the vegetation, soils, and hydrology are not adequately characterized 

 for any portion of the area, PROCEED TO Subsection 2. 

 c STEP 2 - Determine Whether Hydrophytic Vegetation Is Present. 

 Examine the vegetation data and list on DATA FORM 1 the dominant plant 

 species found in each vegetation layer of each community type. NOTE: 

 A separate DATA FORM 1 will be required for each oowmunity type. 

 Record the indicator status for each dominant species (Appendix C, 

 Section 1 or 2). When more than 50 percent of the dominant species in 

 a plant community have an indicator status of OBL, FACW, and/or FAC,* 

 hydrophytic vegetation is present. If one or more plant communities 

 comprise of hydrophytic vegetation, PROCEED TO STEP 3. If none of the 

 plant communities comprise hydrophytic vegetation, none of the area is 

 a wetland. Complete the vegetation section for each DATA FORM 1. 

 , STEP 3 - Determine Whether Wetland Hydrology Is Present. When one of 

 the following conditions applies (STEP 2), it is only necessary to 

 confirm that there has been no recent hydrologic alteration of the 



area: 

 a. 



The entire project area is occupied by a plant community or 

 communities in which all dominant species are OBL (Appendix C, 

 Section 1 or 2) . 

 b. The project area contains two or more plant communities, all of 

 which are dominated by OBL and/or FACW species, and the 

 wetland-nonwetland boundary is abrupt** (e.g. a Spartina 

 altemiflora marsh bordered by a road embankment). 



If either a or b applies, look for recorded evidence of recently con- 

 structed dikes, levees, impoundments, and drainage systems, or recent 

 avalanches, mudslides, beaver dams, etc., that have significantly al- 

 tered the area hydrology. If any significant hydrologic alteration is 

 found, determine whether the area is still periodically inundated or 



* For the FAC-neutral option, see paragraph 35a. 

 ** There must be documented evidence of periodic inundation or saturated 

 soils when the project area: 

 a Has plant communities dominated by one or more FAC species; 



b. Has vegetation dominated by FACW species but no adjacent community 

 ~ dominated by OBL species; 



c. Has a gradual, nondistinct boundary between wetlands and nonwetlands; 



and/or 



d. Is known to have or is suspected of having significantly altered 



M) ) ~ hydrology. 



55 



