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• ice cover, yet WET assumes that other physical factors are more important in determining habitat suitability ratings than is accessibility. The seasonal use patterns of the indicator avian species document that of the 19 species known to utilize this region, 76 are nesters or migrants which possess Moderate and Low Ratings, respectively, while only three species are potential winter occupants. However, this use category possesses a High habitat rating. The WET assumptions appear flawed with respect to wildlife utilization ratings. The overall Wildlife Diversity/Abundance Rating of High is also difficult to fully understand. Examination of the WET Manual reveals that Keys exist for Wildlife Breeding, Migration and Wintering, but the assumptions used to derive this value are seemingly missing. Therefore, upon excluding the obvious earlier rating associated with Wintering, these categories generally possess ratings of Low to Moderate, while the overall importance of the site is High with respect to Wildlife Diversity/Abundance. It is believed that this rating is exaggerated for the same reasons described for wintering habitat. SUMMARY Although this evaluation suggests that limitations exist with respect to certain assumptions used in the WET Methodology, in most areas, the major functional values of these wetlands as identified by professional experience and opinion are verified using this model. This conclusion appears most .valid regarding the hydrologic values of these wetland areas. Specifically, while the Effectiveness and Opportunity categories of the • evaluation for most hydrologic areas possess a High probability rating, the overall Social Significance probability ratings are Low to Moderate, meaning that according to the WET Manual this site possesses somewhat limited values with respect to economic value or strategic location. An apparent interpretation of such results suggests that although these wetlands are valuable in contributing to the overall environmental balance of the area, these wetlands types do not appear to be limited with respect to their distribution or functional efficiency. Since this project may ultimately require a 404 permit application, it is believed that this is the most significant finding of this evaluation. This finding suggests that although the Effectiveness and Opportunity functions of this wetland are higher than the Social Significance functions, it appears possible that the site can be developed without adversely influencing the environmental values associated with the wetlands in this area. As such, it appears that it will be possible to facilitate mining of the site wherein the hydrologic functions associated with the Effectiveness and Opportunity categories are preserved by designing a sound reclamation plan. •