2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (106)

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RULE 2 PERMITS drainage patterns, and /or oxidized root channels in the upper 12 inches of the soil profile. A sample site data sheet was completed for each formal sampling point and summarized in Table 2.04.10 -76. In conjunction with the nine formal sampling sites, numerous systematic "checkpoints" were evaluated to further aid in defining wetland / upland boundaries. This system was utilized because of the extensive length of stream and drainage -ways through the study area (over 21 miles). A total of 473 "recorded" checkpoints and an unknown number of "unrecorded" checkpoints (estimated at over 300) were utilized in this manner. Checkpoints provided significant additional data (vegetation, hydrologic, and occasionally soils information) useful for ascertaining those characteristic of the wetland / upland boundaries which could then be visually correlated. In this manner, boundary definition could be refined for those areas of subtle transition from wetland to upland. Such information was also useful to better characterize wetland and upland characteristics as a whole given the increased sample size; however, formal field data sheets were not completed for recorded and unrecorded checkpoints. The primary difference between recorded versus unrecorded checkpoints was related to elevational differences and how it relates to the size of the streamside system being evaluated. Recorded checkpoints were started at a readily identifiable location in each drainage system within the study area where perennial flow gave rise to a wetland / Water of the U.S. (WUS) system warranting the effort, and then proceeded downstream. Unrecorded checkpoints started at the same location, but were extended upstream. Unrecorded checkpoint data were recorded directly on field maps to facilitate remote sensing interpretation. These points were placed wherever there was perceived need (e.g., change in width or character of streamside wetland), access to the stream was afforded, and at multiple locations high in each drainage basin to ascertain the point where COE jurisdictional wetlands ceased and uplands began. Recorded checkpoints were somewhat more formal in nature, but not as formal as a sample site. Using a standard GPS to maintain longitudinal control a checkpoint was established at every 0.1 -mile interval (528 feet) downgradient from the point separating recorded versus unrecorded checkpoints. This resulted in 2.23 miles of Wilson Creek being recorded, or the entire segment through the study area. A total of 4.94 miles of Jubb Creek and the West Fork of Jubb Creek were recorded, from the "Artesian Well" down to the point where Jubb Creek exits the study area at County Road 32. Finally, a total of 3.56 miles of Collom Gulch were recorded from a fence crossing that could be identified on aerial imagery down to a point where the stream exits the study area at County Road 32. The ephemeral reaches East Fork of Jubb Creek and Little Collom Gulch were evaluated with unrecorded checkpoints. Checkpoints were also established at interim points between the 0.1 -mile stations wherever conditions warranted (e.g., change in width or character of streamside wetland, road crossing, etc.), however, only the pertinent data were recorded at these interim points. At each 0.1 -mile station, data were recorded with regard to composition and width of the streambed, combined width of the wetland along each bank, shape and estimated depth of the channel, and up to five of the most dominant vegetation species within an approximate 50 -foot reach. On occasion, a soil pit was excavated and Munsell colors noted. In addition to the streamside wetlands along the various drainages, several (49) stock tanks (livestock watering facilities) were observable across the study area. An average size of these stock tanks was determined to be 0.113 acres (70' X 70'). A majority of these exist on a defined waterway resulting from a downgradient berm and fed by either surface flow within drainages or by ground water discharges (seeps and springs). A few stock tanks are located in upland circumstances where they either collect overland sheet flow or are supplied by well water that is either delivered by gravity or by pumping. Following detailed analyses of overall site characteristics, wetland / upland boundaries were either GPS'd with a sub -meter Trimble (for larger or problematic wetland areas) or were draft mapped in the field at the approximate 0.1 -mile intervals along stream courses. Collom — Rule 2, Page 72 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03