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National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021
Site Evaluation Guidelines
Version 1.1
February 2021
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National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021
Version 1.1
Site Evaluation Guidelines
February 2021
NOTICE
The goal of the National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) is to provide a comprehensive
assessment of the condition of the Nation's wetlands. The complete documentation of overall NWCA
project management, design, methods, and standards is contained in four companion documents:
•National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Field Operations Manual - EPA 843-B-21 -002
•National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Quality Assurance Project Plan - EPA 843-B-21 -004
•National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Laboratory Operations Manual - EPA 843-B-21 -003
•National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Site Evaluation Guidelines - EPA 843-B-21-001
This document, National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Site Evaluation Guidelines ("Guidelines")
contains an overview of the process involved in locating a sampling site, evaluating the site to determine
if it should be sampled, and selecting appropriate alternate sites when necessary. It is based on
guidelines developed and followed in the Western Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
(Peck et al., 2003), previous NWCA surveys (2011,2016), and the other National Aquatic Resource
Surveys conducted by EPA and the States and Tribes (http://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-
surveys). Methods described in this document are to be used specifically in work relating to the NWCA.
Mention of trade names or commercial products in this document does not constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use. Further detail on the project overview and specific methods for field sampling,
sample handling, and sample processing can be found in the appropriate companion documents listed
above.
The suggested citation for this document is:
U.S. EPA. 2020. National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Site Evaluation Guidelines. EPA
843-B-21-001 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Version History
Version
Date
Revision Comments
1.0
11/20/20
Not applicable
1.1
2/26/21
Removed text concerning rooted vegetation requirements in the
Assessment Area; updated reference card images and attachments.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 IDENTIFICATION OF WETLAND SAMPLING LOCATIONS 8
2.0 DESKTOP EVALUATION 11
3.0 OBTAINING PERMISSION TO ACCESS AND SAMPLE CANDIDATE SITE 14
4.0 FIELD EVALUATION 15
4.1 POINT VERIFICATION 15
4.2 SHIFTING THE POINT 17
5.0 SELECTING ALTERNATE POINTS 19
6.0 REPORTING SITE EVALUATION INFORMATION TO EPA 23
7.0 LITERATURE CITED 24
Appendix A: Instructions for filling out NWCA 2021 Site Evaluation Spreadsheet 25
Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-sampleable Categories 29
Appendix C: Point Verification Form 30
Appendix D: Examples of Site Maps Provided by EPA upon Request 32
Appendix E: Examples of Landowner Permission Letters and Forms 33
Appendix F: Survey Fact Sheets 35
Appendix G: Contact List 37
Appendix H: NWCA 2021 Assessment Area Reference Cards 38
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LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1. Process of point evaluation 6
Figure 2 NWCA 2021 Site Replacement Plan (primary and alternate). Base Panels in shaded cells,
oversample panels in unshaded cells 20
Figure 3. Example list of state sites from NWCA Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. (Note- some Estuarine
Oversample sites have been hidden for the sake of this example) 21
Table 1. NWCA Target Wetland Types and crosswalk with US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Status &
Trends (S&T) wetland categories and USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) wetland classes 10
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NATIONAL WETLAND CONDITION ASSESSMENT
SITE EVALUATION GUIDELINES
This document is provided to clarify the steps involved in the process of locating and evaluating a
sampling site for the National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA). The primary purpose of site
evaluation is to determine whether a random sample point selected by the NWCA design is a wetland in
the target population for the NWCA and is accessible and sampleable by a field crew. There are four
main steps involved in this process (Figure 1):
1. Locate the sampling point on an aerial image, topographic and/or similar map and determine
whether the point is within or very near (within 60 meters of) a wetland that is in the target
population for the NWCA.
2. Determine if the point is accessible.
3. Verify that the point is sampleable or can be shifted to a nearby location that is.
4. Sample the point OR replace with an alternate point.
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In the process of completing each step of the site evaluation, the evaluators will assemble a site packet
that contains important location and access information for each site they are scheduled to visit. The
site packet should contain appropriate maps, aerial images, contact information, photographs of the
site, copies of landowner permission forms, all required permits and any other specific requirements or
instructions to access and sample the site, and other information about the site that would benefit the
field crew (e.g., soil types, timing and duration of the peak growing season, plant species lists, etc.). If
threatened or endangered species may occur at the site, include information on the applicable federal
or state listed species, how to avoid them, and actions to be taken if they are encountered, per the field
crew's standard operating procedures.
If the evaluators do not include employees from a state or tribal agency, they should contact
appropriate state and tribal personnel to determine if they are able to provide technical assistance in
verifying sites within the state or tribal boundary. Before a site visit, the evaluators must contact the
landowner(s) to ensure they have permission to enter and traverse any private land in order to access
the site and to obtain relevant site access information. This information may include:
¦ Presence of locked gates, pets, livestock, or other things that could impede access
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¦ Active hunting, farming, mining, or other activities on or near the site
¦ Whether the landowner wants to be informed when the crew is on site
¦ Other current conditions that could prevent access (i.e., high water, forest fires, etc)
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1.0 IDENTIFICATION OF WETLAND SAMPLING LOCATIONS
Wetland sampling locations were chosen through a survey design consisting of two components:
1) sites from the prior NWCA survey in 2016; and
2) new sites drawn from a sample frame utilizing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National
Wetland Inventory (NWI) digitized maps of wetland types and locations
(http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/), or state-provided wetland maps comparable to NWI (MN,
MT).
NWCA processed the NWI data by assigning wetland polygons to states and within each state assigning
them to the NARS nine aggregated ecoregions. In addition, the detailed wetland classes were
categorized into seven wetland types of interest to NWCA:
• E2EM- Estuarine Intertidal Emergent
• E2SS- Estuarine Intertidal Forest or Shrub
• PEM-Palustrine Emergent
• PSS- Palustrine Shrub
• Pf- Palustrine Farmed
• PFO- Palustrine Forested
• PUBPAB- Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom/ Palustrine Aquatic Bed
and five wetlands types not included:
• EOTH - Estuarine Other Wetlands
• M1M2 - Marine Wetlands
• LOTH - Lacustrine Other Wetlands
• POTH - Palustrine Other Wetlands
• ROTH - Riverine Other Wetlands
The former are included in the target population as they are likely to result in sites that would meet the
NWCA definition of a wetland and the latter are excluded from the target population as they are unlikely
to result in sites that would meet the NWCA definition of a wetland. Cowardian wetland classes were
assigned to each NWCA wetland type by two wetland ecologists. Table 1 below provides descriptions of
the NWCA Target Wetland Types.
Sample sites in the NWCA, also referred to as "POINTS," were randomly selected from the NWCA
sample frame using a spatially balanced Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) survey
design for an area resource, with each POINT having a known probability of being sampled (Stevens and
Olsen 2004). The GRTS design ensures the sample is representative of wetland resources at national and
regional scales. Using this approach, 904 wetland assessment locations were selected from across the
conterminous U.S., consisting of 269 resample sites from NWCA 2016 and 635 new sites. 96 of the 904
sites will be sampled twice within the index period to quantify variability in sampling; these sites are
referred to as revisit sites. In addition, a pool of oversample sites were selected for use as replacements
if any of the 904 assessment locations are not sampleable.
POINTS were selected from wetland-designated polygons in the sample frame that are consistent with
the target population for this survey. The target population for NWCA is tidal and nontidal wetlands of
the conterminous U.S., including certain farmed wetlands not currently in crop production. The
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wetlands have rooted vegetation and, when present, open water less than 1 meter deep. The NWCA
defines wetlands using the classification system described by Cowardin et al. (1979) and established as a
Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standard for classification of wetlands1. This may be
different than the definitions applied under state or federal regulatory programs. A wetland's status
under state or federal regulatory programs does not affect a site's status as target for purposes of
NWCA.
The latitude and longitude of each candidate POINT is listed in a Site Evaluation Spreadsheet distributed
electronically by EPA to states, tribes, and contractors conducting field sampling for NWCA 2021. The
spreadsheet contains a list of base and oversample POINTS selected by the survey design in each state
for three separate Stratum (ReSamp_2016, Estuarine, Inland), with the exception of Minnesota who has
their own design. The POINTS are listed on the spreadsheet in the order in which they were randomly
selected. POINTS designated as base sites that are determined to be target and sampleable are sampled
at least once. The first two POINTS in each state are designated as revisit sites and each one is sampled
on a second occasion at least two weeks after the first sampling event during the NWCA index period,
assuming they are target and sampleable. All base POINTS (Panel Use = Base21_16RVT2, Base21_16,
Base21_21) must be evaluated and sampled unless determined to be non-target or non-sampleable for
reasons identified later in this document. Please see Section 5.0 SELECTING ALTERNATE POINTS for more
information on the POINT replacement process.
Resample POINTS were restricted to NWCA 2016 evaluated POINTS and include BOTH sampled and non-
sampled POINTS from the 2016 site list, including POINTS found to be nontarget or inaccessible in 2016.
All sites should be evaluated again in 2021 to determine if they are target and if target whether they can
be sampled. Conditions could have changed since 2016 that may result in the site now being
sampleable.
EPA must receive information for ALL evaluated POINTS, beginning with the first POINT on the state list
and ending with the last POINT that is sampled for each respective Stratum. Please contact your EPA
Regional Coordinator, Site Evaluation Coordinator, or the Field Logistics Coordinator, if you have any
questions.
In addition to the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet, EPA will provide other resources to assist in site
evaluation. This includes geospatial files (e.g., shapefiles, Google Earth KMZ files), soil and other site
attribute information (e.g. protected land status). Upon request, EPA will distribute site maps at
different scales on which the POINT locations are marked. The maps include the POINT location at scales
appropriate for 1) generally locating the POINT and determining how to access it, and 2) beginning the
initial evaluation on whether the POINT is sampleable (i.e., is it a wetland in the target population for
the NWCA, is it accessible, and is the wetland encompassing the POINT large enough to sample).
1 Federal Geographic Data Committee. 2013. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United
States. FGDC-STD-004-2013. Second Edition. Wetlands Subcommittee, Federal Geographic Data Committee and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC (https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/proiects/wetlands/index html).
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Table 1. NWCA Target Wetland Types and crosswalk with US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Status & Trends
S&T) wetland categories and USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) wetland classes.
NWCA
Target
Wetland
Type
(Design
Code)
NWCA
Target
Wetland
Type
(Form/App
Code)
NWCA Target Wetland
Type
S&T Wetland
Categories*1'
Included NWI Classes:
Syste m s/Su bsyste msz
E2EM
EH
Estuarine Emergent
E2EM-Estuarine
Intertidal Emergent
Emergent and Aquatic Bed
Classes in Estuarine/lntertidal
Subsystems
E2SS
EW
Estuarine Shrub/Forest
£255 - Estuarine
Intertidal Forest or
Shrub
Forested and Scrub-Shrub Classes
in Estuarine/lntertidal
Subsystems
PEM
PRL-EM
Palustrine, Riverine,
and Lacustrine -
Emergent
PEM - Palustrine
Emergent
Emergent Classes in Palustrine
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper
Perennial, or Intermittent
Subsystems; and Shallow
Lacustrine/Littoral Subsystems
PUBPAB
PRL-UBAB
Palustrine, Riverine,
and Lacustrine -
Unconsolidated
Bottom/Aquatic Bed
PUB - Palustrine
Unconsolidated
Bottom
PAB - Palustrine
Aquatic Bed
Unconsolidated Bottom, Aquatic
Bed, Unconsolidated Shore, Rock
Bottom, and Rocky Shore Classes
in Palustrine Systems; Shallow
Riverine/Tidal, Lower Perennial,
Upper Perennial, or Intermittent
Subsystems; and Shallow
Lacustrine/Littoral Subsystems
Pf
PRL-f
Palustrine, Riverine,
and Lacustrine -
Farmed
Pf - Palustrine farmed
Farmed Modifier in Palustrine
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper
Perennial, or Intermittent
Subsystems; and Shallow
Lacustrine/Littoral Subsystems
PSS
PRL-SS
PRL-FO
Palustrine, Riverine,
and Lacustrine -
Shrub/Scrub
Palustrine, Riverine,
and Lacustrine -
Forested
PSS - Palustrine Shrub
PFO - Palustrine
Forested,
Scrub-Shrub Classes in Palustrine
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper
Perennial, or Intermittent
Subsystems; and Shallow
Lacustrine/Littoral Subsystems
Forested Classes in Palustrine
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper
Perennial, or Intermittent
Subsystems; and Shallow
Lacustrine/Littoral Subsystems
PFO
**IMPORTANTNOTE: Status and Trends (S&T) category names DO NOT precisely equate to National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Codes for
wetland type. S&T categories often aggregate multiple NWI types.
'Dahl TE, Bergeson MT (2009) Technical procedures for conducting status and trends of the Nation's wetlands. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services,
Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation, Washington, D.C., p 74.
2US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory, Wetland Classification Codes. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Wetland-
Codes.html. Accessed November 2020.
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2.0 DESKTOP EVALUATION
The primary purpose of desktop evaluation is to determine if the selected POINT is, or likely will be, in
the target population during the 2021 index period using data that is easily obtainable and verifiable
without the expense of a more intensive field visit. The focus of the desktop evaluation should be on
ruling out sites that are clearly not part of the target population for reasons described below. If
information obtained during the desktop evaluation is not conclusive then a field reconnaissance visit
is necessary.
A number of sources of information are useful for the desktop evaluation. These include aerial images,
topographic maps, National Wetlands Inventory datasets, state, county, or tribal wetland resource data,
the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), soil maps, crop maps, road maps, personal and local
knowledge, literature and scientific reports, and land ownership records. The use of these sources is at
the discretion of the evaluators, but all information gathered will enhance POINT evaluation and help to
ensure that proper POINTS are sampled.
The procedures for conducting the desktop evaluation are detailed in the steps below. Information
found during the evaluation must be recorded on the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. EPA provides each
state or entity conducting sampling for NWCA 2021 an Excel spreadsheet to fill out electronically.
Instructions for completing the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet are provided in Appendix A: Instructions for
filling out NWCA 2021 Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. Site evaluation information must be completed for
all base POINTS in the spreadsheet, as well as any oversample POINTS that are evaluated, regardless
of whether the POINT is selected for sampling or not. The information provided through the
spreadsheet will contribute to the statistical analyses of data from the survey.2
Step 1. Locate the POINT on the most recent aerial imagery that can be obtained. Using this imagery
and any supplemental sources of information, determine if the POINT is in or near (within 60
meters of) a wetland in the target population. If the image or other sources of information
provide conclusive evidence that the POINT is not in or near a wetland in the target
population, indicate that the site is non-sampleable and select the appropriate category on
the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet (see Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-sampleable Categories).
Provide an explanation for your choice in the appropriate column of the spreadsheet, detail
explanatory information under the Additional Comments column (required) and follow the
procedures for selecting an alternate POINT in Section 5.0. Otherwise, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Assess the predominant NWCA target wetland type for the POINT (see Table 1 for a
description of wetland types).
2A. If the wetland type at the POINT falls under the Palustrine, Riverine, Lacustrine -
Unconsolidated Bottom/Aquatic Bed (PRL-UBAB) NWCA target wetland type category,
review the aerial image and other sources of information to determine whether there is
conclusive evidence that the POINT (or area within 60 meters of it) is in a wetland that:
2 The use of the GRTS design allows for the correction of results to account for mapping errors (e.g., non-target
POINTS) and for the dropping of POINTS in the target population because they are non-sampleable (e.g., access is
denied).
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1. Is strictly used for an industrial, agricultural, or aquacultural purpose. Examples that
support this assertion include visual evidence that the wetland is:
• Strictly used to treat waste (e.g., wastewater lagoons, mining ponds);
• Lined wholly with concrete or other manufactured, non-vegetated barrier;
• An industrial cooling pond, livestock tank, fish pen or hatchery, commercial
cranberry bog, etc.
OR;
2. Is inundated by water greater than 1 meter in depth that covers most of the area
(90% or more) within a 60-m radius of the POINT.
If any of these criteria are met, indicate that the site is non-target and select the
appropriate category (see Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-sampleable Categories) on the
Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. Provide an explanation for your choice in the appropriate
columns of the spreadsheet, detail explanatory information under the Additional
Comments (required) column and follow the procedures for selecting an alternate
POINT in Section 5.0. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
2B. If the wetland type at the POINT falls under the Palustrine, Riverine, Lacustrine Farmed
(PRL-f) NWCA target wetland type category, review the aerial image and other sources
of information and determine whether there is conclusive evidence that the wetland
will be in active crop production during the NWCA index period. Factors to consider
include:
• Recent evidence of tilling
• Confirmation of farm use by landowner
• Presence of row or close grown crops (corn, sugar cane, soybeans, etc.)
• Terraced land (or other evidence of rice cultivation)
• Other evidence uncovered during evaluation
If there is conclusive evidence the POINT (or area within 60 meters of it) is or will be in
active crop production during the index period, indicate that the site is non-target and
select the appropriate category (see Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-sampleable
Categories) on the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. Provide an explanation for your choice
in the appropriate column of the spreadsheet, detail explanatory information under
the Additional Comments (required) column and follow the procedures for selecting an
alternate POINT in Section 5.0. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
Step 3. Review maps, other collected information, or enlist the assistance of someone with personal
knowledge of the location of the POINT to determine if it is physically accessible by Field
Crews and safe to sample.
In order to achieve the most robust results possible with the probabilistic sampling design,
every effort must be made to sample the base points generated by the design. POINTS
should not be rejected based on inconvenience in access. POINTS that require lengthy hikes
from road access or the use of alternative vehicles (e.g., air boats, canoes) should not
automatically be rejected. However, safety concerns for the field crew and permanent
physical barriers (e.g., cliffs) that prevent access are legitimate reasons to reject POINTS.
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If these sources of information indicate conclusively that the POINT (or area within 60 meters
of it) is not accessible, indicate that the site is non-sampleable and select the appropriate non-
sampleable category (see Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-sampleable Categories) on the Site
Evaluation Spreadsheet. Provide an explanation for your choice in the appropriate column of
the spreadsheet, detail explanatory information under the Additional Comments (required)
column, and follow the procedures for selecting an alternate POINT in Section 5.0 SELECTING
ALTERNATE POINTS. Otherwise, proceed to Step 4.
Step 4. Review maps, other collected information, or enlist the assistance of someone with personal
knowledge of the location of the POINT to determine if an Assessment Area (AA)
encompassing the POINT (or within 60 meters of it) can be established. The following criteria
must be met to establish a sampleable AA:
i. The AA is between 0.1 and 0.5 hectares in area
ii. AA is at least 20 meters wide in most places
iii. AA contains less than 10% unsampleable area (unsampleable area is defined as
upland, non-target wetland types, standing water greater than 1 meter in depth, or
soft substrate that is unsafe or impossible to sample effectively)
iv. AA does not cross any hydrogeomorphic (HGM) boundaries (i.e., the AA contains
only one HGM type)3.
If the sources of information indicate conclusively that an AA cannot be established, indicate
that the site is non-sampleable and select the appropriate non-sampleable category (see
Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-sampleable Categories) on the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet.
Provide an explanation for your choice in the appropriate column of the spreadsheet, detail
explanatory information under the Additional Comments column (required), and follow the
procedures for selecting an alternate POINT in Section 5.0 SELECTING ALTERNATE POINTS.
If the POINT (or an area within 60 meters of the POINT) is determined to be sampleable,
follow the procedures for obtaining permission to access the POINT in Section 3.0 OBTAINING
PERMISSION TO ACCESS AND SAMPLE CANDIDATE SITE. If you are certain that the POINT is in
the target population, accessible, and the wetland encompassing it is large enough to sample,
then the POINT may be scheduled for sampling during the NWCA index period. Make sure to
document any relevant site access issues or special requirements uncovered during desktop
evaluation on the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet.
If the status of the POINT is uncertain after desktop evaluation, then a field evaluation
(Section 4.0) should be conducted, after first obtaining permission to access the location of
the POINT.
Information and data sources used in the desktop evaluation should be retained as part of the project
record and incorporated into the site packet for each POINT. If you have questions about whether
information should be deemed conclusive evidence of a POINT'S status, please contact your EPA
Regional NWCA Coordinator and/or Site Evaluation Coordinator(Appendix G: Contact List).
3 Refer to Chapter 3 of the NWCA 2021 Field Operations Manual for detailed information on establishing the AA.
Reference cards listing criteria for sampleable AAs, examples of HGM boundaries or mixes of types to avoid, and a
key to assist in HGM classification are provided in Appendix H.
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3.0 OBTAINING PERMISSION TO ACCESS AND SAMPLE CANDIDATE SITES
Landowner permission is required to traverse, access, and sample any POINT that falls on privately-
owned land. Each Field Crew is responsible for obtaining the permissions necessary to access their
assigned sampling POINTS. Field Crews should follow protocols already established by their state, tribe,
or organization to obtain permission to access private land. If no protocols exist, Field Crews should
employ the most personal contact practicable, enlisting the aid of any partners, groups or organizations
that may be able to provide meaningful assistance (e.g., state or tribal staff, local cooperative extension
staff, USGS) and potentially be more effective at obtaining landowner permission. It is vital for the
integrity of the survey to sample all POINTS that are in the target population whether they fall on
public or private land. All efforts should be made to obtain permission to sample POINTS on private
land.
An in-person visit is an effective way to establish contact with landowner(s) and could be incorporated
into field evaluation of the POINT (see Section 4.0 FIELD EVALUATION). Past surveys have found that
landowners are more likely to grant permission if they meet with a study representative than if their
only contact is through a phone call or letter. If a personal visit cannot be made, a phone call is
considered the best alternative. If attempts to reach the landowner(s) through an in-person visit or
telephone call are unsuccessful, a letter should be mailed with a fact sheet about the survey and a
permission slip for the landowner(s) to return. Included in this package should be a return-addressed
and postage-paid envelope with a specific date by which the permission slip should be returned. See
Appendix E: Examples of Landowner Permission Letters and Forms. A signed permission slip can be
important documentation to have when visiting the site for field evaluation or sampling. A survey fact
sheet providing basic information on the NWCA for landowners is included in Appendix F: Survey Fact
Sheets.
Landowner information can often be obtained from the county tax assessor's office. Tax assessor maps
display landowner boundaries, addresses and, oftentimes, phone numbers. This information enables the
Field Crew to contact landowners before accessing the POINT and will identify the landowners of parcels
Field Crews may have to traverse to reach the POINT. For some counties, these records are available
through a publicly-accessible electronic database that is searchable online. For other counties, it may
require a visit to the assessor's office to manually search these records.
Field Crews will also need to be aware of and follow any special conditions and requirements for
accessing and sampling on state, tribal, or federal lands. Field Crews should work with appropriate state,
tribal, and federal agencies to determine whether any permits or special conditions apply to these lands.
EPA will provide assistance to Field Crews in coordinating efforts with federal land management
agencies and with state and tribal agencies as needed.
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4.0 FIELD EVALUATION
The components of the field evaluation of the POINT are similar to those outlined for the desktop
evaluation and the primary purpose is the same - to determine if the selected POINT is, or likely will be,
in the NWCA target wetland population during the 2021 index period, accessible by a Field Crew under
the constraints of the NWCA, and within a wetland where an Assessment Area (AA) encompassing the
POINT can be established. Information obtained during the field evaluation must be documented on the
Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. Evaluators may use a paper POINT Verification Form (PV-1; see Appendix C:
Point Verification Form) for their own documentation. Using this form during field reconnaissance
provides an easy and consistent way to record and provide information about accessing the site (e.g.,
directions, access constraints, special access requirements, etc.) to the Field Crew who will ultimately
conduct the field sampling.
The evaluators that conduct the field evaluation should consist of at least two people, and one should
have experience in wetland delineation. An important component of the field evaluation will be to
determine if the POINT is in a wetland4, and if not, to determine if it is possible to shift the POINT to a
nearby area that is a wetland (see 4.2 SHIFTING THE POINT). This will be achieved more easily and
quickly if one of the evaluators is experienced in wetland delineation and can recognize wetland
characteristics in a variety of situations.
4.1 POINT VERIFICATION
The first task in field evaluation of the POINT is to verify that the site is accessible, the POINT is in the
target wetland population identified for the NWCA, and an Assessment Area can be established that
encompasses the POINT. The following steps document the procedures to accomplish this task.
Step 1. Record a detailed description of the route taken to access the POINT (roads, trails, etc.) on
the PV-1 Form starting from an appropriate central road intersection. In addition, note any
access issues or requirements (locked gates, permits, etc.). This information will be provided
by the evaluators to the Field Crew as part of the site packet used on the day of sampling.
Step 2. If permission to access the POINT has not yet been obtained, meet with respective
landowner(s) to discuss the survey and access to the POINT. This is also a good opportunity
to get information about the area that includes the POINT from the landowner. In particular,
if it is a farmed wetland, ask if the area will be in active crop production during the 2021
index period.
Step 3. Navigate to the POINT and verify the latitude and longitude of the POINT using a GPS
receiver set to reference NAD 83. Use at least one other map source to confirm your
location. If it is not possible or practicable to navigate to the exact location of the point due
to high water (over 1 meter in depth), safety, or other reason, detail this on the PV-1 Form
and determine whether this is likely to prevent sampling during the NWCA index period.
Take a digital picture to further document conditions at the POINT. The picture(s) should be
4 The NWCA defines wetlands using the classification system described by Cowardin et al. (1979) and established
as a Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standard for classification of wetlands. This may be different than
the definitions applied under state or federal regulatory programs. A wetland's status under state or federal
regulatory programs does not affect a site's status as target for purposes of NWCA.
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representative of the prevailing conditions at the POINT. Digital pictures should be saved
electronically and catalogued with NWCA site and date evaluated information to allow for
future retrieval.
Step 4. Assess the predominant NWCA target wetland type for the POINT (see Table 1 for a
description of wetland types). If the POINT is not a wetland or is not one of the NWCA target
wetland types described in Table 1, proceed to Step 6. Otherwise continue to Step 4A.
4A. If the wetland type at the POINT falls under the Palustrine, Riverine, Lacustrine -
Unconsolidated Bottom/Aquatic Bed (PRL-UBAB) NWCA target wetland type category,
document any evidence that the POINT is in a wetland that:
1. Is strictly used for an industrial, agricultural, or aquacultural purpose. Examples that
support this assertion include visual evidence that the wetland is:
• Strictly used to treat waste (e.g., wastewater lagoons, mining ponds);
• Lined wholly with concrete or other manufactured, non-vegetated barrier;
• An industrial cooling pond, livestock tank, fish pen or hatchery, commercial
cranberry bog, etc.
OR;
2. Is inundated by water greater than 1 meter in depth that covers most of the area (90%
or more) within a 60-m radius of the POINT.
4B. If the wetland type at the POINT falls under the Palustrine, Riverine, Lacustrine Farmed
(PRL-f) NWCA target wetland type category, document any evidence that the wetland will
be in active crop production during the NWCA index period. Factors to consider include:
• Recent evidence of tilling
• Confirmation of farm use by landowner
• Presence of row or close grown crops (corn, sugar cane, soybeans, etc.)
• Terraced land (or other evidence of rice cultivation)
• Other evidence uncovered during evaluation
If evidence of any of the items listed in Step 4A and 4B is confirmed, then the POINT is not in
the target wetland population for the NWCA. Proceed to Step 6. Otherwise, continue to the
next step.
Step 5. Verify that an Assessment Area (AA) can be established for the POINT. Chapter 3 of the Field
Operations Manual provides full details on the establishment of the AA and should be used
as a reference when completing this step.
Select the aerial photo from the site map packet, or another image that best depicts the
setting at the POINT and use this to annotate details on AA establishment. This annotated
image will be provided by the evaluators to the Field Crew sampling the site to facilitate
their work on the day of sampling.
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Using the maps provided as a guide and the information you find at the POINT determine if
an AA can be established that meets the following criteria:
i. AA is between 0.1 and 0.5 hectares in area
ii. AA is at least 20 meters wide
iii. AA contains less than 10% unsampleable area (unsampleable area is defined as
upland, non-target wetland types, standing water greater than 1 meter in depth, or
soft substrate that is unsafe or impossible to sample effectively)
v. AA does not cross any hydrogeomorphic (HGM) boundaries (i.e., the AA contains
only one HGM type)5.
If an AA can be established, depict on the map the most appropriate layout utilizing the Key
to AA Layouts provided in the Field Operations Manual (Appendix H: NWCA 2021
Assessment Area Reference Cards) and schedule the POINT for sampling. If an AA cannot be
established, proceed to the next step.
Step 6. If the information gathered in the previous steps indicates that the designated POINT is non-
target or non-sampleable, determine whether it is possible to shift the POINT to a place
within 60 meters of the original POINT that is target and sampleable by following the
procedures outlined in Section 4.2 SHIFTING THE POINT.
Information, data sources, and pictures used in field evaluation should be retained as part of the project
record and incorporated into the site packet for each POINT. If you have questions about whether
information is conclusive evidence of a POINT'S status, please contact your EPA Regional NWCA
Coordinator and/or the Site Evaluation Coordinator (Appendix G: Contact List).
4.2 SHIFTING THE POINT
If during POINT verification it is determined that the original POINT cannot be sampled because the
POINT is inaccessible, is not in a target wetland, or an Assessment Area cannot be established, the next
task is to determine if the POINT can be shifted to a sampleable wetland that lies within 60 meters of
the original POINT.6 The following steps document the procedures to accomplish this task:
Step 1. Navigate to the nearest spot that is the same NWCA wetland type listed for the original
POINT where a sampleable AA can be established. Using a range finder, GPS, or measuring
tape, determine if this is within 60 meters of the original POINT. If it is, record the GPS
coordinates for the shifted POINT in the Comments section of the PV-1 Form or in another
way that ensures the Field Crew has the shifted POINT coordinates when they sample the
site. On the day of sampling, the shifted POINT coordinates will be officially recorded on the
Assessment Area Establishment Form (AA-1). Take a digital picture to further document the
prevailing conditions at the POINT. Digital pictures should be saved electronically and
5 Refer to Chapter 3 of the NWCA 2021 Field Operations Manual for detailed information on establishing the AA.
Reference cards listing criteria for sampleable AAs, examples of HGM boundaries or mixes of types to avoid, and a
key to assist in HGM classification are provided in Appendix H: NWCA 2021 Assessment Area Reference Cards.
6 60 meters is the distance that encompasses a roughly ± 1 second latitude/longitude degree mapping or GPS error
in the location of the POINT.
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catalogued with NWCA site and date evaluated information to allow for future retrieval.
Field evaluation is complete and the POINT should be scheduled for sampling.
Step 2. If there is not a wetland of the same NWCA type listed for the original POINT within 60
meters, navigate to the nearest spot that is a wetland in the NWCA target population where
a sampleable AA can be established.
a. For ReSamp_2016 stratum POINTS, evaluators may shift the POINT to the nearest
wetland (within 60 meters) regardless of wetland type.
b. For Inland and Estuarine stratum POINTS (e.g., new 2021 sites), the POINT should first
be shifted 60 meters or less to a wetland type within that respective stratum. If there
are no wetland types available within that stratum, then shift to a wetland type in
another stratum.
If the POINT needs to be shifted, record the GPS coordinates for the shifted POINT in the
Comments section of the PV-1 Form or in another way that ensures the Field Crew has the
shifted POINT coordinates when they sample the site.
On the day of sampling, the shifted POINT coordinates will be officially recorded on the
Assessment Area Establishment Form (AA-1). Take a digital picture to further document the
prevailing conditions at the POINT. Digital pictures should be saved electronically and
catalogued with NWCA site and date evaluated information to allow for future retrieval.
Field evaluation is complete and the POINT should be scheduled for sampling.
Step 3. If there is not a wetland in the target population within 60 meters of the original POINT,
document this conclusion on the PV-1 Form and indicate that the site is non-sampleable and
select the appropriate non-sampleable category (see Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-
sampleable Categories) on the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. Provide an explanation for your
choice in the appropriate column of the spreadsheet, detail explanatory information under
the Additional Comments column (required) and follow the procedures for selecting an
alternate POINT in Section 5.0. Field evaluation is complete.
Information, data sources, and pictures used in field evaluation should be retained as part of the project
record and incorporated into the site packet for each POINT. If you have questions about whether
information should be deemed conclusive evidence of a POINT'S status, please contact your EPA
Regional NWCA Coordinator and/or Site Evaluation Coordinator (Appendix G: Contact List).
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5.0 SELECTING ALTERNATE POINTS
The list of POINTS randomly generated for the NWCA is organized in state specific NWCA 2021 Site
Evaluation Spreadsheets and provided to each crew by EPA. The spreadsheet contains a list of base and
oversample POINTS in the state for three separate stratum (ReSamp_2016, Estuarine, Inland). The
POINTS are listed on the spreadsheet in the order in which they were randomly selected. The first two
base POINTS in each state are designated as revisit sites and each POINT is sampled on two separate
occasions at least two weeks apart during the NWCA index period. The other POINTS designated as base
sites are sampled once. The order of the sites on the list MUST BE maintained, but they can be sampled
in any order the crew chooses. All base sites (Panel Use = Base21_16RVT2, Base21_16, Base21_21) must
be evaluated, and then sampled unless determined to be non-target or non-sampleable for one of the
following reasons:
i. The POINT is inaccessible (due to safety, persistent deep water, lack of rooted vegetation or
other physical barriers),
ii. Permission to access the POINT has been denied,
iii. The POINT is not in a target wetland, nor can it be shifted to a nearby wetland that is,
iv. An Assessment Area cannot be established for the POINT.
Base sites that are determined to be non-target or non-sampleable are replaced within their respective
Stratum (Stratum = ReSamp_2016, Estuarine, Inland) following Figure 2.
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NOTE: all replacements must occur in the same state and in the correct stratum and
PanelJJse (year or wetland type) as the original base site.
If no additional oversample sites are available in the correct state, stratum and Panel_Use,
contact Danielle Grunzke or Chris Turner
I-"' ¦ — ¦"—""I-
•When replacing a Revisit (RVT2) site with a Base Site, Re-designate the
appropriate Base site as a Revisit site AND replace the dropped Base site with
an appropriate oversample site
2021 Sites (Stratum = Estuarine or Inland))
Figure 2 NWCA 2021 Site Replacement Plan (primary and alternate). Base Panels in shaded cells, oversample
panels in unshaded cells.
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If a designated revisit POINT (Base21_16RVT2) is determined to be non-sampleable, then it is replaced
by the next sampleable non-revisit base POINT (Base21_16) on the state list within the ReSamp_2016
stratum. This POINT is sampled a second time. If no remaining Base21_16 POINTS can be sampled, then
the first available Over21_16 POINT is evaluated and if it can be sampled it is sampled twice. If no
Over21_16 POINT is available, then the first Base21_21 POINT within the Inland stratum will be sampled
twice and an additional oversample POINT (Over21_21) within the Inland stratum will be selected to
replace that base POINT in order to maintain total number of POINTS sampled. Note that this process
will result in no change in the overall number of POINTS sampled in a state.
Figure 3 is provided to help illustrate the process for replacing POINTS within a state. For example, if
revisit site NWC21-AL-10002 cannot be sampled, the next Base21_16 POINT within the ReSamp_2016
stratum, NWC21-AL-10003, is evaluated and, if possible, sampled. This becomes the second revisit
POINT and is sampled twice. The first ReSamp_2016 oversample POINT on the list, NWC21-AL-10017, is
then evaluated as a replacement Base21_16 POINT for NWC21-AL-100Q3 (which became the second
Base21_16RVT2 site).
Likewise, if NWC21-AL-10006 is determined to be non-sampleable, then the next oversample POINT
within the same stratum (Estuarine), NWC21-AL-10037, is evaluated and, if sampleable, replaces
NWC21-AL-10007 as the Estuarine base site. The total number of base sites within a state must equal
the total number of sampled sites.
As POINTS are determined to be non-target or non-sampleable, evaluators will continue to work with
the Designated EPA Contact to replace them with oversample POINTS by selecting the next available site
on the list within that stratum, irrespective of NWCA wetland type. It is imperative for crews to fill the
site evaluation spreadsheet for each evaluated site regardless of whether it was sampled,
Survey Design File information (do not change)
STATE
SITE ID
SITE_ID(2016)
Latitude
Longitude
Stratum
Panel Use
Eval Status 2016
NWCA Target
Wetland
Type
NWI Code
(2021 Sites)
AL
NWC21-AL-10001
NWCA16-1006
30.4307
-87.9048
ReSamp_2016
Base21 16RVT2
Target_Sampied
PFO
AL
NWC21-AL-10002
N W CA16-1007
31.1431
-85.0763
ReSamp_2016
Base21 16RVT2
T a rg et_Sa m p 1 ed
PFO
AL
NWC21-AL-10003
NWCA16-1008
31.1032
-88.2674
ReSamp_2016
Base21 16
Target_Access Densed
PEM
AL
NWC21-AL-10004
NWCA 15-1009
33.5478
-87.7833
ReSamp_2016
Base21 16
Target_Sampled
PSS
AL
NWC21-AL-10005
NWCA16-1010
30.3444
-88.1445
ReSamp_2016
Base21 16
Ta rget_Access_D e n i ed
E2EM
AL
NWC21-AL-1D006
30.2364
-87.9586
Estuarine
Base21 21
E2EM
E2EM1P
AL
NWC21-AL-10007
31.2484
-87.5030
Inland
Base21 21
PFO
PF01/4C
AL
NWC21-AL-10008
32.2972
-86.1330
Inland
Base21 21
PEM
PUBHh
AL
NWC21-AL-100Q9
34.4003
-87.0808
Inland
Base21 21
PFO
PFOIA
AL
NWC21-AL-10010
33,5879
-85.9127
Inland
Base21 21
PFO
PFOIC
AL
NWC21-AL-10017
NWCA16-1011
31.6661
-86.3263
ReSamp_2016
Over21 16
Ta rg et_Acces s_D e n i e d
PFO
AL
NWC21-AL-10018
NWCA16-1012
30.7805
-87.9637
ReSamp_2016
Over21 16
Target_Sampied
PEM
AL
NWC21-AL-10019
NWCA16-1013
34.9379
-87.4886
ReSamp_2016
Over21 16
T a rget_Access_D en i ed
PFO
AL
NWC21-AL-10020
NWCA16-1014
32.8030
-86.1456
ReSamp_2016
Over21 16
T a rget_Access_D e n i e d
PFO
AL
NWC21-AL-10021
NWCA16-1015
33.0242
-87.5294
ReSamp_2016
Over21 16
Ta rg et_Access_De n i e d
PEM
AL
NWC21-AL-10037
30.3444
-88.1722
Estuarine
Over21 21
E2EM
E2EM1P
AL
NWC21-AL-10038
30.3988
-88.3685
Estuarine
Over21 21
E2EM
E2EM1P
AL
NWC21-AL-10039
30.7200
-88.0198
Estuarine
Over21 21
E2EM
E2EM1P
AL
NWC21-AL-10057
34.4967
-87.5488
Inland
Over21 21
PFO
PFOIA
AL
NWC21-AL-10058
33.4687
-86.3986
inland
Over21 21
PEM
PEM1A
AL
NWC21-AL-10059
31.1486
-86.2899
Inland
Over21 21
PFO
PFOIC
Figure 3. Example list of state sites from NWCA Site Evaluation Spreadsheet. (Note- some sites have been hidden
for the sake of this example).
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If the site will require extreme resources and / or considerable time to sample, contact the NWCA
Project Team (Appendix G: Contact List) for approval before dropping the site. Consider only physical
accessibility, and not access or sampling permission (i.e., evaluate this question with the assumption
that permission will be granted).
Information on POINTS determined to be non-sampleable and the selection of alternate POINTS to
replace them is reported to EPA and the NWCA Field Logistics Contractor throughout the period of site
evaluation and field sampling (see Section 6.0 for specific details). EPA and the Field Logistics Contractor
will review the information to:
i. Confirm that the correct process was used to select the alternate POINT,
ii. Confirm which Field Crew is responsible for sampling the alternate POINT (if multiple
organizations are sampling within state boundaries),
iii. Report the replacement of revisit and base POINTS to appropriate Field Crew(s), state or
tribal agencies AND to the EPA Project Team.
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6.0 REPORTING SITE EVALUATION INFORMATION TO EPA
It is critical that Evaluators and Field Crews report information obtained during the site evaluation
process to EPA in a timely manner throughout the period of site evaluation and field sampling in 2021.
This information is used for the statistical analysis in the final report. The following forms must be
returned to EPA for all POINTS that are evaluated:
NWCA Site Evaluation Spreadsheet: This spreadsheet must be filled out for ALL base POINTS
(Base21_16RVT2, Base21_16, Base21_21) on the state list regardless of whether they are ultimately
sampled. It must also be completed for ALL oversample POINTS evaluated as replacements. Please
upload completed spreadsheets to the EPA SharePoint site under the folder NWCA/NWCA 2021/Site
Evaluation Materials/State and Contractor Submitted Site Evaluation Spreadsheets prior to the 2021
field season. The file name for the upload must include the state abbreviation (ST) and the date of
upload. Please adhere to the following file naming format:
NWCA2021_SiteEvaluationSpreadsheet_ST_YYYYMMDD
Subsequent uploads of the site evaluation spreadsheet should be made in a timely manner throughout
the field season as additional sites are evaluated and dropped. Please change the date of the document
to alert EPA to the most recent version. A final spreadsheet, complete for ALL evaluated sites, beginning
with the first site on the state list and ending with the last site that is sampled, must be uploaded to the
EPA SharePoint site two weeks after the completion of field sampling in the state. To indicate the final
spreadsheet file, please use the following file naming format:
NWCA2021_SiteEvaluationSpreadsheet_ST_YYYMMDD_FINAL
NWCA POINT Verification Form (PV-1): This form should be completed for ALL POINTS that are
evaluated in the field, regardless of whether they are ultimately sampled. Evaluators should retain all
PV-1 Forms completed for "Recon" visits and keep with the site packet. PV-1 Forms completed during a
sampling visit will be sent to the NARS IM team in batches with other field forms as directed in the Field
Operations Manual.
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7.0 LITERATURE CITED
Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater
Habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC.
Dahl, T.E. and M.T. Bergeson. 2009. Technical procedures for conducting status and trends of the
Nation's wetlands. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation,
Washington, D.C.
Dahl, T.E. 2011. Status and trends of wetlands in the conterminous United States 2004 to 2009. U.S.
Department of the Interior; Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.
Federal Geographic Data Committee. 2013. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the
United States. FGDC-STD-004-2013. Second Edition. Wetlands Subcommittee, Federal Geographic Data
Committee and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC
(https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/wetlands/index_html)
Peck, D.V., J.M. Lazorchak, and D.J. Klemm (editors). Unpublished draft. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment Program -Surface Waters: Western Pilot Study Field Operations Manual for Wadeable
Streams. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Stevens, D.L., Jr. and A.R. Olsen. 2004. Spatially-balanced sampling of natural resources. Journal of
American Statistical Association 99:262-278.
U.S. EPA. 2011. National Wetland Condition Assessment: Site Evaluation Guidelines. EPA-843-R-10-004.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
U.S. EPA. 2021. National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Field Operations 843-B-21-002. Manual.
EPA-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C.
USGS. 2008. Gulf of Mexico Coastal Wetlands Condition Assessment - Pilot Survey; Quality Assurance
Project Plan. Gulf Breeze, FL.
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Appendix A: Instructions for filling out NWCA 2021 Site Evaluation Spreadsheet
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING NWCA 2021 SITE EVALUATION SPREADSHEET
1. Save spreadsheet using the following format: NWCA2021_SiteEvalSpreadsheet_ST_YYYYMMDD where "ST" is
your state abbreviation and "YYYYMMDD" is the current date.
2. Fill out evaluator contact information under 'EVALUATOR CONTACT INFO1 tab and all required information for
each evaluated site in the 'MAIN' worksheet tab. The table below provides a description of each field and the
required information needed to be provided by the evaluator.
3. Each dropdown menu in columns K-M are connected in a series of cascading dropdown menus. A selection
must be made in column K to populate the options for column L. Once a selection has been made in Column L,
the appropriate options will be available in column M. Should you need to change the distinction of one
column, please make sure the selection is correct each of the preceding columns, if not, selection mismatches
may occur.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
The order of the sites on the list MUST BE maintained. All base sites, rows colored with the darker hues, (Panel
Use = Base21_16RVT2, Base21_16 and Base21_21) must be evaluated and sampled unless determined to be
non-target or non-sampleable. Base sites that are determined to be non-target or non-sampleable are replaced
by oversample sites within their respective Stratum beginning with the first oversample site on the list for that
Stratum (Oversample sites are identified by rows with lighter colored hues and Panel Use = Over21_16 or Panel
Use = Over21_21). EPA must receive information for ALL evaluated sites, beginning with the first site on the
state list and ending with the last site that is sampled for each respective Stratum. The number of sites sampled
must equal the total number of base sites on a state list. A flowchart for how to select an oversample site can
be found in the 'OVERSAMPLE SELECTION CHART1 tab. Please contact your EPA Regional Coordinator, EPA Site
Evaluation Coordinator, Danielle Grunzke (grunzke.danielle@epa.gov; 202-566-2876) and the Field Logistics
Coordinator, Chris Turner (cturner@glec.com; 715-829-3737) if you have any questions.
COLUMN/FIELD IN MAIN
TAB
DESCRIPTION
REQUIRED ACTION BY EVALUATOR
STATE
Postal code for
state
None
SITE J D
NWCA 2021 site
identification
number
None
SITE J D (2016)
NWCA 2016 site
identification
number if POINT
was evaluated in
2016. Cell will be
left blank if not
part of NWCA
2016.
None
Latitude
Latitude in
decimal degrees
of POINT from
design file
None
Longitude
Longitude in
decimal degrees
of POINT from
design file
None
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Stratum
Stratum category
(e.g.,
ReSamp_2016,
Estuarine, Inland)
in NWCA design
None
Panel Use
Type of site (e.g.,
revisit (RVT2),
base, or
oversample) from
design file
None
Eval Status 2016
Evaluation status
of the site from
the 2016 survey.
Cell will be blank
if not evaluated in
NWCA 2016
None
NWCA Target Wetland
Type
NWCA wetland
code from the
2021 sample
frame. See
'NWCA TARGET
WET TYPE' tab for
descriptions of
each wetland
type
None
NWI Code (2021 Sites)
Full wetland class
code from the
NWI. Cell will be
blank if code not
available
None
Is POINT Sampleable?
Drop down list to
indicate whether
POINT is
sampleable
If Yes, choose sampleable category and wetland tvoe in the
next two columns
If No, choose non-sampleable category and reason in the
next two columns, then add additional explanation in
column N
Sampleable/Non-
sampleable Category
Drop down list to
indicate the
sampleable / non-
sampleable
category
If sampleable, indicate either:
Point Sampleable (POINT is in target wetland and
sampleable AA can be setup)
Shifted Point Sampleable (POINT can be shifted to
location within 60m where sampleable AA can be setup).
Note: a POINT shift greater than 60m requires prior EPA
approval.
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If non-sampleable, provide the appropriate non-sampleable
category:
No Access (permission not granted or permanently
inaccessible)
AA Cannot Be Established (due to size, unsampleable
area, or HGM constraints)
Non-Target (not in target wetland population)
Reason (Non-sampleable)
or Wetland Type
(Sampleable)
Drop down list to
indicate the
reason it is non-
sampleable OR
the wetland type
if it is sampleable
If non-sampleable, select the appropriate reason for the
respective category:
No Access Categories:
Access not granted by site owner (Explain)
Permanently inaccessible due to obstacles going to or at
site (see Site Evaluation Guidelines) (Explain)
AA Cannot Be Established Categories:
Sampleable area too small (see Site Evaluation
Guidelines)
Unsampleable area greater than 10% of AA (see Site
Evaluation Guidelines)
Sampleable area crosses hydrogeomorphic (HGM)
boundary (see Site Evaluation Guidelines)
Non-Target Categories:
Not a wetland (due to map error, development activity
since initial mapping, lacking wetland indicator(s), etc)
(Explain)
Non-target wetland type (not one of the NWCA target
wetland types-see 'NWCA TARGET WET TYPES') (Explain)
Active crop production during index period (see Site
Evaluation Guidelines) (Explain)
Strictly used for industrial/agricultural/aquacultural
purpose (see Site Evaluation Guidelines) (Explain)
Inundated by water > 1 m in depth (over 90% of area
60m around pt)
Other (if you feel reason is not covered in other choices,
select AND describe in next field)(Explain)
If sampleable, provide the predominant wetland type of the
AA:
EH - Estuarine Emergent
EW - Estuarine Shrub/Forest
PRL-EM- Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Emergent
PRL-SS - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Shrub/Scrub
PRL-FO- Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Forested
PRL-UBAB - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine
Unconsolidated Bottom/Aquatic Bed
PRL-f- Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Farmed
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Field to enter
Provide further information to explain non-sampleable
Explain Non-sampleable
information
choice. For example, if the reason POINT is non-sampleable
Choice (REQUIRED FOR
explaining why
is active crop production during index period, note any
DROPPED SITES)
POINT is non-
evidence used to determine this (e.g., recent evidence of
sampleable
tilling, confirmation by farmer, etc.).
Was this POINT Used as a
Field to enter
Select Yes if site was used as replacement POINT
Replacement POINT for a
information
No if not (e.g. solely evaluated as original base POINT,
Base POINT?
pertaining to
oversample POINT evaluated as non-target/non-sampleable
Replacement of
for a replacement POINT, or oversample POINT evaluated
Base POINT
but did not need to be sampled)
Site ID of Original Base
Field to enter
Enter full SitelD of Base POINT replaced.
POINT Replaced
SitelD of Base
POINT replaced if
cannot be
sampled
Site Access Considerations
Field to enter
Provide any information detailing special considerations for
information on
site access (e.g., locked gates, livestock, landowner check-in)
special
considerations for
site access
Permit Requirements
Field to enter
information on
permit
requirements to
sample site
Provide information on permit requirements, if applicable
Additional Evaluator
Field to enter any
None unless there is additional information evaluator would
Comments
additional
comments about
the evaluation of
the POINT
like to add
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Appendix B: Sampleable/Non-sampleable Categories
Use these categories as a guide to help determine the sampling status of the POINT.
Sampleable Categories
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Appendix C: Point Verification Form
SITE 10: NWCA21-
EVALUATOS
FORM PV-1: NWCA 2021 POINT VERIFICATION FORM (Front) ||
VISIT: O 1 O 2 DATE: / / 2 0 2 1
AFFILIATION:
POINT LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Directions to POINT
F"OI MT verticd fay (mark all that apply describe Other item(s) if applc-able) O Gps
O Other (describe)
O TcfMgraptMeat Map O ^nnl
ffote any difficulties accessing site (mark ail mat apply, describe other item(s) If applicable)
O CenseVegelaBcn O Seep w llnaatilt terrain Q DeepWater O Liwsloi*
O Other(describe)
Special Access Requirements (marls all thai apply, describe other ltcm(s) If appiCdbli.; O lostiea Gates O Speosi Permits
O Other(describe)
IS POINT SAMPLEA .L'
O YES O original POINT is sampleafcte (til in is»te®wy help*}
O POINT could be shifted sSCm [fill iri cst«s«V bd
AND enter documentation for shifted point on
Form AA 1 at lime cf sampling
ii i'-1 ii-
A
NWCA Wetlands Target Type included in target populaten
O EW- Estuanne Stvub/Fervst
O tw - fcsluaime Emergent
O PR I- EM Pteiustnne, Riverine and Lacustnre Enr *r^Ttl
O PRL-SS- Palusfirinc. RtWrtfti, ?r*d LBCiw4rlrw hrufr
0 PRL-FO- Palustrifw. Riverine. and Lacustnnc For, sicti
0 PRL-tifiAB ¦ Pakistan*. Rrvwine and Lt'cuslrir a UneanstfidalwJ
Boftefn/Aquatic Bed
O PRW- Paiyrtrine Rh/enre. and lah-'stn.e Farmed
-tno* currently in active crop- product!on >
O NO (fill b, category below)
I nON V.MPLEABLE- ON THIS VISIT
| O K'JivSampleafcto lm deep
Q SampleB&Je area grosses h^regeomerptec i;HGM;i boundary
NON-SAMPLEABLE- NON-TARGET CATEGORIES
O No! a wetland
O Non-tange* *natlandtypa
Q Ae!rv» crap production dumg indes" period (explain)
0 St!;dly lived 1ui mi mctatriul/agriculLurulftK|uucu!luf ul purpose [explain)
0 Inundated by water >1 mm depth (over 90% of area 60m around p4i
0 CKbar ^describe*
11/13/2020 PV-1 NWCA 2021 Point Verification form
Proride any ad&ttonal information in die comments section on the back of Ibis
form.
1712124255
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| FORM PV-1: NWCA 2021 POINT VERIFICATION FORM {Back) K*«wm d by 0 rwb a/ Y
SITE ID: NWCA21- OATE: / / 2 0 2 1
GENERAL ASSESSMENT COMMENTS
Record any additional information and observatorns of the POINT or surrounding area. Potenfoal information to include general
ob&eivatortsol biotlc integrity, vegetation diversity, presence of vntWIfe, land uses potential stressors riot otherwise identified,
local anecdotal information, or any other pertinent information about the site or surrounding area Record any observations that
may be useful for future data interpretalion
. V y
/ VV
\
V^r
V
'O1
—
::
o
8670124255
11/13/2020 FV-I NWCA 1021 Powl Verifiealiori Four,
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Appendix D: Examples of Site Map Provided by EPA upon Request
National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021
Site NWC21-ST-10001
JJ-3&A US&S, A=.to$?iJ&j teH, =kufr&t=> ©J3 lb ~t £ wuuUuYsj
Scale = 1:1,750 ^ ^
County, State: Baldwin, AL
Latitude (dec deg): 30.78049
Longitude (dec deg): -87.96365
Panel: ReSarnp_2016
SitelD 2016: NWCA16-1012
Wetland Type (from design): PEM
NWCA Wetland Group: PRLH
Ownership (from PAD): Federal
Agency (from PAD): US Army Corps of Engineers
Name (if applicable): Mobtle-Tensaw Delta WMA
h 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1
0 40 00 120 160
Meters
N
LEGEND
~ POINT J
O 4Qm R di us (stan d a rd AA layout)
140n radius (standard Suffer ares) /
80rr radius (potential Shifted AA zone)
rnH United States
Environ mentE I Protection
W LmI # % .Ag ency
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Appendix E: Examples of Landowner Permission Letters and Forms
[Date]
Dear Landowner:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with State agencies, is conducting an
ecological assessment of wetlands across the United States. A computer was used to randomly select
sampling locations throughout the United States. A total of 904 wetland sites were selected for sampling
in 2021. We will be conducting a site survey that will last 5-6 hours and will require no permanent
structures. Our sampling area will be small, consisting of a 40-meter radius circle around the computer-
selected point. The primary focus of the survey is to record observations about plant species, soil,
hydrology, and water chemistry to assess the health of wetlands nationally. A minimal amount of water,
soil, and vegetation will be collected from the site. The data collected is to be used for scientific
purposes and copies of the final reports will be provided to landowners upon request.
One or more of the 904 randomly selected sites [is located on your property] / [requires a field
crew to cross your property in order to reach the site]. We are contacting you prior to visiting the site to
obtain your permission (form enclosed) to access the sampling site. We have enclosed a copy of a
map(s) with the site(s) identified by a red circle at the specific point in the wetland to be sampled. We
realize that working on your property is a privilege and we will respect your rights and wishes at all
times.
Please return the completed Landowner Access Permission Form in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope by [date]. If you have any questions concerning this request, please contact me [phone
number]. We are looking forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Affiliation]
[Contact information]
Site Evaluation Guidelines
February 2021
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NWCA Landowner Permission Form
The Field Crew from [fill in state agency, Cooperator, or contractor name] has requested permission to
access the wetland site located on my property as part of the EPA's National Wetland Condition
Assessment. Please check one of the choices below:
I grant permission
I grant permission, but with the following restrictions:
I do not grant permission
Landowner Name (please print):
Landowner Signature:
Date:
Phone Number:
Address:
Additional Access Information (please describe any specific details about your property that the Field
Crew should be aware of, such as gates, cattle or livestock on property, planned prescribed burns,
planned harvests, etc.):
If the occupant is different than the landowner, please list the name and phone number of the occupant
below so that we may contact them before the site visit:
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Appendix G: Contact List
NWCA PROJECT CONTACT LIST
Title
Name
Contact Information
EPA HQ NWCA Project
Manager
Gregg Serenbetz, OW
Serenbetz.Gregg@epa.gov, 202-566-1253
EPA HQ NWCA Site
Evaluation Coordinator
Danielle Grunzke, OW
Grunzke.Danielle@epa.gov; 202-566-2876
EPA HQ Logistics
Coordinator
Brian Hasty, OW
Hasty.Brian@epa.gov; 202-564-2236
EPA HQ NARS Team Lead
Sarah Lehmann, OW
Lehmann.Sarah@epa.gov, 202-566-1379
Contract Field Logistics
Coordinator
Chris Turner, Great Lakes
Environmental Center, Inc.
cturner@glec.com; 715-829-3737
Information Management
Coordinator
Michelle Gover, General Dynamics
Information Technology
gover.michelle@epa.gov, 541-754-4793
EPA Regional
Coordinators
Beth Alafat, Region 1
Tom Faber, Region 1
Alafat.Beth@epa.gov, 617-918-1399
Faber.Tom@epa.gov, 617-918-8672
Jaclyn Woollard, Region 2
Emily Nering, Region 2
Woollard.Jaclyn@epa.gov, 212-637-3832
Nering.Emily@epa.gov, 732-321-6764
Christine Mazzarella, Region 3
Bill Richardson, Region 3
Mazzarella.Christine@epa.gov, 215-814-5756
Richardson.William@ epa.gov ,215-814-5675
Elizabeth McGuire Smith, Region 4
Christopher McArthur, Region 4
Elizabeth Belk, Region 4
Diana Woods, Region 4
Smith.Elizabeth@epa.gov, 404-562-8721
mcarthur.christopher@epa.gov, 404-562-9391
Belk.Elizabeth@epa.gov, 404-562-9377
Woods.Diana@epa.gov, 404-562-9404
Kerryann Weaver, Region 5
Mari Nord, Region 5
weaver.kerryann@epa.gov, 312-353-9483
Nord.Mari@epa.gov, 312-886-3017
Robert Cook, Region 6
Cook.Robert@epa.gov, 214-665-7141
Eliodora Chamberlin, Region 7
Chamberlin.Eliodora@epa.gov, 913-551-7945
Nolan Hahn, Region 8
Tom Johnson, Region 8
Liz Rogers, Region 8
hahn.nolan@epa.gov, 303-312-6486
Johnson.Tom@epa.gov, 303-312- 6226
Rogers.Liz@epa.gov, 303-312-6974
Matt Bolt, Region 9
Jennifer Siu, Region 9
Bolt.Matthew@epa.gov, 415-972-3578
Siu.Jennifer@epa.gov, 415-972-3983
Annie Whitley, Region 10
Charissa Bujak, Region 10
Lil Herger, Region 10
Whitley.Annie@epa.gov, 206-553-0058
Bujak.Charissa@epa.gov, 208-378-5754
Herger.Lillian@epa.gov, 206-553-1074
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Appendix H: NWCA 2021 Assessment Area Reference Cards
Reference Card AA 1: Assessment Area Establishment, Side A
Key to Assessment Area [AA) Layouts
la Siirwplc-ii'lMt atcj contains POINT igirial of shifted) drid tv > O.S hectares (h¦a) 2
2a Sampleable area can contain a circular area with a diameter of 80m 3
3>a POINT is at the center of sampleable area Standard Circular AA (Plata 1)
3b POINT {original or shifted] is not at the center oi sampteabte area_ Standard Circular AA-Shifted ( Plate 1)
2b Sampleable area contains POfNt {original or shifted) but ranges from minimum width 20m [length 250m) to
maximum width dl 79-Sfrt [length 61m] Polygon AA (Plate 2)
lb Sampteabk- area contains POI NT [ordinal or shifted} and is < O.Sha but i O.lha Wetland Boundary A A (Plate 3)
Sampleable Area: No more than 10% of the AA can contain upland, non -lai get wetland, standing water greater lhan 1m deep,
or soft substrate that is unsafe or impossible to sample.
Plate 1: Standard AA Layouts
*
o
f
PCHNT
AA bo-jF-vdarv
AAONTCA
Carding lift*
Wetland
t ranswt >M boundary
R**P Y«ai;cr
Standard Circular AA - Shifted
Standard Circular AA
Reference Card AA-1: Assessment Area Establishment, Side B
Wide Polygon AA
JPOfMT ivAA CtNttfi)
Plate 2: Polygon AA Layouts
AAisQ.Sha
AA CI NTfc R is as dose to POINI as possible
~ WNT
i 1 Aft boundary
p AACENtea
*•»" Cardinal transect I in*
Wri^td
P Tr«nHet-AA bouftdary
0I| Shallow wnt«l
250m
Narrow Polygon AA
(POINT b KX AA CENTER)
AA
Wetland Boundary AA
(£01 NT i$ AA CENTER)
Plate 3: Wetland Boundary AA layouts
AAis 0.1hato0.5ha
AA Cf NTf R is .r\ t lose to POINT .14 possible
~ POINT
d) AA boundary
^ AACINttR
Cardinal transect line
Wetland
P TranwtAA boundary
Shallew wafer
Wetland Boundary A A
(POINT is notAA CENTER)
AA
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Reference Card AA-2, Side A. Criteria for Sampleable Area
The AA is sampleable if ALL of the following criteria are met:
• The AA contains the POINT (original design or shifted) and ranges in size from O.lha to 0.5ha.
• The AA is at least 20m wideb to accommodate the vegetation plots (see Chapter 5).
b It is allowable for the AA to fall below the width of 20m in some locations, as long as Veg Plots can be
placed adequately.
• No more than 10% of the area of the AA:
has water greater than lm deepd;
has standing water or soft substrate that is unsafe or impossible to sample effectively; and/or
has upland or non-target wetland type (see definition of wetland below).
d One meter is the minimum water depth sampled in the National Lakes Assessment and, thus sets the
boundary between open water and fringing wetlands used in the National Aquatic Resource Surveys.
• The sampleable area contains one or more of the NWCA Target Wetland types representing the NWCA
target population. See Reference Card AA-3, Side A for a list of target wetland types.
The NWCA Target Population is defined as: Tidal and nontidal wetlands of the conterminous U.S.,
including certain farmed wetlands not currently in crop production. The wetlands have rooted vegetation
and, when present, open waterless than 1 meter deep.
The NWCA defines wetlands using the classification system described by Cowardin et al. (1979) and
established as a Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standard for classification of wetlands:
Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is
usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Wetlands must have one or
more of the following three attributes:
1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes;
2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil, and
3) the substrate is non-soil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some
time during the growing season of each year (FGDC 2013).
Examples of characteristics that could be used in the field to identify whether the AA is wetland include:
predominance of hydrophytic vegetation;
presence of plants with morphological or structural adaptations for growing in wetland soils,
e.g., buttressed tree trunks, multiple trunks, pneumatophores, adventitious roots, hypertrophied
lenticels, polymorphic leaves;
visual observation of soil saturation and/or inundation;
presence of undrained hydric soil;
presence of indicators of wetland hydrology, e.g., drift lines, watermarks, sediment deposits; and
geomorphic boundaries such as the active floodplain or flood-prone width.
• The AA does not cross any Hydrogeomorphic boundaries (see Side B).
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Reference Card AA-3, Side B. Key to Hydrogeonnorphic (HGM) Classes, and Subclasses
In the following key, the HGM Class is separated Jby a dash {-) from the corresponding HGM Subclass. Modifiers ro
the HGM Subclass are described after a comma C) for the Depression HGM Class.
1. Wetland would be under influence of tides if not for human actions, e.g., diked - Tidal - Human Altered1'
1. Wetland is naturally under influence of tides.. ...2
2. Salinity greater than Q.S parts per thousand (ppt) Tidal -Naturally Occurring
2, Salinity less than O.b part per thousand (ppt) Riverine - Tidal
1. Wetland is not naturally under influence of tides .............3
3. Wetland is topographically flat and precipitation is a dominant source of water. 4
4. Wetland has a mineral soil Flats - Mineral Soil
4. Wetland has an organic soil Flats—Organic Soil
4. Either of the abo
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