Baldwin County Wetland Conservation Plan - Alabama Department ...

Baldwin County Wetland Conservation Plan Final Summary Document
Riverine 2 – one of the five wetland systems described in the USFWS wetland classification scheme.
This system includes all wetlands and deepwater habitats contained within a channel, with two
exceptions: 1) wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses, or
lichens; and 2) habitats with water containing ocean-derived salts in excess of 0.5 parts per hundred.
Saltwater Intrusion – the occurrence of unsuitable levels of salt within local aquifer supplies which
are usually used for domestic purposes such as drinking, bathing, or irrigating. Causes include overpumping
of coastal aquifers and the lowering or destruction of coastal dunes and wetlands (which
serve as aquifer recharge areas) through development activities.
Seasonally Flooded – one of the nontidal water regime modifiers used in the USFWS wetland
classification scheme. Surface water is present for extended periods especially early in the growing
season, but is absent by the end of the season in most years. When surface water is absent, the water
table is often near the land surface.
Sediment/Toxicant/Nutrient Removal – one of four wetland functions assessed in the RFWAM.
This describes the capacity of a wetland to capture, retain, remove and/or transform sediment,
toxicants, or nutrients which enter a wetland system. These processes are facilitated by physical,
chemical and biological processes associated with the wetland system.
Semi-permanently Flooded – one of the nontidal water regime modifiers used in the USFWS
wetland classification scheme. This describes wetland areas where surface water persists throughout
the growing season in most years. When surface water is absent, the water table is usually at or very
near the land surface.
Site-by-Site Evaluation Required – refers to one of three designation for area wetlands found on the
ADID maps. Wetlands with this designation have a mixed functional capacity or one that is difficult
to estimate remotely. Further investigation of the site is required to determine its suitability for fill.
Stakeholder – a party with a specific interest in a particular activity. For BCWCP purposes, it refers
to those individuals or entities with an interest in wetland activities as they pertain to Baldwin
County. BCWCP project stakeholders include, but are not limited to, the following: wetlands
regulatory/commenting agencies, private landowners, public land managers, land developers and
real estate professionals, consulting engineers, biologists, landscapers, conservation groups, the
forest industry, the seafood industry, the agricultural industry, and the Department of
Transportation.
Water/Floodwater Storage – one of four wetland functions assessed in the RFWAM. This describes
the capacity of a wetland to retain surface water for long or short durations. The source of water
may be overbank flow, overland flow, or precipitation.
Watershed – a geographic area from which a surface watercourse or groundwater system derives its
water; the area of land where all precipitation drains to a common sink.
Water Table – the surface on which the fluid pressure in the pores of a porous medium is exactly
atmospheric; the level below which the ground is completely saturated with water.
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