h. Quadrat (3.28 ft by 3.28 ft). 



i^. Diameter or basal area tape (for woody overstory) . 

 Field procedures 



70. Complete the following steps: 



• STEP 1 - Identify the Project Area. Using information from the USGS 

 quadrangle or other appropriate map (Section B) , locate and measure the 

 spatial boundaries of the project area. Determine the compass heading 

 of each boundary and record on the base map (Section B, STEP 2). The 

 applicant's survey plan may be helpful in locating the project bound- 

 aries. PROCEED TO STEP 2. 



• STEP 2 - Determine Whether an Atypical Situation Exists . Examine the 

 area and determine whether there is sufficient natural or human-induced 

 alteration to significantly change the area vegetation, soils, and/or 

 hydrology. If not, PROCEED TO STEP 3. If one or more parameters have 

 been recently altered significantly, PROCEED TO Section F and determine 

 whether there is sufficient evidence that hydrophytlc vegetation, 

 hydric soils, and/or wetland hydrology were present on the area prior 

 to alteration. Then return to this section and characterize parameters 

 not significantly influenced by human activities. PROCEED TO STEP 3. 



• STEP 3 - Determine Homogeneity of Vegetation. While completing 

 STEP 2, determine the number of plant community types present. Mark 

 the approximate location of each community type on the base map. The 

 number and locations of required wetland determinations will be 

 strongly influenced by both the size of the area and the number and 

 distribution of plant community types; the larger the area and greater 

 the number of plant community types, the greater the number of required 

 wetland determinations. It is imperative that all plant community 

 types occurring in all portions of the area be included in the investi- 

 gation. PROCEED TO STEP 4. 



• STEP A - Determine the Type and Number of Layers in Each Plant 

 Community. Examine each identified plant community type and determine 

 the type(s) and number of layers in each community. Potential layers 

 include trees (woody overstory) , saplings/shrubs (woody understory) , 

 herbs (herbaceous understory), and/or woody vines. PROCEED TO STEP 5. 



• STEP 5 - Determine Whether Normal Environmental Conditions Are 

 Present . Determine whether normal environmental conditions are present 



73 



