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Wetland name or number A <br />Classification of Wetland Units in Western Washington <br />1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? <br />✓❑NO — go to 2 ❑YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe <br />If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per <br />thousand)? YES — Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO — Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) <br />If your weda [can be classied as a Freshwater idal Fringe use the forms for Riverine <br />wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland Wetlands that <br />were called estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt <br />Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were <br />categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this <br />revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term "Estuarine" wetland is kept. <br />Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I. and II estuarine <br />wetlands have changed (see p. ). <br />2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. <br />Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. <br />❑✓ NO — go to 3 ❑ YES — The wetland class is Flats <br />If your wetland can be classified as a "Flats" wetland, use the form for Depressional <br />wetlands. <br />3. Does the entire wetland unit meet both of the following criteria? <br />The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water <br />(without any vegetation on the surface) at least 20 acres (8 ha) in size; <br />At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m)? <br />0✓ NO — go to 4 ❑ YES — The wetland class is Lake -fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) <br />4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? <br />_The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual), <br />_The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually <br />comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without <br />distinct banks. <br />._The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? <br />NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in <br />very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <br /><3ft diameter and less than I foot deep). <br />ZNO -go to 5 ❑YES -- The wetland class is Slope <br />Wetland RatingFoi-m—western Washington 3 August2004 <br />version 2 Updated with new WDFW definitions Oct. 2008 <br />