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• <br /> <br />• <br />2.0 FIELD DELINEATION AND SAMPLING METHODOLOGIES <br />In 2005, the wetland delineation work completed for the Collom vegetation study area encompassed <br />13,605 acres. This study area includes all perceived potential disturbances plus an adequate buffer <br />zone. Wetland / upland boundary delineation work began with an extensive site reconnaissance and <br />analysis of existing information including aerial imagery of the project area. In fact, the wetland work was <br />performed as a final task once the vegetation field crews had thoroughly evaluated all the upland <br />vegetation communities of the study area during the preceding month of field work. <br />Aerial imagery was examined for evidence of hydrology (drainage patterns) and photographic <br />signatures characteristic of wetlands ("mottled appearance" due to the distribution of vegetation) as well <br />as a determination of access, topography, and general vegetation communities existing in the area. <br />Detailed Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soils mapping was not readily available for <br />use so close coordination with the project soil scientists was maintained. (Soils investigations were <br />implemented concurrently with vegetation studies.) Potentially problematic areas were also identified on <br />aerial imagery to aid the mapping effort and to document those areas warranting special attention. <br />Following examination of Color Infra-Red (CIR) aerial imagery and various site characteristics, <br />detailed wetland / upland boundary field delineation was initiated. The field effort was completed <br />following the methods and techniques specified for "routine on-site delineations" in the publication Corps <br />of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987). To properly identify and delineate wetland / upland <br />boundaries, each vegetation community observed on site was evaluated. Extensive pedestrian transects <br />were implemented within these communities, as appropriate, and along the boundaries with adjacent <br />communities during which observations were made with respect to vegetation, soil characteristics, and <br />hydrologic conditions. Sample points representing the dominant wetland communities or larger wetland <br />units along and within suspected wetland / upland boundaries were evaluated. <br />A total of nine formal sample points were located within typical wetland circumstances to document <br />and represent the various site conditions. Six of these were located within each of the six larger (or in <br />one case problematic) wetland units and three were located to be representative of the three main <br />drainage systems and at three different elevational circumstances. At each sample point, percent total <br />ground cover of dominant plant species was visually estimated. Species were then classed as OBL <br />(obligate wetland species), FACW (facultative wetland species), FAC (facultative species), FACU <br />(facultative upland species) or UPL (upland species). Unidentifiable species or identifications limited to <br />genera were normally classed as FAC, unless obvious upland or wetland conditions dominated, and in <br />this manner eliminated any bias toward upland delineations. Soil and hydrologic data were also recorded <br />to verify the presence or absence of wetlands at each sampling point. Wetland soil indicators potentially <br />(CZDARtCCRZIEKAM®MT ES, INC. <br />Page 3 <br />Colowyo Coal Co. - Collom Project Wetlands