MDT Montana Wetland Field Evaluation Form and Instructions July 1, 1996 



fields, historic sites, etc.) that could be damaged by floodwaters located within 0.5 mile downstream of 

 the AA, list under (iv). 



F. Sediment/Nutrient/Toxicant Retention and Removal. This field assesses the ability of the AA to 

 retain sediments and retain and remove nutrients and toxicants. The assessment is based on the site's 

 proximity to sediment/nutrient/toxicant sources; transport potential of these constituents to the AA via 

 surface water; potential for the site to detain the constituents; and potential of the site to filter and/or 

 process (uptake) the constituents. Circle the appropriate responses and assign the corresponding rating 

 and functional points as indicated on the form. 



G. Sediment/Shoreline Stabilization. This field assesses the ability of the AA to dissipate flow or wave 

 energy, reducing erosion. Complete this field only if the jurisdictional wetland within the AA occurs on 

 the banks of a river, stream, or other natural or manmade channel, or occurs on the shoreline of a 

 standing water body which has a maximum depth exceeding 6.6 feet at low water (e.g., subject to wave 

 action; Cowardin 1979). If this field does not apply, circle NA and proceed to the next function. 



Estimate the total percent cover of the rooted vegetative component (all rooted classes) and circle the 

 appropriate points. Determine the longest duration of surface water adjacent to rooted vegetation in the 

 AA using the definitions provided above under #15.d). Determine the sediment/shoreline stabilization 

 rating for the AA by multiplying the appropriate point values as indicated on the form. 



H. Production Export/Food Chain Support. This field assesses the potential of the AA to produce and 

 export food/nutrients for living organisms. Estimate the acreage of the vegetated component (all 

 vegetation including persistent, non-persistent, rooted, and floating) within the AA. For variable (ii), use 

 the habitat diversity rating determined under #13. Determine the longest duration of surface water in the 

 AA using the definitions provided above under #1 5.d). Determine the production export/food chain 

 support rating for the AA by multiplying and adding the appropriate point values as indicated on the 

 form. 



I. Groundwater Discharge/Recharge. This field assesses groundwater discharge and recharge potential 

 at the site. Check the listed statements under Discharge and Recharge that apply to the AA. Other site- 

 specific indicators may be added as necessary. Follow the criteria on the form to determine the 

 corresponding rating and functional points. If it is determined that groundwater discharge/recharge 

 potential cannot be reasonably ascertained in the AA at this level of analysis, explain in the comments 

 section and indicate rating as "unknown" and fiinctional points as "NA" on the form. 



J. Uniqueness. This field expresses the general uniqueness of the AA in terms of the relative abundance 

 of similar sites occurring in the same major Montana watershed basin; the replacement potential and 

 habitat diversity of the AA; and the degree of human disturbance in the AA. Although not currently 

 available, the MNHP is proposing to eventually develop a list of rare wetland community types for the 

 state (Center pers. comm.). When developed, the list may be used in conjunction with this field in 

 consideration of overall uniqueness. 



Circle the estimated occurrence frequency of similarly classified sites within the same major Montana 

 watershed basin using the answer fi-om #11. Determine whether the AA is or contains a bog, fen, warm 



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