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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARAGON POINT PUD PHASE FIVE PRELIMINARY - 48 91K - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - WETLANDS DOCUMENTS (2)Jurisdictional Wetlands Delineation Survey j I for the Paragon Point V Site Fort Collins, Colorado prepared by Riverside Technology, inc. 2821 Remington Street Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 prepared for Kay Force Jim Sell Design, Inc. 117 East Mountain Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 November 1994 If the answer to either question a or b is thought to be yes, proceed to Section G of the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987), which outlines methods for dealing with problem areas. Problem areas are defined as areas in which wetland indicators of one or more parameters are periodically lacking because of normal seasonal or annual variations in environmental conditions that result from causes other than human activities or catastrophic natural events.If the answer to both a and b is no, proceed to Step 6. (There were no problem areas identified at the Paragon Point V site.) ♦ Step 6: Select representative observation points. Select a representative observation point in each community type. A representative observation point is one in which the apparent characteristics (determine visually) best represent characteristics of the entire community. Mark on the base map the approximate location of the observation point. (This was done for each observation point selected at the Paragon Point V site. Observation points are identified on the site map in Appendix B. Between observation points, the boundary lines were visually determined and staked based on observed vegetation changes.) Proceed to Step 7. ♦ Step 7: Characterize each plant community type. Visually determine the dominant plant species in each vegetation layer of each community type and record them on Data Form I (use a separate Data Form I for each community type). Dominant species are those having the greatest relative basal area (woody overstory), greatest height (woody understory), greatest percentage of area cover (herbaceous understory), and/or greatest number of stems (woody vines). (The observation points at the Paragon Point V site were characterized by one vegetation layer, and a consistent herbaceous layer. Completed data forms are in Appendix C.) Proceed to Step 8. ♦ Step 8: Record indicator status of dominant plant species. Record on Data Form 1 the indicator status of each dominant plant species in each community type. -1(Completed-data-forms-for-the-Paragon_Point V site_are_in Appendix C and results are presented in Section 4, Table 3.) Proceed to Step 9. ♦ Step 9: Determine whether hydrophytic vegetation is present. Examine each Data Form 1. When more than 50 percent of the dominant species in a community type have an indicator status of OBL, FACW, and/or FAC, hydrophytic vegetation is present. Portions of the area failing this test are not wetlands. (At the Paragon Point V site, the "50/20 Rule" was applied.) The "50/20 Rule" is a procedure that entails the following: For each stratum in the plant community, dominant species are the most abundant plant species (when ranked in descending order of abundance and cumulatively totaled) that immediately exceed 50 percent of the total dominance measure for the stratum, plus any additional species comprising 20 percent or more of the total dominance measure for the stratum. 11, 94 A302 (PPV -wetlands) 8 Complete the vegetation section of each Data Form 1. (Completed data forms for the Paragon Point V site are in Appendix C and results are presented in Section 4.0, Table 3.) Proceed to Step 10. ♦ Step 10': Apply wetland hydrologic indicators. Examine the portion of the area occupied by each plant community type for positive indicators of wetland hydrology. Record findings on the appropriate Data Form 1. (Information for determining hydrology was also obtained from USDA 1980.) Proceed to Step 11. ♦ Step 11: Determine whether wetland hydrology is present. Examine the hydrologic information on Data Form 1 for each plant community type. Any portion of the area having a positive wetland hydrology indicator has wetland hydrology. If positive wetland hydrology indicators are present in all community types, the entire area has wetland hydrology. If no plant community type has a wetland hydrology indicator, none of the area has wetland hydrology. Complete the hydrology portion of each Data Form 1. (Completed data forms for the Paragon Point V site are in Appendix C and results are presented in Section 4.0, Table 3.) Proceed to Step 12. ♦ Step 12: Determine whether soils must be characterized. Examine the vegetation section of each Data Form 1. (Completed data forms for the Paragon Point V site are in Appendix C and results are presented in Section 4.0, Table 3.) Hydric soils are assumed to be present in any plant community type for which the following statements are true: a. All dominant species have an indicator status of OBL. b. All dominant species have an indicator status of OBL or FACW, and the wetland boundary (when present) is abrupt. When either a or b are true and wetland hydrology is present, check the hydric soils blank as positive on Data Form 1-and-proceed-to-Step 46—(At-the-Paragon-Point_V_site,_a_soil-pit was_dug at_every selected observation point in each community type, even when a and/or b were true.) If neither a nor b applies, proceed to Step 13. ♦ Step 13: Dig a soil pit. Using a soil auger or spade, dig a soil pit at the representative location in each community type. The procedure for digging a soil pit is described in Appendix D, Section 1, of the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987). When the soil pit is properly completed, approximately 16 inches of the soil profile will be available for examination. (At the Paragon Point V site, a soil pit was dug with a spade to 16 inches at each observation point for a total of 4 documented pits.) Proceed to Step 14. 11. 94 A302 (PPV - wetlands) 9 ♦ Step 14: Apply hydric soil indicators. Examine the soil at each location and compare its characteristics immediately below the A -horizon or at a 10-inch depth (whichever is shallower) with the hydric soil indicators described in Part III, paragraphs 44 and/or 45 of the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987). (For the Paragon Point V site, soil samples were collected in the A -horizon at a depth of 10 inches.) Record findings on the Data Form 1 for each location. Proceed to Step 15. ♦ Step 15: Determine whether hydric soils are present. Examine each Data Form 1 and determine whether a positive hydric soil indicator was found. If so, the area at that location has hydric soil. If soils at all sampling locations have positive hydric soil indicators, the entire area has hydric soils. If soils at all sampling locations lack positive hydric soil indicators, none of the area is a wetland. Complete the soil section of each Data Form 1. (Completed data forms for the Paragon Point V site are in Appendix C and results are presented in Section 4.0, Table 3.) Proceed to Step 16. ♦ Step 16: Make wetland determination. Examine Data Form 1. (Completed data forms for the Paragon Point V site are in Appendix C and results are presented in Section 4.0, Table 3.) If the entire area presently or normally has wetland indicators for all three parameters (Steps 9, 11, and 15), the entire area is a wetland. If the entire area presently or normally lacks wetland indicators of one or more parameters, the entire area is a non- wetland. 4.0 RESULTS Table 3 summarizes the results of the multi -parameter approach to wetland determinations for each sampling location. The delineated wetland areas are shown on the site map in Appendix B. A total of 0.45 acre of jurisdictional wetland was identified during. the survey. The National Wetland project site. According to the Cowardin system (Cowardin 1979), the 0.45 acre of jurisdictional wetlands identified was classified as palustrine wetland types. Palustrine wetlands include areas commonly called marshes, wet meadows, swamps, bogs, or riparian zones. The site was a marginal wet meadow that was in the transition towards an unland area apparently resulting from the construction of a ground water flow (an important hydrology source) interceptor ditch upgradient of the wetland area (Cedar Creek 1991). All documented pits, both in and outside of jurisdictional wetland areas, met the criteria for hydric soils, but hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology criteria were not met outside of the jurisdictional wetland areas (upland areas). These conditions are evidence of a wetland area that is in transition towards upland area because of the loss of supporting hydrology. The survey was conducted shortly after the growing season and plant species were j readily identifiable from seedheads, leaves, and flowers. R" 1 1.93 A302 (P➢V - wdmds) 10 TABLE 3 WETLAND DETERMINATIONS FOR THE PARAGON POINT V SITE Site ID* Delineation Date Wetland Determination Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Hydric Soils Present, Is this Sampling Point within a Wetland? PPI-A 10/21/94 no no yes no PPI-B 10/21/94 yes yes yes yes PP7-A 10/21/94 no no yes no PP7-B 10/21/94 yes yes yes yes *The site map in Appendix B shows the location of each sampling site. Field notes are in Appendix C. r /2.94 A302 (PPV- wetlands) 11 4.1 Vegetation The jurisdictional wetland area identified consisted of a consistent herbaceous layer of hydrophytic vegetation. Overstory vegetation was not present at the site. The most common vegetation included fox -tail barley (Hordeum jubatum) and inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), present in both the wetland and transition areas. Upland areas throughout the site were generally a consistent vegetation cover of introduced pasture grasses, such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), and invader forbs, such as summer -cypress (Kochia scoparia). 4.2 Soils The Paragon Point V site was comprised of a single soil series as mapped by the Soil Conservation Service (USDA 1980). Salt deposits on soils and the presence of alkali -tolerant vegetation (Spergularia marina, Distichlis spicata, and Hordeum jubatum) suggest alkaline soils in much of the wetland area. The jurisdictional wetland area was generally contained in a swale of the Longmont clay (0-3 .% slopes). Inclusions in these soils are known to be frequently ponded for long or very long duration during the growing season. The Longmont clay is known to be a poorly drained soil type. The wetland soils sampled generally contained low-chroma colors, mottles, and were considered hydric based on the local hydric soils list (USDA 1993). 4.3 Hydrology No distinct stream channel went through the site. Salt deposits on the soil surface indicated that hydrology for the site was mainly ground -water -based. Runoff from nearby roads and construction areas may have supplemented the hydrology of the area. The hydrology of the site was previously affected by an interceptor ditch which apparently diverted ground water flows (Cedar Creek 1991). This interceptor ditch was removed approximately 3 years ago. The soil type of the area was composed of alluvial material, suggesting that the bench was possibly once part of the Fossil Creek floodplain. There was no evidence that the Fossil Creek floodplain still encompassed the bench and survey area, and flooding did not appear to be a supplemental source of site hydrology. 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS The wetland delineation described in this report has been submitted to the COE, Omaha District, Tri- Lakes Project Office, in Littleton, Colorado. Acceptance will be conveyed in the form of a letter. If accepted, the COE will recommend that this wetland delineation be considered valid for 3 years from the date of the letter unless new information warrants revision before the 3 years expire. Ra 1 1.95 A302 (PPV- wrdands) I2 6.0 REFERENCES Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. (Cedar Creek). 1991. Wetland Determination Trilby and Lemay Fort Collins, Colorado. Prepared for 504 Enterprises c/o RBD, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado. Cowardin, L.W., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program: FWS/OBS-79/31. Jim Sell Design, Inc. (Sell). 1994. Blueprint of the site boundaries. Fort Collins, Colorado. Reed, P.B., Jr. 1988. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: Central Plains (Region 5). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 88(26.5). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service. 1993. Larimer County. Area, Colorado: Comprehensive Hydric Soils List. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service, in cooperation with Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 1980. Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado. U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey (USGS). 1971. 7.5-Minute Series Topographic Map for Loveland, Colorado, Quadrangle. Photorevised 1971. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1975. National Wetlands Inventory Map for the Loveland, Colorado, Quadrangle. Weber, W.A. 1976. Rocky Mountain Flora. Colorado Associated University Press. Boulder, Colorado. 7.0 LIST OF PREPARERS Riverside Technology, inc. 2821 Remington Street Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 303/223-2944 ♦ FAX 303/223-2955 ♦ Stephen W. Johnson, Water Quality Hydrologist/Wetlands Delineator ♦ William K. Schenderlein, Environmental Engineer R& 1 1.95 A302 (PPV. wetlands) 13 APPENDIX A Paragon Point V Location Map Al .11 0• 0-..:- �r , Site Location URIMER'COUNTY MAP TABLE OF CONTENTS Paee 1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose....................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Site Location................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 Site Description........................................................................................................... 1 2.0 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS............................................................................. 2 3.0 METHODS OF ANALYSIS................................................................................................ 3 3.1 Agency Contacts......................................................................................................... 3 3.2 Site Reconnaissance.................................................................................................... 3 3.3 Equipment and Materials.......................................................................................... 3 3.4 Growing Season Information.................................................................................... 4 3.5 Routine Procedures.................................................................................................... 4 4.0 RESULTS............................................................................................................................. 10 4.1 Vegetation.................................................................................................................... 12 4.2 Soils............................................................................................................................. 12 4.3 Hydrology................................................................................................................... 12 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................................................... 12 6.0 REFERENCES..................................................................................................................... 13 7.0 LIST OF PREPARERS......................................................................................................... 13 A Paragon Point V Location Map B Paragon Point V Site Map C Jurisdictional Wetlands Field IS APPENDICES TABLES Table Page 1 Plant Indicator Status Categories..................................................................................................... 6 2 Dominant Plant Species Occurring at the Paragon Point V Site .................................................. 7 3 Wetland Determinations for the Paragon Point V Site................................................................. 11 11.94 A297 (Ponds - rvetlands) ii 1.0 INTRODUCTION Jim Sell Design, Inc. is currently working to develop approximately 4 acres of land (known as the Paragon Point Phase V site) in Fort Collins, Colorado, for residential real estate. The City of Fort Collins requires a letter from an individual who is qualified to delineate jurisdictional wetlands regarding the presence or absence of wetlands on lands proposed for development. Jurisdictional wetlands are wetland areas that fall into the domain of regulatory oversight. This report is written to satisfy this requirement for proposed land development. The wetland delineation described in this report identified 0.45 acre of jurisdictional wetlands within the proposed development area. 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to document a study to identify and delineate jurisdictional wetlands within the 4-acre parcel of Paragon Point Phase V site in Fort Collins, Colorado, to satisfy Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Section 404 authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material.into waters of the United States, including wetlands. 1.2 Site Location The study site consists of a proposed filing called the Paragon Point Phase V site (referred to hereafter as the Paragon Point V site). The Paragon Point V site is currently slated for proposed real estate development; if the site is developed, it will contain a multi -family residential development. Paragon Point V is the last phase of the development consisting of approximately 4 acres along Lemay Avenue. A map showing the general location of the Paragon Point V site is provided in Appendix A. A site map is provided in Appendix B. The Paragon Point V site is located in the southwest comer of the southwest quarter of Section 7, Township 6 North, Range 68 West of the 6th P.M. in the City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, State of Colorado. Coordinates for the site were estimated from a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle map (USGS 1971) and are 1050 03' 23" west longitude and 40° 30' 16" north latitude. 1.3 Site Description The Paragon Point V survey area lies in a discrete upland valley. Fossil Creek runs along the eastern edge of the site, the survey area being part of a bench above the creek. The 4-acre parcel is located in the northeast corner of the intersection of Trilby Road and Lemay Avenue. The boundaries are Trilby Road to the south, Lemay Avenue to the west, Paragon Point IV to the north, and Fossil Creek to the east. The general slope and drainage pattern of the site is from west to east (0-3%). The site appears to be in a topographic low or swale defined by the roads and development areas that surround it. The area contains a sparse cover of upland grasses and invader forbs The site has seen significant alteration from its native prairie origin and no longer reflects native conditions. Extensive historic grazing by livestock has led to the virtual elimination of native grasses, and in an effort to recover the carrying capacity of the land, past landowners have apparently implemented range improvement R" 1 1.93 A302 fP➢V • w 1knA+1 I V practices. Evidence of these practices is reflected in the vegetation species composition existing i currently. Upland vegetation includes smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), commonly used as introduced pasture grasses. No distinct stream channel goes 1 through the site; hydrology for the site is mainly ground -water -based with occasional ponding of I storm runoff. Runoff from nearby roads and construction areas may supplement the hydrology of the �) area. The hydrology of the site was previously affected by an interceptor ditch which apparently diverted ground water flows (Cedar Creek 1991). This interceptor ditch was removed approximately 3 years ago. The site appears to be in the process of transition from a wetland area to an upland area. r' The site supports a dispersed black -tailed prairie dog colony. Areas where the colony is more ,m concentrated are extensively grazed by the black -tailed prairie dogs. 2.0 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS The jurisdictional wetland identifications and delineations were conducted by Stephen W. Johnson, William K. Schenderlein, and Lisa Pare of Riverside Technology, inc. (RTi). Mr. Johnson has 8 years of experience as a Water Quality Hydrologist and 4 years of experience in conducting jurisdictional wetland studies in Colorado, Wyoming, and California. He is recognized by the COE under Regulatory IV to identify and delineate wetlands as part of the Section 404 process of the Clean Water Act. Mr. Johnson also has experience in conducting surveys along the Front Range of Colorado for the federally -threatened Ute ladies' -tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis). Mr. Johnson's educational background includes a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, an M.S. in Plant Ecology, and an M.S. in Water Quality Hydrology. He is a member of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Rocky Mountain Chapter. Mr. Johnson is also the program manager of the State Wetlands Protection Program for the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians in southern California. 'j Mr. Schenderlein is an Environmental Engineer who is currently training under Mr. Johnson on several jurisdictional wetlands delineation projects and endangered species surveys. He also assists _ in writing and preparing the technical reports documenting the results of these activities. As part of Ifhis training, Mr. Schenderlein has participated in jurisdictional wetland surveys in Colorado -and - Wyoming and has prepared final documentation on the results of several surveys. Mr. Schenderlein's qualifications include a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.S. in Environmental Engineering, studies in geochemistry and environmental science, and over 2 years of water quality - related work. �I it"/ 1.93 A303 (PPV • wnlmdd 2 3.0 METHODS OF ANALYSIS l 3.1 Agency Contacts The following individuals and agencies were contacted as part of this wetland delineation: ♦ Terry McKee, Environmental Resource Specialist, COE - Tri-Lakes Project Office, Littleton, Colorado ♦ Bernardo Garza, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Colorado Field Office, Golden, Colorado 3.2 Site Reconnaissance The initial reconnaissance of the site took place on October 12, 1994, when Mr. Johnson and Mr. Schenderlein walked the perimeter of the Paragon Point V site with Mr. Terry McKee from the COE. Various reconnaissance trips were taken by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Schenderlein during October and November 1994 as part of the routine wetland delineation. The final wetland delineation, documented on field notes in Appendix C, was conducted by Mr. Johnson and Ms. Pere on October 21, 1994. 3.3 Equipment and Materials The following equipment and materials were used in this wetland delineation study: ♦ Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987) ♦ Munsell Soil Color Chart ♦ Copies of 1987 COE Data Form 1 ♦ Soil Survey of Larimer County Area, Colorado_(USDA 1980) ♦ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Map for the Loveland, Colorado, Quadrangle (USFWS 1975) ♦—SoiLConser..vation-Service's_Lar-imer County_Area, Colorado: Comprehensive Hydric Soils List (USDA 1993) ♦ National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: Central Plains (Region 5) (Reed 1988) ♦ Blueprint of the site boundaries (Sell 1994) ♦ Book entitled Rocky Mountain Flora (Weber 1976) ♦ Book entitled Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin 1979) ♦ Weatherproof field book ♦ Wooden boundary stakes ♦ Fisher Space Pens (permanent ink) ♦ Soil spade 11.94 A303 (PPV - wedwds) 3 l 3.4 Growing Season Information Wetlands delineations are best conducted during or shortly after the growing season to facilitate identification of vegetation parts, such as flowers and leaf structure. The wetlands delineation described in this document was conducted shortly after the growing season. The growing season is also important in determining whether the wetland hydrology criterion is met. Areas that are at least intermittently inundated or saturated for 5 percent or more of the growing season are considered evidence of hydrologic characteristics that can support wetlands. In addition to wetland hydrology information collected in the field, information on the hydrology of soils in the area during the growing season was obtained from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Survey maps to support a wetland hydrology determination. The growing season is defined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987) as the portion of the year when soil temperatures at 19.7 inches below the soil surface are higher than biological zero (5°C). However, for ease of determination, the COE manual allows for an approximation of the growing season by the number of frost -free days. In the Fort Collins/Loveland area, there are, on average, 144 frost -free days per year. The average first frost -free day occurs the first week of May, and the average last frost -free day occurs at the end of September/beginning of October. Five percent of 144 days is 7.2 days, or approximately 1 week. 3.5 Routine Procedures The routine procedure selected for identifying and delineating wetlands is a multi -parameter approach requiring positive evidence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. If these parameters are met, the area is determined to be a jurisdictional wetland. The following routine procedure is adapted from the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987), which provides a logical, defensible, and technical basis for wetland delineation. This routine procedure stresses on -site inspection together with preliminary data gathering and synthesis of available information. Procedures for making routine wetland determinations when insufficient information is available for one or more parameters are described in this section. At each sampling point, the vegetation present was categorized using the National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: Central Vlalns (Keglon j) kneea-iyoo7-anu-Rocky-inuuntain-clulu• (Weber 1976). Table 1, Plant Indicator Status Categories, was taken from the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987) and provides definitions and information concerning the indicator symbols. Table 2 lists the dominant plant species that occur at the Paragon Point V site and provides the indicator status of each. An on -site inspection was determined to be required at the Paragon Point V site and was conducted as outlined below. All procedures are adapted from the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987). A Data Form 1 was completed for each of the sampling sites. Copies of all data sheets are included in Appendix C. Steps taken during the on -site inspection are described below: 11. 94 A302 (PPV - wetlands) 4 11 ♦ Step 1: Locate the project area. Determine the spatial boundaries of the project area using information from a USGS quadrangle map or other appropriate map, aerial photography, and/or the project survey plan (Sell 1994, USFWS 1975, and USGS 1971). Proceed to Step 2. ♦ Step 2: Determine whether an atypical situation exists. Examine the area and determine whether there is evidence of sufficient natural or human -induced alteration to significantly alter the area vegetation, soils, and/or hydrology. Include possible off -site modifications that may affect the area hydrology. If there is no such evidence, proceed to Step 3. If one or more parameters have been significantly altered by an activity that would normally require a permit, proceed to Section F of the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE 1987), Which describes methods to be used when positive indicators of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and/or wetland hydrology cannot be found because of effects of recent human activities or natural events. Using Section F, determine whether there is sufficient evidence that hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and/or wetland hydrology were present prior to this alteration. (No atypical situations existed at the Paragon Point V site.) ♦ Step 3: Determine the field characterization approach to be used. Considering the size and complexity of the area, determine the field characterization approach to be used. When the area is equal to or less than 5 acres and is thought to be relatively homogenous with respect to vegetation, soils; and/or hydrologic regime, proceed to Step 4. (The Paragon Point V site is less than 5 acres and is homogenous with respect to vegetation, soils, and hydrology; no transects were necessary. Furthermore, there was no significant overstory vegetation at the site.) ♦ Step 4: Identify the plant community type(s). Traverse the area and determine the number and locations of plant community types. Sketch the tncarinn-of-each-on-the-base-mat).-and_give_each community type a name. (The Paragon Point V site was determined to consist of three plant communities: an upland prairie grasses community, a transition zone community, and a wetland community --communities 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The determined communities were not mapped but were identified on each Data Form 1.) Proceed to Step 5. ♦ Step 5: Determine whether normal environmental conditions are present. Determine whether normal environmental conditions are present by considering the following: a. Is the area presently lacking hydrophytic vegetation or hydrologic indicators because of annual or seasonal fluctuations in precipitation or ground water levels? b. Are hydrophytic vegetation indicators lacking because of seasonal fluctuations in temperature? I1 11. 94 A303 (PPV - wedands) 5 TABLE 1 PLANT INDICATOR STATUS CATEGORIES Indicator Indicator Category Symbol Definition Obligate Wetland Plants OBL Plants that occur almost always (estimated probability >99%) in wetlands under natural conditions but that may also occur rarely (estimated probability <1%) in non -wetlands. Example: Spergularia marina (Saltmarsh Sandspurry) Facultative Wetland Plants FACW Plants that occur usually (estimated probability >67% to 99%) in wetlands but also occur (estimated probability I % to 33%) in non -wetlands. Example: Hordeum jubatum (fox -tail barley) Facultative Plants FAC Plants with a similar likelihood (estimated probability 33% to 67%) of occurring in both wetlands and non - wetlands. Example: Sporobolus airoides (alkali sacaton) Facultative Upland Plants FACU Plants that occur sometimes (estimated probability 1% to <33%) in wetlands but occur more often (estimated probability >67% to 99%) in non -wetlands. Example: Kochia scoparia (Mexican summer - cypress) Obligate Upland Plants UPL Plants that occur rarely (estimated probability <1%) in wetlands but occur almost always (estimated probability >99%) in non -wetlands under natural conditions. Example: Medicago sativa (alfalfa) Source: COE 1987, and Reed 1988 C 11.90 A302 (PPV - wed=dr) 6 TABLE 2 DOMINANT PLANT SPECIES OCCURRING AT THE PARAGON POINT V SITE Scientific Name Common Name Indicator Category* Distichlis spicata inland saltgrass FACW Hordeum jubatum fox -tail barley FACW Kochia scoparia Mexican summer -cypress FACU Spergularia marina saltmarsh sandspurry OBL Source: Reed 1988 and Weber 1976. *Indicator categories for plants are abbreviated as follows OBL = obligate wetland plant FACW = facultative wetland plant FAC = facultative plant FACU = facultative upland plant UPL = obligate upland plant Refer to Table I for a definition of each category. 11. 94 A301 (PPV - wetlands)