vegetated component (all vegetation including persistent non-persistent rooted, and floating) within the AA. Factor B pertains to the structural diversity ratmg determined under #13. For Factor C. indicate (yes or no) whether the A.'\ contains a surface or likely subsurface outlet (see indicators of recharge under 14J below). Finally, circle the appropriate functional points and rating based on the longest duration of surface water in the AA using the definitions provided above under #14C. 10 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Kiethod Mav 25, 1999 14J. Groundwater Discharge/Recharge: This field assesses groundwater discharge and recharge potential at the site. Indicators of discharge include obsened springs or seeps, vegetation gro'wing during dormant or drought seasons, wetlands at the toe of a natural slope, permanent flooding during drought periods, and presence of an outlet but no inlet. Indicators of recharge can be more difficult to discern in the field and include observation of a permeable substrate without an underhing impeding layer, or presence of an inlet but no outlet. i. Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, L = low, N/.\ = Not .Applicable] for this fimction. Check the listed statements under Discharge Indicators and Recharge Indicators that apply to the AA. Other site-specific indicators mav be added as necessary. Use the matnx on the data form to determine the correspKJnding ratmg and functional points. If it is determined that groundwater discharge/recharge potential cannot be reasonably ascertained in the AA at this level of analysis, explain this in the coraments section and indicate the rating as 'ninknown" and functional points as "NA' on the data form. 14K. Uniqueness: This field e\"presses the general uniqueness of the AA in terms of its replacement potential and habitat diversity; relatrv'e abundance in the same major Montana watershed basin; and degree of human disturbance. The Montana Natural Heritage Program has compiled a hst of vegetation associations occurring in Montana and has assigned each association a state "rank" based on its estimated number of occurrences in the state and its estimated total area within the state (MNHP 1998). Associations ranked '"SI" have 1 to 5 occurrences in Montana (regardless of total area) or have 6 to 100+ occurrences in Montana that cumulatively total less than 2.000 acres. Associations ranked "S2" have between 6 and 20 occurrences in Montana that cumulativeh' total greater than or equal to 2.000 acres or have between 21 and 100+ occurrences in Montana that cumulativeh total between 2,000 and 10.000 acres (Cooper and DeVelice 1995). This list is dynamic, and the user should ensure that the most current list is applied. Associations ranked "SI" or "S2" by the MHNT potentially containing wetland communities are listed in Table 1. Associations were generally included on this table if thev were: Usted as a riparian or wetland community in Classificatton and Marjagement of Montana s Riparian and Wetland Sites (Hansen et al. 1 995); indicated as a wetland community on the MNHP list (MNHP 1 998); or if at least one of the primary species within the association was listed as a "facultative", "facultative wetland ", or "obhgate wetland" species using USFWS classifications. Table 1 - Potential Wetland Plant .A^ssoclations Ranked as SI or S2 bv the Montana Natural Heritage Program Plant .Association Montana Natural Heritage Procram State Rank .Abies gnmdis .Alh\Tium filLX-femma Forest s:o .Abies erandis SenedotriaDgularis Forest S2 Abies lasiocarpa .Actaea rubra Forest S2 Abies lasiocarpa Oplopanax homdus Forest S2 Ahus vindis ssp. smuata Shrubland (Pro\Tsion3ll S2 Care.\ scirpoidea - Potaitilla diversifolia Herbaceous N'egetation S2 Craueeus douelasii Shrubland S2 Desdiampsia cespaosa - Potaitilla diversifoba Herbaceous \'eeetatioD S2 Dulidiium arundmaoeum Ha-baceous VeeetJtion fProsisional] S2 Juncus drummondn - .Anteimaria Janata Herbaceous Veeetation S2 Juncus parrvi - Eri^aon uismus Herbaceous \'egetaliOD S2'' Le\-mus cmereus Herbaceous \'egetation fProN-isional] S2 Phraemites australis Temperate Herbaceous \'eaetation S2 Picea (eneelmannii .\ elauca. engelmannii i Lvsichitoo americanus Forest S2 Picea engelmannii Equisetum ar\'ense Forest S2 Populus dettoides - Fra.xmus pennsvlvanica Forest [Provisional] S2Q Populus tremuloides - Populus balsamifera sso. tndiocarpa Osmorhiza occidentaUs Forest S20 Populus tremuloides Heracleum sphond\lium Forest S2'' Potamogeton peamatus - NhTiophvllum soicatum Herbaceous Vegetation SIQ PtAamogelon peamatus - Ruppia maritima Herbaceous Vegetation S2Q Potamogeton pectmatus - Zanniohellia palustns Herbaceous Vegetation SIQ Potamogeton ndiardsonii - Mvnophvllum spicatum Herbaceous \'egetation S2Q Salicomia rubra Herbaceous \ egetation S2'^ Salix glauca Shrubland S2 Salix reticulata Cattha leptosecala Dwarf-shrubland S2 Saroobatus vermiculatus Distichlis spicata Shrubland S2 Thuia plicata .Asarum caudatum Forest SI Tsuga heteroph\lla Gvmnocarpium dr^ooteris Forest S2 11 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25. 1999 Bogs, fens, waim springs, and mature forested wetlands are verv' difficult, and in some cases are not possible, to successfully replicate at mitigation sites. In the absence of these t>-pes, wetlands with higher structural diversit\' or higher MNHP rank are considered more difficult to repUcate than sites with low structural diversit\' or lower MNHP ranks. Wetland t\-pes that occur rarely within a watershed are considered to be more unique than wetlands that occur commonly or abundantly within a watershed. Finally, wetlands with low disturbance that are fimctioning under primarily natural conditions are considered more unique than are wetlands exposed to moderate or high disturbance levels. L Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, M = moderate, or L = low] for this function. First determine whether the AA is or contains a bog. fen. warm springs, or mature forested wetland (average age of dominant trees is greater than 80 years) using the definitions provided below. When determining if the wetland is/contains mature forested wetland, take care to ensure that non-jurisdictional riparian area is not counted as wetland. If the AA does not contain any of these four wetland t\-pes, use the associations listed in Table 1 . If none of these associations are present, use the structural drversit\' rating determined under # 1 3 Bog: A peat-accumulating wetland that has no significant inflows or outflows and supports acidophilic mosses, particularK' sphagnum (Mitch and Gosselink 1993). Fen: A peat-accumulating wetland that receives some drainage from surrounding mineral soil and usualh* supports marsh-Uke vegetation (Mitch and Gosselmk 1993). Forested Wetland: See discussion and definition under #10, Classification of AA. Next indicate the estimated occurrence frequency of similarly classified sites within the same major Montana watershed basin using the ans^ver from #11. Finally, circle the appropriate fimctional points and rating based on the degree of disturbance at the AA as determined under #12. 14L. Recreation/Education Potential: This field assesses the potential of the AA to support recreational and/or educational activities. In the absence of known recreational or educational properties of a site, the rating is determined based on the evaluators assessment of potential for such use. along with ownership of and degree of disturbance at the AA. Sites that are publich' ov^■ned generalh' offer better access opportumties than do privately owned sites. Potential for recreation or education is usualh' higher at sites that are less, rather than more, disturbed unless the activitv itself would result in substantial disturbance. L Is the AA a Knovra Recreation or Education Site? If the AA is a known recreation or education site, circle the high rating (1 functional point) on the matrix provided on the data form and indicate which t}.pes of activities occur on the site under ii. If the site is not a known recreation/education site, proceed to iii. ii. Recreation and Education Categories That Apply to the AA. Check the categories that apply to the AA. iii. Potential for Recreation or Education Use. Determine whether there is strong potential for recreational or educational use of the AA based on its location, size. diversif\'. and other site attributes. If so, check the appropriate categories under \L then proceed to iv. If not circle the low rating (. 1 functional point) on the matrix provided on the data form. iv. Rating. Working from top to bottom, use the matrix on the data form to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high. M = moderate, or L = low] for this function. First, indicate the level of disturbance at the AA using the answer fix)m # 12i. Next, circle the appropnate functional points and rating based on the ownership (pubbc verses private) of the AA. Function ' example of a rare wetland t},-pe; provide irreplaceable ecological functions (e.g., are not replaceable within a human lifetime, if at aU); exhibit exceptionalh high flood attenuation capability; or are assigned high ratings for most of the assessed fiinctions and values. To be rated as a Category I site, the AA must: • Score 1 functional point for Threatened or Endangered Species (e.g., is documented primary habitat); or • Score 1 functional pomt for Umqueness (e.g., be rare in the USGS Unit and a bog, fen, warm springs or mature forested wetland or "SI" plant association in an undisturbed condition); or • Score 1 functional point for Flood Attenuation and answer to C^iestion 14E.ii is '^es" (e.g., contains flooded wetlands in excess of 10 acres that are comprised of more than 75% woody vegetation, has a restricted outlet, and there is p)otential for flood damage downstream); or • Total actual fiinctional points > 80% (round to nearest tenth) of total possible fiinctional points. Category II wetlands are more common than Category I wetlands, and are those that provide habitat for sensitive plants or animals, fiinction at very high levels for wildlife/fish habitat, are unique in a given region, or are assigned high ratings for many of the assessed fiinctions and values. To be rated as a Category II site, the AA must not qualify as a Category I site and: Score 1 functional point for Species Rated SI, S2, or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (e.g., is documented primary habitat); or Score .9 or 1 functional point for General Wildlife Habitat (e.g.. e\'idence of wildlife use is substantial and habitat quality is high to exceptional or evidence of wildlife use is moderate and habitat quality is exceptional); or Score .9 or 1 functional pomt for General Fish/Aquatic Habitat (e.g.. contains native game fish and habitat quality is high to exceptional or contains introduced game fish and habitat quality is exceptional); or Achieve "High" or "Exceptional" ratmgs for both General Wildlife Habitat and General Fish/Aquatic Habitat; or Score .9 fiinctional point for Uniqueness (e.g., bog, fen, warm springs, mature forested, or "S2" wetland community common in the watershed but with low disturbance or bog, fen, warm spnngs, mature forested, or "S2" wetland community rare in the watershed but with moderate disturbance); or • Total actual fiinctional points > 65% (round to nearest tenth) of total possible functional points. Category III wetlands are more common, generally less diverse, and often smaller and more isolated than are Category I and 11 wetlands. They can provide many fimctions and values, although they may not be assigned high ratings for as many parameters as are Category I and U wetlands. To be rated as a Category in site, the AA must not qualLf\' as a Category I. II. or IV site. Category II ' wetlands are generally small, isolated, and lack vegetative diversity. These sites provide little in the way of wildUfe habitat, and are often directly or indirectly disturbed. To be rated as a Category' FV site, the AA must not quaUfS' as a Category I. II. or ni site and: • Achieve a "Low" rating for Uniqueness ; and • Achieve a "Low" rating for Production Export/Food Chain Support (e.g., less than one acre in size and low to moderate structural diversity); and • Total actual functional points < 30% (round to nearest tenth) of total possible functional points The overall rating can be used to establish wetland avoidance/protection strategies at the project level. For example, if wetland impacts are unavoidable for a given project and alternatives are available such that a choice can be made between affecting a Category I or a Category HI site, the applicant and revie'wing agencies could direct impacts to the Category III site. Other applications of the overall rating concept may include the eventual development of mitigation ratio policy (e.g., mitigate impacts to Category I sites at a 2:1 ratio. Category II sites at a 1.5:1 ratio, Category EI sites at a 1:1 ratio, and Category IV sites at a 0.5: 1 ratio). Functional units are not used in determining the overall rating, but are pro'vided for the evaluator's consideration in assessing project impacts, mitigation needs, or in assessing mitigation plans or the success of constructed projects. An example of how fimctional units could be used to develop mitigation that would replace overall (cumulative) fiinctions and values for a given project is presented 13 h^fDT ivlonlana Wetland Assessment Method Mm 25, 1999 below. The total actual functional points for a given 8-acre A4 is 6.3. Total functional units for the AA would be calculated by multiplying 6.3 points X 8 acres = 50.4 functional units. A proposed highway project would impact 2 acres of the AA. Assuming a relative h- uniform distribution of functional capacity across the AA, the loss in functional units to the AA would be 2 acres x 6.3 points = 12.6 functional units. To compensate for lost wetland functions and values, mitigation would need to be designed that would replace the 12.6 functional units. If the predicted total actual functional points for a mitigation project was 5. 1, and the goal were to replace 12.6 functional units, the applicant would need at least 2.5 acres of mitigation to compensate for the loss (2.5 x 5.1 = 12.6). If limited to a two-acre mitigation site, the applicant could, in theory, design the mitigation project such that the predicted functional points met or exceeded 6.3, resulting in the replacement of at least 1 2.6 functional units (2 x 6.3 = 12.6), or could obtain an additional site such that the sum of the functional units for the two sites met or exceeded the total 12.6 point replacement requirement. Functional Units can also be examined on a function by function basis to compare existing pre-project conditions with predicted post- project conditions. This concept is employed by the HGM method (Smith et al. 1995), and is illustrated by the following table, which assumes a two- acre impact to a lO-acre AA for a h\pothetical project. Function Value Pre-projea Post-Projea Funaional Points Size of .-VA in .Acres Functional Units Functional Pomts Size oi.\A in j Functional .Acres Units Change in Functional Units .A .8 10 8 .4 8 3.2 -4.8 B 1 10 10 .6 8 4,8 - 5.2 There are several possible ways to determine mitigation needs using this approach, including; • designing mitigation for individual functions or cumulatrvely for all functions using the greatest predicted loss in fiinctional umls as the replacement target (m this case, designing mitigation such that each function provides a minimum 5.2 functional units or designing the mitigation such that, cumulatively, 5.2 - 5.2 = 10.4 functional units are replaced): or • designing mitigation for individual functions or cumulatively for all fiinctions using the average predicted loss in fimctional units as the replacement target {in this case, designing mitigation such that each function provides a minimum 5 functional units [(4.8 + 5.2) ^ 2 = 5] or designing the mitigation such that, cumulatively, 5-^5 = 10 functional units are replaced): or designing mitigation for individual functions or cumulatively for aD functions using individual predicted changes in functional units as the target {in this case, 4.8 for function A and 5.2 for function B, or cumulatively using 4.8 + 5.2 functional units). 10 There may be circumstances that simply preclude the replacement of a given fiinctionA'alue parameter at the same le\el at which it is rated for an affected wetland. For example, if a project impacts a wetland rated "high" for umqueness due to the presence of a bog. it is very unlikely that the uniqueness parameter could be mitigated at the same level at a replacement wetland because of the difBcult\' associated with bog replacement. In \irtualh all cases, appropriate mitigation of lost wetland functions and values will be subject to coordmation/'negotiation with the regulator.' agencies mvolved in the project. It is not the purpose of this evaluation form to dictate wetland mitigation policy. What is and is not considered appropriate mitigation will ultimateh' be determined by the regulator.' agencies; primarily the COE and EPA. While this evaluation method does provide a means for quantifying predicted impacts to wetland functions and values, it is important to stress that coordmation with the regulatory agencies as to the application of this evaluation method and discussed mitigation determination strategies to a given project is crucial and needs to be carried out on a project by project basis. 14 \{DT Montana Wetland Assessment Method Ma\25, 1999 LITERATURE CITED AND PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS Adamus. P.R.. L.T. StockwelL E.J. Clairain. Jr.. M.E. Morrow. LP. Rozas. and RD. Smith. 199L Wetland evaluation technique (WET). Volume I: literature review and evaluation rationale. Wetland Research Program Technical Report WRP-DE-2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg. MS. Bartoldus. C.C. 1999. A comprehensive review of wetland assessment procedures: a guide for wetland practitioners. Environmental Concern, Inc. St. Michaels, MD. 196pp. Berglund, J. 1996. MDT Montana wetland field evaluation form and instructions - Jul>' 1, 1996. Prepared for: Montana Department of Transportation. Helena. MT . 1 9pp. Brown, E.R. 1 985. Management of wildlife and fish habitats in forests of western Oregon and Washington. Part 1 - Chapter narratives. U S.D.A. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. Portland, OR. 332pp. Cooper, S. v., and RL. DeVelice. 1 995. Matrix of plant community /association types by state and global rank and occurrence by Bureau of Land Management Resource Areas; with forward explaining compilation and use of matrix. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT. 46 pp. Cooperrider. A.Y., R.J. Boyd, and H.R. Stuart, eds. 1986. Inventon,- and monitoring of wildlife habitat. U.S.D.I. Bureau of Land Management Service Center. Devner, CO. 858 pp. Cowardin, L.M.. V. Carter. F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/3 1 . U.S.D.I. Fish and WUdlife Service. Washmgton. DC. Edwards. E.A.. H. Li. and C.B. Schreck. 1983. Habitat suitability index models: Longnose dace. U.S.D.I. Fish & Wildhfe Service. FWS/OBS-82/10.33. 13pp. Environmental Laboratory. 1 987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Wetlands Research Program Technical Report Y- 87-1. Departmentof the Army. Vicksburg, MS. Hansen. P.L.. RD. Pfister. K. Boggs. B.J. Cook J. Joy, and D.K. Hinckley. 1995. Classification and management of Montana's riparian and wetland sites. Miscellaneous Publication No. 5. Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station. School of Forestry, University of Montana. Missoula. MT. 646 pp. Hauer. F.R Professor. University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station. Poison. MT. March 1999 conversation. Hauer, F.R., and B.J. Cook. 1996. Draft hydrogeomorphic assessment of riverine wetlands - Northern Rockv' Mountain Region alluviated floodplam wetlands. Universitv' of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station Poison. MT. Hauer. F.R. B.J. Cook. M.C. Gilbert. EC. Clairain. and R. D. Smith. 1999. A regional guidebook: assessing the functions of intermontane prairie pothole wetlands in the northern Rocky Mountains. University of Montana Flathead Lake Biologica] Station. Poison, MT. Downloaded from the internet on 2/24/99 (http://www.umt.eduybiologv/flbs-'wetIands/Default.htm). Hickman. T.. and RF. Raleigh. 1982. Habitat suitability index models: Cutthroat trout. U.S.D.I. Fish & Wildhfe Service. FWS/OBS-82/10.5. 38pp. Holton. G. 1990. A field guide to Montana fishes. Artcraft Publishers. BozemaiL MT. Inskip. P.D. 1 982. Habitat suitability index models: northern pike. U.SD.I. Fish & Wildhfe Service. FWS/OBS- 82/10.17. 40pp. Krieger. D.A.. J.W. Terrell, and P.C. Nelson. 1983. Habitat suitabihty information: Yellow perch. U.S.D.I. Fish & WUdhfe Service. FWS/OBS-83/10.55. 37pp. Linsley and Franzini. 1979. Water resources engineering (third edition). McGraw-Hill. New YorL NY. 15 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 23, 1999 Marcus. M.D.. W.A. Hubert, and S.H. Anderson. 1984. Habitat suitabilit\ index models: Lake trout (exclusive of the Great Lakes). U.S.D.l. Fish & Wildlife Service. FWS/OBS-82/10.84. 12pp. McConnell. W.J. , E.P. Bergersen, and K.L. Williamson. 1984. Habitat suitabihty index models: A low effort system for planned coohvater and coldwater reservoirs (re\ised). U.S.D.L Fish & Wildlife Service. FWS/OBS-82/10.3A. 62pp. Minnesota Interagency Wetlands Group. 1 996. Minnesota routine assessment method for evaluating wetland functions (MinRAM) - Versionl.O. Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. St. PauL MN. Mitsch. W.J. and J.G. Gosselink. 1993. Wetlands, 2nd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc. New York N.Y. Montana Department of Environmental Quality. 1999. Waterbodies in need of total maximum daily load (TMDL) development. Downloaded from on the internet at http://water.montana.eduydocs/tmdl/303d/303dContents.htm on April 30, 1999. Helena, MT. MontanaDepartmentofFisk Wildlife & Parks. 1999. Fisheries beyond 2000 (Executive Summary). Helena. MT. Downloaded from the internet on 4/15/99 (http://fwpjnt.gov/report/fisheries_2000/Csh_execsimLhtm). Montana Natural Heritage Program. 1996. Species of concern rated SI, S2, or S3 that may be associated with Montana wetlands. Helena, MT. Montana Natural Heritage Program. 1 998. Gap alliance description project - vegetation types in Montana, August 1998. Unpublished data. Helena. MT. Raleigh. R.F. 1982. Habitat suitability index models: Brook trout. U.S.D.L Fish & Wildlife Service. FWS/OBS- 82/10.24. 42pp. Raleigh, R.F., T. Hickman, R.C. Solomon, and P.C. Nelson. 1984. Habitat suitability information: Rainbow trout. U.S.D.L Fish & Wildlife Service. FWS/OBS-82/10.60. 64pp. Raleigh. RF., L.D. Zuckerman, and P.C. Nelson. 1986. Habitat suitability.- index models and instream flow suitabilit>- curves: Brown trout, revised. U.S.D.L Fish & WildUfe Service. Biol. Rep. 82(10.124). 65pp. Roth, E., R. Olsen, P. Snow, and R. Suimier. 1993. Oregon freshwater wetland assessment methodology. Wetlands Program, Oregon Division of State Lands. Salem. OR Smith. R.D., A. Ammann, C. Bartoldus, and MM. Brinson. 1995. An approach for assessing wetland fiinctions using hydrogeomorphic classification, reference wetlands, and functional indices. Wetlands Research Program Technical Report WRP-DE-9. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS. Stuber, RJ, G. Gebhart and O.E. Maughan. 1982. Habitat suitability index models: Largemouth bass. U.S.D.L Fish & WUdhfe Service. FWS/OBS-82/10.16. 32pp. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1995. The highway methodology' workbook supplement: wetland ftmctions and values - a descnptive approach. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England Division. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 1999. Federally-listed and proposed threatened and endangered species in Montana. Helena. MT. U.S. Geological Survey. 1976. Hydrologic unit map - 1974: state of Montana. Denver, CO. Washington State Department of Ecolog\'. 1991. Washington state wetlands rating system for eastern Washington. Ohmpia, WA. Washiogton State Department of Ecolog>. 1993. Washington state wetlands rating system - western Washington. Ohmpia, WA. 16 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method Ma\' 25. 1999 Abundant: Aquatic wetland bed class: Bog: Common: Emergent wetland class: Fen: Forested wetland class: Functional unit: Functional point: Game fish: Incidental habitat: Incidental use: Little to Xo use: Moderate use: Moss-lichen wetland class: Native fish species: GLOSSARY An estimated 50% or more of wetlands in the same Major Montana Watershed Basin are similar in composition to the AA. .Anv areas of open water dominated by plants that grow principalh' on or below the water surface for most of the growing season. Vegetation is non-persistent and includes submerged or floatmg- leaved rooted vascular plants, free-floating vascular plants, submergent mosses, and algae. A peat-accumulating wetland that has no significant inflows or outflows and supports acidophilic mosses, particularh' sphagnum (Mitch and Gossehnk 1993). An estimated 10-50% of wetlands in the same Major Montana Watershed Basin are similar in composition to the AA. Vegetated wetland characterized by erect, herbaceous hydrophytes (e.g., sedges, rushes, grasses, bulrush, cattail), excluding mosses and lichens. A peat-accxmiulating wetland that receives some drainage fixim surrounding mineral soil and usually supports marsh-like vegetation (Mitch and Gosselink 1993). Vegetated wetland characterized by woody vegetation that is 6m (20 ft) tall or taller. A figure derived bv multiphing fimctional points for a grven AA by its estimated acreage. A numerical rating, ranging from 0 to 1 . assigned to a particular function/value based on given criteria. As listed in the Montana Code Annotated (1997). "game fish" means all species of the family Salmonidae (chars, trout salmon, gravlmg. and whitefish); all species of the genus Stizostedion (sandpike or sauger and walleyed pike or yeUowpike perch); all species of the genus Esox (northern pike, pickerel, and muskellunge); all species of the genus Micropterus (bass); all species of the genus Polyodon (paddlefish); all species of the famiiy Acipenseridae (sturgeon); all species of the genus Lota (burbot or hng); and the species Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish). Habitat that receives chance, inconsequential use by a given species or habitat conditions or the known distribution of the species would indicate this level of use. This term implies that while it may be conceivable that a given species may occur at an AA at a given point in time, the chance is remote and the use is not likely to be repeated. AA receives chance, inconsequential use by a grven species or habitat conditions or the known distribution of the species would indicate this le^•el of use. This term implies that while it may be conceivable that a given species may occur at an AA at a grven point m time, the chance is remote and the use is not likely to be repeated. AA is regularh', iofrequenth'. or sporadically used by exlremeh- small numbers relative to local populations, or receives chance, inconsequential use in any numbers relative to local or transient populations. AA is regularh' used in small numbers relative to local populations, or infrequenth' or sporadically used in any numbers relative to local or transient populations. Wetland where mosses or hchens co\er substrates other than rock and where emergents. shrubs, or trees make up less than 30% of area! cover. Implies a species indigenous to Montana; not necessarily to a given drainage or water bod}'. 17 MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method Men' 25. 1999 Open water: Permanent/perennial: Primary Habitat: Rare Regular use: Scrub-shrub class: Anv area of standing or flowing water without emergent (not including pioneer species), scrub- shrub, or forested vegetation (e.g., in most cases, a flooded wet meadow would not be considered to contain open water) . Surface water is present throughout the year except during years of extreme drought. Habitat essential to the short or long-tenn viability of individuals or populations. The presence of traditional breeding, spawning, nesting, denning, or critical migratory habitat large seasonal congregations (including communal roosts, staging habitat traditional foraging congregations, etc.), or USFWS-designated criticaJ habitat or core areas in the AA indicates primary habitat as does any occurrence of a T&E plant. An estimated < 10% of wetlands in the same Major Montana Watershed Basin are similar in composition to the AA. AA is consistenth', normally used by a given species or habitat conditions and the known distribution of the species would indicate this level of use. The presence of traditional breeding, nesting, denning, foraging, or seasonal habitat in the AA constitutes regular use. as does any occurrence of a T&E plant Vegetated wetland dominated by woody vegetation less than 6m (20 ft) tall. Sj)ecies include shrubs, vouna trees, and stunted trees and shrubs. SeasonaL'intermittent: Surface water is present for extended periods, especially early in the growing season, or may persist throughout the growing season, but may be absent at the end of the growing season; or surface water does not flow continuously, as when water losses from evaporation or seepage exceed the available streamflow. Secondary Habitat: Substantial use: Temporary/eph em eral: Habitat that is occasionally or semi-regularly used by a given species, but that is not necessarily essential to the short or long-term viability of individuals or populations. Examples would include non-specific migration areas and occasional forage or perch sites. Primary habitat as defined above, may occur in the general yicinity (e.g., within the project area, section, drainage, watershed, etc.). but not m the AA. AA is regularly used in significant numbers relative to local or transient populations; includes regular seasonal use. such as migration stopovers and wintering. Surface water is present for brief penods during the growing season, but the water table is well below the surface most of the year; or surface water flows briefly in direct response to precipitation in the immediate vicinity and the channel is above the water table. 18 Appendix A MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Form 1 Project Name: MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Form (revised 5/25/1999) 2 Project #: Control #:_ 3. Evaluation Date: Mo. . Day ^Yr.. 4. Evaluator(s):_ 5 . Wetlands/Sito #e€n subject to relatively minor cleanng, fill placement or hycroloqical aiteraton, contains fev^ roads or buildings moderate disturbance moderate disturbance high disturbance AA ojltivaied or heavily grazed or logged, subiect to relatively substantial fill placement, grading, cleanng, or hydroiogicai alteration highroad or building density high disturtance high disturbance high disturbance Comments: (types of disturbance, intensity season, etc.): ii. Prominent weedy, alien, & introduced species (including those not domesticated, feral): (list) iii. Provide brief descriptive summary of AA and surrounding land use/habrtat: 13. Structural Diversity : (based on number of "Ccwardin" vegefafed classes present [do not include un\«qetated classes], see #1 0 above) # of "Cowardin' vegetated classes present m AA (see #10) > 3 vegetated classes (or > 2 if one is forested) 2 vegetated classes (or 1 if forested) < 1 \«getated class Rating (circle) High Moderate Lew Comments: SECTION PERTAINING to FUNCTIONS & VALUES ASSESSMENT 14A Habitat for Federally Listed or Proposed Threatened or Endangered Plants or Animals: I. AA is Documented (D) or Suspected (S) to contajn (circle one based on definitions contained in instaictions): Pnmary or cntical habitat (list species) D S Secondary habitat (list species) D S Incidental habitat (list species) D S No usable habitat D S II. Rating (use the conclusions from i above and the matrix below to amve at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, this function) M = moderate, or L = = lew] for Highest Habitat Level doc./primary sus/primary doc./secondary susisecondary doc./incidental sus./incidental None Functional Points and Rating 1(H) .9(H) 1 .8(M) .7(M) .5(L) i .3(L) 0(L) Sources for documented use (e.g. observations, records, etc): 14B. Habitat for plant or animals rated S1, S2, or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage Program: (not including species listed in14A above) 1. AA is Documented (D) or Suspected (S) to contain (circle one based on definitions contained in instructions): Pnmary or cntical habitat (list species) D S Secondary habitat (list species) D S Incidental habitat (list species) D S No usable habitat D S II. Rating (use the conclusions from 1 above and the matrix below to an1\e at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high this function) M = moderate, a L = = lew] for Highest Habitat Level doc./pnmary sus/pnmary docisecondary sus ./secondary doc./incidental sus ./incidental None Functional Points and Rating 1(H) 8(H) .7(M) .6(M) .2(L) .1(L) : 0(L) Sources for documented use (eg observations, recxxels, etc ): 14C. General Wildlife Habitat Rating: I. Evidence of overall wildlife use in the AA (circle substantial, moderate, or low based on supporting evidence): Substantial (based on any of the following [check]): observations of abundant wildlife *f s or high species di\«rsity (during any period) abundant wildlife sign such as scat, tracks, nest structures, game trails, etc. presence of extremely limiting habitat features not available in the surrounding area interviews with local biologists with knowledge of the AA Low (based on any of the foilcwing [check]): few or no wildlife observations during peak use periods little to no wildlife sign sparse adjacent upland food sources interviews with local biologists with knewledge of the AA Moderate (based on any of the following [check]): observations of scattered wildlife groups or individuals or relatively few species during peak periods common occurrence of wildlife sign such as scat, tracks, nest stnjctures, game trails, etc. adequate adjacent upland food sources interviews with local biologists with knowledge of the AA ii. Wildlife habitat features (vi«3fking from top to bottom, circle appropriate AA attributes in matrix to anive at exceptional (E), high (H), moderate (M), or low (L) rating. Structural diversity is from #13. For class cover to be considered evenly distributed, veg^ated classes must be within 20% of each other in tenns of thetr percent composition of ttie AA (see #1 0) /Vbbreviations for surface water durations are as follcws: P/P = permanent/perennial; S/1 = seasonal/intermittent; T/E = temporary/ephemeral: and A = absent [see instaictions for further definitions of these tenns].) Structural diversity (see #13) High Moderate Low Class cover distribution (all vegetated classes) Even Uneven Even Uneven Even Duration of surface water in > 10% of AA P/P S/l T/E A P/P S/l T/E A P/P S/l T/E A P/P S/l T/E A P/P S/l T/E A Low disturbance at AA (see#12i) E E E H E E H H E H H M E H M M E H M M Moderate disturtDance atAA{see#12i) H H H H H H H M H H M M H M M L H M L L High disturbance at AA (see#12i) M M M L M M L L M M L L M L L L L L L L ili. Rating (use the conclusions from i and ii above and the matrix below to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [E = exceptional, H = high, M = moderate, or L = low] for this function) Evidence of wildlife use (i) Wildlife habitat features rating (ii) Exceptional High Moderate Low Substantial 1(E) .9(H) .8(H) .7(M) Moderate .9(H) .7(M) .5(M) .3(L) Minimal .6 (M) .4 (M) .2 (L) .1 (L) Comments: 14D General Fish/Aquatic Habitat Rating: (Assess this function if the AA is used by fish or the existing situation is 'correctable' such that the AA could be used by fish [i.e., fish use is precluded by perched culvert or other bamer. etc ]. If the AA is not or was not histoncalty used by fish due to lack of habitat, excessive gradient, etc., circle NA here and proceed to the next function. If fish use occurs in the AA but is not desired from a resource management perspective [such as fish use within an imgation canal], then Habitat Quality [i below] should be marked as "Lcnv", applied acconjingty in ii beJow, and ncted ih the comments ) Habitat Quality (circle appropriate AA attnbutes in matnx to amve at exceptional (E). high (H). moderate (M), or low (L) quality rating. Duration of surface water in AA Pennanent / Perennial Seasonal / Intermrttent Temporary 1 Ephemeral | Cover -%of watertxxfy in AA containing cover objects sucti as submerged logs, large rocks & boulders, overtianging banks, floating-leaved vegetation, etc >25% 10-25% <10% >25% 10-25% <10% >25% 10-25% <10% Shading - >75% of streambank or shoreline wrthin AA contains npanan or wetland scaib-shrub or forested communities E E H H H M M M M Shading - 50 to 75% of streambank or shoreline wrthin AA contains rip. or wetiand scnjb-shaib or forested communities H H M M M M M L 1 L Shading - < 50% of streambank or shoreline wrthin AA contains rip a wetland scruti-shrub or forested communities H M M M L L L L L II. Modified Habitat Quality (Circle the appropnate response to the following question. If answer is Y, then reduce rating in i above by one level [E = H, H = M, M = L, L = L]). Is fish use of the AA precluded or significantly reduced by a culvert, dike, or other man-made structure or actNity or is the watertxxfy included on the MDEQ list of waterbodies in need of TMDL development with listed 'Probable Impaired Uses" including cold or warm water fishery or aquatic life support^ Y N Modified habrtat qualrty rating = (circle) E H M L iii. Rating (use the conclusions from moderate, or L = low] for this function) and ii above and the matrix belcw to arrtve at [circle] the functional points and rating [E = exceptional, H = high. M = Types offish known or r^odified Habitat Quality (ii) suspected within AA Exceptional Hiqh Moderate Low Native game fish 1(E) .9(H) .7(M) .5(M) Introduced game fish .9(H) 8(H) .6(M) .4(M) Non-game fish .7(M) .6(M) .5(M) .3(U No fish .5(M) .3(L) .2(U .1(L) Comments: 14E. Flood Attenuation: (applies only to wetlands subject to flooding via in-channel or overbank flow. If wetlands in AA are not flooded from irnchannel or overbank flow, circle NA here and proceed to next function.) i. Rating (working from top to txjttom, use the matrix beicw to amve at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high.M = moderate, or L = lew] for this function) Estmated wetland area in AA subject to penodic flooding > 10 acres <10. >2 acres <2 acres % of flooded wetland classified as forested, scrub/shrub, or tioth | 75% I 25-75% | <25% AA contains no outlet or restricted outlet | 1(H) I .9(H) | .6(M) 75% .8(H) 25-75% 7(H) <25% I 75% I 25-75% I <25% .5(M) i .4(M) I .3(L) I .2(1) AA contains unrestricted outlet .5(M) JM. .6(M) .4(M) I .3(L) I .2(L) I .1(L) ii. Are residences, businesses, or other features which may be significantly damaged by floods located wrthin 0.5 miles downstream of the AA (circle)? Y N Comments: 14F. Short and Long Term Surface Water Storage: (Applies to wetlands that flood or pond from overbank or in-channel flew, preciprtatKxi, upland surface flew, or groundwater flew. If no wetlands in the AA are subject to flooding or ponding, circle NA here and proceed wrth the evaluation.) i. Rating (working from top to bottom, use the matnx belcw to ani\« at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, M = moderate, or L = low] for this function. Abbreviations for surface water durations are as follows: P/P = pennanent/perennial; S/l = seasonal/intermittent; and T/E = temporary/ephemeral [see instructions for further definrtions of these terms].) Estimated maximum acre feet of water contained in wetlands withm the AA that are subject to penodic flooding or ponding >5 acre feet <5, >1 acre feet <1 acre foot Duration of surface water at wetlands within the AA P/P S/l T/E P/P i S/l T/E P/P 1 S/l 1 T/E Wetlands in AA flood or pond > 5 out of 10 years 1(H) 1 .9(H) .8(H) .8(H) ! .6{M) .5(M) .4(M) i .3(1) ! .2(L) Wetlands in AA flood or pond < 5 out of 1 0 years .9(H) 1 .8(H) .7(M) .7(M) 1 .5(M) .4(M) .3(L) I .2(1) 1 1(L) Comments: 14G Sediment/Nutrient/Toxicant Retention and Removal: (Applies to wetlands wrth potential to recerv« excess sediments, nutrients, or toxicants through influx of surface or ground water or direct input If no wetlands in the AA are subject to such input, circle NA here and proceed wrth the evaluation.) I. Rating (working from top to bottom, function. use the matnx below to amve at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, M = moderate, or L = low] for this Sediment, nutrient, and toxicant input levels v/Hhin AA AA recei\«s or surrounding land use wrth potential to deliver Iwv to moderate levels of sediments, nutnents, or compounds such that other functions are not substantially impaired. Minor sedimentation, sources of nutnents or tOMcants, or signs of eutrophication present Watertxxjy on MDEQ list of watertxxiies in need of TMDL de^opment for "probable causes" related to sediment, nutnents, or toxicants or AA recei^ or sun-ounding larxj use with potential to delrver high levels of sediments, nutrients, or compounds such that other functions are substantially impaired. Major sedimentation, sources of nutrients or toxicants, or signs of eutrophication present. % cover of wetland vegetation in AA > 70% T < 70% > 70% < 70% Comments: 14H Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization: (applies only rf AA occurs on a within the banlcs or a mer. stream, or other natural or man-made drainage, or on the shoreline of a standing water body which is subject to wave action. If does not apply, circle NA here and proceed to next function) i. Rating (working from top to bottom, use the matrix below to amve at [circle] the functional points and rating [E = exceptional, H = high, M = moderate, or L = lew] for this function. % Cover of wetland streambank or shoreline by species with deep, binding rootmasses Duration of surface water adiacent to rooted vegetation \ permanent / perennial seasonal / intennittent Temporary / ephemeral > 65% 1 (H) -9(H) .7(M) 35-64% .7(M) .6(M) -5(M) <35% .3(L) ■2(L) . __ _ .1 (U Comments: 141. Production Export/Food Chain Support: i. Rating (working from top to bottom, use the matrix belcw to amve at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high. M = moderate, or L = lew] for this function. Factor A = acreage of \«getated component in the AA, Factor B = structural diversity rating from #1 3; Factor C = whether or not the AA contains a surface or subsurface outlet; the final three rows pertain to duration of surface water in the AA, wtiere P/P = permanent/perennial; S/1 = seasonal/intermittent; T/E /A= temporary/ephemeral or absent [see instaictions for further definitions of these terms].) A Vegetated component > 5 acres Vegetated component 1-5 acres Vegetated component < 1 acre 1 B High ( Moderate Lew High Moderate Lew High Moderate Lew 1 C Yes No Yes 1 No Yes No Yes No Yes 1 No Yes No Yes No Yes 1 No Yes No P/P 1H .9H '' .9H .8H .8H .7M .9H .8H .8H 1 .7M ,7M .6M .7M .6M .6M 1 .4M .4M .3L S/l .9H .8H t .8H .7M .7M 6M .8H .7M .7M 1 .6M .6M .5M .6M .5M .5M .X .3L .2L VEJ A .8H .7M 1 .7M .6M .6M 5M .7M .6M .6M .5M .5M .4M .5M .4M .4M .2L .2L .1L Comments: 14J Groundwater Discharge/Recharge: (Check the indicators in i & ii below that apply to the AA) li. Recharge Indicators Permeable substrate present without undertying impeding layer Wetland contains inl^ but no outlet Other 1. Discharge Indicators Spnngs are knewn or observed ^Vegetation grewing dunng dormant season/drought ^Wetland occurs at the toe of a natural slope Seeps are present at the wetland edge AA permanently flooded during drought penods Wetland contains an outlet, but no inlet Other iii. Rating: Use the information from i and li above and the table below to arri\g at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, L = kw] for this function. Criteria Functional Points and Rating AA is known Discharge/Recharge area or one or more indicators of D/R present 1(H) No Discharge/Recharge indicators present Available Discharge/Recharge infonnation inadequate to rate AA D/R potential -1(L) N/A (Unkncwn) Comments: 14K. Uniqueness: 1. Rating (working from top to bottom, function use the matrix below to arrive at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, M = nnoderate, a L = lew] for this Replacement potential AA contains fen, bog, warm springs or AA does not contain previously cited mature (>80 yr-dd) forested wetland or rare types and strtjctural diversity plant association listed as 'SI " by the (#1 3) is high or contains plant MNHP association listed as "S2" by the MNHP AA does not contain previously cited rare types or associations and staictural di\«rsity (#13) is lo.v-moderate Estimated relative abundance (#1 1) Low disturtance at AA (#12i) rare i common abundant rare i common abundant rare 1 common aoundant 1(H) ! .9(H) .8(H) .8(H) 1 .6(M) .5(M) .5(M) 1 .4(M) .3(L) Moderate disturbance at AA (#12i) .9(H) .8(H) .7(M) 7(M) 1 .5(M) .4(M) .4(M) 1 .3(L) .2(L) High disturtsance at AA (#12i) .8(H) .7(M) .6(M) .6(M) 1 .4(M) .3(L) .3(L) 1 .2(L) KL) Comments: 14L. Recreation/Education Potential: i. Is the AA a known recJed. site: (circle) Y N (If yes, rate as [circle] High [1] and go to ii: if no go to Hi) ii. Check categories that apply to the AA: Educational/scientific study; Consumptive rec,; Non-consumptive rec.; Other iii. Based on the location, diversity, size, and other site attributes, is there strong potential for rec Jed. use? Y N (If yes. go to ii, then proceed to iv, if no. then rate as [circle] Lew [0.1]) iv. Rating (use the matrix below to am\e at [circle] the functional points and rating [H = high, M = moderate, or L = lew) for this function. Comments: FUNCTION & VALUE SUMMARY & OVERALL RATING Function & Value Variables Rating Actual Functional Points Possible Function al Points Functional Units; (Actual Points x Estimated AA Acreage) A. Listed/Proposed T&E Species Habitat 1 B. MT Natural Heritage Program Species Habitat 1 C. General Wildlife Habitat 1 D. General Fish/Aquatic Habitat E. Flood Attenuation F. Short and Long Term Surface Water Storage G. Sediment/Nutrient/Toxicant Removal H. Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization 1. Production Export/Food Chain Support 1 J. Groundwater Discharge/Recharge 1 K. Uniqueness 1 L. Recreation/Education Potential 1 Totals: J , .z. ^ ^^=^^==^^^:^^=^=^=^^^^^===i OVERALL ANALYSIS AREA (AA) RATING: (Circle appropriate categofy based on the criteria outlined belCTv) I II III IV Category I Wetland: (Must satisfy one of the following criteria; if does not meet criteria, go to Category II) Score of 1 functional point for Listed/Proposed Threatened or Endangered Species; or Score of 1 functional point for Uniqueness; or Score of 1 functional point for Flood Attenuation and answer to Question 14E.ii is "yes"; or Total actual functional points > 80% (round to nearest whole #) of total possible functional points. Category II Wetland: (Criteria for Category I not satisfied and meets any one of the following criteria; if not satisfied, go to Category IV) Score of 1 functional point for Species Rated 81 , 82, or S3 by the MT Natural Heritage Program; or Score of .9 or 1 functional point for General Wildlife Habitat; or Score of .9 or 1 functional point for General Fish/Aquatic Habitat; or "High" to "Exceptional" ratings for both General Wildlife Habitat and General Fish/Aquatic Habitat; or Score of .9 functional point for Uniqueness; or Total Actual Functional Points > 65% (round to nearest whole #) of total possible functional points. Category III Wetland: (Criteria for Categories 1, II or IV not satisfied) Category IV Wetland: (Criteria for Categories I or II are not satisfied and all of the following criteria are met; if does not satisfy cnteria go to Category 111) "Low" rating for Uniqueness;_and "Low" rating for Production Export/Food Chain Support; and Total actual functional points < 30% (round to nearest whole #) of total possible functional points Appendix B Map of Major Montana Watershed Basins Appendix C Key to HGM Classes (Smith et al. 1995) Cowardin et al. (1979) Classification Hierarchy Key to Hydrogeomorphic Wetland Classes and Regional Subclasses * 1 . Wetland is under the influence of tides 2 1 . Wetland is not under the influence of tides 4 2. Salinity greater than 30 ppt Tidal Fringe (Euhaline) 2. Salinity less than 30 ppt 3 3. Salinity 5-30 ppt Tidal Fringe (Mixohaline) 3. Salinity less than 5 ppt Riverine (Tidal) 4. Wetland is topographically flat and has precipitation as a dominant source of water 5 4. Wetland is not topographically flat and does not have precipitation as a dominant source of water 6 5. Wetland has a mineral soil Mineral Soil Flats 5. Wetland has an organic soil Organic Soil Flats 6. Wetland is associated with a stream channel, floodplain, or terrace 7 6. Wetland is associated with a topographic depression or on a topographic slope or flat 9 7. Stream is intermittent or ephemeral Riverine (Nonperennial) 7. Stream is perennial 8 8. Stream is 1st or 2nd order Riverine (Upper perennial) 8. Stream is 3rd order or higher Riverine (Lower perennial) 9. Wetland located in a natural or artificial (dammed) topographic depression 10 9. Wetland located on a topographic slope 13 10. Topographic depression has permanent water >2 meters deep, and wetland is restricted to the margin of the depression Lacustrine Fringe 1 0. Topographic depression does not contain permanent water >2 meters deep 11 1 1 . Topgraphic depression closed without discernable surface water inlets, outlets, or other connections Depression (Closed) 1 1. Topographic depression open with discernable surface water inlets, outlets, or other connections 12 12. Primary source of water is ground water Depression (Open, Ground Water) 12. Primary source of water is precipitation, overland flow, or interflow Depression (Open, Surface Water) 13. Primary source of water is ground water Slope 1 3. Primary source of water is precipitation Organic Soil Flats Hydrogeomorphic classes are followed by regional subclass in parenthesis Key to hydrogeomorphic wetland classes and regional subclasses < I D Q Z < C z < t- System Marine Subsystem Subtidal Estuarine Intertidal Subtidal Intertidal Riverine Tidal Lower Perennial Upper Perennial Intermittent Lacustrine Limnetic Littoral- — Palustrine Class Rock Bottom Unconsolidated Bottom Aquatic Bed Reef Aquatic Bed Reef Rocky Shore Unconsolidated Shore Rock Bottom Unconsolidated Bottom Aquatic Bed Reef Aquatic Bed Reef Streambed Rocky Shore Unconsolidated Shore Emergent Wetland Scrub-Shrub Wetland Forested Wetland Rock Bottom ■ Unconsolidated Bottom Aquatic Bed ■ Streambed Rocky Shore ■ Unconsolidated Shore ■ Emergent Wetland ■ Rock Bottom ■ Unconsolidated Bottom ■ Aquatic Bed • Rocky Shore • Unconsolidated Shore ■ Emergent Wetland ■ Rock Bottom • Unconsolidated Bottom. - Aquatic Bed - Rocky Shore ■ Unconsolidated Shore - Streambed - Rock Bottom - Unconsolidated Bottom ■ Aquatic Bed - Rock Bottom - Unconsolidated Bottom - Aquatic Bed - Rocky Shore - Unconsolidated Shore - Emergent Wetland ■ Rock Bottom ■ Unconsolidated Bottom - Aquatic Bed - Unconsolidated Shore - Moss-Lichen Wetland - Emergent Wetland - Scrub-Shrub Wetland - Forested Wetland Classification hierarchy of wetlands and deepwater habitats, showing Systems, Subsystems, and Classes. The Palustrine System does not include deepwater habitats. Appendix D Federal Proposed and Listed Threatened and Endangered Species in Montana (USFWS 1999) Species Designated SI, S2, or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage Program That May be Associated with Wetland Habitats (MNHP 1996, 1999) COMMON NAME SCl^NTinC NAME STATUS RANGE - MONTANA , Piping Plover Charadrius melodus T Missoun River sandbars, alt-aiinf; i beaches; nortbeastcm Monram | Water Howellia Howellia aquatilis T Wetlands; Swan Valley, Lake and Mi.s-soula Counties Ute Ladies-tresses Spiranihes dilmialls T ^ver meander wetlands; Jefferson, Madison. Beaverbead, Galiarin Counties i Bull trout (Columbia River basin population) Salvelinus confluattus T dark Vest. Flaihead, Kootenai River bflsin"; - cold watfr rivprs ^. 'aV" Bull trout (St. Mary-Belly River population) Salveiinus cor^luauus Proposed T Fast of Continental Divide, Glacier National Park. Blackfeet Rescrvanon - cold water rivers & lakes Canada lynx (contiguous U.S. population) Lynx amadensis Proposed T Western Montana - montane forest I Mountain Plover Charadrius momatms Proposed T Eastern Montana - shongrass prairie MOriTAriA riATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM 1515 East Sixth Avenue Helena, Montana 59620 (406) 444-3009 •rjovtiT^'-t ^ipre^ TO: JeffBerglmid CC: Porter Reed FROM: Bonnie Heidel RE: Wetland Indicator Values among Montana plant species of special concern and watch species DATE: 13 May 1999 The two enclosed lists cross-reference wetland indicator values with Montana plant species of special concern and watch species. There are a few editing needs evident among the Montana plant species of special concern. For example, Bidens beckii is a submerged aquatic and either the nomenclatural synonymy links failed in loading data or its presence in Montana has been overlooked to explain why it isn't recognized as an obligate aquatic species for the Northern Rockies. 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Box 201800 ' :S'" Helena, Montana 59620-1800 "^T (406) 444-3009 •TOtfvr^.v Aow^ Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) Notes on Draft List of Wetland-related Species of Special Concern (Compiled as Requested by Jeff Berglund, Morrison-Maierle) The attached list of wetland-related species of special concern is preliminary, and is not intended to be a definitive list of Montana's wetland species. Information here reflects occupied habitat and not landscape setting, and some "non-wetland' species are, in fact, restricted to habitat adjoining streamsides. Colums included in this list are: Species name Global and state ranks Watershed (east or west of Continental Divide): general information only, based on current (and incomplete) location records for plants and general distribution information for animals. MTNHP Tracking: a 'Y' in this column indicates the taxon is considered to be of special concern and is being actively tracked by MTNHP. 'W' indicates a "watch" species which MTNHP is monitoring, but has not designated to be of special concern. MTNHP is in the process of incorporating into their data bases wetland indicator information from the National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands (USFWS). Once this task is completed, more refined wetland plant species lists can be compiled for Montana. If you have questions or comments, please contact MTNHP. The nature Conservancy and Montana State Library July, 1996 Montana Natural Heritage Program Draft List of Wetland-related Plant Species of Special Concern DRAFT Name G Rank S Rank Watershed West East MTNHP Tracking Adoxa moschate U i na Agoseris lackschewitzii Agrostis boreal is Amaranthus californicus Amerorchis rotundi folia Aquilegia formosa Asclepias incarnata Aster frondosus Boisduvalia densif lora Botrychium ascendens Botrychium crenulatum Botrychium hesperium Botrychiun minganense Botrychiun montanum BotrychiLm paradoxum Brasenia schreberi Cardamine oligosperma van kamtschatica Cardamine rupicola Carex amplifolia Carex brunnescens Carex chordorrhiza Carex comosa Carex crawei Carex jonesii Carex lacustris Carex lenticularis van dolia Carex livida Carex luzulina var atropurpurea Carex maritima var incurviformis Carex microglochin Carex microptera var crassinervia Carex multicostata Carex neurophora Carex norvegica ssp stevenii Carex parryana ssp idahoa Carex paupercula Carex prairea Carex rostrata Carex scoparia Carex sychnocephala Carex tenui flora Castilleja exi lis Castilleja gracillima Centaurium exaltatum Centunculus minimus Chrysosplenium tetrandrum Claytonia cordifolia Cyperus acuninatus Cyperus erythrorhizos Cyperus rivularis Cypripeditm calceolus var parviflorum Cypripedium passerinum Cystopteris montana Downingia laeta Orosera anglica Drosera linearis Dryopteris cristata G5 S1 G3 S2S3 G5 S2 G4 SA G5 S2S3 G5 SI G5 SI G4 SI G5 SH G3? S1 G3? S2 G3 SI G4 S2S3 G3 S2 G2 SI G5 S2 GST? SI G3 S3 G4 SI G5 su G5 S1 G5 SI G5 S2 G5 SU G5 SU G5T2Q SI G5 S2 G5T3 SU G3G5T? SI G5? SU G57T3T4 SU G5 SI G4 S2 GST? SU G2Q S2 GS S2S3 G5? SI GS SI GS SI G4 SI GS S1 GS SI G3G4 SI G5 SH GS SI GS S2S3 GS SU GS SI GS SU GS SI GS S2S3 G4G5 S2 GS SH GS SI GS S2 G4 31 GS S2 Y Y Y W Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y W Y U Y Y Y W W Y Y W Y W U Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y U Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y July, 1996 Montana Natural Heritage Program Draft List of Wetland-related Plant Species of Special Concern Name G Rank S Rank Watershed West East MTNHP Tracking Etatine americana Elatine brachysperma Elatine californica Eleocharis bella Eleocharis flavescens Eleocharis rostellata Eleocharis xyridiformis Elodea longivaginata Epipactis gigantea Erigeron coulteri Eriophorum callitrix Eriophorum gracile Eriophorun scheuchzeri Eriophorum viridicarinatum Euphrasia arctica var disjuncta Eustoma grandif lorum Euthamia graminifolia Floerkea proserpinacoides Galiim cymosun Gent i ana aquatica Gentiana glauca Gentiana prostrata Gentianella tenella Gentianopsis macouni i Gentianopsis simplex Gratiola ebracteata Gymnosteris parvula Halenia def lexa ssp def lexa Hemicarpha druimondii Heteranthera dubia Howell i a aquati lis Huperzia haleakalae Impatiens aurella Impatiens ecalcarata Isoetes lacustris Isoetes nut tall ii Juncus acuminatus Juncus covillei var coviUei Juncus covillei var obtusatus Juncus hal li i Juncus interior Juncus nevadensis Juncus triglumis var albescens Juncus triglumis var triglumis Juncus tweedyi Kalmia occidental is Kalmia occidentalis Kobresia macrocarpa Kobresia simpl iciuscula Lenna minuta Lemna valdiviana Lilaea scilloides Liparis loeselii Lomatogoniun rotatum Lycopodium inundatum Mertensia bel la Mimulus glabratus var fremontii Mimulus primuloides G4 SU G5 SU G5 SU G5 SU G5 SU G5 S2 G4 SI G4G5 SI G4 S2 G5 SU G5 SI G5 SU G5 SU G4 S2S3 G5 SI G5 SI G5 SU G5 SU G? SU G4 S3 G4G5 SI G5 S2 G4G5 S2 G5 SI G4 SI G4 SI G4 SH G5TU S2 G4G5 SU G5 SI G2 S2 G4? SU G4? SU G3G4 S3 G4G5 SU G4? SU G5 SI G4G5T5 SU G4G5T4 SU G4G5 S2 G4G5 SU G5 SU G5T5 S2 G5T5 SU G3 SU G5 SI G5 SI G5 SI G5 S2 G4 SU G5 SU G4 SI G5 SI G5 SI G5 SI G4 SI G5TUQ SU G4 S2 X I X X I X X I X X I X I X I ^ X I X I ^ X I X 1 X X I X X I X I X I X I ^ X I X I ^ I ^ X I 1 ^ X I X I 1 ^ X I X I X X I X I ^ X 1 X { I ^ X I X X I X 1 I ^ X I X 1 X I X u Y Y w w Y Y Y Y w Y Y u Y Y Y w u w u Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y U W U U U Y Y Y Y U U Y Y U Y Y Y Y U W Y Y Y Y Y Y Y July, 1996 Montana Natural Heritage Program Draft List of Wetland-related Plant Species of Special Concern Name G Rank S Rank Watershed West East MTNHP Tracking Nymphaea tetragona Ophioglossum pusiUura Petasites frigidus var nivalis Phippsia algida Plagiobothrys leptocladus Polygonun polygaloides Potamogeton obtusifolius Potent) Ua plattensis Primula alcalina Primula incana Psilocarphus brevissimus Ranunculus cardiophyllus Ranunculus hyperboreus Ranunculus jovis Ranunculus orthorhynchus var platyphyllus Ranunculus (jedatifidus Ranunculus verecundus Ribes triste Rorippa calycina Rotala ramosior Rubus arcticus Sagina nivalis Salix barrattiana Salix cascadensis Salix serissima Salix uolfii van wolfii Saxifraga hirculus Scheuchzeria palustris Scirpus cespitosus Scirpus heterochaetus Scirpus hudsonianus Scirpus pendulus Scirpus pumilus ssp rollandii Scirpus subterminal is Selaginella selaginoides Senecio amplectens var holmii Senecio debi I is Senecio hyperborealis Sidalcea oregana Sphenopholis intermedia Spiraea x pyramidata Spiranthes diluvial is Stellaria crassifolia Stellaria sirocoei Suckleya suckleyana Sullivantia hapemanii Synthyris missurica TaraxaCLin eriophorum Thai ict run alpinum Thelypodiun paniculatum Thelypodium sagittatum ssp sagittatum Thelypteris phegopteris Thlaspi parviflorun Ti llaea aquatica Tof ieldia pusi t la Tradescantia bracteata Trifotiun cyathiferun Trifoliun eriocephalum var piperi G5 SI G5 S2 GST? SI G5 S2 G4 SI GAGS S2 G5 SI G4 SI G1 su G4 S2 GS S1 G4 S2 GS SI GA S2 G5T5 SI GS SI GS S2 GS S1 G3 S1 GS S1 GS SU GS SI GS SI GAGS SI GA SI G5?TA S2 GS SI GS S2 GS S2 GS SI GS SI GS SU G2G3Q SI GAGS S2 GS SI GAT? SI G3GA S3 GS SU GS SI GS SH HYB S2 G2 S1 GA SI GAQ SU GS SU G3 S1 GA SI GA SI GS SI G3GA SH GAT? S2 GS SI G3 S2 GS SU GS S2 GS SU GA S1 GAT3 SI Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y W Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y U W Y Y Y Y Y U Y Y W Y Y Y Y Y Y W Y W Y Y July, 1996 Montana Natural Heritage Program Draft List of Wetland-related Plant Species of Special Concern Name G Rank S Rank Watershed West East MTNHP Tracking Trisetum x orthochaetum Utricularia intermedia Veratrum californicum Vernonia fasciculata ssp corymbosa Viola palustris Viola renifolia Wolffia colLmbiana HYB S2 G5 SI G5 SI GST? SU G5 SU G5 32 G5 82 July, 1996 DRAFT Montana Natural Heritage Program Draft List of Wetland-related Animal Species of Special Concern Name G Rank S Rank Watershed West East MTNHP Tracking Fish Shorthead Sculpin Torrent Sculpin Spoonhead Sculpin White Sturgeon (kootenai River Pop.) Pallid Sturgeon Paddlefish Shortnose Gar Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Westslope Cutthroat Trout Interior Redband Trout Bull Trout Montana Arctic Grayling Western Silvery Minnow Plains Minnow Northern Redbelly X Finescale Dace sturgeon Chub Sicklefin Chub Pearl Dace Flathead Chub Blue Sucker Trout-perch G5 S3 X G5 S2 X G5 SI X G4T1Q S1T1Q X G1G2 SI X GA S3 X G5 SI X G4T2 S2 X X G4T3 S3 G5T? S2 X G3 S3 X X G5T2 SI X X G5 S4S5 X G5 S4S5 X HYB S3 X G2 S2 X G3 SI X G5 S2 X G5 S5 X G3 S3? X G5 SI X Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y W W Y Y Y Y W Y Y Amphibians Coeur d'Alene Salamander Tailed Frog Idaho Giant Salamander Western Toad Great Plains Toad Canadian Toad Northern Leopard Frog Wood Frog G3Q S2 X G3G4 S4 X X G4 SR X G4 S3S4 X X G5 S3S4 X G4 SI X G5 S3S4 X X G5 SR Reptiles Spiny Softshell Snapping Turtle G5 G5 S3 S3 Birds Common Loon Clark's Grebe American White Pelican Great Blue Heron Black-crowned Night-heron White-faced Ibis Trumpeter Swan Harlequin Duck Bald Eagle Peregrine Falcon Yellow Rai I Whooping Crane Piping Plover Black-necked Sti It Franklin's Gul I Caspian Tern Common Tern Forster's Tern Interior Least Tern Black Tern Eastern Screech-owl Western Screech-owl G5 S3B,SZN X X G5 S2S4B,S2N G3 S2B,S2N X X G5 S4B,S2N X X G5 S2S3B,SZN X X G5 S1B,S2N X X G4 S2B,S2N X X G4 S2B,SZN X X G4 S3B,S3N X X G4 S1S2B,S2N X X G4 S1B,S2N X G1 SZN X G3 S2B,SZN X X G5 S2B,SZN X X G5 S3B,S2N X X G5 S2B,S2N X X G5 S3B,S2N X X G5 S2B,S2N X X G4T2Q S1B,S2N X G4 S3B,SZN X X G5 S3S4 X G5 S3S4 X X Y Y Y W Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y W W July, 1996 Montana Natural Heritage Program Draft List of Wetland-related Animal Species of Special Concern Name G Rank S Rank Watershed West East MTNHP Tracking Great Gray Owl Black Swift Alder Flycatcher Le Conte's Sparrow G5 G4 G5 G4? S3 S3B,SZN S1B,S2N S1S2B,SZN X X X X X X X Mammals Yuna Myotis Fringed Myotis Northern Myotis Spotted Bat Townsend's Big- eared Bat Pallid Bat Northern Bog Lemming Fisher Gray Uolf Grizzly Bear G5 S3 X X G5 S3 X X G4 S2 X G4 SI X G4 S2S3 X X G5 SI X G4 S2 X X G5 S2 X X G4 SI X X G4T3 S1S2 X X w Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y