MDT Montana Wetland Field Evaluation Form and Instructions 



July 1. 1996 



Regular use: 



Scrub-shrub class: 



Seasonal/intermittent: 



AA is consistently, normally used by a given species or habitat 

 conditions and the known distribution of the species would indicate this 

 level of use. The presence of traditional breeding, nesting, denning, 

 foraging, or seasonal habitat in the AA constitutes regular use, as does 

 any occurrence of a T&E plant. 



Vegetated wetland dominated by woody vegetation less than 6m (20 ft) 

 tall. Species include shrubs, young trees, and stunted trees and shrubs. 



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. 



Substantial use: 



Temporary/ephemeral: 



Undisturbed: 



AA is regularly used in significant numbers relative to local or transient 

 populations; includes regular seasonal use, such as migration stopovers 

 and wintering. 



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. 



Wetland is in virtually pristine condition; no significant sources of 

 human disturbance occur within or immediately adjacent to the site; 

 undisturbed habitat is contiguous with site (e.g., pothole on native 

 prairie). 



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