MDT Montana Wetland Field Evaluation Form and Instructions 



July 1. 1996 



AA is documented or suspected at the ascertained level using the definitions provided above under 15. a). 

 As discussed under 15. a), it may be appropriate to indicate more than one use level for multiple species. 

 List the species that correspond to each use level applying to the AA. Use the highest level use (e.g., the 

 level that corresponds to the highest fimctional point value) to determine the functional point value for 

 the AA. If sensitive species use is documented at the AA, indicate the source of the documentation. 



Lists of plants and animals rated SI, S2, and S3 by the MNHP that may be associated with wetlands in 

 Montana are presented in Appendix D. 



15.c) General Wildlife Habitat. This field assesses general wildlife habitat potential of the AA based 

 upon perceived use by aquatic, semi-aquatic, and non-aquatic wildlife groups and habitat diversity. First, 

 indicate whether the AA is known or suspected to receive substantial, moderate, or little to no use by the 

 listed wildlife groups using the following definitions: 



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



populations; includes regular seasonal use, such as migration stopovers and 

 wintering. 



Moderate use: AA is regularly used in small numbers relative to local populations, or 



infrequently or sporadically used in any numbers relative to local or transient 

 populations. 



Little to No use: AA is regularly, infrequently, or sporadically used by extremely small numbers 



relative to local populations, or receives chance, inconsequential use in any 

 numbers relative to local or transient populations. 



Aquatic/semi-aquatic wildlife: Species that depend primarily or solely on wetland habitats for breeding, 



nesting, feeding, or other critical life cycle components. Examples 

 include waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagle, osprey, muskrat, mink, river 

 otter, beaver, and painted turtle. 



Non-aquatic wildlife: 



Species that may use wetland habitats, but are not primarily or solely 

 dependent on them for breeding, nesting, feeding or other critical life 

 cycle components. Examples include American robin, red-tailed hawk, 

 common yellowthroat, striped skunk, white-tailed deer, white-footed 

 deer mouse, and smooth green snake. 



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

 indicated on the form. For variable ii, use the habitat diversity rating determined under #13. 



D. General Fish Habitat. This field assesses general fish use of the AA based upon the known or 

 suspected presence of native or introduced fish and the duration of surface water. The term "native" 

 implies a species indigenous to Montana; not necessarily to a given drainage or water body. If the AA is 

 not surficially connected to a fish-bearing stream or standing water body (e.g., does not have the 

 opportunity to provide habitat for fish), circle NA on the form and proceed to the next function. The term 



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