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National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021
Field Operations Manual
Version 1.0, April 2021
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Notice
The objective of the National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA) 2021 project is to describe the
ecological condition of the nation's wetlands and stressors commonly associated with poor condition.
The complete documentation of overall project management, design, methods, and standards is
contained in companion documents, including:
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 (Field Operations Manual) contains a brief introduction to the project and procedures to
follow at the base location (i.e., a Field Crew's home base of operation) and on-site at the field sampling
location, including methods for sampling vegetation, soils, hydrology, water chemistry (including
chlorophyll-o), microcystin, and physical alterations. Methods described in the National Wetland
Condition Assessment: Field Operations Manual (FOM) are to be used specifically in work related to the
National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA). Mention of trade names or commercial products in
the document does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
The suggested citation for this document is:
USEPA. 2021. National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021: Field Operations Manual. EPA 843-B-21-
002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C.
Version History
Version
Date
Revision Comments
1.0
4/13/2021
N/A
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Table of Contents
NOTICE II
TABLE OF CONTENTS Ill
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES XIII
ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS XIV
CHAPTER 1 OVERVIEW 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Survey Design 1
1.2.1 Target Population 1
1.2.2 Sample Frame 1
1.2.3 Selection of Sampling Locations 2
1.2.4 NWCA Target Wetland Types 2
1.2.5 Reporting Units 4
1.3 Overview of Indicators 6
1.4 NWCA Reference Documents 8
1.4.1 Quick Reference Guide 8
1.4.2 Site Evaluation Guidelines 8
1.4.3 Quality Assurance Project Plan 8
1.4.4 Lab Operations Manual 8
1.4.5 NWCA Fact Sheets 8
CHAPTER 2 BASE LOCATION ACTIVITIES AND SUMMARY OF FIELD OPERATIONS 9
2.1 Introduction 9
2.2 Logistic and Technical Support for the NWCA 9
2.3 Overview of Key Information and Materials 11
2.4 Site Packet 12
2.4.1 Label Packet 13
2.4.2 NWCA Site Maps, Aerial Photos, and Geospatial Data 14
2.4.3 Coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil and Plant Science Division
15
2.4.4 Other Information Resources 15
2.4.5 Equipment and Supplies 15
2.4.6 NWCA App (Data E-Forms) 16
2.4.7 NWCA App Tracking Forms 16
2.5 Field Crew Responsibilities 17
2.6 Pre-Sampling Base Location Activities 18
2.6.1 Sampling Index Period 18
2.6.2 Determining Sampling Order and Selecting Alternate POINTS 20
2.6.3 Planning Field Itineraries and Preparation for Sampling 24
2.6.4 Field Instrument Checks and Calibration 26
2.6.5 Equipment and Supply Preparation 27
2.7 Daily Field Activities 28
2.7.1 Health an d Safety 29
2.7.2 Procedures for Recording Data 33
2.7.3 Daily Sampling Scenario (suggested sampling routine) 35
2.7.4 Sampling Activities and Forms Applicable to Multiple Indicators or Tasks 39
2.8 Post-Field Sampling Base Location Activities 41
2.8.1 Post Sampling Base Location Equipment Clean-Up and Maintenance 41
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2.8.2 Sample Shipping and Tracking 42
2.8.3 Data Submittal 43
2.9 Master Equipment, Tracking Forms, and Sample Label Lists 46
CHAPTER 3 ESTABLISHING THE ASSESSMENT AREA 51
3.1 Develop a Plan for AA Establishment (In Office) and Verify (In Field) 51
3.1.1 Develop Plan in the Office 51
3.1.2 Verify Plan in the Field 55
3.2 Establish the AA 59
3.2.1 Standard AA Layouts 60
3.2.2 Alternate AA Layouts 63
3.2.3 Shifting the POINT 67
3.3 Initial Characterization of the AA 68
3.4 Listed Species Considerations 70
3.5 General Comments 70
3.6 Data Handling 70
3.7 Reference Cards 70
3.8 Equipment and Forms List and Data Forms 71
CHAPTER 4 HUMAN-MEDIATED PHYSICAL ALTERATIONS 72
4.1 Introduction 72
4.2 Sampling Procedure 73
4.2.1 Buffer Sample Plot Layout 73
4.2.2 Identification of Physical Alterations 78
4.2.3 Considerations for Assessing Physical Alterations 82
4.2.4 Physical Alterations Focus on Human-Mediated Impacts 83
4.2.5 The Impact of the Physical Alteration Needs to be Identified 85
4.2.6 A Physical Alteration Can Have More Than One Impact 85
4.2.7 Percent Cover or Level of Influence within the AA 86
4.2.8 Recording Physical Alterations on the AA Form 87
4.2.9 Recording Physical Alterations on the Buffer Form 88
4.2.10 Data Handling 89
4.3 Reference Cards 89
4.4 Equipment List and Data Forms 90
4.5 References 90
CHAPTERS VEGETATION 92
5.1 Introduction 92
5.2 Sampling Procedures 94
5.2.1 Placement of Vegetation Plots 94
5.2.2 Establishing the Vegetation Plots and Completing Veg Plot Establishment. Form (V-l) 101
5.2.3 Vegetation Data Collection (Forms V-2, V-3, and V-4) 113
5.2.4 Field Day Wrap-Up Activities 143
5.3 Sample Collection and Processing and Data Handling 144
5.3.1 Collecting Plant Specimens 145
5.3.2 Pressing Plant Specimens 150
5.3.3 Plant Specimen Label 154
5.3.4 Drying Plant Specimens 155
5.3.5 Shipping or Transporting Plant Specimens 156
5.3.6 Data Handling 159
5.4 Vegetation Reference Card List and Protocol Checklist 161
5.5 Equipment, Data Forms, and Specimen Label Lists 164
CHAPTER 6 SOILS 166
6.1 Introduction 166
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6.1.1 Coordination with NRCS 166
6.2 Identify Soil Plot Location 167
6.2.1 Standard Soil Plot Location 167
6.2.2 Alternate Soil Plot Location 168
6.2.3 Recording Soil Plot Location 169
6.3 Layout of Soil Plot for Sampling 169
6.4 Collection of Standardized Depth Soil Cores 169
6.4.1 Preparation of Labels, Tags, and Sample Collection Bags 170
6.4.2 Sample Collection 170
6.5 Collection of Soil Isotope Samples 172
6.5.1 Preparation of Labels and Sample Collection Bags 172
6.5.2 Sample Collection 173
6.6 Soil Profile Description and Sampling 175
6.6.1 Excavation of Soil Pit 176
6.6.2 Description of Soil Profile 181
6.6.3 Review of Soil Profile Description and Designation of Horizon Names 198
6.6.4 Collection of Soil Horizon Samples 199
6.6.5 Preparation of Labels, Tags and Sample Collection Bags 199
6.6.6 Water Depth in Soil Pit after Equilibration 208
6.6.7 Backfilling the Soil Pit 209
6.7 SoilTool Decontamination and Maintenance 210
6.8 Sample and Data Handling 210
6.8.1 At the Site 210
6.8.2 At Field Lodging or Office 211
6.9 Supplementary Material 214
6.9.1 List of Soil Resources to be used in the Field 214
6.9.2 Other Useful Soil Resources 214
6.9.3 Glossary of Soil Terminology 214
6.10 Soil Reference Card List 217
6.11 Equipment, Data Forms, and Sample Label Lists 218
CHAPTER 7 HYDROLOGY 220
7.1 Introduction 220
7.2 Sampling Procedures 220
7.2.1 Conditions at Assessment 221
7.2.2 Water Sources 221
7.2.3 Army Corps of Engineers Indicators of Hydrology 222
7.3 Sample and Data Handling 222
7.4 Reference Cards 222
7.5 Equipment List and Data Form 222
CHAPTER 8 WATER CHEMISTRY, CHLOROPHYLL-A AND MICROCYSTIN 223
8.1 Introduction 223
8.2 Initial Characterization of Surface Water in the AA 225
8.2.1 Presence of Surface Water in the AA 225
8.2.2 Type of Surface Water in the AA 225
8.2.3 Surface Water Measurements of AA 226
8.2.4 Characteristics of the AA Surface Water Body 226
8.3 Collection of Water Chemistry Sample Til
8.3.1 Water Sample and Data Handling 230
8.4 Collection of Chlorophyll-/! Sample 231
8.4.1 Sampling Procedures 231
8.4.2 Sample and Data Handling 235
8.5 Collection of Microcystin Sample 236
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8.5.1 Sam pi in g Procedures 237
8.5.2 Sample and Data Handling 238
8.6 Reference Card 239
8.7 Equipment, Data Form, and Label Lists 239
Procedure for filling out and submitting tracking via the App 241
Shipping Groups 242
T-l - Daily Water Chemistry Shipment 242
T-2 - Daily Chilled Shipment 243
T-3 - Soil Chemistry and Bulk Density Shipment 243
T-4 - Unknown Plant Shipment 244
T-5 - QA Plant Shipment 244
Shipping Guidelines 245
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List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Ten geographic areas used in survey design and for reporting on wetland condition in NWCA
4
Figure 2-1. Reference Card OPS-1. Preparation for Field Sampling of NWCA Sites (Tasks are conducted by
Field Crew unless otherwise indicated. Note other personnel listed may be the same as the Field
Crew at times.) 19
Figure 2-2 NWCA 2021 Site Replacement Plan (primary and alternate). Base Panels in shaded cells,
oversample panels in unshaded cells 22
Figure 2-3. Reference Card OPS-2, Side A. Vegetation Team sampling day activities 37
Figure 2-4. Reference Card OPS-2, Side B. Assessment Area-Buffer Team sampling activities 38
Figure 2-5. Reference Card ST-1 Side A. NWCA sample packaging and shipping flowchart by sample type.
See Appendix A for more details 45
Figure 3-1.Reference card AA-1 Side A 53
Figure 3-2. Reference card AA-1 Side B 54
Figure 3-3. Reference Card AA-2 Side A 57
Figure 3-4. Reference Card AA-2 Side B 58
Figure 3-5. Reference Card AA-4. Flowchart for determining NWCA target wetland type 59
Figure 3-6. The Standard Circular AA layout with the standard boundary for buffer evaluation is depicted
on an example annotated aerial photo (note that in a true standard circular layout the POINT and AA
CENTER would be in the same spot; they are slightly askance in order to depict both on this example
map) 61
Figure 3-7. Example of a Standard Circular AA -Shifted Layout depicted on an example annotated aerial
photo. Distance and bearing from the POINT to the AA CENTER are indicated. The Standard Circular
AA layout and the standard Buffer evaluation boundary are shown for comparison 63
Figure 3-8. Example of a Polygon AA layout depicted on an example annotated aerial photo. Distance
and bearing from the POINT to the AA CENTER and notes on likely dimensions of the AA are shown. A
hydrogeomorphic boundary (a tributary stream), a stressor (ditch with culvert), and a stream in the
vicinity of the POINT are illustrated to show features that should be considered in determining AA
layout and in conducting the assessment. A Standard Circular AA is shown for comparison 65
Figure 3-9. Example of a Wetland Boundary AA layout depicted on an example annotated aerial photo.
Distance and bearing from the POINT to the AA CENTER are indicated. The Standard Circular AA
layout and the Standard Buffer Evaluation boundary are shown for comparison 67
Figure 3-10. Reference Card AA-3, Side B 69
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Figure 4-1. Buffer Sample Plots placed relative to a Standard Circular AA Layout. Note, in this example,
all the Buffer Sample Plots on the N transect and plots El, SI, and W1 fall within the wetland. The
remaining plots occur in upland locations surrounding the wetland 75
Figure 4-2. Alternate AA with an area of Vz ha. The shape and orientation of the AA determines the
distance of plots Nl, El, SI, and W1 from the AA CENTER as well as the distance between Buffer
Sample Plots on each transect 77
Figure 4-3. Physical Alteration decision flow chart 84
Figure 5-1. Reference Card V-l. Flowchart of Vegetation Protocol Tasks 93
Figure 5-2. Key for selecting Veg Plot Layout configuration 95
Figure 5-3. Reference Card V-2, Side A 97
Figure 5-4. Reference Card V-2, Side B 98
Figure 5-5. Example of completed upper section Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l). Data depicted on
this figure are imaginary and for illustration only 103
Figure 5-6. Example of completed middle section Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l). Data depicted on
this figure are imaginary and for illustration only 104
Figure 5-7. Example of completed lower section Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l). Data depicted on
this figure are imaginary and for illustration only 105
Figure 5-8. Flowchart for Determining NWCA Target Wetland Type 107
Figure 5-9. Reference Card V-3. Side A. Vegetation Plot Establishment 108
Figure 5-10. Annotated aerial photo illustrating a Standard AA Layout and Veg Plot (white squares)
locations and plot placement lines (dashed white arrows) for a Standard AA Veg Plot Layout Ill
Figure 5-11 Annotated aerial photo showing Veg Plots (white squares) locations and plot placement lines
(dashed white arrows) for a Wide Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout. Note the boundary of the Standard AA
Layout (red) and the actual Polygon AA (blue) 112
Figure 5-12. Reference Card V-3, Side B. Veg Plot configuration and data collection summary 115
Figure 5-13. Example of completed Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2). All data depicted
are imaginary and for illustration only 119
Figure 5-14. Genus/Species Selection Window on Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).... 122
Figure 5-15. Reference Card V-4, Side A. Assigning Pseudonyms 123
Figure 5-16. Guidance for recording species presence data on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover
Form (V-2). Letters A-F represent hypothetical Veg Plots with nested quadrats at SW and NE corners.
Green diamonds represent the presence of a particular plant species. SW and NE column diagrams
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illustrate which data bubbles (S = 1-m2 quadrat, M=10-m2 quadrat, and W=whole plot) should be
filled based on the location of the plant species 124
Figure 5-17. Reference Card V-4, Side B. Cover Estimation procedures 127
Figure 5-18. Height Class Selection Window on Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) 128
Figure 5-19. Optional Cover Calculator Window on Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).. 131
Figure 5-20. Example of completed Vegetation Types Section of Form V-3. All data depicted in this figure
are imaginary and for illustration only 134
Figure 5-21. Selection Window for Abundance of Arboreal Epiphytic Bryophytes and Lichens on Form V-
3 135
Figure 5-22. Example of completed Ground Surface Attributes Section of Form V-3. All data depicted in
this figure are imaginary and for illustration only 137
Figure 5-23. Example of completed Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4). All data depicted
on this figure are imaginary and for illustration only 142
Figure 5-24. Reference Card V-5, Side B: Flowchart for collecting unknown plant specimens 146
Figure 5-25. Reference Card V-5, Side A: Plant collection checklist 149
Figure 5-26. Plant Press. Photo used by permission from Kent D. Perkins, University of Florida
Herbarium 150
Figure 5-27. Assembling the plant press. Photo used by permission from Kent D. Perkins, University of
Florida Herbarium 151
Figure 5-28. Examples of well pressed plant specimens on Reference Card V-6 153
Figure 5-29. Example of the Plant Specimen Label. Data are imaginary and for illustration only 155
Figure 5-30. Plant Dryer. Photo from Mack (2007) by permission from the Wetland Ecology Group,
Division of Surface Water, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency 156
Figure 5-31. Example T-4 (Unknown Plant Tracking) Packing Slip 157
Figure 5-32. Example T-5 (QA Plant Tracking) Packing Slip 158
Figure 5-33. Schematic of plant specimen destinations for identification and verification (see Chapter 1
and 8.7Appendix A for specific shipping details) 160
Figure 6-1. Examples of Soil Plot locations for various Veg Plot layouts. The Soil Plot is located at the Veg
Plot closest to the AA Center, outside the Veg Plot corner located furthest from the transect lines.168
Figure 6-2. Soil Plot Layout
169
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Figure 6-3. Standard Depth Soil Core sample label 170
Figure 6-4. Standard Depth Soil Core sample tag 170
Figure 6-5. Proper sealing and stapling of soil sample bags 172
Figure 6-6. Soil isotope sample label 173
Figure 6-7. Collection of Soil Isotope Samples. Photos by Casey Pollock and Amanda Nahlik 175
Figure 6-8. Examples of tools for Soil Pit excavation. A) Tiling spade. B) Sharpshooter. C) Shovel. D) (Left
to right) Auger handle extensions, Ratchet handle, Solid auger buckets (for sand or mud), Open
bucket auger with handle, and Open auger buckets (for fine textured soils). E) Peat auger head. F)
Soil probe. G) Hammer corer. Photos by Frank Gibbs, Gregg Lomnicky, and Phil King 176
Figure 6-9. King Soil Extractor. This technique is most useful in soft estuarine or fluvial soils (e.g.,
unconsolidated, fluid, organic, and/or saturated soils). Photos by Ann Rossi 179
Figure 6-10. Techniques for sampling submerged or saturated soils. A) Soil coffer dam surrounding the
Soil Pit. B) Use of a hand pump to remove water from the Soil Pit. Photos by Gregg Lomnicky 180
Figure 6-11. Use of a plastic snow sled (A and B) and plastic gutter (C) for facilitating sample collection
and holding soil cores during soil profile description. Photos A and B by Regina Poeske. Photo C by
Frank Gibbs 180
Figure 6-12. Delineating horizon boundaries. Horizons are numbered consecutively starting at the soil
surface (below loose leaf litter). Depth to lower boundaries are recorded as the depth from the soil
surface to the bottom of the horizon 185
Figure 6-13. Horizon boundary distinctness. The vertical change in soil properties between two horizons
are characterized as abrupt if the transition occurs over a distance of less than 2 cm 186
Figure 6-14. Texturing mineral soils 189
Figure 6-15. Interpreting color using a Munsell Color Chart. This figure is provided only as an example,
and should not be used for measuring soil color in the field 190
Figure 6-16. Example of a gley page. Differences in color chip arrangement are described in the text. This
figure is provided only as an example, and should not be used for measuring soil color in the field. 191
Figure 6-17. Redoximorphic concentrations. A) Redox concentrations occurring as soft masses and pore
linings. Photo by Ann Rossi. B and C) Redox concentrations occurring as soft masses. Photos courtesy
of USDA NRCS. D and E) Redox concentrations occurring as pore linings. Photos courtesy of USDA
NRCS. F) Iron nodules (indicated by arrow). Photo by John Kelley, USDA NRCS. G) Manganese
concretions. Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS 193
Figure 6-18. Redoximorphic Depletions. A) Depletion occurring along root channel. Photo courtesy of
USDA NRCS. B) Depletion along root channel. Photo by John Kelley, USDA NRCS. C) Depletions (gray
zones) in an oxidized soil matrix (red areas). Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS 194
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Figure 6-19. Organic masked sand grains, showing different proportions of masking. Photos courtesy of
Martin Rabenhorst, University of Maryland 195
Figure 6-20. Examples of organic features in soils. A) Organic bodies. B) Stripped Matrix. C) Organic
infillings (indicated by arrows). Photos courtesy of USDA NRCS 195
Figure 6-21. Example of mottles in a soil profile. Photo by Ann Rossi 196
Figure 6-22. Soil Horizon Bulk Density sample label 199
Figure 6-23. Soil Horizon Chemistry or Bulk Density sample tag 200
Figure 6-24. Demonstration of Horizon Bulk Density sampling using the 3-in diameter stainless steel
corers provided in the NWCA base kit. A) Smooth a planar horizontal area at the top of the horizon,
then place the three open-ended corers (sharpened edge downward) on the surface (top of the
horizon to be sampled); B-D) Push or gently hammer the core into the soil until the top of the corer is
flush with the smooth surface; E) Dig out the corer plus some of the surrounding soil; F) Using a knife
blade, cut off the excess soil so the sample material is flush with the bottom edge of the corer.
Photos courtesy of Sarah Lehmann 203
Figure 6-25. Soil Horizon Chemistry sample label 205
Figure 6-26. Soil Horizon Chemistry or Bulk Density sample tag 205
Figure 6-27. Collection of Soil Horizon Chemistry sample. Horizon Chemistry samples can be collected as
Horizon Bulk Density Sample cores are extracted. Photo courtesy of Sarah Lehmann 207
Figure 6-28. Measuring Water Table Depth at the Soil Pit 208
Figure 6-29. Evidence of soil saturation. (A) Pit surface with sheen of moisture. Photo by Ann Rossi. (B)
Water seepage. Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS. (C) Standing water in soil pit. Photo by Ann Rossi.. 209
Figure 6-30. Example T-2 (Daily Chilled Tracking) Packing Slip 211
Figure 6-31. Example T-3 (Soil Chemistry and Bulk Density Tracking) Packing Slip 213
Figure 8-1. Flow chart of water sampling activities (Reference Card W-l) 224
Figure 8-2. Water chemistry labels to be affixed to surface water sample cubitainer 227
Figure 8-3. Example of long-handled dipper in use for sampling surface water. (Photo credit - Chris
Turner, GLEC) 228
Figure 8-4. Example of filling the cubitainer. (Photo credit - Chris Turner, GLEC) 229
Figure 8-5. Example T-l (Daily Water Chemistry Sample Tracking) Packing Slip 231
Figure 8-6. Chlorophyll-o label to be filled out and placed on the centrifuge tube 234
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Figure 8-7. Chlorophyll-a, OUTER BAG label to be filled out and placed on the plastic bag containing the
chlorophyll-o sample 234
Figure 8-8. Set-up for filtering the chlorophyll-o sample, a) Filter flask with filter funnel and vacuum
pump for sample filtration, b) flat-bladed forceps, c) Whatman glass fiber filter, d) screw top
centrifuge tube to hold folded filter with the chlorophyll-o sample inside, e) 250-mL graduated
cylinder, f) 1-L brown bottle for sample collection, g) squeeze bottle for Dl water. (Photos by Chris
Turner and Mike Dunlop, GLEC) 235
Figure 8-9. Example T-l (Daily Water Chemistry Sample Tracking) Packing Slip 236
Figure 8-10. Example of Microcystin label. Note Site ID must be filled in and that Sample ID numbers are
unique 237
Figure 8-11. Example T-2 (Daily Chilled Tracking) Packing Slip 239
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List of Tables
Table 1-1. NWCA Target Wetland Types and crosswalk to US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Status &
Trends (S&T) wetland categories and USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) wetland classes (Ref
Card AA-3, Side A) 3
Table 1-2. Description of the 17 reporting units incorporated into the survey design for NWCA 5
Table 1-3. Personnel to call for specific types of questions and support needs 10
Table 1-4. Contact Information for Logistic and Technical Support for the NWCA 11
Table 2-1. Instrument checks and calibration 27
Table 2-2. Stock solutions, uses, and methods for preparation 28
Table 2-3. Estimated time ranges for field activities depending on site complexity. It is anticipated that
most sites will fall in the middle of these ranges. Estimates do not include travel to and from the site.
29
Table 2-4. Basic health and safety considerations for field work 32
Table 2-5. Guidelines for recording field data and tracking information 34
Table 4-1. Location of Assessment Area, spacing, and Buffer Sample Plots along a 145-m cardinal
transect for a Standard AA 74
Table 6-1. Techniques for sampling difficult soils 178
Table 8-1 Water feature types 226
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Acronyms/Abbreviations
AA
AV
WCHL
CPR
CRAM
CWA
DBH
Dl
DNA
DO
DOC
EMAP
EPA
ETOH
FLC
FOM
GIS
GPS
GRTS
HDPE
HGM
H2S
HQ
IM
LRR
LOM
MICX
MLRA
NARS
NH4
N02
N03
NRCS
NWCA
NWI
PDOP
OA
QAPP
QA/QC
ORG
SDSC
SEG
SHBD
SHCH
SISO
SOP
S&T
TES
Assessment Area
Assistance Visit
chlorophyll-a sample
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
California Rapid Assessment Method
Clean Water Act
diameter at breast height
deionized
deoxyribonucleic acid
dissolved oxygen
dissolved organic carbon
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ethyl alcohol
Field Logistics Coordinator
Field Operations Manual
geographic information system
global positioning system
Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (survey)
high density polyethylene
Hydrogeomorphic
hydrogen sulfide
Headquarters
Information Management
Land Resource Regions
Lab Operations Manual
microcystin sample
Major Land Resource Area
National Aquatic Resource Surveys
ammonium
nitrite
nitrate
Natural Resources Conservation Service
National Wetland Condition Assessment
National Wetland Inventory
Position Dilution of Precision
quality assurance
Quality Assurance Project Plan
quality assurance/quality control
Quick Reference Guide
Standard Depth Soil Core
Site Evaluation Guidelines
soil horizon bulk density sample
soil horizon chemistry sample
Soil isotope sample
Standard Operating Procedure
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Wetland Status and Trends
Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species
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TN
total nitrogen
TP
total phosphorus
VEGQ
QA plant sample
VEGU
unknown plant sample
USFWS
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
USGS
United States Geological Survey
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Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Background
This manual describes field protocols and daily operations for the National Wetland Condition
Assessment (NWCA). The NWCA is one in a series of statistically valid National Aquatic Resource Surveys
(NARS) conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide the public with a
comprehensive assessment of the condition of the Nation's waters. In addition to wetlands, these NARS
sample coastal waters, lakes, and flowing waters in a revolving sequence.
EPA will collaborate with state, tribal, federal, and other partners to implement the NWCA to meet three
goals:
1. Estimate the current condition of the nation's wetlands with known statistical confidence using
selected ecological indicators.
2. Identify the relative importance of key stressors.
3. Assess changes and trends in the condition of wetlands between NWCA 2011 and 2016.
NWCA is also designed to help expand and enhance state monitoring programs. Through these
assessments, states and tribes have the opportunity to collect data which can be used to supplement
their existing monitoring programs or to begin development of new programs. Development of the
NWCA builds on the accomplishments of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and their production
of national reports on status and trends in wetland acreage. When taken together, the results from the
NWCA and the USFWS Wetland Status and Trends (S&T) will be used to measure progress toward
attainment of the national goal to increase the quantity and quality of the Nation's wetlands. These
complementary studies can influence how wetlands are managed at local, state, and national scales
(Scozzafava et al. 2007).
1.2 Survey Design
1.2.1 Target Population
The target population for NWCA 2021 is 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 water less than 1 meter deep. A wetland's status under state or federal regulatory
programs does not affect a site's status as target for the purposes of NWCA.
1.2.2 Sample Frame
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 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.
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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 as they are likely to result in sites that would meet the NWCA target population
and the latter are excluded as they are unlikely to result in sites that would meet the NWCA target
population. Cowardian wetland classes were assigned to each NWCA wetland type by two wetland
ecologists.
1.2.3 Selection of Sampling Locations
Sites 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. Ninety-six of the 904 sites are 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 was selected for use as replacements if any of the 904 assessment locations are not
sampleable. The selected sites are distributed across seven target wetland types defined for the NWCA
(see NWCA Target Wetland Types, below and Table 1-1) and 10 geographic areas (see Reporting Units,
below and Figure 1-1). In addition, some states invest resources to supplement the NWCA survey design
by adding sites to allow state-scale reporting of wetland quality.
1.2.4 NWCA Target Wetland Types
For the 2021 NWCA, the seven target wetland types are described in Table 1-1. The NWCA Target
Wetland Types are based on specific S&T wetland categories and NWI wetland classes from the sample
frame that fall under the NWCA Target Population. Table 1-1 also provides a crosswalk among the codes
for NWCA Target Wetland Types (used in design documents and in forms and field App), S&T wetland
categories, and NWI classes.
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Table 1-1. NWCA Target Wetland Types and crosswalk to US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Status & Trends
(S&T) wetland categories and USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) wetland classes (Ref Card AA-3, Side A).
NWCA
NWCA
Target
Target
Wetland
Wetland
Type
Type
(Design
(Form/App
NWCA Target Wetland
S&T Wetland
Included NWI Classes:
Code)
Code)
Type Description
Categories*1,
Systems/Subsystems2
E2EM
EH
Estuarine Emergent
E2EM -Estuarine
Intertidal
Emergent
Emergent and Aquatic Bed Classes in
Estuarine/lntertidal Subsystems
E2SS
EW
Estuarine Shrub/Forest
ฃ255 - Estuarine
Intertidal Forest
or Shrub
Forested and Scrub-Shrub Classes in
Estuarine/lntertidal Subsystems
PEM
PRL-EM
Palustrine, Riverine, and
PEM - Palustrine
Emergent Classes in Palustrine
Lacustrine - Emergent
Emergent
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper Perennial,
or Intermittent Subsystems; and
Shallow Lacustrine/Littoral
Subsystems
PUBPAB
PRL-UBAB
Palustrine, Riverine, and
PUB - Palustrine
Unconsolidated Bottom, Aquatic Bed
Lacustrine -
Unconsolidated
Unconsolidated Shore, Rock Bottom,
Unconsolidated
Bottom
and Rocky Shore Classes in
Bottom/Aquatic Bed
PAB - Palustrine
Aquatic Bed
Palustrine Systems; Shallow
Riverine/Tidal, Lower Perennial,
Upper Perennial, or Intermittent
Subsystems; and Shallow
Lacustrine/Littoral Subsystems
Pf
PRL-f
Palustrine, Riverine, and
Pf - Palustrine
Farmed Modifier in Palustrine
Lacustrine - Farmed
farmed
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper Perennial,
or Intermittent Subsystems; and
Shallow Lacustrine/Littoral
Subsystems
PSS
PRL-SS
Palustrine, Riverine, and
PSS - Palustrine
Scrub-Shrub Classes in Palustrine
Lacustrine -Shrub/Scrub
Shrub
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper Perennial,
or Intermittent Subsystems; and
Shallow Lacustrine/Littoral
Subsystems
PFO
PRL-FO
Palustrine, Riverine, and
PFO - Palustrine
Forested Classes in Palustrine
Lacustrine - Forested
Forested,
Systems; Shallow Riverine/Tidal,
Lower Perennial, Upper Perennial,
or Intermittent Subsystems; and
Shallow Lacustrine/Littoral
Subsystems
*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.
1Dahl 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.
httDs://www.fws.sov/wetlands/Data/Wetland-Codes.html. Accessed November 2020.
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1.2.5 Reporting Units
NWCA 2021 is based on 17 reporting units associated with 10 geographic areas. Inland wetland regions
are based on nine NARS aggregated ecoregions where the Upper Midwest and Northern Appalachians
are combined to form the North Central East region and the Northern Plains and Southern Plains are
combined to form the Great Plains region. Estuarine wetland coastal regions are the Pacific Coast, Gulf
and Florida Coast, and the Atlantic Coast. The inland reporting regions are then divided by herbaceous
and woody wetland types. The survey design allows EPA to report on national conditions for all wetlands
in the target population by NWCA wetland group (estuarine, inland herbaceous, inland woody), by
NWCA geographic area (Figure 1-1), and by reporting unit (Table 1-2). It may also be possible to report
on other geographically derived assessment units, yet to be determined, or by other classifications, such
as Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) wetland class (Brinson 1993). In addition, states and tribes that are able to
invest additional resources will have the opportunity to leverage EPA design and logistical support to
produce a state or tribal-scale assessment.
2021 National Wetland Condition Assessment Design
Tidal Saline
H Atlantic Coast (ATL)
Gulf and Florida Coasts (GFL)
H Pacific Coast (PAC)
Figure 1-1. Ten geographic areas used in survey design and for reporting on wetland condition in NWCA
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NWCA Reporting
Unit Code
CPL-PRLH
NWCA Reporting Unit Description
Coastal Plains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Herbaceous Wetlands
CPL-PRLW
Coastal Plains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Woody Wetlands
GPL-PRLH
Great Plains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Herbaceous Wetlands
GPL-PRLW
Great Plains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Woody Wetlands
NCE-PRLW
North Central East - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Herbaceous
Wetlands
NCE-PRLH
North Central East - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Woody Wetlands
SAP-PRLW
Southern Appalachians - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Herbaceous
Wetlands
SAP-PRLH
Southern Appalachians - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Woody
Wetlands
TPL-PRLH
Temperate Plains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Herbaceous
Wetlands
TPL-PRLW
Temperate Plains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Woody Wetlands
WMT-PRLH
WMT-PRLW
_____
Western Mountains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Herbaceous
Wetlands
Western Mountains - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Woody Wetlands
Xeric 1/l/est - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Herbaceous Wetlands
XER-PRLW
Xeric 1/l/est - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine (PRL) Woody Wetlands
ATL_EST
Estuarine Wetlands occurring across the Atlantic coastal regions of the
conterminous US
GFL_EST
Estuarine Wetlands occurring across the Gulf and Florida coastal regions of the
conterminous US
PAC_EST
Estuarine Wetlands occurring across the Pacific coastal regions of the
conterminous US
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1.3 Overview of Indicators
Multiple indicators will be assessed in the NWCA to maximize the potential of detecting anthropogenic
stress and describing its potential effect on wetland condition across multiple spatial scales. The choice
of NWCA field methods and indicators was influenced by considerations of timing and resources, such as
the need to complete travel and sampling for each site in one day. The indicators to be evaluated will
include:
vegetation;
physical alterations;
hydrology;
soils;
surface water chemistry; and
algae.
A summary of each indicator and its relation to wetland condition is provided below.
Vegetation will be characterized by collecting plant data in five 100-m2 Vegetation Plots systematically
placed across the Assessment Area (AA). Vegetation is a major component of biodiversity found in
wetlands and is habitat for a myriad of organisms. The composition and abundance of plant species both
reflects and influences the hydrology, water chemistry, and soil characteristics of a wetland. Plants
respond to and reflect physical, chemical, or biological disturbances and stressors (Selinger-Looten et al.
1999, Rayamajhi et al. 2006). The presence and abundance of alien plant species often reflect degraded
or declining wetland quality. In addition, plant data can be used to derive numerous metrics or
indicators that are useful descriptors of ecological integrity or stress (e.g., USEPA 2002b, Bourdaghs et
al. 2006, Magee et al. 2008, Mack and Kentula 2010, USEPA 2016, Magee et al. 2019a, b). Examples of
the types of vegetation data to be collected are:
species composition and abundance;
native species;
alien species;
floristic quality;
guild composition;
community composition; and
vegetation structure.
Physical alteration data will be collected within the entire AA and at twelve 100-m2 Buffer Sample Plots
laid out along four, 145-m cardinal transects that begin at the AA CENTER and cross into the buffer at
the AA boundary. The Buffer Sample Plots are arranged so that they can be given weights for proximity
analysis. Human-mediated physical alterations, defined as modifications or damage caused directly by
humans or consequentially from anthropogenic activities (e.g., raising livestock) or human pressures
(e.g., land use encroachment, fire suppression), may occur in the Assessment Area (AA) and/or in the
surrounding buffer. In the case of the NWCA, the buffer is a prescribed measurement area or discrete
zone (e.g., riparian buffer or GIS buffer) that surrounds the perimeter of the AA. The buffer may
encompass wetland or upland, natural vegetation cover, or human land uses. Information about what
surrounds the AA and the degree of physical alteration is important for characterizing the POINT and
associated AA. Observations of physical alterations that affect the vegetation, hydrology, and soil in both
the AA and in the buffer indicate disturbances and possible stress to the wetland ecosystem. These data
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are necessary for an assessment of wetland condition to place the AA on a gradient of disturbance
relative to a reference standard. Examples of the types of physical alteration data to be collected in the
AA and buffer are:
vegetation removal;
vegetation replacement;
water addition and/or subtraction;
flow obstruction;
soil hardening; and
surface modification.
Soils data will be collected in a 3-meter diameter Soil Plot and include a soil profile description and
collection of soil samples for laboratory analysis of physical and chemical properties. Soils cycle
nutrients, mediate groundwater movement and storage, and serve as a growth medium or habitat for
plants, microbes, and macroinvertebrates. Soil physical and chemical characteristics can be indicative of
hydrology, past and present land uses, and the health and condition of the soil (which impacts its ability
to perform important ecosystem services). Examples of the types of soils data to be collected are:
soil morphological and physical characteristics (soil profile description);
soil chemistry (including isotopes) and bulk density;
hydric soil field indicators; and
depth to water table.
Hydrology data will include an assessment of hydrologic sources and connectivity, indirect evidence of
hydroperiod, and estimates of hydrologic fluctuations. Wetland hydrology is the primary driver of
wetland formation and persistence. Hydrology impacts soil geochemical dynamics, plant productivity,
nutrient cycling, and accretion and erosion of organic and inorganic materials in wetlands (Mitsch and
Gosselink 2007, Tiner 1999). Examples of the types of hydrology data to be collected are:
hydrologic sources and connectivity; and
evidence of saturation and inundation.
Surface water conditions will be recorded and water chemistry samples collected (where possible) to
assess general surface water conditions, various chemical analytes, and evidence of disturbance. Total
nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) reflect the trophic state of the wetland, providing crucial information
on possible eutrophication (Keddy 1983). Anthropogenic disturbances such as hydrologic modifications
and land use changes are known to alter water chemistry variables (Lane and Brown 2007; Reiss and
Brown 2005).
Chlorophyll-o and microcystin samples will be collected from water (planktonic samples) if surface
water is present. Algae respond rapidly to ecological change in wetlands and have been widely used as
indicators of wetland condition because of their rapid reproduction rates, short life cycles, and broad
distribution (McCormick and Cairns 1994). More notably, because nutrients such as nitrogen and
phosphorus are limiting factors to most types of algae, they respond quickly to excess nutrients. The
samples collected will provide data on the presence of microcystin (a class of toxins produced by
bluegreen algae) toxins and algal productivity (based on chlorophyll-o levels).
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1.4 NWCA Reference Documents
The complete documentation of overall project management, design, methods, rationale, and standards
for the NWCA is contained in several companion documents.
1.4.1 Quick Reference Guide
Field Crews will receive an NWCA 2021 Quick Reference Guide (QRG) containing tables and figures
summarizing field activities and protocols from the NWCA 2021 FOM. The QRG is meant to be used in
the field to give Field Crews a list of the required sampling protocols at each site. While comprehensive,
the steps contained in this QRG are not as detailed as the descriptions found within the FOM. The user is
assumed to have attended Field Training and completely read and understood the FOM before using
this QRG at a field site. This waterproof handbook will be a field reference used by Field Crews after
completing a required field training session. The Field Crews are also required to keep the FOM available
in the field for reference and for possible protocol clarification.
1.4.2 Site Evaluation Guidelines
The NWCA 2021 Site Evaluation Guidelines (SEG) outline the process to compile the final list of
candidate wetland sites for sampling. The process includes locating a candidate site, evaluating the site
to determine if it meets the criteria for inclusion in the target population and is accessible for sampling,
and, if not, replacing it with an alternate site.
1.4.3 Quality Assurance Project Plan
Large-scale and/or long-term monitoring programs such as those envisioned for national surveys and
assessments require a rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) program that can be implemented consistently
by all participants throughout the duration of the monitoring period. QA is a required element of all
EPA-sponsored studies that involve the collection of environmental data (USEPA 2002a). Field crews will
be provided a copy of the NWCA 2021 Quality Assurance and Project Plan (QAPP). The QAPP contains
more detailed information regarding QA/Quality Control (QC) activities and procedures associated with
general field operations, sample collection, measurement data collection for specific indicators, and
data reporting activities. For more information on the project level QA procedures, refer to the NWCA
2021 QAPP.
1.4.4 Lab Operations Manual
The methods used for the laboratory sample analysis are available in the NWCA 2021 Lab Operations
Manual (LOM).
1.4.5 NWCA Fact Sheets
Fact sheets providing basic information on the NWCA for landowners or other individuals
requesting such information will be made available to crews. Crews should consider printing
copies of these fact sheets to have with them in the field to help explain the assessment to
interested parties.
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Chapter 2 Base Location Activities and Summary of Field Operations
2.1 Introduction
This chapter aids in structuring the field season and each sampling day by providing the following
information:
Contacts for logistic and technical support (Section 2.2).
Description of site information, data forms, equipment, and sample tracking (Section 2.3).
Field Crew responsibilities (Section 2.5).
Pre-sampling Base Location activities - Preparation for field sampling (activities essential for
staging field work and for accurate data and sample collection) (Section 2.6).
Determining sampling index period (Section 2.6.1) and sampling order for sites (Section 2.6.2).
Developing weekly itineraries for sampling and compiling site information (Section 2.6.3).
Instrument checks and calibration, equipment and supply preparation, and vehicle
maintenance (Section 2.6.4).
Equipment and supply preparation (Section 2.6.5).
Field day activities (Section 2.7).
Health and safety (Section 2.7.1).
Protocols for recording data (Section 2.7.2).
Overview of sampling tasks (AA establishment; data and sample collection for buffer,
vegetation, soils, hydrology, water, chlorophyll-a, and microcystin) (Section 2.7.3).
Field protocols used in multiple NWCA indicators (Section 2.7.4).
Post-sampling Base Location activities (Section 2.8).
Equipment maintenance and clean-up (Section 2.8.1).
Sample shipping and tracking (Section 2.8.2).
Handling and transmittal of completed data (Section 2.8.3).
2.2 Logistic and Technical Support for the NWCA
Effective communication between Field Crews, EPA coordinators, and NWCA contractor support staff is
essential for the survey to proceed with maximum efficiency and to ensure collection of high-quality
data. This section provides: 1) a general description of the roles of key NWCA personnel in providing
logistical and technical support to the Field Crews, 2) the flow of communication between Field Crews
and these individuals (i.e., who to call for specific types of questions or support needs) (Table 2-1), and 3)
their contact information (Table 2-2).
The EPA Headquarters (HQ) Project Management Team consists of the Project Manager, Alternate
Project Manager, Logistics Coordinator, and NARSTeam Lead. The EPA HQ Team is responsible for
overseeing all aspects of the project and ensuring technical and QA requirements are properly carried
out. The Team is the final authority on all decisions regarding field sampling, site evaluation, site
replacement, and laboratory analysis.
The EPA Regional Coordinators are the primary EPA point of contact for Field Crews operating in their
Region. Field Crews should direct all technical and logistical questions to their EPA Regional Coordinator,
who will work with the EPA HQTeam to resolve the issue. Field Crews should also work with their EPA
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Regional Coordinator to schedule an Assistance Visit (AV) to occur within the first two weeks of field
sampling. An AV is part of the QA component of the NWCA QAPP. To meet the requirements of the
QAPP, each Field Crew will allow an EPA employee or contractor to observe that crew sampling one
entire site (typically one day of sampling). The AV is used to confirm that the protocols are implemented
as intended and to suggest corrective actions to the Field Crew's sampling approach if necessary.
The Information Management (IM) Coordinator generates the label packets which will be included in
the site kit for each site to be sampled, manages the Field Crews' data submissions via the NWCA App,
and tracks the location of each NWCA sample that is collected. Field crews are responsible for
requesting site kits via the fillable PDF Request Form before sampling occurs and submitting all pertinent
data via the NWCA App after each site visit. Backup paper field forms will be supplied to the Field Crews
prior to the start of the field season in the event the NWCA App cannot be used.
The Field Logistics Coordinator (FLC) is responsible for tracking the Field Crew's sampling schedules and
whereabouts, providing site kits and base kits with supplies and equipment, and assisting Field Crews
with questions concerning field logistics, equipment, and supplies as they arise during the field season.
Table 2-1, Personnel to call for specific types of questions and support needs.
Personnel
Call
EPA Regional Coordinators
-
First, to ask any questions about the NWCA, including
questions on the field protocols
To ask questions about your CWA Sectionl06 grant
To schedule a field Assistance Visit
EPA HQ Project Management Team
(Comprised of the Project Manager, Alternate
Project Manager, Logistics Coordinator, and
NARS Team Lead)
-
If you can't reach the EPA Regional Coordinator, IM
Coordinator, or Field Logistics Coordinator
If you are unsure of who to call
To ask questions about site access, site evaluation,
and site replacement
To ask questions about the field methods
To ask questions about the survey design
To ask questions about the quality assurance
procedures
To ask questions about the laboratory methods
Field Logistics Coordinator
-
To order more site kits, base kits, or miscellaneous
consumable supplies
To ask questions about the shipping contract,
shipping locations, or to order more shipping forms
To ask questions about sample handling procedures
To ask questions about the field methods
If an EPA Regional Coordinator directs you to contact
them
If you can't reach an EPA HQ or Regional Coordinator,
and you have an urgent question
Personnel
ONLY Call
Information Management Coordinator
If an EPA Regional Coordinator, HQTeam member of
Field Logistics Coordinator directs you to contact
them
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Table 2-2. Contact Information for Logistic and Technical Support forthe NWCA
Title
Name
Contact Information
EPA HQ NWCA Project
Manager
Gregg Serenbetz, OW
Serenbetz.Gregg@epa.gov, 202-566-1253
EPA HQ Logistics
Coordinator
Brian Hasty
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, GDIT
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
Emily Nering, Region 2
Jaclyn Woollard, Region 2
Nering. Emily@epa.gov, 732-321-6764
Woollard.Jaclyn@epa.gov, 212-637-3832
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
2.3 Overview of Key Information and Materials
Prior to going to an NWCA site to conduct sampling, the site's suitability for sampling will have been
evaluated using a desktop evaluation, and in many cases an on-site evaluation (see NWCA SEG and FOM
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Chapter 3). Each site selected for sampling is identified in a site list and a single set of coordinates are
provided for each site. The coordinates in the site list are referred to as the POINT, and will determine
the location of all sampling associated with the site. Site evaluation includes locating the NWCA POINT
and confirming that the wetland at the POINT is an NWCA target wetland type.
In addition, a variety of other kinds of information important for planning and conducting sampling must
be gathered and reviewed before going into the field. These activities are often conducted from a base
location. The base location is the location from which NWCA activities are organized and staged (e.g., a
state or tribal office, field lodgings, or a campsite).
For efficient sampling, it is critical to keep site information, data forms, sampling equipment, and gear
needed for data and sample collection at each NWCA site organized and readily available. Likewise,
managing completed data forms and the water, chlorophyll-o, microcystin, soil, and plant samples after
collection is critical to data quality and sample tracking. For the NWCA, there are standard methods to
organize and handle the equipment needed to conduct sampling as well as the data and samples
gathered at each site. Key terms and steps for this organization process are defined or introduced in this
section.
2.4 Site Packet
A Site Packet contains information key to the planning and preparation for visiting and sampling a
particular NWCA site. Development of Site Packets are initiated during site evaluation and
reconnaissance. However, the Field Crew (or other state, tribe, or organization personnel) may need to
gather additional information for the Site Packet during preparation for the sampling visit to a site. It is
the responsibility of the Field Crew (or other state, tribe, or organization personnel) to obtain access
permissions and any needed permits as part of developing the Site Packet.
Prior to the Field Crew traveling to an NWCA site for sampling, the information for the Site Packet
must be gathered and reviewed.
Site Packet Components
Label Packet: (See Section 2.4.1)
Applicable Site Maps, Aerial Photos, and Geospatial Information:
o NWCA Site Maps, Imagery, and Geospatial Data (See Section 2.4.2) - Maps and aerial photos
for the NWCA sites in each state are provided upon request by the EPA HQ Project
Management Team. Geospatial data (e.g., shapefiles, KMZ files) depicting locations and other
information for each NWCA Site are also provided by the NWCA EPA Headquarters Project
Management Team for use by states and contractors who wish to create their own maps or
images from desktop geospatial software such as ArcMap and Google Earth,
o Other Maps, Imagery, or Geospatial Data - Any other maps, aerial photos, geospatial data, or
sources of information compiled by Field Crews and/or their partners that could be helpful to
sampling the NWCA sites.
Soil Survey Information (See Section 2.4.2.1): Soil maps and soil survey information pertinent to
the site.
Information on the timing and duration of the peak growing season
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Land Ownership Status, Requirements, and Permissions for Access:
o Landowner identity and contact information,
o Results of communication with landowners,
o Documentation of permission to access private land.
o Permissions for crossing private lands to reach sites located on public lands,
o For public land, response of relevant agency to notification that the Field Crew will be
accessing a site, and, if needed, permissions to do so.
Threatened or Endangered Species Information: If applicable and per Field Crew's Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP), include information on federal or state listed species that may occur
at the site, how to avoid them, and actions to be taken if they are encountered.
Permits: Any permits or documentation required for site access, or for data collection activities
or sample/specimen collection.
Information for Accessing the Site:
o Contact information for landowners.
o Notes about whether landowner(s) want to be informed when Field Crew is on site,
o Contact information for individuals who must be available to open gates or allow entry to a
site, and the time and location for meeting them,
o Notes on locked gates, pets, livestock, or other things that could impede access,
o Notes about active hunting, farming, mining, or other activities on or near the site,
o Notes about current conditions that could prevent access (e.g., high water, forest fires).
Site Evaluation Notes (should already be in the Site Packet prepared by the Field Crew):
o Site Evaluation notes, annotated aerial photos, and completed Point Verification Form (PV-1)
in the App if a field evaluation was conducted, which can aid with planning for accessing or
sampling a site.
Driving and Hiking Routes to the Site:
o Detailed driving directions may be obtained from the NWCA Google Earth files,
o Results from the Site Evaluation may include driving directions and notations about site
access or logistically challenging conditions on the site, which can be useful in shifting the site
or helpful in anticipating special circumstances.
Preliminary Plan for Assessment Area (AA) and Buffer Plot Establishment: As part of the base
location activities to prepare for field work, the Field Crew will review aerial photos and maps of
the site and make a plan for laying out the AA based on rules in Chapter 3. If appropriate (i.e.,
location of AA is fairly certain), Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the centers of the
buffer plots could be determined and entered into a GPS unit for ease in navigating to the plots.
This plan should be included in the Site Packet.
Any other site specific information useful to the Field Crew
2.4.1 Label Packet
The Label Packet for each site is composed of:
Complete set of NWCA sample/specimen labels and tags. The sample labels will be pre-printed
with sample identification numbers which will all occur with the same sample ID series. Any Label
Packet can be used at any site, but only a single label packet should be used at any one site and
sample labels from multiple label packets should not be mixed. Note: Soil Horizon Chemistry and
Bulk Density sample tags will be supplied, upon request, at the beginning of the field season
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(along with soil sample bags). Field crews will need to request additional tags and bags as needed
during the field season.
A Label Packet for each site will be included in each Site Kit and can be added to the Site Packet prior to
going in the field.
2.4.2 NWCA Site Maps, Aerial Photos, and Geospatial Data
Site maps for each NWCA site will be produced upon request by the EPA to provide imagery to assist in
conducting sampling. The maps include:
An aerial image of each site at a scale appropriate to view wetland and land features present in
the AA and buffer surrounding the POINT.
A United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map illustrating the location of the site, at a
scale appropriate to view roads and including topographic features in the vicinity of the site, to
provide information on site access.
For those with access to ArcGIS software, an ArcMap Template containing a layer with NWCA shapefiles
is provided by EPA to assist with site evaluation. The template and shape files link to publicly available
online data that may be useful in planning sampling activities at each site. These data include the USFWS
NWI Online Mapper; the National Hydrography Dataset feature service; and imagery, topographic maps,
and a soil data layer from ESRI's online geographic information system (GIS) server. The NWCA
shapefiles also include a layer that contains all of the NWCA sites, with additional attribute information
pulled from national databases of protected areas, counties, and Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) soil survey information.
For those with access to Google Earth, there is a Google Earth KMZ file containing all of the sites in the
NWCA. Opening this file should automatically load the sites into Google Earth. Clicking on a POINT with
your mouse should cause a pop-up box to appear with basic attributes about the site. NWI data can be
added to the map by downloading a KMZ file available at http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Data-
Download.html. Soil survey data can be added to the map by downloading a KMZ file at
http://www.gelib.com/soilweb.htm or http://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soilweb-apps/.
The NWCA Site Maps, the NWCA ArcMap template and NWCA shapefiles, and the NWCA Google Earth
KMZ file should all have been made available to you. If, for any reason, you have not received these files,
they can be obtained from the EPA NARS SharePoint Site. For more information on how to access this
site, contact Kendra Forde at forde.kendragepa.gov. 202-566-0417.
2.4.2.1 Soil Survey Information
Site specific information about soils on each NWCA site will be useful in planning for sampling, as well as
providing background information that may aid in generating soil profile descriptions during data
collection. Soil Survey information can provide insight into the soil types that might be expected at a
particular NWCA site and may help the Field Crew anticipate likely site conditions and the tools that may
be needed for soil sampling. Soil Survey information for NWCA sites can easily be downloaded from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS (http://websoilsurvev.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm). In
addition, a state or local soil scientist may be able to offer useful insights into what tools may be
particularly useful for sampling soils in your area.
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2.4.3 Coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil and Plant
Science Division
NWCA Field Crews may be able to receive assistance with soil sampling at specific sites from a NRCS
state soil scientist (a list of current State soil scientists with contact information is available at
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/contactus/?cid=nrcsl42p2 053951). Field
crews desiring assistance must contact and coordinate with NRCS Soil and Plant Science Division prior to
the start of the sampling season to facilitate possible field assistance by a NRCS state soil scientist.
Assistance is not guaranteed; but, when possible, a NRCS state soil scientist may be able to accompany
the NWCA sampling crew to assist with soil sampling, provide further training, and ensure sampling
protocols are being followed accurately.
2.4.4 Other Information Resources
For each field sampling trip, you will carry a variety of resources (listed below) in addition to the Site
Packets for the site(s) to be sampled. These resources should be organized for easy access and kept in
the field vehicle or carried in the field, as appropriate, by the Crew Leader or relevant Crew Member
(See Section 2.5).
The State, Tribe, or organization approved Health and Safety Plan (See Section 2.7.1), which
should include:
o detailed health and safety protocols for field work;
o contact information and locations for emergency and medical services nearest to each site
being sampled; and
o emergency contact information for supervisors and personnel health care representatives of
the Field Crew.
NWCA logistics and research support contact information (See Section 2.2).
Floras and field guides appropriate to the region of study (See also Floristic Resources
8.7Appendix C).
Any available, regional or site specific plant species lists or wetland plant species lists that can be
helpful in plant identification (See discussion in Chapter 5, Section 5.2.3.1).
Soil reference books in addition to those that are part of the field equipment.
2.4.5 Equipment and Supplies
Organizing and maintaining NWCA equipment is discussed in Section 2.7 and a master checklist for field
equipment and supplies is provided in Section 2.9.
2.4.5.1 Master Equipment List
The state, tribe, or other organization will provide some of this equipment: however, some consumable
supplies and some durable equipment will be provided by the EPA Office of Water. Items that are
provided by EPA are included in the Site Kit or in the Base Kit (see below), which will be delivered to the
Field Crews by the FLC. See the Master Equipment List (Section 2.9) for specific items that will be
provided in the Site Kits or the Base Kit. It is also important that each Field Crew reviews the Master
Equipment List to determine what additional pieces of equipment may need to be gathered or
purchased by the Field Crew's organization prior to the field season.
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2.4.5.2 Site Kit
A Site Kit contains the subset of consumable supplies (i.e., used up during sampling or requiring
replacement after use) provided by EPA through the FLC. A new Site Kit is provided, upon request, for
each site sampled. See the Master Equipment List for the consumable items that will be provided by
EPA (e.g., cubitainers, sample bags, plastic bottles, nitrile gloves, Label Packet, etc.).
2.4.5.3 Base Kit
The Base Kit is comprised of the subset of durable equipment and supplies needed for NWCA sampling
that is provided by EPA through the FLC. One Base Kit is provided to each Field Crew and contains some
of the equipment that is used throughout the field season. See the Master Equipment List for a list of
the items provided by EPA in the Base Kit (e.g., laser rangefinder, plant presses, Munsell Soil Color book,
etc.). Crews that have sampled in a previous NWCA may have already received a Base Kit and therefore
may not need some of the Base Kit items. Each Field Crew will be contacted by the FLC to determine
their equipment needs.
2.4.6 NWCA App (Data E-Forms)
Fill in NWCA App forms while sampling the site. Fill in as much as possible within the App while in the
field and save often. Sample tracking will be completed and submitted within the App.
2.4.7 NWCA App Tracking Forms
The tracking form in the App describes the status and location of all samples and specimens collected
during the sampling of an NWCA site and is transmitted electronically to the IM Team at specified times.
When samples are shipped to the lab, a packing slip is included in the shipping container to convey to
the lab which samples are included in the shipment. These packing slips (which are pre-printed with the
same sample IDs as the individual sample labels) are included in the Label Packet with each Site Kit.
The tracking form is divided into several shipping groups, each labelled with a shipping group number
(e.g., T-l, T-2, T-3, etc.). Sample labels, packing slips, and FedEx shipping labels also carry these shipping
group numbers to help Field Crews group correct items together for shipping. See below and
8.7Appendix A for more details.
2.4.7.1 Immediately Shipped Samples
Immediately Shipped Samples are any NWCA samples that are required to be shipped within 24 hours
of collection (i.e., the same day as sampling or the following day). Samples that are immediately shipped
are water chemistry, chlorophyll-o, soil isotope, and microcystin. These samples are kept cool on blue or
wet ice or refrigerated until they are shipped, and then are shipped on wet ice (See Section 2.8.2 and
8.7Appendix A). The water chemistry and chlorophyll-o samples will be shipped overnight to a national
or state lab for analysis. The soil isotope and microcystin samples (collectively referred to as 'daily
chilled samples') will be shipped overnight to the Batch Lab, where they will be frozen and sent to the
processing labs in batches.
2.4.7.2 Batch Shipped Samples
Batch Shipped Samples are NWCA samples that are collected and held by the Field Crew for later
shipping. Samples from several sites can be shipped together in a "batch" to a designated lab for
analysis (See Section 2.8.2 and 8.7Appendix A). Unknown and QA voucher plant specimens, and soil
horizon chemistry, bulk density, and standard depth soil core samples are all shipped in batches.
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2.5 Field Crew Responsibilities
The NWCA Field Crews are responsible for collecting all field data and samples. Field Crews will also
need to conduct a number of activities at their base location (e.g., a state office, a laboratory, camping
site, or motel) that must be completed both before departure to the wetland site and after return from
the field.
Field Crew tasks will include:
1) gathering information for the Site Packet and obtaining permits and permissions for site access
or sample collection, if not previously completed (Section 2.4);
2) reviewing the Site Packet (Section 2.4) prior to going to an NWCA site and making a preliminary
plan for establishing the AA (Chapter 3);
3) organizing equipment, supplies, and the field vehicle prior to traveling to the field sites and after
sampling has been completed (Sections 2.6 and 2.8);
4) conducting NWCA data and sample collection at field sites (Section 2.7; Chapter 3, Chapter 4,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8);
5) post-sampling handling, shipping, and tracking of samples and submission of data via the NWCA
App (Sections 2.8.2 and 2.8.3, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 8); and
6) cleaning and maintaining equipment (Section 2.8.1).
The Field Crew is comprised of the Vegetation (Veg) Team and the Assessment Area-Buffer (AB)Team,
each with two members. The Veg Team is composed of a Botanist/Ecologist and a Botanist Assistant.
The AB Team is composed of a Soil Specialist and a Field Technician. See the NWCA 2021 QAPP for a
complete description of Field Crew duties and qualifications (QAPP, Section 1.6.1). One of the Field Crew
Members will serve as the Crew Leader and will have responsibilities for planning field logistics and
sampling, and confirming that all data and samples have been collected and submitted.
Veg Team - Primary field sampling responsibilities are:
locating the NWCA POINT and establishing the AA (Chapter 3) in tandem with the AB Team; and
collecting Vegetation data and plant specimens (Chapter 5).
AB Team - Primary field sampling responsibilities are:
locating the NWCA POINT and establishing the AA (Chapter 3) in tandem with the Veg Team;
collecting physical alteration data in the AA and Buffer (Chapter 4);
collecting soils data and samples (Chapter 6);
collecting hydrology data (Chapter 7); and
collecting water chemistry, chlorophyll-o, and microcystin samples (Chapter 8).
Crew Leader - Primary responsibilities are:
developing or participating in the development of sampling schedules (See Section 2.6.2); then
ensuring the FLC and the Field Crew's local supervisor(s) have the sampling schedules;
keeping the FLC and local supervisors updated about any sampling schedule changes that may
occur;
developing field itineraries and preparing for sampling; identifying field accommodations and
making lodging reservations; and checking that needed supplies, equipment, and data forms are
available to conduct the planned work;
organizing the Field Crew's daily field activities and pre- and post-sampling base location
activities;
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overseeing the Field Crew's sampling activities and reviewing data and App forms;
double checking that all data and samples have been collected before leaving a site;
ensuring all samples are shipped to designated locations within the correct timeframes; and
ensuring NWCA App data are submitted to the IM Team in a timely manner.
The number of NWCA sites a Field Crew will be able to sample per week is likely to vary depending upon
ease of access, relative proximity of sites to one another and to the Field Crew's base location, and on
sampling challenges posed by various site conditions. An effective approach to sampling might be for a
Field Crew to sample two or three sites per week on average, using additional days as needed for travel,
reviewing forms, managing plant specimens, identifying unknown plant species, sample packaging and
shipment, confirming site access permission, equipment cleanup, equipment repair, lodging logistics,
and restocking field supplies, forms, and crew essentials (e.g., food).
2.6 Pre-Sampling Base Location Activities
This section focuses on base location activities that must be completed prior to going into the field to
sample an NWCA site. Procedures for these activities are described in detail in the subsections below
and summarized in Reference Card OPS-1 (Figure 2-1). Section 2.8 describes base location activities that
must be conducted post field sampling.
2.6.1 Sampling Index Period
Field sampling for the NWCA should take place during peak growing season when most vegetation at a
sample site is fully leafed and in flower or fruit. If sampling cannot take place during the peak growing
season, crews should still plan to sample near the peak growing season such that vegetation is
identifiable. Sampling at or near the peak of the growing season minimizes phenological, biomass, and
cover variability and enhances plant species identification accuracy, particularly of difficult species such
as grasses and sedges. This sampling index period optimizes characterization of the vegetation. It is
expected that the Botanist/Ecologist on the crew will be familiar with the timing of peak flowering for
the wetland types and wetland plant communities in the state or region that they are responsible for
sampling. The overall index period for sampling across the conterminous US can range from April to
early September, but for an individual sample site will likely fall into a much narrower range depending
on a variety of factors. It is critical that Field Crews sample each location during the site-appropriate
period.
Timing and duration of the peak growing season for each sample site will vary depending on wetland
type, geographic location, and elevation, and on the precipitation, temperature, and hydrological
patterns prevailing in a given year. Note that within a state or region, NWCA sites occurring at lower
elevations or in drier, warmer locations are likely to be ready to sample earlier in the index period, and
sites at higher elevations or in wetter, cooler locations are likely to be at peak growing season later in
the index period. Sampling schedules need to take into account the appropriate time to sample sites
based on the vegetation within the broader index period.
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Reference Card OPS-i: Site Evaluation and Pr*-Samplinf Base Location Activities
Site Evaluation (See NWCft Site Evaluation Guidelines)
1) Desk evaluation of each NWCA site -Determine :f site is sampleabieand par. of the MWCA target Deputation
2} Obtain permission to access and sample s;te, any necessary permits for data and sample collection
3; On-site field evaluation of individual NWCA sites
4; AssenbleSite Jacket for each site
Site Jacket Components;
Lade' Packet (sniooed with site Kit;
\WC A site maos, aena) photos, and other imagery
Soil survey information
land cwnersnip and requirements or permissions for access
aerrrnts for site access and/or data and sample collection
Sampling index Period and Recommended Approach for Detern
11 Determine t^e nest sampling mde* period for each site.
2,1 Develop a schedule for tne sampling order of tne \\VCAsf a sue must be drooped because >s unsampieaole, follow the instruct ens m the Fie a Ooerations
Manual and Site Evaluation Guidelines to obtain an alternate site Contact vourE^A Regional Coordinator or the E3A HO
Team to confirm that the correct alternate site is selected,
Planning Field Itineraries and Prepating for a Sampling Trip
ij Determine c.hxh MWCA s>tes v.'.H oe sampled during tie sampling trio.
2; Organize and conf'rm lodging fot the trip,
?; Assenib'eSite ^acKetsj'ncluding Label Packet; for all sites to oe sampied and ens jre that an packets are complete
4; Review all pert me nt information sources about sites to oe sampled |e g., S-te Evaluation results, son survey, maps, oiant
species lists, site access requirements, etc,; Consult'.vith \'RCS Soil Scientists for advice about !e)d instruments prior to departure
Ij Laser RangefinderchecK
2) GPS battery checx
3) Camera batter/ and supply check
4; i^ad battery and back-up battery check (if applicable;
5! Ensure :Pad is loaded with current version of NWCA App
6; Multt-probe meter performance test (tf applitaolej
Equipment and Supply Pieparation-
1; inventory supal ,es and equipment prior to departure using tne NW CA 2C21 Master Equipment List. The Master
equipment List identifies suophes provided by tne state, tribe or other organization or provided by EPA Office of Water.
2! Tne field Logistics Coordinator will provide some durable sampling equipment in the Base Kit at the beginning of the field
season, and will provide Site Kits (upon request) thai contain a label oacket and consumable supplies for each MWCA site,
ซ MOTE: Soil bags and soil horizon tags {for SMBD and SHCH samples; will not be included in the Site
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2.S.2 Determining Sampling Order and Selecting Alternate POINTS
For many states the Field Crew, Site Evaluation Team, and the group who schedules the timing and
order for sampling sites may be comprised of the same individuals. In other cases, a different set of
personnel from the relevant state, tribe, or organization associated with the Field Crew may handle this
task and communicate the schedule for sampling to the Field Crew. This will likely be the case where
multiple crews are operating in one state. It is vitally important that all people involved in scheduling
or coordinating field sampling communicate with one another to ensure the most efficient sampling
approach and to eliminate any chance of either double sampling of the same sites or skipping sites.
The sampling order for NWCA sites should allow for the most efficient data collection and most
favorable travel logistics while coinciding with peak (or near peak) growing season incorporating the
appropriate index period for each site. A recommended procedure for developing a plan for sampling
order for the NWCA sites in the state(s) where you are working is outlined below.
1) Begin by examining the state specific NWCA 2021 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 in the state for three separate
stratum (ReSamp_2016, Estuarine, and 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 revisit 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 POINTS (Panel Use = Base21 16RVT2. Base21 16. and Base21 21) must be
evaluated and should be sampled unless they are determined to be non-target or non-sampleable
(See Site Evaluation Guidelines, USEPA 2021c).
Base Site - A base site is a POINT that was randomly selected during the development of the
survey design. Base sites in NWCA 2021 are further distinguished by whether they are revisit
sites ("Base21_16RVT2"), NWCA 2016 resample sites ("Base21_16"), or new sites
("Base21_21").
Revisit Site (Base21_16RVT2) - A revisit site is a base site that is sampled twice during the same
field season to gather information on the quality and noisiness of data collected in the NWCA.
o If a revisit site cannot be sampled, refer to the Site Evaluation Guidelines for the proper
steps to replace it.
o The second sampling visit (Visit #2) to a revisit site should occur as far apart as possible
within the index period for the site, but at a minimum 2 weeks, after the initial sampling visit
(Visit #1).
o All the same data and samples are collected for both Visit #1 and Visit #2.
Resample Site (Base21_16) - A resample site is a base site that was sampled and/or evaluated
in the 2016 NWCA survey.
o Every attempt should be made to sample the exact location as in NWCA 2016, using the
same Assessment Area layout and AA CENTER coordinate.
New Site (Base21_21) - Base sites that are new randomly selected POINTS in NWCA 2021.
Oversample Site - An oversample site is a randomly selected POINT that can be used as a
replacement for an unsampleable base site.
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o Oversample POINTS are used as alternate base sites in the order they are listed on the Site
Evaluation Spreadsheet for a state,
o If an oversample site on the list is skipped (i.e.. it is not evaluated and either sampled or
determined to be non-target or non-sampleable). it creates a data gap that invalidates all
data from sampled sites that occur below the skipped site and affects the validity of the
survey design.
2) During Site Evaluation it is likely that some POINTs in your state were found to be non-target or
unsampleable. The Site Evaluation Team, working with the EPA HQ Project Management Team, will
have used the following rules to select alternate sites from the Site Evaluation Spreadsheet for your
state (See Site Evaluation Guidelines (USEPA 2021c)).
Base sites that are determined to be non-target or non-sampleable are replaced within their
respective Stratum (Stratum = ReSamp_2016, Estuarine, and Inland) following Figure 2-2.
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2016 Sites (Stratum = ReSamp_2016)
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 2-2 NWCA 2021 Site Replacement Plan (primary and alternate). Base Panels in shaded cells, oversample
panels in unshaded cells.
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
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crews to fill the site evaluation spreadsheet for each evaluated site regardless of whether it was
sampled.
3) After Site Evaluation has been completed, you will have a final list of sites to sample, which includes
two revisit sites, all base sites not dropped during Site Evaluation, and the alternate sites
(oversample sites from the site list for your state) that replaced any sites dropped because they
were determined to be non-target or non-sampleable (See Site Evaluation Guidelines, USEPA2021c).
4) After reviewing the final list of NWCA sites to be sampled, determine the best index period for each
of these sites (See Section 2.6.1).
5) Develop a schedule for the order and timing for sampling the sites that incorporates specific index
periods and geographic proximity of NWCA sites. Prioritize sampling date order by:
index period that is most appropriate for each site;
geographic proximity of sites to one another; and
proximity of field lodging and/or shipping locations to sites.
This procedure will minimize travel time, maximize in-field time, and allow sampling of individual
NWCA sites as closely as possible to peak growing season.
6) Occasionally upon arrival at a site, you may discover that it is no longer sampleable (See Chapter 3)
because:
only a Desktop Site Evaluation was completed and conditions on the ground do not match the
information used in the evaluation;
it became non-target in the interval since Site Evaluation (e.g., was developed and is no longer a
wetland, was put into active crop production, etc.);
access permission or sampling permits have been revoked or could not be obtained;
conditions on the site are hazardous or the site is completely inaccessible; or
an AA could not be established on the site.
If this occurs, follow the instructions below (also found in the Site Evaluation Guidelines) for
selecting a new site.
7) If a site must be dropped in the field and there is only one Field Crew working in a state, determine
the correct alternate site with which to replace the dropped site (see Figure 2-2).
If there are multiple Field Crews working in a state, then the individual who is coordinating the
sampling schedule for the Field Crews will select any needed alternate sites and communicate their
location and when to sample them to the appropriate Field Crew. If the Field Crews are from
different organizations, the communications should be facilitated through the FLC.
Information on POINTS determined to be non-sampleable and the selection of alternate POINTS to
replace them is reported to EPA and the NWCA FLC throughout the period of site evaluation and
field sampling. EPA and the FLC will review the information to:
confirm that the correct process was used to select the alternate POINT;
confirm which Field Crew is responsible for sampling the alternate POINT (if multiple
organizations are sampling within state boundaries); and
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report the replacement of revisit and base POINTS with oversample POINTS to
appropriate Field Crew(s) and agencies AND to the EPA Project Team.
Once the alternate sample site is confirmed, the person coordinating the sampling schedule for the
Crew(s) and/or the FLC will determine which Field Crew is responsible for sampling the alternate
POINT (if multiple organizations are sampling within state boundaries).
Finally, the sampling order plan is modified to include the new alternate site into the schedule based
on its appropriate index period (e.g., peak growing season) and geographic proximity to other NWCA
sites. If the peak growing season for the alternate site has already passed, it should be sampled as
soon as practicable based on logistic considerations.
Repeat this process whenever a site must be dropped in the field.
2.6.3 Planning Field Itineraries and Preparation for Sampling
The Field Crew Leader, with assistance from the other Field Crew Members, will develop an itinerary for
each sampling trip; the length of which may vary from 1 or 2 days, a week, or longer time period
depending on distances to sites and number of sites sampled. The itinerary includes the sampling
schedule and locations of NWCA sites to be completed during the trip, lodging locations and contact
information, FedEx shipping locations, and other important information. Some important steps in
developing the itinerary and preparing for the sampling trip are listed below.
Determine which NWCA sites will be sampled based on the sampling plan and the order for
sampling sites based on the index period, geographic proximity of sites to one another, and access
logistics (See Section 2.6.2).
Address logistical issues:
o Review routes for navigating to and accessing each site.
o Call the landowners or local contacts to confirm access permission and notify them regarding
the timing of the sampling visit,
o If necessary, arrange rendezvous locations and times with individuals who must provide
access to a site (e.g., open gates, provide any keys to gates, or accompany the Field Crew,
etc.).
o If needed, arrange consultation or field meetings with a local soil scientist,
o Determine the best locations for field lodging during the sampling trip, make needed
reservations, and confirm lodging plans,
o Identify your nearest FedEx drop off location or arrange a pickup for immediately shipped
samples.
Ensure the Site Packets for each scheduled site are complete before leaving to travel to the sites
(See Section 2.4):
o Confirm that a complete Label Packet is included in the Site Packet for each site,
o When multiple sites are to be sampled, keep extra Site Kits in the vehicle.
Locate and review any special information resources (e.g., soil surveys, plant species lists) that
would be helpful to conducting sampling (See Section 2.4.3).
Work with other Crew members to review the aerial photos in the Site Packet for each site to gain
an overview of the area in the vicinity of the POINT and to develop a preliminary plan for the
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location, layout, and establishment of the AA (See Chapter 3). Preplanning is critical to maximize
the actual onsite time available to collect data and samples at the site.
Ensure that the safety manual and emergency contact information is always with the Field Crew
so it is available if needed.
Important communications:
o Inform your local supervisors and personal emergency contacts of the field schedule, the
Site IDs for sites to be sampled, where the Field Crew is going each day, and the expected
time of return to the field lodging or camp. It is critical for safety reasons that the location of
the Field Crew is known by someone able to respond quickly in the event of an emergency,
o Inform the FLC of the basic field schedule and the Site IDs for the sites to be sampled
(through the submission of updated Site Evaluation Spreadsheets). The FLC will
communicate the Field Crew's start date and general schedule to the appropriate persons,
o Contact the FLC directly about any issues related to NWCA data or tracking submissions, etc.
o Requests for supplies should be made using the NWCA 2021 Request Form. If needed,
interact directly with the FLC, who will provide assistance to the Field Crews regarding needs
for additional supplies or shipping containers, etc.
o Contact your Regional EPA Coordinator if you have technical questions regarding the field
protocols, design, or site replacement procedures. The Regional EPA Coordinator will work
with the EPA HQ Project Management Team to provide a response directly to the Field Crew
in a timely manner.
o Contact any member of the EPA HQ Project Management team if you have a time sensitive
question and cannot get in contact with the IM Team, FLC, or Regional EPA Coordinator,
o Contact your NRCS soil contact to coordinate sampling activities if this is one of the
designated sites NRCS is sampling in conjunction with NWCA.
Planning for special circumstances:
o Tidal wetlands - Check tide tables for all tidal wetlands and schedule arrival and departure to
and from the site to maximize the time available for sampling. For example, arrive on-site as
the tide is going out so that you can begin work on the landward side of the site and work
toward the seaward side as the tide recedes. This allows work to be continued until the tide
begins coming in again and flooding lower areas. Note that the timing of flooding and
exposure of areas within the AA may require some modification of the normal sampling order
to complete all sampling tasks,
o Difficult soils - Review of information in the Site Packet may indicate that collection of soil
samples at a particular site could be problematic. If difficult-to-sample soils are anticipated,
the local NRCS soil scientist may have useful advice or may be able to lend you tools to aid in
the collection of soil samples,
o Difficult or complex sites - Sites that require long travel or hike-in distances, particularly
those with complex topography or sites with high plant species diversity, may take more than
one day to sample. In these rare instances, the Field Crew will need to plan for camping on
site and to determine how to handle the extra gear and food required. For sites that take
more than one day to sample, but which are located near lodging or a developed
campground, the Field Crew will want to plan for what can remain in the field (e.g., AA, Veg
Plot, and Soil Plot marker) for the next sampling day in order to expedite data and sample
collection.
o Listed Species - Field Crews have the potential to encounter federally listed species and
critical habitats that are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) while conducting
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field sampling. Crew Leaders are expected to have an understanding of the federally listed
species and their critical habitats and state species of concern that have the potential to
occur at or near a given sampling site, including habitats that will be used to access the
sampling site. Crew Leaders are responsible for making their crew members aware of
potential occurrences of listed species and their critical habitat. Efforts should be made to
minimize risks to listed species and their critical habitats and avoid the take of listed species
while implementing the NWCA field protocols. For example, crews are expected to:
ฆ allow a listed species to naturally move away from the sampling area (do not herd or
harass);
ฆ immediately release listed taxa if they are unintentionally collected); and
ฆ implement additional limitations that may be established in the scientific sampling
permits.
These best practices are not an exhaustive list of requirements for Field Crews. Regulations
and guidelines provide useful risk minimization practices when sampling in areas that may
have listed species. Field Crews are expected to be aware of the recommendations and
guidelines that apply in a given state and for a given species.
2.6.4 Field Instrument Checks and Calibration
Each Field Crew must test and calibrate field instruments prior to sampling. Field instruments include a
laser rangefinder, a GPS receiver, a camera, and an optional multi-parameter sonde for measuring
temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, and pH in water. Ideally, Field Crews will have access
to backup instruments in case any instruments fail the manufacturer performance tests or calibrations
prior to a field trip. Field Crews should carry extra batteries for all instruments used in the field.
2.6.4.1 Laser Rangefinder
Follow the instructions in the user's manual for operating and maintaining your laser rangefinder.
Before traveling to the first field site, run through the procedures for operating the rangefinder until you
are comfortable with its operation. Throughout the field season, make any recommended periodic
maintenance checks suggested in the user's manual.
2.6.4.2 Global Positioning System
Turn on the GPS receiver and check the batteries prior to departure. Replace batteries immediately if a
battery warning is displayed. Ensure that extra batteries are carried in the field. Complete any
calibration requirements described in the GPS manual. GPS uses many alternative mathematical models
to describe the spherical shape of the earth and each is a separate Datum. The NWCA standard Datum
will be NAD83. GPS units should be switched to this datum as part of their pre-field set up. Use True
North bearings for all locational recording and the metric system for any distance measurements.
2.6.4.3 Camera Battery
Turn on the digital camera and check the batteries prior to departure from the base location. Replace
batteries immediately if a battery warning is displayed. Carry extra batteries in the field. For
rechargeable batteries, make certain to keep a charged battery in the camera and another battery in the
charger. Ensure that the camera memory card has sufficient space for the photos to be captured during
the week. If needed, carry an additional memory card or a camera-specific cable/adapter for
downloading images. Keep lens paper, or cloths, and lens cleaning solution in the camera case for easy
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access in the field. Refer to 8.7Appendix D for photography guidelines and a list of required photos to
take at each NWCA site.
2.6.4.4 Electronic Data Capture Device Battery Check
When using the iPad for data collection in the field, turn on the device and check the battery prior to
departure. Charge overnight to ensure enough battery for a full field day. Battery packs are often
available for these devices if battery life is a concern. Putting the iPad into airplane mode or turning off
Wi-Fi and other communications can help extend the life of the battery while in the field.
2.6.4.5 Multi-parameter Sonde Performance Test (if applicable)
Multi-parameter sondes are not required for completion of NWCA protocols, but some crews may elect
to use them to record in situ measurements of existing surface water. If a multi-parameter sonde is to
be used, Field Crews should test and calibrate the sonde prior to departure from the base site, following
either the SOP developed for the instrument or the manufacturer's calibration and maintenance
procedures. Field crews should perform a periodic QC check of the pH and conductivity meters (where
applicable).
Table 2-3. Instrument checks and calibration
Equipment
Preparation
Laser Rangefinder
Check batteries prior to departure
Perform manufacturer checks as necessary to ensure accuracy
GPS Unit
Check the batteries prior to departure
Ensure map datum is set to NAD83
Perform manufacturer checks as necessary to ensure accuracy
Camera
Check batteries prior to departure
Check memory card capacity to ensure enough memory for additional photos
Electronic Data Capture
Device (iPad)
Check the battery prior to departure
Ensure NWCA App is installed and functioning
Multi-parameter Sonde
(Optional)
Calibrate per manufacturer guidelines (Dissolved Oxygen to be calibrated as close
to the site as possible)
Check the batteries prior to departure
Perform QC Check as directed by manufacturer and/or lab protocols
2.6.5 Equipment and Supply Preparation
Field Crews must inventory supplies and equipment prior to departure for each trip using the Master
Equipment List provided in Section 2.9 to avoid forgetting any item(s) whose absence could preclude
collecting data or samples at a field site. This task can be divided between the Veg and AB Teams, with
each focusing on the gear and supplies that their team requires. Pack equipment, supplies, and any
samples carried in the vehicle such that physical shock and vibration are minimized during transport.
Keep personal field gear, equipment, and samples in the same locations in the vehicle for each trip so
that packing becomes routine and omissions are easier to spot. The Crew Leader should confirm that
everything needed is present before departing for the field.
The FLC will provide some durable sampling equipment in the Base Kit at the beginning of the field
season and will provide a Site Kit (upon request) that contains consumable supplies for each NWCA site,
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including a Label Packet. Other equipment and supplies are provided by your state, tribe, or other
organization. See the Master Equipment List (Section 2.9) and Section 2.4.5 for details.
You will use a couple of chemical solutions as part of the sampling or clean-up protocols for the NWCA,
including magnesium carbonate and bleach. Magnesium carbonate solution will be part of the Base Kit
provided by the FLC. You will need to prepare bleach solution or appropriate disinfecting solution for
cleaning gear and equipment. If necessary, before going into the field, prepare stock solutions as
described in Table 2-4. When preparing solutions, follow appropriate safety protocols, (e.g., see your
state, tribe, or other organization approved safety plan and procedures).
Table 2-4. Stock solutions, uses, and methods for preparation
Use
Preparation
Bleach (10%)
if used
Clean waders, shovels, dipper,
and other gear.
Add 400mL laundry bleach to
3,600m L water.
MgC03 (Magnesium Carbonate)
Buffer for Chlorophyll-o
Dissolve lg MgC03 per 100ml
distilled water
Vehicle Maintenance
Follow your state, tribe, or other organization approved guidelines for maintaining and operating your
field vehicle.
In addition, it is important to clean the vehicle when traveling to different geographic areas (e.g., at the
end of a sampling trip or at intervals during the sampling trip if traveling long distances between sites) to
remove propagules of invasive plant species or other non-native biotic hitchhikers. For example, the
vehicle might be routinely taken through a car wash at specified intervals.
2.7 Daily Field Activities
This section presents an overview of the sampling activities that a four-person Field Crew conducts
during a typical one-day visit to a site, and it also presents details of protocols that pertain to the entire
sampling day or to multiple individual indicator protocols.
Safety and health considerations and guidelines related to field operations are described in
Section 2.7.1.
Guidelines for recording data are presented in Section 2.7.2.
An overview and flowchart (Reference Card OPS-2, Side A and Side B) Figure 2-4 describing
how to structure the field day to accomplish all sampling tasks is provided in Section 2.7.3.
NWCA protocol tasks that apply to data collection for multiple wetland indicators are found in
Section 2.6.4 including gathering information on site and sample status, guidelines for GPS use,
post-sampling review of forms and samples, cleanup, and final checks.
Major sample and data collection tasks for the Veg and AB Teams are listed below in Table 2-5, along
with estimated times required for their completion at sites of varying complexity.
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Table 2-5. Estimated time ranges for field activities depending on site complexity. It is anticipated that most
sites will fall in the middle of these ranges. Estimates do not include travel to and from the site.
Task
Veg Team - Hours to Complete
AB Team - Hours to Complete
Number of
People
Range
Number
of people
Range
Easy
Site
Highly
Complex
Site
Easy Site
Highly
Complex
Site
AA - Site verification/POINT &
CENTER Location/ AA
establishment
2 people
0.50
1.00
2 people
0.50
1.00
Vegetation - Plot layout, Data
and specimen collection
2 people
2.50
8.00
Buffer-Transect location and
data collection
1-2 people
1.00
2.50
Soil - Plot location, data and
sample collection
2 people
2.00
4.00
Hydrology - Data collection
1 person
0.25
1.00
Microcystin - Sample collection
and processing
1 person
0.50
0.50
Water - Sample collection
1 person
0.25
0.50
Sample/Specimen Handling and
Tracking
1-2 people
1.00
2.00
1-2 people
1.00
1.50
Sample Day Length = Total
Hours/Site
4.00
11.00
5.50
11.00
Estimated Mean Sample Day Length1 = ~ 8 to 9 hrs
Estimated mean sample day length based on combined estimated minimum times for easy sites and maximum times
highly complex for tasks for each team.
2.7.1 Health and Safety
Collection and analysis of samples can involve risks to personal safety and health, and the safety of the
Field Crew must always be the primary consideration during sampling. This section describes general
safety considerations, some safety equipment, and safety guidelines for field operations.
This section does not substitute for an official Health and Safety Plan. The Crew MUST ALWAYS
carefully follow the protocols in their Health and Safety Plan for the NWCA field work that was
approved by the state, tribe, or other organization with which the Field Crew is affiliated. A copy of
this approved Health and Safety plan must be carried in the field.
Basic health and safety considerations for field work are presented in Table 2-6. It is the responsibility of
the group safety officer (state, tribe, or other organization) to ensure that necessary safety courses are
taken by all field personnel and all safety policies and procedures are followed. Each state, tribe, or
other organization must have a specific safety plan for the NWCA sites they sample, including a
communications plan that addresses safety and emergency situations. The plan should have a daily
check-in procedure for field personnel, and emergency contacts for police, ambulance, fire
departments, hospitals, and search and rescue personnel.
In wetlands, a potential hazard is water overlying soft sediments. Care should be taken in situations
where shallow water overlies deep soft sediments to avoid falling or becoming mired. In these
situations, it is important for people to work in pairs so that one person can assist someone who is stuck
in the mud. For example, a long-handled shovel can be used to help pull a person from the mud while a
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second person stays on firmer ground. This is also a case where the plastic snow sled recommended in
the soils protocol can be used as a platform to distribute a person's weight and enable them to crawl
out of a dangerous area. This is particularly important in tidal situations. The NWCA recognizes these
safety issues; a sampleable wetland AA can have no more than 10% of its area with water greater than
1-m deep or a combination of water and soft sediment that may be hazardous.
Some hazards lie out of sight beneath the surface of wetland waters or their associated ponds, rivers,
and streams. Broken glass or sharp pieces of metal embedded in the substrate can cause serious injury if
care is not exercised when walking or working with the hands in such environments. Infectious agents
and toxic substances that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled may also be present in the water
or sediment. Personnel who may be exposed to water known or suspected to contain human or animal
waste that may carry pathogens must be immunized against tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid fever, and polio.
Other types of biological organisms can also be a threat (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, amoebae, or
parasites).
If boats are used to access sampling sites (e.g., for tidally influenced sites or wetlands fringing bodies of
water), personnel must be trained in operating the type of boat in use and must consider and prepare
for hazards associated with the operation of motor vehicles, boats, winches, tools, and other incidental
equipment. Boat operators should be familiar with U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations for safe
boating contained in a pamphlet, Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats, available from a local
U.S. Coast Guard Director or Auxiliary or State Boating Official and online (U.S. Coast Guard,
http://uscgboating.org/content/about.php). Some states also require that boat operators attend a
state-specific safety training program to be allowed to operate boats. All boats with motors must have
fire extinguishers, boat horns, life jackets or flotation cushions, and flares or communication devices.
Field Crew members should be familiar with hazards associated with the use of sampling equipment and
establish appropriate safety practices prior to their use. They must ensure that all equipment is in safe
working condition. Proper field clothing should be worn to prevent hypothermia, heat exhaustion,
sunstroke, or other dangers. For boat accessed sites, field personnel should be able to swim, and
personal flotation devices must be worn. Chest waders made of rubberized or neoprene material, and
suitable footwear should be worn with a belt to help prevent them from filling with water in case of a
fall. Appropriate safety apparel such as waders, gloves, safety glasses, etc. must be available and used
when necessary. First aid kits, fire extinguishers, and blankets must be readily available. Cellular or
satellite telephones and/or portable radios should be carried by Field Crews working in remote areas for
use in an emergency. Supplies, such as anti-bacterial soap and an adequate supply of clean water or
ethyl alcohol (ETOH), must be available for cleaning exposed body parts that may have been
contaminated by pollutants in the water.
Wetlands and surrounding landscapes can be home to dangerous organisms. Field Crews should take
care to minimize contact with biting insects, bees, poisonous snakes and dangerous animals. Insect
repellent and protective clothing will help to limit exposure. At the end of each field day, workers should
inspect their bodies for ticks. Any person allergic to bee stings, other insect bites, or plants (i.e., poison
ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, etc.) should take proper precautions and have any needed medications
on hand. In addition, Field Crew members should always be aware of their surroundings to protect
themselves from dangerous animals, such as alligators, mountain lions, bears, and wolves.
Personnel participating in field activities on either a regular or infrequent basis should be in sound
physical condition and have a physical examination annually or in accordance with regional, state, tribe,
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or organizational requirements. All surface waters and sediments should be considered potential health
hazards due to potential toxic substances and/or pathogens.
During field research activities, it is possible that Field Crews may observe violations of environmental
regulations, may discover improperly disposed hazardous materials, or may observe an accidental spill
or release of hazardous materials. If this occurs, it is important that the proper actions be taken and field
personnel do not expose themselves to something harmful. The following guidelines apply:
1) First and foremost, protect the health and safety of all personnel. Take any necessary steps to
avoid injury or exposure to hazardous materials. If you have been trained to take a particular action
(e.g., cleaning up a minor fuel spill during fueling of a boat), do so. However, you should always err
on the side of personal safety when considering any action.
2) Field personnel should never disturb or retrieve improperly disposed hazardous materials from the
field to bring back to a facility for "disposal". To do so may increase impact, incur personal liability or
liability for the Crew Members and their respective organizations, cause personal injury, or cause
unbudgeted expenditure of time and money for proper treatment and disposal of the material.
3) It is important not to ignore environmental incidents. Notify the proper authorities of any incident
involving hazardous materials so they can take the necessary response actions. For most
environmental incidents, the following emergency telephone numbers should be provided to all
Field Crews: state or tribal department of environmental quality or protection, U.S. Coast Guard,
and the EPA regional office. If a Field Crew is unsure about who to contact, they should call their
Designated EPA Coordinator. In the event of a major environmental incident, the National Response
Center may need to be notified at 1-800-424-8802.
2.7.1.1 COVID Precautions
Safety is the number one concern for all personnel. In implementing the NWCA, crews should follow
their agencies' guidance on maintaining social distance, use of personal protective equipment, travel
restrictions, sanitizing equipment, vehicles and boats, and if necessary, hotel rooms. NWCA training and
assistance visits will be implemented in a manner that considers Covid-19 safety requirements and
restrictions.
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Table 2-6, Basic health and safety considerations for field work
Recommended Training:
First aid
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Vehicle safety (e.g., operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles)
Boating and water safety (if boats are required to access sites)
Field safety (weather, personal safety, orienteering, site reconnaissance prior to sampling)
Equipment design, operation, and maintenance
Handling of chemicals and other hazardous materials that might be encountered
Communications:
Check-in schedule
Sampling itinerary (vehicle used, description and license plate number, time of departure & return, travel route)
Contacts for police, ambulance, hospitals, fire departments, search and rescue personnel
Emergency services available near each sampling site and base location
Cell phone or satellite phone
Carry your Health and Safety plan and locate the nearest hospital/emergency center before you start sampling
Personal Safety:
Field clothing and other protective gear (including lifejackets for boat accessed sites) for all Crew Members
Medical and personal information (allergies, personal health conditions)
Personal contacts (family, telephone numbers, etc.)
Physical exams and immunizations
Persons allergic to bee stings, other insect bites, or plants (i.e., poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, etc.) must take
proper precautions and have any needed medications available
General Safety Guidelines for Field Operations:
Two persons must be present during all sampling activities; no one should be left alone while in the field
Minimize exposure to wetland water and sediments. Use gloves, if necessary, and clean exposed body parts after
contact
All electrical equipment should bare the Underwriters Laboratories approval seal and be properly grounded
Use appropriate protective equipment (e.g., gloves, safety glasses) when handling and using any chemicals
Handle and dispose of chemical wastes properly; do not dispose of any chemicals in the field
Persons working in areas where venomous snakes or spiders may be encountered should check with the local Drug and
Poison Control Center for recommendations on what should be done in case of a bite.
Persons working where large predatory animals, e.g., as bears, cougars, wolves, or alligators are known, should be
familiar with and take appropriate precautions for avoiding encounters that could lead to aggressive behavior or attacks
Field personnel should protect themselves against tick bites because of potential risk of acquiring pathogens that cause
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis
Where mosquitoes or other biting insects are prevalent (particularly where they are known to potentially transmit
diseases such as West Nile virus), minimize exposure to bites by wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants and, as
appropriate, by wearing mosquito nets or using insect repellent
Be familiar with the symptoms of hypothermia and know what to do in case symptoms occur. Hypothermia can kill a
person at temperatures much above freezing (up to 10ฐC or 50ฐF) if he or she is exposed to wind or becomes wet
Precautions to Prevent Heat/Sun Stroke:
Field personnel should be familiar with the symptoms of heat/sun stroke and be prepared to move a suffering individual
into cooler surroundings, hydrate immediately, and seek medical help. Some symptoms include:
o Heat Stroke: Extremely high body temperature (above 103ฐF); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid,
strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness
o Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea
or vomiting; fainting
Carry a portable shade device for areas where little shade is expected
Set a daily high temperature ceiling above which you should stop sampling for the day
Review the CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response Guidance on extreme heat
(http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp).
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2.7.2 Procedures for Recording Data
The NWCA App data and tracking forms are formatted so that the data you record can be submitted
electronically immediately after sampling. For the NWCA, there will be over 4 million data fields
entered, reviewed, assured, and stored in perpetuity. The legacy of this study starts with the IM Team's
ability to capture what you are communicating via the NWCA App. Thus, it is important that field data
and sample information are recorded completely, accurately, and consistently. It is recommended that
all field data be submitted via the NWCA app as soon as possible after sampling. Revisions can be made
to the data at any time, and each new App submission automatically updates the IM Database.
2.7.2.1 NWCA App Forms
Detailed instructions for completing specific App forms are provided in each major indicator chapter.
Some key points for completing all forms are discussed below and standard guidelines that must be
followed for recording field data are presented in Table 2-7.. Back up paper forms will be provided to
all Field Crews in the event the iPad or App fails.
Site ID and Visit Number - Correctly recording the Site ID and Visit number is vital to data quality. If this
information is incorrect or omitted, it may be impossible to connect data or samples to a particular site,
resulting in lost data. Thus, it is critical to:
carefully select the correct State, Site ID, and Visit number as you access the initial menu selections
in the App;
enter the correct sampling date for the site into the AA Establishment Form (AA-1); if a site is
sampled over multiple days, use the first day of sampling as the official sampling date; the date
entered on the AA-1 form will populate to other form headers as well, but those can each be
changed manually if needed;
enter the correct water chemistry ID into the App tracking form to allow the App to display the
other sample IDs; and
ensure that you accurately fill out the sample labels and tags for each site with the correct Site ID,
Visit number, and date.
Form Instructions - Carefully follow all instructions on each electronic data form. Consult the
appropriate protocol chapter for more detail about how to record data on a particular form.
Data Comments - There is space on all electronic forms to "flag" data by adding comments about
samples or data that may need additional information or explanation. See Table 2-7, and Section 5.2.3.1
for examples of how to correctly comment on data.
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Table 2-7. Guidelines for recording field data and tracking information
ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
Field Measurements
Data Recording
Record observations and measurement values onlv in the official
NWCA Add (provided on EPA owned iPads for all regional, state, and
tribal crews)
If you make an error when recording data and changes are required, it
is best to enter the new value and resubmit that electronic form.
Use the correct crew ID assigned during field training.
Use the units and formats specified on individual data forms for
recording data.
For any sample or data where additional explanation is needed, use the
provided comment bubble adjacent to the data
Sample Collection
Sample Labels and
Tags
Use a writing instrument that leaves clear, dark text (e.g., a No. 2 pencil
for tags or a waterproof and smear proof fine-point indelible marker for
labels) to record information on all labels and tags.
Use the sample-type appropriate adhesive labels or tags with
preprinted Sample ID numbers for each sample. Record the Site ID, Visit
number, and date sampled. Be sure to fill in any requested information
about the sample on the sample label or tag, and affix it to the outside
of the sample container. Cover completed labels and tags with clear
tape if the label/tag is expected to get wet.
Complete the requested information on the adhesive plant specimen
sample tag and affix it to the newsprint in which the specimen is
pressed.
Completely fill out the detailed sample labels for soil chemistry and
bulk density samples or plant specimens. Attach the soil chemistry or
bulk density sample label to the correct soil sample bag. Place the plant
specimen label inside the newsprint holding the plant specimen.
Sample Collection
Information
Enter the water chemistry sample ID (also referred to as the anchor ID)
into the tracking form in the App. Doing so will allow the app to
automatically populate the other sample IDs in their respective forms.
Record that each sample has been collected on the appropriate
electronic data form.
When targeted samples are not collected, use the sample-specific
comment bubble to provide a brief explanation why the sample was
not collected.
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ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
QA and Tracking
Before Leaving Site:
Review of Data Forms
and Comparison of
Sample Labels, Data
Forms, and Tracking
Form
Review all data forms for accuracy and completeness.
Review all sample labels/tags for accuracy, completeness, and legibility.
Verify that the information recorded on the sample labels and tags is
consistent with all Sample IDs listed on the App tracking form.
Before Shipping
Samples: Review of
Sample Labels and
Tracking Forms
Complete all tracking forms required for all samples being shipped.
Review tracking forms for consistency and correctness.
Compare labels and tags on samples with the Sample IDs recorded on
the tracking form for accuracy and completeness before shipping
samples.
Review of Data Forms
The Field Crew Leader should review the completed forms in the NWCA
App as soon as is practicable to ensure they are complete and all data
forms are consistent and correct
Confirm that the forms have been reviewed by selecting the reviewed
bubble in the App for each electronic data form.
If any revisions are made, re-submit the updated form(s) as soon as
possible to update the IM Database.
After each submission, a data summary email will be sent to the email
address which submitted the data. This data summary contains a list of
the data forms and their most recent submissions date/time as well as
a list of the most critical data points collected at the site. The Field Crew
Leader should review this data summary to ensure that the data forms
were successfully received and that critical values are present and
correct.
2.7.3 Daily Sampling Scenario (suggested sampling routine)
Field methods for the NWCA are designed to be completed in one field day at a site. Depending on the
time needed for both the sampling and traveling for that day, an additional day may be needed for pre-
departure and post-sampling activities (e.g., cleaning equipment, repairing gear, shipping samples, and
traveling to the next site). Remote wetlands with lengthy or difficult approaches may require extended
time to gain access to the wetland, and Field Crews will need to plan accordingly.
Details of all sampling protocols are described in Chapter 3 through Chapter 8 of this manual. Several
other sampling tasks that cross multiple chapters are detailed in Section 2.7.4. Most chapters include
reference cards that summarize key protocols required for sampling specific NWCA indicators. These
reference cards are also compiled together in the in the Quick Reference Guide (QRG). The QRG is
intended as a field tool to rapidly access key information; however, the full manual should always be
available so that it can be consulted whenever questions about specific sampling activities emerge.
A suggested daily field sampling scenario showing how the workload may be split between the Field
Crew members over the day is presented in Reference Card OPS-2. Side A of the Reference Card
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outlines tasks for the Veg Team (Figure 2-3) and Side B outlines tasks for the AB Team (Figure 2-4). The
entire Field Crew should be familiar with all the tasks that need to be completed in the sampling day so
that they can assist one another if one Team finishes earlier than the other.
To organize field activities efficiently, each Field Crew should define roles and responsibilities for each
Crew Member. Minor modifications to the sampling scenario may be made by Field Crews; however the
general sequence of sampling events presented in Reference Card OPS-2, Side A and Side B should not
be changed because it is based on the need to protect some types of samples from potential
contamination and to minimize holding times once samples are collected.
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Reference Card OPS-2, Side A: Vegetation Team Sampling Day Activities
VEGETATION (VEG) Team (2 persons)
Bฃ - Botanist,'Ecoiogisl
BA - Botanist Assistant
I
fSITE VERIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT AREA (AA) ESTABIISHMENT
i; On sซte, verify office plan for AA establishment
2] Verify POINT and AACtNTER
3; Verify wetland is sampleable and define AA(FonmPV-l)
4; Set-uoAA
5] Complete Form AA-1 ana annotate aer,al photo win AA and its components
6j Characterize AA
a) Determine NWC A Target Wetland Types (Form PV-1)
\ b; Determine HGM Types Form AA-lj J
'
VEGETATION PLOT LAYOUT
Select Veg 3Sot Layout configuration
Establish five ICO m: Veg 3iotS(FomiV-l;
Determine predominant MVVCATarget
Wetiand Types in eacn Veg Plot (Form V-l}
Record citations for floras used (Form V-l;
/ PHOTOS
Take photos of AA:
ซ Overview
ซ Photos front A A GE\'TER toward
boundary along Veg slot placement Hnes)
ฆ Other photos as needed (e.g., TฃS species
or unusual conditions in the AA;
VEGETATION CHARACTERIZATION - EACH VEG PLOT
; Collect Plant Species Presence data artel identify tne
3r;rnary Height Class m which each soec.es occur;
(form V-2;
Estimate % Coverand all individual Vascular slant
Speeds (Form V-2>
Estimate S Cover of Vascular Vegetation Strata
fformV-ij
Estimate Cover for Mon-Vascular Groups (e.g..
bryopnytes, Itcnens, and macroalgae; jFormV-J)
Collect data describing Ground Surface Attributes
(Form V-};
Collect Snag counts and uve Tree Species coverand
counts data (FormV-4)
Collect Unknown (VEG J) and QA Voucher (VEGQJ
plant specimens. Collect unknowns as tney are
encountered ami QA specimens after aU plots have
seen sampled.
/
PLANT SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND HANDLING
At Site:
i! Ensure that all UnKnowns and QA plant specimens have
been collected
At Site, Vehicle, or Field Lodging on Sample Day;
1; Complete a Plant Specimen Laoet for each plant specimen
2] 3ress plant specimens
3! Ver.fy number of eacn oiant specimen type collected at tne
site on Tracking Form,
On Subsequent Days (Post-SamplingTasks)
i| Dry specimens, change Plotters tn press as needed
2) Package, ship, or deliver to designated Herbarium or
laboratory, comalettng and enclosing the aooropnate plant
specimen tracking information (Packing Slips T-4ป T-SK
FINAL ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
Review field data forms
Clean yp site and organize gear,
equipment, and samples for transport to
vehซcie
Clean equipment and crew of plant or
other o'otogscai prooagules
ConductCrew teaderfinai check-off.
Use tne \WCA Aooto submitall data
uoon ret urn to base location jcSata can
oe updated and re-suDmrtteo at any
time,'.
\
\
Figure 2-3. Reference Card OPS-2, Side A. Vegetation Team sampling day activities.
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Refe rence Card OPS-2, Side B: Assessment Area-Buffer (AB) Team Sampling Day Activities
NOTE: Tms guide provides a general outline cf the crdercf activities, nowever, some modifications may be needed tc
to site soecific conditions thin tie AA
a! Estimatetneoercent cover or level cfmfiuencaef
that alteration withm tne A A
Record any genera' observations about physical aitet at-arts
witmn tip AA
/
X SOU (Form S 1) X
/ill Locate tie Son ?)ot. siot is a circle aooroximateiy 3 m
diameter located outside cf trie Veg Plot closest to the AA
CEYTER. The Soil ^!ot should oe placed outside trie corner
of the \ eg Plot farthest from the transect tines.
2; Collect the Standard Deptn Soil Cores (SDSC; from the outer
ring of the Soil aicrt, A total of s>x cores should be collected
usngthe snarpened stainless steef oper.-ended cylinder
(outsidediameter7.5 cm; ana stored ma S-nul oiast.cson
sample bag.
3; Collect the SoihsotopeSampte (5-50; fromtheo-jterrmgof
tne Soil ?'ot. A total of three samples snould oe collected
usmgtne syrtnge-corer device and aojble oaggecl m quart-
see olasticzipperoags
4; Excavate tne Soil P't to a deptn of 125 cm and collect initial
readirgs
5' Photograph the So.! ProKe =ace and descrioethe profile to
a deptn oH25 cm. -fan WIS So.1 Scientist is at tne site
tney w,'review the So.) -rofee Descnotion and assign
nonicn names. Otnervnsetne description v.'iMoe reviev. eo
lateroy an MRCSSoii Scientist
61 Collect Horizon 3jik Density (SMBD| a*- J Cnem.stry jSbCH;
Samples from tne Sol ?.*,
7) Measurethe WaterTaoie Oeotn -ntne So.i p-t
8; BdCkf'HtneSoi! ? t cieananddecontaroinatetoots
3; 'rooeny store samples, follow piocedures for snipment and
\ suDm.ssionof soi' samples data, and tracking forms to tne
aporoonate Sabs
HYDROLOGY (Form H-l) s
Record site nydroiogy characteristics,
current and recent weather conditions,
and any water outflows present m the A A.
Identify a!! water sources to the AA, Rank
the top three sources (i = most
mfi jential).
Record the presence cf aM JSACOE
Hydrology Indicators observed n tne AA.
Record genera! hydrology observations
1)
2}
5)
6)
FINAL ON SHI ACTIVITIES
Confirm that all samples have been collected
and properly stored. Recoid a!! sampietypes
and verify-umber of samples collected on
Tracking Form,
Rev tew data for ms to ensure ail data has been
co'Iectea and leccrded on the appropriate
forms.
Clean jo site; gather equipment and samples
for transport to the vehicle.
Clean equipment and crew of oiant or other
propaguies.
conduct Crew leader final checK-off
Use the NWCA App to suomit all data upon,
return to base location (data can be updated
and re-submitted at any tine),
Figure 2-4. Reference Card OPS-2, Side B. Assessment Area-Buffer Team sampling activities
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2.7.4 Sampling Activities and Forms Applicable to Multiple Indicators or Tasks
Sampling activities that span multiple protocols are:
determining site and sample status (Section 2.7.4.1);
photography (Section 2.7.4.2 and 8.7Appendix D);
use of GPS (Section 2.7.4.3); and
post-sampling review of the NWCA App and samples (See Reference Card OPS-2, Sides A and
B).
The NWCA 2021 Tracking Form is used to track shipped samples and is discussed in Sections 2.7.4.1 and
2.8.2 of this chapter and other aspects are discussed in Chapter 5, Chapter 6, and Chapter 8.
Adhesive sample labels for several sample types (e.g., water chemistry, chlorophyll-a, microcystin,
standard depth soil core, and soil isotope) are printed together on one label sheet for each site (Section
2.9). Each sample label is preprinted with the sample type and a unique Sample ID. Specifics of these
labels are discussed with their relevant sample types in other chapters.
2.7.4.1 Determining Site and Sample Status
The Point Verification Form (PV-1) must be filled out for every NWCA site that is visited with the intent
to sample. In some cases, this form may be partially completed during a field recon visit and then
finalized by the sampling crew. It provides several key types of information:
Point location and accessibility - This section includes directions to the site as well as any other
difficulties in accessing the site. It also contains information about how the site was verified.
Site status - Completing this section of the form indicates whether the site was sampled or not.
If the site was sampled, additional information such as whether the original point needed to be
shifted and the target wetland type are recorded here. If the site was not sampled, reasons for
not sampling are recorded in this section of the form.
2.7.4.2 Photography
For the NWCA field work, a series of digital photographs will be taken to characterize the AA (See
Chapter 3), document the presence of any threatened, endangered, or sensitive (TES) plant species
(Chapter 5), and illustrate soil profiles. In addition, if the Field Crew finds something of interest that they
believe should be documented, photos may be taken of these situations. See 8.7Appendix D for details
on how to take and frame the photographs, how to label and track the photos, and how to upload and
to save the photos and their location and identification information.
2.7.4.3 Guidelines for Global Positioning System (GPS) Use
A GPS unit is used to locate the POINT and to establish the AA at NWCA Sites (Chapter 3). It is also used
to determine the coordinates of a subset of the Buffer Plots (Chapter 4), the Soil Plot (Chapter 6), and
water sample location (Chapter 8). Therefore, it is imperative that the Field Crew understands how to
operate their GPS unit.
GPS uses signals sent from multiple orbiting satellites to a ground-based sensor in order to fix a position
on the earth. Position accuracy depends on the Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) which is a measure
of the geometry of the satellite spread over the location of the observer. Low PDOP values are typically
conveyed to the user as a measure of accuracy or precision and represent more advantageous satellite
geometry and therefore less locational error. For NWCA, crews should regularly monitor the accuracy
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reading on their GPS and should record coordinates only after achieving the lowest amount of error
possible.
GPS uses many alternative mathematical models to describe the spherical shape of the earth and each is
a separate datum. Commonly used datums include NAD27 CONUS, NAD83, and WGS84. Each represents
a different interpretation of the shape of the earth. The NWCA standard is NAD83. Thus, all GPS units
should be switched to this standard as part of their pre field-use set up. Crews should confirm that the
NAD83 datum is being used when the GPS is turned on prior to data collection.
GPS devices use a variety of units for position designation based on an imaginary latitude and longitude
coordinate grid system laid across the earth (degrees, minutes, seconds, or degrees and decimal
minutes, and UTMs (a metric system)). The NWCA standard is decimal degrees for reporting all GPS
positions.
Refer to the GPS user's manual to provide specific instructions on setting the datum, coordinate system,
and units to NWCA standards.
2.7.4.4 Site, Crew, and Equipment Check and Cleanup
Once all sampling is completed at a site, gather all equipment, remove all flagging, and return the site to
as close to its original condition as possible. If the site is a revisit site, leave the flagging marking the
POINT and the AA CENTER if it is different from the POINT. Before leaving the site, check that all
equipment, gear, samples, and data are accounted for and ready to be carried back to the vehicle. Make
a final sweep of the site to ensure nothing has been left behind.
Zero Taxa Transport
Before leaving the site, implement the Zero Taxa Transport protocol. Increases in invasive and noxious
alien species are occurring throughout all regions of the U.S., with many deleterious effects on
ecosystem services. Thus, it is imperative that all NWCA Field Crews employ a decontamination protocol
with the goal of Zero Taxa Transport to new sites. The Site Packet or other resources that you reviewed
before traveling to the site may have information about areas of the sample region known or suspected
to be infested with invasive, nonnative species. If any specific invasive species are known to occur in the
sample area, take species-specific precautions against transporting them. However, all sites should be
treated with equal caution to minimize the spread of invasive taxa. Stringent decontamination
procedures will help to prevent the spread organisms via NWCA field work.
The protocol for the Zero Taxa Transport Goal has two elements:
procedures conducted on site or at the field location of the vehicle (this section); and
procedures conducted from the field lodgings or base location (See Sections 2.7.4.4 and 2.8.1).
Every effort must be made to limit the potential for transport of mature and immature life stages of
invasive plant and animal species, and of pathogens that may affect native plants or animals. Take
precautions to avoid transporting seeds or vegetative propagules, pollen, pathogens, fungi, eggs, any
small organisms, invertebrates, fish, or other animals.
While still onsite, before leaving to hike to the vehicle, conduct the following decontamination
measures to clean off personal clothing, gear, and field equipment:
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Remove visible plants, seeds, mud and animals from equipment, gear, clothing, raingear, boots,
and waders through brushing and shaking.
Use a small scrub brush to clean the lace area and soles of boots.
Rinse personal protective equipment including raingear, waders and wading boots if water is
available on the site to remove all visible dirt, mud, and plant seeds and fragments.
In instances where mud is clinging to gear and equipment, but no standing water is present at
or very near the site; remove as much mud as possible.
If a spray bottle with a 10% bleach solution or other approved biological disinfectant solution
(See Table 2-4) is available at the site, spray down boots, waders, and soil sampling equipment
before leaving the site.
If a boat was used to access the site, prior to leaving, drain all bilge water in the boat.
At the staging area for the site (where the vehicle is parked):
Repeat the on-site protocol prior to departure for base location. The initial cleaning and wipe-down
at the field site by Crew Members before returning to the vehicle should minimize the potential for
the road edge becoming an invasive species locus or vector.
Ideally, a hand pressurized sprayer filled with clean water or 10% bleach solution or other approved
biological disinfectant solution should be kept in the vehicle and used to rinse all gear of water from
the site and to finish rinsing mud from gear.
When site access has necessitated travel on an unimproved road, remove any vegetation debris that
may have accumulated on accessible areas of the vehicle with a whisk broom before leaving the
area.
If the vehicle has collected packed mud and detritus in the wheel wells and undercarriage, run the
vehicle through a car wash at the earliest opportunity, and if at all possible, before visiting another
site.
2.8 Post-Field Sampling Base Location Activities
This section describes activities that are completed after field sampling and back at the base location.
These activities are the critical final elements to complete the NWCA sampling and data collection and
include:
post-Sampling Equipment Clean-up and Maintenance (Section 2.8.1);
sample Shipping and Tracking (Section 2.8.2); and
data Submission (Section 2.8.3).
No reference card summarizes these tasks specifically, but many of them are noted in other protocols,
reference cards, or checklists. Information on sample shipping and tracking is summarized on Reference
Card ST-1, Side A (Figure 2-5, NWCA Sample Packaging and Shipping Flowchart), Reference Card ST-1,
Side B (NWCA Summary of Sample Collection, Handling, and Shipping Procedures), and Reference Card
ST-2, Sides A-D (NWCA Sample Shipping Guidance) from 8.7Appendix A.
2.8.1 Post Sampling Base Location Equipment Clean-Up and Maintenance
Once back at the base location (or at the field lodgings, if needed), complete the following clean-up and
maintenance tasks.
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1) Inspect all equipment, the vehicle, and the boat (if used) and clean off any plant propagules or
fragments and animal material that were missed in the on-site clean-up procedures (Section
2.7.4.4).
2) Disinfect all equipment, personal gear, and boat (if used) with 10% bleach solution or other
approved disinfectant solution to prevent spread of nonnative and/or invasive taxa.
3) Rinse and dry equipment and gear prior to storage or repacking for the next sampling trip:
a) Rinse waders, boots, and other personal protective gear with tap water.
b) Rinse chlorophyll-o filtration chambers three times with de-ionized (Dl) water after each use.
c) Rinse long handled dipper three times with Dl water after each use.
d) Rinse vegetation quadrat frames with tap water.
e) Rinse soil plot sampling gear (e.g., shovels, corers, augers) with tap water.
f) Rinse coolers with water to clean off any dirt or debris on the outside and inside.
4) Inventory equipment and supply needs and relay orders to the FLC or to the IM Team using the
Request Form.
5) Before moving to the next site, if a commercial car wash facility is available, wash vehicle (and boat,
and trailer, if used) and thoroughly clean with a hot water pressurized rinse with no soap.
2.8.2 Sample Shipping and Tracking
All samples are processed following specific protocols described in each indicator chapter (Chapter 5,
Chapter 6, and Chapter 8). The Field Crew ships time-sensitive samples, known as immediately shipped
samples (water chemistry, chlorophyll-o, soil isotope, and microcystin), to the designated analytical
laboratories within 24 hours of collection (i.e., same day as sampling or following day) to ensure sample
quality and data integrity. Other samples, called batch samples (unknown and QA plant specimens, soil
horizon bulk density and chemistry samples, and standard depth soil cores) are held by the Field Crew
for 1 or 2 weeks (or longer is the case of some pressed plant samples), then shipped or delivered in
batches to the appropriate laboratories (See Figure 2-5 and 8.7Appendix A).
All samples must be shipped with the pertinent packing slip, which includes the site where samples were
collected, the Visit number, the sample IDs of all included samples, and the date of collection. In
addition to the completed packing slip included in the shipping container, shipping details for each
shipment are recorded in the Tracking Form in the NWCA App and submitted at the time of shipping.
More detail on shipping and tracking is provided in 8.7Appendix A.
2.8.2.1 Shipping Groups
In order to streamline sample shipping from the field and entry of shipping details, a number of shipping
groups have been designated. These groups are signified with a T# which can be found in the App
tracking form, sample labels, FedEx shipping labels, and on packing slips.
Two sample groups contain samples which are time-sensitive and need to be shipped to the designated
analytical laboratories within 24 hours of collection (i.e., same day as sampling or following day). Those
two shipping groups are:
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T-l: Water Chemistry Samples (water chemistry and chlorophyll-o); and
T-2: Daily Shipped Samples (soil isotope and microcystin).
Several kinds of samples are collected and held for up to 1 or 2 weeks. These samples, from one to
several sites, are then shipped in batches by sample type to designated laboratories as one of the
following shipping groups.
T-3: Soil Samples (soil horizon bulk density and chemistry samples, and standard depth soil cores).
T-4: Unknown Plant Samples.
T-5: QA Plant Samples.
See Figure 2-5 and 8.7Appendix A for shipping destinations, addresses, and packing specifications.
Follow the procedures, outlined in Section 2.8.2.1, for: 1) submitting the Tracking Form to the IM Team
for each site with samples being shipped, and 2) including the packing slip from each site in shipping
boxes with samples. There should be one packing slip for each set of samples in each shipping container
sent to a laboratory (i.e., if samples from multiple sites are shipped together, then multiple packing slips
will be included in the shipping container).
Details on how to complete the tracking forms for individual sample types, and additional guidelines for
packing samples, are covered in the relevant indicator chapters.
2.8.3 Data Submittal
2.3.3.1 Electronic Data
For crews utilizing the NWCA App, after the Field Crew Leader has reviewed form content at the end of
your sampling day, click the SUBMIT menu button and choose the form(s) that you wish to submit. After
you have chosen which form to submit, click the green submit button at the bottom of the form list. An
email will pop up on your device addressed to NARSFieldData@epa.gov. Copy yourself and any other
crew members or managers and click send. To ensure that the email was sent, check the SENT mailbox
on your email App and look for the recent email containing the data. If the email is not in the SENT
mailbox, it was not sent and you should try again after verifying an internet connection.
After each submission, a data summary email will be sent to the email address which submitted the
data. This data summary contains a list of the data forms and their most recent submission date/time as
well as a list of the most critical data points collected at the site. The Field Crew Leader should review
this data summary to ensure that the data forms were successfully received and that critical values are
present and correct.
At any point, if it is determined that data needs to be revised or updated, crews should feel free to do so
in the App and re-submit any edited data forms using the steps above. Newly revised data will
supersede previous data. It is not necessary to re-submit data forms that were unchanged.
2.8.3.2 Data and Tracking Reminders
It is very important to submit the data and tracking forms immediately after every sampling event.
Prompt submissions allow the FLC to closely track sampling progress. More importantly, it enables
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NARS IM to track samples that were collected at each site versus those that were not, and to
immediately track the shipment of the time-sensitive samples after each sampling event.
The Field Crews must promptly report any field sampling problems to the FLC and sample tracking or
data reporting problems to IM Team. The FLC and IM Team will relay these issues to the EPA HQTeam
throughout the sampling period, as necessary.
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2.9 Master Equipment, Tracking Forms, and Sample Label Lists
MASTER EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Base Kit
Base Kit Item (some items supplied as-needed)
Quantity
Protocol(s)
Adapter for filter funnel to stopper
3
Chlorophyll filtration
Aluminum foil or foil squares (to wrap Chlorophyll-a sample vial)
25
Chlorophyll filtration
Black plastic sheets for laying out soil slabs/cores or spoil at Soil pit (6 mil
thick, roughly 4' by 5' each)
2
Soil pit
Blotter paper for plant presses
150
Veg
Box of nitrile gloves (box of 100)
1
Water collection
Chlorophyll filtration
Bypass pruner
1
Veg
Cardboard ventilators for plant presses
75
Veg
Cargo Box (Rubbermaid action packer)
1
General
Centrifuge tube with screw cap type (for Chlorophyll-a filter) in bag, 50-mL -
spare
Chlorophyll filtration
Chaining Pins
11
Veg
Chaining Pin quiver
1
Veg
Clear tape strip packs for covering labels (Packs of 25)
Sample labels
Clip-on weight for flexible tape measure
1
Soil Profile
Compasses
AA Setup
Buffer plots
Veg
Cubitainer, 1 Liter - spare
1
Water Chemistry Sample
Diameter measuring tape (cm)
1
Buffer Plots
Veg
Disposable flat forceps - spares
Chlorophyll filtration
Electrician's tape for sealing sample caps
1
Shipping
Fiberglass fabric tape measure (60 inches/152 cm long) with metric scale
1
Soil Profile
Filter funnel for chlorophyll-a (250mL, reusable)
Chlorophyll filtration
File Folder (expandable)
1
Shipping Labels (spares)
Folding ruler (with metric markings)
1
Soil Profile
Water depth measurements
Frame backpack (Teton Sport Scout 3400 cubic inch internal frame)
1
General
Garden transplanter trowel
1
Veg
Golf tees for marking soil horizons (pk of 20)
1
Soil Profile
Graduated cylinder (PPE, 250-mL)
1
Chlorophyll filtration
Hand lenses (Doublet Magnifier), 10X
1
Veg
Hand water pump (Beckson; extracting water in soil pit)
1
Soil pit
Hand-operated vacuum pump with tubing
1
Chlorophyll filtration
Heavy duty staples (Box of 5,000)
1
Soil Samples
Heavy-duty hand operated stapler (for soil sample bags)
1
Soil Samples
King Sampler
1
Soil profile
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Base Kit Item (some items supplied as-needed)
Quantity
Protocol(s)
Laminated Quick Reference Guide
1
General
Laser rangefinder (Nikon 6x20 Prostaff 1000)
1
AA Setup
Buffer plots
Magnesium Carbonate (MgC03) saturated solution in dropper bottle
1
Chlorophyll filtration
Metal flashing 10" tall for supporting/sealing earthen coffer dam built from
Soil Pit spoils for inundated soils (10' rol)
1
Soil Pit
Munsell Color X-Rite Soil Color Charts
1
Soil profile
Open Reel Fiberglass tape measure, 100-m
2
AA Setup
Buffer plots
Veg
Packing tape rolls
2
Shipping
Packing tape with dispenser
1
Shipping
Plant press with straps
2
Veg
Plastic amber bottle (for Chlorophyll-a collection), 1 Liter
1
Chlorophyll collection
Plastic bottle with screw lid (microcystin bottle), 125-mL - Spare
1
Microcystin sample
Putty knife (to shear off excess core), 11/2 inch
1
Soil Samples
PVC pole (1-m) with 90 degree coupler for 1-m2 quadrat
2
Veg
PVC pole for 1-m2 quadrat (1-m with no coupler)
4
Veg
Quart-size zipper plastic bags - spare
10
Soil Isotopes
Rope (30-m, marked at 10 and 20 meters) for marking outer edges of Veg
Plots
1
Veg
Rope for inside edges of 10-m2 quadrat, 6.32-m, marked in the middle
2
Veg
Rubber stopper with hole for filter funnel to attach to flask
2
Chlorophyll filtration
Ruler with metric markings for measuring plant parts during field keying, 6-
inch
1
Veg
Sharpieฎ or comparable fine-point, permanent, silver marker
2
AA Setup
Sidearm filter flask, 500-mL
1
Chlorophyll filtration
Small envelopes (Glassine) for loose plant parts
50
Veg
Small scoop for bailing water from pit (measuring cup)
1
Soil Pit
Small, soft-sided cooler
1
Soil Isotopes
Water chemistry
Microcystin
Chlorophyll-a
Soil bulk density core (3" OD)
3
Soil Samples
Spray bottle (8 oz)
1
Soil Profile
Squirt bottle for Dl water, 1 Liter
1
Chlorophyll filtration
Stake flags (5" x 8" flag, 36" wire stakes) - pack of 100 (red)
1
AA Setup
Buffer plots
Veg
Stake flags (5" x 8" flag, 36" wire stakes) - pack of 100 (blue)
1
AA Setup
Buffer plots
Veg
Stylus with tether for use with iPad
2
General
Surveyor's flagging tape rolls (red)
2
AA Setup
Buffer plots
Veg
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Base Kit Item (some items supplied as-needed)
Quantity
Protocol(s)
Surveyor's flagging tape rolls (blue)
2
AA Setup
Buffer plots
Veg
Syringe core sampler (60-mL plastic syringe with end cut off) - spare
2
Soil Isotopes
Tote (3 gallon Rubbermaid; packed with smaller items)
1
General
Twist-ties for attaching Tyvek tags (In bag)
50
Veg
Tyvektags for marking unknown plant species (In bag)
50
Veg
U-shaped pins/stakes (landscape staples)
1
Veg
Water dipper assembly with extendable handle
1
Water collection
Whatman GF/F 0.7 [am glass fiber filter (47-mm diam.) (Box of 100)
1
Chlorophyll filtration
White bags for consolidating plant collection bags, 13-gallon (box)
1
Veg
Site Kit
Site Kit Item
Quantity
Protocol(s)
Label Pack with sample labels and packing slips
Arrives in separate FedEx package with one label pack per ordered site kit
1
Sample labeling and shipping
Quart-size zipper plastic bags
2
Soil Isotope Samples
Small cooler for daily shipped samples (with liner)
1
Sample shipment
Medium Cooler for water shipment (if requested) with liner
1
Sample shipment
Collapsible 1-liter cubitainer for surface water sample
1
Water Chemistry Sample
125-mL plastic bottle with screw lid
1
Microcystin sample
60-mL syringe core sampler (soil isotope samples)
1
Soil Isotope Samples
50-mL Centrifuge tube with screw cap in zip-top bag (for holding
Chlorophyll-a filter)
1
Chlorophyll-a
Disposable flat blade forceps
2
Chlorophyll-a
Nitrile gloves, disposable
(Pair)
1
Water Collections
Chlorophyll filtration
Shipping supplies (FedEx shipping airbills, handle tags, zip ties, FedEx
envelope, APHIS Soil isotopes permit)
-
Sample shipment
Crew Supplied Items
Crew Supplied Items
Quantity
Protocol(s)
Plant species lists pertinent to the site and/or region (wetland species,
alien species, threatened and endangered species)
Veg
Binoculars
1
Buffer Plots
Blue ice to fit soft sided cooler (or wet ice)
Water Samples
Soil Isotopes
Bucket auger with interchangeable extension handles and appropriate
head(s) for anticipated soil conditions (regular, mud, sand, dutch, etc.). A
ratchet handle crossbar may often be useful.
1
Soil Pit
De-ionized water
Chlorophyll filtering
Digital camera with batteries and memory card
1
AA Setup
Dissecting tools (e.g., single edge razor blades, forceps, and dissecting
needles)
Veg
Extra batteries for range finder
AA Setup
Buffer plots
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Crew Supplied Items
Quantity
Protocol(s)
Field clipboards
2
General
GPS unit loaded with coordinates for the POINT, manual, extra battery pack
1
General
Indelible markers to write on flagging
2
AA Setup
Lengths of marked rope for measuring and laying out Veg Plots (size and
number at crew's discretion)
1 to 4
Veg
Paper towels
General
Pencils
Multiple
General
Permanent marker (Fine-tip for labels)
2
Sample labels
Regional floras
Veg
Sharp knife shaving soil slices to expose fresh surface, for cutting out bulk
density samples in difficult soils (e.g., peat, or saturated soils extracted with
the King tub extractor method).
1
Soil Pit
Site packet with maps with POINT marked, directions to the POINT, access
information
General
Small flashlight for viewing in situ soil profile in Soil Pit
1
Soil Profile
Sprayer and disinfectant for decon of equipment
1
General
Tiling or Sharpshooter style shovel
1
Soil Pit
Waterproof boots (waders, hip boots, or knee boots as site conditions
dictate)
General
Waterproof field notebook
2
General
OPTIONAL ITEMS
2-way hand-held radios (with extra batteries or charger)
2
General
3.16 m PVC poles to mark the 10 m2 veg plot quadrat
2
Veg
Appropriate size leak-proof, screw-cap containers (e.g., Nalgene) for
additional calibration solutions
Optional water quality
parameters
Basic tools (assorted screwdrivers, Allen wrenches)
General
Board for laying across steel soil corer or King sampler to facilitate using a
hammer
Soil Samples
Calibration cup with removable cove, DO membranes, backup probes and
spare parts (o-rings, etc)
Optional water quality
parameters
Field Meter calibration kit (can be contained in a good quality, plastic box,
e.g. tackle box) and should contain:
Optional water quality
parameters
Field vest to carry tools and small equipment
General
Hammer or mallet for driving steel soil corer or King sampler
Soil Samples
Metal shears for cutting coffer dam flashing material
1
Soil Pit
Multi-Probe Field Meter (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, temperature)
1
Optional water quality
parameters
pH buffers
Optional water quality
parameters
Plastic sled (for soil sampling)
1
Soil Pit
Stainless steel soil probe (approximately 7/8" diameter) - alternate
collection device for soil isotope samples
Soil Isotopes
Thermometer
Optional water quality
parameters
49
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Other Items (Ordered as Needed)
Other as needed items
Protocol (s)
Herbarium folders with zip-top bags
Shipping
Plant shipping box*
Shipping
Large cooler with liner for shipment of soil samplest
Shipping
Soil bags with horizon tags (pack of 15 each)
Soil Samples
* Plant shipping boxes will come with a T-4/T-5 FedEx shipping label for use with unknown and/or QA plant
samples going to the nationally contracted lab.
+ Soil coolers will come with a T3 FedEx shipping label for shipment of soil samples to the NRCS soil lab
SAMPLE LABELS AND TAGS
Water Chemistry Sample Label
Chlorophyll-o Sample Label
Chlorophyll-o Outer Bag Label
Microcystin Sample Label
Soil Isotope Sample Label
Standard Depth Soil Core Label
Standard Depth Soil Core Tag
Soil Horizon Chemistry Label
Soil Horizon Bulk Density Label
Soil Horizon Chemistry/Bulk Density Tag
Unknown/QA Plant Specimen Label
QA Plant Folder Label
Unknown Plant Folder Label
PACKING SLIPS
Tl: NWC21 Daily Water Chemistry Sample Tracking
T2: NWC21 Daily Chilled Tracking
T3: NWC21 Soil Chemistry & Bulk Density Sample Tracking
T4: NWC21 Unknown Plant Tracking
T5: NWC21 QA Plant Tracking
FIELD FORMS IN THE APP
NWCA 2021 Point Verification Form (PV-1)
NWCA 2021 Assessment Area Establishment (AA-1)
NWCA 2021 Assessment Area Hydrology (H-l)
NWCA 2021 Assessment Area Water (W-l)
NWCA 2021 Assessment Area Physical Alterations (P-l)
NWCA 2021 Buffer Area Physical Alterations (P-2)
NWCA 2021 Soil Data (S-l)
NWCA 2021 Vegetation Plot Establishment (V-l)
NWCA 2021 Vascular Species Presence and Cover (V-2)
NWCA 2021 Vegetation Types / Ground Surface Attributes (V-3)
NWCA 2021 Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover (V-4)
NWCA 2021 Sample Tracking Form
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Chapter 3 Establishing the Assessment Area
The Assessment Area (AA) represents the POINT. The POINT is the location defined by the coordinates
generated by the NWCA sample draw. Proper placement of the AA is crucial because it defines the area
where most of the data collection for the NWCA occurs. The principles guiding AA establishment are:
1) the NWCA sampling protocols are designed to produce an assessment of the ecological
condition of wetland area at the POINT. This approach assumes that condition can change
spatially, especially in a large wetland;
2) the area sampled is large enough to accurately characterize the wetland area at the POINT using
rapid (Level 2) or comprehensive (Level 3) assessment methods (e.g., see Wardrop et al. 2007a,
b) but is small enough to be sampled in one day (Kentula and Cline 2004, Fennessy et al. 2008);
3) the POINT has been evaluated according to the procedures in the NWCA 2021 SEG and was
determined to be sampleable; and
4) the boundaries of the AA encompass the POINT.
3.1 Develop a Plan for AA Establishment (In Office) and Verify (In Field)
A Desktop Evaluation as described in the NWCA 2021 Site Evaluation Guidelines is conducted for all
POINTs to begin the process of determining if they are sampleable. The determination of whether the
AA is sampleable starts with an analysis in the office and is completed in the field. If the site can be
definitively determined as non-sampleable in the Desktop Evaluation, follow the instructions in the Site
Evaluation Guidelines to document this observation and select an alternate site. Often, a field
reconnaissance will also be conducted to confirm that a site is sampleable and to aid in developing an
AA establishment plan.
Once the Desktop Evaluation and any field reconnaissance have been completed, an AA Establishment
Plan is developed for the potentially sampleable sites. Note, it is possible that a site that appears
sampleable in the office or on a reconnaissance visit may ultimately have obstacles to sampling upon
arrival at the site on the scheduled sampling date.
For each potentially sampleable POINT, a plan for AA establishment (Section 3.1.1) is developed in the
office. The protocol for verifying the plan for AA establishment (Section 3.1.2) is completed as part of
Field Evaluation described in the Site Evaluation Guidelines or, if that is not possible, as part of the AA
establishment as described in this protocol. The details of the plan for AA establishment, including any
information on the site obtained during Field Reconnaissance (e.g., Point Verification Form (PV-1) in the
App, completed during reconnaissance), are added to the materials in the Site Packet.
3.1.1 Develop Plan in the Office
Develop a plan for AA establishment using the aerial photos in the Site Packet, other supporting
information, and the general procedures below.
1) Determine whether a field reconnaissance was conducted and directions to the POINT were
developed and recorded in the Point Verification Form (PV-1) of the App. If a field reconnaissance
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was not conducted, use the materials in the Site Packet to develop directions and record them in the
Directions to POINT field on the Point Verification Form (PV-1) to be used for accessing the site.
If the site is tidally influenced, consider stage of tide in scheduling sampling of the POINT. The best
way to maximize time in the field is to plan to arrive at the site at or slightly before the time that it is
exposed at low tide.
2) Annotate the aerial photo encompassing the POINT with the details of the plan for AA
establishment. Other photos and supporting material (e.g., wetland maps) may be needed to
confirm details depicted on the aerial photo chosen.
3) Use the key on Reference Card AA-1 to determine the appropriate AA layout. See Section 3.2 to
determine how the selected layout will likely encompass the POINT, and for details on laying out the
AA in the field. See examples of the possible AA layout types on Reference Card AA-1 (Figure 3-1
and Figure 3-2) and in Figure 3-6 to Figure 3-9.
4) Determine if the AA is sampleable. The criteria for what is sampleable is detailed in Reference Card
AA-2, Side A (Figure 3-3). See Reference Card AA-2, Side B (Figure 3-4) for examples of
Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) boundaries or types to avoid crossing or mixing within an AA. The process
of determining if the AA is sampleable starts with the analysis in the office then is completed or
verified in the field.
5) Begin the AA establishment plan by annotating the aerial photo to clearly indicate the following:
True North.
POINT.
AA CENTER.
AA boundaries.
Bearings and estimates of important distances (e.g., Figure 3-8).
Other information as useful.
See examples of the possible AA types and annotations of the photos in Figure 3-6 to Figure 3-9. In
our experience, a Sharpieฎ (or similar) fine-point, permanent, silver marker that can be purchased at
many retail stores works well to annotate the photo. Alternatively, crews can create a digital map
and annotate electronically or print and annotate in the field.
6) Indicate the photo was annotated by filling in the bubble on of AA Establishment Form (AA-1) under
Annotated Aerial Photo or Map and place all materials in the Site Packet. This annotated photo or
map will be submitted via SharePoint by the Field Crew.
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3.1.2 Verify Plan in the Field
Any plan for AA establishment developed prior to the date of sampling is checked in the field to assure
that it fits the situation on-the-ground. Ideally, plan verification is done as part of the Field Evaluation as
described in the NWCA 2021 Site Evaluation Guidelines.
1) Prior to sampling, the Field Crew reviews the plan for AA establishment (Section 3.1.1).
2) After travelling to the vicinity of the POINT, one person from the Field Crew should review the
annotated maps and assess the best way to approach the POINT while the other crew members wait
outside the likely AA boundaries.
3) A Field Crew member uses a GPS to navigate to the POINT and marks it with flagging labeled
"POINT." If there are obstacles to getting to the POINT (e.g., deep water), flagging is placed as close
to the POINT as possible and labeled with the approximate distance and direction to the POINT'S
actual location (e.g., 5 m, 120ฐ from the flagging to the POINT). Always use True North bearings for
all directional references.
4) Begin filling out Point Verification (PV-1) and AA Establishment (AA-1) Forms :
When accessing the data forms in the App, be sure to select the correct State, Site ID, and
Visit Number. Visit #1 is the primary sampling event; Visit #2 is the second sampling visit to a
revisit site.
Enter field sampling date by hitting the "Today" button on the AA Establishment Form (AA-1).
If sampling occurs over multiple days, enter the first date of sampling here and manually
change dates on other forms as needed.
Complete the Field Crew Personnel section in the AA Establishment Form (AA-1).
Provide the requested information in the POINT Location and Accessibility section on the
Point Verification Form (PV-1).
5) Complete the Point Verification Form (PV-1) - Determine whether the POINT is sampleable (See
Reference Card AA-2, Side A (Figure 3-3)) and indicate this under the 'POINT SAMPLE
INFORMATION' Section on the Point Verification Form (PV-1) by selecting the YES or NO check box,
as appropriate. Once one of the check boxes is selected, an additional window will open to allow
additional data entry (see below):
If YES:
Fill in the bubble identifying whether the 'original POINT is sampleable' OR the 'POINT could be
shifted less than or equal to 60m'.
The Field Crew, from their respective vantage points (the vicinity of the POINT and
outside the likely AA boundary), should work together to identify the predominant
wetland type at the POINT and determine whether it is part of the target population
{e.g., NWCA Target Wetland Type; see Reference Card AA-3, Side A (Table 1-1) and
Reference Card AA-4 (Figure 3-5)). After determining the predominant wetland type,
document it under the 'POINT SAMPLE INFORMATION'section on the Point Verification
Form (PV-1). Target wetland types are listed under the YES category, while various
reasons for not sampling (including non-target wetland type) are listed under the NO
category.
If the wetland type is excluded from the NWCA target population, do not sample the
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site. Instead, follow the procedures in Section 2.6.2 and in the SEG for selecting an
alternate POINT (i.e., an alternate NWCA site).
If NO: select the reason by filling in the appropriate bubble under one of four non-sampleable
categories on Point Verification Form (PV-1), including:
Non-Sampleable - On This Visit;
Non-Sampleable - No Access Categories;
Non-Sampleable - AA Cannot Be Established; or
Non-Sampleable - Non-Target Categories.
Provide Comments, if needed, regarding reasons for non-sampleability, or factors related to
accessing the site, in the pertinent Comment bubble(s) on the Point Verification Form (PV-1). Use
the General Assessment Comments to record any additional information and observations of the
POINT or surrounding area.
6) Recording Data on AA Establishment Form (AA-1) - Determine whether an AA that contains the
original POINT can be established at the site. Document by selecting the appropriate data bubble,
Yes or No, under the 'AA ESTABLISHMENT' section of the AA Establishment Form (AA-1). Doing so
will reveal additional data fields specific to that selection.
If YES: Continue with establishing the AA (Section 3.2).
If No: Proceed to the 'Can an AA be established if the POINT is shifted < 60m of the ORIGINAL
POINT?' field and answer Yes or No by selecting the appropriate bubble.
If Yes, document the reasons for shifting the POINT in the Point Establishment Comments area
in the AA ESTABLISHMENT section and follow the directions for shifting the POINT in Section
3.2.3, AND record the GPS coordinates (in decimal degrees using NAD83) for the Shifted POINT.
If No, document the reasons in the Point Establishment Comments area of the AA Establishment
Form (AA-1). Then, follow the procedures for selecting an alternate POINT (i.e., an alternate
NWCA site) in the Site Evaluation Guidelines.
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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:
o has water greater than lm deepd;
o has standing water or soft substrate that is unsafe or impossible to sample effectively; and/or
o 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 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 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:
o predominance of hydrophytic vegetation;
o 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;
o visual observation of soil saturation and/or inundation;
o presence of undrained hydric soil;
o presence of indicators of wetland hydrology, e.g., drift lines, watermarks, sediment deposits; and
o geomorphic boundaries such as the active floodplain or flood-prone width.
The AA does not cross any Hydrogeomorphic boundaries (see Side B).
Figure 3-3. Reference Card AA-2 Side A.
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Reference Card AA-2, Side B. Hydrogeomorphic Boundaries and Human Altered Types
Examples of Hydrogeomorphic Boundaries or Mixes of Types to Avoid in Establishing the AA
The AA should not include:
A mix of tidal and nontidal wetlands;
A tributary to the river or stream associated with the POINT; or
A combination of lacustrine fringe or riverine wetlands and the seeps or springs (i.e., slope
wetlands) upslope from them, in other words, the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) types are distinct
(excluding any transition zone).
Alternatively, an AA can include a mosaic of HGM types (see Riverine Complex on Reference Card
AA-3, Side B) or drainage channels typical in tidal and lacustrine fringing wetlands.
Examples of Human Altered Hydrogeomorphic Types
Alteration of the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) class of a site that has been altered or disturbed may change
the class or create a hybrid HGM class. To avoid these problems, the site should be placed in the
"human" class associated with the original HGM type (see Reference Card AA-3, Side B).
Riverine - Human Altered
[Excavated pond t-
Riverine - Human Altered
ivated pond
Slope - Human Altered
Slope wetland
Excavation
Figure 3-4. Reference Card AA-2 Side B.
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Reference Card AA-4. Flowchart for Determining NWCA Target Wetland Type
Figure 3-5. Reference Card AA-4. Flowchart for determining NWCA target wetland type.
3.2 Establish the AA
In many cases, using a GPS while walking the AA boundary will be the most efficient way to establish the
AA and calculate its area. Alternative strategies may be required depending on site conditions and
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satellite availability. A laser rangefinder, meter tapes, and ropes of appropriate lengths may also be
useful. For example, it may easier to use a rangefinder or meter tape than a GPS for an open wetland
with low vegetation, especially for a Standard Circular AA. Two-way radios or cell phones (assuming
reception) would facilitate communication between the people setting up the AA.
The Field Crew should minimize trampling of the AA, especially prior to sampling vegetation. This can be
accomplished by taking efforts to avoid the areas where the Vegetation Plots will be located, by
maneuvering around patches of vegetation (as feasible), and by walking in single file on the same path.
3.2.1 Standard AA Layouts
There are two standard AA layoutsa circular AA or a circular AA that is shifted to allow the AA to fit in
wetland space at the site.
3.2.1.1 Standard Circular AA
The Standard Circular AA is a circular plot with a 40-m radius (80-m diameter) centered on the POINT
(Figure 3-6 and Reference Card AA-1, Plate 1).
In the field, for sites that are fairly open, it may be easiest to use a laser rangefinder or tape to set up
the AA. For example, the Field Crew member at the POINT locates the AA boundary by using the
rangefinder to determine a distance of 40 m by sighting on a metal clipboard or other reflective object
carried by the Field Crew member walking the AA boundary. This Field Crew member flags the boundary
as often as site conditions warrant and works with the person at the POINT to place labeled flags where
the cardinal compass directions from the POINT cross the AA boundary.
Complete the AA Layout Used field in the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form
(AA-1) by selecting Standard Circular AA from the drop-down list, 0.5 ha auto-populates for the area of
the AA, and POINT is the AA CENTER auto-selects from the Location of AA CENTER drop-down list.
Record the GPS coordinates (in decimal degrees using NAD83) for the AA CENTER
Once the cardinal directions are marked at the AA boundaries, the Veg and AB Teams can proceed their
other sampling activities.
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NWCA Target Wetland Type: Palustrine Riverine, and Lacustrine - Emergent
V HGM Type: Riverine Lower Perennial /
KFY- FONT Wetfcmd Standard Standard Brier
a boundary ฆ Ckcular EEvahidion
. AA CENTER AA boundary boundaiy
Figure 3-6. The Standard Circular AA layout with the standard boundary for buffer evaluation is depicted on an
example annotated aerial photo (note that in a true standard circular layout the POINT and AA CENTER would
be in the same spot; they are slightly askance in order to depict both on this example map).
3.2.1.2 Standard Circular AA-Shifted
The Standard Circular AA-Shifted is used when a 0.5 ha circular plot with a 40-m radius (80-m diameter)
can be established but the POINT is not the AA CENTER (Figure 3-7 and Reference Card AA-1, Plate 1
(Figure 3-1)). Use this layout at sites with a 0.5 ha or more sampleable area in the vicinity of a POINT
located close to the wetland boundary or other unsampleable area, e.g., deep water or upland.
Prior to going to the site:
Use the aerial photo from the Site Packet to evaluate the setting at the POINT and determine the
distance and bearing from the POINT to the prospective location of the AA CENTER. Note this
information on the photo (See Figure 3-7).
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The distance from the POINT to the AA CENTER should not exceed 40 m. If the distance exceeds 40
m, do not continue planning the AA layout. Use the procedures in Section 3.2.3 to determine
whether the POINT can be shifted or an alternate POINT (i.e. alternate site) is needed).
In the field on the sampling day:
Verify and modify the AA establishment plan as ground conditions dictate.
The Veg Team, in tandem with the AB Team, proceeds with AA establishment. For sites that are
fairly open, it may be easiest to use a laser rangefinder or tape to set up the AA. For example, the
Team member at the CENTER uses a laser rangefinder to locate the AA boundary (a distance of 40
m) by sighting on a metal clipboard or reflector carried by the second member of the Team walking
the AA boundary. This Team member flags the AA boundary as often as site conditions warrant and
works with the person at the CENTER to place labeled flags where the cardinal compass directions
cross the AA boundary.
The Field Crew member at the POINT uses bearing and distance information from the AA layout plan
to navigate to the location of the CENTER of the shifted AA and places a labeled flag at the CENTER.
If there are obstacles to getting to the CENTER (e.g., deep water), place flagging as close to the
CENTER as possible and label flagging with the approximate distance and direction to the CENTER'S
actual location (e.g., 5 m, 120ฐ from the flagging to the CENTER). Always use True North bearings for
all directional references.
Complete the AA Layout Used field in the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form
(AA-1) by selecting Standard Circular AA- Shifted from the drop-down list, 0.5 ha auto-populates for
the area of the AA, and POINT is not the AA CENTER auto-selects from the Location oftheAA
CENTER drop-down list. Record the GPS coordinates (in decimal degrees using NAD83) for the AA
CENTER
In the Point Establishment Comment section of AA Establishment Form (AA-1), describe why the AA
was shifted.
Once the cardinal directions are marked at the AA boundaries, the Veg and AB Teams can proceed
with their other sampling activities.
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KEY: ~ POINT
ft AA CENTER
Wetland
boundary
Standard Circular
AA boundary
Standard Circular AA
Shifted boundary
Standard Buffer
boundary
Shifted Buffer
boundary
Figure 3-7. Example of a Standard Circular AA-Shifted Layout depicted on an example annotated aerial photo.
Distance and bearing from the POINT to the AA CENTER are indicated. The Standard Circular AA layout and the
standard Buffer evaluation boundary are shown for comparison.
3.2.2 Alternate AA Layouts
An Alternate Layout is used in situations where a 0.5 ha circular AA encompassing the POINT will not fit
the sampleable area. The Polygon AA layout is used when a non-circular, 0.5 ha AA is possible at the
POINT; the Wetland Boundary layout applies when the AA would be <0.5 ha but at least 0.1 ha in size
3.2.2.1 Polygon AA
The Polygon AA is used to establish a 0.5 ha AA at sites where the wetland is >0.5 ha, but has
dimensions <80 m in at least one direction and could not, therefore, accommodate a circle with an 80
meter diameter). The AA CENTER is as close to the POINT as possible (Reference Card AA-1, Side B,
Plate 2 Figure 3-2).
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Prior to going to the site:
Use an aerial photo to evaluate the setting at the POINT and determine the distance and bearing
from the POINT to the location of the AA CENTER. Note this information on the photo (See Figure
3-8).
Use tools available in your desktop software (i.e., Google Earth, ArcGIS) to approximate the
boundary of the AA. Alternatively, use the scale of the photo to estimate the average width of the
area and use it to estimate the length needed to get 0.5 ha (See calculations in Figure 3-8).
In cases where the site has bends or is oddly shaped, break the AA into sections and estimate the
area for each (See Figure 3-8).
In the field on the sampling day:
Verify and modify the AA establishment plan as ground conditions dictate.
Locate the AA CENTER using the information on the annotated photo. Select Polygon from the Area
Layout Used drop-down list in the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form (AA-
1). Record the GPS coordinates of the AA CENTER (in decimal degrees using NAD83) and indicate
whether or not the POINT is the AA CENTER by selecting the appropriate choice in the Location of
the AA CENTER drop-down list.
In most situations in the field, using a GPS will be the most efficient way to establish the AA
boundary and calculate the AA area. Turn on the "Area Calculation" function on the GPS and walk
the perimeter of the AA, using the vegetation and other indicators to identify the wetland boundary
(See Reference Card AA-1, Side B and Figure 3-2).
At open sites with mostly low vegetation one could effectively use a rangefinder or meter tape to lay
out a rectangular AA. For example, if the wetland in Figure 3-8 had been dominated by emergent
vegetation, one could set up a rectangular AA (30 m X 167 m) centered on the AA CENTER by
sighting on a Team member walking the AA boundary (See second example on Reference Card AA-
1, Side B, Plate 2 and Figure 3-2).
Complete the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form (AA-1) by entering the
area of the AA as 0.5 ha. If the area of the AA as initially bounded is too small or too large, area can
be added or subtracted from either end of the AA to equal 0.5 ha.
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NWCA Target Wetland Type: Palustrine, Riverine, Lacustrine
Forested, Scrub/Shrute, Emergent - ฆ
HGM Class; Riverine Uppgr Perennial
Ditch with culvert that drams t J/ \v
site to pond--stressor;,notaV
hydrogeomoFphic boundary
Note stream different from
one in AA-Do not cross
this hydrogeomorhphic
boundary/
Average width is about 30m. 0.5ha = .5009m?-^
5000m;/30m = 167 m for the A A lenyfo^^
167m/2 = 89m on either si^a^^tfffXENTER
Area west of CENTEp^Mm X 89m = 2670m2
Area east of CBNTER = 30m X 60m = 1800m2
AreaS&I8&STCE N(TER = 9m X 60m = 540m2
\ TOTAL = 5010m2
Map | Satdlue | Earth
KEY- ft POINT ,M1 . Standard Affwroimafe
~ . . CfecutarAA Pdygon AA
AACENTER bomdary bMMtay bCMUary
Figure 3-8. Example of a Polygon AA layout depicted on an example annotated aerial photo. Distance and
bearing from the POINT to the AA CENTER and notes on likely dimensions of the AA are shown. A
hydrogeomorphic boundary (a tributary stream), a stressor (ditch with culvert), and a stream in the vicinity of
the POINT are illustrated to show features that should be considered in determining AA layout and in
conducting the assessment. A Standard Circular AA is shown for comparison.
Note: the AA in this figure contains three of the NWCA Target Wetland Types. The AA is predominantly
Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine-Forested, and has elements of two other target wetland types.
3,2.2.2 Wetland Boundary AA
The Wetland Boundary AA is used when the sampleable area at the POINT is smaller than 0.5 ha, but is
at least 0.1 ha, and is at least 20 m wide so that vegetation plots can be established (See Chapter 5). In
this case, the AA boundary coincides with the wetland boundary, i.e., the entire area of the wetland will
be sampled (Figure 3-9, Reference Card AA-1, Plate 3 Figure 3-2).
Prior to going to the site:
Use an aerial photo to identify the likely AA boundary. Sketch the AA boundary on the aerial photo.
Determine the bearing and distance from the POINT to the CENTER and add this information to the
sketch (Figure 3-9).
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In the field on the sampling day:
Verify and modify the AA establishment plan as ground conditions dictate.
Locate the AA CENTER using the information on the annotated photo. Select Wetland Boundary
from the Area Layout Used drop-down list in the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA
Establishment Form (AA-1). Record the GPS coordinates of the AA CENTER (in decimal degrees using
NAD83) and indicate whether the POINT is or is not the AA CENTER by selecting the appropriate
choice in the Location oftheAA CENTER drop-down list.
The preferred method for establishing the AA is to use a GPS to determine the boundary and
calculate the area. Turn on the "Area Calculation" function on the GPS and walk the perimeter of the
AA, using the vegetation and other indicators to identify the wetland boundary (See Reference Card
AA-1, Side B, Plate 3 Figure 3-2).
Complete the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form (AA-1) by entering the
area of the AA to the nearest 0.1 ha.
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Figure 3-9. Example of a Wetland Boundary AA layout depicted on an example annotated aerial photo. Distance
and bearing from the POINT to the AA CENTER are indicated. The Standard Circular AA layout and the Standard
Buffer Evaluation boundary are shown for comparison.
3.2.3 Shifting the POINT
During POINT verification, if the original POINT cannot be sampled because the POINT is inaccessible,
falls in a non-target category, or an AA cannot be established (due to issues with size, HGM classes, or
proximity to another NWCA site), determine if the POINT can be shifted to a sampleable wetland that
lies within 60 meters of the original POINT. Sixty meters was chosen to establish a new sample POINT
because it is the distance that would encompass a roughly ฑ 1 second latitude/longitude degree
mapping or GPS error in the location of the POINT. 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, access the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA
Establishment Form (AA-1), select the NO bubble in response to the question "Can an AA that contains
the POINT be established" and the YES bubble in the resulting section to indicate the POINT can be
shifted < 60 meters from the original POINT. Record the GPS coordinates for the shifted POINT. Take a
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digital picture to further document the prevailing conditions at the shifted POINT using photography
protocols in 8.7Appendix D. Make notes in the Point Establishment Comments section explaining why
the POINT was shifted.
Step 2 - If there is not a wetland of the same NWCAtype 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. Using a range finder, GPS, or measuring tape determine if this is within 60 meters of
the original POINT. If it is, access the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form (AA-1),
select the NO bubble in response to the question "Can an AA that contains the POINT be established"
and the YES bubble in the resulting section to indicate the POINT can be shifted < 60 meters from the
original POINT. Record the GPS coordinates for the shifted POINT. Take a digital picture to further
document the prevailing conditions at the shifted POINT using photography protocols in 8.7Appendix D.
Make notes in the Point Establishment Comments section explaining why the POINT was shifted and the
need for changing to a wetland type other than the type listed for the original POINT.
Step 3 - If there is not a wetland in the target population within 60 meters of the original POINT, access
the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form (AA-1), select the NO bubble in response
to the question "Can an AA that contains the POINT be established" and the NO bubble in the resulting
section to indicate the POINT cannot be shifted < 60 meters from the original POINT. Also document this
conclusion on the Point Verification Form (PV-1) by indicating that the site is non-sampleable and
selecting the appropriate non-target category. Follow the procedures for selecting an alternate POINT
(i.e., alternate site) in Section 2.6.2.
3.3 Initial Characterization of the AA
The Veg Team previously identified the predominant NWCA Target Wetland Type on the Point
Verification Form (PV-1), Reference Card AA-3, Side A (Table 1-1). Next, HGM types found in the AA are
recorded in the AA ESTABLISHMENT section of the AA Establishment Form (AA-1). Use the key to HGM
types (Reference Card AA-3, Side B (Figure 3-10)) to make HGM determinations. A single Class and
Subclass should be indicated for the AA.
The Veg Team takes the following digital photos after establishing the Veg Plots (Chapter 5):
Overview of the setting around the POINT.
Overview of the setting around the AA CENTER, if in a different location than the POINT.
View from the AA CENTER along each of the four plot placements lines extending from the CENTER
in each direction (if possible, capture flagging for Veg Plots in the photo).
Important features the Field Crew feels must be recorded, e.g., threatened and endangered species.
The protocol for photography is found in 8.7Appendix D. Be sure to include location information in the
photo descriptions, e.g., the direction of the plot placement lines.
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Reference Card AA-3, Side B. Key to Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Classes and Subclasses
In the following key, the all-capitalized HGM Class is separated by a dash (-) from an associated HGM Subclass. For the
Depression HGM Class, modifiers to the HGM Subclass are described after a comma (,). Start with 1 in the key, and for
each set of choices that are grouped by the same number, select the statement that best describes the AA. Follow the key
until the HGM Class and Subclass are identified.
1. Wetland is naturally under influence of tides 2
2. Water is typically saline or brackish with predominantly salt-tolerant vegetation
communities present in a wetland commonly called 'salt marsh' TIDAL-Naturally Occurring
2. Water is typically freshwater with predominantly salt-intolerant vegetation
communities present in a wetland commonly called 'freshwater tidal' RIVERINE -Tidal
1. Wetland is not naturally under influence of tides 3
3. Wetland would be under influence of tides if not for human actions, e.g., diked 4
4. Water is typically saline or brackish with predominantly salt-tolerant vegetation
communities present in a wetland commonly called 'salt marsh' TIDAL - Human Altered"
4. Water is typically freshwater with predominantly salt-intolerant vegetation
communities present in a wetland commonly called 'freshwater tidal' RIVERINE - Human Altered"
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 above with hydrology altered by human actions, e.g., ditching FLATS - Human Altered"
3. Wetland is not topographically flat and precipitation is not a dominant source of water 5
5. Wetland is associated with a nontidal stream channel, floodplain, or terrace 6
6. Stream is 1st or 2nd order and found in the upper watershed RIVERINE - Upper Perennial
6. Stream is 3rd order or higher and found in the lower watershed RIVERINE - Lower Perennial
6. Wetland is part of a mosaic of streams, floodplain features (former channels,
depressions) and/or slope wetlands (supported by groundwater) RIVERINE-Complex
6. Wadeable stream channel has been impounded by beaver activity RIVERINE - Beaver Impounded
6. Wadeable stream channel has been excavated and deepened, the active
floodplain has been excavated and/or isolated from overbank flows from the channel RIVERINE - Human Altered"
6. Stream is constrained by a graminoid-dominated wetland supported primarily by groundwater 10
5. Wetland is not associated with a nontidal stream channel, floodplain, or terrace 7
7. Wetland is fringing a lake or reservoir. 8
8. Wetland inundation controlled by relatively natural hydroperiod LACUSTRINE-Naturally Occurring
8. Wetland inundation controlled by dam releases LACUSTRINE - Artificially Flooded
7. Wetland is not fringing a lake or reservoir. 9
9, Wetland is primarily supported by ground water 10
10. Water source is ground water discharged to the surface on the side
of a hill due to a geologic feature, e.g., a confining layer. SLOPE-Stratographic
10. Water source is ground water discharged at the toe-of-slope SLOPE - Topographic
10. Slope wetland excavated to increase depth/amount of surface water. SLOPE - Human Altered"
9. Wetland is associated with a topographic depression 11
11. Topographic depression without surface water inlets, outlets or other connections 12
12. Wetland is a naturally occurring feature of the landscape DEPRESSION -Closed
12. Closed Depression impounded by beaver activities DEPRESSION - Closed, Beaver Impounded
12. Closed Depression impounded by human activities DEPRESSION - Closed, Human Impounded
12. Closed Depression excavated by human activities DEPRESSION - Closed, Human Excavated
12. Closed Depression excavated and
impounded by human activities DEPRESSION - Closed, Human Excavated and Impounded
11. Topographic depression with surface water inlets, outlets, or other connections 13
13. Wetland is a naturally occurring feature of the landscape DEPRESSION -Open
13. Open Depression impounded by beaver activities DEPRESSION - Open, Beaver Impounded
13. Open Depression impounded by human activities DEPRESSION - Open, Human Impounded
13. Open Depression excavated by human activities DEPRESSION - Open, Human Excavated
13. Open Depression is excavated and
impounded by human activities DEPRESSION - Open, Human Excavated and Impounded
Adapted from Smith et al. (1995), Brooks et al. (2011), and personal experience of M.E. Kentula, USEPA.
For examples of human altered hydrogeomorphic types, see Reference Card AA-2, Side B.
Figure 3-10. Reference Card AA-3, Side B.
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3.4 Listed Species Considerations
Field crews have the potential to encounter federally listed species and critical habitats that are
protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) while conducting field sampling. Field crew leads are
expected to have an understanding of the federally listed species and their critical habitats and state
species of concern that have the potential to occur at or near a given sampling site, including habitats
that will be used to access the sampling site. Crew leads are responsible for making their crew members
aware of potential occurrences of listed species and their critical habitat. Efforts should be made to
minimize risks to listed species and their critical habitats and avoid the take of listed species while
implementing the NWCA field protocols. For example, crews are expected to:
understand the circumstances when it would be necessary to avoid sampling due to the presence of
a listed species;
allow a listed species to naturally move away from the sampling area (do not herd or harass);
immediately release listed taxa if they are unintentionally collected while implementing the
sediment or vegetation protocols (do not preserve); and
implement additional limitations that may be established in the scientific sampling permits.
These best practices are not an exhaustive list of requirements for Field Crews. Field crews are expected
to be aware of the recommendations and guidelines that apply in a given state and for a given species.
3.5 General Comments
The bottom of AA Establishment Form (AA-1) - General Assessment Comments, is a section for a Field
Crew to capture general comments about the field site. If there are features of the assessment area that
are unique to the site that may influence data they need to be recorded here.
3.6 Data Handling
See Chapter 2 for protocols on submitting completed data and tracking forms to the Information
Management Team via the NWCA App. See 8.7Appendix D for information on transmitting the image
files of the photos taken.
3.7 Reference Cards
Reference Card AA-1, Side A and B: Assessment Area Establishment
Reference Card AA-2, Side A: Criteria for Sampleable Area
Reference Card AA-2, Side B: Hydrogeomorphic Boundaries and Human Altered Types
Reference Card AA-3, Side A: NWCA Target Wetland Types
Reference Card AA-3, Side B: Key to Hydrogeomorphic Classes
Reference Card AA-4: Flowchart for Determining NWCA Target Wetland Type
The Assessment Area Reference Cards are compiled (with all other NWCA 2021 Reference Cards) in the
Quick Reference Guide.
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3.8 Equipment and Forms List and Data Forms
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
50-m or 100-m measuring tape with reel and/or other measuring devices (such as marked rope) for
situations where GPS or rangefinder does not work
2-way hand-held radios
Compass
iPads with NWCA app
Reference cards
Digital camera with batteries and memory card
Field clip boards
Pencils
GPS loaded with coordinates for the POINT, manual, extra battery pack
Indelible markers to write on flagging
Laser rangefinder with extra batteries (optional)
Sharpieฎ or comparable fine-point, permanent, silver marker
Site packet with maps with POINT marked, directions to the POINT, access information
Surveyor's flagging tape to mark the AA boundary
Pin flags for occasional use
DATA FORMS (in the NWCA APP):
NWCA 2021 Point Verification Form (PV-1)
NWCA 2021 AA Establishment Form (AA-1)
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Chapter 4 Human-Mediated Physical Alterations
4.1 Introduction
Anthropogenic activities have resulted in the loss of nearly 50 percent of the wetlands across the US
since pre-settlement, with losses of some wetland types continuing to increase in the last three decades
(Dahl 1990, Dahl 2000, Dahl 2005, Dahl 2011). However, in many cases, anthropogenic activities do not
result in the complete loss of a wetland, but instead, an impairment of wetland functions and
diminished ecological condition (Hemond & Benoit 1988, Faulkner 2004, Fennessy et al. 2004, Kirwan &
Megonigal 2013). Thus, observations of physical alterations to the wetland are important for indicating
the degree of disturbance to a wetland, and, ultimately, to its condition.
Human-mediated physical alterations, defined as modifications or damage caused directly by humans or
consequentially from anthropogenic activities (e.g., raising livestock) or human pressures (e.g., land use
encroachment, fire suppression), may occur in the Assessment Area (AA) and/or in the surrounding
buffer. In the case of the NWCA, the buffer is a prescribed measurement area or discrete zone (e.g.,
riparian buffer or GIS buffer) that surrounds the perimeter of the AA. The buffer may encompass
wetland or upland, natural vegetation cover, or human land uses. Regardless of what the buffer
encompasses, information about what surrounds the AA and the degree of physical alteration is
important for characterizing the POINT and associated AA. Observations of physical alterations that
affect the vegetation, hydrology, and soil in both the AA and in the buffer indicate disturbances and
possible stress to the wetland ecosystem. These data are necessary for an assessment of wetland
condition to place the AA on a gradient of disturbance relative to a reference standard.
This chapter provides the procedures to identify, survey, and record physical alteration data within the
entire AA and in twelve Buffer Sample Plots by the Assessment Area and Buffer (AB) Team. Collecting
physical alteration data for the NWCA involves recording observations of 48 physical alterations. In the
AA, an assessment of the percent cover or level of influence of observed physical alterations is recorded.
In the twelve Buffer Sample Plots, only the presence of physical alterations is recorded.
The list of 48 physical alterations compiled on the field forms (Assessment Area Physical Alterations
Form (P-l) and Buffer Area Physical Alterations Form (P-2)) evolved from the those used in previous
NWCA surveys, which contained elements from multiple sources, including the California Rapid
Assessment Method (CRAM) for Wetlands and Riparian Areas (Collins et al. 2006), Gulf of Mexico
Coastal Wetlands Condition Assessment (Heitmuller 2008), Delaware Comprehensive Assessment
Procedure (Jacobs et al. 2008), Delaware Rapid Assessment Procedure (Jacobs 2007), USEPA
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) Stream Survey (Kaufmann et al. 1999, Peck
et al. 2006), and Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands (Mack 2001).
To avoid impairing data collection for Vegetation (Chapter 5), AB Team members will avoid stepping into
areas that might be delineated as Vegetation Plots, by waiting until the Plots are marked (or at least
their general area is known) before entering the AA. Assessment of physical alterations occurring in
Vegetation Plots must be done from plot peripheries to avoid trampling vegetation in the plots.
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4.2 Sampling Procedure
The protocols for the NWCA physical alteration sampling are:
1) Setting up Buffer Sample Plots
2) Identification of Physical Alterations
a. In the entire AA
b. In twelve 100-m2 Buffer Sample Plots
4.2.1 Buffer Sample Plot Layout
The AB Team records physical alterations within the entire AA and at twelve 100-m2 Buffer Sample Plots
laid out along four, 145-m cardinal transects (marked N, S, E, and W on figures) that begin at the AA
CENTER and cross into the buffer at the AA boundary. For all cardinal transects, ensure that true N is
being used. The Buffer Sample Plots are arranged so that they can be given weights for proximity
analysis. Follow the instructions for locating Buffer Sample Plots given below and, as needed, refer to
the description of the Standard AA circular and shifted layouts in Chapter 3. The buffer protocol is also
summarized on Reference Card P-l, Side A.
Regardless of the AA layout, crews should always place three buffer plots per cardinal transect. Each
buffer plot is placed such that the distances between each buffer plot and the distance from the edge of
the AA to the first buffer plot along a transect are all equal.
4.2.1.1 Buffer Sample Plot Layout - Standard AAs (Circular and Shifted)
Figure 4-1 shows a Standard Circular AA layout where the three Buffer Sample Plots are equally spaced
along the portion of each cardinal transect within the buffer. The cardinal transects begin at Meter 0
(the AA CENTER) and end at Meter 145, with Meter 40 marking the AA boundary. Transects and plots do
not have to be sampled in any particular order as long as the sample plots are identified correctly and
data are placed in the appropriate areas of each data form.
Buffer Sample Plots have an area of 100 m2, with a length of 10 m; thus, each Buffer Sample Plot will
span 10 m along the cardinal transect with a distance of 25 m between the end of one plot and the
beginning of the next. Table 4-1 describes the location of the Buffer Sample Plots along the cardinal
transects. Buffer Sample Plots Nl, El, SI, and W1 begin 25 meters outside the AA boundary, with the
plots spanning the 10 m located between Meter 65 - 75 along the transect. Buffer Sample Plots N2, E2,
S2, and W2 begin 25 meters away from the end of the first Buffer Sample Plots, spanning the 10 m
located between Meter 100 - 110 along the transect. Buffer Sample Plots N3, E3, S3, and W3 begin 25
meters away from the end of the second Buffer Sample Plots, spanning the 10 m located between
Meter 135 - 145 along the transect.
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Table 4-1. Location of Assessment Area, spacing, and Buffer Sample Plots along a 145-m cardinal transect for a
Standard AA,
TOTAL
LENGTH
LOCATION
ALONG
TRANSECT
FROM AA
CENTER
DISTANCE
FROM AA
CENTER TO
BUFFER PLOT
CENTER
ASSESSMENT AREA (AA)
40 m
Meter 0 to 40
SPACING BETWEEN AA BOUNDARY
AND BEGINNING OF BUFFER SAMPLE PLOT 1
BUFFER SAMPLE PLOT 1
SPACING BETWEEN END OF BUFFER SAMPLE
PLOT1
AND BEGINNING OF BUFFER SAMPLE PLOT 2
BUFFER SAMPLE PLOT 2 j
!!
SPACING BETWEEN END OF BUFFER SAMPLE
PLOT 2
AND BEGINNING OF BUFFER SAMPLE PLOT 3
BUFFER SAMPLE PLOT 3 1
25 m
10 m
25 m
10 m
25 m
10 m
Meter 40 to 65
Meter 65 to 75
Meter 75 to
100
Meter 100 to
110
Meter 110 to
135
Meter 135 to
145
70
105
140
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+ POINT/AA CENTER
AA Boundary
Transect Line
Q Buffer Plot
Wetland Boundary
Figure 4-1. Buffer Sample Plots placed relative to a Standard Circular AA Layout. Note, in this example, all the
Buffer Sample Plots on the N transect and plots El, SI, and W1 fall within the wetland. The remaining plots
occur in upland locations surrounding the wetland.
The following protocol is used to establish the Buffer Sample Plots for a Standard Circular AA Layout:
1) Once the intersection of the AA boundary and the first cardinal transect has been located, the AB
Team begins locating Buffer Sample Plots along the transect.
2) Starting at the AA CENTER, use a tape measure, GPS, a rangefinder and compass, or other means to
measure the distance along the transect to the beginning of Buffer Sample Plot 1, located 65 m
away from the AA CENTER. Measure or estimate 5 m to the left and right of the transect line,
flagging the front corners of the square buffer plot, if necessary.
3) Walk 10 m away from the AA CENTER along the transect line to the end Buffer Sample Plot 1, ending
at 75 m away from the AA CENTER. Measure or estimate 5 m to the left and right of the transect
line, flagging the back corners of the square buffer plot, if necessary, and finalizing the
establishment of the first 100 m2 Buffer Sample Plot.
4) From the beginning of Buffer Sample Plot 1, walk the 10 m from Meter 65 - 75 along the transect,
making careful observations within a distance of 5 m to your left and 5 m to your right, thus visually
sampling a square, 100 m2-plot.
5) Record data for Buffer Sample Plot 1 on the Buffer Area Physical Alterations Form (P-2) as
described in Section 4.2.4.
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6) From the end of Buffer Sample Plot 1, walk 25 m away from the AA CENTER along the cardinal
transect to Buffer Sample Plot 2, beginning at 100 m away from the AA CENTER. Repeat the process
described in steps 2, 3 and 4, appropriately adjusting the distances (designated by bold text) to
establish and sample Buffer Sample Plot 2. Record data on Form P-2 as described in Section 4.2.4.
7) Walk another 25 m away from the end of Buffer Sample Plot 2 to reach Buffer Sample Plot 3,
beginning at 135 m away from the AA CENTER. Repeat the process described in steps 2, 3 and 4,
appropriately adjusting the distances (designated by bold text) to establish and sample Buffer
Sample Plot 3. Record data on Form P-2 as described in Section 4.2.4.
8) Proceed to each of the remaining three transects and repeat steps 2-7. Select the appropriate tab
on Form P-2 for each Buffer Transect (N, S, E, W). For special situations, use the 'Select if plot(s)
observed from outside plot boundaries (i.e., from a distance) and comment bubble or the 'Select if
plot(s) not sampled and comment bubble at the top of Form P-2 as described in Section 4.2.4 (steps
3a and 3b).
9) Alternately, crews may choose to travel to the center of each Buffer Sample Plot and measure or
estimate a 10x10 meter plot around them. To do so, measure the distance from the AA CENTER to
the center of each Buffer Sample Plot along a cardinal transect with the most appropriate means
(tape measure, rangefinder, GPS, etc.). Distances for a standard circular AA are 70, 105 and 140
meters (see Table 4-1).
4.2.1.2 Buffer Sample Plot Layout - Alternate AAs (Polygon and Wetland Boundary)
If a wetland is not large enough to accommodate a 40-m radius circle, an alternate AA layout is used.
Chapter 3 presents instructions for laying out alternate AAs. Once the AA layout is established, four,
145-m cardinal transects from the AA CENTER can be established due N, E, S, and W of the AA CENTER
(use true N). The transect lines will be used to measure distances between the AA CENTER, the AA
boundary, and the end of the transect in each cardinal direction - information necessary for the Field
Crew to establish the Buffer Sample Plots.
The distances between Buffer Sample Plots along the cardinal transects will vary depending on the
distance between the AA CENTER and AA boundary and on the shape and orientation of the AA (Figure
4-2). The procedure for locating Buffer Sample Plots on transects of varying lengths appears below and
is summarized on Reference Card P-l, Side A.
The farthest edge of the most distant Buffer Sample Plot on a transect line (i.e., Buffer Sample Plots N3,
E3, S3, and W3) is 145 m away from the AA CENTER regardless of the AA layout. By measuring the
distances between the AA CENTER and the intersection of the AA boundary with the cardinal transect
lines, the first Buffer Sample Plots (e.g., Nl, El, SI, and Wl) and the middle Buffer Sample Plots (e.g.,
N2, E2, S2, and W2) can be established using equal spacing. The space between each of these 100 m2-
plots is determined using the following FORMULA:
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(115 - D)
= s
Where:
115 is the length of the cardinal transect (145 meters) - the total Buffer Sample Plot lengths (10x3 or
30 meters)
D is the distance (in meters) from the AA CENTER to the AA boundary along the cardinal transect
S is the spacing (in meters) between the AA boundary and the first Buffer Sample Plot AND is the
spacing between the remaining Buffer Sample Plots along the cardinal transect
NOTE: If a narrow AA (like in a riparian area) is aligned directly along the E-W or N-S transects, it may be
necessary to extend the cardinal transect length to accommodate three Buffer Sample Plots. That is, if a
buffer transect length is too short, such that the distance between the Buffer Sample Plots would be
<10 m (i.e., the transect length is less than 60 m from the AA boundary), the transect length is extended
to allow the plots to be at least 10 m apart.
N3 = 145 m from AA CENTER
Total Length of 3 plots = 30 m
AA North Boundary = 25 m from AA CENTER
Spacing between plots -
(N3 - Total Length of 3 plots - AA North Boundary)/3
(145 - 30 - 25)/3 = 30 m
Distance of beginning of N1 from AA CENTER =
25 ~ 30 = 55 m
Distance of beginning of N2 from AA CENTER =
Distance of end of N2 from AA CENTER ~ Spacing =
(55 ~ 10) ~ 30 = 95 m
E3 = 145 m from AA CENTER
Total Length of 3 plots = 30 m
AA East Boundary = 50 m from AA CENTER
Spacing between plots =
(E3 - Total length of 3 plots - AA East Boundary)/3
(145 - 30 - 50)/3 * 21.6 m
Distance of beginning of El from AA CENTER =
50 +21.6 ป 71.6 m
Distance of beginning of E2 from AA CENTER =
Distance of end of E2 from AA CENTER + Spacing =
(71.6 ~ 10) ~ 28.3 = 109.9 m
145 m
+ POINT
+ AA CENTER
AA Boundary
Transect Line
| Buffer Plot
Wetland Boundary
Figure 4-2. Alternate AA with an area of Vi ha. The shape and orientation of the AA determines the distance of
plots Ml, El, SI, and W1 from the AA CENTER as well as the distance between Buffer Sample Plots on each
transect.
The following protocol is used to establish the Buffer Sample Plots for an Alternate (Polygon or Wetland
Boundary) AA Layout:
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1) Once the intersection of the AA boundary and the first cardinal transect has been located, the AB
Team begins locating Buffer Sample Plots along the transect.
2) Starting at the AA CENTER, use a tape measure, GPS, a rangefinder and compass, or other means to
measure and take note of the distance along the cardinal transect from the AA CENTER to the AA
boundary.
3) Knowing that the end of Buffer Sample Plot 3 should be 145 m away from the AA CENTER
(exception: see NOTE above), use the FORMULA above to locate the beginning of Buffer Sample Plot
1. Measure or estimate 5 m to the left and right of the transect line, flagging the front corners of the
square buffer plot, if necessary.
4) Walk 10 m away from the AA CENTER along the transect line to the end of Buffer Sample Plot 1.
Measure or estimate 5 m to the left and right of the transect line, flagging the back corners of the
square buffer plot, if necessary, and finalizing the establishment of the first 100 m2 Buffer Sample
Plot.
5) From the beginning of Buffer Sample Plot 1, walk the 10 m length along the transect away from the
AA CENTER, making careful observations to a distance of 5 m to your left and 5 m to your right, thus
visually sampling a square, 100 m2-plot.
6) Record data for Buffer Sample Plot 1 on Form P-2 as described in Section 4.2.4.
7) From the end of Buffer Sample Plot 1, walk the calculated distance away from the AA CENTER along
the cardinal transect to the beginning of Buffer Sample Plot 2, using the FORMULA above. Repeat
the process described in steps 3, 4 and 5 to establish and sample Buffer Sample Plot 2. Record data
on Form P-2 as described in Section 4.2.4.
8) From the end of Buffer Sample Plot 2, walk the calculated distance away from the AA CENTER along
the cardinal transect to the beginning of Buffer Sample Plot 3, using the FORMULA above. Repeat
the process described in steps 3, 4 and 5 to establish and sample Buffer Sample Plot 2. Record data
on Form P-2 as described in Section 4.2.4.
9) Proceed to each of the remaining three transects and repeat steps 2-8. Select the appropriate tab
on Form P-2 for each Buffer Transect (N, S, E, W). For special situations, use the 'Select if plot(s)
observed from outside plot boundaries (i.e., from a distance) and comment' bubble or the 'Select if
plot(s) not sampled and comment bubble at the top of Form P-2 as described in Section 4.2.4 (steps
3a and 3b).
10) Alternately, crews may choose to travel to the center of each Buffer Sample Plot and measure or
estimate a 10x10 meter plot around them. To do so, measure the distance from the AA CENTER to
the center of each Buffer Sample Plot along a cardinal transect with the most appropriate means
(tape measure, rangefinder, GPS, etc.). Distances for alternate layouts must be calculated based on
the dimensions of the AA (see FORMULA above) and the center of each plot will be 5 meters farther
from the AA CENTER than the beginning edge of the plot.
4.2.2 Identification of Physical Alterations
The objective of the Physical Alteration protocol is to assess human-mediated physical alterations to the
AA and buffer. Observations of physical alterations are recorded in the field using the Assessment Area
Physical Alterations Form (P-l) and Buffer Area Physical Alterations Form (P-2). These two forms
include the same list of 48 physical alterations, equally divided among three categories: Vegetation,
Hydrology, and Soil - the three components that define wetlands. Each of the three categories is
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subdivided into subcategories totaling six. A summary of each physical alteration may be found on the
double-sided Reference Card P-2: Physical Alteration Definitions. The following list of physical
alterations includes descriptions, definitions, examples, and considerations for observations. Note that
any examples provided in the following list are meant to be illustrative and not exhaustive.
Vegetation Removal
Forest Clear Cut - Logging practice in which all or most of the trees in an area are cut down leaving
stumps, debris, and, if any, only few snags or wildlife/seed trees across the landscape.
Forest Selective Cut - Logging practice in which selected trees are removed, leaving a canopy of
scattered or uniformly spaced trees that cover at least 30% of the area. This also includes
shelterwood cutting (Note: for areas with less than 30% of the trees remaining after a cut, see
Forest Clear Cut).
Vegetation Damage from Insects - Evidence of vegetation damage or herbivory (e.g., crown or
branch dieback, leaf or bark damage, boring) from insects (native and nonnative), e.g., Emerald Ash
Borer, Gypsy Moth, Asian Longhorn Beetle, Willow Borers.
Herbicide/Pesticide Use - Evidence of herbicide or pesticide use, including (but not limited to)
yellowing or browned foliage, spray residues, or a strong chemical smell.
Shrub/Tree Browsing - Evidence of livestock (e.g., cows, horses, goats, sheep) or feral animals (e.g.,
pigs) stripping leaves, bark, fruit, or green stems from shrubs and trees, or evidence of excessive
browsing (causing damage to the plant community) by native animals (e.g., deer, elk). Note:
Browsing Type, indicating whether Livestock/Feral, Native Overbrowsing, or Both are doing damage,
must be provided.
Grass/Forb Grazing - Evidence of livestock (e.g., cows, horses, goats, sheep), feral animals (e.g.,
pigs), or native animals (e.g., deer, elk) eating grasses or other forbs, or evidence of excessive
grazing (causing damage to the plant community) by native animals (e.g., deer, elk). Note: Grazing
Type, indicating whether Livestock/Feral, Native Overgrazing, or Both are doing damage, must be
provided.
Mowing/Pruning/Clearing - Mowing or shrub cutting/clearing, often to maintain ease of access for
a right-of-way or easement (i.e., utility, agriculture, property).
Human-Altered Fire Regime - Evidence of intense fires or fire suppression; indicators include
blackened forest canopy, charred/mineralized soil/peat surface, and/or absence of fire-dependent
plant species.
Vegetation Replacement
Abandoned Crop Field/Historicgl Cultivgtion - Abandoned crop field or evidence of historical
cultivation where the land is now revegetated with volunteer forbs, grasses, shrubs, or trees.
Recent Fgllow/Resting Crop Field - Recent fallow or resting crop field, evident by, for example,
dead corn stalks, crop debris, or bare soil.
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Lawn/Park/Cemetery/Golf Course - Area of maintained grass/turf with or without
landscaping/gardens, such as in a lawn, park, cemetery, or golf course.
Silviculture/Tree Plantation/Orchard/Nursery - Planted and cultivated trees for harvesting timber,
fruit, or another product of the tree; actively, intensively managed forest plantations are included.
Note: Secondary growth forests on a natural, successional trajectory are excluded.
Active Row or Field Crop - Presence of any type of row or field crop, including corn, soybean, alfalfa,
hay, wheat, lettuce, cover crops, table vegetables, berries, etc.
Range - Rangelands, used for livestock grazing, tend to have natural vegetation but also may have
introduced plant species.
Pasture - Pastures have forage that is adapted for livestock and managed by seeding, mowing,
fertilization, and irrigation.
Nonnative Pest Plants - Pest plant species that are entirely nonnative (e.g., Japanese Honeysuckle,
Himalayan Blackberry, Multiflora Rose, Kudzu) or partially-nonnative/cryptogenic (e.g., Reed
Canarygrass, Cattail, Common Reed). Refer to Appendix B Example Nonnative Plant Species for
examples of commonly encountered nonnative pest plants. Note: these examples are not
exhaustive and there may be numerous nonnative species encountered (consult the site
Botanist/Ecologist if questions arise).
Water Addition/Subtraction
Ditch/Channelized Stream - Ditches (inflowing, outflowing, or dry) or a natural stream that has
been intentionally channelized by humans for routing water from the site.
Culvert-Culvert, which may be circular corrugated pipe, concrete arch or box, or other types.
Point Source/Pipe - Point source pipe for routing effluent, sewer outfall, or stormwater to site.
Tile Drainage/Drain Tiles - Presence or evidence of tile drainage (or drain tiles), typically used to
drain and move water from agricultural fields.
Irrigation - Any type of irrigation that adds water to the site.
Water Withdrawal Pump - Any type of water withdrawal pump.
Impervious Surface Input - Sheetflow into the AA or buffer plot from the presence of an impervious
surface, such as roads or concrete pads.
Human-mediated Shallow Channels - Shallow channels that act as flow paths created by, for
example, vehicle ruts, human, livestock, or feral animal trails or trampling, eroded foot paths, etc.
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Flow Obstruction
Dike/Berm/Levee - Artificially-raised banks (typically constructed parallel to the direction of flow)
that obstruct flooding.
Dam - A barrier constructed by humans, or a barrier constructed by beavers against a human-made
structure (e.g., weir, culvert), that is perpendicular to the direction of flow, holding back water and
raising the water level.
Wall/Riprap - Wall or riprap (e.g., boulders, concrete blocks, shot rock) used to armor a shoreline or
stabilized a bank from erosion.
Trash/Soil/Gravel/Spoil/Organic Debris Heap - Human-deposited trash, soil, gravel, spoil, and
organic debris heaps (including slash or lawn waste) that impede or redirect water flow.
Road/Railroad/Walkway - Artificially-raised road, railroad, or walkway (e.g., boardwalk) above low
ground.
Water Level Control Structure - Any type of water level control structure, including weirs, tide/flood
gates, and flashboard riser structures.
Pond/Retention Basin/Quarry - Ponds/lagoons created by humans for watering cattle, collecting
wastewater or stormwater, holding irrigation water, recreational use (fishing, swimming), etc.
Silvicultural/Agricultural Mounding of Soil - Mounding of soil for silviculture (e.g., tree bedding) or
for agriculture that results in impediment or redirection of water flow.
Soil Hardening
Oil/Gas/Utility Wells/Drilling/Pipeline - Presence of oil or gas wells, oil/gas/utility pipeline (above
or below ground), or active/historic drilling.
Soil Compaction/Pugging/Wallows - Compacted soil or pugging as a result of trampling, rooting, or
wallowing by livestock, domesticated, or feral animals, or humans and human activities, such as
hiking and camping.
Non-Paved Trail- Non-paved trails or matted vegetation created by livestock, domesticated or feral
animals, or humans.
Vehicle Rut/Off-road Vehicle Damage - Vehicle ruts or off-road vehicle damage to the soil surface.
Note: unpaved dirt roads are excluded and should be captured using Unpaved Road.
Unpaved Road - Unpaved road, including gravel, aggregate, dirt, grass, sand, and other semi-
permeable surface types.
Paved Road- Paved road, including asphalt, concrete, chip and seal, and other impervious surface
types.
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Other Impervious Surface - Buildings, housing structures, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and
other surfaces that have impervious footprints (i.e., concrete, asphalt, pavement). Note: paved
roads are excluded and should be captured using Paved Road.
Pilings/Utility Pole/RR Track - Impervious footprint from the presence of pilings (e.g., dock pilings,
fence posts, raised boardwalk posts) a utility pole, or a railroad track.
Surface Modification
Conspicuous Trash/Dumping - Clearly visible trash or dumping either deposited directly by humans
(e.g., individuals, social camps) or indirectly by tides or wind.
Soil/Gravel/Spoil/Organic Debris Heap - Soil, gravel, spoil, and organic debris heaps (including slash
and lawn waste) created by humans.
Landfill - Presence of an active or historic landfill.
Excavation/Dredging - Active or historic excavation or dredging, including gravel pits and transport
channels.
Mine - Presence of an active or historic, surface or underground mine.
Soil Deposition/Sedimentation - Freshly deposited soil or sediment as a result of human activities.
So/7 Erosion/Oxidation/Subsidence - Soil loss from erosion, oxidation, or human-mediated
subsidence (e.g., human restriction of sediment delivery to a wetland, removal of soil-stabilizing
vegetation, etc.), or evidence thereof, such as root exposure.
Soil Tilling/Plowing/Disking/Harrowing - Soil tilling, plowing, disking, or harrowing, typically from
agricultural practices.
4.2.3 Considerations for Assessing Physical Alterations
Crew Members making the observations are best situated (as opposed to the Data Analysis Team) to
assess the type of impact or impacts the physical alteration may have on the site. When assessing an
observation of a physical alteration at a site, there are several key questions that should be used to
guide which bubble to fill in:
1) Am I observing a human-mediated physical alteration?
2) What impact is the physical alteration having on the vegetation, hydrology, and/or soil of the
AA?
3) Which listed physical alteration best characterizes the observation? Note: There is no option to
choose 'Other' in the P-l or P-2 forms. Choose the category that most closely matches the
alteration and use the adjacent comment bubble to add further information if necessary.
4) For Physical Alterations Observed in the AA Only: What is the percent cover or level of
influence of the physical alteration within the AA?
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These questions are outlined in the decision flow chart in Figure 4-3. Field crews should be acutely
aware of the following considerations, which expound upon the above key questions, when assessing
Physical Alterations within the AA and the Buffer Plots.
4.2.4 Physical Alterations Focus on Mediated Impacts
While there are many naturally occurring physical alterations that impact wetlands and their
surroundings, this protocol is specifically focused on human-mediated physical alterations to the AA and
Buffer Plots. The 48 physical alterations are meant to focus only on human-mediated impacts; thus, it
may be necessary to examine the sites for other possible indicators that may help distinguish human-
mediated physical alterations from naturally occurring ones.
For example, freshly deposited sediment with evidence of water marks on nearby trees or debris in
vegetation is likely an indicator of a flooding event (i.e., naturally occurring, and therefore, no bubble
should be filled in for this). On the other hand, freshly deposited sediment with visible, active
construction upslope is likely an indicator of a human-mediated impact, and, at the least, the 'Soil
Deposition/Sedimentation' bubble should be filled in.
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Physical Alteration Decision Flow Chart
Am I observing a human-mediated
physical alteration?
Yes, the physical alteration is
human made or there are
indicators of human mediation.
No, there are indications that
the physical alteration was created
by a naturally occurring event.
r
What impact is the
physical alteration having on the vegetation,
hydrology, or soil of the AA?
No bubble is filled,
Fill in the bubble(s) of the listed physical alterations that best characterize the observation.
For observations in the AA only: What is the percent cover or level of influence of each physical alteration within the AA?
1
f
\
f
r
Forest Clear Cut
Forest Selective Cut
Vegetation Damage from Insects
Herbicide/Pesticide Use
Shrub/Tree Browsing*
Grass/Forb Grazing*
*Designate 'Browsing Type'/'Grazing Type'
Mowing/Pruning/Clearing
Human-Altered Fire Regime
Ditch/Channelized Stream
Culvert
Point Source/Pipe
Tile Drainage/Drain Tiles
Irrigation
Water Withdrawal Pump
Impervious Surface Input
Human-mediated Shallow Channels
Oil/Gas/Utility Well/Drilling/Pipeline
Soil Compaction/Pugging/Wallows
Non-Paved Trail
Vehicle Rut/Off-road Vehicle Damage
Unpaved Road
Paved Road
Other Impervious Surface
Piling/Utility Pole/RR Track
1 1
Abandoned Crop Field/Historical Cultivation Dike/Berm/Levee
Recent Fallow/Resting Crop Field Dam
Lawn/Park/Cemetery/Golf Course Wall/Riprap
Silviculture/Tree Plantation/Orchard/Nursery Trash/Soil/Gravel/Spoil /Organic Debris Heap
Active Row or Field Crop Road/Railroad/Walkway
Range Water Level Control Structure
Pasture Pond/Retention Basin/Quarry
Nonnative Pest Plants Silvicultural/Agricultural Mounding of Soil
1
Conspicuous Trash/Dumping
Soil/Gravel/Spoil/Organic Debris Heap
Landfill
Excavation/Dredging
Mine
Soil Deposition/Sedimentation
Soil Erosion/Oxidation/Subsidence
Soil Tilling/Plowing/Disking/Harrowing
J
si: vi
i
\gric
1
winฃ
1
For observations in the AA only:
For observations in the AA only:
For observations in the AA only:
Percent Cover <5%
Low Level of Influence
Low Level of Influence
Percent Cover 6-24%
Moderate Level of Influence
Moderate Level of Influence
Percent Cover >25%
High Level of Influence
High Level of Influence
Figure 4-3. Physical Alteration decision flowchart
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4.2.5 The Impact of the Physical Alteration Needs to be Identified
The most important consideration in filling out the form is to capture the impact of the observed
physical alteration to the AA or buffer plot. Therefore, the most appropriate physical alteration bubble
within the category that most closely aligns with the observation should be filled in.
Note: For observations of 'Shrub/Tree Browsing' and 'Grass/Forb Grazing' under the 'Vegetation
Removal' category, 'Browsing Type' or 'Grazing Type' must also be provided by selecting one of three
options:
'Livestock/Feral' if there is evidence of any livestock or feral animal browsing/grazing.
'Native Overbrowsing' or 'Native Overgrazing' if there is evidence of excessive browsing/grazing,
(causing damage to the plant community), which can occur when native animal population
densities are high.
'Both' if there is evidence of both livestock/feral animal browsing/grazing and native animal
overbrowsing/overgrazing.
Alternatively, on paper forms, crews should check one or both of the 'Livestock/Feral' or 'Native
Overbrowsing'/'Native Overgrazing' boxes, with both boxes checked designating that both
livestock/feral animal browsing/grazing and native animal overbrowsing/overgrazing are observed.
For observations of 'Shrub/Tree Browsing' and 'Grass/Forb Grazing' alterations in the Buffer Sample
Plots, the 'Browsing Type' or 'Grazing Type' information should be collected once to cumulatively
describe all three plots on a transect. For example, if there is evidence of cow grazing in one plot and
deer overgrazing in two plots, 'Both' should be selected for 'Grazing Type'.
Observations of physical alterations are limited to the list of 48, with no option for writing in additional
observations that do not exactly fit the description of one of the listed 48 physical alterations. While as
many physical alterations were broadly captured as possible, it is certainly possible that other human-
mediated physical alterations will be observed that were not anticipated. The Field Crew should fill out
the most appropriate physical alteration bubble (even if the description is not exact) within the category
that most closely aligns with the observation. For example, for an observation of a duck blind, which is
not specifically named as a physical alteration, the primary impact is likely to be soil hardening from the
posts; thus, the bubble for 'Piling/Utility Pole/RR Track' under the 'Soil Hardening' category may be filled
in. Evidence of compaction around the duck blind may also be present, necessitating a second bubble to
be filled in for 'Soil Compaction/Pugging/Wallows' under the 'Soil Hardening' category. If the entry
merits a comment (e.g., explanation or clarification), use the adjacent comment bubble to provide
additional information.
4.2.6 A Physical Alteration Can Have More Than Or ' wt
It is possible that an observed physical alteration has more than one impact on the vegetation,
hydrology, and soil of the site. This is reflected on the Physical Alteration Forms, where there are
similarly named physical alterations listed under two different categories (note that the definitions of
these physical alterations are also different). Thus, crews should be careful to avoid filling in a bubble for
a physical alteration without confirming that the category under which the physical alteration is listed
describes the impact. The following examples illustrate how an observation may have multiple impacts,
necessitating more than one bubble to be filled in.
Example 1: Consider a human-made pile of gravel. It is certainly impacting the soil surface, thus the
bubble for'Soil/Gravel/Spoil/Organic Debris Heap' under the 'Surface Modification' category can be
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filled in. However, depending on its position in relation to the flow of water, it may also be affecting the
hydrology by acting as a barrier. If this second case is true, a second bubble should also be filled in for
'Trash/Soil/Gravel/Spoil/Organic Debris Heap' under the 'Flow Obstruction' category.
Example 2: Consider a herd of cows. The cows themselves are not a physical alteration, thus there is not
a specific bubble for livestock; however, cows are associated with human activities and make physical
alterations to the site themselves. Depending on what physical alterations can be observed, bubbles
may be filled out for 'Grazing/Browsing' under the Vegetation Removal' category if there is evidence of
grazing, 'Soil Compaction/Pugging/Wallows' under the 'Soil Hardening' category if there is visible
compaction or pugging from the cow hooves, and/or 'Soil/Gravel/Spoil/Organic Debris Heap' under the
'Surface Modification' category if there are cow patties.
Example 3: Consider a boardwalk that is only six inches higher than the surface of the soil, with
vegetation debris accumulated on one side of the boardwalk piles and some fine sediment on the
surface of the boardwalk. The boardwalk piles require that the bubble for 'RR Track/Utility Pole/Piling'
under the 'Soil Hardening' category is filled in. The low height of the boardwalk, the vegetation debris
accumulated on one side of the piles, and the fine sediment on the surface of the boardwalk all indicate
that the boardwalk was flooded and that it has obstructed the flow of water. Thus, the bubble for
'Road/Railroad/Walkway' under the 'Flow Obstruction' category should also be filled in.
4.2.7 Percent Cover or Level of Influence within the AA
In the AA only, the presence of a physical alteration is documented on Form P-l with additional
information about the magnitude of the physical alteration within the AA. For each physical alteration
observed, the Crew Member must choose and fill in one of three bubbles that corresponds to the
relevant estimated percent cover or level of influence the impact of the physical alteration has within
the AA.
Percent cover is used to characterize the magnitude of physical alterations under the two Vegetation
categories, 'Vegetation Removal' and 'Vegetation Replacement'. The cover classes are <5%, 6-24%, and
>25%. When a vegetation removal alteration or vegetation replacement alteration is observed, the Crew
Member should visually estimate the cover class that best describes the magnitude of the alteration. It
may be helpful to visualize percent cover in terms of spatial areas within the AA. For a standard 0.5 ha
(5000 m2) AA, 300 m2 (roughly a 17xl7-m block) is equivalent to 6% of the AA, and a 35x35-m block is
about 25% of the area of the AA. The cover classes are intentionally broad so Field Crews do not need to
spend a lot of time deliberating over which bubble to fill in.
NOTE: The '>25%' cover class bubble for some physical alterations, such as 'Active Row or Field Crop',
should never be filled in, as this cover class is above the 10% areal limit that disqualifies a site as
sampleable (see Chapter 3, Reference Card AA-2, Side A).
Level of influence is used to represent the magnitude of physical alterations under the four Hydrology
and Soil categories, 'Water Addition/Subtraction', 'Flow Obstruction', 'Soil Hardening', and 'Surface
Modification'. The three level of influence classes are low, moderate, and high. When a physical
alteration under one of these four categories is observed, the Crew Member should consider the overall
influence or impact on the AA. While the estimation of level of influence does involve best professional
judgement, consideration of the size, percent cover, and/or position of the physical alteration within the
AA will help guide the decision to assign 'Low', 'Moderate', or 'High' level of influence. The following
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examples illustrate how the size, percent cover, and/or position of different physical alterations within
the AA can be used to help estimate of the level of influence.
Example 1: Consider a ditch. A small, 0.5 m wide ditch that runs across the corner of the AA probably has
a low influence on the hydrology of the AA. In contrast, a 5 m wide ditch that runs through the middle of
the AA likely has a high influence on the hydrology of the site. Perhaps a small, 0.5 m wide ditch that
runs through the center of the AA, clearly shunting a high volume of water as evidenced by deep
scouring, has a moderate level of influence on the site.
Example 2: Consider a large, 3 m diameter culvert that freely allows large amounts of water to flow
through it, compared to a small, 0.25 m diameter culvert that restricts water flow (which may be
evidenced by debris above and around the culvert or elevated water levels). The first scenario with the
large culvert is likely to have little (i.e., low) influence over the hydrology of the site, whereas the second
scenario with the small, restrictive culvert may have moderate or high influence over the hydrology of
the site. Perhaps there are several undersized culverts within a site; this would warrant high level of
influence.
Example 3: Consider a raised boardwalk. The posts are thin, tall, and well-spaced, and the boardwalk
does not pose an issue for water obstruction. However, the posts themselves are still considered a
'Piling/Utility Pole/RR Track' physical alteration under 'Soil Hardening' category. Unless there is a large
number of posts within the AA, the surface area of the site that the posts are impacting is probably low,
so the 'Low' bubble can be filled in. In contrast, a railroad track that runs through the AA is wide and
graveled, so depending on the length of the track within the AA, this could pose a larger impact than the
boardwalk posts.
4.2.8 Recording Physical Alterations on the AA Form
Key information, including the Site ID and sampling date, and physical alteration data for the AA is
recorded on the Assessment Area Physical Alterations Form (P-l). To document the human-mediated
physical alterations within the entire AA, the AB Team members will survey the entire AA, avoiding
Vegetation Plots by assessing the area within from the plot peripheries to avoid trampling vegetation.
1) Verify that the header information at the top of Form P-l contains the correct Site ID and visit
number in the designated spaces.
2) Walk the entire AA to identify the presence of physical alterations within the boundaries of the AA.
3) If there is an observed human-mediated physical alteration, consider the impact(s) and fill in the
most appropriate physical alteration bubble(s) within the category that most closely aligns with the
observation.
4) For each physical alteration, estimate the percent cover or level of influence of that alteration within
the AA and fill in the corresponding bubble on Form P-l. Note: if there is more than one observation
of the same physical alteration, consider the cumulative percent cover or level of influence of the
observations and select the appropriate bubble.
5) If the entry merits a comment (e.g., explanation or clarification), use the adjacent comment bubble
to provide additional information.
6) There will likely be many unfilled bubbles on the form, indicating absence of a physical alteration.
IMPORTANT: If none of the eight physical alterations under a category are observed, the Field
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Crew must affirm that the physical alterations contained on the field form have been evaluated by
filling in the 'No [Physical] Alterations Present bubble that corresponds with the category. If no
physical alterations are found within the AA, all six 'No [Physical] Alterations Present' bubbles (one
for each category) should be filled in.
7) The bottom of Form P-l may be used to record any additional information and observations of
physical alterations found within the Assessment Area that may be useful for data interpretation.
4.2.9 Recording Physical Alterations on the Buffer Form
Physical alteration data for all Buffer Sample plots are recorded on the Buffer Area Physical Alterations
Form (P-2). The AB Team members will document the human-mediated physical alterations within
twelve buffer sample plots (established using the protocol discussed in Section 4.2.1). Additional
information that identifies Buffer Sample Plot spatial locations (Plot Coordinates) is also collected.
Procedures for collecting and recording the key information and physical alteration data are detailed
below. These procedures are repeated for transects N, W, S, and E using a separate tab on Form P-2 for
each buffer transect.
1) Verify that the header information at the top of Form P-2 contains the correct Site ID and visit
number in the designated spaces.
2) Select the appropriate tab (N, S, E, W) at the top of Form P-2 to designate the transect for which
data are being collected.
3) Three Buffer Sample Plots (1, 2, and 3) are sampled along each transect, with data recorded for all
three plots on the same tab of Form P-2. All three plots must be sampled if possible, beginning with
Plot 1 and ending with Plot 3. For the Buffer Sample Plot being sampled, identify the presence of
physical alterations within the 100 m2-boundary of the plot by walking the 10 m-length of the plot
and observing 5 m to both the left and right. For special situations, see protocol provided in 3a and
3b.
3a) If AB Team members are not able to access a Buffer Sample Plot due to open water, thick brush,
fencing, or some other impediment, approach as close to the plot as possible and visually observe
from afar or use binoculars to observe and record the presence of physical alterations within the
sample plot. If this occurs and a Buffer Sample Plot is estimated from outside the plot boundaries,
fill in the 'Select if plot(s) observed from outside plot boundaries (i.e., from a distance) and comment'
bubble at the top of Form P-2 for the relevant Plot Number. Use the adjacent comment bubble to
provide additional information about why the plot was assessed from a distance.
3b) If one or more of the three Buffer Sample Plots along the transect is not able to be accessed or
observed from outside the plot boundaries, e.g., when physical obstacles or dangerous conditions
occur, or when there are access issues related to land ownership boundaries, fill in the 'Select if
plot(s) not sampled and comment bubble at the top of Form P-2 for the relevant Plot Number. Use
the adjacent comment bubble to provide additional information about why the plot(s) were not
sampled. List the Plot Number with the reason in the comment section.
4) If there is an observed human-mediated physical alteration, consider the impact(s) and find the
most appropriate physical alteration bubble(s) within the category that most closely aligns with the
observation. Be sure to fill in the correct bubble corresponding to the Plot Number that is being
observed.
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5) If the entry merits a comment use the adjacent comment bubble to provide additional information.
6) Repeat steps 3-5 for Buffer Sample Plot 2 and Buffer Sample Plot 3, using the appropriate Plot
Number bubbles to collect data.
7) There will likely be many unfilled bubbles on the form, indicating absence of a physical alteration.
IMPORTANT: If none of the eight physical alterations under a category are observed in any of the
Buffer Plots along a transect, the Field Crew must affirm that the physical alterations contained on
the field form have been evaluated by filling in the 'No [Physical] Alterations Present bubble that
corresponds with the category for each transect
8) The bottom of Form P-2 may be used to record any additional information and observations of
physical alterations found within the Assessment Area that may be useful for data interpretation.
9) In the 'Buffer Plot Coordinates' section near the top of Form P-2, provide the GPS coordinates
(latitude and longitude in decimal degrees (NAD83)) for the center of the Buffer Sample Plot at the
end of each transect, i.e., farthest from the AA CENTER (typically Buffer Plot 3). For special
situations, see protocol provided in 9a.
9a) If any of the outermost Buffer Sample Plots (e.g., N3, S3, E3, or W3) cannot be accessed, record
the plot coordinates at the center of the farthest accessible Buffer Sample Plot along the transect.
10) Indicate which Plot (N3, S3, E3, or W3) the coordinates represent by filling in the applicable bubble
in the 'Location of Coordinates' field. Alternatively, i.e., if plot coordinates were measured from a
location other than Buffer Sample Plot 3, fill in the 'Farthest accessible plot bubble and use the
'Comments'field to indicate the Plot Number at which the coordinates were taken and why.
11) Record the plot coordinates.
12) Repeat steps 1-11 for the remaining transects using the appropriate tab on Form P-2 for each buffer
transect.
4.2.10 Data Handling
Review Form P-l and Form P-2 to check that all sections have been completed. See Chapter 2 for
protocols on submitting data to the Information Management Team via the App.
4,3 Reference Cards
Reference Card P-l, Side A: Buffer Sample Plot Layouts
Reference Card P-l, Side B: Completing Form P-l and Form P-2
Reference Card P-2: Physical Alteration Definitions
The Buffer Reference Cards are compiled (with all other NWCA 2021 Reference Cards) in the Quick
Reference Guide.
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4.4 Equipment List and Data Forms
PHYSICAL ALTERATION EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
50 or 100 Meter tape or other measuring device
Aerial photo for each site from the site packet
Binoculars
Clipboard
Compass to locate cardinal directions
Field forms
GPS
Laser Rangefinder (optional)
Pin flags for occasional use
Surveyor's flagging tape (if necessary)
PHYSICAL ALTERATION FORMS
Form P-l: NWCA Assessment Area Physical Alterations
Form P-2: NWCA Buffer Sample Plot Physical Alterations
4.5 References
Collins, J.N., E.D. Stein, M. Sutula, R. Clark, A.E. Fetscher, L. Grenier, C. Grosso, and A. Wiskind. 2006.
California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) for Wetlands and Riparian Areas. Version 5.0.2, 151 pp.
Dahl, Thomas E. Wetlands losses in the United States, 1780's to 1980's. Report to the Congress (National
Wetlands Inventory, 1990).
Dahl, Thomas E. Status and trends of wetlands in the conterminous United States 1986 to 1997. US
Department of the Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000.
Dahl, Thomas E. Status and trends of wetlands in the conterminous United States 1998 to 2004. US
Department of the Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2005.
Dahl, Thomas E. Status and trends of wetlands in the conterminous United States 2004 to 2009. US
Department of the Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries and Habitat Conservation, 2011.
Faulkner, Stephen. "Urbanization impacts on the structure and function of forested wetlands." Urban
ecosystems 7.2 (2004): 89-106.
Fennessy, M. Siobhan, Amy D. Jacobs, and Mary E. Kentula. Review of rapid methods for assessing
wetland condition. EPA/620/R-04/009. US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2004.
Hemond, Harold F., and Janina Benoit. "Cumulative impacts on water quality functions of
wetlands." Environmental Management 12.5 (1988): 639-653.
Heitmuller, T. 2008. Gulf of Mexico Coastal Wetlands Condition Assessment-Pilot Survey. Quality
Assurance Project Plan, U. S. Geological Survey, Gulf Breeze Project Office, Gulf Breeze, FL. 317 pp.
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Jacobs, A.D. 2007. Delaware Rapid Assessment Procedure, Version 4.1. Delaware Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Control, Dover, DE. 34 pp.
Jacobs, A.D., D.F. Whigham, D. Fillis, E. Rehm, and A. Howard. 2008. Delaware Comprehensive
Assessment Procedure Version 5.1. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control, Dover, DE. 74 pp.
Kaufmann, P.R., P. Levine, E.G. Robison, C.W. Seeliger, and D.V. Peck. 1999. Quantifying Physical Habitat
in Wadable Streams. EPA/620/R 99/003. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Kirwan, Matthew L., and J. Patrick Megonigal. "Tidal wetland stability in the face of human impacts and
sea-level rise." Nature 504.7478 (2013): 53-60.
Mack, J.J. 2001. Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands, Manual for Using Version 5.0. Ohio EPA
Technical Bulletin Wetland/2001-1-1. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Surface Water,
401 Wetland Ecology Unit, Columbus, OH.
Peck, D.V., A.T. Herlihy, B.H. Hill, R.M. Hughes, P.R. Kaufmann, D.J. Klemm, J.M. Lazorchak, F.H.
McCormick, S.A. Peterson, P.L. Ringold, T. Magee, and M. Cappaert. 2006. Environmental Monitoring
and Assessment Program - Surface Waters Western Pilot Study: Field Operations Manual for Wadable
Streams. EPA/620/R-06/003. Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, DC.
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Chapter 5 Vegetation
5.1 Introduction
Wetland plant species represent diverse adaptations, ecological tolerances, and life history strategies;
effectively integrating environmental conditions, species interactions, and human-caused disturbance.
Data describing plant species composition and abundance and vegetation structure are powerful,
robust, and relatively easy to gather. They can be used to derive myriad metrics or indicators that are
useful descriptors of ecological integrity or stress (e.g., Lopez and Fennessy 2002, USEPA 2002b, Pino et
al. 2005, Bourdaghs et al. 2006, Quetier et al. 2007, Magee et al. 2008, Magee et al. 2010, Mack and
Kentula 2010). NWCA collects data on plant species composition and abundance, on vegetation
structural attributes, and on ground surface attributes within vegetation plots at each sample site. These
vegetation data collected by Field Crews are later used during analysis to calculate numerous metrics in
a variety of categories that inform the development of Vegetation Multimetric Indices that serve as
indicators of wetland vegetation condition (USEPA 2016, Magee et al. 2019a, b). Thus, the vegetation
data collected in the field by the Vegetation Team are central to the key descriptors of ecological
condition for the NWCA. The field data and metrics can also be used to characterize vegetation across
the NWCA target wetland population or subpopulations.
The NWCA vegetation sampling methods were designed to address NWCA objectives, while meeting
logistical constraints of the study. Vegetation protocols were informed by evaluating numerous existing
sampling approaches and through discussions with many wetland scientists. Several existing applications
of flexible-plot methods in wetland and upland vegetation types, as well as other wetland sampling
approaches, were particularly useful in developing the NWCA vegetation methods, and we gratefully
acknowledge these efforts (Magee et al. 1993, Peet et al. 1998, Mack 2007, Rocchio 2007, FGDC 2008,
Jennings et al. 2008, Lee et al. 2008).
Protocols in this chapter document the methods for vegetation sampling. A Vegetation Team (Veg
Team) comprised of a Botanist/Ecologist and a Botanist Assistant collects the vegetation data. Field
sampling for the NWCA takes place during peak growing season when most vegetation is in flower or
fruit to optimize plant species identification and characterization of species abundance (see Chapter 2
for further description of sampling index periods). Vegetation data collection in each Assessment Area
(AA) is typically completed in one day. Collection and pressing of plant specimens is also usually
conducted during the sampling day for each AA. Other activities such as keying and identification of
unknown species, drying plant specimens, completing plant specimen tracking forms, and shipping
specimens to appropriate herbaria (Section 5.3) may be initiated during the field sampling day, but will
often be continued and completed as non-field day or laboratory activities (USEPA 2011b).
Vegetation Protocols are outlined in the flowchart in Reference Card V-l (Figure 5-1), and summarized
in other Reference Cards and the Vegetation Protocol Checklist. Reference Cards illustrate major
protocol steps for Vegetation sampling tasks. All Reference Cards are located in the Quick Reference
Guide for easy access, but are also presented, as figures, near the text for the applicable protocol. The
Vegetation Equipment List, examples of Data Forms from the NWCA App, and Plant Specimen Labels are
in Section 5.5. It will be useful to consult these materials when reading the protocols.
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Figure 5-1. Reference Card V-l. Flowchart of Vegetation Protocol Tasks
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5.2 Sampling Procedures
Vegetation data describing vegetation structure, and individual plant species presence and percent
cover, are collected in five 100-m2 Vegetation (Veg) Plots placed systematically in the AA. Data
describing the cover of various biotic and abiotic surface materials are also collected in each Veg Plot.
Detailed protocols for collecting each kind of data and instructions for filling out data forms are found in
this section. Protocols for plant specimen collection and processing are in Section 5.3. In this manual,
vegetation data collection and recording procedures are described for use of the NWCA Data Collection
Application (App) and iPad. It is required that data be submitted using the App. If there is a malfunction
of the iPad or App, data can be collected using paper forms that will be available for emergency
situations. Protocols and procedures for filling out paper forms can be found in the 2016 version of the
NWCA Field Operations Manual (USEPA 2016). Data collected on paper forms must be transcribed and
submitted via the App.
Prior to beginning field work for the day, ensure the iPad is charged and the NWCA App is up to date and
organize the equipment needed for vegetation data collection activities (See Chapter 2). The vegetation
equipment checklist, examples of App data forms, plant specimen labels, and tracking forms are
provided in Section 5.5.
5.2.1 Placement of Vegetation Plots
The Veg Team identifies the locations of the five 100-m2 Veg Plots within the AA using guidelines for plot
placement provided in this section and summarized on Reference Card V-2, Sides A (Figure 5-3) and B
(Figure 5-4).
Begin by identifying the appropriate Veg Plot Layout configuration for the AA being sampled using the
key below.
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Key for Selecting Veg Plot Layout Configuration within the Assessment Area (AA)
1a AAtype. any; no obstacles to Veg Plot placement 2
2a AA is a 1/4-ha circle Standard Veg Plot Layout- Circular AA (Veg Plots on Two Axes)
Section 5.2.1.2; Reference Card V-2, Plate 1
2b AA is not a circle or is < 1/4ha Alternate Veg Plot Layouts go to 3
3a AA is a 1/4-ha polygon 4
4a AA width and length > 30m Wide Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout (Veg Plots on Two Axes)
Section 5.2.1.3; Reference Card V-2, Plate 2
4b AA is < 30m wide Narrow Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout (Veg Plots on One Axis)
Section 5.2.1.4; Reference Card V-2, Plate 3
3b AA < 1/4 ha, but > 0.1 ha; a polygon equaling wetland boundary
Wetland Boundary AA Veg Plot Layout (Veg Plots Distributed)
Section 5.2.1.5; Reference Card V-2, Plate 4
1b AAtype, any; obstacles (deep water; wide, deep channels; cliffs; other physical barriers; etc.) to Veg
Plot placement Obstacle Veg Plot Layout (Veg Plots Distributed)
Section 5.2.1.6; Reference Card V-2, Plate 5
Figure 5-2, Key for selecting Veg Plot Layout configuration.
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Veg Plot Layout configurations are designed to provide an unbiased characterization of the vegetation of
the AA surrounding the POINT in a manner that can consistently be applied by numerous Field Crews
across the country.
Locations of the Vegetation (Veg) Plots within circular 0.5-ha Standard AAs are systematically
determined using the Standard Veg Plot Layout.
Veg Plot locations for Alternate AA Layouts are identified using the Veg Plot Layout key above to
select the appropriate Alternate Veg Plot Layout configurations. Alternate Veg Plot Layouts are
used only when the Standard Veg Layout will not fit into the AA.
The Obstacle Veg Plot Layout is applied only when there are obstacles preventing the placement
of a Veg Plot in its designated location within any particular Veg Plot Layout type.
5.2.1.1 Key Concepts for AH Veg Plot Layout Configurations
Wetlands can be fragile ecosystems. Minimize foot traffic to limit crushing vegetation and compacting
soils and to avoid trampling the AA prior to sampling.
Before beginning Veg Plot establishment, make a plan for limiting the number of traverses
across the AA as work is conducted.
The AA CENTER is a focal location for Veg Plot Layout so some trampling at the CENTER is
unavoidable; however, limit the disturbance radius as much as possible.
In most AAs, Veg Plots are placed at specified distances along plot placement lines extending
outward from the CENTER of the AA (see illustrations on Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-3 and
Figure 5-4). These plot placement lines are typically defined using ropes or meter tapes;
however, if woody vegetation is dense, they may be represented by imaginary lines with
flagging placed at intervals.
The plot placement lines receive considerable foot traffic during Veg Plot set-up and sampling.
Veg Plots are typically placed immediately to the left side of plot placement lines (when facing
the AA boundary from the CENTER) so crews are encouraged to limit their foot travel to the
right side of the plot placement lines to avoid walking in the Veg Plots prior to sampling. In non-
standard layouts, orient foot travel to avoid Veg Plots as much as possible.
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Figure 5-3. Reference Card V-2, Side A.
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5.2.1.2 Standard I/eg Plot Layout - I/eg Piots on Two Axes in a 0.5-ha Circular AA
In the Standard AA, five 100-m2 Veg Plots are distributed as depicted in the Standard Veg Plot Layout
(see Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-3), Plate 1). Position Veg Plots along the four cardinal directions
(north, east, south, west) from the CENTER of the AA. Number Veg Plots in clockwise order from Veg
Plot 1 near the AA CENTER to Veg Plot 5 along the eastern plot placement line.
To avoid the trampled area at the AA CENTER, place Veg Plot 1 to the east side of the south
placement line with its northern edge 2 m from the AA CENTER as indicated in Reference Card
V-2 (Figure 5-3), Plate 1.
Place Veg Plot 2 to the east side of the south plot placement line with its northern edge 22 m
from the AA CENTER (i.e., 10 m south of the southern edge of Veg Plot 1).
Place Veg Plot 3 to south side of the west plot placement line 15 m from the AA CENTER.
Place Veg Plot 4 to west side of the north plot placement line 15 m from the AA CENTER.
Place Veg Plot 5 to north side of the east plot placement line 20 m from the AA CENTER.
5.2.1.3 Wide Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout - Veg Plots on Two Axes in a 0.5-ha Polygon AA with Width
and Length > 30m
If the wetland in which the POINT occurs is greater than or equal to 0.5 ha, but has dimensions <80 m in
at least one direction, the AA will be configured as a polygon. Recall that the Polygon AA may be a
rectangle, may have more than four sides, or may have sinuous edges paralleling the wetland boundary
depending on conditions at the study site (see Chapter 3).
If the Polygon AA is greater than 30 m in width and length, use the Wide Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout to
determine Veg Plot locations (see Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-3), Plate 2) along plot placement lines
that are oriented on the long and short axes of the AA and intersecting the AA CENTER.
Polygon AA > 40m wide (see Reference Card, Plate 2 (Figure 5-3) - Example A)
Place the Veg Plots in a configuration matching as closely as possible the Standard Veg Plot
Layout, while distributing plots evenly along plot placement lines. Note distances from the AA
CENTER to each Veg Plot may have to be lengthened or contracted compared to the Standard
Veg Plot Layout based on the distance from the AA CENTER to its edge.
Locate each Veg Plot to the left side of the plot placement line when looking from the AA center
to the AA edge. Number Veg Plots in clockwise order with Veg Plot 1 nearest the AA center.
Polygon AA width 30 to 40m (see Reference Card V-2, Plate 2 (Figure 5-3) - Example B)
Place one Veg Plot along one of the plot placement lines making up the short axis of the AA so
that the plot is mid-way between the CENTER and the AA boundary. Locate the Veg Plot on the
left side of the plot placement line, when looking from the AA CENTER to its edge.
Evenly distribute the other four Veg Plots along the long axis of the AA, placing plots to left side
of the plot placement lines when looking from the AA CENTER to its edge.
Number Veg Plots consecutively from one end of the long axis of the AA to the other.
5.2.1.4 Narrow Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout - Veg Plots along One Axis in 1A-ha Polygon AA <30m Wide
The Narrow Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout (Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-4), Plate 3) is used for 0.5-ha
Polygon AAs that are < 30m wide. AAs of this type might occur in long narrow riparian areas bordering
small streams or along lake or pond shorelines. AAs < 20m wide are not sampleable (Chapter 3).
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All Polygon AAs < 30m wide
The plot placement line is oriented on the long axis of the AA and passes through the AA
CENTER. The plot placement line may be:
o a straight line, as in the case of a narrow rectangle (see Reference Card V-2, (Figure 5-4)
Plate 3 - Example A); or
o a sinuous line that parallels the shape of an AA with its width defined by a wetland edge
(see Reference Card V-2, (Figure 5-4) Plate 3 - Example B).
Evenly distribute Veg Plots along the plot placement line and number them in sequence along
the long axis of the AA.
Polygon AA width 25 to 30 m
Place Veg Plots alternately on opposite sides of the plot placement line (see Reference Card V-2,
(Figure 5-4) Plate 3 - Example A).
Polygon AA width > 20 up to 25 m
Center Veg Plots on the plot placement line (see Reference Card V-2, (Figure 5-4) Plate 3 -
Example B). Take care to avoid trampling in the middle of the plots while moving around the AA.
5.2.1.5 Wetland Boundary AA Veg Plot Layout -Veg Plots Distributed Across Entire Small Wetland (<
0.5ha but > O.lha)
When the wetland in which the POINT occurs is smaller than 0.5 ha but greater than or equal to 0.1 ha,
the AA equals the wetland boundary. Wetlands that are smaller than 0.1 ha or less than 20 m wide are
not sampleable (See Chapter 3).
Use the Wetland Boundary AA Veg Plot Layout (Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-4), Plate 4) to distribute
Veg Plots over small (< %ha) Wetland Boundary AAs.
Distribute the five Veg Plots using the most efficient arrangement to fit them within the AA and
evenly cover the AA area.
Wherever feasible, arrange Veg Plots so they mirror as closely as possible the plot placement
patterns used in the Standard or Polygon Veg Plot Layout configurations.
When possible, orient individual Veg Plots on cardinal directions or along the long and short axis of
the AA (perpendicular to one another). However, if the configuration of the AA prevents this, orient
individual Veg Plots along bearings that allow them to fit in the AA.
5.2.1.6 Obstacle Veg Plot Layout - Veg Plots Distributed around Obstacles in any AA type
Occasionally a Veg Plot cannot be placed at its designated location for a particular Veg Plot Layout
configuration because of the presence of an obstacle creating unsafe or unsampleable conditions. In
such situations, use the Obstacle Veg Plot Layout (see Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-4), Plate 5) to select
a new location for the plot. The Obstacle Veg Plot Layout can be applied to any AA type; however, Veg
Plots should be relocated only when absolutely necessary, and should be done in a way that aims for at
least 10 m between plots. If a Veg Plot must be relocated, position it as close to the original location
designated by the AA-appropriate Veg Plot Layout as possible.
A Veg Plot may be moved if it cannot be sampled because more than 10% of the space in which it would
fall is obstructed by unsafe or unsampleable conditions. An individual Veg Plot may be moved to an
alternate location to:
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avoid areas of deep (> 1 m) water, water < lm deep but underlain by soft sediments posing safety
hazards, water < 1 m deep but moving rapidly enough to pose safety hazards, or water likely to have
widely varying depths during the sample period such as wide, deep tide channels;
avoid large patches of upland in the AA. However, the plot should not be moved when there are
microtopographic upland inclusions (e.g., hummocks or mounds); or
avoid other obstacles such as very large boulders (e.g., glacial erratics), cliffs, or other physical
barriers that would occupy a large portion of the Veg Plot.
5.2.2 Establishing the Vegetation Plots and Completing Veg Plot Establishment. Form (V-
1)
After determining the appropriate Vegetation Plot Layout for the AA, set-up the Veg Plots and complete
the Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l) (see Figure 5-5 through Figure 5-7 for a completed example of
this Form in the NWCA App). Establish the Veg Plots in the AA as close as possible to their designated
locations in the selected Veg Plot Layout configuration (Section 5.2.1, Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-3
and Figure 5-4)).
5.2.2.1 Establishing Veg Plots
1) Lay out all five 100-m2 Veg Plots before vegetation sampling begins so the Assessment Area-Buffer
(AB) Team can avoid trampling the Veg Plots as they work.
2) Double check the header information on the top of the Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l) (Figure
5-5). Ensure the site ID and Visit number that you have chosen matches the site and visit being
sampled. Verify or enter the sampling date by using the today button of the date selection wheel. It
is very important the date be entered in the correct format (MM/DD/YYYY).
3) Document which Veg Plot Layout configuration is used for sampling the AA by selecting the
appropriate bubble in the Vegetation Plot Layout section of Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l)
(Figure 5-5).
4) Establish Veg Plots in whatever order is most convenient and causes the least disturbance to the AA.
Take care to avoid walking in the interior of a plot. Set-up each Veg Plot as illustrated and described
on Reference Card V-3, Side A (Figure 5-9). Crews should use a compass while laying out the plots to
ensure that each plot is square. A variety of approaches may be used to demarcate the edges of a
Veg Plot:
Often the easiest method is to use four 10-m lengths of durable (e.g., nylon) rope or cord on
which the 5-m point is marked with brightly colored, waterproof tape. This method offers
high flexibility for use in open to dense vegetation types and the rope is compact and
lightweight for carrying into the field.
Use the four ropes to measure the boundaries of each Veg Plot and then clearly mark
boundaries with flagging, pin flags, chaining pins, or other type marker. Once the Veg Plot
boundary is marked, the rope can be removed and used to measure the boundary of the
next Veg Plot.
Only one set of four 10-m ropes or cords needs to be carried in the field. However, if
desired, for sites near a road and with open vegetation, five sets of the four 10-m cord
lengths can be carried in the field so the rope can be left in place at Veg Plot to clearly
demarcate its edges during sampling. Alternatively, crews can roughly flag each plot initially
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to identify its general location and then use one set of ropes to lay out and demarcate the
plot which is being sampled.
Other alternatives that some Field Crews prefer are using two 20-m lengths of rope, one 30-
m length of rope with the 10 and 20-m points marked (the fourth side of the plot is marked
by the plot placement line in this case), one 40-m length with the 5 and 10-m points marked,
or a 50-m tape. Note that ropes are more durable and easier to handle than a meter tape.
Some situations may call for a compass and rangefinder to be used to mark the corners of
the plots.
5) Number Veg Plots, 1 through 5, using conventions illustrated on Reference Card V-2 (Figure 5-3 and
Figure 5-4). Place a flag with the Veg Plot number in the SE corner of each plot to clearly identify the
plots for all Field Crew Members. For Veg Plots that are laid out using the Standard Veg Plot Layout,
it is not necessary to record their GPS coordinates on the Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l), Figure
5-5).
6) For Non-Standard Veg Plot Layouts, including any Veg Plot that was moved due to an obstacle,
record Veg Plot locations using the GPS coordinates of the Plot corner that is closest to the AA
CENTER in the space provided on Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l) (Figure 5-5). For Alternate Veg
Plot Layouts this will include coordinates for all five Veg Plots. For a Standard Layout that includes
the Obstacle Veg Plot Layout (see next), only coordinates for plots moved from their standard
locations need to be recorded.
7) If an obstacle to Veg Plot placement occurs and one or more Veg Plots must be moved from their
normally designated locations in the selected Veg Plot Layout configuration, also select the Obstacle
Veg Plot Layout Used bubble on Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l) (Figure 5-5) and indicate the
obstacle type.
For example, in the situation where a Standard Veg Plot Layout is used and an obstacle
necessitates moving a single Veg Plot, select the bubbles for both Standard Veg Plot Layout
and the Obstacle Veg Plot Layout Used.
o Also, indicate the obstacle type by selecting the appropriate bubble on the Veg Plot
Establishment Form (V-l) (Figure 5-5). If the obstacle type is not listed, fill in the bubble
for 'Other' and type in a short (e.g., one to three word) description of the obstacle.
Highlight the obstacle on the aerial photo or map used to document AA establishment.
Record any pertinent notes about the general veg plot layout, the vegetation or
environment of the AA, and/or any specific observations about any of the veg plots
(including additional information regarding the need to move a veg plot from its standard
location) in the pertinent text fields (Figure 5-6).
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10:16 AM Sun Apr 11
t 63% II
TEST-OR-10005, Visit: 1
Version 2.3
SAVE
NWCA 2021 VEGETATION PLOT ESTABLISHMENT (V-1)
@ This form has been thoroughly reviewed and is ready for submission
Date: 07/27/2021
VEGETATION PLOT LAYOUT
Fill in the bubble for the Vegetation Plot Layout configuration:
() Standard Veg Plot Layout -1/2 ha Circular AA
Alternate Veg Plot Layouts (remember to enter coordinates below)
O Wide Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout -1/2 ha Polygon AA with width and length >30m
O Narrow Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout -1/2 ha Polygon AA < 30m wide
O Wetland Boundary AA Veg Plot Layout - AA <1/2 ha polygon equal to wetland boundary
For alternate or obstacle vegetation plot layouts only: [Enter coordinates for plot corner closest to AA center]
() Obstacle Veg Plot Layout Used
(Fill bubble if obstacles prevent placement of
plot(s) as designated by selected layout)
Obstacle Type (mark all that apply):
O Deep Water
() Tide Channel
O Safety Hazard
O Other:
Latitude North Longitude West
(Decimal Degrees) (Decimal Degrees)
Plot 1:
Plot 2:
Plot 3:
Plot 4:
xx.xxxxxx
-xxx.xxxxxx
xx.xxxxxx
-xxx.xxxxxx
xx.xxxxxx
-xxx.xxxxxx
44.91776
-124.007777
xx.xxxxxx
-xxx.xxxxxx
Figure 5-5. Example of completed upper section Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-1). Data depicted on this figure
are imaginary and for illustration only.
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Add veg plot locations to the annotated aerial photo. Number veg plots 1 through 5 using guidelines on
Reference Card V-2. If needed, elaborate on plot layout or make notes about unique features or gradients in
the vegetation or environment below.
Veg Plot Layout Notes:
Standard veg plot layout; Plot 4 to avoid the channel greater than 1 m deep at high tide
Vegetation or Environment of AA Notes:
Low saltmarsh incised by tide channels. Slight elevation rise from seaward to inland side of AA. Dead/
dying scattered shrubs on inland edge of AA.
Plot 1 Notes:
Plot 2 Notes:
Plot 3 Notes:
Shallow tide channel over corner of plot (less than 10% of plot area).
Plot 4 Notes:
Plot 5 Notes:
Dead clump of my Myrica Gale, SE corner of plot. Increase in salt water flooding?
Figure 5-6. Example of completed middle section Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l). Data depicted on this figure
are imaginary and for illustration only.
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PREDOMINANT NWCA TARGET WETLAND TYPE
Definitions:
EH - Estuarine Emergent
EW - Estuarine Shrub/Forest
PRL-EM - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Emergent
PRL-SS - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Scrub/Shrub
PRL-FO - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Forested
PRL-UBAB - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine
Unconsolidated
PRL-f - Palustrine, Riverine, and Lacustrine Farmed
(not actively farmed)
Plot 1:
Plot 2:
Plot 3:
Plot 4:
Plot 5:
EH
EH
EH
EH
EH
ฉ
ฉ
ฉ
ฉ
ฉ
PLANT SPECIES NOMENCLATURE
Record citations for Floras/Field Guides/Databases used for plant identification. List citations in order of
importance with 1 being primary guide.
Citation 1:
Citation 2:
Citation 3:
Citation 4:
Citation 5:
Godfrey, R.K. and J.W. Wooten 1981
Strausbaugh, P.D. and E.L. Core 1978
Clewell, A.F. 1985
ฉ
ฉ
ฉ
ฉ
ฉ
Figure 5-7. Example of completed lower section Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l). Data depicted on this figure
are imaginary and for illustration only.
5.2.2.2 NWCA Target Wetland Type by Veg Plot
Identify the predominant NWCA Target Wetland Type best representing each Veg Plot and record on the
Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l) (Figure 5-7). See Reference Card AA-3, Side A (Figure 5-9) and
Chapter 3 for definitions of NWCA Target Wetland Types. See Reference Card AA-4 (Figure 5-8) for the
Flowchart for Determining NWCA Target Wetland Type. Each AA will represent an overall dominant
NWCA Target Wetland Type. However, within the AA, there may be areas or inclusions that have
different vegetation structure.
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Most often, the same NWCA wetland type will occur across all five Veg Plots. However, there may be
instances where some Veg Plots are dominated by different vegetation structure. For example, at a
given AA, some Veg Plots may be characterized by forest, while others may be largely shrub dominated.
Similarly, some plots within an AA might be represented by emergent vegetation, while others could be
shrub dominated. Differences and similarities among the Veg Plots can provide information on the
heterogeneity of the AA.
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Reference Card AA-4. Flowchart for Determining NWCA Target Wetland Type
Determining NWCA Target Wetland Type
Is the wetland actively farmed, plowed, or planted this year?
No
Is the wetland not actively farmed as described
above, but it has been used in recent past for
production of crops?
No
J
No
Unconsolidated bottom / aquatic bed
PRL-UBAB
X
Yes
Does living vegetation cover >30% of substrate?
Nontarget; do not sample.
Palustrine Riverine & Lacustrine -farmed
PRL-f
Does the living vegetation consist of pioneer
species that colonize during dry periods but
disappear when water returns?
No
Yes
Forested
EW or PRL-FO
Scrub-shrub
EW or PRL-SS
Scrub-shrub
EW or PRL-SS
Emergent
EH or PRL-EM
Yes
<
Trees_>30%areal
coverage of plot?
Yes
<
No
No
Yes
ฆ4
Yes
<
Shrubs >30% areal
coverage of plot?
Trees & Shrubs together
total >30% but each stratum
individually <30%?
No
Emergent non-woody
vegetation >30%areal
coverage of plot?
Disregard pioneer species. These
are treated at the subclass level.
Choose PRL-UBAB
*Based on 2021 NWCA Reference
Card AA3 and Federal Geographic
Data Committee, 2013.
Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United
States, FGDCSTD-004-2013.
Second Edition. Wetlands
Subcommittee, Federal Geographic
Data Committee and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Washington D.C.
Unconsolidated
bottom /
aquatic bed
PRL-UBAB
Yes
-4
ฆ4
No
No
Aquatic Bed Vegetation?
Refer to 2021 NWCA-Field Operations Manual - Chapter 3,5 for detail on protocols summarized on this card.
Figure 5-8. Flowchart for Determining NWCA Target Wetland Type
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5.2.2.3 Identifying and Recording Taxonomic Sources Used in the AA
Prior to the beginning of the field season, each Vegetation Team will have been requested to provide
the NWCA Project Team with the list of floras/field guides/floristic databases they plan to use during the
field season for plant identification and taxonomic designation. Citations for these floristic resources are
included in 8.7Appendix C, along with others appropriate for use in specific states or regions. The
resources are listed by state in 8.7Appendix C and each resource is referenced by a Short Citation (for
ease of communication) and a Long (i.e., complete) Citation. The short citation typically includes the
author(s) and the publication year or a brief description of the flora. Resources are classed as primary
(most applicable and comprehensive for that state) or supplementary (covering only some kinds of
plants or limited portions of the state). For some states or regions no current manual of the flora may
exist. In such cases, floras from one or more adjacent states/regions may be applicable to various
geographies within that state.
Note: 8.7Appendix C is not necessarily an exhaustive list, but it includes many primary resources and a
variety of secondary resources for each state. Other resources or newly published floras absent from
Appendix C may also be considered for use. If you use a resource not listed in Appendix C, it must be
cited as described below.
To ensure the highest quality taxonomic data, it is critical that the floristic references used by each crew
are pertinent to the state and ecoregion being sampled. It is also important to use range maps to ensure
that identified species are within their ranges, or examined in more detail if out of their known range.
Range maps or descriptions of species distributions are provided in most floras. In addition, range maps
for plant species across North America can be found on the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database website
(https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/) and on the Biota of North America Program website
(www.bonap.org). The PLANTS database maps include ranges for species, subspecies, and varieties,
while BONAP maps provides some finer detail about native and introduced distributions for at the
species level. Also, many states have plant atlases or ongoing flora projects with state-level plant species
distribution maps that are accessible online. It is a good idea to investigate whether a state-level plant
atlas is available for the state or states in which you are sampling.
For accurate plant identification in the field or lab, it is necessary to use state or regional floras, field
guides, and range maps. However, plant nomenclature will vary across these different floristic resources
and standardized names are critical for comparisons of species composition across the national scale.
For the NWCA, taxonomic standardization is based on the nomenclature of the PLANTS Database (USDA,
NRCS 2021, https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov /), hereafter PLANTS). To provide consistent taxonomy
across the NWCA sampled sites, it is essential to reconcile the plant names recorded by each Field Crew
during sampling to the nomenclature of the PLANTS Database. This taxonomic reconciliation is not the
Field Crew's responsibility; rather, it will be done during data review and analysis by the NWCA analysis
team. For this reason, crews should not cite USDA PLANTS as a taxonomic source.
Both to facilitate quality assurance evaluation of the collected species data and for nomenclatural
reconciliation, IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT that the floristic resources used at each AA are recorded on
the Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l) under the 'Floristic Resources Used' heading (Figure 5-7).
Procedures for recording citations in this section of the form using the NWCA Data Collection App are
outlined below:
Space is provided for recording citations for up to eight floristic references (Citation 1 through
Citation 8).
Use the drop-down list (click on the arrow) next to each Citation space to display the list of Short
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Citations and select the relevant Short Citation for each floristic resource used at the site. Refer to
Appendix C as needed to ensure that you are selecting the correct short citation for the reference
you are citing.
Selecting the Short Citation from the drop-down lists ensures consistent spelling and formatting,
which is important for data consistency and facilitates data review.
o Record Short Citation for the primary flora used for plant identification at the site, as
Citation Number 1.
o Record secondary floras or field guides used at the site under Citations 2 through 5+ in
order of importance.
If you are using a reference that is not included in 8.7Appendix C and the V-l Form drop-down list,
then record a citation that is as complete as possible (e.g., author(s), publication date, title, and
publisher). Do not use the drop-down menus in the App, type directly in the blank field using the
following citation as an example. Once the data for this site are submitted, you will be contacted by
NWCA to set a consistent short citation for this reference.
o Magee, D.W. and H.E. Ahles. 2007. Flora of the Northeast: A Manual of the Vascular
Flora of New England and Adjacent New York. University of Massachusetts Press.
5.2.2.4 Documentation of I/eg Plot Locations and Characteristics
Complete Veg Plot Establishment activities by annotating the AA aerial photo with Veg Plot and Soil Plot
locations (Chapter 6) and provide any needed explanatory notes on the Veg Plot Establishment Form
(V-l) (Figure 5-7).
Draw the plot placement lines and Veg Plot locations on the aerial photo (examples: Figure 5-10
and Figure 5-11) that was previously annotated in the office (see Chapter 2) or during AA
establishment (Chapter 3). Annotations may be sketched in the field and finalized electronically in
the office. Alternatively, a Sharpieฎ (or similar) fine-point, permanent, silver marker works well for
annotating the photo.
Once the AB Team designates the water sampling and Soil Plot location, record and label both
positions on the aerial photo.
If needed, elaborate on reasons for plot layout selection and make notes about unique features or
gradients in the vegetation or environment in the Notes section of Veg Plot Establishment Form
(V-l), Figure 5-7. The Notes section is divided into several areas by topic to organize comments and
make them easy to search during data analysis. It is not required to fill in information for all of
these categories. The space is available to highlight observations that the Veg Team considers key
for later analysis and interpretation.
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Figure 5-10. Annotated aeriai photo illustrating a Standard AA Layout and Veg Plot (white squares) locations and
plot placement lines (dashed white arrows) for a Standard AA Veg Plot Layout.
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KEY: ^ POINT Wetland
AA CENTER boundary
Standard
Circular AA
boundary
Approximate
Polygon AA
boundary
Figure 5-11 Annotated aerial photo showing Veg Plots (white squares) locations and plot placement lines
(dashed white arrows) for a Wide Polygon AA Veg Plot Layout. Note the boundary of the Standard AA Layout
(red) and the actual Polygon AA (blue).
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5.2.3 Vegetation Data Collection (Forms V-2, V-3, and V-4}
Vegetation data collection activities are summarized in Reference Card V-3, Side B (Figure 5-12), and
the configuration for the 100-m2 Veg Plots used for data collection is illustrated. Several kinds of
vegetation data (presence, cover, counts, and categorical), and data describing ground surface
attributes (cover, depth, and categorical) are collected in each Veg Plot. Additional presence data by
plant species are collected in nested quadrats at the SW and NE corners of each Veg Plot. Vegetation
data are collected using three forms (Form V-2, Form V-3, and Form V-4) in the NWCA App.
At each AA, data describing the identity, presence, cover, and height of all vascular plant species are
recorded on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2), Figure 5-13. In addition, tree
species are specifically noted on Form V-2 to automatically add the tree name to a row on the Snag
and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4), where additional data describing tree species are
recorded. This connection between Forms V-2 and V-4 ensures all observed tree taxa will appear on
both Forms V-2 and V-4 and the name used for each tree taxon will be exactly the same across both
forms, something that is essential to data quality. Tree cover and count data can be entered either
on Form V-4 or in the resulting "Enter Tree Data" popup window on Form V-2. The data on these
two forms are linked, so entering and saving data on one automatically updates the other. Note,
however, that these data are all plot-specific, so be sure the correct plot tab (on Form V-2) or row
(on Form V-4) is chosen.
At the top of the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2), there are five Plot tabs, one for
each Veg Plot. This allows the user to enter specific data elements for each vascular plant species
observed in each individual Veg Plot, including name, presence (Section 5.2.3.2), height (Section
5.2.3.4), and percent cover (Section 5.2.3.3). Each row on a Plot tab represents data for an individual
plant species. Note that when a species name is entered into any Plot tab on Form V-2 in the App,
that name is displayed across all five Plot tabs for the site. New species can be added from any of
Plot tab as they are observed. The number of rows completed for each site will depend on how
many unique species are observed across the five plots. On Form V-2, you must record for each
species observed in a Veg Plot, at minimum, four data elements: 1) Presence in the NE nested
quadrat, 2) Presence in the SW nested quadrat, 3) representative Height, and 4) Percent Cover. If a
species is not observed in a specific plot, please indicate by recording 0 for percent cover.
Data describing vertical vegetation structure (Section 5.2.3.5) and nonvascular groups (5.2.3.6), as
well as a variety of ground surface attributes (Section 5.2.3.7) are recorded on the Vegetation
Types/Ground Surface Attributes Form (V-3) (Figure 5-20 and Figure 5-22). There are five Plot tabs,
one for each Veg plot, in Form V-3. Evaluate all attributes, listed on Form V-3, for a plot and record
the appropriate numeric value or character value for each item. A value is required for all data items
and if an item is not present, record 0.
The Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4) (Figure 5-23) is used to collect counts of dead
trees and snags, and detailed information for living trees by species (cover by height class and
counts by diameter at breast height (DBH) class). Once all observations for these items are made
and their values are recorded, the remaining empty cells should be populated with zeros. This may
be done manually or with "Fill Zeros" button in the App which auto fills zeros for cells in which no
snags or trees were observed and recorded.
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All vegetation data are typically collected for a single Veg Plot before moving on to sample the next
Veg Plot. An efficient approach to collecting vegetation data is for the Botanist Assistant to record
data as the Botanist/Ecologist makes observations. When using the NWCA App for data collection,
this is likely to be the best method. If using paper data forms (in the event of App or iPad failure) or
if both Botany Team members have iPads with the NWCA App, it may be more efficient for the
Botanist/Ecologist and Botanist Assistant to collect different kinds of data independently, with the
Botanist Assistant consulting the Botanist/Ecologist as needed on issues related to plant
identification. For example, the Botanist/Ecologist might collect all data requiring identification or
cover estimation for individual plant species (all data on Form V-2 and Form V-4), while the Botanist
Assistant write notes related to plot establishment (Form V-l) or collects data on cover of
vegetation strata, ground surface attributes, and groups of non-vascular taxa, Form V-3). Because
Forms V-2 and V-4 are linked, the same iPad should be used to collect data for both forms.
5.2.3.1 Global Activities and Conventions Key to Vegetation Data Collection
Several kinds of sampling activities are conducted, and several types of plant data are recorded
throughout the sampling day. Careful adherence to specific protocols is essential to ensure data
quality and management. In addition, there are a number of activities and conventions that apply to
data collection and recording across all vegetation protocols.
Form Instructions - Carefully follow all instructions on how to record data on each data form in the
NWCA App and refer to the NWCA Field Operations Manual for clarification of sampling protocols
whenever necessary.
Confirm Site and Visit Number - Check to ensure that the Site and Visit Number for the App forms
you have selected match the Site and Visit Numbers at your sample location. Site and Visit Number
are automatically included at the top of each form.
Date - On each form, verify or record the date when sampling is initiated for the current visit to the
site. In the NWCA App, tap the 'Today' button to autofill the date.
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ฃ M
01
Figure 5-12. Reference Card V-3, Side B, Veg Plot configuration and data collection summary
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Indicate if any Veg Plots Have Not Been Sampled - Normally 5 Veg Plots are sampled at each site.
Only on RARE occasions will site conditions (e.g., safety issues, rising tide, alligator) or weather
events (e.g., dangerous thunderstorm, hurricane causing early departure from a site) result in fewer
than 5 Veg Plots being sampled. If it is possible to return to the site, the unsampled Veg Plots would
ideally be completed the next day or as soon as logistics allow. If, due to hazards, a particular Veg
Plot cannot be sampled for V-2 or V-3 data, check the 'This plot was not sampled box' at the top of
the relevant Plot tab on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) or on the Vegetation
Types/Ground Surface Attributes Form (V-3). Finally, using the comment bubble next to the 'This
plot was not sampled box', add the reason why this plot could not be sampled. If data for the Snag
and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4) were not collected in a particular plot, add a comment
indicating why these data were not collected. In this case, blank fields indicate not assessed.
Data Comments - There are comment bubbles on all vegetation data forms in the App to "flag" or
comment on data for which additional information or explanation may be needed. In some cases,
the comment bubbles are located in areas to allow them to refer to entire sections of data, while in
other cases the comment is specific to an individual data point. In both cases, an empty comment
bubble (Q ) indicates the presence of an available comment field. Tapping the bubble opens a text
field that allows the user to type the pertinent comment. Once the comment is saved, the comment
bubble now appears filled in (Hffi) to indicate that a comment has been recorded.
Floristic Resources -State and regionally appropriate floras and field guides for use in plant
identification are listed in 8.7Appendix C.
Regional or Site-Specific Species Lists - Ideally, a complete state-level species list that mirrors the
primary flora being used for plant identification by the crew for the state(s) where they are sampling
will be included as the species checklist embedded in Form V-2 of the NWCA App. In addition, it may
be helpful to consult existing plant species lists for similar habitats in the region of the AA you are
sampling. If such lists are available, keep an electronic copy available on your field tablet or
computer, include hardcopies in the Site Packet for the AA (see Chapter 2), or in the vehicle with
your other floristic resources.
Species Not Included in Floristic Resources Used at a Site - Occasionally species might occur that
are not included in the flora or field guides used by the Vegetation Team. This might happen when a
recently described native species or a recently introduced nonnative species is observed. Use the
comment bubble for this species on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) to record
the botanical authority for the species, and if possible, for newly described species, provide a
nomenclatural citation. For example, see the comments for Kalmiopsis fragrans illustrated in the
example data in Figure 5-13:
o KALMIOPSIS FRAGRANS MEINKE & KAYE, SP. NOV.
o Meinke and Kaye. 2007. Jour, of Botanical Research Institute of Texas 1:9-19.
Recording Plant Names on Data Forms - Species names and pseudonyms are recorded in all capital
letters (ALL CAPS), because this is the default data format for analysis. The drop-down species lists
uploaded into the Vascular Species Presence/Cover Form (V-2) will provide names in ALL CAPS.
Please use this drop-down list when the taxon name you need is available; this prevents spelling and
formatting errors. When you must enter scientific names not included in the App list or pseudonyms
for unknowns, please, do so by typing in ALL CAPS.
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Correcting Plant Species Names on Data Forms- At times corrections to plant species names for a
particular site may need to be made to the Vascular Species Presence/Cover Form (V-2) during data
collection, or before or after submission of data forms to the Information Management Team. Edit
the species name on Form V-2 by selecting the cell containing the name to be changed and selecting
the new genus and species from the drop-down menus. If the species is a tree species, save the
newly edited name into the V-4 Form by selecting the "Enter Tree Data" button on Form V-2 and
select the SAVE button in the resulting pop-up window. Species names are not directly editable in
the V-4 Form. During data collection, it is likely that (a) some taxa not initially recognized will later
be identified, or (b) a species initially misidentified will be later corrected. Corrections may be made
to species names at any time, and the data submitted or resubmitted. See training material
information for the App.
Deleting Plant Species Names on Data Forms- If you wish for a row of data on the V-2 Form to be
disregarded, type the word DELETE in the full genus/species name box and save it. This can happen
when 2 rows of data contained the same species and the information is consolidated into a single
row, or when an unknown species is later found to be the same as a plant species already listed. All
data associated with this row will be removed from the IM Database at a later date, therefore other
data associated with the row can be removed in the App if desired, but it is not critical to do so.
Plant Specimen Collection -Specimens are collected for observed species of unknown identity for
later identification. In addition, five randomly selected species of known identity (quality assurance
(QA) voucher specimens) are collected for taxonomic confirmation (See Section 5.3 for selection
procedure for QA specimens). Plant specimen collection and handling procedures are detailed in
Section 5.3. A brief overview is provided here:
Unknown Specimens
Unknown plant specimens may be collected over the sampling day as they are encountered.
Collect all unknown species (see Section 5.3.1) that are mature and have diagnostic elements
needed for keying and identifying specimens (e.g., leaves, stems, flowers and/or fruits) regardless of
cover.
For immature or senescent unknown species with key parts missing (e.g., grasses or sedges with
only leaf blades and no flowers or fruits; forbs that are seedlings, have unremarkable leaf shapes, or
missing flowers), do the following:
o If the species has > 5% cover, collect it anyway. It is possible that a regional expert may
be able to identify the species even it is incomplete,
o If the species has < 5% cover, record a pseudonym and estimate cover as usual, but
collecting a specimen is optional. If there are only a few such species, collecting them is
encouraged.
For each collected unknown taxon listed on Form V-2 select the U circle. The collection number is
automatically assigned by the App.
See Reference Card V-5, Side B for the Flowchart for Collecting Unknown Plant Specimens.
QA Specimens
Using procedures defined in Section 5.3.1, select five known (identified by the Botanist/Ecologist
during the sampling day) plant species to collect for QA verification (See Section 5.3.1 for selection
procedure for QA specimens).
For each QA specimen that is collected fill in the Q circle. The collection number is automatically
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assigned by the App.
Collecting Plant Material
For each species collected, place enough fresh plant material for a complete specimen (see Section
5.3.1) into a plastic bag (e.g., 1-gallon zipper-lock or larger bag, if necessary). Write the Site ID, Visit
Number, and the Collection Number for the specimen on the outside of the bag with a waterproof
marker or on a slip of waterproof paper placed inside the bag. Bagging plants individually helps keep
plant parts together and prevents mixing different species.
However, if it is easier, multiple species can be placed into larger bags. If more than one specimen is
included in a single bag, be sure they can be easily distinguished from one another and related to
their collection numbers from the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2). For example,
tag individual species by bundling plant material by the stems with masking tape, a strip of flagging,
or wire and labeling with the collection number.
Keep specimen collection bags out of the sun and cool during the sampling day. If a cooler with ice is
available, place bags in the cooler until pressed.
Pressing Plant Specimens
Press plant specimens as soon as possible (Sections 5.2.4 and 5.3.1), usually at the end of the
sampling day.
Make sure to complete a Plant Specimen Label and affix it to the outside of the newsprint for each
specimen (Section5.3.3).
Sensitive Plant Species
Do not collect plant species that are listed as THREATENED, ENDANGERED, or SENSITIVE (TES), or are
easily destroyed if collected (e.g., many orchid species). Become familiar with national and state TES
species lists relevant to the state in which you are working and with wetland TES species in
particular. Photograph TES species using the guidance in 8.7Appendix D. Toggle the "TES plant
species" button on (it will turn from grey to green) and add a comment to the data recorded for this
species on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) indicating its state or federal TES
status. See example comment for Corydalis aquae-gelidae, an Oregon sensitive species, illustrated
on Figure 5-13.
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NWCA 2021 VASCULAR SPECIES PRESENCE AND COVER (V-2)
This form has been thoroughly reviewed and is ready for submission
Date:
1 I'
Today
in
Cancel Add Comment Save
SW: ^ (w) NE: (s) ^jv) Height Class: Percent Cover: | 17
Is this a tree species?
TES plant species:
Optional Cover Calculator
Row
2
CAREX 1 - 3 STIGMAS
Collection Number: Qo U2
SW: Q (m) (w) NE: (S) (m) ^ Height Class: Q Percent Cover: 25
Is this a tree species?
TES plant species:
Enter Tree Data
Optional Cover Calculator
Row
3
DELETE Collection Number: O Q O U
SW: ฉ ฉ (w) NE: (s) (m) (w) Height Class: Percent Cover:
Is this a tree species?
TES plant species:
Optional Cover Calculator
T
CALTHA LEPTOSEPALA
Collection Number OQ
SW: ฉ (w) NE: (m) (v^ Height Class: Percent Cover: | 15
Is this a tree species?
TES plant species:
Enter Tree Data
Optional Cover Calculator
Row
PICEA ENGELMANNII
Collection Number O Q O U
SW: ฉ (w) NE: (S) Height Class: Percent Cover: 11
Is this a tree species'
TES plant species:
Enter Tree Data
Optional Cover Calculator
Row
6
Collection Number: O Q O U
CORYDALIS AQUAE-GELIDAE
SW: ฉ (w) NE: (w) Height Class: Percent Cover: J 17 ^
Is this a tree species?
TES plant species: o
Optional Cover Calculator
Rฐw KALMIOPSIS FRAGRANS Collection Number: (5) Q O u 07
SW: (s) (m) Q NE: (!) ^ (w) Height Class: ^ Percent Cover: HT
Is this a tree species?
TES plant species:
Optional Cover Calculator
11 COMMENT
SPECIES PRESENCE
TES Oregon sensitive species.
Photo taker)
Select from Existing Items
Outside knownrange, on rock outcrop.
KALMIOPSIS FRAGRANS Meinke and
Kaye SP. NOV. Meinke and Kaye. 2007.
Jour, of Botanical Research Institute of
Tex
TES Oregon sensitive species.
Photo taken
Figure 5-13. Example of completed Vascular Species Presence arid Cover Form (V-2). All data depicted are
imaginary and for illustration only.
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5.2.3.2 Collecting Vascular Plant Species Presence Data and Creating Species List
Plant species presence data are recorded on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2),
Figure 5-13, and are collected before other vegetation data to begin building the species list for the
Veg Plot and to prevent trampling of the quadrats before the presence data are obtained. Species
presence data are collected at multiple scales; from nested quadrats (1-m2 and 10-m2), located in
the SW and NE corners of each 100-m2 Veg Plot (Reference Card V-3, Side B, Figure 5-12), and from
the entire Veg Plot. Presence for a given species in smaller sample units implicitly includes its
presence in larger sample units. The process of collecting presence information aids in building an
initial species list for the entire Veg Plot. Species presence data are collected in both the 1-m2 and
10-m2 quadrats of one nest, then in both quadrats of the other corner nest, followed by the area
represented by the entire 100-m2 Veg Plot.
Establish Quadrat Nests - Each nest is comprised of a 1-m2 and a 10-m2 quadrat and can be set-up
in a variety of ways (Figure 5-12):
Outside edges of the 1-m2 and 10-m2 quadrats are formed by the edges of the 100-m2 Veg
Plot demarcated during Veg Plot establishment (Section 5.2.2).
Interior sides of the 1-m2 quadrat may be defined using (a) two 1-m PVC poles, (b) two 1-m
long wooden slats, or (c) a 2-m length of rope with the mid-point marked.
The interiors of the 10-m2 quadrat can be set-up using (a) two 3.16-m segmented PVC poles,
or (b) a 6.32-m length of rope with the mid-point marked.
Any of the items used for the inside quadrat edges can be placed on the ground in open or
herbaceous vegetation, or threaded through or over the top of shrubby vegetation. If
obstacles prevent leaving these materials in place, measure the distance to the quadrat
corners and mark quadrat edges with flagging.
Double check the header information on the top of the Vascular Species Presence and Cover
Form (V-2) (Figure 5-13). Ensure the Site ID and Visit number that you have chosen matches the
site and visit being sampled. Verify or enter the sampling date by using the today button of the
date selection wheel. It is very important the date be entered in the correct format (MM/DD/YYYY),
so using one of these methods will ensure the correct format.
Indicate if any Veg Plots Have Not Been Sampled - Normally all 5 Veg Plots must be sampled. If on
a rare occasion, due to hazards, a particular Veg Plot cannot be sampled, check the 'This plot was
not sampled box' at the top of the relevant Plot tab. Also, using the comment bubble, add the
reason why this plot could not be sampled.
Create the Plant Species List - Select one of the nested corners, SW or NE, in which to begin
collecting presence data. As each species is observed, enter its name by selecting the Enter New
Species box on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) (Figure 5-13) and use the
resulting drop-down lists of plant names to select the scientific name for that taxon (Figure 5-14).
Begin to develop a species list for the plot by recording the names of all species encountered
in 1-m2 and 10-m2 quadrats of the first nested corner sampled.
If the species identity is known, record the scientific name (e.g., genus and species,
subspecies or variety if applicable) using the drop-down lists. The full scientific name will
populate into the Full Genus/Species Name box. Click the SAVE button to populate the
species name into Form V-2.
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If the taxon's identity is unknown, give it a descriptive pseudonym (See Assigning
Pseudonyms for Unknown Plant Species, below) by typing the pseudonym directly into the
Full Genus/Species Name box and clicking the SAVE button.
If only the family or genus is known, these higher-level taxa can be selected from the drop-
down list and will appear in the Full Genus/Species Name box. Annotate the family or genus
name to distinguish the taxon from other partially identified taxa in the same family or
genus. Click the SAVE button. For instructions on annotating the family or genus name, see
Assigning Pseudonyms for Unknown Plants Species below.
If at any point the name needs to be changed (e.g., the plant is found to be a different
species than first thought or an unknown plant is identified), the species name can easily be
updated in the App. On Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2), clicking the box
that contains the species name will reopen its pop-up window. The species name can easily
be changed either by using the genus and species drop-down lists to overwrite the previously
saved name or by adding/editing the text directly in the Full Genus/Species Name box.
For each plot, if the taxon is a tree species, click the "Enter Tree Data" button next to the question
on Form V-2 'Is this a tree species?' and it will automatically add the tree species to Snag and Tree
Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4) for this Veg Plot. The resulting pop up window can be populated
now or at a later time, or the tree cover and count data can be entered on Form V-4. The data on
these two forms are linked, so entering and saving data on one automatically updates the other.
Continue adding species to Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) as they are
encountered during collection of species presence in the 1-m2 and 10-m2 quadrats of the
second nested corner.
Once both corner nests have been searched, examine the entire 100-m2 Veg Plot for
additional species. Add these species to the V-2 Form as well and finishing recording
presence data for the whole Veg Plot.
Assigning Pseudonyms for Unknown Plant Species (Reference Card V-4, Side A, Figure 5-15) - The
Botanist/Ecologist makes pseudonym assignments for unknown plant species using the following
rules:
If the plant's genus is known, but its species is not, then a number and short description of
identifying characteristics is substituted for the specific epithet (see Figure 5-15). Numbers
indicate how many unknowns occur in a single genus and should be included even if there
is only one unknown species in the genus.
In the App, a user can select a genus and then edit or amend the text in the Full
Genus/Species Name box to create the applicable epithet.
Where neither genus nor species names are known, devise a descriptive name reflecting
growth habit, microhabitat, or some distinctive morphological feature (see Figure 5-15).
It is often useful to carry examples of unknown plants, in small individual 'tagged
bouquets', to keep pseudonyms straight; particularly when there are several unknown
species in a single genus.
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TEST-OR-10005, Visit: 1
Version 2.3
# This form has been thoroughly reviewed and is ready for submission
Date:
Plotl
This plot waj
B I ^
SW: Q (jv
Is this a tree ฃ
TES plant sp
Row
7
SW: (s) (jv
Is this a tree s
TES plant sp
Row
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SW: (?) (iv
Is this a tree e
TES plant sp
Row
9
Genus/Species
Identify plant to lowest taxonomic level possible, i.e, to species,
subspecies, or variety as appropriate. If unable to identify to species level
or below, record genus, if genus is not known record family, if completely
unknown record pseudonym. If recording genus or family only, see
pseudonym requirements for annotation designations to separate multiple
instances in the same genus or family at a site.
Select family:
Select genus:
Select species:
Full Genus/
Species Name:
ฉ
ฉ
ฉ
Collection Number: Qo
Cancel
ADD NEW ROW
Total number of species: 8 (Q: 1, U:2)
Figure 5-14. Genus/Species Selection Window on Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).
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The Botanist/Ecologist makes pseudonym assignments for unknown plant species using the
following rules:
~ If the genus name is known, but the species name is not, then a number and short description of
identifying characteristics is substituted for the species epithet. For example:
Carex 1 - winged stem
Carex 2 - tussock
Carex 3 - bidentate perigynia
Carex 4 - striped scale
Salix 1 - acuminate leaf
Salix 2 - hairy under-leaf.
Numbers indicate how many unknowns occur in a single genus at a site and should be
included even if there is only one unknown in the genus.
~ Where neither the genus nor species names are known, devise a descriptive name that reflects
growth habit, microhabitat, or some distinctive morphological feature. For example:
bunchgrass 1
pinnate-lf. aquatic herb
decid. low shrub simple lin. If.
~Where numerous unknown taxa occur, it may be useful to carry examples of the plants, in small
individual 'tagged bouquets', to keep pseudonyms straight. This is especially relevant if a single
genus has several unknown representatives on the site.
Figure 5-15. Reference Card V-4, Side A. Assigning Pseudonyms.
Coilecting the Species Presence Data - For the NWCA, a plant species is present if it is rooted in or
overhangs the sample unit (quadrat or Veg Plot). Make sure to look up when working in nested
corners, as species overhanging the plot may be above your head.
For each plant species present in a Veg Plot, always fill in one bubble (S, M or W) for the SW corner
and one bubble for the NE corner data field on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-
2) (Figure 5-13). Fill in the bubble that represents the smallest area in which the plant is found.
If a plant species on the V2 list is not present in a plot, indicate that by recording 0 for
percent cover.
Guidance for recording presence data (see Figure 5-16):
For each species encountered, record the smallest quadrat size (S = l-m2 or M = 10-m2) in which a
plant species is observed by filling in the appropriate data bubble (S or M) in the field for the SW or
NE quadrat nest on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).
if a species does not occur in a particular nest, but occurs in the 100-m2 Veg Plot, fill the W (whole
plot = 100-m2) bubble for that corner (Figure 5-13). For example, a single plant in the SW small or
medium plot is, by default in the whole plot for the NE corner (See Example A in Figure 5-16).
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B
SW:
0 ฉ ฉ NE: (?) ฉ
SW:
ฉ ฎ ฎ NE: ฉ ฎ ฎ SW: (D ฎ ฉ NE: (D ฎ ฉ
SW: @ (m) ฉ NE: (s) ^ ฉ SW: ฉ ฉ ฎ NE: (ฃ) ฉ ฉ SW: (?) (m) ^ NE: ฉ ฉ ฉ
Figure 5-16. Guidance for recording species presence data on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-
2). Letters A-F represent hypothetical Veg Plots with nested quadrats at SW and NE corners. Green diamonds
represent the presence of a particular plant species. SW and NE column diagrams illustrate which data hubbies
(S = 1-rn quadrat, M=10-m2 quadrat, and W=whole plot) should be filled based on the location of the plant
species.
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5.2.3.3 General Cover Estimation Procedures
Percent cover within each 100-m2 Veg Plot is used to assess abundance for individual vascular plant
species (Section 5.2.3.4), vertical strata of vascular vegetation (Section 5.2.3.5), non-vascular taxonomic
groups (Section 5.2.3.6), and individual tree species by height class (Section 5.2.3.8). Percent cover data
are also collected for some ground surface attributes (Section 5.2.3.7). Methods for cover estimation are
essentially the same across all these groups.
Cover estimates for individual plant species, vegetation height strata, non-vascular groups, and trees are
made for organisms rooted in or overhanging a Veg Plot. For these entities, cover is estimated as the
percentage of the ground area in a sampling unit overlain by the outline of the canopies (e.g., leaves,
branches, stems, and space) describing the circumference for individual plants or clumps of organisms.
Cover for ground surface attributes is estimated based the area of the sampling unit overlain by a
specific ground surface type.
Cover estimation methods are detailed below and summarized in Reference Card V-4, Side B (Figure
5-17):
1) Estimating Percent Cover - Cover is estimated directly as the percentage (0 to 100%) of the plot
area covered by the species or vegetation group under consideration. Use the continuous range of
values from 0 to 100% when estimating cover for a species or other entity within the 100-m2 Veg
Plot. For values < 1%, record 0.1%.
Cover determinations for a particular entity of interest (species, taxonomic group, vegetation layer,
ground surface type) are made by estimating the percentage of ground space in the 100-m2 Veg Plot
overlain by the outline of the canopies or footprint of all individuals or patches of that entity.
Note: The space over which a plant exerts influence is approximated by the area of its undisturbed
canopy, since the plant's root system typically spreads at least as extensively in the horizontal
direction as does its aboveground parts. Thus, gaps in the canopy created by spaces among leaves
are ignored and are not subtracted from the cover estimate.
2) Recognizing the Limits of Estimate Precision - Note when making cover value assignments, do not
deliberate extensively over values for cover estimates (e.g., for small values choosing between 1 or
3%, for higher values choosing between 77% or 85%).
Remember your assessments of cover are estimates and it is not appropriate to agonize over small
differences because this precision would exceed the accuracy of our ability to detect cover
differences over the area of the Veg Plot.
3) Viewing Veg Plot to Make Cover Estimations - View the Veg Plot from several vantage points to be
sure that all patches of each entity have been detected, while taking care to limit trampling of the
vegetation as much as possible.
4) Noting Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Cover across Veg Plot - When estimating cover,
remember the pattern of distribution of a particular species or entity might be aggregated or
dispersed across a 100-m2 Veg plot (Reference Card V-4, Side B, Figure 5-17). Take care to detect
low cover, widely dispersed taxa. Similarly, plant species or vegetation strata vary in height, and it is
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common for the canopies of species or vegetation layers to be distributed vertically, but overlie the
same horizontal space.
5) Assigning cover values - It is helpful to visualize percent cover in terms of spatial areas within the
100-m2 Veg Plot, and to use this information to guide cover estimations for a particular species or
entity. In a 10xl0-m Veg Plot, 1 m2 is equivalent to 1% cover, a 3x3-m block equals 9% cover, and a
5x5-m block represents 25% of the area of the Veg Plot. Reference Card V-4, Side B (Figure 5-17)
provides examples of cover estimates reflecting different distributions and abundances for an
individual entity (e.g., a species, a vegetation layer, a taxonomic group, or ground surface type)
within a 100-m2 Veg Plot.
5.2.3.4 Height and Cover Data for Vascular Plant Species (Form V-2)
Height and percent cover data collected for each vascular plant species occurring in a 100-m2 Veg Plot
are recorded on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2). For each species, data describing
the primary height class in which it occurs, and its percent cover should be collected concurrently. (See
Reference Cards V-3, Side B (Figure 5-12) and V-4, Side B (Figure 5-17)).
1) Species Identity - Recall that during collection of species presence data (Section 5.2.3.2), you
recorded, on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2), the names or pseudonyms of the
species so far observed in each 100-m2 Veg Plot (e.g., Figure 5-13). As you collect data on height
class and estimate cover for each species in a Veg Plot, add any newly detected taxa you encounter
in a new row using the Enter New Species box on the V-2 Form.
2) Species Height Class - Estimate the predominant height class in which each species occurs across
each Veg Plot. Record the height class by selecting from the drop-down list on the Vascular Species
Presence and Cover Form (V-2) for the Veg Plot under consideration (Figure 5-18). Height class
choices are displayed below. Note that E is a life form class that encompasses all vascular liana, vine,
or epiphyte species, and which may occur in any height class.
Height Classes (except E, which may occur in any vertical stratum)
1
< 0.5m
2
>0.5 to 2m
3
>2 to 5m
4
>5 to 15m
5
>15 to 30m
6
>30m
E
Liana, vine, or epiphyte species
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TEST-OR-10037, Visit: 1
Version 1.9
This form has been thoroughly reviewed and is ready for submission
Date:
This plot was not sampled
SW: Q (m) (w) NE:
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Q6 KALMIOPSI!
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By Plot Quadrants:
Collection Number: Q Q O U
Figure 5-18. Height Class Selection Window on Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).
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3) Species Cover - Estimate percent cover for each species observed in each Veg Plot and record this
data in the Percent Cover field for the appropriate plot on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover
Form (V-2) (Figure 5-13). Use the following general guidelines, based on the complexity of the
vegetation, to estimate cover for the plant species occurring in the 100-m2 Veg Plot.
Cover for any individual plant species observed in a Veg Plot can range from 0 to 100%.
However, because of vertical stratification of plant species within communities, the sum of the
covers of all observed species often substantially exceeds 100%.
View and search the Veg Plot from several vantage points (e.g., from several points outside the
plot and from the plot center) to detect and make cover estimates for all species that are
present.
When estimating cover of tall species (i.e., tall shrubs and trees) care should be taken to try to
visually project the Veg Plot boundaries upwards to frame the vertical sample area and identify
the edges of the Veg Plot.
Where species diversity is high, vegetation is patchy, or species are widely distributed across a
Veg Plot, it may be helpful to make preliminary estimates of cover for different patches of a
particular species in different parts of the Veg Plot (e.g., Species 1 may occur in patches of the
following sizes: 1 m2 = 1%, 7 m2 = 7%, 25 m2 = 25%). Once all patches of the species in the Veg
Plot are observed, the preliminary estimates can be combined to obtain the total percent cover
for the species (e.g., continuing with the example above, Species 1 = 33%), which is then
recorded in the Percent Cover field.
If a Veg Plot is structurally complex or has high species richness, it will be useful to employ a
systematic procedure by using the 'Optional Cover Calculator' button to calculate preliminary
estimates (Figure 5-19) that is available in Form V-2 of the NWCA App.
o Visually divide the 100-m2 Veg Plot into four 25-m2 quarters. In each quarter of the Veg Plot,
search for all species occurring in that quarter.
o Estimate the approximate percent area of the Veg Plot (remember 1 m2 = 1%) occupied by
each plant species present in each quarter. Keep in mind that maximum cover possible for
an individual species in a given quarter plot is 25% (i.e., 25 m2 = 25% of the entire 100-m2
Veg Plot). For a particular species in a particular Veg Plot, click on 'Optional Cover Calculator'
and a grid with four cells representing the four quarters of the 100-m2 Veg Plot will pop-up
(Figure 5-x). This grid can be used to estimate the percent cover for an individual species in
an individual quarter of the Veg Plot by entering the appropriate value (0.1 to 25%).
o Select SAVE and you will be returned to the main part of Form V-2 and you can move on to a
new species. When you finish estimating percent cover for all the species in one quarter of
the Veg Plot, move on to the next quarter. Once again, open the grid for each species and
record and SAVE its cover for that quarter. Repeat for all species in all four quarters in the
Veg Plot. As cover for each quarter is entered, the cover for the species observed so far is
summed in the Percent coverage for plot box.
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o Once preliminary cover estimates for all four quarters of the Veg Plot are completed, the
preliminary estimates for each species are summed to obtain the total percent cover of that
species in the Veg Plot. Summing is done automatically in the 'Optional Cover Calculator'
feature. You can then record this final total percent cover value for each species (or the
value may automatically fill) in the Percent Cover box on the main page of the V-2 Form (see
examples in Figure 5-13)).
4) IMPORTANT: Connection of Form V-2 to Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4)
Names for tree taxa occurring in specific Veg Plots can only be added to Form V-4 via the V-2
Form. To add a name to Form V-4 for a particular tree species and Veg Plot from the V-2 Form,
click on the Enter Tree Data button next to the question 7s this a tree species?'. An additional
window will pop up showing the relevant plot and tree name. Click SAVE to retain the tree name
on Form V-4. This process populates the tree name into the appropriate Plot on the V-4 Form
and ensures that the name for each tree species is the same on both forms.
As you are collecting cover data for all vascular species on the V-2 Form and are evaluating a
particular tree species in a particular plot, you may find that it is efficient to also collect the V-4
Form Live Trees Cover and Counts data for that tree species at the same time. To do this, for a
particular plot and tree species click on the Enter Tree Data button next to the question 7s this a
tree species?' on the V-2 Form. This will open the relevant window and you can enter the data
pertaining to the relevant tree species and plot. When you have done so, click SAVE to save the
data you have just entered. If you need to update this data, you can simply repeat the process.
The data on these two forms are linked, so entering and saving data on one automatically
updates the other.
See Section 5.2.3.8 (Standing Dead/Snag Tree Counts and Live Tree Species Count and Cover
Data) for detailed protocols for collecting the data required for the Snag and Tree Counts and
Tree Cover Form (V-4).
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TEST-OR-10037, Visit: 1
Version 1.9
This form has been thoroughly reviewed and is ready for submission
Date:
Plot 2
Plot 3
Plot 4
This plot
SW:
Is this a
Q6
SW: (T
Is this a
Plot 5
t was not se
Calculate Percent Cover
By Plot Quadrants
Cancel
Plot
1
Live Tree Species Name/Pseudonym
CORYDALIS AQUAE-GELIDAE
Enter up to 25 percent coverage in each quadrant for a maximum of 100
percent coverage for the entire plot.
CM
CD
0
9
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Percent coverage for plot: 17
SW: (m) (w) NE: (s) (w) Height Class: (v) Percent Cover:
Is this a tree species?
Calculate Coverage
By Plot Quadrants:
iter Tree Data
Calculate Coverage
Collection Number: Q Q O U
Online
Figure 5-19. Optional Cover Calculator Window on Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).
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5.2.3.5 Vertical Strata Data for Vascular Vegetation (Form V-3)
One way the NWCA assesses the vertical structure of wetland vegetation is to estimate the cover of nine
vertical vegetation strata, defined in part by life form type and in part by height classes (Vegetation
Types/Ground Surface Attributes Form (V-3) (Figure 5-20), Reference Card V-3, Side B (Figure 5-12)).
Cover of all plants making up a particular vegetation stratum are estimated collectively and the total
cover for an individual stratum can range between 0 and 100 percent. Because vegetation strata may
overlie one another, the combined cover for all vegetation strata may substantially exceed 100 percent.
See Section 5.2.3.3 for description of general cover estimation procedures.
Double check the header information on the top of the V-3 Form - Ensure the Site ID and Visit number
that you have chosen matches the site and visit being sampled..
Indicate if any Veg Plots Have Not Been Sampled - Normally all 5 Veg Plots must be sampled. If on a
rare occasion, due to hazards, a particular Veg Plot cannot be sampled, check the 'This plot was not
sampled box' at the top of the relevant Plot tab. Also, using the comment bubble, add the reason why
this plot could not be sampled.
Make Cover Estimates for Each Vegetation Stratum - Enter the percent cover for each stratum in each
Veg Plot in the relevant Percent Cover box in the Vegetation Types section of Vegetation Types/Ground
Surface Attributes Form (V-3) (Figure 5-20). A value is required for all data elements, so if an item is not
present, record 0. Estimate Cover across Each Veg Plot for:
1) Submerged aquatic vegetation (cover 0-100%) - rooted in substrate, most plant cover
submerged or floating on water.
2) Floating aquatic vegetation (cover 0-100%) - not rooted in sediment, floating on water.
3) All lianas, vines, and epiphytes (cover 0-100%).
4) All other vascular vegetation by height class -
> 30 m tall (0-100%): e.g., very tall trees
> 15 to 30 m tall (0-100%): e.g., tall trees
> 5 to 15 m tall (0-100%): e.g., very tall shrubs, short to mid-sized trees
> 2 to 5 m tall (0-100%): e.g., tall shrubs; tree saplings
0.5 m to 2 m (0-100%): e.g., medium height shrubs; tree seedlings and saplings; tall aquatic
emergent/terrestrial herbaceous species
< 0.5 m tall (0-100%): e.g., low aquatic emergent/terrestrial herbaceous species; low shrubs,
tree seedlings
5.2.3.6 Non-Vascular Taxonomic Group Data (Form V-3)
Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) growing on ground-level surfaces, ground lichens, arboreal
epiphytic bryophytes and lichens, filamentous or mat forming algae, and macroalgae can be important
components of many wetlands. Data for non-vascular taxonomic groups are collected in each 100-m2
Veg Plot and recorded in the % Cover and Categorical Data for Non-Vascular Taxa section on the
Vegetation Types/Ground Surface Attributes Form (V-3) (Figure 5-20), see Reference Card V-3, Side B
(Figure 5-12). Cover for each of these groups can range from 0-100%. See Section 5.3.3 for description of
general cover estimation procedures. A value is required for all data elements in this section, so if an
item is not present, record 0.
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Bryophytes - Estimate the collective cover of mosses, and leafy and thailoid liverworts growing on
ground surfaces, logs, rocks, etc. and enter the cover estimate in the provided field. If the bryophyte
layer is dominated by Sphagnum or other peat forming mosses, fill in the 'Bryophytes dominated by
Sphagnum or other peat-forming mosses' bubble under the Bryophyte cover field.
Ground Lichens - Estimate the collective cover of all lichens growing on the ground or other ground
layer substrate (e.g., boulders, fallen logs) and enter the cover estimate in the field provided for lichen
cover. Do not include arboreal lichens that have fallen from trees in this estimate.
Arboreal Epiphytic Bryophytes and Lichens - If arboreal (living on shrubs and trees) bryophytes and
lichens are present, estimate the amount of branch, twig, stem, or trunk surface area of woody
vegetation in the Veg Plot that this group occupies. Estimates are made using the broad abundance
classes listed on the selection menu of the V-3 Form (Figure 5-20):
None: Absent.
Sparse: Less than Ys of woody surface area covered.
Common: Ys to % of woody surface area covered.
Abundant: > % of woody surface area covered.
Make this determination rapidly as you scan the available arboreal surfaces to reflect the general
importance of the arboreal bryophytes and lichens in a Veg Plot. Select the appropriate abundance class
for each Veg Plot. Note, this is a quick estimate, not a precise quantification of abundance.
Filamentous or Mat Forming Algae - For each Veg Plot, estimate the collective cover of all unicellular or
small algae that form visible and often extensive filament strands or mats and enter the cover estimate
in the provided field.
Macroalgae - Estimate the collective cover of macroalgae in each Veg Plot. Macroalgae are found in
freshwater (e.g., Chara) or tidal settings (seaweeds), and may occur in a wetland both as living, attached
material or as wrack (algae that is broken free and/or washed into the wetland). All occurrences of
macroalgae (living or wrack) are included in this cover estimate. Enter the cover estimate in the
provided field.
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TEST-OR-10037, Visit: 1 jj|M
Version 1.9
NWCA 2021 VEG TYPES/GROUND SURFACE ATTRIBUTES (V-3)
This form has been thoroughly reviewed and is ready for submission
Plot 1 Plot 3 Plot 4 Plot 5
This plot was not sampled | J
VEGETATION TYPES
% Cover Vascular Vegetation
% Cover of submerged Aquatic Veg.
% Cover of floating Aquatic Veg.
% Cover of Lianas, Vines, and Epiphytes
% Cover for all other Vascular Vegetation for each height class
% Cover >30m tall: e.g., very tall trees
% Cover >15 to 30m tall: e.g., tall trees
% Cover >5 to 15m tall: e.g., very tall shrubs; short trees
0
50
% Cover >2 to 5m tall: e.g., tall shrubs; tree saplings
% Cover 0.5 to 2m tall: e.g., med. shrubs; tree saplings;
tall emergent
% Cover <0.5 tall: e.g., low emergent, herbs, low shrubs;
tree seedlings
% Cover and Categorical Data for Non-Vascular Taxa
% Cover of Bryophytes
Select if Bryophytes dominated by
Sphagnum or other peat-forming mosses
50
10
40
i Cover of lichens
0.1
Abundance of Arboreal Epiphytic
Bryophtes and Lichens (Select one)
ABUNDANT
ฉ
Cover of Filamentous or Mat forming
% Cover of Macroalgae (freshwater, living or wrack) 0
Figure 5-20. Example of completed Vegetation Types Section of Form V-3. All data depicted in this figure are
imaginary and for illustration only.
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TEST-OR-10037, Visit: 1
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Plot 2 Plot 3 Plot 4
Plot 5
This plot was not sampled Q
i Cover >5 to|
% Cover > None: Absent
Select Option Cancel
% Cover 0.5 t
i Cover <0.5 t
% Cover and Categori
Sparse: < V* of woody surface area covered
Common: Va to % of woody surface area covered
Abundant: > % of woody surface area covered
Abun
Bryoph!
i Cover
GROUND SURFACE ATTRIBUTES
Water Cover
Total % Cover of Water
Figure 5-21. Selection Window for Abundance of Arboreal Epiphytic Bryophytes and Lichens on
Form V-3.
5.2.3.7 Ground Surface Attribute Data (Form V-3)
Data describing surface attributes (water, bare ground, vegetative litter, and woody debris) of each 100-
m2 Veg Plot are collected by the Veg Team (see also Reference Card V-3, Side B (Figure 5-12)). Metrics
describing these indicators include percent of the plot area covered by an attribute and, where
appropriate, the type and depth of the attribute. See Section 5.2.3.3 for description of general cover
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estimation procedures. A value is required for all data elements in this section, so if an item is not
present, record 0.
Collect and record the following data in the Ground Surface Attributes section of the Vegetation
Types/Ground Surface Attributes Form (V-3) (Figure 5-22) in the appropriate fields:
Water Cover - Estimate total percent of area (0 to 100%) covered by water in each Veg Plot and enter
the cover estimate in the provided field.
Water Depth - Measure water depth to nearest cm, from a location that represents the predominant
depth of water in the Veg Plot, and record in the appropriate Predominant Depth field. Depths may be
measured using a ruler, meter stick, or a PVC pole with decimeter marks. Record the time the
measurement was made in the Time of Day field using a 24 hour scale. Use either the Now button or
enter the time directly into the field using the appropriate format (e.g., hh:mm).
Bare Ground - Estimate the percent of the Veg Plot area occupied by each of the following:
1) Exposed Soil/Sediment;
2) Exposed Gravel/Cobble (~ 2 mm to 25 cm in diameter); and
3) Exposed Rock (>25 cm in diameter).
The sum of these three elements of bare ground should not exceed 100%. Enter each cover estimate in
the provided fields.
Vegetative Litter - Litter may be overlain by other vegetation layers, and may overlap with water or
bare ground. Collect the following data in each Veg Plot:
1) Total Cover of Vegetative Litter, which may range from 0 to 100%.
2) If litter is present, identify the Predominant Litter Type by selecting it from the list. The choices
are:
C = Coniferous tree;
D = Deciduous tree;
G = Graminoid (e.g., grass, sedge, rush);
F = Forb;
R = Fern; or
E = Broadleaf evergreen tree.
3) Measure litter depth in cm at the center of the 1-m2 quadrat at the NE and the SW Veg Plot
corners and record measurements in the appropriate Litter Depth (cm) field. Make litter depth
measurements from the ground level upwards. Sometimes litter may be flooded (e.g.,
saltmarshes when the tide is in). In such cases, even if the area is flooded and part of the litter is
submerged, measure from the ground level.
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GROUND SURFACE ATTRIBUTES
Water Cover
Total % Cover of Water 80
Water Depth
Predominant Depth (cm)
Time of Day (24 hr clock) 13:30
Bareground Cover (a+b+c <=100%)
(a) Exposed soil/sediment
(b) Exposed gravel/cobble (2mm-25cm)
(c) Exposed rock (>25cm)
Vegetative Litter
Total % Cover Veg. Litter (0-100%)
Predominant Litter Type (Select one)
Litter Depth at SW Veg Plot quadrat (cm)
Litter Depth at NE Veg Plot quadrat (cm)
% Cover of Downed Dead Woody
% Cover of Coarse Woody debris >5cm diam.
75
% Cover of Fine Woody debris <5cm diam. 0
ฉ
Figure 5-22. Example of completed Ground Surface Attributes Section of Form V-3. All data depicted in this
figure are imaginary and for illustration only.
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Woody Debris - Downed woody debris occurs at an angle of incline < 45ฐ. Estimate the percent of the of
Veg Plot area covered by:
1) Downed Coarse Woody Debris (> 5-cm diameter); and
2) Downed Fine Woody Debris (< 5-cm diameter).
Woody debris may overlay other vegetation or ground surface layers, so dead woody material in either
category may range from 0 to 100%. If there are downed trees with small and large branches/trunks,
estimate the portions that represent fine and course woody debris. Conifer cones that have fallen to the
ground are considered litter. Enter each cover estimate in the provided fields.
5.2.3.8 Standing Dead/Snag Tree Counts and Live Tree Species Count and Cover Data
Several attributes of woody vegetation are evaluated in the NWCA using counts of dead or live trees in
diameter classes and cover estimates of live trees by height classes within the 5 Veg Plots (see also
Reference Card V-3, Side B (Figure 5-12)). These data collected are recorded on the Snag and Tree
Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4) (see Figure 5-23). Data are recorded under two section headings on
the V-4 Form: 1) Standing Dead Trees/Snags and 2) Live Trees Cover and Counts.
IMPORTANT: In the NWCA App, tree species names, or pseudonyms for unidentified tree taxa, will be
populated to the Live Trees Cover and Counts Section of the Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form
(V-4) as they are observed and recorded by the Botanist/Ecologist on the Vascular Species Presence and
Cover Form (V-2). Names for tree taxa occurring in specific Veg Plots can only be added to Form V-4 via
the V-2 Form. To add a name to Form V-4 for a particular tree species and Veg Plot from the V-2 Form,
click on the "Enter Tree Data" button next to the question 'Is this a tree species?'. An additional window
will pop up showing the relevant plot and tree name. Click SAVE to retain the tree name on Form V-4.
This process populates the tree name into the appropriate Plot on the V-4 Form and ensures that the
name for each tree taxon is the same on both forms. Thus, the Live Trees Cover and Counts Section of
Form V-4 should already display the names of the trees observed in each plot where trees occur, and
the appropriate data fields for you to record the V-4 Form tree. Tree cover and count data can be
entered either on Form V-4 or in the resulting "Enter Tree Data" popup window on Form V-2. The data
on these two forms are linked, so entering and saving data on one automatically updates the other.
Note, however, that these data are all plot-specific, so be sure the correct plot tab (on Form V-2) or row
(on Form V-4) is chosen.
Double check the header information on the top of the V-4 Form. Ensure the Site ID and Visit number
that you have chosen matches the site and visit being sampled.
Indicate any Veg Plots that were not sampled - Normally all 5 Veg Plots must be sampled. In the RARE
circumstance when data for the Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4) were not collected in a
particular plot, add a comment indicating why these data were not collected in the comment bubble for
that plot.
Overview Steps for Collecting Snag and Tree Data -
Estimate the number of small (< 5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) standing dead
trees/snags (angle of incline > 45ฐ) in abundance classes.
Count the number of standing dead trees or snags that are > 5 cm DBH by DBH classes.
Estimate cover of live trees by species in estimated height classes.
Count live trees (> 5 cm DBH) by species in DBH classes.
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Once observations for the above items are completed and their values are recorded, the data cells for
which there were no trees or snag present should be populated with zeros. This may be done manually
or with "Fill Zeros" button in the App which auto fills zeros for cells in which no snags or trees were
observed and recorded.
Estimating Tree Cover: When estimating cover for tree species by height class, include both trees rooted
in and overhanging the Veg Plot. Cover may range from 0-100% for each species for each height class.
See Sections 5.2.3.3 and 5.2.3.4 and Figure 5-17 for details on cover estimation methods. When
estimating cover of tall trees, care should be taken to try to visually project the Veg Plot boundaries
upwards to frame the vertical sample area and identify the edges of the Veg Plot to determine how
much of the Veg Plot is overlain by the tree canopy.
Counting Trees and Snags > 5cm DBH: Count each tree or snag rooted in the Veg Plot or occurring on
the Veg Plot border. Do not count trees that merely overhang the Veg Plot; note, this is different than
the cover estimation procedure.
If needed, while counting dead trees and snags a running tally can be kept for each diameter class in a
physical or digital notepad. Record the total number of snags for each DBH class in the provided data
fields.
For counting live trees by DBH, you can enter the number of trees in each height class directly as a
number, or it may be easier to enter one tree at time while you are counting by pushing the (+) button.
You can also use the (-) button to subtract trees one at time if you have inadvertently added a tree you
did not intend.
Estimating DBH and Height: Diameter at breast height (DBH) is the diameter of a live or dead tree at
1.37 m above the ground. DBH is estimated for all trees fully or partially (i.e., trees with trunks spanning
the Veg Plot boundary) rooted in the Veg Plot. Both breast height (1.37 m from the ground) and the
trunk diameter are estimated.
Early in the field season, or during training, the Veg Team will develop and calibrate a visual search
image for each designated DBH class (see Figure 5-23) by using a metric diameter tape or Biltmore Stick
to measure a series of trees of different sizes, then estimating DBH class for another series of trees and
confirming the DBH class designation by measuring the trees.
Estimation of height class (see Figure 5-23) for trees will also be practiced during training. Once
calibrated, the Veg Team will be able to rapidly visually estimate the height class to which a tree
belongs. If needed, during the field season the Veg Team may use the diameter tape to occasionally
recalibrate themselves.
For trees or snags with multiple trunks, use the following rules to estimate DBH classes:
If the tree or snag has one trunk from ground level up to breast height (roughly 1.37 m),
then splits into multiple trunks above this height, estimate its DBH below the split at breast
height.
If the tree or snag has multiple trunks originating below breast height, then estimate the
DBH of each trunk.
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Collecting and Recording Data Under the STANDING DEAD TREES/SNAGS Heading -
Small (< 5-cm DBH) Standing Dead Trees Counts - Under the column labeled Small (<5), rapidly
estimate the approximate number of small dead trees in each Veg Plot and select the abundance
class from the drop-down menu:
None.
Few (1-10).
Common (11-20).
Many (>20).
Standing Dead Tree and Snags (> 5-cm DBH) Counts - Count the number of standing dead
trees/snags that have angle of incline > 45ฐ (< 45ฐ = downed woody debris, see Section 5.2.3.8) by
DBH class, and record the values in the appropriate DBH columns in the provided data fields. DBH
classes are:
5-10 cm.
11-25 cm.
26-50 cm.
51-75 cm.
76-100 cm.
101-200 cm.
Collecting and Recording Data Under the LIVE TREES COVER AND COUNTS Heading -
The names of live trees (either scientific names or pseudonyms for unidentified trees) observed in
specific Veg Plots and recorded on the V-2 Form should already be auto-populated by plot and species in
the Live Trees Cover and Counts section of the Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4), (Figure
5-23). This process ensures that the name for each tree taxon is the same on both the V-2 and V-4
Forms. If, while collecting data for Live Trees Cover and Counts, you observe a tree species in a plot that
is not already listed on Form V-4, you will need to add it. New tree species for specific plots can only be
added to Form V-4 via the V-2 Form. First, go to Form V-2, select the appropriate plot number and
determine whether the tree species in the particular plot in question is already included on Form V-2. If
it is, click on the Enter Tree Data button next to the question Is this a tree species? on the V-2 Form. A
window will pop up showing the relevant plot and tree name. Click SAVE to retain the name on Form V-
4. If the tree species in the given plot is not listed on the V-2 Form, add it to Form V-2 and record the
relevant V-2 Form data for this species. Next, click on the Enter Tree Data button on the V-2 Form to add
the tree name and plot to Form V-4. Tree cover and count data can be entered either on Form V-4 or in
the resulting "Enter Tree Data" popup window on Form V-2. The data on these two forms are linked, so
entering and saving data on one automatically updates the other.
Cover of Live Trees by Height Classes - Record the percent cover (0-100%) for each tree species and
each plot in each height class:
<0.5m.
> 0.5-2 m.
> 2-5 m.
> 5-15 m.
> 15-30 m.
>30m.
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Counts of Live Trees DBH classes - For each tree species in the Veg Plot, count individual trees by DBH
class, and record the total number for each species and for each plot in the appropriate DBH column in
the provided data fields. Numbers can be entered directly into the fields, or the + or - buttons can be
used to increase or decrease the count incrementally. DBH Classes are:
5-10 cm.
11-25 cm.
26-50 cm.
51-75 cm.
76-100 cm.
101-200 cm.
> 200 cm.
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TEST-OR-10037, Visit: 1
Version 1.9
NWCA 2021 SNAGS AND TREE COUNTS (V-4)
o This form has been thoroughly reviewed and is ready for submission
STANDING DEAD TREES/SNAGS
Estimate small and count individual standing dead trees/snags for DBH classes (in cm).
Plot Small (<5) 5-10 11-25 26-50
1 I HQ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
76-100 101-200
ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
Plot Small (<5)
2 I
]ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
51-75 76-100 101-200
ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
Plot Small (<5)
3 I
]ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
51-75 76-100 101-200
ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
Plot Small (<5)
]ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
51-75 76-100 101-200
ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
Plot Small (<5)
5 I
]ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
51-75 76-100 101-200
ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ ฉ~ฉ
Populate missing standing dead/snags with zeros:
LIVE TREES COVER AND COUNTS
m
NYSSA BIFLORA
Tree Cover by Height Class
Tree Count by DBH Class
ฉQฉ ฉ[<~ฉ ฉ[<~ฉ
~ TAXODIUM ASCENDENS
Tree Cover by Height Class
Tree Count by DBH Class
<0.5m >0.5m-2m >2-5m >5-15m >15-30m >30m
ฉQฉ ฉQฉ ฉ[~ฉ ฉ[<~ฉ
76-100cm 101-200cm >200cm
<0.5m >0.5m-2m >2-5m >5-15m >15-30m >30m
ฉQฉ ฉ[~ฉ ฉGOฉ ฉ[~ฉ
76-100cm 101-200cm >200cm
ฉQฉ ฉQฉ ฉQฉ
Figure 5-23. Example of completed Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4). All data depicted on this
figure are imaginary and for illustration only.
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5.2.4 Field Day Wrap-Up Activities
After completing the sampling of the five Veg Plots (this chapter), the Veg Team conducts field day
wrap-up activities.
At the AA:
1) Complete collection of unknown and QA voucher specimens (Section 5.3.1):
2) Review all Vegetation Data Forms:
Botanist/Ecologist - Review the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) and the Snag
and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4) for errors in species names and missing data. Make
any needed corrections.
Botanist Assistant - Review the Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l) the Vegetation
Types/Ground Surface Attributes Form (V-3) for missing data.
Veg Team - If needed, return to Veg Plots and collect any missing information.
3) Time permitting, begin plant identification and specimen pressing:
Botanist/Ecologist uses any time available after vegetation sampling and plant specimen
collections are completed to key out unknown plant species. Update pseudonyms to scientific
names for unknowns that have been confidently keyed to species on the Vascular Species
Presence and Cover Form (V-2) and the Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4). Note
that when a tree name is updated on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) the
name will also be automatically updated on the Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-
4) only after selecting the "Enter Tree Data" button on Form V-2 and select the SAVE button in
the resulting pop-up window. Species names are not directly editable in the V-4 Form.
If a plant press is available at the AA, the Veg Team presses plant specimens. However, the AA
will often be far enough from the vehicle to make carrying a press to the AA infeasible, so
pressing plants will most often be conducted back at the vehicle (see the At the Vehicle heading
below).
4) Collect and organize Veg equipment and samples for transport back to the vehicle.
5) Remove all flagging and plot markers, unless the site will receive a repeat sampling visit (for quality
assurance sampling, other researchers collecting data, etc.). For repeat visit sites, labeled flagging
should be left at the AA CENTER and POINT.
6) Once all Veg tasks at the AA are complete, assist the AB Team if they are still working. Alternatively,
if there are numerous plant specimens to process, return to the vehicle and begin pressing plants.
Before leaving the AA to return to the vehicle, make a final check to ensure no equipment, data,
or samples are left behind. If leaving for the vehicle prior to the AB Team, carry selected AB
Team equipment and samples to the vehicle if possible.
To prevent the spread of potentially harmful organisms and invasive species between research
sites, employ ZERO TAXA TRANSPORT protocols. Decontaminate equipment, shoes, clothing and
personnel as thoroughly as possible before leaving the site.
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At the Vehicle:
1) Press plant specimens (see Section 5.3.2):
Plant specimens are pressed at the vehicle whenever possible. If this is not feasible due to safety
issues of parking location or weather, then plants may be pressed upon arrival at the field
lodging location at the end of the day.
Pressing specimens might be facilitated by forming an assembly line of all four Crew members
(Veg and AB Teams). Be sure to affix a completed Plant Specimen Label to the outside of the
newsprint folder for each specimen (see Sections 5.3.2 and 5.3.3, and also Figure 5-29).
Normally one specimen is pressed for each unknown or QA species. If more than one specimen
is collected for a particular species, either press both specimens in the same newsprint folder
use the same collection number (from the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2)) on
the Plant Specimen Label for that species.
Note the field day is not finished until all the plants from an AA are pressed. If necessary, the
entire Field Crew works together to complete this task.
On the Tracking Form in the App (Chapter 2), verify the collection numbers of specimens for
VEGQ (QA plant sample) and VEGU (Unknown plant sample) that are going to be shipped. The
collection number for each sample type will automatically be populated to the Tracking Form
when the Q and U bubbles are selected on Form V-2. At minimum, the QA Voucher specimens
of known species (usually 5) should be collected at every site. If no specimens are collected for a
given plant sample type, the Tracking Form will contain no list of specimens collected. This is
akin to reporting the sample type as not collected.
2) Repeat decontamination of equipment, shoes, clothing and personnel, if the vehicle is located a long
distance from the AA, to prevent spread of potentially harmful organisms and invasive species that
may have been picked up between the AA and the vehicle. Employ ZERO TAXA TRANSPORT
protocols.
3) Return all vegetation equipment and supplies to their standard locations in the vehicle.
5.3 Sample Collection and Processing and Data Handling
Several existing protocols for plant specimen collection, pressing, and handling (e.g., Magee et al. 1993,
Mack 2007, WIPP 2008, and University of Florida Herbarium 2009) and helpful reviews from several
wetland ecologists were useful in developing the NWCA protocols for plant sample collection and
processing presented in this section.
Specimens of unknown plant species and QA voucher specimens for five known taxa are collected at
each AA. Specimen collection, labeling, and most plant pressing are completed during the field day
(Sections 5.3.1 through 5.3.3). Occasionally it may be more convenient to complete plant pressing (the
same day as sampling) off-site at evening lodgings or the base location. Activities for specimen
preservation (drying) and shipping or delivering dried specimens to a designated office or herbarium
may carry over to subsequent field or travel days, or may sometimes be completed at the base location
or lodging (Section 5.3.4 and 5.3.6).
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Other specimen management and identification tasks are conducted from the office or designated
herbarium. Sometimes the Botanist/Ecologist will identify additional species from fresh specimens and
may update data forms on the App (See Section 5.2.3.1, subheading: Correcting Plant Species Names on
Forms). Pressed unknown and QA specimens are sent to a designated lab or herbarium for identification
and protocols for these tasks are detailed in the NWCA 2021 Laboratory Operations Manual (LOM).
5.3.1 Collecting Plant Specimens
Plant specimen collection is typically conducted throughout the sampling day as unknown species are
encountered. This is particularly important for less common unknown species as they may be difficult to
find again if collection is delayed.
A plant specimen is a pressed and dried plant sample. An integral part of each plant specimen is written
data describing the location and date of collection and other information, which are recorded on the
Plant Specimen Label (Figure 5-29) accompanying each specimen from pressing through identification
(Section 5.3.3).
The plant specimens collected in the NWCA are critical data, and are used: 1) to identify unknown plant
species encountered in the Veg Plots and 2) for quality assurance (QA) assessment based on taxonomic
verification of species identities (QAPP; USEPA 2021a).
Unknown Specimens
Collect all unknown species (Section 5.3.1) that are mature and have key structures needed for
identifying specimens (e.g., leaves, stems, flowers and/or fruits, roots, rhizomes). Collect as
complete a specimen as possible. If some key parts are available and other missing collect the
material available.
For immature or senescent unknown species (e.g., grasses or sedges with only leaf blades and
no flowers or fruits; forbs that are seedlings, have unremarkable leaf shapes, or missing
flowers), do the following:
o If the species has > 5% cover, collect it anyway. It is possible that a regional
expert may be able to identify the species even it is incomplete,
o If the species has < 5% cover, record a pseudonym and estimate cover as usual,
but collecting a specimen is optional.
Select the U bubble on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) for each unknown
species collected. Doing so will allow the App to generate a collection number based on the row
number (see Figure 5-13). Label Unknown Specimens prefaced with the letter U as assigned by
the App, e.g., U3, U7, U12, etc. See Reference Card V-5, Side B (Figure 5-24) for the Flowchart
for Collecting Unknown Plant Specimens.
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QA Specimens
Determine the total number of plant species identified by the Botanist/Ecologist across the AA
(i.e., listed on the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2)). Use a random number
table or random number generator on a calculator or other device to select five known species,
identified by the Botanist/Ecologist during field sampling, as QA Voucher Specimens, using the
rules below. Cover specifications have been incorporated to decrease the likelihood of crews
from collecting potentially low cover plants that are time consuming to find and are potentially
rare/endemic to the landscape
o The first three specimens collected should be chosen from species that occur in at least
one plot with cover greater than 10%. If there are not enough specimens with greater
than 10% cover the threshold should be reduced to 5% cover,
o Using a new random number table, the remaining 2 species collected should occur in at
least one site with greater than 1% cover.
If there are 5 or fewer known plant species within the AA, random selection of QA voucher
specimens is obviously unnecessary. Collect the number of QA voucher specimens equal to the
number of known species, i.e., 1 to 5.
Do not collect TES specimens
Do not collect poisonous or dermally toxic plants, which are randomly selected as QA vouchers,
to avoid posing a hazard to yourself or to the lab botanists. Generate a new random number or
use the next number on the random number table to select a replacement known species as the
QA voucher.
No unknowns can be collected as QA sample
For each QA specimen collected, select the Q bubble on the Vascular Species Presence and
Cover Form (V-2). Doing so will allow the App to generate a collection number based on the row
number (see Figure 5-13). Label QA Specimens prefaced with the letter Q as assigned by the
App, e.g., Q2, Q8, Q16, etc.
Do Not Collect Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species (TES) - Do not collect TES plant species,
or taxa that are easily killed if a portion of the plant is collected (e.g., many orchid species). Become
familiar with national and state listed TES species relevant to the state in which you are working and
with wetland TES species in particular. If TES species are encountered, document their presence by
photographing them and recording data as described in 8.7Appendix D.
Collecting Material for Plant Specimens -
1) For each species to be collected, select one or more healthy plants typical of its population within
the AA. Collect enough plant material for species identification and to fill a standard herbarium
sheet (29 x 42 cm) when pressed. Use the Plant Collection Checklist provided on Reference Card V-
5, Side A (Figure 5-25).
2) Whenever possible, material for each specimen should consist of a stem with attached leaves,
flowers, fruits, and, if possible, roots. Flowers and fruit are particularly important as they are
generally needed to determine species identity.
If the plant is small enough, collect the entire plant including the roots.
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If the plant is too large to fit in the plant press, collect 1) sufficient leaves and stems to illustrate
leaf shape and size, opposite or alternate branching, and buds, 2) some of the root or rhizome,
and 3) the inflorescence (flowering stem) with open flowers. In the case of trees, shrubs, or
vines, material should be selected to illustrate the overall characteristics of the plant and the
range of variation in flowers, leaves, and other structures.
For grasses and grass-like plants, include roots or rhizomes. Whenever possible, include mature
fruit, which are often critical for their identification; e.g., perigynia for Carex (sedge) species,
grains for grasses, capsules for Juncus species, etc.
If the species has separate male plants and female plants (e.g., Salix sp. (willows)) or male and
female flowers on the same plant, collect specimens from both sexes whenever possible.
Indicate whether male and female parts are from the same individual or separate individuals.
If the species is immature or senescent, collect a sample that includes as many key diagnostic
parts of the plant as possible.
3) Place the fresh plant material collected for each individual species into its own plastic bag (e.g., 1
species/ bag) to contain the specimen until it can be pressed. Using a permanent marker, write the
Plant Sample ID Number (NWCA site number-collection number) on the outside of the bag.
Gallon zipper-lock bags are appropriately sized for many species.
For species too large to fit into a gallon sized bag, e.g., shrubs, tall grasses or sedges, a kitchen
trash bag may be used to store the specimen.
Use clear or white plastic bags as collection bags. Dark colored plastic bags will absorb too much
heat during the day.
Alternatively, if it is more convenient, multiple species can be placed into larger bags. If more than
one specimen is included in the same bag, make sure they can be easily distinguished from one
another and related to their collection numbers from the Vascular Species Presence and Cover
Form (V-2). For example, tag individual species by bundling plant material by the stems with
masking tape, a strip of flagging, or wire labeled with the collection number from the Vascular
Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).
Storing Plant Specimens during the Sampling Day -
1) Place the smaller plastic bags with one or more plant species into a large heavy-duty, light colored
plastic bag. Double bagging keeps specimens fresher in warm weather and keeps fragile plant parts
together by species.
2) Plants will normally, and ideally, be pressed upon arriving back at the vehicle at the end of the
sample day. If weather or road conditions where the vehicle is parked make pressing at this location
infeasible or unsafe, place the bags of collected plant material into an ice chest (take care to keep
the plants from freezing) until the Crew has returned to field lodging. Then, press the plants
immediately.
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Ensuring All Unknown and QA Specimens Have Been Gathered -
1) Before leaving the site at the end of the day, double check to make certain every species indicated
for collection (i.e., the U = unknown species and the Q= quality assurance specimens) has been
obtained.
2) Ensure that each specimen has been assigned a collection number and that this number is recorded
as part of the Plant Sample ID number on the Plant Specimen Label (Section 5.3.3) when pressing
the specimen (Section 5.3.2).
Plant Collection Checklist:
Is the individual collected a typical specimen? (Multiple specimens are preferred)
Collect all of the following:
Roots
Rhizomes
Stem
Leaves
Leaf sheaths (particularly important for sedges and grasses
Flowers
Fruits
First and second year twigs, including buds. (Buds and pith color on second year
twigs can be very important for woody species.)
Primocanes and floricanes for Rubus spp.
Bark samples or photos for species with similar leaves (e.g., Betula, Carpinus vs.
Osfryaj
Pressing Checklist for all herbaceous plants:
Poorly pressed plants can shrivel if not pressed tightly, or get tangled, or mold if not
dried quickly enough or long enough. These can become unidentifiable.
Are roots pressed?
Are leaves pressed so that top and bottom of different leaves are visible?
Are delicate structures pressed separately?
Are flower structures visible?
Are roots free of dirt?
Can flowers be taped open with gummed cloth tape?
Is flower color noted?
Are perigynia pressed and in glassine envelope?
Attach photos of plant and habitat
Are plants dioecious? If so, collect male and female flowers. Indicate if male and
female parts are from the same individual or separate individuals.
Note number of florets per spikelet for sedges and grasses that fall apart after
pressing.
Sedges: try to get mature fruit in good conditions {arrangement of male and female
parts).
Note whether hairs are spreading or appressed if key notes it (i.e. Persicaria)
Reference Card V-5, Side A. Plant Collection Checklist.
Yes
No
Figure 5-25. Reference Card V-5, Side A: Plant collection checklist
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5.3.2 Pressing Plant Specimens
It is important to process the plant material as soon after collection as practical to preserve the
morphological features of the specimens. Processing the specimens immediately helps prevent data loss
that can result from degraded or lost specimens; consequently, specimens are normally pressed and
labeled at the end of the sampling day.
Plant specimens are pressed and dried in a standard plant press (30 X 45 cm, 12 X 18 inches, Figure 5-26)
composed of a breathable wooden frame, corrugated cardboard ventilators, blotters, folded newsprint,
and a set of adjustable straps.
The wooden frame and straps bound the press.
Newsprint specimen folders, each containing plant material, are sandwiched between two
moisture-absorbing blotters.
The "blotter-newsprint sandwiches" are placed between corrugated cardboard spacers.
The corrugations of the cardboard spacers should run parallel to the shorter dimension (30 cm)
of the press for best air circulation. Bulky specimens may require extra blotters and spacers.
Figure 5-26. Plant Press. Photo used by permission from Kent D. Perkins, University of Florida Herbarium.
Protocol for Pressing Most Plant Specimens:
1) To begin pressing a specimen, place a cardboard spacer on the bottom wooden frame of the press,
then add a blotter.
2) Lay a newsprint folder on top of the blotter. To the outside of the newsprint folder, affix a
completed adhesive Plant Specimen Label (see Section 5.3.3). This label includes the Site ID, the
Plant Sample ID Number, and other critical data about the specimen you are pressing.
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3) Clean as much dirt as possible off the plant material before placing it in the newsprint folder. Place
the plant material inside the sheet of folded newsprint so that it lies entirely within the dimensions
of the plant press.
Figure 5-27. Assembling the plant press. Photo used by permission from Kent D. Perkins, University of Florida
Herbarium.
4) Carefully arrange the plant material (Figure 5-27) to display diagnostic features.
a) Lay the specimen flat and avoid overlapping plant parts.
b) Spread leaves, flowers, and fruits so they can be easily observed from different perspectives.
c) Show upper and lower surfaces of leaves and flowers.
d) If possible, arrange material so some flowers have the blossom open, and some flowers and
fruits appear in longitudinal and transverse views.
e) For smaller plants, multiples individuals of the same species should be pressed together on one
sheet.
f) For large specimens, bend stems sharply into a V or N shape so they fit within the press frame.
Avoid curving or twisting stems.
g) Thick stems, large fruits, or bulbs may be trimmed to reduce bulk by cutting them in half
lengthwise.
5) Examples of small, loose plant parts (i.e., seeds, Carex perigynia) should be placed in a small paper
packet or envelope inside of the newspaper.
6) Once the plant material is arranged, fold the newsprint closed. Make sure that the plant material is
entirely within the dimensions of the newsprint.
7) Add another blotter, then a cardboard on top of the newspr int folder.
8) To begin pressing the next specimen, place a blotter over the top cardboard in the stack. Repeat
steps 2-8 until the press is full or all specimens are included.
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9) Use two adjustable straps to tighten and firmly compress the plant press and its contents (Figure
5-26)
Protocol for Pressing Aquatic Plant Specimens:
When pressing an aquatic plant such as Utricularia or Ceratophyllum, a useful method of preparing the
plant for pressing is the Sink Technique.
1) Fill a sink with water and float the plant in the water.
2) Place a blotter sheet underneath plant and slowly lift the blotter sheet. This allows the finer
structures of the plant to be separated on the sheet.
3) Place wax paper on top of the plant specimen to keep it from sticking to the upper blotter sheet in
the plant press. It may be necessary to double up the blotter sheets for very wet or fleshy samples.
See Figure 5-28 for examples of well-pressed specimens. Reference Card V-6 contains additional
example of both good and poor specimens.
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Reference Card V-6, Side A. Examples of Good Specimens.
Good graminoid specimen. Multiple individuals
collected with roots and fruits. Large specimen
was folded to fit onto newsprint.
Multiple
individuals
with
and
roots
Both sides of
leaves visible
Roots collected
Perigynia
placed in
glassine
envelope
r
Good Carex specimen. Both sides of leaves are
visible. Multiple individuals were collected, one of
which is fruiting. Roots were collected. Spikelets
are well pressed to preserve structures. Perigynia
are placed in glassine envelope.
Good Eleocharis specimen. Multiple stems with
mature fruits, roots collected. Only possible
improvement would be to rinse the roots better.
Mature
Multiple
Multiple fruits
Multiple roots
Good grass specimen. Multiple individuals with
fruits and roots.
Figure 5-28. Examples of well pressed plant specimens on Reference Card V-6.
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5.3.3 Plant Specimen Label
Plant Specimen Labels are important field data and their absence can result in loss of data represented
by the plant specimen, so it is critical that label information is complete and accurate. The Plant
Specimen Label has an adhesive back and is affixed to the outside of the newsprint in which the
specimen to which it applies is pressed. For each plant specimen:
1) Complete a Plant Specimen Label (Figure 5-29) - The Plant Specimen Label provides key descriptive
information that can aid identifying an unknown plant sample or in verifying the identification of a
QA voucher when reviewed at the lab or herbarium.
a) QA Voucher or Unknown Species -Fill in the appropriate bubble to indicate whether a
specimen is a QA Voucher or an Unknown Species.
b) Complete the Label Header Information
Record the Plant Sample ID Number which consists of the Site ID and the Collection Number
(Coll#) for the specimen from the Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).
Record the Sampling Date in the space labeled Date. Fill in the month and day using two
digits for the month (e.g., August = 08) and two digits for the day (e.g., 01, 23) and the year.
Indicate the Visit Number; Visit 1 (primary sampling event) or Visit 2 (QA revisit).
Indicate the County and State in which the Site occurs.
If more than one newsprint is required for a single specimen, affix a completed label to each
newsprint and add a note (e.g., 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.) to the top of the label.
c) Species Name or Pseudonym
QA Voucher Specimen: Record the scientific name provided by the Botanist/Ecologist on the
Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2).
Unknown Species: Provide the Pseudonym that was used to describe it on the Vascular
Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2) (see Section 5.2.3.2).
d) Record the Collectors) Name(s)
e) Abundance of Plant - Indicate whether the species is dominant, common, sparse (scattered at
low abundance), or uncommon (only a few individuals).
f) Habitat- Describe the plant community or immediate setting where the plant is growing.
g) Growth Habit - Describe key features of the plant such as growth form (tree, shrub, vine, herb),
approximate height, longevity (annual, biennial, perennial), clonal, rhizomatous, tussock-
forming, etc. List any characteristics of the plant which may be lost upon drying, such as
flower/fruit color and fragrance, leaf orientation and aroma.
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PLANT SPECIMEN LABEL
O OA 0 Unknown
Plant SampID: NWC21-
Date: __/ /20 County:
Species Name or Pseudonym:
Vis# CoW
ST:
Collectors) Name|s):
Abundance of Plant (fill only one circle):
O Dominant 0 Common 0 Sparse 0 Uncommon
Type of plant:
O gram moid Oforti 0 shrub Otree Ovine
O other
Root type:
O taproot Ofibrous roots Orhiiomes 0 tubers
O other
Water depth/hydroperlod for this plant at sampling (dry,
moist, top of hummock, in 6 inches of water, perennially
satnated, etc.):
Sunlight:
Ofullsun Opart sun Opart shade O full shade
Growth habit:
O erect 0 arching Otrailing Oshrubby
O other
Number of petals:
Habitat:
Flower color:
O Multiple newsprints
Newsprint of
Figure 5-29. Example of the Plant Specimen Label. Data are imaginary and for illustration only.
5.3.4 Drying Plant Specimens
Pressed plant specimens should be thoroughly dried before removing them from the presses. Once dry,
remove specimens from the presses and ship or transport them to designated lab or herbarium for
identification.
To encourage drying, keep full presses in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location in the vehicle during
the day and in a well-ventilated warm location at the lodging location at night.
As the specimens dry they will lose volume, so periodically tighten the straps on the press to
maintain pressure on the specimens and minimize shrinkage and wrinkling.
Rapid and thorough drying is enhanced by low humidity and ample airflow around and through the
presses. The best preservation of color and morphology is obtained with rapid drying over low heat.
Also, dry air circulating through the press may kill many insects and insect eggs, potentially
protecting the specimens from damage.
The easiest way to achieve these conditions is by using an electric plant dryer that provides steady
bottom heat (95ฐF to 113ฐF), where plants usually dry in 12 to 48 hours. Plant dryers (e.g., Figure
5-30) are typically constructed as a simple box with a heat source (often light bulbs) and a fan for air
circulation, on which plant presses can be placed to accelerate drying.
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Figure 5-30. Plant Dryer. Photo from Mack (2007) by permission from the Wetland Ecology Group, Division of
Surface Water, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Protocol for drying specimens -
1) Ideally, full plant presses will be returned to the base location after a few field days and placed on a
plant dryer to dry.
2) If a plant dryer is not available keep the full presses in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. Check
the press every couple of days and replace wet blotters to speed drying.
3) Periodically tighten the straps on the press as the specimens dry and shrink to maintain pressure on
the press.
4) Once plant specimens are dry, remove them from the presses with individual specimens kept in
their newsprint folders with attached Plant Specimen Labels.
5) Organize the plant specimens for transport or shipping to the designated location for identification
or verification (Sections 2.7.2 and 5.3.5 and 8.7Appendix A). DO NOT SHIP WET SPECIMENS
5.3.5 Shipping or Transporting Plant Specimens
Careful management of the dried plant specimens and specimen tracking information, and prompt
shipment or transport of specimens to the herbarium, lab, or office where they will be identified, is
critical to data quality and timeliness of data acquisition. Develop a regular weekly schedule for
completing these activities (see also Section 2.7.2 and 8.7Appendix A).
1) Specimens from several sites may be batched together to ship or transport to the office, lab, or
herbarium for identification. Unknown specimens and QA plant samples may need to be packed in
separate boxes as they may be shipped to different destinations (see Figure 5-33).
2) Unknown Specimens - For each batch of unknown specimens shipped, transported, or stored for
later identification, group the specimens by NWCA Site, ordered by collection number, into
herbarium folders labeled with an adhesive folder label which contains the Site ID, folder number
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and number of specimens contained within the folder. Put only as many specimens into each
herbarium folder as will comfortably fit and place each folder in a provided zip-top bag. Use
separate folders for each site. If multiple folders are needed for one site, clearly indicate this on the
folder labels (e.g., folder 1 of 2, folder 2 of 2).
Fill out the T-4: Unknown Plant Sample section of the Tracking Form in the App and a T-4 packing
slip (Figure 5-31 )for each site.
On the T-4 packing slip, list collection numbers for all unknown specimens that are being
shipped or transported to a lab for identification by entering the "U#" in each row.
Collection numbers are generated by the App when the "U" bubble is selected for a species
on Form V-2.
Ensure that the Site ID number, the visit number, and date collected are listed on the
packing slip and that this information corresponds exactly to the information on the Plant
Specimen Label for each specimen.
Enter the shipping details (lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender's name, and sender's
phone number) into the Tracking Form in the app. This is critical for tracking the plant
specimens.
ฆ
T4: NWC21 Unknown Plant Tracking
Site ID: NWC21 - "fc- "" O ft " I ฐQO 5" Visit HI102
Date Ct P * i 1 1 ' / , 1 ซiป 1 "* i
Crew; list the
collection numt
for each speeini
being shipped
u JL
Record this information in the lab comment section of your check in file. These '
.
n
U A
n
iซr ซn
r]
i. -J
U
u
u n
i
Figure 5-31. Example T-4 (Unknown Plant Tracking) Packing Slip
If specimens from multiple sites will be shipped together, a separate T-4 packing slip is used for each
site. Place the packing slip(s) in the box (on top of the herbarium folders). If unknown and QA plant
specimens are going to the same lab, they may be packed together in the same shipping box, but
must be in separate herbarium folders and zip-top bags. In this case, the box will contain both T-4
and T-5 packing slips.
Submit the plant data and tracking forms via the App. See Chapter 2 for details on submitting data
and tracking forms to the Information Management Team. Remember that data can be updated at
any time by amending the App forms and re-submitting them, so crews are encouraged to submit
data as soon as possible after leaving the field to avoid potential data loss from a lost or damaged
iPad.
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3) QA Voucher Specimens - For each batch of QA Voucher Specimens shipped or transported, group
the specimens by NWCA Site, ordered by collection number, in herbarium folders labeled with an
adhesive folder label which contains the Site ID, folder number and number of specimens contained
within the folder. Put only as many specimens into each herbarium folder as will comfortably fit and
place each folder in a provided zip-top bag. Use separate folders for each site. If multiple folders are
needed for one site, clearly indicate this on the folder labels (e.g., folder 1 of 2, folder 2 of 2).
Fill out the T-5: QA Plant Sample section of the tracking form in the App and a T-5 packing slip
(Figure 5-32) for each site.
On the T-5 packing slip, list collection numbers for all QA specimens that are being shipped
or transported to a lab for identification by entering the "Q#" in each row. Collection
numbers are generated by the App when the "Q" bubble is selected for a species on Form V-
2.
Ensure that the Site ID number, the visit number, and date collected are listed on the
packing slip and that this information corresponds exactly to the information on the Plant
Specimen Label for each specimen.
Enter the shipping details (lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender's name, and sender's
phone number) into the Tracking Form in the app. This is critical for tracking the plant
specimens.
T5: NWC21 QA Plant Tracking
Site ID: Vjjit Date Collected;
NWC21 'Qb-foOoG' 1 O2 , 7 ,1 Z .1.1 .2-. 0.7,. 1
, Q '~
I Q ' | l"1 __ __
qm Tl
q m n
qjxJd _
- 5-32. Example T-5 (QA Plant Tracking) Packing Slip
If specimens from multiple sites will be shipped together, a separate T-5 packing slip is used for each
site. Place the packing slip(s) in the box (on top of the herbarium folders). If unknown and QA plant
specimens are going to the same lab, they may be packed together in the same shipping box, but
must be in separate herbarium folders and zip-top bags. In this case, the box will contain both T-4
and T-5 packing slips.
Submit the plant data and tracking forms via the App. See Chapter 2 for details on submitting data
and tracking forms to the Information Management Team. Remember that data can be updated at
any time by amending the App forms and re-submitting them, so crews are encouraged to submit
data as soon as possible after leaving the field to avoid potential data loss from a lost or damaged
iPad.
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4) Carefully pack the assembled specimen folders into their designated shipping boxes. Place
cardboard dividers between groups of specimen folders to provide extra protection. Make sure the
box is full or padded so no space is available for specimens to shift around and become damaged.
5) Ship or transport the boxes to the office or herbarium/lab that has been designated for your state
for plant identification. See 8.7Appendix A for the shipping destinations for unknown plant
specimens and QA voucher specimens for your state. Note that in some cases the NWCA
Botanist/Ecologist or a State Botanist may be conducting some of the identification of unknowns. In
other cases, the specimens will be shipped directly to a designated plant lab or herbarium. Often the
Unknown Specimens and the QA Voucher Specimens may have different destinations. A generalized
schematic of the destination types for plant specimens is provided in Figure 5-33.
6) The LOM provides procedures for 1) identification of unknown specimens, 2) verification of lab
identifications of 10% of unknown specimens through re-identification by a different lab botanist, 3)
verification by lab botanists of field identifications for QA voucher specimens, 4) specimen tracking
during the identification/verification process, and 5) procedures for recording all plant identification
data.
5.3.6 Data Handling
At the end of the sampling day, after you have reviewed the vegetation data forms, submit the forms
using the NWCA App. It is recommended to submit all the data forms as soon as possible, even if they
have not been fully reviewed yet. This stores a record of all the current data in the IM Database which
can be retrieved in the event of iPad failure, damage, or loss. Updates can be made to the forms at any
time and re-submitted to update the IM database accordingly. See Chapter 2 for protocols on
submitting the completed data via the App and 8.7Appendix D for transmitting any photos of plants or
vegetation that may have been taken.
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Figure 5-33. Schematic of plant specimen destinations for identification and verification (see Chapter 2 and
8.7Appendix A for specific shipping details)
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5.4 Vegetation Reference Card List and Protocol Checklist
A list of Vegetation Reference Cards and a Vegetation Protocol Checklist are grouped together in this
section to provide easy access to brief summaries of the major tasks to be completed for the Vegetation
Sampling Protocols.
Reference Cards Summarizing Vegetation Protocols:
Reference Card V-l: Flowchart of Vegetation Protocol Tasks
Reference Card V-2, Side A and Side B: Key for Veg Plot Placement and Examples of Plot Layout
Configurations
Reference Card V-3, Side A: Vegetation Plot Establishment
Reference Card V-3, Side B: Veg Plot Configuration and Data Collection Summary
Reference Card V-4, Side A: Assigning Pseudonyms for Unknown Plant Species
Reference Card V-4, Side B: Cover Estimation Procedures
Reference Card V-5, Side A: Plant Collection Checklist
Reference Card V-5, Side B: Flowchart for Collecting Unknown Plant Specimens
Reference Card V-6, Sides A-D: Examples of Good Specimens
Reference Card V-6, Side E: Examples of Poor Plant Specimens
The Vegetation Reference Cards are compiled (with all other NWCA 2021 Reference Cards) in the Quick
Reference Guide.
Vegetation Protocol Checklist: For use during field sampling to aid in directing the order of work, ensure
all data and specimens have been collected, and all tasks are completed.
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NWCA 2021 Vegetation Protocol Task Checklist
Pre-sampling and Plot Establishment Activities
1) Organize data forms and assemble vegetation sampling equipment.
2) Determine the Vegetation Plot Layout configuration and plot locations within the AA and
document on Form V-l.
3) Establish the five Vegetation Plots. Annotate aerial photo/map with Veg Plot locations. Provide
any need explanatory notes on Form V-l.
4) Determine predominant NWCA Target Wetland Type in each Veg Plot.
5) On Form V-l, list floras and field guides used in field identification at the Site being sampled.
Activities Key to all Veg Data Collection
1) Botanist/Ecologist and Botanist Assistant determine approach to sampling.
Often it will be efficient for the Botanist/Ecologist and Botanist Assistant to work together
with the Botanist Assistant recording data as the Botanist/Ecologist makes observations.
At other times, it may be more convenient for the Botanist/Ecologist to make all observations
that require identification or cover estimation of individual plant species, while the Botanist
Assistant collects data on cover of vegetation strata, ground surface types, groups of non-
vascular taxa, and count data for trees and snags.
2) If needed, the Botanist Assistant compiles a list of the scientific names or pseudonyms for shrub
and tree species on his/her clipboard for use in collecting tree count data (Form V-4).
3) Verify all header information on all data forms and plant specimen labels during sampling.
4) Follow procedures on Reference Card V-4, Side A for assigning pseudonyms for unknown plant
species.
5) Collect specimens for unknown plant species and five QA vouchers for known species, making
certain to assign Plant Sample ID Numbers and ensure all tracking information always remains
with the specimens.
Major Data Collection Activities for each Veg Plot
1) Make presence observations for all vascular species occurring within the two corner quadrat
nests.
2) Complete species list for the 100-m2 Veg Plot.
3) Make cover estimates and note the vertical height class for all individual vascular plant species in
each 100-m2 Veg Plot (Form V-2).
4) Make cover estimates for vascular vegetation strata (Form V-3).
5) Make cover estimates and collect associated occurrence data for non-vascular taxonomic groups
(Form V-3).
6) Collect data on ground surface attributes (Form V-3).
7) Estimate abundance of small standing dead trees (< 5 cm DBH); count snags (> 5 cm DBH) by
estimated diameter class; identify and count trees (> 5 cm DBH) by species and estimated
diameter class; estimate cover of trees by species by height class (Form V-4).
8) If needed take photos of threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species.
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Field Day Wrap-Up Activities - At the Site
1) Double check that all unknown and QA voucher specimens have been collected.
2) Review all Vegetation Data Forms:
Botanist/Ecologist- Review Forms V-2 and V-4for errors in species names and missing data.
Make any needed corrections.
Botanist Assistant - Review Forms V-l and V-3 for missing data.
Veg Team - If needed, return to Veg Plots of AA and collect any missing information.
3) Collect and organize Veg equipment and samples for transport back to the vehicle.
4) Time permitting, Botanist/Ecologist key out unknown plant species. For unknowns confidently
keyed to species, update pseudonyms to scientific names on Forms V-2, V-4.
5) Botanist Assistant remove all flagging and markers, unless the site will receive a repeat sampling
visit.
6) Veg Team assist the AB (if they are still working), or, if numerous plant specimens have been
collected return to the vehicle to begin pressing plants.
a) Before leaving the AA make a final check to ensure no equipment, data, or samples are left
behind. If leaving for the vehicle prior to the AB Team, carry selected AB Team equipment
and samples to the vehicle.
b) To prevent spread of potentially harmful organisms and invasive species between research
sites; employ ZERO TAXA TRANSPORT protocols. Decontaminate equipment, shoes, clothing
and person as thoroughly as possible before leaving the site.
Field Day Wrap-Up Activities - At the Vehicle
1) Press plant specimens:
a) Plant specimens are pressed at the vehicle whenever possible. If this is not feasible due to
safety issues of parking location or weather, then plants may be pressed upon arrival at the
field lodging location at the end of the day.
b) Pressing specimens might be facilitated by forming an assembly line of all four crew
members (Veg + AB Team). Be sure to affix a completed Plant Specimen Label on the
newsprint enclosing each specimen.
c) Verify the number of plant specimens collected at the site on Form V-2.
2) Organize the completed forms into the Data Packet for the AA.
3) If the vehicle is some distance from the AA, again decontaminate equipment, shoes, clothing and
person at the vehicle to prevent spread of potentially harmful organisms and invasive species
between research sites. Employ ZERO TAXA TRANSPORT protocols.
4) Return all vegetation equipment and supplies to their standard locations in the vehicle.
Plant Specimen Drying and Shipping
1) Deliver the full presses to the home base where they can be completely dried. Pick up empty
presses for next field trip.
2) Once plant specimens are dry, place them in labelled herbarium folders and carefully pack them,
being certain to include the appropriate tracking forms, then ship or deliver to the designated
office/lab/herbarium.
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5.5 Equipment, Data Forms, and Specimen Label Lists
The equipment lists, data forms, specimen labels, and vegetation checklist needed for Vegetation
sampling are summarized in the table below. The Vegetation Equipment and Supply Checklist is
provided on the following page.
Vegetation Equipment Checklist, Forms
and Labels
Number Needed Per AA
Vegetation Equipment and Supply Checklist
1 checklist
NWCA App:
NWCA 2021 Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l)
NWCA 2021 Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form (V-2)
NWCA 2021 Vegetation Types/Ground Surface Attributes Form (V-3)
NWCA 2021 Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form (V-4).
NWCA 2021 Tracking Form
Plant Specimen Labels
1 adhesive label per plant specimen. Number
per site varies based on number of plant
specimens collected.
NWC21 Unknown Plant (T-4) Packing Slip
1 per site (include in shipping container to
allow lab to verify and check in samples)
NWC21 QA Plant (T-5) Packing Slip
1 per site (include in shipping container to
allow lab to verify and check in samples)
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Protocols, forms, checklists, supplies
This equipment checklist
Vegetation protocol checklist
Reference Cards V-l, V-2, V3, and V-4
Available plant species lists pertinent to the site
and/or region (wetland species, alien species,
threatened and endangered species)
Data Forms on NWCA App:
Veg Plot Establishment Form (V-l)
Vascular Species Presence and Cover Form
(V-2)
Vegetation Types/Ground Surface Attributes
Form (V-3)
Snag and Tree Counts and Tree Cover Form
(V-4)
Tracking Form
Waterproof field notebook
2 covered clip boards, with storage for
completed forms
Sharpies or similar marker (one silver for
annotating aerial photos, regular pencils,
mechanical pencils, extra leads)
Permanent marker (Fine-tip for labels)
Plant identification in the field or vehicle
Regional floras
2 10X hand lenses
Dissecting tools (e.g., single edge razor blades,
forceps, and dissecting needles)
6-inch ruler with metric markings to measure
plant parts during keying
Plot establishment and data collection
(Note a variety of different supplies can be used for
plot set-up, select appropriate gear)
1 set of 2-way radios
Compass
GPS unit
Laser rangefinder
Diameter measuring tape (cm) to calibrate
investigators for tree DBH estimates (use as
needed)
Lengths of marked rope for measuring and laying
out Veg Plots (size and number at crew's
discretion)1
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Y CHECKLIST
Plot establishment and data collection
continued
50-m or 100-m tape measure
As needed: tent stakes, U-shaped pins, or
surveyors' arrows for securing meter tapes
and/or ropes to demarcate plots
40 to 50 pin flags (recommend two bright colors
with 1/2 of pins in each color) and pouch for
carrying
Bright colored flagging in 2 colors
Inside edges of 10-m2 quadrat: two 3.16-m PVC
poles with decimeter points marked in red2
(poles may break down to two shorter lengths
for easy transport, one segment/pole = lm), or
one 6.32-m rope
Inside edges ofl-m2 quadrat frame: two 1-m
PVC poles (lm lengths from 3.16m segmented
pole) that can be connected with an elbow joint
in the field, or two 1-m wooden slats
Plant specimen collection, processing, and
shipping
Trowel for obtaining plant specimens with intact
roots
Clippers/pruners
Twist-tie tags or flagging for marking unknown
species that may be carried in small 'bouquets'
for reference during sampling
Gallon size or two-gallon size zipper plastic bags
and kitchen size white trash bags for collecting
plant specimens
White garbage bag for consolidating collection
bags
Ice chest (kept in vehicle)
At least 2 large plant presses (kept in vehicle)
loaded with blotters, cardboard ventilators, and
newsprint, compression straps, small envelopes
for loose plant parts
At least 2 extra complete plant presses (kept at
base location to exchange for full presses)
Plant Specimen Tracking Tags
Plant Specimen Labels
At base location, plant specimen folders and
shipping boxes for shipping specimens to
herbaria
I
E.g., Durable cord or rope in 10 or 20m lengths - with
5m points marked with blue tape, 10m points with red
tape.
2PVC poles with decimeter marks can also be used as
measuring sticks
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Chapter 6 Soils
6.1 Introduction
Soils play an important role in wetland ecosystems, cycling nutrients, regulating water movement and
storage, and serving as a growth medium or habitat for plants, microbes, and macroinvertebrates.
Wetland soils develop distinct characteristics as a result of the hydrology and biota (e.g., microbes and
vegetation) associated with wetlands, as well as other factors that influence soil development across all
environments (e.g., climate and geology). These characteristics impact the functions and processes
occurring in the soil and reflect its ecological condition.
This chapter provides detailed protocols and methods for sampling the NWCA Soil Plot. The Assessment
Area and Buffer (AB) Team will collect all soil data at each NWCA site. Soil sampling is conducted at a
single Soil Plot within each Assessment Area (AA), and includes:
1) collection of a Standardized Depth Soil Core for analysis of soil chemistry;
2) collection of a Soil Isotope Sample for laboratory analysis;
3) soil Profile Description (morphological and physical characteristics) at one soil pit to a depth of
125 cm, and identification of Hydric Soil Field Indicators;
4) collection of Horizon Bulk Density and Chemistry Samples for laboratory analysis; and
5) estimation of Water Table Depth.
All data collected will be recorded on the Soil Data Form (S-l) in the NWCA App. A brief overview of the
sampling tasks is provided on Reference Card S-l). While reading the protocols in this chapter and when
performing the protocols for NWCA, it will be useful to refer to this overview and the other Reference
Cards that summarize key protocols or provide key information. Laminated reference cards are included
in the Quick Reference Guide for easy access and use in the field. In addition to this chapter, completion
of the protocol will require two field references:
Munsell Color X-Rite. 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts. Munsell Color Corporation. Grand Rapids, Ml.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2019. Field
Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 8.2. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and C.V.
Noble (eds.). USDA, NRCS in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.
Available online (with errata):
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/use/?cid=nrcsl42p2 053957.
Additional field references and sources of information are listed at the end of this chapter (Section 6.9).
6.1.1 Coordination with NRCS
NRCS soil scientists may be able to provide assistance to NWCA Field Crews at some sites. For additional
assistance, consult with the NRCS State Soil Scientist prior to the sampling season, for advice about likely
soil conditions and the best methods for sampling soils at specific NWCA sites. Before going to the site,
review the soil survey, maps, and photo information in the Site Packet (see Chapter 2). Use the Site
Packet review and any discussions with the soil scientist to select the tools best suited to the anticipated
soil conditions for the site and to carry into the AA. The NRCS soil scientist may be able to demonstrate
the use of, or lend you, specialized equipment for specific conditions in your area.
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6.2 Identify Soil Plot Location
6.2.1 Standard Soil Plot Location
The Standard Soil Plot Location is at the Veg Plot closest to the AA CENTER, outside of the corner
furthest from the transect lines. Avoid locating the Soil Plot near the transect lines to prevent trampling
of the Soil Plot during the day's activities. The Standard Location should always be used unless access to
the soil is prevented by a combination of water depth and soft substrate > 0.25 m deep, threatened,
endangered, or sensitive plant species, large logs or trees, and large rocks or boulders. If the Standard
Soil Plot Location cannot be used, follow the procedures in Section 6.2.2.
If this site is a revisit site, avoid placing the Soil Plot in the same location as the Soil Plot sampled during
Visit #1. The Soil Plot should be moved from the standard location so as not to overlap with the Visit #1
Soil Plot. Follow the directions in Section 6.2.2 for placement and recording the Alternate Soil Plot
Location.
6.2.1.1 Standard AAs
For the Standard Circular or Standard Circular AA-Shifted Layout, the Soil Plot will be located outside of
the southeast corner of Veg Plot 1 (Figure 6-1). In the Standard Circular AA and Standard Circular AA-
Shifted Layouts, Veg Plot 1 is located closest to the AA Center. The southeast corner is used because it is
furthest from the transect lines.
6.2.1.2 Alternate AAs
The location of the Soil Plot varies with the shape and size of the Alternate AA and the associated Veg
Plot Layout. Determine the Veg Plot located closest to the AA CENTER. The Veg Team will have
designated the Veg Plot numbers on the flags in the southeast corners of the plots. Determine the
corner of the selected Veg Plot that is located furthest from the transect lines (and least likely to be
trampled during sampling activities). The Soil Plot should be located outside of this corner (Figure 6-1).
The Soil Plot should be located at least 2 m inside of the outer edge of the AA.
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Standard AA Layout
t
N
Wide Polygon AA Layout
Wetland Boundary AA Layout
Narrow Polygon AA Layout
0
~
Figure 6-1. Examples of Soil Plot locations for various Veg Plot layouts. The Soil Plot is located at the Veg Plot
closest to the AA Center, outside the Veg Plot corner located furthest from the transect lines.
6.2.2 Alternate Soil Plot Location
If the presence of obstacles prevents sampling at the standard Soil Plot location, move the Soil Plot to
avoid the obstacle, but keep it as close as possible to the Standard Soil Plot Location. An Alternate Soil
Plot Location should also be used during Visit #2 at Revisit sites, so that the Soil Plot does not overlap
with the Soil Plot sampled during Visit #1. Select an Alternate Soil Plot Location that is at least 2 m inside
of the outer edge of the AA, an upland edge, or other non-target wetland type. Avoid locating the Soil
Plot near the transect lines to prevent trampling of the Soil Plot during the day's sampling activities.
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6.2.3 Recording Soil Plot Location
Once the location of the Soil Plot has been determined, record its location in the Soil Plot Location
section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) in the App. If a Standard Soil Plot Location or Alternate Location that
is within 3 meters of a Veg Plot corner is used, record the Veg Plot number and corner nearest the Soil
Plot by using the drop-down menus for Veg Plot and Corner. If an Alternate Soil Plot Location that is
greater than 3 meters is used, record the Veg Plot number and corner nearest the Soil Plot by using the
drop-down menus for Veg Plot and Corner, select the Center of Soil Plot is greater than 3m from Veg Plot
Corner bubble and record the distance (in meters) and true north bearing of the plot from the Veg Plot
number and corner selected and specify the reason for moving the Soil Plot in the comment field
provided. For Standard and Alternate Soil Plot Locations, record the GPS coordinates (in decimal degrees
6.3 Layout of Soil Plot for Sampling
The Soil Plot is a circle with a diameter of 3.0 m as shown in Figure 6-2. The Standardized Depth Soil
Cores and Soil Isotope Sample will be collected before excavation of the Soil Pit from a ring 1.0 to 1.5 m
from the center of the Soil Plot. The Soil Pit will be located at the center of the Soil Plot.
While collecting the Standardized Depth Soil Cores and Soil Isotope Sample, avoid disturbing the central
area of the Soil Plot where the Soil Pit will be located.
6.4 Collection of Standardized Depth Soil Cores
Standardized Depth Soil Cores will be collected at every site to represent a layer from the soil surface to
10 cm (4 in) depth. This sample will provide soil chemistry data from a uniform depth at all sites,
regardless of differences in horizon types or depths. The 0-10-cm depth interval was chosen because it
represents the most biologically active portion of the soil. Since oftentimes the upper soil horizons are
thin (making them more difficult to sample) the Standardized Depth Soil Cores will ensure that we have
a minimum data set for the upper portion of the soil profile.
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A total of six Standardized Depth Soil Cores will be collected, homogenized, and analyzed for soil
chemistry. The Standardized Depth Soil Cores will be collected using the 3-inch steel open-ended soil
corer provided by NWCA.
6.4.1 Preparation of Labels, Tags, and Sample Collection Bags
Fill out the Standardized Depth Soil Core (SDSC) label and tag for the site. The six cores collected will be
combined and stored in a labeled, 8-mil thick plastic sample bag. These bags are durable and, when
properly folded and stapled, retain the field state moisture content of the soil sample. It is critical to
sample integrity to make sure the seal is properly executed.
1) Standard Depth Soil Core (SDSC) Sample Label (Figure 6-3) - Complete the adhesive sample
labels (see example below) with the Site ID, Visit #, and Date. Only one sample will be collected
at a site.
a. Visit #1 corresponds to the primary sampling visit; Visit #2 is the second sampling or
revisit.
b. Affix the completed sample label to the outside of an 8-mil thick plastic soil sample bag.
Cover the entire label with clear tape to protect it from moisture and mud.
STANDARD DEPTH SOIL CORE (SDSC)
Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / 720 Visit#: Ol 02
Depth: 0-10cm
T3 990004
Figure 6-3. Standard Depth Soil Core sample label.
2) Standard Depth Soil Core Sample Tag (Figure 6-4) - Complete the sample tags (printed on
waterproof paper).
a. Fill in the Site ID, Date, and Visit #. Make sure that all information recorded matches the
sample label and Soil Data Form (S-l).
2 NWCA 2021: Standard Depth Soil Core Sample Tag
o
<4 ! :
Site ID: NWC21- _
O
Date; _/_/20__ Visit #: o 1 o2
JO i
s STANDARD depth soil CORE (SDSC) Sample ID: 990004
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"o. Sample Depth: 0-10cm
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Figure 6-4. Standard Depth Soil Core sample tag.
6.4.2 Sample Collection
Six Standardized Depth Soil Cores will be collected from three points in the undisturbed area within a 1.0
to 1.5 m radius of where the pit will be located (Figure 6-2). Space the three sample positions evenly
around the outer ring of the Soil Plot, shifting as needed so that they are placed in undisturbed areas.
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Two cores will be collected at each of the three sample positions. Cores will be collected using a 7.62-cm
(3-in) diameter (outside diameter) sharpened steel open-ended cylinder. This open-ended corer will also
be used to collect the Soil Horizon Bulk Density samples, following a similar procedure (Section 6.6.5.1.1
and Figure 6-24). The Soil Isotope Sample will be collected at the same positions in the Soil Plot (Section
6.5) using a different sampling device.
1) Clear vegetation and any loose leaf litter (e.g., fallen leaves, branches, etc.) from the surface of
the soil in the sampling area.
2) From each of the sampling locations collect two cores.
a. Place the open-ended corer on the surface of the ground (sharpened edge down) and
push the corer into the soil until the top of the corer is flush with the soil surface. It may
be necessary to hammer the corer into the soil, and if so, lay a board across the top of
the corer and tap lightly with a mallet or hammer until the top of the corer is flush with
the soil surface.
b. Dig out the sampling corer plus a little of the surrounding soil; using a knife blade, cut
off the excess soil so the sample material is flush with the bottom edge of the corer. Be
careful not to push additional soil into the corer during excavation. The sampled soil
core may appear to be slightly thinner than the depth the corer was inserted (due to
compression). Do not add soil to fill the corer to the same height, as this will add weight
or additional soil material to the sample that is not in proportion to the sample volume
or sampling depth. Do not remove rock fragments from the Standardized Depth Soil
Cores.
3) Empty the contents of the corer into the previously labeled bag. The six cores collected for the
Standardized Depth Soil Core sample will be combined into one sample bag.
a. Use the handle end of a trowel or other tool that can act as a plunger to push the soil
out of the cylinder into the sample bag. Take care to make sure the entire soil sample is
collected in the sample bag, scraping out the inside of the cylinder if needed. The
Standardized Depth Soil Cores do not need to remain intact in the sample bag.
4) Collect cores from the remaining positions, following the steps given above.
5) Pour out any free water that has accumulated in the sample bag. Seal the bag attaching the
appropriate sample tag. Proper sealing of the bag will ensure that the sample is not lost, the
sample remains at field moist condition, and the sample will comply with APHIS shipping
regulations (Figure 6-5).
a) Take the top 5 cm (2 in) of the sample bag and make the first fold away from the side of
the bag on which the sample label is affixed. The sample label displays key tracking
information and must always be affixed to the front of the bag.
b) Make a second fold, taking the top 2.5 cm (1 in) of the first fold and folding towards the
sample label on the front of the bag.
c) Insert the sample tag into the second fold with the tag information facing outward. Use a
heavy duty stapler and staple through the fold and tag.
d) Staple the left and right sides of the double fold to ensure the bag is completely sealed
closed.
6) Record the Water Chemistry Sample ID number from the label sheet in the Anchor ID/Water
Chem ID field of the Tracking Form in the App. Doing so will automatically populate the sample
IDs in the Sampling Information section at the bottom of the Soil Data Form (S-l). Verify the
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Sample ID number from the Sample Label for the Standardized Depth Cores (SDSC) agrees with
the sample ID on the S-l Form.
7) Note anything unusual about the sample in the comment bubble. If the sample could not be
collected, fill in the bubble indicating a sample was not collected, and state the reason in the
comment bubble.
8) Keep samples cool and out of the sun during the sampling day. Follow the protocols in Section
6.8 on sample tracking, shipping, and handling of samples.
Figure 6-5. Proper sealing and stapling of soil sample bags
6.5 Collection of Soil Isotope Samples
Soil Isotope samples are collected at the same positions in the Soil Plot as the Standardized Depth Soil
Cores (Figure 6-2), but with a different sampling device. Collection of this sample follows similar
methods, but note that three smaller cores will be collected and placed into a quart-size zip-top bag for
the Soil Isotope sample. Cores will be collected using the plastic syringe-corer device or a standard
stainless steel soil probe (7/8" or similar diameter). For the Soil Isotope samples, avoid using thick plastic
bags that necessitate closing with staples (these soil sample bags are only used for the Standardized
Depth Soil Cores, Horizon Bulk Density, and Horizon Chemistry samples).
6.5.1 Preparation of Labels and Sample Collection Bags
Fill out the Soil isotope (SISO) Sample Label for the site (Figure 6-6). It is printed as an adhesive label.
Record the Site ID, State, Date, and Visit #. Affix the label to the sample bag and cover it with clear tape
to protect it from dirt and debris, and to ensure that it stays affixed to the quart-sized zipper sample
bag.
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SOIL ISOTOPE (SISO)
Site ID: NWC21- State:
Date: / /20 Visit #: Ol 02
990003
Figure 6-6. Soil isotope sample label.
6.5.2 Sample Collection
1) Follow steps 2-4 below to collect cores for Soil Isotope testing. The cores should be collected
from the same positions as the Standardized Depth Soil Cores (see Section 6.4 and Figure 6-2).
The sampling locations should be spaced evenly around the outer ring of the Soil Plot and
positioned in undisturbed areas within 1.0 to 1.5 m of where the Soil Pit will be located. The
spacing of the sampling locations may be shifted so they are positioned in undisturbed areas.
2) Clear vegetation and any loose litter (e.g., fallen leaves, branches, etc.) from the surface of the
soil in the sampling area.
3) Use the soil syringe-corer device or a standard stainless steel soil probe (7/8" or similar
diameter, see Figure 6-8F) to collect one 10 cm deep soil core (measured from the soil surface
and including organic horizon(s), if present) at each of the three designated areas. The syringe-
corer device may be most effective in water-logged soils, while a stainless steel soil probe may
be needed for drier soils. While the protocol below is specific to the syringe-corer device, it can
be easily adapted for a stainless steel soil probe. NOTE: Avoid sampling through thick mats of
living roots or rhizomes as this will contaminate the analysis. Collect the sample from below the
root mat, or if this is not possible, at another location within the Soil Plot. Minimal amounts of
small living roots are acceptable in the core.
a. Remove the plunger while taking the soil core (Figure 6-7a).
b. Push the syringe tube into to the soil to the 10 cm mark on the wall of the syringe tube.
The air hole should be above the soil (Figure 6-7b).
c. While the syringe tube is still in the soil, replace the plunger in the syringe, pushing it
down just enough to cover the air hole. This will create a vacuum to aid in removing the
core (Figure 6-7c).
d. Carefully remove the syringe tube containing the soil from the ground by gently twisting
and lifting it upwards. If necessary, use your fingers, putty knife, hand trowel, or soil
knife to break or cut the soil from under the core and support the core as it is lifted from
the surrounding matrix (Figure 6-7d).
e. Extract the core directly into the labeled sample bag using the plunger (Figure 6-7e) or
your fingers if a soil probe is used.
f. If using the plunger, avoid pushing it beyond the end of the syringe-corer (Figure 6-7f).
4) Place all three cores into the prepared quart-size zipper sample bag for Soil Isotope analysis. Do
not collect more soil (i.e., larger, deeper cores) than instructed.
5) Roll down the top of the sample bag to remove excess air. Once the air is evacuated from the
bag, seal the top by zippering it. Avoid stapling the bags. Double-check that the zipper is secure.
6) Record the Water Chemistry Sample ID number from the label sheet in the Anchor ID/Water
Chem ID field of the Tracking Form in the App. Doing so will automatically populate the sample
IDs in the Sampling Information section at the bottom of the Soil Data Form (S-l). Verify the
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Sample ID number from the Sample Label for the Soil Isotope Sample (SISO) agrees with the
sample ID on the S-l Form.
7) Note anything unusual about the sample in the comment bubble. If the sample could not be
collected, fill in the bubble indicating a sample was not collected, and state the reason in the
comment bubble.
8) Place the sample bag in a second bag of the same size (i.e., double-bag the sample). Press the
excess air from the bag and seal the top by zippering it. Double-check that the zip-top closure is
secure.
9) Place the sample on ice in a cooler as soon as possible after collection. If a cooler is not
immediately available on site, keep the samples cool and out of the sun during the sampling
day.
10) Follow the protocols in Section 6.8 on sample tracking, shipping, and handling of samples.
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Figure 6-7. Collection of Soil Isotope Samples. Photos by Casey Pollock and Amanda Nahlik.
6.6 Soil Profile Description and Sampling
A soil profile is made up of a series of horizontal layers called horizons. The morphological, physical, and
chemical characteristics of each horizon and the combination of horizons in a soil profile reflect the
interactions of topography and landscape, biologic activity, climate, soil parent material, and time of soil
formation. The characteristics of these horizons can provide information on hydrology, past and present
land uses and their impacts, and the health and condition of the soil (which impacts its ability to perform
important ecosystem functions). Soil Profile Descriptions (made in the field) will be combined with
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chemical and physical analyses (made in the lab) to assess the condition of the soil and how it has been
impacted by stressors.
6.6.1 Excavation of Soil Pit
Before starting to dig, establish the side of the pit where the Profile Description will be made and
Horizon Bulk Density and Horizon Chemistry Samples will be collected. This is the Soil Profile Face. As the
Soil Pit is excavated, avoid disturbing this area (e.g., standing, digging, piling soil on top of, etc.). These
types of disturbances could compact the soil or lead to contamination of the samples. Place the soil
from the Soil Pit on a plastic sheet to limit disturbance to the surrounding area. This will also make it
easier to backfill the Pit when sampling is complete.
The Soil Pit will be excavated, described, and sampled to a depth of 125 cm. As the Soil Pit is excavated,
be aware of changes in soil texture, consistency, or ease of digging - these observations can be used to
delineate horizons later.
A variety of tools may be used to excavate the Soil Pit, depending on conditions. Examples of these tools
are shown in Figure 6-8. Local NRCS offices or soil scientists may be able to provide additional
recommendations on tools and techniques useful for specific site conditions.
Figure 6-8. Examples of tools for Soil Pit excavation. A) Tiling spade. B) Sharpshooter. C) Shovel. D) (Left to right)
Auger handle extensions, Ratchet handle, Solid auger buckets (for sand or mud), Open bucket auger with
handle, and Open auger buckets (for fine textured soils). E) Peat auger head. F) Soil probe. G) Hammer corer.
Photos by Frank Gibbs, Gregg Lomnicky, and Phil King.
6.6.1.1 Easy to Sample Soils (e.g., not submerged, not cemented)
1) Begin by removing the vegetation surface layer using a tiling spade with a long narrow blade
(e.g., approximately 30 cm in length, Figure 6-8).
a. Use shallow cuts (approximately 15 cm deep or just through the vegetation layer) to
outline a rectangular area wider than the shovel blade and about 45 cm long to define
the "vegetation cap".
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b. Use the cutting edge of the spade to slice through as many roots as possible. If needed,
use pruners to cut large roots that could tear the vegetation cap apart when it is lifted.
Scoop up this upper block of soil just under the root mass with the spade.
c. Set the cap of rooted vegetation, shoot side up, in the shade, if possible. The vegetation
cap will be replaced after soil sampling is complete and the Soil Pit is backfilled, to allow
the vegetation to reestablish.
2) Take care to avoid standing on, piling soil on top of, or otherwise disturbing the designated Soil
Profile Face.
3) The Soil Pit should be excavated to a depth of 125 cm. Initially, dig to a depth of at least 30 to 40
cm. Excavate the hole to the dimensions needed to view the soil and access samples. Use a
shovel to excavate the remainder of the Soil Pit to a depth of 125 cm. Place excavated soil on a
tarp or plastic sheet to avoid disturbing the surrounding area.
a. The Soil Pit does not need to be large in area. Excavate an area just large enough that
samples can be obtained to a depth of 125 cm.
b. If water or slumping soil in a pit prevents excavation to the 125 cm depth, excavate to
just above the water table or the greatest depth possible and describe the soil profile to
that depth. Then, if possible, use techniques in Section 6.6.1.2 to excavate down to 125
cm and complete the profile description.
c. If a large rock, log, very large root, or disturbed area (animal burrow, tree-fall pit, etc.) is
encountered before reaching 125 cm, move or expand the pit to expose a sufficient
undisturbed area.
d. If a cemented horizon or similar impenetrable material is encountered and is large
enough in extent to make moving the pit impractical, excavate the pit to the maximum
possible depth. Record the occurrence and type of impenetrable layer or object and its
depth from the surface in Soil Pit Attributes section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
4) Use a knife (e.g., inexpensive hunting or kitchen knife) or root pruners to clean the soil on the
Soil Profile Face of the Soil Pit to remove plant tissue or soil transferred from other depths
during Pit excavation.
5) Depending on conditions, it may be easier to describe the soil outside of the pit. To do so,
remove a soil slab:
a. On the cleaned face of the pit, carefully make cuts perpendicular to the face of
approximately a shovel width to cut the sides of the soil slab to be extracted.
b. Slice through the soil about 10 cm behind the cleaned pit face to connect the side cuts.
c. Push the shovel 30 cm deep and pull back on the shovel as the other AB Team member
gently holds the soil against the blade, lifting the intact slab or slice of soil out of the pit.
d. Carefully slide the slab section from the shovel blade onto a clean plastic sheet separate
from the spoil pile.
e. Clean loose soil out of the pit and extract additional slab sections to the 125 cm depth
using the shovel (or extract this lower section with an auger when conditions warrant).
f. Match up the slab sections or the upper slab section and lower augered sections end-to-
end, mirroring the soil profile's in situ position.
6) Once the Soil Profile Face has been exposed and cleaned (or soil slab and/or augered section
have been extracted) begin the Soil Profile Description, starting with the protocols for detection
of hydrogen sulfide odor and, if the soil is inundated or saturated, initial matrix color (Section
6.6.2.1).
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6.6.1. 2 Difficult to Sample Soils
Submerged soils, saturated sands, organic soils, and clayey soils can be challenging when attempting to
obtain an intact soil slab or soil core. Some alternative techniques and special tools for specific
conditions are listed in the table below (Table 6-1). These techniques are described in further detail in
the following text. Your local NRCS office or soil scientists may be able to suggest alternative sampling
methods appropriate for particular site conditions. Prior to sampling, use soil maps to determine if the
soil types at the site could pose particular challenges for describing and sampling the Soil Profile.
Table 6-1. Techniques for sampling difficult soils
Soil Condition Suggested Techniques
Saturated Soils Excavate Soil Pit to the greatest depth possible (just above the depth of standing water in
the Soil Pit or slumping of Soil Pit walls prevent further excavation). Complete profile
description and sampling of upper layers before excavating below the standing water in the
Soil Pit.
Extract soil slabs from lower portion using a shovel. Lay out slabs on a plastic tarp
or snow sled, matching up the slabs to mirror their arrangement in the Soil Profile
in order to describe the profile outside of the Soil Pit. Limit slumping by extracting
soil slab from the Soil Pit Face very slowly.
If soil slabs do not remain intact (unconsolidated soils):
Extract soil using an auger. Lay out auger sections on a plastic tarp, snow sled, or
section of plastic gutter, matching up the sections to mirror their arrangement in
the Soil Profile in order to describe the profile outside of the Soil Pit.
Or, use a Tube Extractor (King Soil Extractor) to remove an intact soil core in order
to describe the profile outside of the Soil Pit.
Submerged Soils Build a soil coffer dam and use a hand pump to remove standing water
Extract soil slabs using a shovel. Lay out slabs on a plastic tarp or snow sled,
matching up the slabs to mirror their arrangement in the Soil Profile in order to
describe the profile outside of the Soil Pit. Limit slumping by extracting soil slab
from the Soil Pit Face very slowly.
If soil slabs do not remain intact (unconsolidated soils) or water is moving into the Soil Pit
too quickly:
Extract soil using an auger. Lay out auger sections on a plastic tarp, snow sled, or
section of plastic gutter, matching up the sections to mirror their arrangement in
the Soil Profile in order to describe the profile outside of the Soil Pit.
Or, use a Tube Extractor (King Soil Extractor) to remove an intact soil core in order
to describe the profile outside of the Soil Pit.
If the soil is organic:
Extract soil using a Macaulay peat auger. Lay out auger sections on a plastic tarp,
snow sled, or section of plastic gutter, matching up the sections to mirror their
arrangement in the Soil Profile in order to describe the profile outside of the Soil
Pit.
Or, use a Tube Extractor (King Soil Extractor) to remove an intact soil core in order
to describe the profile outside of the Soil Pit.
Heavy Clay Soils Excavate thinner soil slabs to avoid breaking or bending the shovel handle
Saturated Soils
Excavate the soil to just above the depth of standing water or when saturated soils are slumping (no
longer can support vertical pit walls). Describe and sample the soil above the water table before
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continuing to the lower section of the soil profile. If the soil is not sufficiently cohesive to maintain
vertical pit walls, extract soil slabs with a shovel to describe and sample outside of the Soil Pit. Make cuts
with the shovel to extract a slab or slice of soil from the Soil Profile Face. Lay the slab sections on a
plastic tarp, snow sled, or section of plastic gutter, arranging them end to end to match their position in
the Soil Profile. Limit slumping of soil pit walls by lifting soil slabs away from pit walls very slowly.
If the soil is not cohesive enough to extract an intact soil slab using a shovel, an auger may be used to
retrieve the soil. Augers have different style buckets (open or closed) and varying cutting tips
appropriate for different soil types. Augers mix the soil sample and cannot be used to collect Horizon
Bulk Density Samples due to potential compression or expansion of the soil. If an auger is used to collect
soils for the Soil Profile Description or Horizon Chemistry Samples, take care to mark the depth from
which the soil is removed by the auger.
A Tube Extractor (King Soil Extractor) may also be useful when soils cannot be retrieved with a shovel
(Figure 6-9). This tool works best in soft, finer sediments, organic materials, and saturated soils. The King
Soil Extractor is typically constructed from a plastic or metal tube (15cm in diameter and 1 m long) with
a metal tube clamp at its base for adjusting the tube diameter. The King Soil Extractor is hammered into
the unconsolidated substrate. To prevent soil loss from the tube, dig a slot alongside the tube and insert
a spade to cover the bottom. Tip the tube and spade over into the slot and lift the tube onto a plastic
snow sled or plastic tarp. Expand the tube slightly and extrude the soil in the tube, forcing it out with a
plunger.
Figure 6-9. King Soil Extractor. This technique is most useful in soft estuarine or fiuvial soils (e.g.,
unconsolidated, fluid, organic, and/or saturated soils). Photos by Ann Rossi.
Shallowly Submerged Soils (e.g., surface water < 25 cm deep)
If soil strength allows (soil is sufficiently cohesive to maintain the vertical walls of a soil pit), soil pits 125
cm deep may be excavated from under shallow water using a hand pump or bailing scoop to evacuate
water and digging techniques similar to those used for soils that are not submerged (Figure 6-10).
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Figure 6-10. Techniques for sampling submerged or saturated soils. A) Soil coffer dam surrounding the Soil Pit. B)
Use of a hand pump to remove water from the Soil Pit. Photos by Gregg Lomnicky.
Build a soil coffer dam using the soil from the Soil Pit. Plastic or metal sheeting can be used to reinforce
the dam walls around the Soil Pit area. If necessary, remove vegetation around the base of the coffer
dam to achieve a seal for the dam walls against the ground surface. With the dam in place, remove the
standing water with a hand pump and proceed to excavate a slab of soil that can be described outside of
the Soil Pit. It may be necessary to operate the hand pump continuously during extraction of the soil
slab and collection of soil samples.
The soil slab or sections can be laid out on a plastic tarp or sheet for describing the Soil Profile outside of
the Soil Pit. A plastic snow sled or section of plastic gutter also works well as a platform for holding soil
slabs or cores during soil description, facilitating sample collection, and for storing equipment (Figure
6-11).
Figure 6-11. Use of a plastic snow sled (A and B) and plastic gutter (C) for facilitating sample collection and
holding soil cores during soil profile description. Photos A and B by Regina Poeske. Photo C by Frank Gibbs.
If water is moving into the Soil Pit too quickly or the soil is too unconsolidated to support vertical pit
walls and obtain soil slabs using a shovel, use an auger or a King Soil Extractor (see above).
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Low-Strength Organic Soils
A Macaulay peat auger may be required for high organic content soils. A King Soil Extractor (see above)
may also be useful.
Heavy Clay Soils
To avoid breaking the shovel handle when excavating heavy clay soil (particularly if dry), extract a
thinner soil slab.
6.6.2 Description of Soil Profile
Once the Soil Pit has been excavated to a depth of 125 cm (or soil slabs or auger sections to a depth of
125 cm have been laid out to represent the Soil Profile), begin the Soil Profile Description. Description
data will be recorded on the Soil Data Form (S-l).
1) Immediately assess properties that can change upon exposure to air (Hydrogen Sulfide Odor and
Reduced Matrix Color, Section 6.6.2.1). Record data in the Initial Readings section of the Soil
Data Form (S-l).
2) Measure and record information on the Soil Pit, time of pit excavation, and lighting conditions in
the Soil Pit Attributes section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) (Section 6.6.2.2).
3) Identify Horizon Boundaries and record the depth of the lower boundary of every horizon to a
depth of 125 cm (Section 6.6.2.3). Record data in the Horizons section of the Soil Data Form (S-
1). If a NRCS Soil Scientist is at the site (and was not assisting with the determination of horizon
boundaries), have them review the horizon boundaries and depth measurements.
4) Take a photograph of the Soil Profile Face (Section 6.6.2.5).
5) Describe soil morphologic properties [boundary description, texture, rock fragments, roots,
matrix color, redoximorphic features, masked sand grains, organic features, and mottles
(Sections 6.6.2.6 - 6.6.2.14)]. Record all data in the Horizon section of the Soil Data Form (S-l)
using one row per Horizon.
a. Develop a systematic approach to ensure that all information is collected for every
horizon to a depth of 125 cm. Crews may choose to conduct their description horizon by
horizon, describing all properties of a horizon before moving to the next horizon.
Alternatively, the description could be made one property at a time, describing a given
characteristic (for example, texture) for every horizon in the profile and then continuing
with the next property.
b. Every horizon to a depth of 125 cm should be described. If a given horizon cannot be
described, explain why it was not described in the comment bubble specific to the
horizon on the Soil Data Form (S-l).
6) Provide additional description information, comments, or explanations of data as needed by
adding comments in the comment bubble(s) as needed for each horizon.
7) Space is provided for twelve horizons on the Soil Data Form (S-l).
8) Determine if the soil meets a Hydric Soil Field Indicator (Section 6.6.2.15) and record all
indicators present in the Hydric Soil Field Indicators section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
9) The Soil Profile Description and Horizon Designations will be reviewed by an NRCS Soil Scientist,
either as part of the field day activities, or later using the Soil Profile Description and
photographs of the Soil Profile (Section 6.6.3).
10) Once the Soil Profile Description is complete and all data has been collected and recorded,
collect the Horizon Bulk Density and Chemistry Samples (Section 6.6.4).
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6.6.2.1 Initial Readings
Some soil properties (particularly in hydric soils) can change rapidly upon exposure to air. To ensure that
information on these properties is collected when they are present, document and record this data
immediately upon excavating the Soil Pit and before conducting any other parts of the Soil Profile
Description.
6.6.2.1.1 Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Odor
As sulfate (S042 ) is reduced in estuarine and freshwater environments, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas is
released. The characteristic "rotten egg" odor is used to identify the presence of reducing conditions
and identify hydric soils. Sulfate reduction is generally more common in estuarine wetlands, where
sulfate concentrations are greater due to marine water inputs. However, sulfur inputs in freshwater
environments due to large storm overwash events (in near-coastal areas) or atmospheric deposition can
also lead to sulfate reduction. When sulfate reduction is occurring in the upper 30 cm (12 in) of the Soil
Profile (as detected by the presence of H2S gas) it can be used to indicate that the soil meets the
requirements of a Hydric Soil and wetland hydrology.
1) If the Soil Pit is inundated or saturated (at any depth within the Soil Pit) select the bubble
"Inundated or saturated soil in pit" in the Initial Readings section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
2) Determine if Soil Profile has an odor of H2S gas. The H2S gas will smell like rotten eggs. Do not
confuse this smell with rotting organic matter. The odor will be evident upon excavation of the
Soil Pit and is detectable even if the soil is not close to the nose.
3) If the H2S odor is present anywhere in the Soil Profile, select the bubble "Hydrogen sulfide odor"
in the Initial Readings section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
4) If the H2S odor is present within the upper 30 cm of the Soil Profile also indicate that the soil
meets the Hydric Soil Field Indicator A4 - Hydrogen Sulfide by selecting the appropriate bubble
in the Hydric Soil Field Indicators section of the Soil Data Form (S-l). This is also an Army Corps
of Engineers Wetland Hydrology Indicator (Section 7.2.3). Also fill in the bubble for "Hydrogen
Sulfide Odor (CI)" in the Hydrology Indicators section of the AA Hydrology Form (H-l).
6.6.2.1.2 Reduced Matrix Color
A soil with a reduced matrix has low chroma colors in situ, but changes color when exposed to air. The
reduced form of iron, Fe2+, is soluble and colorless, but when exposed to the air will oxidize to the Fe3+
form and precipitate. The Fe3+ minerals that precipitate give the soil a redder hue or brighter chroma.
Detecting this color change is a way of determining if the soil is saturated and reducing (anaerobic), and
can indicate if the soil is a Hydric Soil.
1) If part of the soil is inundated or saturated, obtain a small clod (coherent mass of soil broken
from the Soil Profile Face) of soil that has not been exposed to the air and is located towards the
top of the saturated zone. Record the depth at which the sample was collected in the Initial
Readings section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
2) Break the clod open and determine the initial color of the soil matrix (measuring soil color is
described further in Section 6.6.2.10). Record the Initial Matrix Color (hue, value, and chroma)
for the sample.
3) Set the clod aside while you complete the rest of the Soil Profile Description. Once the Profile
Description has been completed, measure the matrix color of the same sample along the same
exposed face as earlier, record this color as the Oxidized Matrix Color.
4) A rapid change in color, defined as a difference in one or more color chips in the Munsell Color
Book, following exposure to air indicates a reduced matrix and the presence of reduced iron.
The presence of reduced iron in the upper 30 cm of the soil surface is a USACOE Wetland
Hydrology Indicator. If the color change occurs within 30 cm of the soil surface, fill in the bubble
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for the hydrology indicator "Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)" in the Hydrology Indicators section
of the AA Hydrology Form (H-l). Note, the soil may still be reduced or anaerobic even if the
matrix color does not change.
6.6.2.2 Soil Pit A ttribates
Complete the Soil Pit Attributes section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
1) Record the total depth of the soil profile that will be described and sampled. If the Soil Profile is
to be described in the Soil Pit, this will be from the soil surface to the depth excavated. If the soil
will be described outside of the pit, this is the length of the soil slabs or auger sections that were
extracted from the pit. Record the depth in cm in the Depth of profile description field.
Every effort should be made to describe the Soil Profile to a depth of 125 cm. If excavation and
soil descriptions could not be made to a depth of 125 cm, record the depth of the pit in the
Depth of profile description field and select the appropriate bubble(s) to indicate why a deeper
Soil Pit was not possible.
a. If saturated or non-cohesive soils prevented further pit excavation, indicate their
presence by selecting the bubble indicating such.
b. If an impenetrable layer prevented further pit excavation, indicate its presence and
type. If an impenetrable layer other than those listed on the form was present, describe
it under "Other Impenetrable Layer".
c. If other conditions prevented pit excavation to 125 cm, select the bubble indicating such
and describe the restrictive feature or condition in the "Other conditions prevented
sampling to 125 cm" field.
2) Record the time of Soil Pit Excavation, using a 24-hour clock format in the Soil Pit Attribute
section of the Soil Data Form (S-l). You can tap the 'Now' button to populate this field or type
the time directly into the field using the correct format (hh:mm).
3) Use the drop-down list to indicate the prevailing lighting conditions during the Soil Profile
Description in the Soil Pit Attributes section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
6.6.2.3 Organic Soil Material Beyond 125cm
If the soil pit has thick organic soil material beyond 125 cm, take a meter stick or folding pole with depth
markers on it and measure from the bottom of the pit to as far down as it can go before refusal,
indicating mineral soil. Indicate that organic soil material extends beyond 125cm on the Soil Data Form
(S-l) and record the depth (cm) from the soil surface.
6.6.2.4 Delineating Horizon Boundaries
Understanding the general differences in major types of soil horizons can aid in distinguishing between
horizons. However, soil horizon names will not be determined as part of the Soil Profile Description
unless either a member of the Field Crew is a trained soil scientist or an NRCS Soil Scientist is on site (see
Section 6.6.3).
Soil Horizons are distinguished based on differences in:
a. Color, measured using the Munsell Color Book (Munsell Soil Color, X-Rite 2009) (Section
6.6.2.10 and Reference Card S-3 Side B).
b. Texture, or the proportion of sand, silt, and clay (Section 6.6.2.7 and Reference Card S-3
Side A, Figure 6-14).
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c. The presence and type of redoximorphic features, includes concentrations and depletions
(Section 6.6.2.11 and Reference Card S-4 Side A).
d. Structure, or the arrangement and shape of soil peds and pore spaces (Reference Card S-2
SideB)
e. Consistence, or how the soil holds together or its resistance to deformation or rupture
(Reference Card S-2 Side B).
f. The presence of rock fragments, roots, or other prominent features (Section 6.6.2.8, Section
6.6.2.9, Section 6.6.2.13, Section 6.6.2.14, and Reference Card S-4 Side B).
These properties are described in more detail in the designated sections and provided reference cards.
Changes in any of these properties with depth distinguish different soil horizons.
Once the Soil Profile Face has been exposed, look for changes in soil properties moving vertically down
the profile face or in the arranged soil slabs. It may be helpful to dig into the soil with a soil knife to
identify physical changes (i.e., texture, consistence, and/or structure) or make side-by-side comparisons
of hand samples to identify changes in soil color or the presence of redoximorphic or other features.
1) Identify all distinct horizons visible along the designated Soil Profile Face to a depth of 125 cm
(or on the spatially aligned soil slabs or auger sections previously place on the plastic tarp). Place
a marker (e.g., golf tee) at the bottom (lower boundary) of each horizon.
2) Number the horizons in order starting at the top of the profile (e.g., Horizon 1 occurs at the soil
surface).
3) The Soil Data Form (S-l) has space to describe thirteen horizons.
4) Indicate the method of excavation (e.g., shovel, auger, King sampler) for each horizon.
5) Measure and record the depths from the soil surface to the lower boundary of every horizon.
a. Clear loose organic debris or leaf litter from the ground surface. The starting point of the
depth measurement, or 0 cm, should occur below any living vegetation and loose leaf
litter.
b. Measure the depth from the soil surface (0 cm) to the lower boundary of Horizon 1 and
record in the Depth from surface to lower boundary field in the Horizons section of the
Soil Data Form (S-l). A metric fiberglass seamstress tape with a fishing weight at the
bottom works well for this procedure.
c. Measure the depth to the lower boundary of every horizon, recording the depths on the
Soil Data Form (S-l). For each horizon, the depth recorded should be from the soil
surface to the lower boundary of the horizon of interest (see example in Figure 6-12 and
Reference Card S-2A).
6) The Soil Pit should be described to a depth of 125 cm. The lower boundary of the last horizon
should be recorded as 125 cm. If the Soil Pit could not be excavated to a depth of 125 cm,
record the lower boundary of the last horizon. The lower boundary depth of the last horizon
should be recorded as the final pit depth in the Soil Pit Attributes section. Indicate why the Soil
Pit was not described to 125 cm by selecting the appropriate bubble(s).
7) If an NRCS Soil Scientist is at the site (but was not involved in delineating the horizon
boundaries) ask the Soil Scientist to review the boundaries before continuing with the Soil
Profile Description. Adjust horizon boundaries and correct depth measurements on the Soil
Data Form (S-l) as appropriate.
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Profile Ptvoto: USDA NRCS (2010)
Figure 6-12. Delineating horizon boundaries. Horizons are
numbered consecutively starting at the soil surface (below
loose leaf litter). Depth to lower boundaries are recorded as
the depth from the soil surface to the bottom of the
horizon.
For example, this profile has 3 horizons:
Horizon 1 is 9 cm thick with the upper boundary at
0 cm and the lower boundary at 9 cm. The Depth to
Lower Boundary would be recorded as 9 cm.
Horizon 2 is 23 cm thick with the upper boundary
at 9 cm and the lower boundary at 32 cm. The
Depth to Lower Boundary would be recorded as 32
cm.
Horizon 3 is 14 cm thick with the upper boundary
at 32 cm and the lower boundary at 46 cm. The
Depth to Lower Boundary would be recorded as 46
cm.
32 cm
46 cm
9 cm
6.6.2.5 Photograph of Soil Profile Face
Photographs of the Soil Profile Face will be used by NRCS Soil Scientists to review the Soil Profile
Description and name soil horizons if a Quality Assurance check cannot be performed in the field (i.e.,
NRCS Soil Scientists are not present at the site). Additionally, photographs can be helpful if questions
arise during later soil data analyses. If a NRCS Soil Scientist is present at the site, the Quality Assurance
checks will be performed in the field. In either case, a photograph of the Soil Profile Face should be
taken at every site (see 8.7Appendix D for more information on taking photographs for NWCA 2021).
After the horizon boundaries have been determined and the boundary depths have been measured and
recorded, take a photograph of the Soil Profile Face that will be described (either in or outside of the Soil
Pit). The Soil Profile Photo should clearly show the soil horizon and depth assignments made by the
NWCA Field Crew. The golf tees or nails used to mark horizon boundaries should be left in place for the
photograph. Photographs should be taken before continuing with the Soil Profile Description or
collecting Soil Horizon Samples.
1) Prepare the Soil Profile Face to bring out significant contrasts in structure and color between soil
horizons.
a. Beginning at the top, fragments of the soil can be broken off with a spatula or small
knife to eliminate digging marks. Dust or small fragments can be brushed or blown
away.
b. Moisten the profile (if dry) with a hand sprayer to obtain uniform moisture content and
color contrast.
2) Place a tape measure so that the 0 cm mark is at the soil surface (below living vegetation and
loose leaf litter or duff layer) and the tape extends to the base of the Soil Pit. If the Soil Profile
will be described outside of the pit, lay the tape alongside the oriented soil slabs.
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3) Take a photo that shows the entire Soil Profile to be described. The camera should be held 1.5
to 2.5 m from the Soil Profile Face.
4) Take additional photos focused on smaller sections of the profile to show soil features in more
detail (e.g., 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, etc.). Taking pictures of smaller areas will allow Soil Scientists
performing the QA to see concentrations or other features in better detail. Many important soil
features are too small to see in the photograph of the full profile, yet are important for making
soil interpretations. Make sure the measuring tape is visible in the photo, so the depth and scale
can be easily determined.
5) Try to orient the profile so that the maximum amount of light is striking the prepared face. If the
lighting is uneven or shadows fall on part of the face, attempt to create a shadow over the Soil
Profile Face (e.g., using a tarp) so the lighting will be even and color contrast most apparent.
Take pictures with and without the flash to best display soil colors and features.
6) If the Soil Profile will be described outside of the pit using arranged soil slabs and/or auger
borings on a snow sled or plastic sheet, the profile can be moved to an area with uniform
lighting (e.g., full sun or full shade) to improve the quality of the picture.
See 8.7Appendix D for instructions for naming, logging, and submitting site photos.
6.6.2.6 Description of Horizon Boundaries
The vertical change in soil properties between two horizons can occur gradually, with one horizon
blending into the next, or can appear very sharp with very little transition between the two (see Figure
6-13 and Reference Card S-2A). The vertical transition from one horizon to the next is a function of the
processes and conditions (both natural and anthropogenic) that affect the soil. Boundary distinctness
describes how quickly soil properties change from one horizon to the next (lower) horizon. Abrupt
boundaries (where properties change over a depth of less than 2 cm) can sometimes be an indication of
a disturbance either natural, such as sedimentation or flood deposition, or anthropogenic such as filling
or plowing activities. Descriptions of the horizon boundaries will be used to identify potential stressors
to the wetland, occurring presently or in the past.
cm
0
Abrupt Boundary-
1
Vertlcal transition
2
between hori:ons
.1
occurs over a
4
distance of less
thar 2 cm
5
Non-Abrupt
Boundary-Verticil
transition between
horizons occurs
over a distance ot 2
cm or more
Figure 6-13. Horizon boundary distinctness. The vertical change in soil properties between two horizons are
characterized as abrupt if the transition occurs over a distance of less than 2 cm.
1) For each lower horizon boundary, determine if the boundary is abrupt, meaning the transition
or change from the upper horizon to the lower horizon occurs over a distance of less than 2 cm
(0.8 in).
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2) Indicate abrupt lower horizon boundaries by selecting the bubble in the Abrupt lower boundary
bubble in the Horizons field of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
6,6,2.7 Soil Texture
Soils vary in the proportion of organic and mineral material they contain. Mineral soils are dominated by
inorganic mineral materials. Organic soils have greater than 12 to 18% organic carbon, depending on
clay mineral content. Mucky mineral soils are a mineral soil horizon with organic matter contents
intermediate between organic and mineral soil materials (usually between 5 and 18% organic carbon,
depending on clay content).
Organic soils can be further described and distinguished by the degree of decomposition, and mineral
soils are further classified by the distribution of the sizes (diameters) of mineral grains, or the soil
texture. Distinguishing between organic and mineral horizons and noting the changes in soil texture can
help identify horizons and explain soil processes occurring within the soil. Soil texture influences a
number of functions performed by soils, including water and nutrient holding capacity, and are used in
evaluating the ability of a soil to perform wetland functions. Soil texture is particularly important in
wetland studies and delineation, as a number of Hydric Soil Field Indicators have been developed for use
in specific soil textures (Section 6.6.2.15).
For the NWCA, soils will be textured by hand to determine if they are organic or mineral. Organic soils
will be further described as Peat, Mucky Peat, or Muck depending on the degree of decomposition.
Mineral soils will be described as Sandy, Loamy/Clayey, Mucky Sandy, or Mucky Loamy/Clayey (see
Reference Card S-3 Side A).
Texture will be recorded in the Soil Texture field in the Horizons section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) by
selecting the appropriate bubble choosing an additional selection from the drop-down menu. Only one
soil texture should be recorded for each horizon.
1) Determine if the soil is organic or mineral. Take a golf ball sized chunk of moist soil and gently
rub it between the forefingers and thumb several times.
If the soil feels greasy, you can discern visible organic particles, it is very light (low bulk
density) compared to equal amounts of mineral soil, and you can feel or see little to no
mineral particles (grittiness of sand grains, silt coating on hands, stickiness of clay particles)
the soil is an organic soil; proceed to Section 6.6.2.7.1.
Otherwise, the soil is a mineral soil; proceed to Section 6.6.2.7.2.
6.6.2./.I Texturing Organic Soils
1) Rub a golf ball sized chunk of moist soil between your finger and thumb.
Organic Soil Material - Mineral grains are not visible and cannot be felt when the
sample is rubbed. Organic soil material has a low bulk density and will feel lighter than
mucky mineral or mineral soils. When squeezed, the soil will extrude liquid or much of
the soil material, and the remaining soil material will not stick to the hand. Identifiable
plant fibers may be common. If the soil is organic, select the Organic bubble in the Soil
Texture field of the Horizons section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) and continue to Step 2
to further classify the type of organic soil material.
2) Organic soil materials are described as being Peat, Mucky Peat, or Muck. These three categories
are defined based on the degree of decomposition, which is measured by the volume of plant
fibers visible after rubbing the sample.
3) To determine the type of organic soil material, take a fresh golf ball sized sample of moist soil
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and rub the sample between the thumb and fingers 10 times. Visually estimate the percent
volume of plant fibers and dead roots remaining after rubbing. Use the chart below to
determine the type of organic soil material. Indicate the organic soil type by selecting from the
drop-down menu in the Soil Texture field of the Horizons section on the Soil Data Form (S-l).
Note that the menu selections vary based on the soil texture chosen.
Organic Soil Material
Volume of Fibers Visible After Rubbing
Peat
> 75%
Mucky Peat
17% - 75%
Muck
< 17%
6.6.2./.2 Texturing Mineral Soils
Mineral soil textural classes are distinguished based on the relative proportion (by weight) of sand, silt,
and clay particles. Rock (coarse) fragments, gravels or rocks greater than 2 mm in diameter, are not
included when determining the textural class. For the NWCA, mineral soils will be described as Sandy,
Mucky Sandy, Loamy/Clayey, or Mucky Loamy Clayey. These designations will be used to determine the
appropriate Hydric Soil Field Indicators to consider for the soil (Section 6.6.2.15).
For soils that are mineral, use Figure 6-14 as a guide to determining if the soil is Sandy (includes sand
and sandy soils) or Loamy/Clayey. Record the mineral soil type by selecting from the drop-down menu in
the Soil Texture field of the Horizons section on the Soil Data Form (S-l). Note that the menu selections
vary based on the soil texture chosen.
6.6.2.7.3 Identifying Mucky Sandy and Mucky Loamy/Clayey
Once you determine if the soil is sandy or loamy/clayey if the soil is very dark, almost black in color,
greasy or spongy feeling staining your fingers black, and feels lighter than equal amounts of mineral
material containing less organic matter you would use a mucky modifier. Organic matter content will be
between 5 and 18 percent organic carbon depending on texture. If the soil is sandy then you would
select mucky sandy and if it is loamy/clayey you would select mucky loamy/clayey from the drop down
menu.
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Texturing Mineral Soils
Begin by collecting a golf ball sized (or slightly larger) soil sample
from the middle of the horizon. Remove roots and rocks.
I
Add water with a spray bottle and break down all
lumps. The sample is prepared when it is plastic and
moldable, like moist putty or cookie dough. Take a golf
ball sized sample in your palm.
Add dry soil and
start again.
Place ball between the thumb and forefinger. Gently push the soil
with the thumb, squeezing it outward into a thick ribbon over the
forefinger. Measure the length of the ribbon when it bends or
breaks from its own weight.
6.6.2.8 Estimating Rock Fragments
1) Examine an area of the horizon (approximately 10 cm2) and estimate the surface area of the Soil
Profile Face within that horizon occupied by rocks greater than 2 mm in diameter. Use the
surface area estimation examples on Reference Card S-2, Side B as a guide to estimating surface
area.
a. Note that the sample area coverage can look different depending on if the rocks are
dispersed or aggregated.
b. Do not deliberate extensively over surface area estimates. Small differences (such as 1%
vs. 3%, 5% vs. 10%, 25 vs. 35%, or 75 vs. 85%) are more precise than can accurately be
determined by a visual estimate.
2) Record the percentage of rocks in the % Rock Fragments field in the Horizons section of the Soil
Data Form (S-l). Estimate the percent rocks for every horizon. If there are no rocks present in
the horizon, record "0" in the % Rock Fragments field.
6.6.2.9 Estimating Roots
1) Following the same procedure as given above for estimating rock fragments (Section 6.6.2.8)
estimate the surface area of each horizon occupied by roots. Use the surface area estimation
examples on Reference Card S-2, Side B as a guide to estimating root area coverage.
2) Record the areal coverage of roots in the % Roots field in the Horizons section of the Soil Data
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Form (S-l). If there are no roots present in the horizon, record "0" in the % Roots field.
6.6.2.10 Soil Matrix Color
Soil color can provide important information on hydrology, soil parent materials, weathering processes,
and organic carbon content. In soil science, the Munsell Color System is used to describe colors in a
standardized, reproducible format. The Munsell Color Book (Munsell Color X-Rite 2009) contains charts
of color chips, which are used to determine soil color in the field. The Munsell Color System has three
components, hue, value, and chroma. These are written using a standardized notation, for example,
10YR 4/2, where 10YR is the hue, 4 is the value, and 2 is the chroma (Figure 6-15 and Reference Card S-
3, Side B).
Figure 6-15. Interpreting color using a Munsell Color Chart. This figure is
provided only as an example, and should not be used for measuring soil
color in the field.
Hue: measure of
chromatic composition -
red, yellow, green, blue,
purple
Value: degree of lightness
or darkness of color
Chroma: relative purity
or strength of color
(brightness)
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Hue describes the chromatic composition of the color (the amount of red, yellow, green, blue,
or purple). Soil hues are generally combinations of red and yellow (YR). The Munseli color charts
are organized from reddest to red-yellow mixes, to yellowest (10R, 2.SYR, SYR, 7.5YR, 10YR,
2.5Y, and 5Y), with the chips of each hue occupying a single page. The hue for the page is shown
at the top left corner of the page.
Value describes how light or dark a color appears. Low value colors are dark, where high value
colors are light. In the Munseli Color Book, value is shown on the left side of the page, with each
row of chips decreasing in value moving down the page.
Chroma describes the richness of pigmentation or concentration of hue. It is also sometimes
described as the brightness. High chroma colors are highly pigmented, where low chroma colors
are dull and grayish, lacking pigmentation. Chroma is shown at the bottom of the page; chroma
increases from left to right across the page.
Gleyed colors are those with neutral hues (N), hues yellower than 5Y, green (G), blue (B), or purple (P).
These colors are most commonly found in soils that are saturated and reduced for long periods of time,
such as some hydric soils. These colors are found on the gley pages of the Munseli Color Book and are
organized differently than the red and yellow hue pages (see examples in Figure 6-16).
Mjtsru' one* cmmit i ton ajr
Gleyed Hues
Figure 6-16. Example of a gley page. Differences in color chip arrangement are described in the text. This figure
is provided only as an example, and should not be used for measuring soil color in the field.
Hues are organized in columns, which are listed at the bottom of the page.
Values are listed on the left side of the page, decreasing in value (darker) in rows going down
the page.
Soils with neutral hues (N) have a chroma of 0.
For ail other gleyed hues (10Y, SGY, 10GY, 5G, 10G, 5BG, SB, 10B, 5PB) the chroma is 1 for the
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first column and the chroma is 2 for the second column of the hue (5G is the only hue in on the
gleyed pages to have a chroma of 2).
For each horizon, determine the matrix color (the dominant soil color), and record each of the
components (hue, value, and chroma) in the Soil Matrix Color field in the Horizons section of the Soil
Data Form (S-l).
1) The soil matrix color should represent the dominant color across the horizon. A horizon might
have multiple colors or contrasting colored features. The soil matrix color should constitute the
greatest proportion of the horizon.
2) Choose a representative clod and break it open to reveal a freshly exposed surface. Identify the
dominant matrix color.
3) If the soil is dry, use a spray bottle to moisten the fresh surface of the clod. Spray until moist,
but not saturated. If the soil is glistening, it is too wet. As soon as the water is absorbed into the
soil, read the color from the Munsell Soil Color Book (Munsell Soil Color X-Rite 2009).
4) Observe the soil color in direct sunlight with the sun over the shoulder (whenever possible).
Match the color of the soil with the closest color chip in the Munsell Soil Color Book. The soil
color will rarely match the color chip exactly, but find the closest match.
a. Start at the 10YR page. Hues will be progressively redder moving towards the front of
the book, and will get yellower and greyer towards the back of the book.
b. The color chips in the Munsell Book have central holes, so that the soil can be placed
behind the page and viewed through the hole next to the chip of interest.
c. Take care to keep the color chips clean and dry. When not using the book, keep it closed
and out of the sun, which can cause the chips to fade.
6.6.2.11 Redoximorphic Features
Redoximorphic (redox) features are color patterns that differ from the soil matrix color (the dominant
color) and are formed as iron (Fe) and/or manganese (Mn) are distributed as a result of reduction and
oxidation processes associated with wetting and drying cycles in soils (Vepraskas 2001, USDA NRCS
2010). Redox features include both concentrations and depletions (defined below). These features can
provide important information on hydrology, including average water table depths, fluctuations in water
tables, and frequency and duration of saturation within a horizon, as well as provide insight into how
water moves through the soil profile and across the landscape. Identification of redox features is also
critical to determining if the soil meets a Hydric Soil Field Indicator (USDA NRCS 2010).
Two types of redoximorphic features will be described for NWCA: concentrations and depletions. In all
horizons where redoximorphic features are present, the type, amount, and color of the feature(s) will be
recorded in the Redoximorphic Features fields of the Horizons section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
6.6.2.11.1 Concentrations
Concentrations are an accumulation of Fe or Mn oxide minerals that form as the soil is oxidized (dries).
Often concentrations are a combination of Fe and Mn oxide minerals and are recognized by redder hues
and higher chromas relative to the soil matrix color. Concentrations of Mn oxides alone are black in
color and usually occur as hard nodules or concretions. Concentrations can occur in different shapes,
sizes, and forms, and will be described using three classes: soft masses, pore linings and ped faces, or
nodules or concretions (Figure 6-17 and Reference Card S-4 Side A).
Soft Masses - non-cemented bodies of Fe and Mn oxides, can be easily crushed.
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Nodules or Concretions - cemented bodies of Fe and Mn oxides, can be removed as discrete
units from the soil.
Pore linings and ped faces - occur along and follow root channels, cracks, or pores in the soil, or
occur along the faces of soil peds.
Figure 6-17. Redoximorphic concentrations. A) Redox concentrations occurring as soft masses and pore linings.
Photo by Ann Rossi. B and C) Redox concentrations occurring as soft masses. Photos courtesy of USDA NRCS. D
and E) Redox concentrations occurring as pore linings. Photos courtesy of USDA NRCS. F) Iron nodules (indicated
by arrow). Photo by John Kelley, USDA NRCS. G) Manganese concretions. Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
Describe any concentrations present in the horizon by selecting the appropriate bubble(s) in the
Concentrations field in the Horizons section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
1) Indicate all concentration types present in the horizon, Soft Masses, Nodules or Concretions,
and/or Pore Linings or Ped Faces, by selecting the appropriate bubble(s).
2) Determine the percent area of all concentrations in the horizon, and record in the %
Concentrations field. Use the surface area estimation examples on Reference Card S-2, Side B as
a guide. The percent area should be the total of all types and colors of concentrations present in
the horizon.
3) Determine the color of the concentrations using the Munsell Color Book and following the
guidelines for measuring soil color in Section 6.6.2.10 and record the hue, value, and chroma. If
multiple colors are observed, select the dominant concentration color to report.
4) If there are no concentrations present in the horizon, record "0" for the percent area. Bubbles
for the concentration types and fields for the dominant color should be left blank in this case.
6.6.2.11.2 Depletions
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Depletions are localized zones where Fe or Mn oxide minerals have been reduced, solubilized, and
leached while the soil was saturated. These areas have lost pigmentation and are greyer, lighter in color
(higher value), less red, or have a lower chroma than the soil matrix (Figure 6-18 and Reference Card S-4
Figure 6-18. Redoximorphic Depletions. A) Depletion occurring along root channel. Photo courtesy of USDA
NRCS. B) Depletion along root channel. Photo by John Kelley, USDA NRCS. C) Depletions (gray zones) in an
oxidized soil matrix (red areas). Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
Side A).
Note depletions in the horizon in the row for Depletions in the Soil Profile Description section of Form S-
1 (Front).
1) Determine the percent area of depletions in the horizon, and record in the field for %
Depletions. Use the surface area estimation examples on Reference Card S-2 Side A as a guide.
2) Determine the color of the depletions using the Munsell Color Book and following the guidelines
for measuring soil color in Section 6.6,2.10, and record the hue, value, and chroma. If multiple
colors are observed, select the dominant depletion color to report.
3) If there are no depletions present in the horizon, record "0" for the percent area. Fields for the
dominant color should be left blank.
6.6.2.12 Masked Sand Grains
The occurrence of saturated and reducing conditions often causes an accumulation of organic matter,
which gives the soil a dark, black pigment. In sandy soils, organic matter coats or masks the sand grains
(Figure 6-19 and Reference Card S-4, Side B). The degree of masking (grain surface area coverage) in
sand grains is a component of some of the Hydric Soil Field Indicators that can be used for determining if
a sandy soil is hydric. Depending on the degree of masking, soils will have a salt and pepper appearance
to looking almost completely black. A hand lens may be useful for getting a closer look at coatings on
the sand grains.
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Figure 6-19. Organic masked sand grains, showing different proportions of masking. Photos courtesy of Martin
Rabenhorst, University of Maryland.
The percentage of masked sand grains should be estimated only for soils that have a sandy texture.
1) If the horizon has a sandy texture, estimate the percentage of mineral grains that are masked by
organic matter, and record the value in the % Masked Sand Grains field in the Horizons section
of the Soil Data Form (S-l). If no masking is present enter 0.
a. If more than 70% of sand grains are masked, it should look nearly 100% black to the
naked eye when the soil is moist. Under a lOx hand lens, less than 30% of the sand
grains should appear uncoated (usually lighter in color).
2) If the soil has a loamy/clayey or mucky loamy/clayey texture, or is organic, leave the % Masked
Sand Grains field blank.
6.6.2.13 Organic Features
Organic features in the soil profile and the properties of those features can be related to a number of
factors. Organic matter tends to give the soil a dark, black color. High amounts of organic carbon can
give the soil a greasy feel or lower the density of the soil. Organic matter tends to accumulate at the soil
surface resulting in darker colors and higher organic matter contents in horizons closest to the soil
surface. In addition to organic matter enriched horizons, other organic features can be found in soils
(Figure 6-20). Some of these features are indicative of hydric soil conditions.
Figure 6-20. Examples of organic features in soils. A) Organic bodies. B) Stripped Matrix. C) Organic
infillings (indicated by arrows). Photos courtesy of USDA IMRCS.
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For each horizon, record the presence of all organic features observed in the horizon in the Organic
Features Present field in the Horizons section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) by filling in the appropriate
bubble(s). If there are no organic features present in the horizon, these bubbles should be left blank.
Organic Bodies are aggregates of organic material with muck or mucky mineral textures. They
typically occur at the tips of roots and are commonly 1 to 3 cm in diameter. Organic
accumulations made up of less decomposed organic material, such as mucky peat, peat, or
partially decomposed root tissue, are not considered Organic Bodies. The presence of Organic
Bodies is a Hydric Soil Field Indicator in certain regions (see Section 6.6.2.15).
Stripped Matrix is a zone where iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxides and/or organic matter
have been stripped from the matrix and the primary base color of the soil material is exposed.
The stripped zone and the translocated oxides and organic matter form a contrasting pattern of
two or more colors with diffuse boundaries (USDA NRCS 2010). In many regions of the US, a
stripped matrix in a sandy soil is a Hydric Soil Field Indicator (see Section 6.6.2.15).
Organic Infillings are accumulations of organic material in pores, root channels, or soil cracks.
This can occur when dead roots decompose in a root channel, or when organic material from
the soil surface fills in an animal burrow.
6.6.2.14 Mottles (Non-Redoximorphic)
Mottles are areas or splotches of color in the soil that differ from the soil matrix color and are unrelated
to saturated or reducing conditions. They typically have a geologic origin, reflecting the soil parent
material (Figure 6-21 and Reference Card S-4, Side B).
If mottles are observed in the horizon, select the Mottles Present bubble on the Soil Data Form (S-l) to
indicate their presence in the horizon. If there are no mottles present in the horizon, the bubble should
be left blank.
Figure 6-21. Example of mottles in a soil profile. Photo by Ann
Rossi.
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6.6.2.15 Identification of Hydric Soil Field Indicators
The Hydric Soil Field Indicators were developed to identify and delineate hydric soils in the field without
the need for long term monitoring. The Indicators are based on soil morphological features that form as
a result of the soil being saturated and anaerobic for periods long enough and frequently enough to
meet the definition of a hydric soil. The Hydric Soil Field Indicators have been approved by the National
Technical Committee for Hydric Soils and the NRCS, and are described in Field Indicators of Hydric Soils
in the United States, Version 8.2 (USDA NRCS 2019). This manual (and errata, available online,
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/use/hydric/) will be used to determine if the soil
described in the Soil Plot is a hydric soil.
a. Hydric Soil Field Indicators are regionally specific. Field Indicators are designed for use in
specific USDA Land Resource Regions (LRR).
b. A map illustrating LRRs across the country and a list of Hydric Soil Field Indicators applicable
to each LRR are provided in the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version
8.2 (USDA NRCS 2018).
c. The LRR and Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) for each site can be found in the Site
Information Packet. The LRR will be pre-populated at the top of the Hydric Soil Field
Indicators section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
d. Reference cards have been provided for each LRR (Reference Cards S-6A - S-6U). These
reference cards list the Hydric Soil Field Indicators accepted for use in that specific LRR and
an abbreviated description of each indicator.
e. Hydric Soil Field Indicators are texture specific. Different indicators apply to different soil
textures (USDA NRCS 2010).
o The "All Soils" Indicators (A) are applicable to all soils, regardless of texture,
o The "Sandy Soils" Indicators (S) are used for soils with sand or sandy textures. For
NWCA, these are soils determined to have "Sandy" texture (see Section 6.6.2.7).
o The "Loamy and Clayey Soils" Indicators (F) are used for soils with finer textures. For
NWCA, these are soils determined to have "Loamy/Clayey" texture (see Section 6.6.2.7).
f. Hydric Soil Field Indicators names have two parts, an alpha-numeric code (e.g., A2, S7, F12,
etc.) where A, S, and F refer to the texture group and the number refers to a specific
indicator in that group, and a descriptive label (e.g., Histic Epipedon, Dark Surface, Iron-
Manganese Masses, etc.). The description of the Field Indicator gives the LRRs where the
Hydric Soil Field Indicator is approved for use and the morphologic characteristics required
to meet the Indicator.
g. The Field Indicators were designed to rapidly determine if a soil is hydric for the purposes of
wetland delineation. However, there are instances where a hydric soil does not meet a
Hydric Soil Field Indicator. For example, since the Field Indicators are primarily used for
determining wetland boundaries, sometimes hydric soils in the interior of a wetland do not
meet an indicator (USDA NRCS 2018). Additionally, some types of soils do not develop the
morphological features generally associated with wetness despite being hydric, potentially
due to parent material, landscape conditions, natural or anthropogenic disturbances, or
other factors (Hurt and Carlisle 2001).
After the Soil Profile Description has been completed, use the profile description and the Field
Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 8.2 (USDA NRCS 2018) to determine if the soil
meets a Hydric Soil Field Indicator.
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1) Determine which set of Field Indicators (A, S, and/or F) are appropriate for the soil, given the
LRR noted on the form and texture determinations made during the Soil Profile Description
(Section 6.6.2.7).
2) Evaluate the Soil Profile for all regionally and soil texture class appropriate Hydric Soil Field
Indicators, referring to the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 8.2 (USDA
NRCS 2018), Reference Card S-6, and the information on soil texture, color, and redoximorphic
features collected during the Soil Profile Description.
3) Record the presence of any and all Hydric Soil Field Indicators in the Hydric Soil Field Indicators
section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) by selecting the appropriate bubble(s).
4) If the soil does not meet a Hydric Soil Field Indicator, select the No Hydric Indicators Observed
bubble. If the crew can determine why a Field Indicator may not have been observed (e.g.,
interior wetland position with no appropriate Hydric Soil Field Indicator, or soil does not appear
to actually be a Hydric Soil), this should be noted in the comment bubble for this section of the
Soil Data Form (S-l).
5) If something unusual is observed (e.g., soil appears to be hydric but does not meet all of the
criteria of a Hydric Soil Field Indicator or it cannot accurately be determined if the soil meets all
the criteria of an indicator), note the depths or soil horizon number(s) and describe the anomaly
in the comment bubble for this section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
6.6.3 Review of Soil Profile Description and Designation of Horizon Names
Before collecting Soil Horizon Samples, review the Horizons section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) to ensure
that all necessary data has been collected. Complete the Soil Plot Sampling Information section of the
Soil Data Form (S-l).
1) If an NRCS Soil Scientist is at the site, they will assign horizon names, recording them in the
Horizon Name field of the Horizon section of the Soil Data Form (S-l). They will also review the
Soil Profile Description and verify Hydric Soil Field Indicators, making any changes or additional
comments as necessary. This will serve as a Quality Assurance check of the field activities of the
Soil Protocol.
a. In the Review of Soil Profile and Designation of Horizon Names field in the Soil Plot
Sampling Information section of the Soil Data Form (S-l),select the bubble indicating
that a review of the soil profile and designation of horizon names was conducted
"Onsite by NRCS Soil Scientist". Record the name(s) of the NRCS Soil Scientist(s) in the
space provided.
2) If the site is not being sampled in coordination with NRCS, the Quality Assurance checks will be
performed at a later time using the data collected on the Soil Data Form (S-l) and the Soil
Profile Photo. The NWCA Field Crew does not need to assign horizon names, and the Horizon
Name fields can be left blank.
a. If a member of the NWCA Field Crew is a certified professional soil scientist, they should
assign horizon names, using NRCS conventions described in Field Book for Describing
and Sampling Soils, Version 3.0 (Schoeneberger et al. 2012). Select the bubble indicating
that the horizon names were assigned "Onsite by a certified professional soil scientist".
Record the name of the soil scientist in the space provided.
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6.6.4 Collection of Soil Horizon Samples
Soil Horizon Samples are collected from the Soil Pit after the Soil Profile Face has been photographed
and described. Two types of soil samples will be collected, Horizon Bulk Density Samples and Horizon
Chemistry Samples.
6.6.4.1 Horizon Bulk Density Samples
Horizon Bulk Density samples are collected for the determination of soil bulk density, the mass per unit
volume of soil. This measurement is used to characterize physical aspects of the soil (e.g., porosity,
infiltration, and water holding capacity) and for the conversion of soil chemistry data (e.g.,
concentration as a percentage to a volume basis). A known volume of uncompacted soil is necessary for
determining bulk density. Horizon Bulk Density samples will be collected for all horizons greater than or
equal to 8 cm thick to a depth of 125 cm.
6.6.5 Preparation of Labels, Tags and Sample Collection Bags
For each horizon to be sampled, fill out the Soil Horizon Bulk Density (SHBD) Labels and Tags. Three sets
of labels and tags will be needed for each horizon greater than 8 cm thick from 0 to 125 cm. As you
collect samples, be sure to correctly match the tag and label for each sample. Each individual Soil
Horizon Bulk Density sample will be put in a separate, labeled, 8-mil thick plastic sample bag. These bags
are durable, and when properly folded and stapled retain the field state moisture content of the soil
sample. It is critical to sample integrity to make sure the seal is properly executed.
1) Soil Horizon Bulk Density (SHBD) Sample Label (Figure 6-22) - for each horizon to be sampled,
complete the adhesive sample labels with the Site ID, Visit #, Date, Horizon #, and Bulk Density
sample number (BD1, BD2, or BD3).
a. Visit #1 corresponds to the primary sampling visit; Visit #2 is the second sampling or
revisit.
b. The Horizon # should correspond to the row of data in the Horizons section of the Soil
Data Form (S-l). There should be a BD1, BD2, and BD3 sample for each sampled
horizon.
c. Affix the completed sample label to the outside of an 8-mil thick plastic soil sample bag.
Cover the entire label with clear tape to protect it from moisture and mud.
Figure 6-22. Soil Horizon Bulk Density sample label.
2) Soil Horizon Bulk Density Samples Tag (Figure 6-23) - for each horizon to be sampled, complete
the sample tags (printed on waterproof paper). Keep in mind that there should be three bulk
density samples for each horizon (BD1, BD2, and BD3). Note that a blank soil horizon sample tag
can be used for either chemistry or bulk density samples. The tags are printed with the same
data fields and crews will only need to fill out the portions of the tag that pertain to the specific
sample type.
SOIL HORIZON BULK DENSITY (SHBD)
Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / /20 Visit #: Ol 02
Horizon #:
T3
OBD1 OBD2 OBD3
990006
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a. Fill in the Site ID, Date, Visit #, Horizon #, and Horizon Depths. Make sure that all
information recorded matches the sample label and the Soil Data Form (S-l).
b. Fill in the bubble indicating Soil Horizon Bulk Density Sample, and record the Sample ID
and bulk density sample number (from sample label).
NWCA 2021: Soil Horizon Chemistry or Soil Horizon Bulk Density Samples Tag
Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / /20 Visit #:Ol02
Horizon #: Horizon Depth:
cm to cm
Indicate either Chemistry or ONE of the Bulk Density Samples below
O SOIL HORIZON CHEMISTRY (SHCH) Sample ID:
For horizon chemistry samples, rocks in the soil should be retained in the sample;
"o
however, If they must be removed, record the estimated volume of the sample they
comprised.
-Q
0)
% Sample Volume Comprised bv Removed Rock
Q.
E
ro
w
O SOIL HORIZON BULK DENSITY (SHBD) Sample ID:
0)
~o
c
OBulk Density #1
O Bulk Density #2 O Bulk Density #3
0)
For bulk density samples, indicate whether the standard corer was used OR a block of soil
was collected.
i/i
O Standard Core
O Block
For samples collected using
For blocks of soil, indicate the dimensions of the
the standard corer, indicate
block in cm and calculate and record the volume of
the length of the core
ce
the block (LxWxH) in cm 3.
collected (should be 10 cm
O
Length: cm
whenever possible).
Width: cm Volume:
Core Length: cm
Height: cm cm3
Figure 6-23. Soil Horizon Chemistry or Bulk Density sample tag.
3) Record the Water Chemistry Sample ID number from the label sheet in the Anchor ID/Water
Chem ID field of the Tracking Form in the App. Doing so will automatically populate the sample
IDs in the Sampling Information section at the bottom of the Soil Data Form (S-l). Verify the
Sample ID number from the Sample Label for the Soil Horizon Bulk Density Sample (SHBD)
agrees with the sample ID on the S-l Form.
4) Note anything unusual about the sample in the comment bubble. If no bulk density samples
could be collected from any horizon, fill in the bubble indicating a sample was not collected, and
state the reason in the comment bubble.
6.6.5.1.1 Sample Collection
Wherever possible (moist to dry soils), use the open-ended 3-inch steel soil corer provided in the base
kit to collect three cores for Horizon Bulk Density from each horizon greater than or equal to 8 cm thick
(Figure 6-24). Since soil bulk density can be highly variable, the three cores from each sampled horizon
will be analyzed separately and then averaged to estimate bulk density for the horizon.
Some soils or site conditions (e.g., high organic matter soils, inundation, or severe compaction when
using the corer) will require other techniques for collecting Horizon Bulk Density samples and some
alternative methods are suggested below. A local soil scientist may be able to provide advice regarding
problem soils in the area and sampling methods that would be most effective.
Core Method for Collecting Horizon Bulk Density Samples
1) Begin with the top horizon (at the soil surface, below vegetation and loose leaf litter or duff).
Clear away any vegetation or loose leaf litter, and smooth a planar horizontal area at the top of
the horizon. Choose an area that appears to be representative of the horizon being sampled,
a. If the first horizon is less than 8 cm thick, the Horizon Bulk Density sample will not be
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collected. Collect the Horizon Chemistry sample for the first horizon, and then continue
with the second horizon.
2) Place the three open-ended corers (sharpened edge downward) on the surface (top of the
horizon to be sampled). Leave some space between the corers so they can be extracted
individually. One at a time, push each corer into the smoothed area until the top of the corer is
flush with the soil surface.
a. It may be necessary to hammer the corer into the soil. Lay a board across the top of the
corer and tap lightly with a mallet or hammer until the line is flush with the soil surface.
b. If the horizon is less than 10 cm thick, carefully insert the corer into the soil until the
bottom of the corer reaches, but does not cross the lower boundary of the horizon.
Mark the outside of the corer to indicate the depth to which the core was inserted; use
this as the height measurement when determining sample volume.
3) Excavate the soil surrounding the corers. The soil that is dug out from around the corers can be
collected for the Horizon Chemistry sample (see Section 6.6.5.2). One at a time, dig out the
sampling corers plus a little of the surrounding soil.
4) Using a knife blade, cut off the excess soil so the sample material is flush with the bottom edge
of the corer. Be careful not to push additional soil into the corer during excavation. The sampled
soil core may appear to be thinner than the depth the corer was inserted due to compression,
do not add soil to fill the corer to the same height. This will add weight to the sample that is not
in proportion to the sample volume, skewing the measurement. Do not remove rock fragments
from the Horizon Bulk Density Sample.
5) Empty the contents of the corer into the previously labeled sample bag. Use the handle end of a
trowel or other tool that can act as a plunger to push the soil out of the cylinder into the sample
bag. Take care to make sure the entire soil sample is collected in the sample bag, scraping out
the inside of the cylinder if needed. The Horizon Bulk Density Sample does not need to remain
as an intact core in the sample bag.
6) Record the volume information on the sample tag.
a. Indicate whether the bulk density sample was collected with the NWCA supplied corer
("Standard Core") or by carving a uniform block ("Block") by filling in the appropriate
bubble on the sample tag.
b. If the Standard Core was used, record the Core Length. This should be 10.0 cm, unless
the horizon is less than 10.0 cm thick and a shorter core had to be sampled. For thinner
horizons, record the height measurement as the thickness of the horizon sampled (or
depth to which the core could be inserted).
c. If Horizon Bulk Density samples were collected by carving out blocks from the soil
horizon, record the length, width, and height of the block. Calculate and record the
volume of the block (Volume = Length x Width x Height).
7) Dig out the remaining two cores, placing each in its respective sample bag. Be sure to record the
appropriate dimensions for the sample collected on the corresponding tag.
8) Do not pour out any free water that has accumulated in the sample bag. Seal the bags attaching
the appropriate sample tags. Proper sealing of the bags will ensure that samples are not lost,
remain at field moist condition, and will comply with APHIS shipping regulations (Figure 6-5).
a. Take the top 5 cm (2 in) of the sample bag and make the first fold away from the side of
the bag on which the sample label is affixed. The sample label displays key tracking
information and must always be affixed to the front of the bag.
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b. Make a second fold, taking the top 2.5 cm (1 in) of the first fold and folding towards the
sample label on the front of the bag.
c. Insert the sample tag into the second fold with the tag information facing outward. Use
a heavy duty stapler and staple through the fold and tag.
d. Staple the left and right sides of the double fold to ensure the bag is completely sealed
closed.
9) Mark that the Horizon Bulk Density Samples (BD1, BD2, and BD3) have been collected in the
Samples Collected row of the specific horizon section of the Soil Data Form (S-l). If a sample
cannot be collected from a horizon, use the comment bubble next to Samples Collected section
to explain why a sample wasn't collected at this horizon. If no Horizon Bulk Density Samples
were collected for the entire Soil Pit, mark the No Sample Collected box at the bottom of the Soil
Data Form (S-l) and use the adjacent comment bubble to provide a brief reason why none of
the bulk density samples were collected.
10) Collect (or finishing collecting) the Horizon Chemistry Sample (see Section 6.6.5.2) before
proceeding to the next horizon. Once both the Horizon Bulk Density and Horizon Chemistry
Samples have been collected for a given horizon, excavate the remaining soil material from that
horizon to form a shelf with the horizontal surface being the top of the next horizon. The
Horizon Bulk Density samples for the next (lower) horizon will be sampled using the same
method (Steps 2-8). Three Horizon Bulk Density Samples should be collected from every horizon
greater than or equal to 8 cm thick to a depth of 125 cm. Horizon Chemistry Samples will be
collected for every horizon, regardless of thickness.
11) Keep samples cool and out of the sun during the sampling day. Follow the protocols in Section
6.8 on sample tracking, shipping, and handling of samples.
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Figure 6-24. Demonstration of Horizon Bulk Density sampling using the 3-in diameter stainless steel corers
provided in the NWCA base kit. A) Smooth a planar horizontal area at the top of the horizon, then place the
three open-ended corers (sharpened edge downward) on the surface (top of the horizon to be sampled); B-D)
Push or gently hammer the core into the soil until the top of the corer is flush with the smooth surface; E) Dig
out the corer plus some of the surrounding soil; F) Using a knife blade, cut off the excess soil so the sample
material is flush with the bottom edge of the corer. Photos courtesy of Sarah Lehmann.
Techniques for Collecting Horizon Bulk Density Samples in Difficult Soils
Alternate methods for collecting Horizon Bulk Density Samples may be necessary in saturated, very dry,
or organic soils. Some suggestions and alternate methods are described below. The NRCS Soil Scientists
may also be able to provide advice on sampling methods for difficult soils. When collecting samples,
carefully follow the procedures for bagging and labelling the samples described above. Ensure that both
the sample tag and the sample label have been filled out completely for each sample. Be sure to record
the dimensions and volume of Horizon Bulk Density samples with non-cylindrical shapes (e.g., cubes,
rectangular blocks) on the sample tag.
Corer Cannot Be Inserted Into the Soil
Carve out cubes of soil with a known dimension (e.g., 5 cm on a side). Record the dimensions and
volume of the block on its corresponding sample tag.
Soils At or Below the Water Table
Excavate only to just above the depth of the water table. Sample all horizons above the water table.
Once the Horizon Bulk Density and Horizon Chemistry Samples are collected for all horizons above the
water table, begin excavation below the water table using the hand pump to pump the water out of the
hole. Try to get to the 125 cm depth by excavation. Excavate to the bottom of each horizon (one at a
time) and sample it before trying to get deeper.
Drier Soils
Hammer Soil Core Samplers consist of a slide and a drop hammer that is attached to a solid coring
device about 5 cm in diameter and of varying lengths (Figure 6-8G). Hammer corers are efficient for
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extracting bulk density samples in many soil conditions (excluding gravelly, loose organic, soupy, or
sandy soils); but this tool is heavy, so not ideal for routinely carrying into the field over long distances.
However, when soils are too dry for retrieving bulk density cores with the NWCA provided corer, a
hammer corer (if available) may work well. You will need to ensure that the soil cores extracted using
the hammered corer are not severely compacted. Check for compaction by comparing the length of the
soil core in the hammer corer with the depth of the void left by its removal. If the core length is more
than 10% less than the void length, another sampling approach should be selected. When using a
hammer corer, be sure to carefully follow the instructions for its operation. Be sure to record the
dimensions of the hammer corer on the sample tag.
Organic Soils
If the water table is below the soil surface, obtain the Horizon Bulk Density Samples for the non-
inundated upper layers from the side of the pit.
If the hydraulic conductivity is slow enough below the water table, dig and remove slabs of soil (as
directed in Section 6.6.1.2) as deep as practical and place on a plastic sheet or sled in an orderly fashion
(i.e., in the in situ order from the surface). Horizon Bulk Density Samples can be removed from the soil
slabs using the NWCA provided soil corer. Cubes of known dimensions (e.g., 5 cm on a side) can be taken
from the soil slabs as well. Be sure to record the dimensions of the block collected on the sample tag.
Organic soil samples from below the water table can also be collected using the King Soil Extractor
technique (see Section 6.6.1.2). Use a sharp knife to slice through the bottom of the horizon being
sampled and then cut bulk density samples out of the middle of the horizon. It may be necessary to use
two or three extractor tubes to obtain enough material for all samples.
6.6.5.2 Horizon Chemistry Samples
Horizon Chemistry Samples will be analyzed for chemical composition (this includes carbon, nutrients,
and heavy metals) and particle size. Horizon Chemistry data from the Soil Profile can be used to indicate
potential stressors, such as contaminants or nutrient imbalances, document processes such as carbon
storage, and characterize the health and condition of the soil, and therefore, its ability to perform
ecosystem functions. The properties analyzed will change between the horizons within a profile, and
comparisons among the horizons can sometimes indicate stressors such as sedimentation, changes in
hydrology, or processes occurring in the soil. A Horizon Chemistry Sample will be collected for every
horizon, regardless of thickness, to 125 cm depth. In some cases, this may require collecting soil from
over a wider area laterally to have sufficient sample. Keep in mind that horizon boundaries are not
always uniform or level across the distance of the Soil Pit.
6.6.5.2.1 Preparation of Labels, Tags, and Sample Collection Bags
For each horizon to be sampled, fill out the Soil Horizon Chemistry (SHCH) Label and Soil Horizon
Chemistry Samples Tag. One set of labels and tags will be needed for each horizon from 0 to 125 cm. As
you collect samples, be sure to correctly match the tag and label for each sample. Each Horizon
Chemistry sample will be put in a separate, labeled, 8-mil thick plastic sample bag. These bags are
durable, and when properly folded and stapled retain the field state moisture content of the soil sample.
It is critical to sample integrity to make sure the seal is properly executed.
1) Soil Horizon Chemistry (SHCH) Sample Label (Figure 6-25) -for each horizon to be sampled,
complete the adhesive sample label (see example below) with the Site ID, Visit #, Date, and
Horizon #.
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a. Visit #1 corresponds to the primary sampling visit; Visit #2 is the second sampling or
revisit.
b. The Horizon # should correspond to the row of data in the Horizons section of the Soil
Data Form (S-l).
c. Affix the completed sample label to the outside of an 8-mil thick plastic soil sample bag.
Cover the entire label with clear tape to protect it from moisture and mud.
SOIL HORIZON CHEMISTRY (SHCH)
Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / /20 Visit #:0l02
Horizon #:
T3 990005
Figure 6-25. Soil Horizon Chemistry sample label.
2) Soil Horizon Chemistry Samples Tag (Figure 6-26) - for each horizon, complete the sample tag
(printed on waterproof paper).
a. Fill in the Site ID, Date, Visit #, Horizon #, and Horizon Depths. Make sure that all
information recorded matches the sample label and the Soil Data Form (S-l).
b. Fill in the bubble indicating Soil Horizon Chemistry (SHCH), and record the Sample ID
(from sample label).
NWCA 2021: Soil Horizon Chemistry or Soil Horizon Bulk Density Samples Tag
Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / /20 Visit #:0102
Horizon #: Horizon Depth:
cm to cm
Indicate either Chemistry or ONE of the Bulk Density Samples below
O SOIL HORIZON CHEMISTRY (SHCH) Sample ID:
For horizon chemistry samples,
rocks in the soil should be retained in the sample;
O
however, if they must be removed, record the estimated volume of the sample they
do
comprised.
-Q
Qi
% Sample Volume Comprised by Removed Rock
Q.
E
m
i/)
O SOIL HORIZON BULK DENSITY (SHBD) Sample ID:
0)
-a
c
OBulk Density #1
O Bulk Density #2 O Bulk Density #3
0)
For bulk density samples, indicate whether the standard corer was used OR a block of soil
was collected.
O Standard Core
O Block
For samples collected using
For blocks of soil, indicate the dimensions of the
the standard corer, indicate
block in cm and calculate and record the volume of
the length of the core
CE
the block (LxWxH) in cm 3.
collected (should be 10 cm
o
Length: cm
whenever possible).
Width: cm Volume:
Core Length: cm
Height: cm cm3
Figure 6-26. Soil Horizon Chemistry or Bulk Density sample tag.
3) Record the Water Chemistry Sample ID number from the label sheet in the Anchor ID/Water
Chem ID field of the Tracking Form in the App. Doing so will automatically populate the sample
IDs in the Sampling Information section at the bottom of the Soil Data Form (S-l). Verify the
Sample ID number from the Sample Label for the Soil Horizon Chemistry Sample (SHCH) agrees
with the sample ID on the S-l Form.
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4) Note anything unusual about the sample in the comment bubble. If no soil chemistry samples
could be collected from any horizon, fill in the bubble indicating a sample was not collected, and
state the reason in the comment bubble.
6.6.5.2.2 Sample Collection
Collection of the Horizon Soil Chemistry sample can begin during the collection of Horizon Bulk Density
samples as the soil is excavated to expose the corers (e.g., Figure 6-27). Once the Horizon Bulk Density
samples have been collected for a horizon, finish collecting the Horizon Soil Chemistry sample from the
same horizon. To be truly representative, the sample must represent the entire horizon. Ensure that
you collect sample from the entire horizon, from the upper boundary to the lower boundary.
1) Slice or otherwise extract a representative sample from the upper boundary to the lower
boundary of the horizon and from a lateral extent large enough to include the observed short-
range variability within the horizon being sampled.
Use a small trowel, shovel, or the auger to extract a clean sample from the horizon of
interest. This may require cleaning out debris from other soil layers that has fallen into
the pit while sampling overlying horizons.
A Macaulay Peat Sampler or the Tube Extractor Method (King Soil Extractor) may be
used to sample organic soil horizons below the water table (see Section 6.6.1.2).
If the Profile Description was made outside of the Soil Pit, soil samples can be collected
from the soil slabs or auger sections (see Section 6.6.1.1, Step 5).
2) Collect the Horizon Chemistry Sample in the previously labeled sample bag. Be sure that the
label contains the appropriate information for the horizon being sampled.
3) Be sure to collect sufficient sample for laboratory analysis. Laboratory analyses are based on the
dry weight of the soil, so the volume of sample needed will be dependent upon the bulk density
and moisture content of the soil. For example, organic soils have a low bulk density so more
sample will be needed than mineral soils. Additionally, soils that contain a lot of water (such as
organic or saturated soils) will feel heavy, but when dried may not have sufficient sample for all
of the analyses. It is critical that a sufficient volume of sample is collected so that the complete
suite of laboratory analyses can be performed.
a. For mineral soils with no rock fragments (larger than 2 mm diameter), 1.0 to 1.5 L of soil
are needed for analysis. This is approximately a third to half of the sample bag.
b. For mineral soils containing rock fragments, a larger volume of soil is needed. Collect
enough soil that 1.0 to 1.5 L of soil will remain after the rocks are removed at the lab.
For example, if the soil is 50% rocks, twice as much soil sample will be needed, 2.0 to 3.0
L (i.e., the entire sample bag). The proportion of rock fragments will be measured in the
laboratory and removed prior to analyses.
i. If there are large rock fragments that are too big to be placed in the sample bag,
estimate their total volume and remove them from the sample.
ii. Record the volume of rocks removed in the % Sample Comprised of Removed
Rock field of the Sample Tag. This is critical information for calculating percent
rock fragments during laboratory analysis.
c. For organic soils, collect at least 2.0 L of sample. Organic soils can contain a large
amount of water. If the horizon is saturated, additional sample may be needed to have
enough dried sample to complete the laboratory analyses. Completely fill the sample
bag, saving just enough space so that the bag can be completely closed.
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4) Once the Horizon Chemistry Sample has been collected, seal the bag, attaching the appropriate
sample tag. Proper sealing of bags will ensure that samples are not lost, remain at field moist
condition, and will comply with APHIS shipping regulations (Figure 6-5).
a. Pour out any free water that has accumulated in the sample bag.
b. Take the top 5 cm (2 in) of the sample bag and make the first fold away from the side of
the bag on which the sample tag is to be affixed. The sample tag displays key tracking
information and must always be affixed to the front of the bag.
c. Make a second fold, taking the top 2.5 cm (1 in) of the first fold and folding backwards
towards the sample tag on the front of the bag.
d. Insert the sample tag into the second fold with the label information facing outward.
Use a heavy duty stapler and staple through the fold and tag.
e. Staple the left and right sides of the double fold to ensure the bag is completely sealed
closed.
5) Mark that the Soil Horizon Chemistry Sample (SCHC) have been collected in the Samples
Collected row of the specific horizon section of the Soil Data Form (S-l). A Horizon Chemistry
Sample should be collected from every horizon to a depth of 125 cm. Make every effort to
collect a Horizon Chemistry Sample from each horizon. If soil conditions prohibit collection of
the chemistry sample in a horizon, use the comment bubble next to Samples Collected section to
explain why a chemistry sample wasn't collected at this horizon. If no Soil Horizon Chemistry
Samples were collected for the entire Soil Pit, mark the No Sample Collected box at the bottom
of the Soil Data Form (S-l) and use the adjacent comment bubble to provide a brief reason why
none of the soil chemistry samples were collected.
6) Once both the Horizon Bulk Density Samples and the Horizon Chemistry Sample have been
collected for the horizon, excavate the remaining soil material from the horizon to begin
collection of the Horizon Bulk Density Sample of the next (lower) horizon.
7) Keep samples cool and out of the sun during the sampling day. Follow the protocols in Section
6.8 on sample tracking, shipping, and handling of samples.
Figure 6-27. Collection of Soil Horizon Chemistry sample. Horizon Chemistry
samples can be collected as Horizon Bulk Density Sample cores are extracted.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Lehmann.
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6.6.6 Water Depth in Soil Pit after Equilibration
1) After all soil sampling tasks have been completed, measure the water table depth (Figure 6-28
and Reference Card S-5). If necessary, allow the water table to equilibrate while completing
other sampling tasks at the site.
2) If there is surface water present, measure the height of the water above the soil surface. Record
this as the depth in the Depth to Water Table section of the Soil Data Form (S-l) by indicating
that the value is positive. For example, if the surface water is 5 cm above the soil surface, record
"+ 5" in the field for Water level from soil surface (see Figure 6-28) by selecting the "+" bubble
and typing "5" into the field provided.
Surface Water
Water level is 5 cm above the
soil surface.
Record Water Level as +5 cm
10-
Evidence of Saturation in Soil
Pit - Water Seepage
Water seepage starts 4 cm
below the soil surface.
Record Water Level as -4 cm
0 -
ฆ5 H
10-
Standing Water in Soil Pit
Water level is 6 cm below the
soil surface.
Record Water Level as -6 cm
Figure 6-28. Measuring Water Table Depth at the Soil Pit.
3) in the absence of surface water, determine the depth of saturation in the Soil Pit (see Figure
6-29 and Reference Card S-5). Saturation is indicated by:
Pit surfaces with a sheen of moisture or appear to be glistening;
Water seepage from the pit walls. This includes water running down the Soil Profile
Face, along ped faces, or oozing from macropores; or
Standing water in the Soil Pit.
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Figure 6-29. Evidence of soil saturation, (A) Pit surface with sheen of moisture. Photo by Ann Rossi. (B) Water
seepage. Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS. (C) Standing water in soil pit. Photo by Ann Rossi.
4) Use a tape measure or meter stick to measure from the soil surface to the depth of saturation.
Record the depth in the Water level from soil surface field in the Depth to Water Table section
of the Soil Data Form (S-l), indicating that the value is negative. For example, if evidence of
saturation is observed 25 cm below the soil surface, record "-25" in the field for Water level
from soil surface by selecting the bubble and typing "25" into the field provided.
5) A water table at the soil surface should be recorded as "0" (Figure 6-29) by selecting the "0"
bubble for Water level from soil surface.
6) Fill in the appropriate bubble to indicate if water level measurement is based on:
a. the presence of FULLY EQUILIBRATED standing water in the Soil Pit (or water level is at or
above the soil surface); or
b. based on evidence of soil saturation (standing water is absent from the pit or, if present, is
deeper than the depth of soil saturation indicating the water level has not yet equilibrated).
Evidence of this includes glistening pit faces, water running down the side of pit, etc.
7) If there is no evidence of saturation within 125 cm of the soil surface, fill in the bubble indicating
"No surface water, standing water in Soil Pit, or evidence of saturation within 125 cm of the soil
surface" in the Depth to Water Table section of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
6.6.7 Backfilling the Soil Pit
The Soil Pit can be backfilled once all Soil Pit activities are complete.
1) Double Check that all data and samples have been collected:
a. Soil Profile Description - completed to a depth of 125 cm, and ensure all morphological
characteristics and data have been recorded on the Soil Data Form (S-l) (if needed).
b. Soil Profile Face has been photographed and if applicable, a NRCS soil scientist has
verified horizon boundaries, profile description, and horizon names.
c. Soil Horizon Bulk Density samples have been collected for every horizon at least 8 cm
thick to a depth of 125 cm. Three cores should be collected for each horizon and placed
in three separate bags. Samples should be appropriately labeled, including sample core
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dimensions.
d. Soil Horizon Chemistry samples have been collected for every horizon to a depth of 125
cm. Samples should be labelled and stored properly.
2) Remove any markers used to identify horizon boundaries.
3) Return the excavated soil to the Soil Pit, trying as much as possible to return soil in the same
order as occurring in the profile (e.g., bottom horizons should be returned to the Soil Pit first,
upper horizons should be returned last). The tarp can be used to assist in moving the soil
towards the Pit and ensuring that all excavated soil is returned to the Pit.
4) Once the Soil Pit is filled, replace the vegetation cap (this was removed and set aside at the
beginning of Soil Pit excavation). Tamp down the vegetation cap down into the soil to give it a
chance to re-root and enhance its likelihood of survival.
6.7 Soil Tool Decontamination and Maintenance
1) While still at the site, clean soil sampling tools as thoroughly as possible at the end of the
sampling day to remove excess soil and any alien species propagules. See Section 2.8, for details
on procedures for preventing inadvertent transport of taxa from the site.
2) Once back at the lodging location, office, or other convenient site, carefully and thoroughly
clean all soils equipment. Keep all threads for connecting joints of tools well-oiled or lubricated.
This is imperative to keep tools in good working order.
3) If tools are exposed to contaminants, use the appropriate state approved safety protocols for
cleaning them.
6.8 Sample and Data Handling
There are two components to soil sample handling. One is completed before leaving the site and the
other at the field lodging site or office.
6.8.1 At the Site
1) During the sampling day, keep all soil samples as cool as possible:
a. Keep the Standardized Depth Soil Cores, Horizon Bulk Density, and Horizon Chemistry
Samples out of direct sun, and if possible, in the shade.
b. Keep the Soil Isotope Samples, out of direct sun, in the shade and on ice whenever
possible.
2) Before leaving the site at the end of the sample day, double check that all samples
(Standardized Depth Soil Cores, Soil Isotope, Horizon Bulk Density, and Horizon Chemistry) have
been collected and that label and tag information is accurate and legible.
3) Ensure all identification information for each sample corresponds exactly on all sample tags,
sample labels, and the Sampling Information section at the bottom of the Soil Data Form (S-l).
4) On the Tracking Form in the App (Chapter 2), verify the number of collected items for SISO (Soil
Isotopes Sample), SHBD (Soil Horizon Bulk Density Sample), and SHCH (Soil Horizon Chemistry
Sample). The field for the number of items for each sample type will automatically tally the
number of SHBD and SHCH bubbles selected on Form S-l. If no samples are collected for a given
soil sample type, the Tracking Form will reflect a 0 for number of items collected. In this case,
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the "No Sample Collected" box should be checked on the S-l Form and a reason provided in the
adjacent comment field.
For a given site, total samples collected should be:
6.8.2 At Field Lodging or Office
See Section 2.8.2 for an overview of sample shipping and 8.7Appendix A for detailed protocols on
packing, tracking, and shipping soil samples and shipping addresses.
6.8.2.1 Soil Isotope Samples - Daily Shipped Samples
The Soil Isotope samples for each site will be sent to the Batch Lab within 24 hours of collection in a
cooler with the microcystin sample. These samples will be shipped on wet ice and will be subsequently
frozen and sent to the processing labs in batches.
1) Confirm that the label affixed to each sample has the correct Site ID, is complete, and is covered
with clear tape.
2) Ensure that as much air as possible has been removed from the sample bag and that it is
completely sealed. Each individual Soil Isotope sample bag should be placed in another,
separate, quart-sized self-sealing plastic bag, making sure the bag is sealed to protect the
sample from moisture in the cooler.
3) The samples will be shipped in a small cooler with wet ice. Line the cooler with the provided
heavy duty liner bag and place the Soil Isotope and Microcystin sample and ice inside the liner
bag. Seal the cooler liner with the provided zip-tie.
4) Fill out the T-2: Daily Chilled Shipment section of the Tracking Form in the App and a T-2 packing
slip (Figure 6-30) for each site.
Ensure that the Site ID number, the visit number, date collected, and sample IDs are
listed on the packing slip and that this information corresponds exactly to the
information on the label for the Soil Isotopes Sample.
Enter the shipping details (lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender's name, and
sender's phone number) into the Tracking Form in the app.
SDSC = 1
SISO = 1
SHCH = 1 X number of horizons from 0 to 125 cm
SHBD = 3 X number of horizons greater than or equal to 8-cm thick from 0 to 125 cm.
T2r NWC21 Daily Chilled Tracking
Sit. ID: NWC21-
MiiifcG 1 02
I J
90000.'
990003
Figure 8-30. Example T-2 {Daily Chilled Tracking) Packing Slip
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5) Place the packing slip (along with the provided APHIS soil shipping permit) into the provided zip-
top bag and on top of the sealed cooler liner.
6) Affix a T-2 shipping label to the top of the (see Appendix A). Close and seal the cooler lid with
tape.
7) Submit the soil data and tracking form via the App. See Chapter 2 for details on submitting data
and tracking forms to the Information Management Team. Remember that data can be updated
at any time by amending the App forms and re-submitting them, so crews are encouraged to
submit data as soon as possible after leaving the field to avoid potential data loss from a lost or
damaged iPad.
8) Deliver the package of samples to the shipping company and retain all receipts and records of
shipping.
6.8.2.2 Standardized Depth Soil Core, Soil Horizon Bulk Density, and Soil Horizon Chemistry Samples -
Batch Shipped Samples
The Standardized Depth Soil Cores, Soil Horizon Bulk Density, and Soil Horizon Chemistry Samples will be
sent to the UDSA-NRCS Lab in Lincoln, Nebraska. These samples may be stored and shipped in batches
every one to two weeks. Due to the weight of the soil samples, only one site's worth of soil samples
should be shipped in each cooler.
1) For each sample, confirm the Sample Label with the Sample ID is complete, legible, affixed
to the front of the sample bag, and covered with clear plastic tape.
2) For each sample, confirm the Sample Tag is complete and legible. Check that the sample bag
has been properly sealed with the Sample Tag stapled in fold sealing the bag.
3) The samples will be shipped in large cooler. Due to the weight of the soil samples, only one
site's worth of soil samples should be shipped in each cooler.
4) Line the cooler with the provided heavy duty liner bag and place the Standardized Depth Soil
Cores, Horizon Bulk Density, and Horizon Chemistry Samples inside the liner bag. Seal the
cooler liner with the provided zip-tie.
5) Fill out the T-3: Soil Chemistry and Bulk Density Shipment section of the Tracking Form in
the App and a T-3 packing slip (Figure 6-31) for each site.
On the T-3 packing slip, list horizon numbers for all samples that are being shipped and
fill in the SHCH and/or BD1/2/3 bubbles that indicate the samples for each horizon.
Ensure that the Site ID number, the visit number, date collected, and sample IDs are
listed on the packing slip and that this information corresponds exactly to the
information on the sample label and tag for each sample.
Enter the shipping details (lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender's name, and
sender's phone number) into the tracking form in the app.
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T3: NWC21 Soil Chemistry & Bulk Density Sample Tracking ฆ
Site ID: NWC21 - *^ieSr 'Op,' lOOOS Visit#: ป102
Date Collected: Q 1 Z- 7 1 & Z- I PaฎB 1 of L
Crew: Fill in horiion numbers and
mark bubbles for each type of sample
included in the shipment
SDSC Sample ID
990004
Lab Staff; Please use this section below to notate any comments
about the state of each sample upon arrival Record this information
in the lab comment section of your check in file. These comments
will be added to the database.
SHCH Sample ID
990005
SHBD Sample ID
990006
Horizon #: O BD1
S $ SHCH O BD2
O 8D3
Horizon# Q BD1
7 9 SHCH ฎ BDZ
ฎ BD3
Horizon #: BD1
X O SHCH t> BD2
9 8D3
Horizon # o BD1
l\ 9 SHCH o BD2
O BD3
Horizon #: ,p
9 SHCH 9 BD2
9 BD3
Horizon #: q bd1
O SHCH O BD2
O BD3
Horizon #: q bd1
rI euru r\ an,
Figure 6-31. Example T-3 (Soil Chemistry and Bulk Density Tracking) Packing Slip
6) Place the packing slip into the sleeve on the inside of the cooler lid.
7) Affix a T-3 shipping label to a handle tag and affix the handle tag to the handle of the cooler
using one of the provided zip-ties (see 8.7Appendix A).
8) Once you are certain that all samples and the completed packing slip are included in the
cooler, carefully seal the cooler.
9) Submit the soil data and tracking form via the App. See Chapter 2 for details on submitting
data and tracking forms to the Information Management Team. Remember that data can be
updated at any time by amending the App forms and re-submitting them, so crews are
encouraged to submit data as soon as possible after leaving the field to avoid potential data
loss from a lost or damaged iPad.
When the soil lab processes these samples, they will need to review the soil profile data collected in
the field, therefore finalize and submit soil data as soon as possible after sampling a site and
shipping soil samples.
Deliver the package of soil samples to the shipping company and retain all receipts and records of
shipping.
6.8.2.3 Soil Data Forms, Tracking Forms, and Shipping Records
At the end of the sampling day, after you have reviewed the soil data forms, submit the forms using the
N WCA App. It is recommended to submit all the data forms as soon as possible, even if they have not
been fully reviewed yet. This stores a record of all the current data in the IM Database which can be
retrieved in the event of iPad failure, damage, or loss. Updates can be made to the forms at any time
and re-submitted to update the IM database accordingly. See Chapter 2 for protocols on submitting the
completed data via the App and 8.7Appendix D for transmitting the photos of the soil profile that were
taken.
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6.9 Supplementary Material
6.9.1 List of Soil Resources to be used in the Field
Munsell Color X-Rite. 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts. Munsell Color Corporation. Grand Rapids, Ml.
Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field Book for Describing
and Sampling Soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center,
Lincoln, Nebraska. Available online:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcsl42p2 054184
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Field Indicators
of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 8.2. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and J.F. Berkowitz (eds.). USDA,
NRCS, in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils. Available online:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/use/?cid=nrcsl42p2 053957.
6.9.2 Other Useful Soil Resources
Vepraskas, M.J. and C.B. Craft (eds.). 2015. Wetland Soils: Genesis, Hydrology, Landscapes, and
Classification. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. Boca Raton, FL. p. 165-271.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Website:
http://soils.usda.gov/
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2009. Regional Supplements to Corps Delineation
Manuals. Website:
http://www.usace.armv.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatorvProgramandPermits/reg supp.aspx
Regional NRCS offices and soil scientists; any additional references recommended by regional soil
scientists.
6.9.3 Glossary of Soil Terminology
Boundary Distinctness - Describes the vertical transition or change in soil properties from one horizon
to the next.
Bulk Density - The mass of dry soil per unit bulk volume. The value is expressed as grams per cubic
centimeter (g cm"3) or megagrams per cubic meter (Mg m~3).
Chroma - One of the three variables of soil color in the Munsell Color System. Describes the relative
purity, strength, or saturation of a color.
Clay - Mineral particle, less than 0.002 mm in diameter. Usually clay particles feel sticky when rubbed
between the fingers.
Clod - A compact, coherent mass of soil, generally not a naturally formed structural unit, such as a ped.
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Consistence - Describes the degree of cohesion and adhesion of soil particles, or the resistance to
deformation or rupture.
Depleted Matrix - A soil matrix with high value and low chroma colors due to the reduction and
translocation of iron and manganese. When determining if a soil meets a Hydric Soil Field Indicator the
following combinations identify a depleted matrix:
Matrix value >5 and chroma <1, with or without redox concentrations occurring as soft masses
or pore linings; or
Matrix value >6 and chroma <2, with or without redox concentrations occurring as soft masses
or pore linings; or
Matrix value of 4 or 5 and chroma of 2, and 2% or more distinct or prominent redox
concentrations occurring as soft masses or pore linings; or
Matrix value of 4 and chroma of 1, and 2% or more distinct or prominent redox concentrations
occurring as soft masses or pore linings.
Gleyed - Describes soil colors with bluish or greenish hues, forms as a result of prolonged soil saturation
and reducing conditions. When determining if a soil meets a Hydric Soil Field Indicator the following
combinations identify a gleyed matrix:
Matrix hue of 10Y, 5GY, 10GY, 10G, 5BG, 10BG, 5B, 10B, or 5PB, with value >4 and chroma <1; or
Matrix hue of 5G, with value >4 and chroma of 1 or 2; or
Matrix hue of N, with value >4.
Horizon - Horizontal layer of soil that differs from adjacent layers in physical, chemical, or biological
properties or characteristics.
Hue - One of the three variables in the Munsell Color system. Describes chromatic composition of the
color or the amount of red, yellow, green, blue, or purple.
Hydric Soil - A soil that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during
the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (Federal Register 1994).
Loamy/Clayey - Textural group used by NWCA to describe all mineral soils with textures of sandy loam
or finer (loam, clay loam, sandy loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay, silt, silt loam, silty clay loam, silty clay,
and clay).
Matrix Color - The dominant soil color of a horizon. When three or more colors occur within a horizon,
the matrix color may represent less than 50% of the total area.
Mineral Soil Material - Soil materials consisting predominantly of mineral matter. Physical, chemical,
and biological properties of the soil are influenced predominantly by the mineral matter (generally
contain less than 12 to 18% organic carbon)
Munsell Color System - A color designation system that specifies the relative degrees of the three color
variables, hue, value, and chroma. For example, 10YR 4/2 is a soil color which hue = 10YR, value = 4, and
chroma = 2.
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Mottles - Spots or blotches of color that differ from the dominant matrix color, not related to soil
wetness.
Muck - Highly decomposed organic soil material. Original plant parts are not recognizable.
Mucky Mineral - A modified textural class describing a mineral soil with an organic matter content
between organic and mineral soil materials. Organic carbon content is between 5 and 18%, depending
on clay content.
Mucky Peat - Moderately decomposed organic soil material. A portion of the original plant parts are
recognizable, but an equally large proportion is not.
Organic Bodies - Aggregates of organic material with mucky or mucky mineral textures. They typically
occur at the tips of roots and are commonly 1 to 3 cm in diameter.
Organic Infilling - accumulations of organic material in pores, root channels, or soil cracks.
Organic Soil Material - Soil materials with greater than 12 to 18% organic carbon, depending on clay
content. The high organic matter content dominates the physical, chemical, and biological processes of
the soil.
Peat - Minimally decomposed organic soil material. Plant and root fibers are generally still visible.
Ped - A unit of soil structure such as a block, column, granule, plate, or prism, formed by natural
processes (in contrast to a clod, which is usually formed artificially).
Redoximorphic Concentrations - Localized zones of accumulation of iron and/or manganese oxides.
Generally are redder in hue and have brighter (higher) chromas than the surrounding soil matrix.
Redoximorphic Depletions - Localized zones of low chroma color where iron and/or manganese oxides
have been reduced, solubilized, and leached from the soil.
Redoximorphic Features - Morphological features indicating the chemical reduction and oxidation of
iron and manganese compounds resulting from saturated soil conditions. Includes redoximorphic
concentrations, redoximorphic depletions, and reduced matrices.
Reduced Matrix - A soil matrix that has a low chroma in situ, but undergoes a change in hue or chroma
within 30 minutes of exposure to air due to the oxidation of iron.
Rock Fragments (Coarse Fragments) - Unattached pieces of rock greater than 2 mm in diameter that
are strongly cemented or more resistant to rupture.
Sand - Mineral particle, 0.10 to 2.0 mm in diameter. Generally feels gritty when rubbed between the
fingers.
Sandy - Soil texture group consisting of sand and loamy sand textures.
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Silt - Mineral particle, 0.05 to 0.10 mm in diameter. Generally has a smooth, non-sticky feel when
rubbed between the fingers.
Soil Profile - A vertical section of the soil through all its horizons, starting at the soil surface and
extending to the unweathered parent material.
Soil Texture - The relative proportions of soil separates (sand, silt, and clay) in a soil by weight.
Organized into 12 different classes for mineral soils. For the purposes of NWCA, soil texture of mineral
soils will be described by 2 classes, sandy and loamy/clayey.
Stripped Matrix - Zone or layer of soil with a contrasting pattern of two or more colors that forms as
iron/manganese oxides and/or organic matter are translocated under saturated and reducing
conditions.
Structure - The arrangement of primary soil particles (e.g., sand, silt, and clay) into secondary units or
peds. Secondary units are described and classified based on their shape, size, and degree of distinctness.
Sulfidic Soil Materials - Soil materials that contain oxidizable sulfur compounds. Most commonly these
are sulfide minerals, such as pyrite or iron monosulfides, but can also include elemental sulfur.
Value - One of the three variables in the Munsell Color System. Describes the degree of lightness or
darkness of a color.
6.10 Soil Reference Card List
Reference Card S-l, Side A: NWCA 2021 Soil Protocol Tasks, Identifying Soil Plot Location
Reference Card S-l, Side B-D: NWCA 2021 Soil Protocol Tasks, Sampling the Soil Plot
Reference Card S-2, Side A: Delineating Horizon Boundaries
Reference Card S-2, Side B: Soil Structure, Consistence, and Estimating Surface Cover
Reference Card S-3, Side A: Soil Texture
Reference Card S-3, Side B: Soil Color
Reference Card S-4, Side A: Soil Redoximorphic Features
Reference Card S-4, Side B: Soil Organic Features, Masked Sand Grains, and Mottles
Reference Card S-5: Measuring Water Table Depth
Reference Card S-6 (A-U): Hydric Soil Field Indicators (grouped by Land Resource Region)
The Soil Reference Cards are compiled (with all other NWCA 2021 Reference Cards) in the Quick
Reference Guide.
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6.11 Equipment, Data Forms, and Sample Label Lists
SOIL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY CHECKLIST
Protocols, forms, checklists, supplies
Reference Cards S-l through S-6
NWCA 2021 Soil Data Form (S-l) in the NWCA App
NWCA 2021 Tracking Form
Soil tags and labels
Site packet including a copy of the NRCS soil map and soil survey information for the site
Covered clipboard with storage for completed forms, for the AB Team
Waterproof field notebook, pencils, mechanical pencils and lead, waterproof pens or markers
Clear packing tape to place over labels
Permanent marker (Fine-tip for labels)
Field guides that must be carried in the field
For color determinations: Munsell Color X-Rite. 2009. Munsell Soil Color Charts. Munsell Color
Corporation. Grand Rapids, Ml.
For Hydric Soil Field Indicator determinations: United States Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service. 2018. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version
8.2. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and J.F. Berkowitz (eds.). USDA, NRCS in cooperation with the
National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils. Available online (with errata):
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/use/?cid=nrcsl42p2 053957.
Supporting reference for making soil profile descriptions (to keep in vehicle or carry in field):
Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field Book for
Describing and Sampling Soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil
Survey Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. Available online:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ref/?cid=nrcsl42p2 054184
Sampling supplies and tools (Note: Other soil tools may be available to borrow from local NRCS offices)
Tote, pack, or field vest to carry tools and small equipment
Soil pit excavation tools:
(Note: The most efficient or effective excavation tools will vary with site conditions. Consult soil survey
maps and local NRCS Soil Scientists prior to sampling to determine the tools most appropriate to carry in
the field for a specific site)
Tiling or sharpshooter style shovel
Bucket auger with interchangeable extension handles and appropriate bucket(s) for anticipated
soil conditions (regular, mud, sand, dutch, etc.); a ratchet handle crossbar may also be helpful
King tube soil extractor (for saturated/inundated conditions, particularly sandy soils)
Root pruners (or other cutting tools for roots)
Metal flashing 30 cm (12 in) tall for supporting/sealing earthen coffer dam (for inundated soils)
Small scoop or bucket for bailing water from the soil pit
Hand water pump
Black plastic sheets (6-mil thick, approximately 4' by 5' each) to pile soil excavated from the soil
pit and for laying out soil slabs/cores
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Plastic snow sled for laying out soil slabs/cores or as a place to set tools and samples
(particularly useful in saturated/inundated soils)
Paper towels (for any clean up)
Soil profile description supplies
Small knife for shaving out soil slices to expose fresh surfaces, breaking out samples from the
profile face, or carving out bulk density samples in difficult soils (e.g., peat, or saturated soils
extracted with the King tube extractor method)
Golf tees (or similar item) for marking horizon boundaries
Metric tape measure (e.g. fiberglass seamstress measuring tape with lead weight, such as a
fishing weight, works well)
Spray bottle with water for moistening soil as needed
Small flashlight for viewing soils in the soil pit, particularly in shaded or poorly lit conditions
Folding ruler (with metric markings)
Standardized Depth Soil Cores, Horizon Chemistry, and Horizon Bulk Density sampling supplies
Plastic soil sample bags, 8-mil thick (Note: Soil sample bags will not be included in Site Kits. Field
crews must remember to bring sufficient bags to each field sampling visit and are responsible
for requesting additional sample bags as needed during the sampling season).
Standardized Depth Soil Core, Horizon Chemistry, and Horizon Bulk Density sample tags and
labels
Heavy-duty sample bag stapler and staples
Open-ended, sharpened steel cylinder corer, 7.62-cm inside diameter (3-in), marked to collect
10 cm thick samples
Tote, pack, and/or ice chest for storing and carrying samples
Soil Isotope sampling supplies
Zipper plastic bags, quart and gallon size
Soil Isotope Sample Labels
Syringe corer (2, one for use and one for back-up) or a stainless steel soil push probe
(approximately 7/8 in diameter)
Small soft-sided cooler to keep Soil Isotope samples cool (Chlorophyll-o samples will also be kept
in the ice chest)
Blue ice to fit soft sided cooler (or wet ice)
SOIL FORMS
NWCA 2021 Soil Data Form (S-l) in the NWCA App
NWCA 2021 Tracking Form
SOIL SAMPLE TAGS AND LABELS
Standard Depth Soil Core (SDSC) Sample Label
Standardized Soil Depth Core (SDSC) Sample Tag
Soil Isotope (SISO) Sample Label
Soil Horizon Chemistry (SHCH) Sample Label
Soil Horizon Bulk Density (SHBD) Sample Label
Soil Horizon Chemistry or Soil Horizon Bulk Density Sample Tag
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Chapter 7 Hydrology
7.1 Introduction
Hydrology is the major defining characteristic of wetland ecosystems, affecting both soil development
and vegetation composition, which in turn reflect ecological condition (Mitsch and Gosselink 2007). The
following protocol is designed to characterize the hydrologic characteristics of the site. The types of data
to be collected are:
water Sources; and
hydrology Indicators.
This chapter provides the procedures to collect hydrology data by the Assessment Area and Buffer (AB)
Team within the Assessment Area (AA). Prior to departure for the site, the AB Team will review
pertinent hydrology information concerning the site (e.g., sources of water, tide charts, aerial images
detailing surface water bodies, ditches, dams, etc.) and prepare the forms and equipment (Section 7.5)
needed for hydrology sampling. In locations under the influence of tides, stage of tide may affect access
to the site and may make portions of the AA unsampleable or unsafe, particularly if the area is
inundated by surface water 1 meter or more in depth. Refer to local tide tables and plan the visit so that
maximum time is available to sample the site.
Collecting hydrologic data for the NWCA involves a number of tasks. These include: recording the
weather on the day of sampling and for the previous week; documentation and ranking of hydrologic
characteristics including surface water connectivity to the buffer; and estimates of hydrologic
fluctuations based on evidence of seasonal water levels. Additionally, indicators of hydrology including
observation of current or recently saturated soils, and evidence of recent inundation will also be
assessed and recorded.
To avoid impairing data collection for Vegetation (Chapter 5), AB Team members will avoid stepping into
areas that might be delineated as Vegetation Plots, by waiting until the Plots are marked (or at least
their general area is known) before entering the AA. Assessment of hydrologic features occurring in
Vegetation Plots must be done from plot peripheries to avoid trampling vegetation in the plots. The AB
Team will survey the entire AA to identify, rank, and record Hydrology Indicator data. Physical
alterations, including but not limited to those associated with water addition/subtraction and flow
obstruction, will be evaluated in the AA and in the buffer zone surrounding the AA using the physical
alterations protocol (Chapter 4). Additional hydrologic information will be collected as part of the soil
(Chapter 6) and water chemistry (Chapter 8) protocols.
7.2 Sampling Procedures
Protocols for the NWCA hydrology sampling include:
1) identification and ranking of water sources;
2) Identification of indicators of hydrology.
Hydrology information is recorded on the AA Hydrology Form (H-l).
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7.2.1 Conditions at Assessment
Double check the header information on the top of the AA Hydrology Form (H-l). Ensure the site ID and
Visit number that you have chosen matches the site and visit being sampled. Fill in the time of hydrology
sampling by using the now button or by typing the time directly into the field using the correct format
(hh:mm). Indicate the: 1) tidal stage if applicable [Incoming, Outgoing, Slack (low- tide has dropped to its
lowest level), or Flood (high- tide has risen to its highest level)], 2) weather on the day of sampling and
for the previous week, and 3) presence of outflows (and describe in the comment field provided if
outflows are present).
7.2.2 Water Sources
Water sources and outflows provide an indication of the seasonality and hydrography of the wetland.
Sources of water input may include surface water (e.g., direct rainfall, stream inlets, sheet flow,
flooding, etc.) and groundwater. In estuarine environments, tidal surge or tidal channels may be a
significant source of water inundation within the AA. Particularly in urban settings, surface water may
originate from anthropogenic sources including pipes and ditches.
8) Walk the entire AA as necessary to identify the presence or suspected presence of various water
sources influencing the hydrology of the AA. This may include water sources that occur outside of
the AA but directly influence hydrology within the AA.
9) Use the aerial photos and topographic maps in the Site Packet to help identify potential inlets to
investigate at ground level, especially for heavily vegetated sites.
10) Record the presence of each type of water source found in the AA by selecting the appropriate
boxes in the Present column under the Water Sources that Influence Site Hydrology heading of the
AA Hydrology Form (H-l). If the water source is not listed, select the 'Other' box and describe the
water source in the field provided. Sources listed include:
Stream Inflow - natural inlet streams, creeks, etc.
Springs (seeps) - natural springs or seeps, etc.
Lake - lakes, ponds, etc.
Precipitation - rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground.
Groundwater - water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock that is
contributing to the hydrology of the wetland.
Culverts - Man-made pipes or tunnels designed to carry surface water.
Snow Melt - snow fields or glaciers in alpine settings.
Overbank Flooding - Water that has escaped the banks of a river or stream.
Estuary - Tidal Channel - portion of a stream that is affected by ebb and flow of ocean tides.
Estuary-Tidal Surge - Rise of water generated by tidal cycle, not contained within a channel.
Some source indicators may require interpretation. Provide a best informed decision for your
determination. Use the comment bubble adjacent to the water source to explain any decisions that
require clarification to inform data interpretation.
11) Consider all types of water sources observed, and identify the three most important on the AA
Hydrology Form (H-l). Rank these three with a score from 1 to 3; 1 representing the most
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important, ecosystem driving, or influential type by selecting the numbered bubble adjacent to the
water source. If fewer than 3 water sources are present in the AA, rank those sources with either a 1
and 2 (in the case of two water sources) or just a 1 (in the case of a single water source).
7.2.3 Army Corps of Engineers Indicators of Hydrology
There are many indicators of different aspects of hydrology. The AB team should carefully look around
the entire AA to note the presence of hydrologic indicators and record their presence in the Hydrology
Indicators section of the AA Hydrology Form (H-l). Reference Card H-l has pictures and/or descriptions
of some U.S. Army Corps indicators to help with identification. More detailed descriptions of the
indicators can be found in the US Army Corps of Engineers Regional Supplements to the Corps
Delineation Manual (USACOE 2009), available online at:
http://www.usace.armv.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatoryProgramandPermits/reg supp.aspx.
1) Record the presence of surface water, high water table, and saturated soils by selecting all
applicable bubbles in the Group A Section.
2) Record any evidence of recent inundation in the Group B Section. Select the bubbles for various
residual marks from water (stains, drift lines or deposits, mineral deposits, etc.) and sediment
(deposits, drainage patterns, crusts, etc.) and plant and animal presence or indicators.
3) Note any evidence of current or recent soil saturation. Select the bubbles in the Group C Section for
evidence including olfactory as well as visual indicators. Keep in mind some of these indicators may
be identified during the Soil Pit excavation and Profile Description.
4) In the Group D Section, record the presence of other site condition evidence that suggests the
presence of various wetland characteristics.
5) For all indicators, if further explanation is required, use the comment bubble in each section to
elaborate.
7.3 Sample and Data Handling
There are no physical samples to process and track for the Hydrology Indicator. All data are recorded on
the AA Hydrology Form (H-l). See Chapter 2 for data form and records management protocols.
7.4 Reference Cards
Reference Card H-l: US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Hydrology Indicators
Reference Card H-2: NWCA Hydrology Protocol Flowchart
The Hydrology Reference Cards are compiled (with all other NWCA 2021 Reference Cards) in the Quick
Reference Guide.
7.5 Equipment List and Data Form
HYDROLOGY EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Data Form in the NWCA App and Reference Card
HYDROLOGY FORMS
NWCA 2021 AA Hydrology Form (H-l) in the NWCA App
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Chapter 8 Water Chemistry, Chlorophyll-a and Microcystin
8.1 Introduction
This chapter describes procedures and methods for field collection and preparation of the NWCA water
chemistry, chlorophyll-a, and microcystin samples.
Data to be collected include:
describing characteristics of Surface Water in the AA (including depth and extent);
collecting a water sample for chemical analysis;
collecting and filtering a surface water sample for chlorophyll-a;
collecting an algal toxin water sample to detect microcystins (toxins from blue-green algae);
and
field probe readings (optional).
Prior to arrival on the site, the Assessment Area and Buffer (AB) Team should review the summary of
activities from this chapter and have the forms and equipment needed for water sampling. The Team
should also review information about the site that might influence implementation of the protocol. This
is particularly important for planning the timing of access and to maximize time for sampling in tidally-
influenced areas. Tides may make portions of the Assessment Area (AA) unsampleable or unsafe if the
area is inundated by surface water 1 m or more in depth at some time during the tidal cycle on the day
of sampling.
A flow-chart summary of sampling activities for collecting the water chemistry, chlorophyll-a, and
microcystin samples is presented in Figure 8-1.
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Reference Card W-l: Water Chemistry, Chlorophyll-o, and Microcystin Sampling
The surface watersamples should be collected as early in the sampling day as possible to standardize the collectiontime
frame for water chemistry samples. This will limit the impact of diurnal changes in the water due to metabolic activity of the
organisms in the water and disturbance caused by field activities.
Complete Water Chemistry, Chlorophyll-
o, and Microcystin Protocols
C
Yes
Is surface water
present in the AA?
\
Protocol is complete. Select the
No appropriate bubbleon Form W-l;
proceed to other sampling activities.
Identify and Characterize Predominant Surface
Water Feature in the AA
Freshwater/brackish/saline
Tidal/non-tidal
Predominant water body feature
(channel/stream, backwater, lake, standing,
estuarine tidal)
I
Surface Water Measurements in AA
1) Maximum depth (cm) of surface water in the AA
2) Percent of AA covered with surface water
Characteristics of AA Surface Water Body
1} Identify watercollection location usingthe
following criteria in order of priority:
1. Collect waterfrom a location within the AA
that hasa direct connection to the primary
source of water to the wetland (e.g., lake,
stream, seep/spring, ortidal waterbody) and is
within wetland vegetation.
2. Collect waterfrom a location withinthe AA
that hasa direct connection to the primary
source of water to the wetland (e.g., lake,
stream, seep/spring, ortidal waterbody), but is
not within wetland vegetation.
3. Collect waterfrom an isolated pool or shallow
dispersed water within the AA within wetland
vegetation.
4. Collect water from an isolated pool or shallow
dispersed waterwithin the AA but not within
wetland vegetation.
2) Characterize the surface water at the location
where thesamples will be collected by
completing information requested on Form W-l.
s3) Take a photograph of water sample location.
T
1
Water Chemistry, Chlorophyll-o, and Microcystin Sampling^
Collect all samples from the same location.
Use the long-handled dipper and wear nitrile gloves.
The dipper and sample containers should be rinsed with sample
waterthree times before collectingthe sample.
Be careful notto disturb bottom sediments whilerinsing
sampling equipment or collecting samples.
Keep samples cool and out of direct sunlight; place on ice in a
cooler as soon as possible.
Water Chemistry Sample (CHEM)
Use the dipperto fill the 1 Lcubitainerto just overflowing.
Carefully cap and tightly seal the container without capturing
any airbubbles.
Record the Sample ID, ifthe sample was chilled immediately,
time of sampling, and GPS coordinates of sampling location.
Record the water depth (cm) and, if applicable, the
channel/stream width (cm) at location sample is collected.
Record whetherthe surface waterflow atthe time of collection
was still or flowing, and whetherthe waterbody where the
sample was collected is contained entirely within the AA or
extends beyond the boundaries of the AA.
Chlorophyll-o Sample (WCHL)
Collect water in the 1L brown collection bottle.
Filter water using vacuum flask. Add two drops of saturated
MgC03 solution to the sample just priorto the end of filtration.
Staying out of bright sunlight, removethefiiterfrom the holder
with clean, flat forceps. Fold the filter in half usingthe forceps,
keepingthe sampleto the inside of the fold.
Place filter into a 50 mL screw-top centrifuge tube, cap the tube,
and tighten astightly as possible. Sealthe cap of the centrifuge
tube with electrical tape.
Record the Sample ID and total volume of water filtered.
Wrap centrifuge tube in foil, place in labelled zippered plastic
bag.
Microcystin Sample (MICX)
Fill the 125 mL Microcystin sample bottleto just below the
shoulder usingthe dipper. Leave 'A inch of headspace.
Label collection bottle and seal lid with electrical tape.
Optional - Surface Water Field Probe Readings
Ifcollectingdatausingafield probe, record thecollected
values inthe'Probe Readings' Section of Form W-l.
Figure 8-1. Flowchart of water sampling activities (Reference Card W-l).
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8.2 Initial Characterization of Surface Water in the AA
After establishment of the AA, the AB Team will document if surface water is present within the AA and
identify a suitable location for collecting a water sample. The water sample should reflect both the
primary water source to the wetland and the wetland's biogeochemical effect on that water. The water
sample collection location must be within the boundaries of the AA. Ideally, the collection location
should (1) have a direct connection to the primary source of water to the wetland (e.g., lake, stream,
seep/spring, or tidal waterbody) and (2) be within wetland vegetation. If a collection location that meets
both criteria is not available, the water sample should be collected from a location that meets one of the
criteria, with preference for sampling water from the primary water source within the AA. Collecting
water from an isolated pool or shallow dispersed standing water within the AA should be the last choice
but is still preferable to collecting no water at all. See Reference Card W-l for sampling priority list.
GPS coordinates and a brief written description for the water sample collection location must be
provided whenever a water sample is collected. The AB team should coordinate with the Veg Team to
confirm that the water sampling location is not in a Veg Plot. If it is within a Veg Plot, then consult with
the Botanist/Ecologist to determine the best strategy for sampling to avoid compromising data for
either indicator. If the site is tidal, be sure to consider stage of tide in the timing of the sampling.
The AB team should complete the water sampling prior to collecting data for other indicators to avoid
degrading the water while completing other sampling tasks. Use flagging, if necessary, to keep crew
members clear of the water sampling location until the water can be sampled. Water information is
recorded on the AA Water Form (W-l).
8.2.1 Presence of Surface Water in the AA
If there is no surface water in the AA, select the "No" bubble in the Presence of Surface Water section of
the AA Water Form (W-l). The water chemistry, chlorophyll-o, and microcystin protocols do not need to
be completed, and the AB team can proceed to other tasks. The water chemistry, chlorophyll-a, and
microcystin samples will be automatically marked 'not collected'. It will be understood that the reason
for not collecting these samples is that there was no surface water present in the AA.
If surface water is present in the AA, select the "Yes" bubble in the Presence of Surface Water section of
the AA Water Form (W-l) and describe the characteristics of the surface water by completing the
information requested. After selecting "Yes" additional data fields will appear in the App.
8.2.2 Type of Surface Water in the AA
Complete the Type of Surface Waters section of the AA Water Form (W-l). Indicate 1) whether the
water is freshwater (salinity <0.5 ppt), brackish (salinity is between 0.5 and 30 ppt), or saline (salinity>30
ppt) (Cowardin et al. 1979)); 2) whether the location is tidal or non-tidal; and 3) the predominant surface
water feature in the AA (channel/stream, backwater, lake, standing, estuarine tidal). See Table 8-1 for
descriptions of the different feature types. Use the comments bubble in this section of the AA Water
Form (W-l) to add any information that would clarify the type of surface water in the AA.
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Table 8-1 Water feature types.
FEATURE TYPE
DESCRIPTION
CHANNEL/STREAM
Rivers, streams, ditches (need width)
BACKWATER
Sloughs, backwaters, off-channel areas around rivers
LAKE
Open water area of lakes and ponds
STANDING
Isolated pool or shallow dispersed standing water
ESTUARINE TIDAL
Brackish or salt water tidal
Note: It is not necessary to measure the salinity of the water in order to make the above determinations.
Crews not using the optional multi-parameter probe should use data from previous field investigations,
available salinity tables, or any other knowledge of the site to classify the water type.
8.2.3 Surface Water Measurements of A A
Record measurements about the depth and areal extent of surface water in the AA by filling out the
Surface Water Measurements in the AA portion of the AA Water Form (W-l).
Determine the Maximum Depth of Surface Water - Measure the depth (cm) of surface water (surface
down to top of substrate) at its deepest point in the AA and record the value on the AA Water Form (W-
1). Use a meter stick or other measurement rod.
Due to safety considerations, estimate the depth if water is over 1 meter deep rather than trying
to measure the actual depth.
In tidally influenced locations, make sure to fill in the bubble on the top of the AA Hydrology
Form (H-l) identifying tidal stage because depth will vary with tidal stage.
Percent of AA Covered by Surface Water - Estimate the percent of the AA covered by surface water (to
the nearest 10%). There is no minimum depth required for this measurement. Record the value on the
AA Water Form (W-l).
8.2.4 Characteristics of the AA Surface Water Body
Characterize the surface water by filling out the Characteristics of AA Surface Water Body portion of the
AA Water Form (W-l). Select the bubbles for all the characteristics that apply to the surface water in
the AA. Use the 'Other'field to describe anything that is not captured by the choices listed on the form.
Use the comments bubble in this section the AA Water Form (W-l) to add any information that would
clarify the characterization of the surface water body.
Water Clarity - Describe the relative clarity of the water by selecting the appropriate bubble.
Substrate -Determine the predominant substrate select the appropriate bubble.
Substrate Color - Identify the color of the predominant substrate lining the bottom of the water
body being evaluated and record it by selecting the appropriate bubble.
Rooted Vegetation in Substrate - Indicate whether rooted vegetation is present in the water body
being evaluated and record it by selecting the Yes or No bubble.
Water Smell - Identify any distinguishable odors and select the appropriate bubble(s).
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Surface/Water Column Conditions - Record whether any of the items listed are present on the water
surface or in the water column by selecting the appropriate bubble(s).
8.3 Collection of Water Chemistry Sample
Collect surface water samples as early in the sampling day as possible to standardize the collection time
frame for water chemistry samples. This will limit the impact of diurnal changes in the water due to
metabolic activity of the organisms in the water and disturbance caused by field activities.
Steps in Water Sample Collection
1) Label the 1-liter cubitainer prior to filling. Use the preprinted, adhesive-backed label provided by the
NWCA Information Management (IM) Team similar to the one shown below (Figure 8-2). The labels
will be provided as part of the Site Kit (see Chapter 2). Make sure to record the correct site ID
number on the sample label. Clearly write the date on the label with an indelible marker, indicate
the visit number, and affix the label to the correct container.
2) Cover the label with a strip of clear tape to protect the writing from getting smudged or rubbed off.
Keep the container closed until the water chemistry sample is collected and ready to pour into the
container. Keeping the lid closed until the AB team is ready to sample helps keep contaminants out
of the container.
Figure 8-2, Water chemistry labels to be affixed to surface water sample cubitainer,
3) Approach the surface water sample location (Figure 8-3) carefully. Do not step into the water unless
absolutely necessary to obtain a sample. This will help to avoid disturbing sediments, falling in, or
fouling the water and potentially contaminating or otherwise compromising the quality of the
sample.
SITE ID
WATER CHEMISTRY (CHEM)
> Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / 720 Visit#: Ol 02
990000 <
T1
SAMPLE ID
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Figure 8-3. Example of long-handled dipper in use for sampling surface water. (Photo credit - Chris Turner, GLEC)
4) Put on nitrile gloves to avoid contaminating the sample with hand creams, ointments, sunscreen or
other materials that might be on the hands of the person taking the sample.
5) Rinse the dipper cup three times by immersing the cup in the water while being careful not to stir or
otherwise disturb bottom sediments as the dipper cup is rinsed. Pour the water away from the area
to be sampled so that the discarded water does not drain back into the sample area and potentially
affect the collected sample.
6) Collect sample in the deepest spot of the collection area of the AA. Avoid fouiing the water as the
dipper is used to collect the sample, and pick an area completely free of surface debris if possible If
vegetation or debris is present and cannot be avoided, slowly and carefully push aside the floating
vegetation or other debris with the long handle of the dipper to create a clear section of water for
sample collection. Use care not to disturb bottom sediments when pushing aside debris or
vegetation or when collecting water with the dipper. If bottom sediments become disturbed, move
to an adjacent area where the water has not been contaminated.
7) Remove the lid from the 1-liter cubitainer and expand it by gently pulling out the sides. NOTE: DO
NOT BLOW into the cubitainer or place your fingers inside to opening to expand it since this action
will contaminate the sample.
8) Rinse the inside of the cubitainer with small amounts of sample water. Pour water from the dipper
into the container and then rinse the container by gently swishing the water around and pouring it
away from where the sample will be taken. Repeat the process a total of three times. Hold the
container while filling to keep the container from tipping over and spilling the sample and/or
allowing the opening to touch the ground which would contaminate the sample.
To avoid sample contamination by substances potentially present on the gloved fingers, do not
touch the threads of the container opening or the inside of the cap to the container. Collapsible
containers usually have a molded collar just below the screw threads that collar can be extended
and should be used to hold the container and keep fingers away from the screw threads while filling
(Figure 8-4).
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Figure 8-4. Example of filling the cubitainer. (Photo credit - Chris Turner, GLEC)
9) Use the dipper to fill the container to just overflowing. When the container has been filled, carefully
cap and tighten to seal the container without capturing any air bubbles. Removal of all air bubbles
eliminates the opportunity for chemicals in the water to interact with air and change chemical
characteristics of the sample.
10) Should a bubble that is a cubic centimeter or greater occur in the sample, tap the cubitainer slightly
to cause any bubbles clinging to the cubitainer sides to rise to the surface and accumulate just under
the lid. Gently squeeze the cubitainer and loosen the cap slightly allow air to escape through the
threads of the cap. When all air has been released, retighten the cap. If air bubbles still exist in the
sample, repeat as necessary. Seal the lid with electrical tape.
11) If a sample is compromised by potential contamination, discard the sample, and re-rinse the
cubitainer and threads before starting over.
12) Record the Water Chemistry Sample ID number from the label in the Anchor ID/Water Chem ID field
of the Tracking Form in the App. Doing so will automatically populate the sample IDs in the Water
Samples section of the AA Water Form (W-l). Verify the Sample ID number from the Sample Label
for the Water Chemistry Sample (CHEM) agrees with the sample ID on the W-l Form.
13) Note anything unusual about the sample in the comment bubble.
14) Record the time (24-hour clock) that the sample was collected. You can tap the 'Now' button to
populate this field or type the time directly into the field using the correct format (hh:mm).
15) Record the GPS coordinates (in decimal degrees) at the location the sample was collected.
16) Record the water depth in centimeters at the location the sample was collected.
17) Record the channel/stream width in centimeters, if applicable, at the location the sample was
collected.
18) Record whether the surface water at the time of collection was still or flowing.
19) Record whether the waterbody where the sample was collected is contained entirely within the AA
or extends beyond the boundaries of the AA.
20) Take a photograph of the water sample location.
If no sample was collected, even though surface water was present in the AA, select the box for No
Sample Collected and explain why in the adjacent comment bubble. Normally, water samples are taken
wherever there is surface water. Thus, in this circumstance, it will be very RARE for no sample to be
collected.
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8.3.1 Water Sample and Data Handling
There are two components to water chemistry sample handling. One is completed before leaving the
site; the other, at the field lodging or office.
8.3.1.1 At the Field Site
Place the water chemistry sample on ice in a cooler as soon as possible after collection. If a cooler is not
immediately available on-site, place the cubitainer in a small white plastic trash bag out of direct
sunlight and in a cool location. Record on the AA Water Form (W-l) if the sample was placed on ice by
selecting the "Yes" bubble indicating that the sample was chilled before and during transport back to
the base site. If there was no ice available, then select the "No" bubble.
Transport samples to field lodging or the office in an ice chest on wet ice.
8.3.1.2 At Field Lodging or Office
The water chemistry sample for each site will be sent to a designated lab (either state or national) within
24 hours of collection (i.e., the same day as sampling or the next day) in a cooler along with the
chlorophyll-o sample.
The protocol below covers the details of shipping that pertain to the water chemistry sample. See
Chapter 2 for information that pertains to all of the immediately shipped samples. See 8.7Appendix A
for detailed protocols on packing, tracking, and shipping samples and for shipping addresses.
1) Maintain the water chemistry sample on blue ice, wet ice, or under refrigeration (4ฐC) until the
sample is shipped.
2) Confirm that the label affixed to the sample cubitainer has the correct site identification number, is
complete and legible, and is covered with clear tape.
3) Ensure that any air has been removed from each cubitainer and that the cubitainer is tightly sealed.
Seal the lid with electrical tape.
4) The samples will be shipped in a medium-sized cooler with wet ice. Line the cooler with the
provided heavy duty liner bag and place the Water Chemistry and Chlorophyll-o samples and ice
inside the liner bag. Seal the cooler liner with the provided zip-tie.
5) Fill out the T-l: Daily Water Chemistry Shipment section of the Tracking Form in the App and a T-l
packing slip (Figure 8-5) for each site.
Ensure that the Site ID number, the visit number, date collected, and sample IDs are
listed on the packing slip and that this information corresponds exactly to the
information on the label for the Soil Isotopes Sample.
Enter the shipping details (lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender's name, and
sender's phone number) into the Tracking Form in the app.
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Figure 8-5. Example T-l (Daily Water Chemistry Sample Tracking) Packing Slip
6) Place the packing slip into the sleeve on the inside of the cooler lid.
7) Affix a T-l shipping label to a handle tag and affix the handle tag to the handle of the cooler using
one of the provided zip-ties (see 8.7Appendix A).
8) Once you are certain that all samples and the completed packing slip are included in the cooler,
lower the cooler handle and carefully seal the cooler with tape (securing the handle in the lowered
position).
9) Submit the water data and tracking form via the App. See Chapter 2 for details on submitting data
and tracking forms to the Information Management Team. Remember that data can be updated at
any time by amending the App forms and re-submitting them, so crews are encouraged to submit
data as soon as possible after leaving the field to avoid potential data loss from a lost or damaged
iPad.
10) Deliver the package of samples to the shipping company and retain all receipts and records of
shipping.
8.3.1.3 Data Handling
See Chapter 2 for protocols on submitting data to the IM Team via the NWCA App. See 8.7Appendix D
for information on transmitting the image files of any photos related to water taken by the AB team.
8.4 Collection of Chlorophyll-o Sample
This section provides the protocols necessary to collect and filter surface water for a chlorophyll-o
sample. Chlorophyll-o samples provide data on green algal biomass that can give an estimate of algal
productivity reflecting nutrient concentrations in water. Nutrient status can reflect normal or stressed
conditions and are dependent on wetland type.
8.4.1 Sampling Procedures
The AB Team will collect the water sample for chlorophyll-o analysis at the same time and location as
the water chemistry sample.
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8.4.1.1 Protocols for Collection of Sample
A flow-chart summary of sampling activities for collecting the water chemistry, chlorophyll-a, and
microcystin samples is presented in Figure 8-1. This summary is provided as a Reference Card
(Reference Card W-l, Side A) for field use.
8.4.1.2 Procedure for Collecting a Chlorophyll-a (Biomass) Sample
If surface water is present in the AA, and a water chemistry sample was collected, then a chlorophyll-a
sample will also be collected.
1) Put on nitrile gloves.
2) Rinse the long-handled dipper (Figure 8-3) three times with surface water and then rinse the 1L
brown collection bottle three times with surface water. Pour the used water on the ground away
from the surface water area to be sampled so that the sample is not compromised.
3) Fill the 1L bottle with surface water by collecting water with the long-handled dipper. Collect water
from the same location that the water chemistry sample was taken.
4) If possible, keep the collection bottle chilled and out of direct sunlight until processing.
8.4.1.3 Procedure for Filtering a Chlorophyll-a (Biomass) Sample
1) Set up the chlorophyll-a filtering apparatus on a flat surface, and attach the vacuum pump (Figure
8-8). Crews must make every attempt to process chlorophyll-a samples in subdued light, out of
direct sunlight.
2) Put on nitrile gloves.
3) Crews will use a 250 mL filter funnel (with blue bottom), rubber stopper, and adapter that are
specifically designated for chlorophyll filtering. Several filter funnels will be provided in each base kit
and should be reused at several sites (with thorough cleaning and rinsing performed between sites).
Be sure to retain and thoroughly clean and rinse the support pad upon which the filter will be
placed. The stopper and adapter are also to be retained and cleaned between sampling events. Prior
to filtration of the sample, rinse all reusable items three times with Dl water. Rinse the graduated
cylinder with Dl water as well.
4) After assembling the filtering apparatus and attaching the filter funnel to the side-arm filter flask
with the rubber stopper and adapter, remove the funnel portion of the filter funnel from the blue
base. If this is a new filter funnel, remove the pre-loaded filter (which has a faint grid pattern on it)
but leave the white support pad in place.
5) Use clean forceps to place a Whatman GF/F 47-mm 0.7-micron filter on the support pad with the
gridded/pressed side of the filter facing down, making sure both the support pad and filter are
centered on the base of the filter funnel.
6) Reattach the funnel portion of the filter funnel to the base by pressing it straight down firmly. This
will firmly hold the filter in place.
7) Remove the 1-L amber chlorophyll-a collection bottle from the cooler and gently shake it to mix the
sample. Using the graduated cylinder, measure and pour 100 mL of water into the filter holder,
replace the cover, and use the vacuum pump to draw sample through the filter. Do not exceed 7
inches of Hg of vacuum (about 3.44 psi) or a filtration duration of more than 5 minutes for a single
sample volume to avoid cell damage or loss of contents during filtering.
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8) Filter as much of the 1-L of surface water from the sample bottle that will readily pass through the
filter following the procedure below.
Begin by measuring 100 mL of surface water from the 1-L bottle into the graduated cylinder.
o If the water is very green or turbid, use a smaller, measured volume,
o In subsequent iterations, use less water if filtering is slow,
o Accurately keep track of the total amount of sample water filtered.
Pour all the water from the graduated cylinder into the filter holder.
Replace the lid on the filter holder and the cap on the 1-L bottle. Keep the bottle chilled and
in the dark as much as possible.
Use the vacuum pump to pull the sample through the filter, not exceeding 7 in of Hg
pressure (3.44 psi).
Check to assure that water is not leaking out of the apparatus and is moving through the
filter.
If 100 mL of water from the AA will not pass through the filter, change the filter, rinse the
apparatus with Dl water, discard the water, and repeat the procedure using 50 mL of the
water from the 1-L bottle.
Any aliquot of water measured into the graduated cylinder must be placed into the filter
funnel in its entirety. Water left to sit in the graduated cylinder will begin to settle and it is
therefore not advisable to filter only a portion of that aliquot.
If, at any point, the filter plugs and the filtering must be aborted, the filter must be
discarded and the process restarted the.
Check the filter for readily visible green color.
o If there is readily visible green color, go to Step 9.
o If there is little or no visible color, repeat Step 8 until strong green color is visible on the
filter.
9) Rinse the graduated cylinder and filter funnel portion of the filtering apparatus thoroughly using a
squeeze bottle filled with Dl water to dislodge any cells adhering to the cylinder or funnel.
10) Pump the rinse water through the filter, not exceeding 7 in of Hg pressure (3.44 psi).
11) Monitor the level of water in the lower chamber (500 mL sidearm filter flask) to ensure that it does
not contact the filter or flow into the vacuum pump.
If needed, carefully remove the bottom chamber of the filter apparatus and discard the
filtered water. Replace the bottom chamber on the apparatus.
12) When the last volume of chlorophyll sample and rinse is being filtered into the flask, extract most of
the liquid. Add MgC03 and complete the extraction of liquid from the sample on the filter.
Add two drops of a saturated MgC03 solution to the sample just prior to the end of filtration
when only a few milliliters of water are left to be filtered. If added prematurely, it may
greatly increase the sample filtration time. The MgC03 acts to buffer the sample.
The hand operated vacuum pump has a vacuum release lever that will relieve the
vacuum on the system and slow or stop the filtration process. This will allow time to add
the MgC03 before all the liquid is drawn through the filter.
13) Record the total volume of sample filtered in the chlorophyll-a (WCHL) portion of the Water Samples
section of the AA Water Form (W-l).
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14) Staying out of bright sunlight, remove the filter from the holder with clean, flat forceps. Avoid
touching the colored portion of the filter which contains the chlorophyll sample. Fold the filter in
half using the forceps, keeping the sample to the inside of the fold.
15) Place the folded filter into a 50-mL screw-top centrifuge tube and cap the tube. Tighten the cap as
tightly as possible. The cap will seal tightly after an additional / turn past the point at which initial
resistance is met. Failure to tighten the lid completely could allow water to infiltrate into the sample
and may compromise its integrity. Seal the cap of the centrifuge tube with electrical tape.
16) Record the sample volume filtered and date on the chlorophyll-o label (Figure 8-6) and attach it to
the centrifuge tube. Ensure that all written information is complete and legible. Cover the label with
a strip of clear tape to protect the information on the label.
Figure 8-6. Chlorophyll-a label to be filled out and placed on the centrifuge tube
17) Record the Water Chemistry Sample ID number from the label in the Anchor ID/Water Chem ID field
of the Tracking Form in the App. Doing so will automatically populate the sample IDs in the Water
Samples section of the AA Water Form (W-l). Verify the Sample ID number from the Sample Label
for the Chlorophyll-o Sample (WCHL) agrees with the sample ID on the W-l Form.
18) Note anything unusual about the sample in the comment bubble.
19) Wrap the centrifuge tube in foil immediately to keep sunlight from degrading the sample. Place the
tube in a zippered plastic bag. Record the volume filtered and date on the chlorophyll-o OUTER BAG
label (Figure 8-7), and attach this label to the outside of the plastic bag. Cover with a strip of clear
tape to protect the information on the label.
Figure 8-7. Chlorophyll-a, OUTER BAG label to be filled out and placed on the plastic bag containing the
chlorophyll-a sample
20) Immediately place the chlorophyll-o sample in a cooler with ice to keep it out of the light and as cold
as possible.
If no chlorophyll-o sample was collected, even though surface water was present in the AA, select the
box for No Sample Collected and explain why in the adjacent comment bubble.
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Figure 8-8, Set-up for filtering the chlorophyll-o sample, a) Filter flask with filter funnel and vacuum pump for
sample filtration, b) flat-bladed forceps, c) Whatman glass fiber filter, d) screwtop centrifuge tube to hold
folded filter with the chlorophyll-o sample inside, e) 250-mL graduated cylinder, f) 1-L brown bottle for sample
collection, g) squeeze bottle for Dl water. (Photos by Chris Turner and Mike Dunlop, GLEC)
8.4.2 Sample and Data Handling
There are two components to chlorophyll-o sample handling and processing. One is done
before leaving the site; the other, at the base location.
8.4.2.1 At the Field Site
Place the chlorophyll-a sample on ice in a cooler as soon as possible after filtration. Transport samples
to field lodging or the office in an ice chest on wet ice.
8.4.2.2 At Field Lodging or Office
The chlorophyll-o sample for each site wiil be sent to a designated lab (either state or national) within 24
hours of collection (i.e., the same day as sampling or the next day) in a cooler along with the water
chemistry sample.
The protocol below covers the details of shipping that pertain to the chlorophyll-o sample. See Chapter
2 for information that pertains to ail of the immediately shipped samples. See 8.7Appendix A for
detailed protocols on packing, tracking, and shipping samples and for shipping addresses.
1) Maintain the chlorophyll-o sample on blue ice, wet ice, or under refrigeration (4ฐC) until the sample
is shipped.
2) Confirm that the labels affixed to the centrifuge tube and outer bag have the correct site
identification number, are complete and legible, and are covered with clear tape.
3) Ensure that the centrifuge tube is tightly sealed and sealed with electrical tape. Ensure that the
centrifuge tube is wrapped in aluminum foil.
4) The samples will be shipped in a medium-sized cooler with wet ice. Line the cooler with the
provided heavy duty liner bag and place the Water Chemistry and Chlorophyll-o samples and ice
inside the liner bag. Seal the cooler liner with the provided zip-tie.
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5) Fill out the T-l: Daily Water Chemistry Shipment section of the Tracking Form in the App and a T-l
packing slip (Figure 8-9) for each site.
Ensure that the Site ID number, the visit number, date collected, and sample IDs are listed
on the packing slip and that this information corresponds exactly to the information on the
label for the Soil Isotopes Sample.
Enter the shipping details (lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender's name, and sender's
phone number) into the Tracking Form in the app.
Figure 8-9. Example T-l (Daily Water Chemistry Sample Tracking) Packing Slip
6) Place the packing slip into the sleeve on the inside of the cooler lid.
7) Affix a T-l shipping label to a handle tag and affix the handle tag to the handle of the cooler using
one of the provided zip-ties (see 8.7Appendix A).
8) Once you are certain that all samples and the completed packing slip are included in the cooler,
lower the cooler handle and carefully seal the cooler with tape (securing the handle in the lowered
position).
9) Submit the water data and tracking form via the App. See Chapter 2 for details on submitting data
and tracking forms to the Information Management Team. Remember that data can be updated at
any time by amending the App forms and re-submitting them, so crews are encouraged to submit
data as soon as possible after leaving the field to avoid potential data loss from a lost or damaged
iPad.
10) Deliver the package of samples to the shipping company and retain all receipts and records of
shipping.
8.4.2.3 Data Handling
See Chapter 2 for protocols on submitting data to the IM Team via the NWCA App. See 8.7Appendix D
for information on transmitting the image files of any photos related to water taken by the AB team.
8.5 Collection of Microcystin Sample
This section provides the protocols necessary to collect the microcystin sample. Microcystins are a class
of toxins produced by blue-green algae that can have harmful health effects to humans and animals if
concentrations are high as a result of high abundance of certain blue-green algae. For example,
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Microcystis is a blue-green algae genus that is found naturally at low abundance in freshwater systems
which can produce microcystin toxins. Under optimal conditions (such as high light and calm weather,
usually in summer), Microcystis occasionally forms a bloom, or dense aggregation of cells, that floats on
the surface of the water forming a thick layer or mat.
8.5.1 Sampling Procedures
The AB Team will collect the water sample for microcystin at the same time and location as the water
chemistry sample.
8.5.1.1 Protocols for Collection of Samples
A flow-chart summary of sampling activities for collecting the water chemistry, chlorophyll-o, and
microcystin samples is presented in Figure 8-1. This summary is provided as a Reference Card
(Reference Card W-l, Side A) for field use.
8.5.1.2 Procedure for Microcystin Sampling
1) Record the collection date and site ID number on the microcystin label (Figure 8-10). Attach the
microcystin label to a 125-mL plastic bottle.
2) Cover the label with clear tape to protect the information on the label from smudging or rubbing off.
3) Record the Water Chemistry Sample ID number from the label in the Anchor ID/Water Chem ID field
of the Tracking Form in the App. Doing so will automatically populate the sample IDs in the Water
Samples section of the AA Water Form (W-l). Verify the Sample ID number from the Sample Label
for the Microcystin Sample (MICX) agrees with the sample ID on the W-l Form.
Figure 8-10. Example of Microcystin label. Note Site ID must be filled in and that Sample ID numbers are unique.
4) Put on nitrile gloves.
5) Rinse the long-handled dipper (Figure 8-3) three times with surface water and then rinse the 125 mL
microcystin bottle three times with surface water. Pour the used water on ground away from the
surface water area to be sampled so that the sample is not compromised.
6) Use the dipper to obtain more surface water and fill the 125mL microcystin bottle just to the
shoulder. The sample will be frozen in the lab, so a half-inch of headspace is needed to allow for
expansion.
7) Replace the cap and tighten securely. Seal the lid with electrical tape.
8) Put this sample on ice. If a cooler with ice is not immediately available, place the sample out of
direct sunlight in the coolest location possible, either in a white plastic bag or in a small cooler filled
with a frozen gel-pack until the sample can be placed on ice in a cooler. Record on the AA Water
SITE ID
MICROCYSTIN (MICX)
jy Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / /20 Visit ft: Ol 02
990002 <
T2
SAMPLE ID
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Form (W-l) if the sample was placed on ice immediately by filling in the "Yes" bubble indicating that
sample was chilled. If there was no ice available, then fill in the "No" bubble.
9) Note anything unusual about the sample in the comment bubble.
If no microcystin sample was collected, even though surface water was present in the AA, select the box
for No Sample Collected and explain why in the adjacent comment bubble.
8.5.2 Sample and Data Handling
There are two components to microcystin sample handling and processing. One is done
before leaving the site; the other, at the base location.
8.5.2.1 At the Field Site
Place the microcystin sample on ice in a cooler as soon as possible after collection. If a cooler is not
immediately available on-site, place the cubitainer in a small white plastic trash bag out of direct
sunlight and in a cool location. Record on the AA Water Form (W-l) if the sample was placed on ice by
selecting the "Yes" bubble indicating that the sample was chilled before and during transport back to
the base site. If there was no ice available, then select the "No" bubble.
Transport samples to field lodging or the office in an ice chest on wet ice.
3.5.2.2 At Field Lodging or Office
The microcystin sample for each site will be sent to the Batch Lab within 24 hours of collection in a
cooler with the soil isotope samples. These samples will be shipped on wet ice and will be subsequently
frozen and sent to the processing labs in batches.
The protocol below covers the details of shipping that pertain to the microcystin sample. See Chapter 2
for information that pertains to all of the immediately shipped samples. See 8.7Appendix A for detailed
protocols on packing, tracking, and shipping samples and for shipping addresses.
1. Maintain all samples on blue or wet ice, or under refrigeration (4ฐC) until they are shipped.
2. Confirm that the label affixed to each sample has the correct Site ID, is complete, and is covered
with clear tape.
3. Ensure that the bottle cap is tight and sealed with electrical tape.
4. The samples will be shipped in a small cooler with wet ice. Line the cooler with the provided heavy
duty liner bag and place the Soil Isotope and Microcystin samples and ice inside the liner bag. Seal
the cooler liner with the provided zip-tie.
5. Fill out the T-2: Daily Chilled Shipment section of the Tracking Form in the App and a T-2 packing slip
(Figure 8-11) for each site.
Ensure that the Site ID number, the visit number, date collected, and sample IDs are listed
on the packing slip and that this information corresponds exactly to the information on the
label for the Soil Isotopes Sample.
Enter the shipping details (lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender's name, and sender's
phone number) into the Tracking Form in the app.
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T2: NWC21 Daily Chilled Tracking
Site ID: NWC21- -Teyt-ofl- loops" Visit # 01 o 2
Date Collected: Q *7 / Z- 7 I . ^ ^ ^ ^
Lab Staff
Samples In Box? Sample ID
~
MICX
990002
>-
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
o
0)
3
Sample ID
r Lab
~
SISO
990003
o
u.
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
Please cross out sample ปd(s) not included in shipment.
Figure 8-11. Example T-2 (Daily Chilled Tracking) Packing Slip
6. Place the packing slip (along with the provided APHIS soil shipping permit) into the provided zip-top
bag and on top of the sealed cooler liner.
7. Affix a T-2 shipping label to the top of the (see Appendix A). Close and seal the cooler lid with tape.
8. Submit the water data and tracking form via the App. See Chapter 2 for details on submitting data
and tracking forms to the Information Management Team. Remember that data can be updated at
any time by amending the App forms and re-submitting them, so crews are encouraged to submit
data as soon as possible after leaving the field to avoid potential data loss from a lost or damaged
iPad.
9. Deliver the package of samples to the shipping company and retain all receipts and records of
shipping.
8.5.2.3 Data Handling
See Chapter 2 for protocols on submitting data to the IM Team via the NWCA App. See 8.7Appendix D
for information on transmitting the image files of any photos related to water taken by the AB team.
8.6 Reference Card
Reference Card W-l: Water
The Water Reference Card is compiled (with all other NWCA 2021 Reference Cards) in the Quick
Reference Guide.
8.7 Equipment, Data Form, and Label Lists
WATER SAMPLING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
General
Nitrile gloves, disposable (always carry half dozen per site)
Long-handled plastic dipper with centimeter graduations on the handle
Soft pack cooler with ice or frozen gel-packs (for longer distance hikes away from
vehicle)
Data Forms and Labels
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Clear tape strip packs for covering labels
Electrical tape for sealing lids of sample containers
Permanent marker (Fine-tip for labels)
No. 2 pencils
Folding ruler (with metric markings)
Paper towels (for any clean up)
Reference Card W-l
iPad with NWCA App
Water Chemistry Sample
Collapsible 1-liter cubitainer for surface water sample
Cooler with ice at vehicle
Small white plastic trash bags (7-10 gallon) if needed for temporary storage of water samples
Small, soft-sided cooler w/ blue ice to fit (for sites not close to vehicle)
Chlorophyll-a Sample
Aluminum foil or foil squares (to wrap chlorophyll-a sample vial)
50-mL Centrifuge tube with screw cap in zip-top bag (for holding chlorophyll-a filter)
De-ionized (Dl) water
Dl squirt bottle
Disposable flat blade forceps (2)
Graduated cylinder (250-mL)
Hand-operated vacuum pump with tubing
Magnesium Carbonate (MgC03) saturated solution in dropper bottle
1-L brown plastic bottle for collection of chlorophyll sample (reusable)
500-mL Sidearm filter flask
Whatman GF/F 0.7-nm glass fiber filters (47-mm diam)
Microcystin Samples
125-mL plastic bottle with screw lid (microcystin bottle)
WATER FORMS
NWCA 2021 AA Water Form (W-l) in the NWCA App
NWCA 2021 Tracking Form
WATER SAMPLE LABELS
Water Chemistry (CHEM) Sample Label
Chlorophyll-o (WCHL) Sample Label
Chlorophyll-o (WCHL) - Outer Bag Sample Label
Microcystin (MICX) Sample Label
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Appendix A Shipping and Tracking
Crews submit tracking information via the NWCA App and include packing slips in the coolers/boxes
when they send samples to the labs. If any sample listed on the packing slip is not being shipped, line
out the sample ID to indicate that the sample is not included in the shipment Figure A-l).
T2: NWC21 Daily Chilled Tracking
Site ID: NWC21- ' O ({ ' lOOOS" Visit#:ฎ 1 0 2
Date Collected: (J I ~L I ~L- & ^ (
Lab Staff:
Samples In Box?
Sample ID
Lao Comments (For lab staff only)
5 ~
u.
O
ooooe:
Sample ID
990003
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
Please cross out sample id(s) not included in shipment.
Figure A-l. Example T-2 Packing Slip where no Microcystin sample has been collected (sample ID is lined out to
indicate the sample is not included in the shipment)
Procedure for filling out and submitting tracking via the App
1. After ensuring all of the samples to be shipped are properly preserved and prepared for
shipment, access the Tracking Form in the App.
2. Ensure the correct water chemistry sample ID has been entered at the top of the Tracking Form
in the Anchor ID /Water Chem ID field. Doing so will populate the sample IDs of all other
collected samples. Samples that were not collected will display a blank sample ID field and the
not collected bubble will be transferred from the individual sample collection forms. The not
collected bubbles are not editable in the Tracking Form; to change the collection status of a
sample, access the pertinent sample collection forms (e.g., AA Water (W-l) or Soil Data (S-l)
forms).
3. In the 'Number of Items' column, verify that the correct number of items being shipped is listed.
In the case of soil samples, the App will tally the number of sample bubbles selected in the Soil
Forms. This column is not editable in the Tracking Form, so if an error is found, it must be
corrected in the pertinent collection form. In the case of Unknown and QA Vegetation samples,
the collection numbers listed are generated from the selection of the Q and U bubbles on Form
V-2, so the number of collections listed should equal the number of specimens being shipped in
each sample type.
4. In the pertinent section of the Tracking Form, check the box under the 'To Ship' column for each
sample being sent in the shipment.
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5. Click the 'Enter Shipping Details' button and fill out the resulting popup window with the
destination lab, date shipped, airbill number, sender and sender's phone number.
6. Click the 'save shipping info' button to save the details and the Tracking Form.
7. Once the shipping details have been saved in the App, a date will appear in the 'shipped' column
of the Tracking Form. If the shipping details for a sample need to be edited, click the date in the
'shipped' column to access the saved shipping details. Editing the details in this manner changes
ONLY one sample at a time. The only way to enter shipping details for an entire group of
samples is during the initial details entry.
a. If the status of the sample needs to change from shipped to not shipped, click the date
in the 'shipped' column to access the saved shipping details and delete all the shipping
info. Click the "save shipping info" button after deleting all the shipping information.
The sample will no longer be marked as shipped and the "to ship" checkbox will
reappear.
8. After all pertinent shipping details have been saved, click the SUBMIT menu button and select
the button next to 'Tracking' and any other the forms that you wish to submit. Click the green
submit button at the bottom of the form list. An email will pop up on your device addressed to
NARSFieldDatagepa.gov. Copy yourself, any other crew members or managers and click send.
To ensure that he email was sent, check the SENT mailbox on your email app and look for the
recent email containing the data. If the email is not in the SENT mailbox, it was not sent and you
should try again after verifying an internet connection.
9. At any point, if it is determined that data needs to be revised or updated, crews should feel free
to do so in the App and re-submit any edited data or tracking forms using the steps above.
Newly revised data will automatically take the place of previous data. It is not necessary to re-
submit data or tracking forms that were unchanged however.
10. After submission, a data summary will be automatically emailed back to the email address from
which the submission was received. The Field Crew Leader or his/her designee should review
this data summary for accuracy and make any corrections necessary and re-submit the pertinent
form(s).
Shipping Groups
Each shipping group has been assigned a "T" number to help crews identify the correct section of the
Tracking Form in the App to use when sending samples. This "T" number is located above each of the
sample groups in the Tracking Form in the App. Crews will also find reference to the same "T" numbers
on the individual samples labels, on the packing slips that crews will include in the coolers/boxes, and on
the top of the pre-printed FedEx return labels provided in the label packets that accompany the site kits.
T-l - Daily Water Chemistry Shipment
If no sampleable water is present in the AA, these samples will not be collected or shipped and therefore
this portion of the Tracking Form does not need to be filled out or submitted.
Save any unused sample containers sealed in their original bag and either use for a future
site or store until they can be returned to the Logistics Contractor.
Discard any sample labels or tags that have sample IDs printed on them. Using these labels
at another site will mix sample series, which is not allowed.
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If water chemistry and/or chlorophyll-o samples were collected, complete the shipping information for
those samples as detailed below.
Complete the T-l section of the Tracking Form for the samples that are shipped
immediately (e.g., same day as sampling or following day) to the water chemistry lab or
approved state lab after each sampling event:
Water chemistry (CHEM).
Chlorophyll-o (WCHL).
Submit the Tracking Form and all data forms from the site to the IM Team via the NWCA
App. This serves as the "status report" for that sampling event and shipping notification for
the T-l samples.
Ship both of the samples to the lab in the same cooler with the packing slip that was
provided with the label packet. If any sample listed on the packing slip is not being shipped,
line out the sample ID to indicate that the sample is not in the cooler.
Samples need to be shipped on as much fresh wet ice as will fit in the cooler liner.
Water Chemistry and Chlorophyll-o samples should be shipped within 24 hours of collection
(e.g., same day as sampling or the following day).
1-2 - Daily Chilled Shipment
Complete the T-2 section of the Tracking Form for the samples that are shipped
immediately (e.g., same day as sampling or following day) to the batch lab or approved state
lab after each sampling event:
Microcystin (MICX).
Soil Isotopes (SISO).
Submit the Tracking Form to the IM Team via the NWCA App. This serves as the shipping
notification for the T-2 samples.
Ship both of the samples to the lab in the same cooler with the packing slip that was
provided with the label packet. If any sample listed on the packing slip is not being shipped,
line out the sample ID to indicate that the sample is not in the cooler.
Samples need to be shipped on as much fresh wet ice as will fit in the cooler liner.
Microcystin and Soil Isotope samples should be shipped within 24 hours of collection (e.g.,
same day as sampling or the following day).
1-3 - Soil Chemistry and Bulk Density Shipment
Complete the T-3 section of the Tracking Form for the soil samples that are shipped to the
NRCS Soil Lab:
Standard depth soil cores (SDSC).
Soil horizon chemistry samples (SHCH).
Soil horizon bulk density samples (SHBD).
Submit the Tracking Form to the IM Team via the NWCA App. This serves as the shipping
notification for the T-3 samples.
These three soil samples are shipped in a large cooler (ordered via the Request form) with
heavy duty liner bag and no ice.
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Typically a large cooler will only hold soil samples from a single site, and due to the weight
of the samples, it is recommended to only ship a single site's worth of soil samples per
cooler.
Ship all three sample types to the soil lab in the same cooler with the packing slip that was
provided with the label packet. If any sample listed on the packing slip is not being shipped,
line out the sample ID to indicate that the sample is not in the cooler.
When the soil lab processes these samples, they will need to review the soil profile data
collected in the field. Therefore, in addition to submitting the Tracking Form, be sure to
finalize and submit the Soil Data Form (S-l) as soon as possible after sampling a site and
shipping soil samples.
Batched soil samples should be shipped at least every two weeks.
T-4 - Unknown Plant Shipment
Complete the T-4 section of the Tracking Form for the Unknown Plant Samples (VEGU) that
are shipped to either the national or a state lab or to indicate that they are being retained
for identification.
Submit the Tracking Form to the IM Team via the NWCA App. This serves as the shipping
notification for the T-4 samples.
Plant specimens are pressed and dried individually in labelled newsprint.
Specimens (each in their respective newsprint) are placed into one or more labelled
herbarium folders. Folders are labelled with site information and an indication of the folder
number, in addition to the number of specimens contained within the folder.
Herbarium folders are placed in a provided zip-top bag and then into a plant shipping box
(ordered via the Request Form) with packing material as needed to prevent shifting.
Plant specimens should be shipped within two weeks of drying.
If unknown and QA plant specimens are going to the same lab, they may be packed together
in the same shipping box, but must be in separate herbarium folders and zip-top bags. In
this case, the box will contain both T-4 and T-5 packing slips.
1-5 - QA Plant Shipment
Complete the T-5 section of the Tracking Form for the QA Plant Samples (VEGQ) that are
shipped to either the national or a state lab or to indicate that they are being retained for
identification.
Submit the Tracking Form to the IM Team via the NWCA App. This serves as the shipping
notification for the T-5 samples.
Plant specimens are pressed and dried individually in labelled newsprint.
Specimens (each in their respective newsprint) are placed into one or more labelled
herbarium folders. Folders are labelled with site information and an indication of the folder
number, in addition to the number of specimens contained within the folder.
Herbarium folders are placed in a provided zip-top bag and then into a plant shipping box
(ordered via the Request Form) with packing material as needed to prevent shifting.
Plant specimens should be shipped within two weeks of drying.
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If unknown and QA plant specimens are going to the same lab, they may be packed together
in the same shipping box, but must be in separate herbarium folders and zip-top bags. In
this case, the box will contain both T-4 and T-5 packing slips.
Shipping Guidelines
Samples will be shipped according to the chart below. The Field Crew Leader will complete the
appropriate section of the Tracking Form for the samples and will submit tracking via the NWCA App.
The Field Crew Leader will place the samples and the associated packing slip (in a waterproof bag or
plastic sleeve) in the shipment cooler/box. The Field Crew Leader will attach the appropriate pre-
addressed FedEx shipping label that came with the cooler/box marked for the appropriate lab. The Field
Crew will either drop off the cooler/box for shipment at a local FedEx location or arrange for a pick up at
the hotel or other appropriate facility. If the field crew has chosen a pick up, they must follow up with
the facility at which it has been left and/or track the package through FedEx tracking tools to ensure that
the shipment cooler/box has actually been picked up by FedEx. Once the package is in the possession of
FedEx, the IM Team and FLC will track the package to its destination and take steps necessary to ensure
timely delivery. Prior to shipping, there are a few other guidelines of which the crew should be aware:
Preservation
See chart for specific
preservation information
for each sample
Holding Time
Note the holding time
window for each sample
Ensure that samples will be
shipped in time for the lab
to process them within the
allowable holding time
frame
Shipping
Samples may be shipped
on wet ice, or with no ice as
specified in the chart
Secure the cooler/box with
packing tape
All soil samples require
APHIS permit
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Wet Ice
Ensure that the ice is fresh immediately prior to shipment.
Line the cooler with a large plastic liner bag.
Place samples and ice inside the cooler liner and seal the liner with the provided cable tie.
Secure the cooler lid with packing tape.
Soil Samples
Shipment of soil samples (either the SISO sample batched with MICX or grouped samples of
SDSC, SHCH, and SHBD) are required to be placed inside the provided cooler liners
A copy of the APHIS regulated soil permit is required inside thecooler used for soil isotopes
shipment (place in zip-top sleeve included with cooler). Other soil samples do not require the
inclusion of the APHIS permit.
Secure the cooler lid with packing tape.
Plant Samples
After pressing and drying plant specimens in labelled newsprint, place samples in labelled
herbarium folder(s).
Multiple specimens can be placed in a folder, but keep QA and Unknown specimens separate.
Place folders in provided zip-top bags and into plant shipping box.
Add crumpled newspaper or other packing material to box if needed to prevent shifting of
samples.
Secure top and bottom flaps of the box with packing tape.
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Water Chemistry
[CHEM]
A
Chlorophyll-a
[WCHL]
Ship within 24 hours in medium cooler
Ship 1-L cubitainer
Confirm label completed & taped
Seal with plastic electrical tape
Place in cooler liner
Ship on wet ice
Ship with CHEM sample within 24 hours in medium cooler
Ship foil wrapped centrifuge tube
Confirm labels (on tube and bag) completed & taped
Seal with plastic electrical tape
Place in labelled zip-top bag
Place in cooler liner
Ship on wet ice
Microcystin
[MICX]
Ship with SISO samples within 24 hours in small cooler
Ship in HDPE bottle (125 mL, white, wide-mouth)
Fill bottle just to shoulder leaving 1/2 inch of headspace to
allow for expansion when frozen in lab
Seal with plastic electrical tape
Confirm labels completed & taped
Place in cooler liner
Ship on wet ice
r
1
Ship with MICX samples within 24 hours in small cooler
Soil Isotopes
Ship in plastic bag (quart size, double bagged)
Confirm label completed & taped
[SISO]
Include provided copy of APHIS permit in zip-top bag
Place in lined cooler
Ship on wet ice
_A
Standard Depth Soil
Cores
[SDSC]
Ship with SHCH and SHBD samples at least every two weeks
Ship in stapled soil bag
Confirm label completed & taped
Confirm tag completed and stapled in flap of soil bag
Place in lined large cooler
Ship with NO ICE
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Ship with SDSC and SHBD samples at least every two weeks
Ship in stapled soil bag
Confirm label completed & taped
Confirm tag completed and stapled in flap of soil bag
Place in lined large cooler
Ship with NO ICE
Soil Horizon
Chemistry Samples
[SHCH]
Soil Horizon Bulk
Density Samples
[SHBD]
Ship with SDSC and SHCH samples at least every two weeks
Ship in separate stapled soil bags (one core per bag)
Confirm labels completed & taped
Confirm tags completed and stapled in flaps of soil bags
Place in lined large cooler
Ship with NO ICE
QA Voucher Plant
Specimens
[VEGQ]
Ship at least every two weeks (longer if additional drying time
is needed)
Press and dry in labelled newsprint
Place in labelled herbarium folder(s) and in provided zip-top
bag(s)
Confirm labels completed
Place in plant shipping box with packing material to prevent
shifting
Ship with VEGU if going to the same lab
r
Ship at least every two weeks (longer if additional drying time
is needed)
Unknown Plants
Press and dry in labelled newsprint
Place in labelled herbarium folder(s) and in provided zip-top
Specimens
bag(s)
[VEGU]
Confirm labels completed
Place in plant shipping box with packing material to prevent
shifting
Ship with VEGQif going to the same lab
L
J
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Reference Card ST-1, Side A. NWCA 2021 Sample Shipping Flowchart (assumes samples being shipped to nationally contracted labs)
[T1]
Immediately
Shipped Samples
1 - Cubitainer (1L)
CHEM
1 - Filter in
centrifuge tube (50
mL), in zip-top bag
WCHL
* No shipment if site
has no sampleable
water
[T2]
Daily Shipped Samples
1-125 mL bottle
MICX
1 - Quart size zip-top
bag (double bagged)
containing 3 soil
isotope cores
SISO
* Only the SISO sample
will be shipped if site has
no sampleable water
Pack 1 site's worth of
samples in lined
medium cooler with
wet ice
Pack 1 site's worth of
samples in lined small
cooler with wet ice
Include APHIS Soil Permit
ฃ
ICE
SHIP WITHIN 24
HOURS
(MON-FRI)
PRIORITY
OVERNIGHT
Express
SHIP WITHIN 24
HOURS
(MON-FRI)
PRIORITY
OVERNIGHT
Express
[T3]
Soil Samples
(Batched)
1 - Soil bag containing 6
Standard Depth Soil Cores
SDSC
1 - Soil bag per horizon
containing soil chemistry
samples
SHCH
3 - Soil bags per horizon >8 cm
(1 core/block per bag)
containing soil bulk density
sample
SHBD
[T4]
Unknown Plant Samples
(Batched)
VEGU
Representatives of all
unknown plants from a
site
Pressed and dried
individually in labelled
newsprint
Placed in labelled
herbarium folder(s) and
in provided zip-top bag(s)
7V
[T5]
QA Voucher Plant
Samples (Batched)
VEGQ
5 randomly selected
known plant species
from a site
Pressed and dried
individually in labelled
newsprint
Placed in labelled
herbarium folder(s) and
in provided zip-top
bag(s)
Pack 1 site's worth of samples
in lined cooler large with
NO ICE
Pack up to 2 weeks' worth of Unknown and QA samples
in plant shipping box.
Add crumpled newspaper or other material to prevent
shifting
ฆ .
SHIP WITHIN 2-WEEKS
ANYTIME
FEDEX GROUND
Ground
SHIP WITHIN 2 WEEKS
(Longer if additional drying time is needed)
ANYTIME
FEDEX EXPRESS 2-DAY
J V
Express
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Reference Card ST-1, Side B. NWCA 2021 Sample Shipping Table
SAMPLE
SAMPLE CODE
SAMPLE TARGET VOLUME
CONTAINER
PRESERVATIVE/
PREPARATION
SHIPPING TIME FRAME
PACKAGING FOR SHIPMENT
SHIPPING
GROUP
1-
8 cm,
entire 125 cm of Soil Pit
Place each core/block in its
own soil sample bag
Stapled with tag in fold
Keep cool in field
Place all Unknowns from each site in labelled herbarium
folder (provided as ordered)
(0
UJ
_i
Unknowns
species
VEGU
All unknown plant
specimens to be identified
by secondary taxonomist
Bag or bouquet with tag
Press and dry in plant
press inside labelled
newsprint
Batch up to 2 weeks, or
more if extra drying time
is needed
Ship in cardboard veg box (provided as ordered)
FedEx Express 2-Day
T-4
s
z
Plant
If Unknown and QA Veg samples are going to the same
lab, they may be packaged together
o
1-
f
UJ
Specimens
Place all QA vouchers from each site in labelled
herbarium folder (provided as ordered)
o
UJ
>
QA Voucher
Specimens
VEGQ
5 randomly selected known
species across 5 veg plots
(5 total specimens)
Bag or bouquet with tag
Press and dry in plant
press inside labelled
newsprint
Batch up to 2 weeks, or
more if extra drying time
is needed
Ship in cardboard veg box (provided as ordered)
FedEx Express 2-Day
If Unknown and QA Veg samples are going to the same
lab, they may be packaged together
T-5
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Reference Card ST-2 NWCA Sample Shipping Guidance, Side A
General Shipping and Tracking Guidelines
Each sample type has a designated field treatment, holding time, shipping method and destination lab.
Refer to Reference Card ST-1 for specific sample requirements.
Every time samples are shipped, the pertinent portions of the Tracking Form in the NWCA App must be completed.
Tracking Forms must be submitted via the NWCA App
Packing slips that list the samples being shipped must be included in the shipping cooler/box.
When shipping, pack samples in the designated cooler or box and affix the specific FedEx Shipping Label.
Referto the "T-#" on each sample label, packing slip, and FedEx label to group and ship samples correctly.
T1
MEDIUM COOLER
DAILY WATER CHEMISTRY SHIPMENT
WET ICE
CHEM
wchl . 184985532580
T-l - Daily Water Chemistry Shipment (Medium Cooler)
No shipment if site has no sampleable water
- Water chemistry (CHEM)
- Chlorophyll-o (WCHL)
Fill out T-l portion of Tracking Form and submit via the NWCA App
Include the T-l packing slip in cooler in plastic sleeve
(inside lid of cooler).
Line cooler with plastic bag (cooler liner provided)
Place samples in cooler liner
Fill cooler liner with fresh wet ice.
- Add new ice if shipping on the day after sampling.
Seal liner (zip-tie provided)
Attach cooler handle tag
Affix pre-paid T-l FedEx shipping label
Secure cooler with packing tape (tape handle down)
Drop off at FedEx facility or schedule pickup
Immediately shipped samples will be shipped Priority Overnight and will automatically be designated for Saturday Delivery
These samples may be shipped Monday-Friday
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Reference Card ST-2 NWCA Sample Shipping Guidance, Side B
Daily Chilled Shipment (Small Cooler)
Only the soil Isotope sample will be shipped if site has no sampleable water
- Microcystin (MICX)
- Soil Isotopes (SISO)
Fill outT-2 portion of Tracking Form and submit via the NWCA App
Include T-2 Packing Slip and APHIS Permit in cooler in
zip-top sleeve provided.
- Cross out sample IDs for any sample not included
Place samples in cooler liner
Fill cooler liner with fresh wet ice.
Add new ice if shipping on the day aftersampling.
Seal liner (zip-tie provided)
Affix pre-paid T2 FedEx shipping label to lid
Secure cooler with packing tape (tape handle down)
Drop off at FedEx facility or schedule pickup
T2
SMALL COOLER
DAILY CHIILEO SHIPMENT
WET ICE
,.184985532627
Daily shipped samples will be shipped Priority Overnight and will automatically be designated for Saturday Delivery
These samples may be shipped Monday-Friday
Standard Depth Soil Cores. Soil Chemistry and Bulk Density (Large Cooler)
Fill out T-3 portion of Tracking Form and submit via the NWCA App
Also submit S-l Form (soil data is needed by lab to process samples)
Include T-3 Packing Slip in cooler in plastic sleeve (inside lid of cooler)
- List all Horizons and samples included
Use large cooler for shipping. Do Not Put Ice In Cooler
Line cooler with plastic bag (cooler liner provided)
Seal liner (zip-tie provided)
Secure cooler with packing tape
Attach cooler handle tag (adhesive plus zip-tie)
Affix pre-paid T-3 FedEx shipping label
Drop off at FedEx facility or schedule pickup
T3
URGE COOLER
SOIL SAMPLES TO NRCS
NO ICE
sosc
SH6D
SHCH
'184985532590
Soil samples will be shipped FedEx Ground and may be shipped any day of the week
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RETAIN THIS BOX
~ OH SHIPPING
PHI SM ฆ> PLANT
MATUMAI
Reference Card ST-2 NWCA Sample Shipping Guidance, Side C
Plant Specimens (Large Cardboard box)
-NOTE 1: each OA and Unknown specimen must have a plant sample label
(adhesive back) on the outside of the newsprint that describes all details
about the specimen.
If more than one newsprint is required for a single specimen, affix a completed label to each
newsprint and add a note (e.g., 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.) to the top of the label.
- NOTE 2: all plant specimens must be completely dry before shipping.
- NOTE 3: Tracking forms MUST BE FILLED OUT AND SUBMITTED VIA THE NWCA
APP FOR ALL SAMPLES, even if they are retained or hand-delivered to the
state lab.
Unknowns Samples:
Fill outT-4 portion of tracking form and submit via the NWCA App
Use veg specimen box (provided as requested)
Group unknown specimens by site, in order of collection number, into
herbarium folders (provided as requested) and insert into zip-top bag
Label folder(s) with Unknown Plant Sample Label. Indicate Site ID, Visit Number,
Folder Number (if multiple folders are used per site), and number of unknown
specimens inside the folder.
Carefully pack specimens into shipping boxes, with padding (crumpled
newspaper, or other material) and make sure they will not shift in box.
Place T-4 packing slip on top of packing material
- List all Collection Numbers (U#) included from site
- Collection numbers are generated by App (on V-2 Form)
Ship to National Lab (using pre-paid T4/T5 FedEx Label)
-OR-
Retain for identification (see NOTE 3 above)
-0R-
Ship to State Lab (see NOTE 3 above)
m
TA NWCi 1 Unircwn Tr*ckmg
NWC2I- w.O'O:
- / /
u_
V H
u
~ .
u
in
u
~
u
~
u
b
u
~
u ~
T4/T5
CARDBOARD BOX
VEQ-UNKNOWN/OA PUNT SPECIMENS
NO ICE
VEGU
VEGO
184985532605
Plant samples will be shipped FedEx 2-Day and may be shipped any day of the week
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Reference Card ST-2 NWCA Sample Shipping Guidance, Side D
QA Voucher Specimens:
Fill out T-5 portion of tracking form and submit via the NWCA App
Follow guidance for Unknowns on Side C using QA Plant Sample Label on folder
Place T-5 packing slip on top of packing material
- List all Collection Numbers (Q#) included from site
- Collection numbers are generated by App (on V-2 Form)
Unknown and QA specimens can be packed together in the same box if destined
for the same lab; but,
Do not place Unknowns and QA Specimens in the same
herbarium folder.
QA Plant Sample
NWC21-
Visit #: Ol 02 Folder# of.
# of Veg Specimens in Folder:
T5 NWC21 QA Pt*nt Tracking
mm* o-c
0ป02 I I
T4/T5
CARDBOARD BOX
VฃQ-UNKNOWN/OA PLANT SPECIMENS
NO ICE
VEGU
VEGO
.*-*,.184985532605
Plant samples will be shipped FedEx 2-Day and may be shipped any day of the week
Key Points to Remember when Shipping any NWCA Samples
Packing Slip(s) enclosed in package should identify each sample in package and no more
Samples from multiple sites = multiple slips
Make sure sample IDs agree between labels, data forms and all tracking forms
Use the T-#s provided to help group samples correctly
NEVER send samples without a copy of the correct and complete packing slip(s) in the cooler/box
ALWAYSsubmittrackingform(s)viathe NWCA Appon the day of shipping
Use correct FedEx Label for the samples being shipped and cross-check the destination lab
Use the T-#s provided to help ship samples correctly
Questions or problems with shipping? Contact Chris Turner, Field Logistics Coordinator:
(715) 829-3737 (call or text) -or- cturner@glec.com
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Appendix B Target Invasive Plant Species
TARGET INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES FOR EVALUATION OF PRESENCE IN BUFFER
Eurasian Watermilfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum L.
Common Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms
Yellow Floatingheart
Nymphoides peltata
Giant Salvinia
Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell
Garlic Mustard
Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande
Poison Hemlock
Conium maculatum L.
Mile-a-Minute Weed
Polygonum perfoliatum L.
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus L.
Canada Thistle
Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.
Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria L.
Knotweed
Polygonum aviculare L.
Japanese Knotweed
Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc.
Perennial Pepperweed
Lepidium latifolium L.
Giant Reed
Arundo donax L.
Cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum L.
Reed Canarygrass
Phalaris arundinacea L.
Common Reed
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud.
Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula L.
Johnsongrass
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Kudzu
Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr.
Multiflora Rose
Rosa multiflora Thunb. Ex Murr.
Common Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica L.
Himalayan Blackberry
Rubus armeniacus Focke
Tamarisk
Tamarixspp. L.
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Eurasian Watermilfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum L.
Haloragaceae
Other Common Names: Spiked Watermilfoil
Description
Submersed aquatic plant
Rooted emergent stems reach 3 to 10 ft. (0.9-3 m) in
length; can be up to 30 ft. (9.1 m) long.
Grows in dense mats
Bright green, finely dissected, whorled leaves
Delicate leaflets have feathery appearance
Native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
Impacts
Dense mats restrict light availability
Causes decline in diversity and abundance of native
plants
Displaces the native species of watermilfoil
Reduces habitat for fish spawning and feeding
Distribution
Lakes, ponds, and other aquatic environments
Stagnant to slowly moving water
Can tolerate brackish conditions
States Where Invasive
CA, CT, DE, ID, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WA, Wl
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Common Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solrns
Poritederiaceae
Other Common Names: Floating Water Hyacinth
Description
Free floating aquatic plant
Grows to 3 ft. (1 m) in height
Leaves are oval to elliptical, thick, up to 6 in.
(15 cm) wide and waxy with spongy petioles
Leaves curve inward at the edge
Showy blue-purple flowers are born on
upright spikes
Flowers have six petals with the uppermost
having a yellow patch
Native to South America
Impacts
Reproduces mainly by vegetative means; quickly forms dense floating mats of
vegetation
Dense mats restrict light to the underwater environment and deplete the oxygen levels.
Distribution
Invades aquatic areas throughout the eastern and southern portions of the US
Invades lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and other types of wetland habitats
States Where Invasive
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, NH, NY, OR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA
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Yellow Floatingheart
Nymph oides pelta ta
Meriyanthaceae
Description
Perennial, water-lily like plant
Carpets the water surface with long-
stalked, heart-shaped leaves
Showy five-petaled yellow flower occur
on long stalks and rise a few inches
above the water surface
Leaves average 3 to 10 cm in diameter
Fruit capsule is 2.5 cm long and contains
numerous seed
Seeds are oval and flat (about 3.5 mm
long) and hairy along their outer edges
Impacts
Grows in dense patches, excluding
native species
Creates stagnant areas with low oxygen levels underneath the floating mats
Mats reduce fish habitat
Hinder recreation on the water
Distribution
States Where Invasive
CT; ME, MA, OR, VI, WA
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Giant Salvinia
Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell
Salviniaceae
Other Common Names: Kariba Weed, Salvinia, Water Fern
Description
Aquaticfern
Floating leaves that are 0.5 to 1.5 in. (2.5-3.8
cm) long, oblong, and vary in color from
green to gold to brown
Leaf surfaces have rows of arching hairs that
look like little egg-beaters
Young leaves are smaller and lie flat on the
surface of the water
Mature leaves forms chains that run together
to form thick mats on the surface of the
water
Submerged fronds are "stringy" and
resemble roots
Plants reproduce by spores and by budding of broken stems or attached nodes
Native to South America
Impacts
Mats restrict oxygen and light availability causing death of the primary producers and
disrupting the aquatic food chain
Distribution
On the Federal Noxious Weed list and can invade most any type of aquatic system
States Where Invasive
AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NC, SC, TX
arafr
Scott Robinson, GA-DNR, Bugwood.org
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Garlic Mustard
Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande
Brassicaceae
Other Common Names: Hedge Garlic, Sauce Alone, Jack-by-the Hedge, Poor Man's Mustard,
Jack-in-the-Bush, Garlic Root, Garlicwort, Mustard Root
Description
Herbaceous, biennial forb
First-year plants are basal rosettes with green, heart-shaped, 1-6
in. (2.5-15.2 cm) long leaves
Second-year plants produce a 1-4 ft. (0.3-1.2 m) tall flowering stalk
Flowers are small, white
Flowers early spring
Plants can be easily recognized by a garlic odor that is
present when any part of the plant is crushed and by the
strongly toothed, triangular leaves
Native to Europe
Impacts
Shades out native understory flora
Allelopathic compounds inhibit seed germination of other
species
Distribution
Aggressive invader of wooded areas throughout the eastern and middle US
Invade high-quality, mature woodlands
Tom Huette, USDA Forest Service,
Bugwood.org
States Where invasive
AK, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, IN, VA, VT, Wl, WV
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Poison Hemlock
Conium maculatum L.
Apiaceae
Other Common Names: Deadly Hemlock, Poison Parsley
Description
Biennial (usually)
Grows from 3-10 ft. (1-3 m) in height
Stems are hollow, ribbed and purple-spotted
Plants begin as a rosette of leaves and flower in the
second year of growth
Leaves are opposite, finely dissected, 8-16 in. long,
triangular and emit a foul odor when crushed
Petioles often sheath the stem
Flowers May to August,
Flowers umbels of small, white flowers develop at the
apex of the stems
Umbels are 2-2.5 in. (5-6.2 cm) in diameter and contain
many 5-petaled flowers
Native to Europe
All parts of this plant are poisonous!
Impacts
One plant can produce over 30,000 seeds
Plants, when eaten, are poisonous to most animals
Distribution
Steve Dewey, Utah State University
Bugwood.org
States Where Invasive
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MO,
MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, Rl, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, Wl, WV, WY
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Mile- a -Minute Weed
Polygonum perfoliatum L.
Polygonaceae
Other common name: Devil's Tearthumb
Description
Herbaceous, annual vine
Delicate stems are reddish, highly branched and
covered with small, curved spines
Circular, leafy structures (ocreae) surround the stem
at the base of the petioles
Leaves alternate, triangular, light green, 1-3 in. (2.5-
7.6 cm) wide and barbed on the undersurface
Flowers are small, white, inconspicuous, and arise
from the ocreae
Fruits, present in mid-July through the first frost,
are metallic blue and segmented with each segment
containing a single black or reddish black seed
Native to Eastern Asia and the Philippines
impacts
Covers existing vegetation and restrict light availability,
Dense mats restrict establishment of new vegetation.
Distribution
Invades disturbed areas in Oregon and portions of the northeastern US
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of
Connecticut, Bugwood.org
potentially killing plants below
States Where Invasive
CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
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Birdsfoot Trefoil
Lotus corriiculatus L,
Fabaceae
Other common names: Birdfoot, Deervetch, bloomfell, cat's clover, crowtoes, ground honeysuckle
Description
Low-growing, perennial forb
Stems 2 ft. (0.6 m) long
Leaves are compound (with 5 oval to linear
leaflets), stipulate and alternate
Leaflets (upper 3) are 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long and less
than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) wide; the lower two
resemble leaf-like stipules
Flowers May to August,
Flowers yellow, sweet pea-like in clusters of 2-8
on a long peduncle (stalk)
Fruits are brown to black (1.5-3.5 cm) pods that
occur in head-like clusters
Native to Eurasia and North Africa
Distribution
Occurs in pastures, roadsides, wetlands, disturbed grasslands and riparian areas
I
\
Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, Ohio State
University, Bugwood.org
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p' \ \ 11
m\ 1 phiwi
David Cappaert, Michigan State
University, Bugwood.org
States Where Invasive
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MO, MT,
NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, Rl, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, Wl, WV, WY
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ft
Canada Thistle
Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.
Asteraceae
Other Common Names: Californian Thistle, Creeping
Thistle, Field Thistle
Description
Tail, erect, spiny, perennial
Grows to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall
Extensive creeping rootstock
Leaves are lance-shaped, irregularly lobed, 2-6 in.
(5- 15 cm) long with prickly margins
Stems are ridged and hairy I Steve Dewey, Utah State University
Flowers are purple to white and can be up to 0.5 I Bugwood.org
in. (1.8 cm) in diameter
June to August
Achene fruit 1 to 1.5 in. (2.5-3.8 cm) long with feathery pappus
Native to Europe and Asia
Impacts
forms dense stands which can shade out and displace
native vegetation
Once established it spreads rapidly and is difficult
to remove
Distribution
Canada thistle can invade a variety of open
habitats including prairies, savannas, fields,
pastures, wet meadows and open forests
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of
Connecticut, Bugwood.org
States Where Invasive
AK, AZ, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, MD, Ml, MN, MO, MT, ND, NJ, OH, OR, PA, Rl, SD, TN, VA, WA, Wl, WV, WY
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Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria L.
Lythraceae
Other Common Names: Purple Lythrum, Rainbow Weed,
Salicaire, Spiked Loosestrife
Description
Tall, multi-stemmed (30-50 per plant),
Perennial forb
Up to 10 ft. (3 m) in height
Opposite or whorled leaves; dark-green, lance-shaped,
sessile 1.5-4 in. (3.8-10.2 cm) long
Leaves round or heart-shaped at the base
Flowers July to October
Flowers: pink to purplish; 4-16 in. (10.2-40.6 cm) long
spikes at the tops of the stems
Flowers have 5-7 petals and twice as many stamens as
petals
Fruits are capsules that are enclosed in the hairy sepals
Native to Europe and Asia
Impacts
Dense stands displace native vegetation
Spreads very rapidly through prolific seed production
Distribution
Wetlands: wet meadows, prairie potholes, river and stream banks, lake shores, tidal and non-
tidal marshes, and ditches
States Where Invasive
AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC,
DE, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, Rl, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, Wl, WV, WY
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Knotweed
Polygonum aviculare L.
Polygonaceae
Other common name: Prostrate knotweed
Description
Germinating plant is grass-like with long,
dark green leaves
Forms a mat up to 2 feet wide on
slender wiry stems
Papery sheath at each node gives stems
a knotted or swollen appearance
Leaves alternate; small; narrowly oval;
dull, bluish green; up to 1 % inches long
and 1/3 inch wide
Flowers are small, borne in clusters in
leaf axils
Flower buds are purplish opening to
white to yellow flowers during
Flowers June through October
Impacts
Dense mats outcompetes native vegetation
Distribution
Found in compacted, infertile soils or thin turf in the sun
States Where Invasive
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, I A, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN,
MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, Rl, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, WA, Wl,
WV, WY
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Japanese Knotweed
Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc.
Polygonaceae
Other Common Names: Fleeceflower, Japanese Bamboo
Description
Dense shrub
Grows to 10 ft. (3 m)
Semi-woody stem is hollow with enlarged nodes
Leaves are alternate, 6 in. (15.2 cm) long, 3-4 in. (7.6-
10 cm) wide and broadly-ovate
Flowers late summer
Flowers small, greenish-white in long panicles in
the axils of the leaves
Plants are dioecious (male and female flowers
occur on separate plants)
Native to eastern Asia
Impacts
Reproduction occurs both vegetatively (rhizomes) and
seeds,
Extremely hard to eradicate
Dense patches shade and displace other plant life and
reduce wildlife habitat
Distribution
Invades disturbed areas with high light, such as
roadsides and stream banks
Jan Samanek, State Phyosanitary Adminstration
Bugwood.org
PJack Ranney, University of Tennessee
Bugwood.org
States Where invasive
AK, CT, DC, DE, GA, IN, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, Rl, TN, VA, VT, WA, Wl, WV
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Perennial Pepperweed
Lepidium iatifolium L.
Brassicaceae
Other Common Names: Virginia Pepperweed,
Broadleaved Pepperweed, Tali Whitetop, Broadleaved
Peppergrass
Description
Perennial forb
Grow from 1-5 ft. (0.3-1.5 m) in height
Rosette leaves are long petiolate 4-12 in. (10-30cm)
long and 1-2 in. (2.5-5 cm) wide and toothed
Cauline (stem) leaves are alternate, 1-3 in. (2.5-7.6 cm) long and oblong
Flowers late spring to summer
Inflorescences are flat, dense clusters that develop at the apex of the flowering stem
Individual flowers are 4-petaled and white
Fruit are round to oval, hairy pod that is 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) in
diameter
Native to Eurasia
Steve Dewey, Utah State
University, Bugwood.org
Impacts
Adapts readily to natural and disturbed wetlands.
Creates large monospecific stands that displace native plants
and animals.
Distribution
Occurs in coastal wetlands, riverbanks, marshes, rangelands
and roadsides
States Where Invasive
CA, CO, CT, OR UT, WA
'LANTS
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Giant Reed
Arundo donax L.
Poaceae
Other Common Name: Elephant Grass
Description
Perennial grass
Grows up to 20 ft. (6.1 m) in height
Stem resembles a corn stalk and has long, flat leaves up to
1.5 ft. (0.5 m) long
Flowers late summer to early fall
Large, dense flower plumes develop at the tops of the
cuims
Plums can grow up to 3 ft. (0.9 m) in length
Native to India
Impacts
Suppresses and removes native vegetation very easily
Reduces wildlife habitat, increases fire risks and interferes
with flood control
Distribution
Invades wetlands such as ditches, stream banks and lake
shores
^>I_ANTS
6
States Where Invasive
AZ, CA, GA, MD, NM, NV, TX, VA
James H. Miller, USDA Forest
Service, Bugwood.org
Chris Evans, River to River CWMA,
Bugwood.org
David J. Moorhead,
University of Georgia
Bugwood.org
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Cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum L.
Poaceae
Other Common Names: Downy brome, early chess, military grass, thatch bromegrass
Description
Annual grass that forms tufts
Grows up to 2 ft. (0.6 m) tali
Leaves and sheaths are covered in short, soft hairs
Flowers occur as drooping, open, terminal clusters that can
have a greenish, red, or purple hue
Flowers early summer
Senescence usually occurs in summer
Native to Europe and parts of Africa and Asia
Impacts
Replaces native vegetation and change fire regimes
Distribution
Invades rangelands, pastures, prairies, and other open areas
Occurs throughout the United States and Canada, but is most
problematic in areas of the western US with lower precipitation
levels
States Where Invasive
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MO, MS, MT,
NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, Rl, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, Wl, WV, WY
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Reed Canarygrass
Phalaris arundinacea L.
Poaceae
Description
Cool-season perennial grass
Grows to 6 ft. (1.7 m) tali
Leaf blades are flat, 1-4 ft. (0.3-1.2 m) long, up to 3/4 in.1.9
cm) wide, glabrous and taper gradually
Ligule is membranous (transparent) and long
Flower/seed heads can be green, purple, or brown in color
and usually 3-6 in. (7.6-15.2 cm) in length.
Flowers May to July
Variable in morphology, so characteristics may depend upon
the habitat
Native to Europe and possibly parts of Asia
Impacts
Spreads by seeds and rhizomes and can exclude all other
vegetation
Extremely difficult to eradicate once established
Distribution
Quickly dominates wetlands, ditches, prairie potholes and
other sites with moist soil
States Where invasive
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MO, MT,
NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, Rl, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, Wl, WV, WY
Richard Old, XID-Services,
Bugwood, Inc.
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Richard Old, XID-Services
Bugwood, Inc.
Common Reed
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud.
Poaceae
Other Common Name: Phragmites
Description
Tall, perennial grass
Grows to heights of 15 ft. (4.6 m) or more
Leaves are broad and pointed, arising from thick stalks
Leaves are 6-23.6 in. (15-60 cm) long, 0.4-2.4 in. (1-6 cm) wide,
flat and glabrous
Flower heads are dense, fluffy, gray or purple in color and 5.9-
15.7 in. (15-40 cm) long
Flowers July to October
Native to Eurasia and Africa
Native Phragmites do occur in the United States
Impacts
Displaces native wetlands plants
Alters hydrology
Block sunlight to the aquatic community
Distribution
Found in dense thickets growing in or near shallow water
Richard Old, XID-
Services, Bugwood, Inc
States Where Invasive
CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IN, KY, MD, Ml, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, Wl
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Leafy Spurge
Euphorbia esula L.
Euphorbiaceae
Description
Erect, perennial, herbaceous plant
Grows from 2 to 3.5 ft. (0.6-1.1 m) tail
Leaves are oval-shaped, smooth and 1-4 in.
(2.5-
10.2 cm) long
Produces a milky sap if stem is broken or a leaf
is removed
Stem is smooth and bluish-green
Flowers late spring (and sometimes the late
summer)
Flowers are yellow, form clusters at the apex
of the plant
Fruits are 3 lobed capsules that explode when
mature, spreading seeds up to 15 ft. (4.6 m)
Native to Europe
Impacts
Large infestations give the landscape a yellowish tinge due to the yellow bracts
Overtakes large areas of land and displace native vegetation
Distribution
Invades prairies, pastures and other open areas
Major pest of national parks and nature preserves in the western US
ฆorest
TJormat. Rees, USuA 1
Service, Bugwood.org
States Where invasive
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR,
PA, SD, LIT, VA, VI, WA, Wl, WV, WY
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4
V^>cr:
NAUIIN)
Johnsongrass
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Poaceae
Description
Tali (up to 8 ft, [2.4 m]), rhizomatous, perennial grass
Leaves 2 ft. (0.6 m) long, lanceolate and arranged alternately
along a stout, hairless, somewhat upward branching stem
Leaves have distinct, white midribs
Flowers occur in a loose, spreading, purplish panicle
Native to the Mediterranean region
Impacts
Forms dense colonies which displace native vegetation and
restrict tree seedling establishment
Distribution I James H. Miller, USDA Forest
Invades open areas throughout the United States. I Service, Bugwood.org
Adapted to a wide variety of habitats including open forests,
old fields, ditches and wetlands
Steve Dewey, Utah State
University, Bugwood.org)
States Where Invasive
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, Ml, MO, MS,
MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, Rl, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, Wl, WV, WY
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Kudzu
Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr.
Fabacaeae
Description
Climbing, deciduous vine
Grows over 100 ft. (30.5 m)
Leaves are alternate, compound (with three, usually
lobed, leaflets), hairy and up to 5.4 in. (15 cm) long
Flowers midsummer
Flowers 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long, purple, fragrant
Flowers hang, in clusters, in the axils of the leaves
Fruit are brown, hairy, flat, 3 in. (7.6 cm) long, 0.3 in.
(0.8 cm) wide seed pods
Native to Asia
Impacts
Grows over, smothers and kills all other
vegetation, including trees
Chuck Bargeron,
University of Georgia
Bugwood.org
Kerry Britton, USDA Forest Service
Bugwood.org
Distribution
Invades open, disturbed areas such as roadsides,
right-of-ways, forest edges and old fields
States Where Invasive
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, Hi, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC,
TN, TX, VA, WA, WV
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Multiflora Rose
Rosa multiflora Thunb. Ex Murr.
Rosaceae
Description
Multi-stemmed, thorny, perennial shrub
Grows up to 15 ft. (4.6 m) tall
Stems are arching canes which are round in cross section
and have stiff, curved thorns
Leaves are pinnately compound with 7-9 leaflets
Leaflets are oblong, 1-1.5 in. (2.5-3.8 cm) long and have
serrated edges
Fringed petioles
Small, white to pinkish,5- petaled flowers occur abundantly
in clusters
Fruit are small, red, rose hips that remain on the plant
throughout the winter.
Native to Asia
Impacts
Restricts human, livestock, and wildlife movement and displaces native vegetation
Distribution
Forms impenetrable thickets in pastures, fields and forest edges
Chris Evans, River to River CWMA
Bugwood.org
^^S^nvasiv^pecie^ocumerrt
States Where Invasive
AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, Ml, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, Rl, SC,
TN, VA, VT, Wl, WV
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Common Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica L
Rhamnaceae
Other Common Names: European Buckthorn
Description
Deciduous shrub or small tree
Grows to 25 ft. (7.6 m) in height
Bark is dark gray and the inner bark is
orange (easily seen when the tree is cut)
Twigs are usually tipped with a sharp spine
Leaf arrangement is usually subopposite,
but examples of opposite and/or alternate
arrangements are commonly found
Leaves are dark green, oval, 1.5 to 3 in.
(3.8-7.6 cm) long, slightly serrate with 3 to 4 pairs of curving veins and a somewhat folded
tip
Flowers in the spring
Fllowers yellow-green, 4-petaled and develop in clusters of 2 to 6 near the base of the
petioles
Plants are dioecious (male and female flowers occur on separate plants)
Fruits are small,, black berries that are 0.25 in. (0.6 cm) in diameter
Native of Europe
Impacts
Dense thickets crowd out native shrubs and understory plants
Difficult to remove once established
Distribution
Common buckthorn invades forests, prairies and savannas in the Midwestern US
States Where invasive
CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, MD, MA, Ml, MN, MO, MS, ND, NH, NJ, NY, PA, Rl, SD, TN, VA, VT, Wl, WY
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Himalayan Blackberry
Rubus armeniacus Focke
Rosaceae
Description
Perennial shrub
Stems grow to 15 ft. (4.6 m) before arching and
then trailing over the ground for up to 40 ft. (12.2
m)
As stems touch the ground they root at the
nodes, producing a dense thicket
Leaves of the prima cane (first year shoots) are
2.8-7.9 in. (7-20 cm) long and palmately
compound with 5 leaflets
No flowers are produced on the first year's
growth
The second year several side shoots are
produced (flora canes) having smaller leaves
with 3 leaflet
Leaflets are oval and toothed with thorns
along the underside of the mid-rib
Flowers late spring to early summer
Flowers white to pale pink flowers develop on
the flora canes
Flowers have 5 petals, numerous stamens
and are 0.8-1 in. (2-2.5 cm) in diameter
Fruits are an aggregate of drupelets that are
black, when mature, and 0.5-0.8 in. (1.2-2cm)
in diameter
Native to Eurasia
Distribution
Occurs in pastures, riparian areas, wastelands, fence lines and right-of-ways
National Wetland Condition Assessment 2021
Version 1.0, April 2021
Richard Old, XD-Services, Inc.
Bugwood.org
Richard Old, XID-Services, Inc.
Bugwood.org
States Where Invasive
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, HI, ID, IL, KY, MA, MO, MT, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OR, PA, TN, UT, VA, WA
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lamarisk
Tamarix spp. L.
Tamaricaceae
Other Common Names: Saltcedars
Description
Deciduous shrub
Grows up to 15 ft. (4.6 m) in height
Leaves small (1/16 in. [0.15 cm] long), scale-like,
gray-green, and overlap along the stem
Leaves are often coated with salt crystals
The bark is smooth and reddish on younger plants,
turning brown and furrowed with age
Flowers March to September
Flowers are pink to white and develop in 2 in.
(5.1 cm) long clusters (spikes) at the tips of the
branches
Native to Eurasia and Africa
Impacts
Crowds out native riparian species
Diminishes early successional habitat
Reduce water tables
Salt secretions inhibit other plants
Distribution
Several species are considered invasive in US
Invades stream banks, sandbars, lake margins,
wetlands, moist rangelands and saline environments
Most troublesome in Southwest US
Steve Dewey, Utah State University,
Bugwood.org
States Where Invasive
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, Ml, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK,
OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, IX, UT, VA, WA, WY
Steve Dewey, Utah State University,
Bugwood.org
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References
USDA, NRCS. 2009. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 25 November 2009).
National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
Swearingen, J. 2006. Weed US database, Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas. Plant Conservation
Alliance, Alien Plant Working Group, http://www.invasive.org/weedus/index.html
Dukes, J.S. and H.A. Mooney. 2004. Disruption of ecosystem processes in western North America by
invasive species. Revista Chilena De Historia Natural 77:411-437.
Meyerson, L.A. and H.A. Mooney. 2007. Invasive alien species in an era of globalization.
Frontier in Ecology and the Environment 5:199-208.
Pimentel, D., R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison. 2005. Update on the environmental and economic costs
associated with alien-invasive species in the United States. Ecological Economics 52: 273-288.
Richardson, D.M., P. Pysek, M. Rejmanek, M. Barbour, F.D. Panetta and C.J. West. 2000 Naturalization
and invasion of alien plants: Concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6(2):93- 107
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Appendix C Floristic Resources
Accurate plant identification in the field or lab requires the use of local or regional floras and field guides
appropriate to the area being sampled. It is also helpful to consult species range maps or distribution
information to confirm species identifications. This appendix provides a list of floristic resources
pertinent to individual states or to larger regions within the conterminous United States.
List of Regional, State, and Local Floristic Resources
EPA compiled a list of floras, field guides, and databases in Appendix C as a resource for NWCA
Botanist/Ecologists and it is available electronically in spreadsheet format. Note: this list is not a
complete compilation of floras and field guides available across the conterminous US. Rather, it includes
floristic resources, applicable to specific states or regions, that were recommended by NWCA Field Crew
Botanists/Ecologists. In addition, some other useful floristic resources referenced by herbaria or regional
botanical expects are included on the list. Printed and online floras not included in this list (particularly
recently published work) may also be considered for use during NWCA sampling.
Floristic Resources in Appendix C are listed under three major subheadings: 1) resources covering the
conterminous United States, 2) resources covering large regions (with a list of states to which they
apply), and 3) resources that are applicable to specific individual states. The following information is
provided for each resource: a Short Citation, a Full Citation, Resource Type, and Resource Applicability in
the region or state. In addition, notes about the resource are provided where needed. The Short
Citation is used to document the floristic resources used at each NWCA site for plant identification (see
Recording Citations, below).
Recording Citations for Floristic Resources Used at NWCA Sampled Sites
The nomenclatural standard for the NWCA is the PLANTS Database (USDA, NRCS 2021,
https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/), and all plant names will be reconciled to the PLANTS nomenclature
during data preparation to facilitate data analysis. To aid in this process, it is important to know the
floristic resources used for identification of plants at each sampled site.
The NWCA Veg Team will record short citations for the floristic resources used at each sampled site in
the NWCA Data App on Form V-l under the 'Floristic Resources Used' heading. There is space for up to
eight resources to be included. The primary floristic resource used at the site should be listed first. A list
of the short citations from the Appendix C are available in a drop-down list next to each citation entry
space on Form V-l to facilitate consistent data entry.
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Appendix D Photography
I. Taking Photographs
Taking photographs is a required NWCA field activity that provides an important visual record of
sampling activities at each site and is a vital component in the QA review of the soil profile description
and naming of horizons by NRCS Soil Scientists. Photographs can be taken with a digital camera, phone
or tablet, as long the images produced are of good quality.
It is important to keep a record of the date and location photographs are taken. One approach used in
past surveys is to take an initial photograph of an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper with the site ID, date, and
name of the individual(s) taking the picture printed in large, thick letters. We do not recommend using a
placard or board with site information in every photograph taken; this often detracts from the real
subject (e.g., soil profile, site characterization, plant, special feature) of the photograph.
After the photograph of the site ID information, take the following photographs at each site:
Assessment Area (AA) characterization photographs
Water sample location photographs (if collected)
Soil profile photographs
Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive (TES) species photographs and
Other notable site feature(s) photographs.
Be sure to include photographs that provide a frame of reference, including photographs of crew
members collecting the sample. Permission should be obtained from any individual photographed.
1 - AA Characterization Photographs
During the Assessment Area (AA) characterization, the Veg Team takes the following digital photographs
after establishing the Veg Plots (Chapter 5):
Overview of the setting around the POINT: This photograph should contain the flag marking the
POINT.
Overview of the setting around the AA CENTER: This photograph is only taken if the AA CENTER
is in a different location than the POINT. The flag marking the AA CENTER should also be visible
in this photograph.
View from the AA CENTER along each of the plot placement lines for vegetation sampling: This
photograph is taken for each Vegetation Plot placement line. Note the compass bearing for the
plot placement line and, if possible, capture any relevant flagging. The optimal time to take this
photograph is when the sun lights the scene from the side. This will ensure the photograph has
depth. Keep the camera level with the horizon and ensure the image contains no more than
one-third sky.
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Figure D-l. Left: Overview of the setting around the POINT photograph. Middle arid right top arid
bottom: Plot placement line photographs. All photographs courtesy of Cara Clark, Moss Landing Marine
Laboratories.
2 - Water Sample Location Photographs
While documenting surface water characteristics and collecting water samples the AB Team will take a
photograph of the water sample collection location and other photographs of surface water features
occurring at the site that help portray surface water conditions.
3 - Soil Profile Photographs
A soil profile photo is an image that clearly shows the soil horizon depth designations made by the AB
Team. Photographs of the soil profile and important soil features will be used by NRCS Soil Scientists to
review the Soil Profile Description and name soil horizons if a Quality Assurance check cannot be
performed in the field. Soil profile photographs should be taken even when NRCS Soil Scientists perform
the QA check in the field, as photographs of the soil profile can be helpful if questions arise during later
soil analyses. Photographs can illustrate important soils characteristics, and become reference sources
of basic soils information.
Photographs should be taken of each soil profile after initial readings and horizon boundaries are
determined, but prior to describing horizon characteristics and collecting samples. Photographs can be
taken of the soil profile face in the soil pit, or of the vertically aligned shovel slabs arranged outside of
the pit.
Use the golf tees to mark horizon boundaries and use the fiberglass fabric (seamstress) tape measure) to
display depths and indicate scale. Place the tape measure so that the 0 cm mark is at the soil surface
(below living vegetation, loose leaf litter, or duff layer) and extends to the bottom of the soil pit.
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Take pictures of the entire soil profile (0-125 cm) and of smaller sections (e.g., 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, etc.)
to display smaller features. More details and suggestions for taking soil profile photographs are given in
Section 2.29.1.7.
Figure D-2. Left: Soil profile described/photographed outside of the pit (extracted using a King Sampler),
Middle: Soil profile described/photographed outside of the pit (extracted using augur), Right: Soil profile
face photographed in the soil pit.
4 - Threatened. Endangered and Sensitive Species Photographs
A plant photo voucher is an image that shows enough plant characteristics to allow identification by
plant experts. As with all vouchers, all relevant data must be kept for each plant photographed. If the
site contains a species that is considered, or is suspected of being, a Threatened, Endangered or
Sensitive (TES) plant species, the Veg Team takes a photograph to document the occurrence. The
photograph must include as many diagnostic features as possible to aid in identification. Try to get
close-ups of flowers (from two or more angles), inflorescences, fruits, seed heads, leaves (upper and
lower surfaces), branching patterns, buds, roots, and other diagnostic features. Take photographs of the
whole plant. Include a scale in the photo, using objects of known size, such as a ruler, pencil, coin, shoe,
finger, or a person.
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Figure D-3. Series of plant voucher photographs showing diagnostic features for Butomus umbellatus.
Photographs courtesy of Elizabeth Riley, EPA.
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Figure D-4. Series of plant voucher photographs showing different objects that can be used as a scale.
Clockwise from top left, field crew member with Typha latifolia, bees with Alisma triviale, index finger
with Dichorisandra thursifolia (photographs courtesy of Elizabeth Riley, EPA), and a ruler with
Woodwardia areolata (photo courtesy of Janet Nestlerode, EPA).
5 - Other Notable Site Feature(s) Photographs
Photographs can be taken for any feature of interest, e.g., stressors or physical alterations present in the
site. Where possible, include a frame of reference.
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II. Saving and Uploading Photographs to EPA
Back at the office or other base location, save each photograph using the appropriate naming
convention provided in more detail below. The naming convention for each type of photograph includes
the site ID, a special modifier indicating the type of photograph taken, and the date. Images must be
saved in a medium- to high-quality jpeg format, with the resulting file name of each photograph noted
in an excel spreadsheet photo log. Use a different worksheet tab for each site. A template excel
spreadsheet is available on the NWCA SharePoint site in the following folder:
NWCA/NWCA 2021 /Site Photographs
Registration and access links to the NWCA SharePoint will be provided during the regional trainings.
Include a brief description of each photograph, the name of the photographer, and the compass bearing
(for plot placement line photographs only) in the log. See the table below for example entries.
Photograph File Name
Description
Photographer
Compass
Bearing
NWC21-ST- 10001_AA_POI NT_2021.06.20. jpg
Area at POINT
Johnny Bark
45
NWC21-ST-
Center of AA, POINT visible in
Johnny Bark
10001_AA_CENTER_2021.06.20.jpg
background
NWC21-ST-10001_AA_P-0_2021.06.20.jpg
North Plot Line
Johnny Bark
0
NWC21-ST-10001_AA_P-90_2021.06.20.jpg
East Plot Line
Johnny Bark
90
NWC21-ST- 10001_AA_P-180_2021.06.20. jpg
South Plot Line
Johnny Bark
180
NWC21-ST-10001_AA_P-270_2021.06.20.jpg
West Plot Line
Johnny Bark
270
NWC21-ST-10001_Wl_2021.06.20.jpg
Water sample location
Johnny Bark
na
N WC21-ST-10001_S P_0-100_2021.06.20.jpg
Soil Profile 0-100 cm
Johnny Bark
na
NWC21-ST- 10001_S P_25-50_2021.06.20. jpg
Soil Profile 25-50 cm, shows
concentrations and depletions
Johnny Bark
na
NWC21-ST- 10001_TES_Ledu m
photo of Ledum groenlandicum,
Johnny Bark
na
groenlandicum_2021.06.20.jpg
TES, not collected
NWC21-ST-10001_Fl_2021.06.20.jpg
leaking water tank, 10 m, 145
degrees from AA CENTER
Johnny Bark
145
Photographs should be uploaded to the NWCA SharePoint site at least every 1-2 weeks throughout the
field season. Save photographs in the appropriate crew folder and make sure to include an updated
photo log each time photographs are added to the folder.
Use the following naming conventions when saving photographs:
AA Characterization Photographs
o Site ID number (i.e., in the format NWC21-ST-10000 or other assigned number)
o Photographs taken to characterize the AA are signified by the letters AA
o Modifier indicating the AA characterization photo taken:
ฆ POINT: photo taken of the setting around the POINT
ฆ CENTER: photo taken of the setting around the CENTER, if different from POINT
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ฆ Photographs taken from the CENTER along each of the plot placement lines for
vegetation sampling are designated by the letter P and the bearing of the plot
placement line.
o Date in the format YYYY.MM.DD. Example photo tracking code:
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_AA_POINT_2021.08.15.jpg
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_AA_CENTER_2021.08.15.jpg
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_AA_P-290_2021.08.15.jpg
Water Sample Location Photographs
o Site ID number (i.e., in the format NWC21-ST-10000 or other assigned number)
o Photographs taken of the water sample location and other water features are
designated by the letter W
o Date in the format YYYY.MM.DD. Example photograph tracking code:
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_Wl_2021.08.15.jpg
Soil Profile Photographs
o Site ID number (i.e., in the format NWC21-ST-10000 or other assigned number)
o Photographs taken of the soil profile are designated by the letter SP
o Depth range (in cm) of the soil profile shown in the photograph (e.g, 0-100 if the photo
shows the entire profile)
o Date in the format YYYY.MM.DD. Example photograph tracking code:
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_SP_0-100_2021.08.15.jpg
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_SP_0-20_2021.08.15.jpg
TES Species Photographs
o Site ID number (i.e., in the format NWC21-ST-10000 or other assigned number)
o Photographs taken of a Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive plant species are
designated by the letters TES
o Species name or pseudonym if the species is unknown but suspected of being a TES
species.
o Date in the format YYYY.MM.DD Example photo tracking codes:
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_TES_Ledum groenlandicum_2021.08.15.jpg
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_TES_Carexl-3 stigmas_2021.08.15.jpg
Other Notable Site Feature Photographs
o Site ID number (i.e., in the format NWC21-ST-10000 or other assigned number)
o Photographs taken of important features are designated by the letter F and a sequential
number for each feature documented at the site (i.e., Fl, F2, etc.).
o Date in the format YYYY.MM.DD. Example photograph tracking code:
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_Fl_2021.08.15.jpg
ฆ NWC21-ST-10016_F2_2021.08.15.jpg
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Appendix E Forms and Labels
Lab Sample ID:
T2: NWC21 Daily Chilled Tracking
Tl: NWC21 Daily Water Chemistry Sample Tracking
Site ID: NWC21" Visit #:0102
site ID: NWC21-
Vlslt #: o 1 O 2
Date Collected: / J
Sample ID
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
CHEM
Sample ID
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
WCHL
Date Rec'd:
Rec'd by:
Date Collected:
./ /
Lab Staff:
Samples In Box?
Sample ID
~
MICX
>-
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
o
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SOIL HORIZON CHEMISTRY (SHCH)
Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / /20 Visit #: Ol 02
Horizon #:
T3 990005
SOIL HORIZON BULK DENSITY (SHBD)
Site ID: NWC21-
Date: / /20 Visit#: Ol 02
Horizon#: OBD1 OBD2 OBD3
T3 990006
Sample Type:
Site ID:
Date: / /201 Visit#: 01 02
Sample ID:
NWCA 2021: Soil Horizon Chemistry or Soil Horizon Bulk Density Samples Tag
O)
a
ฃ
S
1
3
ฎ
a
a
5?
Site ID: NWC21
Horizon ft:
Visit#: Ol 02
Indicate either Chemistry or ONE of the Bulk Density Samples below
O SOIL HORIZON CHEMISTRY (SHCH) Sample ID: _______
For horizon chemistry samples, rocks in the soil should be retained in the sample;
however, if they must be removed, record the estimated volume of the sample they
comprised,
% Sample Volume Comprised by Removed Rock
O SOIL HORIZON BULK DENSITY (SHBD) Sample ID:
OBulk Density #1 O Bulk Density #2 O Bulk Density #3
For bulk density samples, indicate whether the standard corer was used OR a block of soil
was collected.
O Standard Core
For samples collected using
the standard corer, Indicate
the length of the core
collected {should be 10 cm
whenever possible).
Core Length: cm
EC
O
O Block
For blocks of soil, indicate the dimensions of the
block in cm and calculate and record the volume of
the block (LxWxH) in cm3.
Length: cm
Width: cm Volume:
Height: cm cm3
15
o
OS
AO
JQ
CL
ฃ
m
in
s
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Unknown Plant Sample
NWC21-
T4
Visit #: Ol 02 Folder# of
# of Veg Specimens in Folder:
QA Plant Sample
NWC21-
T5
Visit #: Ol 02 Folder #
of
# of Veg Specimens in Folder:
PLANT SPECIMEN LABEL
O QA O Unknown O DNA
Plant SampID: NWC21- Vis# Col#
Date: / /20 County: ST:
Species Name or Pseudonym:
Collector(s) Name(s):
Abundance of Plant (fill only one circle):
O Dominant O Common O Sparse O Uncommon
Type of plant:
O graminoid 0 forb O shrub O tree Ovine
O other
Root type:
O taproot O fibrous roots O rhizomes 0 tubers
O other
Water depth/hydroperiod for this plant at sampling (dry,
moist, top of hummock, in 6 inches of water, perennially
saturated, etc.):
Sunlight:
O full sun Opart sun Opart shade O full shade
Growth habit:
O erect O arching O trailing O shrubby
O other
Number of petals: Flower color:
Habitat: O Multiple newsprints
Newsprint of
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T4:
Site ID: NWC21 ฆ
NWC21 Unknown Plant Tracking
Visit #: o 1 O 2
Date Collected:
Lab Staff:
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
u
s ~
u
1 ~
u
h ~
u
^ ~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
~
u
T3: NWC21 Soil Chemistry & Bulk Density Sample Tracking
slte ID: NWC21- visit #: o 1 O 2
Date Collected:
Lab Staff:
Samples In Box?
/
/
~
Lab Staff:
Samples In
Box?
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
SDSC Sample ID:
SHCH Sample ID:
Horizon #: q BD1
O SHCH O BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: q gp^
O SHCH O BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: q
O SHCH o BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: q gp^
O SHCH O BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: q gp^
O SHCH O BD2
0_BD3
Horizon #: O BD1
O SHCH O BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: O BD1
o SHCH O BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: O BD1
O SHCH O BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: q gp^
O SHCH o BD2
Q BD3
Horizon #: q gD1
O SHCH O BD2
O BD3
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
SHBD Sample ID:
Lab Comments (For lab staff only)
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