Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation
In this time of concern over wetlands, many groups have compelling reasons to identify and delineate wetlands. Financial institutions use environmental evaluation as a part of their loan decisions. Civil engineers must plan sites without disturbing existing wetlands. Conservation groups wish to identify valuable wetlands for preserves or parks. Local and state governments need wetlands assessments for management and planning of existing and future public lands. And the Federal government has...
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In this time of concern over wetlands, many groups have compelling reasons to identify and delineate wetlands. Financial institutions use environmental evaluation as a part of their loan decisions. Civil engineers must plan sites without disturbing existing wetlands. Conservation groups wish to identify valuable wetlands for preserves or parks. Local and state governments need wetlands assessments for management and planning of existing and future public lands. And the Federal government has mandated that wetlands receive more attention.As our understanding of wetlands functions increases, the ability to identify and delineate them becomes even more critical. Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation defines wetlands, describes their functions, and presents a variety of methods used to assess the extent of wetlands. Easy-to-use, it offers solutions to real-world problems and covers important subjects such as methods for identifying and delineating wetland boundaries, evaluating wetlands using aerial photography, indicators of hydrological, chemical, and biological processes, soil surveys, and plant measurements. The book also discusses methodological approaches to optimizing wetland delineation and permitting. The focus on wetlands by the Federal government has resulted in more stringent oversight by the U.S. Army Core of Engineers (USACE). This new level of federal oversight has underlined the lack of general knowledge related to regulatory requirements. Project delay and work interruptions are real, potential problems for landowners. Practical Handbook for Wetlands Identification and Delineation presents the strategies and methods for making wetlands identifications and delineations that meet federal requirements.
1Introduction12Background7What is a Wetland?7The Federal Definition and Criteria for Identification of Wetlands15Hydric Soils16Wetland Hydrology20Wetland Plants243Methods33Selecting a Method of Analysis and Level of Detail33Routine Level Analysis Procedures34Intermediate Level Analysis Procedures36Comprehensive Level Analysis Procedures474Additional Background and Details51Soils51Soil Surveys55Munsell Color Charts60Plant Measurements625Additional Methods and Considerations69Topographic Maps69Aerial Photos and Remote Sensor Data72Emergent Wetlands85Submerged Wetlands86Shrub/Scrub Wetlands88Forested Wetlands88Aerial Photos for Characterizing Soils90Large Area Wetland Evaluations91National Wetland Inventory Products94Surveying and Mapping976Discussion101The Permitting Process102Environmental Attorneys108The Potential for Change110Conclusions116Bibliography and Other Wetland ReferencesBibliography of General Wetland and Wetland Related Literature117Bibliography of Plant Related Literature122Appendix A: Sources of Data Including Aerial Photos, Maps, and Other Data Sources125Appendix B: Sample Intermediate Level Wetland Report and Data Records137Index151
