site-specific conditions may require modification of field procedures. For 

 example, slope configuration in a complex area may necessitate modification of 

 the baseline and transect positions. Since specific characteristics (e.g. 

 plant density) of a given plant community may necessitate the use of alternate 

 methods for determining the dominant species, the user has the flexibility to 

 employ sampling procedures other than those described. However, the basic 

 approach for making wetland determinations should not be altered (i.e. the 

 determination should be based on the dominant plant species, soil characteris- 

 tics, and hydrologic characteristics of the area in question). The user 

 should document reasons for using a different characterization procedure than 

 described in the manual. CAUTION: Application of methods described in the 

 manual or the modified sampling procedures requires that the user be familiar 

 with wetlands of the area and use his training, experience , and good judgment 

 in making wetland determinations. 



r 



r 



12 



