MPT Montana Wetland Field Evaluation Form and Instructions July J, 1996 



"surficially connected" also includes connections via culverts. 



If the AA is surficially connected to a fish-bearing stream or standing water body, first indicate whether 

 the AA is known or suspected to contain native fish, followed by introduced game fish, introduced non- 

 game fish, or no fish. The evaluator is referred to A Field Guide To Montana Fishes (Holton 1990) for 

 tiie status (native vs. introduced) offish species known or suspected to occur in the AA. Secondly, 

 indicate the longest duration of surface water in the AA using the following definitions: 



Permanent/perennial: Surface water is present throughout the year except during years of extreme 

 drought. 



Seasonal/intermittent: Surface water is present for extended periods, especially early in the growing 

 season, or may persist throughout the growing season, but may be absent at the 

 end of the growing season; or surface water does not flow continuously, as when 

 water losses from evaporation or seepage exceed the available streamflow. 



Temporary/ephemeral: Surface water is present for brief periods during the growing season, but the 

 water table is well below the surface most of the year; or surface water flows 

 briefly in direct response to precipitation in the immediate vicinity and the 

 channel is above the water table. 



Determine the general fish habitat rating for the AA by multiplying the appropriate point values as 

 indicated on the form. 



E. Flood Attenuation and Storage. This field assesses the capability of jurisdictional wetland in the AA 

 to detain moving water from in-channel flow or overbank flow for a short duration when the flow is 

 outside of its channel. This parameter applies only if the AA occurs within or contains a discemable 

 floodplain (e.g., is subject to flooding and possesses the opportunity to attenuate and store flood waters), 

 based on floodwater proximity, evidence of flood deposits, FEMA maps, etc., and can apply to any AA 

 that includes a flowing water/channel component (e.g., rivers, streams, flowing ditches). If jurisdictional 

 wetland within the AA does not occur within a channel or discemable floodplain, circle NA and proceed 

 to the next fiinction. 



First, estimate the area of jurisdictional wetland that is subject to periodic flooding within the AA. This 

 can be based on aerial photos, water marks, silt lines, alternating layers of leaves and fine sediment, ice 

 scars, drift lines, sediment deposition, directionally bent vegetation, or other physical evidence. Do not 

 include non-wetland open water channel in this estimate. Next, determine the approximate percentage 

 of jurisdictional wetland subject to flooding that is classified in the forested or scrub-shrub class (note: in 

 some cases it may be appropriate to consider dense, extensive stands of hardy persistent emergent 

 vegetation, such as cattail, as scrub-shrub for purposes of this form, as these stands act as primary 

 floodwater attenuators in some parts of the state. If this situation applies, note in the comments section). 

 Finally, determine whether or not the wetland contains a restricted outlet. 



Determine the flood attenuation and storage rating for the AA by multiplying and adding the appropriate 

 point values as indicated on the form. If there are residences, businesses, or other features (parks, sports 



