California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands - State Water ...

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California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 4 Worksheet 4.7: Structural Patch Types for Vernal Pool Systems Identify each type of patch that is observed in the AA and enter the total number of observed patch types in Table 4.16 below. STRUCTURAL PATCH TYPE (check for presence) Vernal Pool Systems Small individual pools Large individual pools Small swales Large swales More than 1 pool cluster (a set of 3 or more interconnected pools with nearest neighbors less than 10 m apart) Drainage branches (more than 1 drainage branch) Simply-shaped pools (mostly round or oval) Complexly-shaped pools (not mostly round or oval) Plant hummocks Mima-mounds Animal burrows Bare soil Soil cracks Total Possible 13 No. Observed Patch Types (enter here and use in Table 4.16 below) Table 4.16: Rating of Structural Patch Richness (based on results from worksheets). Rating Confined Riverine, Playas, Springs & Seeps, Individual Vernal Pools Vernal Pool Systems and Depressional Estuarine Nonconfined Riverine, Lacustrine A ≥ 8 ≥ 11 ≥ 9 ≥ 12 B 6 – 7 8 – 10 6 – 8 9 – 11 C 4 – 5 5 – 7 3 – 5 6 – 8 D ≤ 3 ≤ 4 ≤ 2 ≤ 5 70
California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0.2 – Chapter 4 4.3.2 Topographic Complexity A. Definition: Topographic complexity refers to the micro- and macro-topographic relief within a wetland due to physical, abiotic features and elevations gradients. B. Rationale: Topographic complexity promotes variable hydroperiods and concomitant moisture gradients that, in turn, promote ecological complexity by increasing the spatial and temporal variability in energy dissipation, surface water storage, groundwater recharge, particulate matter detention, cycling of elements and compounds, and habitat dynamics. Areas that are aerated due to flow across complex surfaces may promote volatilization of compounds, or re-suspension and export of water-borne material. C. Seasonality: This metric is not sensitive to seasonality. D. Field Indicators: Topographic complexity is assessed by noting the overall variability in physical patches and topographic features (Table 4.17 and Figure 4.6). Care must be taken to distinguish indicators of topographic complexity or habitat features within a wetland from different kinds of wetlands. For each type of wetland, topographic complexity can be evaluated by observing the number of elevational features that affect moisture gradients or that influence the path of water flow along a transect across the AA, and the amount of micro-topographic relief along the gradients or flow paths. Topographic gradients may be indicated by plant assemblages with different inundation/saturation or salinity tolerances. Tables 4.18a-d provide narratives for rating Topographic Complexity for all wetland types. Table 4.17: Typical indicators of Macro- and Micro-topographic Complexity for each wetland type. Type Depressional and Playas Estuarine Lacustrine Riverine Slope Wetlands Vernal Pools and Pool Systems Examples of Topographic Features pools, islands, bars, mounds or hummocks, variegated shorelines, soil cracks, partially buried debris, plant hummocks, livestock tracks channels large and small, islands, bars, pannes, potholes, natural levees, shellfish beds, hummocks, slump blocks, first-order tidal creeks, soil cracks, partially buried debris, plant hummocks islands, bars, boulders, cliffs, benches, variegated shorelines, cobble, boulders, partially buried debris, plant hummocks pools, runs, glides, pits, ponds, hummocks, bars, debris jams, cobble, boulders, slump blocks, tree-fall holes, plant hummocks pools, runnels, plant hummocks, burrows, plant hummocks, cobbles, boulders, partially buried debris, cattle or sheep tracks soil cracks, “mima-mounds,” rivulets between pools or along swales, cobble, plant hummocks, cattle or sheep tracks 71
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LIST OF WORKSHEETS Worksheet 4.1: L
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Laurel % Steve Landscape Joshua Ave
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