• 



— • Reviev IWI maps where available. NWI maps will give an overview of the wetlands 

 in the area. All wetlands on the NWI maps will be considered wetlands for these 

 conventions unless review of the ASCS slides or local information fails to 

 confirm the area as meeting wetland criteria. This could happen for the 

 following reasons: 



1. Review of the slides does not show basins as having water, hdyrophytic 

 vegetation, drowned out crops, or different crop colors during abnormally dry or 

 wet years. — 



2. The wetland has been drained since the NVI photos were taXen. Look for 

 manipulation such as ditches, new tile lines, dikes or levees. 



-HOTE: Many wetlands are excluded on NWI maps because of the Fish and 

 Wildlife Service's Farmed Wetland Policy. The SCS state office may wish to 

 contact the FWS regional wetland coordinator to get an overview of the NWI 

 mapping conventions. 



'"*- Review othar available ASCS or SCS photographs; such as, 4*=1 mile black and 

 white or colored infrared photographs. 



—^ Review ASCS color slides (and color infrared if available) for the years 1980 to 

 1988 (when available). In most cases, 5-7 years will be available in most 

 counties. Use Geological Survey or weather service climatological data in 

 conjunction with the ASCS slides. Review the climatological data to determine 

 those years which were above or below normal precipitation 2 to 3 months prior 

 to the date of the slide. Most slides were taken in late June or July. In most 

 cases, flights were flown in July. 



— When reviewing slides, the following criteria are considered indicators of 

 a wetland and will be marked. 



1. Hydrophytic vegetation in the area. 



2. Water or drowned out crop (mud flat). 



3. Stressed crop production due to wetness (yellow). 



4. Color of crop in dry or wet years (greener or yellow). 



5. Differences in color due to different planting dates. 



When viewing the slides, place a clear overlay on the Kodak caramate 

 screen. Circle the wetland with a dry erasable marker for the first year (view 

 wettest year first) reviewed. Go to the next year slide, circle new wetlands, 

 and place a checkmark by those wetlands that have reoccured. Repeat the process 

 for all the years. The clear overlay is a good way to begin the process. After 

 using the conventions for a period of time, experi ence may allow t he^rlftar 

 overla y to be dropped from the process . Always check tor manipulation of the 

 wetlands. Document manipulations'! (See exhibit - Wetness History . . . -as an 

 example of documentation.) 



