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were double-flagged at the origin and terminus of such boundaries to simpl8y surveying activities. The • results of the field analysis are summarized in the following paragraphs. Copies of the data sheets completed in the field are included with this report. Site Overview The project area consists of a narrow, gently to moderately sloping drainage bordered by a dense mountain shrub vegetation community. This drainage is deeply incised with steep, rocky side slopes preventing the development of broad, continuous wetland zones. The channel gropers comparatively narrow with short banks and abed lined with gravel- and cobble-size rock fragments. Nearly level to gently sloping alluvial terraces bordering the channel occur, but are raze. In most instances these terraces are exceptionally narrow leading to the steep drainage side slopes referred to above. No other streams, ponds, lakes, or other open water bodies occur within the boundaries of the project area Similarly, no side channels exhibiting defined beds and banks or wetland communities were observed draining into Elk Creek within the project area. Uplands dominate the project area and occur immediately upslope from the creek channel or the narrow wetland fringe bordering d. Though some fort-dominated communities occur on steeper slopes, the mountain brush vegetation community is essentially ubiquitous. A number of established, mature Populus angustiloliatrees are included in these uplands on upper terraces lying well above the OHWM. This species is associated with other tree and tall shrub species considered to be characteristic of upland conditions. Wetland/upland transition zones are typically nanow to abrupt as a function of projed area topography and channel morphology. Transition zones typically occur on narrow, intermittent, first and second terraces lying above the creek banks. These terraces may support either upland or wetland plant species depending on the soil moisture regime, with height above the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) appearing to be the wntrolling hydrologic factor. • Wetland plant communities are typically confined to the narrow borders of the drainage channel though some extend upslope and are associated with an old channel "oxbow", an abandoned road bed paralleling the creek, or where ovedand flow has been concentrated upslope and eventually drains into Elk Creek. These wetland communities are comparatively simplistic in terms of diversity, typically being dominated by two or three hydric species. Wetlands occurring any distance from the banks of the creek are noticeably less dense and diverse than those bordering the creek bank. In addition to the wetlands flagged in the field, other wetlands occur intermittently along the creek banks and are characterized by small concentrations of wetland species surrounded by, or interspersed with, upland shrub species typical of the surrounding mountain shrub vegetation community. These wetlands, discussed more fully below, have become established in defined alluvial soil deposits which have remained stable despite fluctuations in creek flows. Where d occurs in such wetlands, P. angustilolia trees are fully mature specimens and no recruitment of this species was observed along the channel proper. Upland/Wetland Delineation Specifics Uplands dominate the projed area occurring along both creek banks and the more level mountain toe slopes occasionally located adjacent to the creek. The uplands support a mountain shrub community characterized by a diversity typical of this area Shrub density increases in proximity to the creek as moisture increases. Sample points OX-2 and OX-4 were selected to characterize upland types bordering delineated wetlands. The vegetation community of sample point OX-2 s dominated by a Poa species believed to be pratensis, Geranium caespitosum, Potentilla gracilis, and Frageria virginiana. The soil has a matrix color of 10YR 3/2 with no indications of mottling or glsying to adepth of 12 inches. Similady, no wetland hydrology indicators were observed. Sample point OX-4 supports a vegetation community dominated by Epilobium angustilolium, Ouercus gambelii, and Rosa woodsii. The soil and hydrology characteristics of OX-4 parallel those of OX-2 with the exception of a slightly lighter matrix chroma. • Atypical upland transition community is represented by sample point OX-5. This sample point is located on the second terrace above the OHWM. The vegetation community is dominated by O. gambelii and Amelanchier a/nilolia in the shrub stratum, Smiladna stellata in the herbaceous stratum, and P.