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



estimated acreage in the AA (from #9). 



Record the totals from the Actual Functional Points, Possible Functional Points, and Functional Units 

 columns in the Totals row. Calculate the percentage of the possible frinctional points that the AA 

 achieved using the following equation: % of possible = total actual functional points ^ total possible 

 functional points X 100 



Determine the appropriate overall rating (described below) based on the criteria indicated on the form. 



Ca/egory/ wetlands are of exceptionally high quality and are generally rare to uncommon in the state. 

 Category I wetlands can provide habitat for federally listed threatened, endangered, or candidate species, 

 represent a high quality example of a rare wetland type, provide irreplaceable ecological fimctions (e.g., 

 are not replaceable within a human lifetime, if at all), exhibit exceptionally high flood attenuation and 

 storage capability, or are assigned high ratings for most of the assessed functions and values. To be rated 

 as a Category I site, the AA must: 



Score .9 or 1 frinctional point for Threatened or Endangered Species (e.g., receives documented 



regular or occasional use); fii 



o Score .9 or 1 frinctional point for Uniqueness (e.g., be rare in the USGS Unit and a bog, fen, 



warm springs or mature forested wetland and undisturbed or encroached upon) qt "High" rating 

 for Uniqueness and Condition (#12) is "Undisturbed" (e.g., be an undisturbed site that is rare 

 with high to exceptional habitat diversity or common but irreplaceable); fir 



Score 1 frinctional point for Flood Attenuation and Storage and answer to Question 14.E.3 is 



"yes" (e.g., is greater than or equal to 10 acres and is comprised of more than 75% woody 

 vegetation and has a restricted outlet and there is potential for flood damage downstream); or 



o Total actual frinctional points > 80% (round to nearest tenth) of total possible functional points. 



Category 77 wetlands are more common than Category I wetlands, and are those that provide habitat for 

 sensitive plants or animals, function at very high levels for wildlife/fish habitat, are unique in a given 

 region, or are assigned high ratings for many of the assessed frmctions and values. To be rated as a 

 Category II site, the AA must not qualify as a Category I site and: 



o Score 1 frinctional point for Species Rated SI, S2, or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage 



Program (e.g., receives documented regular use); qt 

 Score 1 frinctional point for General Wildlife Habitat (e.g., assessed use is high and habitat 



diversity is exceptional); or 

 o Achieve "High" ratings for both General Wildlife Habitat and General Fish/Aquatic Habitat; or 



o Achieve a "High" rating for Uniqueness (e.g., disturbed site that is rare with high to exceptional 



habitat diversity or common but irreplaceable qi 

 o Total actual frinctional points > 65% (round to nearest tenth) of total possible frinctional points. 



Category 777 wetlands are more common, generally less diverse, and often smaller and more isolated than 

 are Category I and II wetlands. They can provide many fimctions and values, although they may not be 

 assigned high ratings for as many parameters as are Category I and II wetlands. To be rated as a 

 Category III site, the AA must not qualify as a Category I, II, or IV site. 



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