24 Wetland Assessment Criteria 



The wetland functions and values part of the Threshold Criteria in 

 Appendix 1 contains statements that were selected in part based on 

 analysis of information and techniques evaluated in the literature on 

 wetlands and assessment methodologies. One important source of 

 information was the Operational Draft Wetland Evaluation Technique 

 (WET), Volume II (Adamus et al., 1987). Questions in the Threshold 

 Criteria emphasize biological and socioeconomic components of wetland 

 functional values that assist in identifying important or outstanding 

 features of wetlands. 



F. OTHER WETLAND ACQUISITION CONSIDERATIONS 



It is necessary in the acquisition planning process to determine the 

 appropriate acquisition interest in the wetland site under consideration in 

 order to achieve the acquisition objectives. Factors that are often 

 considered in making this acquisition decision include the degree of 

 financial interest in the wetlands required; cost to restore, enhance, 

 operate and/or maintain the acquired wetlands; and the willingness of 

 the current owner(s) to grant the desired interest in the wetlands. These 

 factors are discussed in the NWPCP in the context of directing attention 

 and/or priority in the acquisition planning process; however, these factors 

 should not be ranked or weighed during the early planning stage when a 

 threshold determination is to be made concerning qualification for 

 acquisition consideration. Rather, they should be considered later in the 

 acquisition process when more detailed information is available to 

 determine when and under what conditions a wetland site should be 

 acquired. This planning occurs only after the initial decision has been 

 made that the wetland site meets the threshold criteria for acquisition. A 

 complementary evaluation or ranking system may be used for this 

 purpose. The Service, for example, addresses these factors in the Land 

 Acquisition Priority System. 



Factors to be Considered 



Priority consideration will be given to wetlands whose public values 

 and benefits cannot be maintained or realized, except through 

 acquisition. 



Priority consideration will be given to interests in wetlands 

 (acquisition methods) that are the most cost-effective available while 

 fully and permanently allowing for protection and/or improvement 

 of the public values provided by the wetlands. Fee title, perpetual 

 easements, leases, deed restrictions, land donations and exchanges 

 or other methods may be employed. 



