[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]






                           1111emessex uver
        Noutidal Wetlands Watersh-ed
                   Management Plan

                          ........ . ....... ....... ............... ........... ... .........
                             DECEMBER 2 1 1 1 993
                                                . ...........


























                                 PREPAFZE:D FDFZ:



                             SOMERSET COUNTY

          DERARTMEr-4-r r3 F TEcHNICAL- AND, COMMUr-4rry SERVICE:5










                                 PRr=PAFZE:o BY:
               B       A


















































                       GREENHORNE:      OWARA., It-4c.











                             BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER

                   NONTIDAL WETLANDS WATERSHED


                             MANAGEMENT PLAN













                                    PREPARED FOR:



                                 SOMERSET COUNTY


                 DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES






                                    PREPARED BY.-


                             GREENHORNE & OWARA, INC.
                               9001 EDMONSTON ROAD
                             GREENBELT, MARYLAND 20770




                                 DECEMBER 21, 1993























                          PREPARATION OF THIS STUDY WAS
                          FUNDED BY THE COASTAL               AND
                          WATERSHED RESOURCES DIVISION,
                          MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
                          RESOURCES, THROUGH A GRANT
                          PROVIDED BY THE COASTAL ZONE
                          MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED,
                          ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF OCEAN
                          AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,
                          NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC
                          ADMINISTRATION.







                          This study was prepared for, and in cooperation
                          with, the Somerset County Department of
                          Technical and Community Services, Ronald D.
                          Adkins, Administrator, Joan S. Kean, Planner









                                          BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER
                            NONTIDAL WETLAND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN


                                        ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS



             Page 9, lines 5 & 7             A total of 398 wetland-related sites, encompassing
                                             1,167 acres . . . The area of wetlands alone was
                                             1,564 acres.

             Page 9                          t? wet farm fields" are not wetlands but were
                                             identified to highlight their potential as mtigation
                                             sites.


              age 9,line 9                   The nontidal wetlands were classified according to
                                             the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Classification
                                             System (Cowardin) and included four main
                                             palustrine classes.

             Page 9, para. 2, line 8         Should read "seasonally flooded/saturated          E)
                                             sites account for almost the same acreage as do
                                             the C regimes."

             Page 50                         The Manokin Secondary Growth Area should read
                                             Upper Fairmount Secondary Growth Area.

             Page 53    Water Quality        Add "water quality monitoring such as that
                                             provided through the Chesapeake Bay and
                                             Resource Monitoring Division can provide valuable
                                             information for assessing which areas may require
                                             restoration or water quality improvement.   it

             Table 6                         Marian S. W. should read Marion S.W.


             Table 7                         Minokin should read Manokin










                                                     TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                                                   Section
               INTRODUCTION                                                                           I.

                   LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND                                                             I.1.0
                   BASIS FOR SELECTING WATERSHED-                                                     I.2.0

               PROGRAM GOALS                                                                          II.

                       NONTIDAL WETLANDS                                                              II.
                       DEVELOPMENT                                                                    II.
                       MITIGATION                                                                     II.
                       FLOOD MANAGEMENT                                                               II.
                       WATER SUPPLY                                                                   II.
                       WATER QUALITY                                                                  II.

               RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

                       BACKGROUND                                                                     III. 1.0
                       PROCEDURES                                                                     III. 2.0
                       METHODOLOGY RATIONALE AND LIMITATIONS                                          III. 3.0
                       RESULTS                                                                        III. 4.0
                               WETLAND IDENTIFICATION AND DELINEATION                                 III. 4.1
                               FUNCTIONAL VALUE ASSESSMENT                                            III. 4.2
                                        FUNCTIONAL VALUE INDICES                                      III. 4.2.1
                                        FUNCTIONAL VALUE UNITS                                        III. 4.2.2
                                        OTHER RANKING CRITERIA                                        III. 4.2.3
                               POTENTIAL MITIGATION STIES                                             III. 4.3

               CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT			                                          IV.

                       LAND USE IN WATERSHED                                                          IV. 1.0
                       METHODOLOGY FOR CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT                                   IV. 1.1
                       RESULTS OF CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT                                        IV. 1.2
                               PREVIOUS LAND USE CHANGES                                              IV. 1.2.1
                               PROJECTED NONTIDAL WETLAND THREATS                                     IV. 1.2.2
                       RECOMMENDATIONS                                                                IV. 1.3
                               LAND USE                                                               IV. 1.3.1
                               FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT                                                  IV. 1.3.2
                               WATER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT                                                IV. 1.3.3


                       PROTECTION MEASURES                                                            IV. 2.0


                                                                    i
 











                             WATERSHED ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT                                       IV. 2.1


                             RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING RESOURCE
                             PROTECTION STRATEGIES                                                 IV. 2.2

              REFERENCES                                                                           V.

              APPENDICES                                                                           VI.


                                      LIST OF FIGURES

              Figure No.


              1      PROJECT LOCATION AND WATERSHED BOUNDARY                                       II.
              2      SUMMARY OF WETLAND TYPES                                                      III.4.1
              3      SUMMARY OF WATER REGIMES                                                      III.4.1
              4      AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL VALUES PER WETLAND TYPE
                     AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL VALUES PER WATER REGIME                                    III.4.2.1
              5      FUNCTIONAL VALUES OF SAMPLED WETLANDS                                         III.4.2.1
              6      ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY                                                          III.4.2.1
              7      WILDLIFE HABITAT                                                              III.4.2.1
              8      FINFISH HABITAT (STREAMS)                                                     III.4.2.1
              9      FINFISH HABITAT (PONDS)                                                       III.4.2.1
              10     SEDIMENT TRAPPING                                                             III.4.2.1
              11     NUTRIENT ATTENUATION                                                          III.4.2.1
              12     WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUE UNITS OF SAMPLED
                             WETLANDS                                                              III.4.2.2
              Al-A4 BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED NONTIDAL
                             WETLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN                                              VI.



                                                     LIST OF TABLES


              Table No.


              1      SUMMARY OF WETLAND TYPES AND WATER REGIMES                                    III.4.1
              2      FUNCITONAL VALUES OF SAMPLED WETLANDS                                         III.4.2.1
              3      WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUE UNITS OF SAMPLED
                             WETLANDS                                                              III.4.2.2
              4      NONTIDAL WETLANDS CLASSIFICATION RANKS AND
                             FUNCTIONAL VALUE RATING CRITERIA                                      III.4.2.3
              5      WETLAND SITE DATA                                                             III.4.2.3


                                                               ii
 










        6    POTENTIAL MITIGATION SITES                    111.4.3
        7    NONTIDAL WETLANDS WITHIN COMPREHENSIVE
                 PLAN GROWTH CENTERS                       IV. 1.2.2
        8a   BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR AGRICULTURAL
             AND FORESTRY ACTIVITIES                       IV. 2.2
        8b   BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPMENT     IV. 2.2
                 AREAS











            1.     INTRODUCTION


                   The development of this nontidal wetlands management plan for the Big
            Annemessex River watershed was accomplished with the intent of adhering to the
            certification standards of the Water Resources Administration of the Department of
            Natural Resources. Upon certification the management plan will be the basis of State
            nontidal wetland permitting decisions and approval of mitigation sites in the watershed.
            The information contained in the plan will be used in Somerset County's subdivision and
            site plan review process, and rezoning approvals. If appropriate, the information will be
            incorporated into the county's comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.

                   1.0 LEGISLATIVE BACK flIPY.NP
                           . - - - - - - - -_ - - - 9

                   The Water Resources Administration (WRA) is responsible for administering
            Maryland's nontidal wetlands program. One component of this program derives from the
            multistate Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1987, whereby each state has developed
            criteria for the identification of areas where wetlands rehabilitation, restoration and
            creation projects could be undertaken. The agreement also commits each state to protect
            and preserve remaining nontidal wetlands. In order to accomplish this, the Maryland
            Nontidal Wetlands Protection Act was passed in 1989. This legislation establishes
            several mandates for WRA, including a directive to prepare or assist in the preparation
            of nontidal wetlands watershed management plans. The development of these plans
            includes mapping and formulation of technical management components which will
            address protection, cumulative impacts, mitigation, water supply and flood management.

                   2.0 BASIS FOR SELECTING WATERSHED

                   The Big Annemessex River watershed was selected from among several
            watersheds for conducting a prototype management plan study. Figure 1 shows the
            watershed and regional location. The established criteria and basis for selecting the Big
            Annernessex River watershed as presented in the Concept Plan prepared by Somerset
            County, included:

                   a)     Location completely within the County. The Big Annemessex is located off
                          Tangier Sound in the Chesapeake Bay, and to the northeast of the city of
                          Crisfield. It is entirely within Somerset County.


                   b)     Presence of nontidal wetlands. Preliminary research indicated
                          palustrine nontidal wetlands occur throughout the watershed,
                          including forested, shrub-scrub and emergent systems.


                   C)     Moderate development pressures in non-urbanized watershed. The


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                        Big Annemessex River watershed is currently experiencing
                        development pressures, but is mostly rural residential.
                        Designated growth areas include Marion, Westover and northern
                        Crisfield, as well as the Crisfield Airport. Waterfront
                        subdivision has occurred around Jones Creek and Coulbourn Creek.


                  d)    Watershed of manageable size. The size of the watershed is small enough
                        to conduct the investigation without straining financial resources or
                        manpower requirements for obtaining field data.

                  e)    Significant acreage outside the Critical Area expected to
                        experience development. Considerable portions of the watershed
                        are beyond the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and are subject to
                        development pressures, including the Fairmount area south of Route
                        361, from MD Rt. 413 to US Rt.13 south of Westover, and areas
                        along Rt. 413.

                  f)    Available mitigation sites. The watershed includes privately
                        owned farmland and timbered parcels, as well as County owned land,
                        which potentially might be suitable for wetland mitigation.

                  g)    Flood prone areas included. A sizeable portion of the watershed
                        is within the 100 year floodplain.

                  h)    Water supply information is available. The County's water supply
                        is drawn from wells, and small impoundments and the intake belt
                        for the Pocomoke aquifer within the watershed contribute to
                        gro undwater recharge.

                  i)    DNR approval. A letter concurring with the selection of the Big
                        Annemessex River watershed was received February 26, 1992 from the
                        Watershed Division of WRA, DNR.














                                                     3












             11.    PROGRAM GOALS


                    The purpose of developing the watershed management plan for the Big
             Annemessex River is to protect valuable nontidal wetlands and habitat for threatened and
             endangered species; to provide a measure of economic and social stability by offering
             guidance to where development might best occur; to direct mitigation to suitable sites; to
             address issues of flood management and water supply as applicable and; to protect the
             water quality of the watershed.

                    Watershed planning has been recognized as an appropriate vehicle for assessing
             where and how development should occur. While protecting wetland resources, a
             watershed management plan can also assist in managing nonpoint source pollution and
             its effect on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries and groundwater
             supplies.

                    The goals of the watershed management plan are:

                    1 .    Nontidal Wetlands: Identify nontidal wetland resources, and
                           develop appropriate protection strategies based on a functional
                           assessment;

                    2.     Development: Establish recommendations for development
                           activities related to nontidal wetlands;

                    3.     Mitigation: Identify potential nontidal wetland mitigation
                           sites;

                    4.     Flood Manaciement: Address issues related to flooding within
                           watershed, and develop recommendations;

                    5.     Water SuRply: Address issues related to water supply and develop
                           recommendations;













                                                          4












             Ill.   RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

             1.0    BALCKG!IPPINIP

                    This section presents a summary of the efforts with regard to the tasks required
             for the identification and assessment of the nontidal watershed resources, including:

                    1).    Review of orthophoto, wetland delineation maps provided by Maryland DNR,
                           and production of final wetland maps,

                    2)     Functional assessment of the watershed's nontidal wetlands using the New
                           Hampshire and WET methods, as approved by the County and DNR,

                    3)     Rationale and limitations of the methodology used, and

                    4)     Potential mitigation site assessment and mapping.

             2.0    PROCEDURES

                    The approach utilized followed that specified in our proposal dated January 11,
             1993. An independent wetland identification investigation was conducted based on
             photointerpretation using stereo zoom transfer scopes and 1988 color infrared aerial film
             positives, then compared with that developed by DNR which used the state's MIPS GIS
             system. About 10-15% differences were noted, including additions or deletions from the
             state's delineation. The wetland boundaries and identification codes were inked onto
             acetate and overlayed onto the digital orthophoto quarter quadrangles (USGS 3.75'
             Series) produced by the Maryland Water Resources Administration (WRA).

                    Following the photointerpretation effort, field work was conducted 1) to verify
             signatures, 2) to collect data on pre-selected nontidal wetland sites for the functional
             assessment, and 3) to evaluate potential wetland mitigation sites.

                    Analyses were then conducted on the field sampled wetlands and the wetland
             delineation maps were finalized. Each wetland was allocated an identification number
             representing its position on a specific quarter quadrangle and within a particular grid of
             the geo-referencing system displayed on the WRA base maps. For example, the number
             KNWC31 indicates that this particular site was located in grid C3 of the Kingston
             Northwest quarter quad, and that it was the first site designated in that grid. The quarter
             quad abbreviations used were:
                                         KNE: Kingston Northeast
                                         KNW: Kingston Northwest
                                         KSW: Kingston Southwest
                                         MNE: Marion Northeast
                                         MNW: Marion Northwest



                                                         5












                                        MSE: Marion Southeast
                                        MSW: Marion Southwest


            The application of the functional assessment methodologies followed, to the extent
            feasible, suggestions provided by WRA. In this regard, it should be noted, that water
            quality information specific to the Big Annemessex River watershed and applicable to the
            New Hampshire Method was not available for this investigation. Several sources were
            investigated, but either the documents were unavailable or not applicable to the
            investigation. Consequently, water quality was qualitatively estimated in the field for
            nontidal wetland sites based on observable conditions within or adjacent to sampled
            wetland sites, and generalized to nonsampled sites based on this information, other
            observed conditions in the watershed, and regional water quality data where available.

                   Urban wetlands as defined by the New Hampshire Method were essentially
            nonexistent in the Big Annemessex watershed. Hence, the Urban Wildlife Habitat
            function was not evaluated.


                   At DNR's direction, questions 2, 5 and 8 were deleted from the general Wildlife
            Habitat function. For the same reason, the WET methodology was utilized to evaluate
            the Groundwater Discharge and Production Export functions, while the New Hampshire
            Method was employed for the Ecological Integrity, W111dillfe Habitat Finfish (Streams),
            Finfish (Ponds), Flood Control, Sediment Trapping, and Nutrient Attenuation
            functions. Combining these two methodologies in a study of this nature is difficult, since
            there exists no recognized mechanism for integrating them in order to extrapolate
            functional values to the watershed level. Also, the deletion of questions from the Wildlife
            Habitat Function had the effect of minimizing the value of 1) shallow open water within
            a wetland, 2) emergent wetlands, and 3) upland inclusions. One consequence for this
            study appears to be a reduction in emphasis for waterbird and other species of emergent-
            open water mosaic wetland systems. The preference of DNR to delete certain questions
            was intended not to increase the emphasis on wetlands at the drier end of the wetland
            spectrum, but rather to eliminate the extra weight DNR felt the New Hampshire Method
            assigned to open and shallow water areas.

            3.0 METHODOLOGY RATIONALE AND LIMITATIONS

                   The New Hampshire Method is a scoring technique particularly suitable for
            assessing multiple wetland sites within a watershed. The method ranks a series of
            wetlands, but one limitation is that wetland science has probably not advanced to where
            fine distinctions suggested by this method's scores are completely supportable by the
            scientific literature. The approach of linearly combining the data sheet question results
            and the calculation of Functional Value Units by multiplying functional values by acreage
            may not always reflect the nonlinear relationships between wetland processes. However,
            as discussed in the RESULTS section below, this concern was minimized by utilizing
            other ranking criteria in addition to acreage. Although the objective of the investigation


                                                         6









             was to identify relative functional values for all the wetlands in the watershed, partially
             through sampling of a select number of wetland sites, there may be statistical objections
             in integrating mathematical operations using the two different methods employed in this
             investigation, as discussed above.

                    The numerical values for Groundwater Discharge and Production Export functions
             were obtained by converting the WET ordinal ratings based on assigning each rating
             according to the following scheme, which represents the tertiary midpoints on a 1.0 scale:

                                         WET RATING           NUMERICAL SCORE


                                            HIGH                     .83
                                         MODERATE                    .51
                                             LOW                     .17


                While the WET     methodology allows    no mechanism for such a conversion, it was
             necessary to provide a consistent means for evaluating all the sites for all functions and
             possibly extrapolating the results to nonsampled nontidal wetlands in the watershed in
             order to achieve the landscape level objectives of this project. No simple alternative,
             including the New Hampshire Method, exists for extrapolating wetland functional values
             beyond the specific sampled wetland to the watershed level. Caution is warranted when
             making such extrapolations via integration of values across functions, since interactions
             between functions is poody understood in wetland science to date. However, if this
             integration procedure would suggest an association in functionality for certain wetland
             types or water regimes, for example, it would be useful for providing an index of
             functionality within the larger watershed for those types or water regimes.

                    The New Hampshire Method leaves it to the user to define "HIGH", "MODERATE"
             and "LOW' levels of functioning. This problem was dealt with by calculating functional
             values on a relative, rather than an absolute, basis. This is discussed in more detail
             below. Nevertheless, this method provides a cost-effective means for comparing wetland
             functions at a watershed level, unlike most other approaches.

                    Most essential functional indicators have been included in the New Hampshire and
             WET methods. Some estimates such as for the Flood Control function are quantitatively
             measured by New Hampshire, unlike in WET. The New Hampshire approach is much
             easier and faster to apply than WET. The WET is not designed to compare different
             wetland systems, and only predicts the qualitative probability that a function is performed
             at all, and not its actual value. With New Hampshire, however, some indication of relative
             level of performance value is afforded. Compared to New Hampshire, WET has low
             sensitivity to differences between wetlands, since only the grossest level of variance is
             inherent in the three ranking categories of WET.

                    While each of the two methods employed in this investigation have limitations, both
             have the capacity to provide important indicators of wetland functional values, which are
             otherwise difficult or impossible to obtain within the schedule and budget constraints of
             this project.

                                                          7










             below: A description of the functional values evaluated in this investigation are listed

                    1.     Ecological Inte-grity- Evaluates the overall health and function of the wetland
                           system, and its stability with regard to present disturbances.

                    2.     Wildlife Habitat- Evaluates the suitability of the wetland as habitat for those
                           animals typically associated with wetlands and wetland edges. No single
                           species is emphasized. Although as specified by DNR, in this application
                           a priority was placed on      species which do not require any open water.

                    3.     Finfish Habitat (Stream) Evaluates the suitability of watercourses for either
                           warm water or cold water fish. No single species was emphasized.

                    4.     finfish Habitat (Pond)- Same as for stream habitat function, except applies
                           to ponds and lakes.

                    5.     Flood Control- Evaluates the effectiveness of the wetland in storing
                           floodwaters and reducing downstream flood peaks.

                    6.     Sediment TraRpin-g- Evaluates the potential of the wetland to trap sediment
                           in runoff water from surrounding upland.

                    7.     Nutrient Attenuation- Evaluates the potential of the wetland to reduce the
                           impacts of excess nutrients in runoff water on downstream lakes and
                           streams.


                    8      Groundwater Discharae- Assesses in which wetlands the rate of discharge
                           from groundwater into the wetland exceeds the rate of recharge to
                           underlying groundwater from the wetland on a net annual basis.

                    9.     Production Exr)ort Evaluates the extent to which organic material from the
                           wetland is transported, and thus made available, to downslope ecosystems,










            4. 0 R PIS! i


                   4.1 WETLAND IDENTIFICATION AND DELINEATION

                      The results of the photo interpretation analysis and field verification of wetlands
            were inked onto acetate overlays and registered to the 1 inch = 600 feet maps. One set
            of maps was prepared for each quarter quad showing the boundary of each wetland
            identified, along with its identification number, class, subclass and water regime. A
            summary of wetland types and water regimes is presented in Table 1, and in Figures
            2 and 3, and in Appendix Figures 1-4.             A total of 398 wetland-related sites,
            encompassing 1,167 acres, was identified in the 29,842 acre Big Annemessex River
            watershed, including 294 nontidal wetlands, 85 wet farm fields, and 19 riverine systems.
            The nontidal wetlands included 4 main palustrine classes: 1) Emergent (PEM), 2)
            Forested (PFO), 3) Scrub-Shrub (PSS) and 4) Open Water (POW). Combinations of
            PFO and PSS, as well as PSS and PEM were also identified. Wet farm fields are those
            sites exhibiting poorly drained conditions where water frequently stands during wet
            periods, but which are being actively farmed. These sites are not generally considered
            jurisdictional wetlands, and consequently were not evaluated as to function and value.
            They may reflect areas which supported previous wetlands prior to commencement of
            agricultural activities, and in some cases might possibly support future wetlands if farming
            ceased and the sites were restored. Riverine systems consist of tidal (R1) and nontidal
            lower perennial (R2) streams, as well as intermittent (R4) channels and tributaries. The
            PFO wetlands are the most common type in the watershed, occupying over 45 percent
            of the sites and 69 percent of the acreage. The other classes were fairly evenly
            distributed, with the combination classes accounting for only a small number and
            percentage of the total.

                   The most common water regime identified was Temporarily Flooded (A), which
            occupies over 61 percent of the total nontidal wetland acreage and 47 percent of the
            sites. The next most common regime is Seasonally Flooded (C), accounting for 22
            percent of the sites and 16 percent of the acreage. Permanently Flooded (H) sites are
            virtually all ponds and are almost as common as Seasonally Flooded sites, but tend to
            be small and account for only 5 percent of the acreage. Ponds occupy the POW
            classification and appear, for the most part, to have been excavated for borrow material.
            Seasonally Flooded/Saturated (E) sites account for almost the same acreage percentage
            as do the A regimes, but the E regime sites tend to be larger. Water regimes classified
            as B (Saturated), F (Sernipermanently Flooded) and J (intermittently Flooded) were
            comparatively rare in the watershed. Water regimes are sometimes difficult to identify
            owing to varying hydrological conditions on sites from year to year, as well as during a
            particular year. Thus, the actual water regime of a particular site may not remain fixed,
            although the water regime ratios would not be expected to change significantly over short
            periods of time.





                                                          9








             TABLE 1               BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                           SUMMARY OF WETLAND TYPES AND WATER REGIMES



                                              WETLAND TYPES

                      *acreage & percentages are rounded and may not equal 100%
                           WETLAND NUMBER PERCENT ACREAGE PERCENT
                            TYPE       SITES     NUMBE                 ACREAGE

                           PEM           57         19         147         9

                           PFO           134        46        1077       69

                           POW           48         16          81         5

                           PSS           37         13         145         9

                           PFO/PSS        4          1          60         4

                           PSS/PEM       14          5          54         3

                           TOTALS        294        100       1564       99



                               Pf        85                    103

                               R1         7


                               R2         2
                               R4        10   WATER REGIMES

                      *acreage &  percentages are rounded and may not equal 100%

                           WATER      NUMBER PERCENT ACREAGE PERCENT
                           REGIME      SITES     NUMBER                  ACREAGE

                               A         137         47        962         62

                               B            9         3         22          1


                               C          66         22        254         16

                               E          31         11        241         15

                               F            2         1           2      <  1

                               H          48          16        71          5



                               i            I       < 1         12       <  1



                           TOTA.LS       294         100      1564         99






                  FIGURE 2   BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                 SUMMARY OF WETLAND TYPES









                          PERCENTAGES OF WETLAND TYPES



             70




             60




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                                                                           NUMBER
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                                                                         EIACREAGE
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                   PEM      PFO      POW      pss    PFO/PSS PSS/PEM

                                    WETLAND TYPES





                        FIGURE 3        BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                             SUMMARY OF WATER REGIMES













                                     PERCENTAGES OF WATER REGIMES



                   70




                   60




                   50

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                                                 WATER REGIMES











                    The wetlands in the watershed are underlaid by hydric soils, the most common
             series including: Fallsington, Johnstown, Othello, Pocomoke and Portsmouth. All of these
             soil series are listed as hydric soils on the National Hydric Soils List. They are
             characterized by low chroma and are poorly drained. Standing water is typical during the
             winter and early spring. Owing to the low relief in the watershed this tendency to pond
             water combined with a seasonally high water table has resulted in an extensive network
             of ditches throughout the watershed. Ditching has probably eliminated a significant
             number of historical nontidal wetlands in the watershed, as evidenced by the widespread
             occurrence of soils with remnant indicators of hydric conditions.

                    Vegetation in the nontidal wetland systems of the Big Annemessex River
             watershed is fairly uniform per wetland type. Palustrine forested sites are dominated by
             broad-leaved deciduous trees, including red maple, sweetgum, and black gum. The same
             species predominate in the understory, along with sweet pepperbush, highbush blueberry,
             spicebush, elderberry, American holly and sometimes sweetbay magnolia. Many recently
             logged sites have become dominated by loblolly pine, and mixed stands of deciduous
             trees and loblolly are common. Scrub-Shrub nontidal wetland sites are usually composed
             of saplings of the PFO listed species, as well as a number of other species, including
             silky dogwood, multiflora rose, greenbrier, and sometimes bayberry. However, stands
             dominated by bayberry (Myrica r)ennsylvanica) are uncommon. Emergent wetlands are
             characterized by soft rush, umbrella sedge, wool grass, and various other sedges.
             Phragmites has become established on many sites, and has dominated those sites on
             which it has gained a foothold.


             4.2 FUNCTIONAL VALUE ASSESSMENT

                    Potential sites were selected based on the photointerpretation effort to conduct
             field sampling. While 30 sites were initially selected, representing all known nontidal
             classes, subclasses, water regimes and major sub-watersheds, some adjustments were
             made where access was infeasible or it was determined from field indicators that the site
             did not qualify as a wetland. Field data was collected and functional value assessments
             were ultimately conducted for 38 wetlands, including 5 ponds and 6 streams. The
             additional sites included 13 PFO, 7 PEM, 5 PSS, 2 PSS/PEM mixed classes. Vegetation
             classes 1 (broad-leaved deciduous), 4 (needle-leaved evergreen), and combinations
             were evaluated for PFO and PSS sites. All water regimes were represented in each
             major wetland class. Figures Al-A4 (Appendix) shows the functional value results.

                    4.2.1 FUNCTIONAL VALUE INDICES (FVI)


                    A summary of Functional Value Indices (FVI's) for the sampled nontidal wetland
             sites is shown in Table 2. The table presents each site by its mapping identification
             number (Wetland No.), class (Type), water regime (WR), Acres, and functional values
             for the following functions: Ecological Integrity (EI), Wildlife Habitat (WH), Finfish Habitat
             for streams (FS), Finfish Habitat for ponds (FP), Flood Control (FC), Sediment Trapping
             (ST), Nutrient Attenuation (NA), Groundwater Discharge (GWO), and Production Export


                                                          13






                            TABLE 2                BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                   FUNCTOONAL VALUES OF SAMPLED WETLANDS


         wetDand No.          'Type WR                        El       WN         FS FP FC ST NA OWD PE Top YaL


         KNEA22             PM             A       13,
                                                                                                                                 9A7 0.17
                                                                                                              0.08     0.09      0.v      0.g
         KNEB11             PFOI           C       2.5               mill
                            PSW                                                                          0
         KNWA4@                            A                                                                                     (DA7     9A7
         KNWB21             PFW            A       !!f3:@,;!
                                                                                                              0.16               0.17     OA7          I
         KNWB4t             pgmt           E                                                             010.12                  DA7
         KNW85T             PSS/EM         C       W.02   J@@t.                                          a    0.08100         Fi v        0.17         2
         KNWCtt             psst           is          .7                                              0.2
                                                                                                                                                       4
                                                                        omv:
                                                    5.5
         KNW=               PF0116.        A       I                                                                      0-k    0.17 10.17
                                                                                                                                 M7       OAT
         KNWC22             PFOI
                                                                                                         0    0.3
                                           E        0.6
         KNWC31             PSM
         KNWC32             PFO@ba         C       1.84                                                  0    0.42   !;ijjji0lll.'*0;.! GAT 0@5        2
         K%WC33             pgm@           S           .5      0.1
                                                                                                                                 q.TT 0.17
                                                                                                                                 0.17     '0.5
         KNWC34             POW            N       1.38
                                                                                             0.6                                                       4
                                                                                                                                 OA7      DA7
         KNWC38             PE                                                                           @j 0.08
         KawAll             PFOI14         c        S.,g   TV41011ioll'sal                                                                G.v          I
                            PF04M          E       26.22                                                 0    0.08               0.17     mT
         HHEAM
         MNEA33                F@u         A       8.05                                                  0    0.08               GAT      0.17
         MWEAM              P.15ml         c       t.3-8                                                 a    0.121                       0.17
                                           A
         MNEC2@             PFOT/6
         MNE04t             pFat           A       20.7                                                  0    0.08            1  CA7      0A7
         MWO31                                                                                                                   0.17
                            P331           3       2.07                                                         0A
         MNW032             PEM            F       t.t5
                                                                                                         0    OA4 @0.2t                   0.171
                                 al
         MNW04T             PF             c
                                                                                                              0.08
                                                                                                                                 DAY      DA7
         MSEA41             IPFOI                                                                        a    0.08
         MSEA42             P331           a       iw                                                                            OA7 0.17              1
         MSEA43             Pas/Em 1                                                                     0    0.08
                                                   13.34                                                                           1
                            POW                    8.51
         MSEA"                                                                                           0                                0.17
         MSEB26             Ps I           B       (K-25                                                 a    0.08 :h'&U.'                             2
         MSES41             POW            N            3                                                                        0.17       0.15       5
                                                                                                                                 0.17     0.171        2
         MSEC21             PFal           E       94.07
         MSEC22             POW            H       2.88                         i                        0    0.08    :.jM"$5@ 1 0A7      0.17         2
         MSED21             POW            H       2.65                  0.851                                                   6A -7    0.17         3
         KNWC23             MY               t
         KNWC35             MV
         KNWC14             ROY
         MSE82T             R9v              I
         KNWC23             Rov              I
         KNEA22             IROW


         AVG. ALL SITES                            t 1.43 0.85           0.66     0.63      0.64 0.03 0.19              0.4t     GA8      0.22
         STOS FOR ALL SITES                        22.34 0.19            0.12     0.15      0.09 0.16 0.15              0.16     0.06     OA2
                                                    1*4

















































                                 SOTE RATRNGS BASED ON RELATIVE FUNCTIONAL VALUES,
                         -@-f(-opM% of values                                le Values
                                                                                                               ower 20% of values











             (PE). All but the last two functions were assessed using the New Hampshire Method.
             Groundwater Discharge and Production Export were evaluated using the WET
             methodology.

                    As demonstrated in Figure 4, no clear association between nontidal wetland types
             or water regimes was discernable in the Big Annemessex River watershed.
             Consequently, no generalizations of functional values could reasonably be assigned from
             the sampled sites to nonsampled ones. Such associations may possibly exist, but the
             WET and New Hampshire functional methodologies may lack the requisite sensitivity to
             detect them.


                    Table 2 does suggest, however, that some functions seem to be performed to a
             greater extent by most nontidal wetlands in the watershed than other functions. This
             situation is evident in Figure 5, where functional values averaged over all sampled
             wetlands are much higher for Ecological Integrity and the habitat functions (Wildlife,
             Finfish-Stream, and Finfish-Pond) than for the remaining functions. It appears that the
             Flood Control, Sediment Trapping, Groundwater Discharge and Production Export
             functions are poorly performed by most wetlands in this watershed, and Nutrient
             Attenuation only to a moderate degree.

                    For comparing values among different wetlands for any particular function, values
             were rated on a relative basis.     That is, the highest values observed for a specific
             function were the standard by which all others were evaluated for that function. As an
             example, in Table 2 the highest value for Wildlife Habitat was calculated for wetland
             MSEB26 at .91. By dividing that value and all others for that function by the highest
             value, ie. .91, the values were ranked from highest to lowest. Converted values between
             1.0 to .8 were considered of highest (top) rank. For Wildlife Habitat, this included raw
             (unconverted) values between.73 and.91. Unconverted values between.21 and.73 were
             considered middle values, and those less than .21 were ranked lowest. In using this
             approach a relative ranking of values was attained for each function independent of other
             functions. So that, while a function such as Nutrient Attenuation, for example, might be
             performed only to a limited extent within the watershed the sites of highest performance
             nonetheless could be identified-. An exception was made for Ecological Integrity, since
             nearly all values would have ranked in the top level. This indicates, as previously stated,
             that this function is an important one throughout the watershed. However, a more
             discriminating approach was necessary to differentiate relative levels of performance for
             this function.


                    For the function of Ecological Integrity, values of .95 and above were considered
             Top Values, those below .35 Low, and those in between were Middle Values. The
             number of Top Values was summed for each site sampled. Figure 6 shows the values
             for Ecological Integrity. As previously stated, no obvious pattern is evident with regard
             to wetland types. This was also true for the other functions presented in Figures 7
             through 11. Charts for Flood Control, Groundwater Discharge and Production Export are
             not presented, since all values for each were similar and of low magnitude.



                                                         15







                         FIGURE 4              BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED





                                             AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL VALUES PER VVETLAND TYPE


                                   0.50
                                   0.45
                              <    0.40
                              z
                              0
                                   0.35
                              z ui 0.30
                                _j 0.25

                              ui
                              LL   0.20
                              <    0.15
                              Lu   0.10
                                   0.05
                                   0.00
                                                PFO             PSS            PEM             POW

                                                                WETLAND TYPES











                                            AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL VALUES PER WATER REGIME


                                 0.50
                              co
                              uj 0.45

                                 0.40

                              -J
                              <  0.35
                              z
                              0  0.30
                                 0.25

                                 0.20

                              ui 0.15

                                 0.10
                              uj 0.05

                                 0.00
                                            A           B         C           E          F          H

                                                                WATER REGIMES






                  FIGURE 5         BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                  FUNCTIONAL VALUES OF SAMPLED WETLANDS









                0.9




                0.8




                0.7



             UJ 0.6
             D



             z  0.5
             0

             L)
             z
             D
             U- 0.4



             Uj 0.3



                0.2




                0.1




                  0

                         El     VVH     FS     FP      FC      ST      NA    Gvvb     PE

                                              WETLAND FUNCTIONS




                      El: Ecological Integrity               FC: Flood Control
                      WH: Wildlife Habitat                   ST: Sediment Trapping
                      FS: Finfish Habitat (Streams)          NA: Nutrient Attenuation
                      FP: Finfish Habitat (Ponds)            GWD: Groundwater Discharge
                                              PE: Production Export



                w no m ow no am an AM


                  FIGURE 6


                           ECOLOOCAL NTEGMTY
                            WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUES
    1.2




  90.8


    0.6




 u 0.4




    0.2




      0
        PF01 PF01 PF01/4 PF01 PF01/4 PF01 PF01 PSSI PSSI PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI POW POW
           PF01 PF01/4 PF04 PF01 PFOI/4PF04/1 PSSI PSS1 PSSI PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI POW POW POW
                                    SAMPLED WETLAND TYPES



              so 140

                 FIGURE 7
                                        VMDUFE HAMTAT
                                  WETLAND FUNCTRONAL VALUES


    0.9


    0.8

   uE'0.7

    0.6


    0.5


    0.4  -
  0

  u 0.3  -


    0.2  -


    0.1  -


       0
           PFOI PFOI PF01/4 PFOI PF01/4 PFOI PFOI PSSI PSSI PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI POW POW
             PF01 PF01/4 PF04 PFOI PFOl/4PF04/1 PSSI PSSI PSS1 PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI POW POW POW
     VALUES ARE FOR MELD SAWLED WETLANDS













                         FIGURE 8
                                                 FINFISH HABITAT (STREAMS)
                                                  WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUF-S



           0.9  -


           0.8  -


      @D   0.7  -

      w
           0.6  -




      z    0.4  -
      0
      E    0.3  -
      z


           0.2  -


           0.1  -


             0                                         - - - - - - -- - - - --
                       KMWC24             KNWC35            KNWC14             MSEB21           YdIWC23            KNEA212
                                                              STREAM SITES SAMPLED











                     FIGURE 9

                                         FINFISH HABITAT (PONDS)
                                         WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUES
        0.9



        0.8



        0.7



        0.6



        0.5



        0.4


     0  0.3

     u
     Z  0.2




          0
                    KNWC34             MSEB-41          MSEA44             MSED21            MSEC22

                                                  SAMPLED POND SITES











                     FIGURE 10
                                       SEUMENT TRAPRNG
                                   VVETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUES
    0.7



    0.6


 ,-4   5



    0.4



    0.3
 0



    0.2



    o.1
        Al                                           H
          PF01 PF01 PF0114 PFOI PFOI/4 PFOI PF01 PSSI PSSI PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI POW POW
             PFOI PFOI/4 PF04 PFOI PFOl/4PF04/1 PSSI PSSI PSSI PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI POW POW POW
                                            SAMPLED WETLAND TYPES









                        FIGURE 11

                                     NUTMENT ATTENUAT@ON
                                   WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUES







                                                           ki'v



      0.8

                                              i@ "Al
                                                to

  > 0.6

  z
  0
                                                            7!"A
  u 0.4
  z



      0.2





           PF01 PF01 PF0114 PF01 PF01/4 PF01 PF01 PSSI PSSI PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEMI POW POW
              PF01 PF01/4 PF04 PF01 PF01/4PF04/1 PSSI PSS1 PSSI PSSI PEMI PEMI PEMI PEM1 POW POW POW

                                            SAMPLED WETLAND TYPES










                   Sites with at least one Top Value from Table 2, other than for Ecological Integrity,
            were subsequently mapped in the HIGH rank category. Sampled sites with more than one
            Top Value (excluding Ecological Integrity) were not ranked any higher than those with one
            Top Value. A Top Value for Ecological Integrity alone was not considered sufficient to
            qualify for the HIGH rank, because Ecological Integrity was considered less an actual
            wetland function than a statement of its stability with regard to outside disturbances. Most
            wetlands in the watershed appear to be relatively stable currently, although many may
            have been significantly influenced by past disturbances. Wetlands having a low value for
            Ecological Integrity but ranked in the HIGH mapping category for other reasons, may be
            particularly in jeopardy with regard to current and future activities and should perhaps be
            targeted for special treatment during the implementation of the watershed management
            plan.

                   4.2.2 WETLAND VALUE UNITS (WVU's)

                   The use of Top Values (FVI's) from Table 2 allowed identification and mapping of
            sampled wetlands of significance for the evaluated functions, without regard to their size.
            Thus, some small wetlands had high values for some functions, but the integration of size
            would have masked this situation since a premium is placed on sites with large acreage
            in both the New Hampshire and WET methods. However, in recognition of the general
            validity of the size concept, acreage values were multiplied by the respective functional
            values in accordance with New Hampshire method procedures.               These results are
            presented in Table 3 as WETLAND VALUE UNITS (WVU's). Those sites with the largest
            WVU's for any function are considered to be the strongest performers for that function.
            When mean functional values across functions are compared with regard to wetland type
            and water regime (see Figure 12), some differences become apparent, unlike the case
            where the raw Functional Values without acreage considerations were compared in Figure
            4. The PFO wetland type and the "A" water regime emerge as the dominant systems.
            This indicates that in the Big Annemessex River watershed the largest wetlands, and
            hence, the highest performers for most functions, tend to be PFOA wetlands. This makes
            sense from the perspective that, even if a particular function happens to be performed by
            both large and small sites to an equivalent, but very. low level in the watershed the
            greatest total quantity of function performance occurs in the largest wetlands, because
            they have the greatest percentage of land surface where such functioning can occur.
            From a management standpoint it might make sense to protect the sites where most of
            the functioning takes place, if a choice must be made in allocating protection measures
            between sites with equivalent functional values.

                   The emergence of PFOA wetlands as the dominant functional performers based
            on WVU scores is a reflection of their proportion in numbers and size within the
            watershed as previously determined and presented in Table 1. Thus, the largest sampled
            wetlands had the highest WVUs. This association of size with WVU's was viewed as a
            basis for assigning relative functional values to sampled as well as nonsampled wetlands
            in the watershed, unlike the case with raw Functional Values. Size alone, therefore,
            without the necessity of measuring and determining WVU's for every wetland, was
            incorporated into the rating of wetlands within the watershed. This was accomplished by


                                                         24





                                       TABLE 3
                                                                    BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                      WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUE UNITS OF SAMPLED WETLANDS
                   TYPE   WR NO.              AC WVU-El WVU-WH WVU-FP                  WVU-FC      WVU-ST      WVU-NA      WVU-GWD WVU-PE::i.@:i!@!@::           AVG. Wvul
                                                                                                                                                                 MAX.WVU
                PFOI        E   MSEC21        94.07     94.07       75.26                   0.00       7.53         47-04         1.99        15.99                  1.00
                PF01        A   KNWB21        91.30     91.30       42.91                   0.00       14.61        31.04         15.52      15.52 .::'@J40*@:@:;@'::: 0.82
                PF0411      E   MNEA31        26.22     23.60       18.88                   0.00       2.10         8.39          4.46        4.46:.                 0.24
                iiol        A   MNED41        20.70     1&631       13.66                   0.00       1.66         10.35         3.52
                                                                                                                                              5.32:.                 0.21
                Pssl        A   KNWA41,       18.38     14.701      11.95                   0.00       4.78         6.80          3.12        3.12              i    0.17
                Pssl        A   KNFA22        13.80     13.801       9.94                   0.00       6.07         5.66          2.3S        1.33                   0.15
                PFOI/4      A   KNWC21        15.50     10.85       10.39                   0.00       4.34         6.98          2.64        2.64                   0.15
                PFOI/4      A   MNEC21        11.27     11.27        7.55                   0.00       0.90         5.64          1.92        6.06                   0.13
                PSSEM       B   MSEA43        13.34     12.01        9,34                   0.00       1.07                       2.27        2.27 :7!@i@*4.44.@@ii@@ 0.12
                POW         n   MSEA44 1       &51        7.66       4.34       5.11        0.00       2.21         3.151         1.45        1.45      1*17T@!@i@   0.09
                                                                                    7-0-00
                PFOI        A   MSEA411        7.60       6.84       4.03                              0.61,        3.80          1.29        1.29                   0.07
                                                                                            0.00       0.64         3.06          1.37        1                      0.07
                PF04        A   MNEA33         8.05       5.64       5.07                                                                       .37  .@@lX*N.4C@@ii@i@
                                                                                                                                                                     o.05
                POW         B   MSE1141        3.00       2.40       2.49       1.80        2.70       1.80         1.83          0.51        1
                PFOI/4      c   KSWAII         3.40       3.40       2.0                    0.00       1.16         1.29          0.58        0.58                   0.04
                POW         R   MSED21         2.65       2.65       2.25       2.12        0.00       0.53         0.93          0.45        0.45                   0.03
                POW         R   MSEC22         2.88       2.88       1.70,      1.73        0.00       0.23         Lss           0.49        0.49
                                                                                                                                                                     0.03
                Pssi        B   MSEA42         2.76       2.76       1.66                   0.00       0.22         1.38          0.47        0.47
                                                                                                                                                                     0.03
                PFOV4       C   KNWC32         1.84       1.66       1.58                   0.00       0.77         0.92          0.31        0.92                   0.02
                PFOI        c   MNWD41,        2.53       2.02       1.57                   0.00       0.20         0.81          0.43        0.43                   0.02
                POW         R   KNWC34         1.38       1.38       1.09       0.83        0.00       0.58         0.701         0.23        0.69
                                                                                                                                                                     0.02
                Pss/Em      c   EN"51          2.02       2.02       1.62                   0.00       0.16         0.18          0.34        0.34                   0.02
                PFOI        C   KNEB11         2.59       2.33       1.01                   0.00       0.21         0.23          0.44        0.44                   0.02
                PEMI        E   KNWC33         2.50       0.25       1.60                   0.00       0.20         0.80          0.43        0.43                   0.01
                PEMI        E   IOMB41         1.40,      0.98       0.69,                  0.00       0.17         0.50          0.24        0.70                   0.01
                PEMI        C   MNEA34         1.38       0.83       0.75                   0.00       0.17                       0.23        0.23
                                                                                                                    0.57                                h. Oi@il!:i@ 0.01
                Pssl        B   KNWC11         0.70       0.42       0.51                   0.14       0.27         0.70          035         0.35                   0.01
                PFOI        F   KNWC22         1.15       1.04       0.68                   0.00       0.14         0.47          0.20        010                    0.01
                PEM1        E   MNWD3@         1.15       0.81       0.72                   0.00       0.16         0.24          0.20        0.20                   0.01
                i;EM1       c   ENWC38         0.80       0.561      0.56                   0.00       0.06         0.26          0.14        0.14                   0.01
                PEMI        E   KNWC311        0.60       0.541      0-39                   0.00       0.23         0.28          0.10        0.10                   0.01
                PEMI        B   MSEB261        0.25       0.25       0.23                   0.00       0.02         0.09          0.04                               0.






                     FIGURE 12                               BIG ANNEMESSEX- RIVER WATERSHED
                                                WETLAND FUNCTIONAL VALUE UNITS OF SAMPLED WETLANDS






                                    MEAN FUNCTIONAL VALUE UNITS FOR SAMPLED WETLANDS PER WETLAND
                                                                                        TYPE



                     8.00


                     7.00


                     6.00


                     5.00


                     4.00


                     3.00


                     zoo


                     1.00


                     0.00

                                         PEM                              PFO                             POW                               pss

                                                                                  WETLAND TYPES










                                       MEAN FUNCTIONAL VALUE UNITS FOR SAMPLED WETLANDS PER WATER
                                                                                       REGIME


                     9.00




                     TOO

                     6.00


                     5.00
                 z
                     4.00

                     3.00


                     2.00


                     1.00



                                      A                                                                 E                     F                    H
                     0,00                                                           WATER REGNE









             ranking sampled sites from largest to smallest and assigning highest values to those with
             a size over 20 acres, lowest values to those below 10 acres, and middle values to those
             with acreages in between. The selection of 20 acres was based on the objective to
             identify only the very largest sites as high value. Otherwise, when other criteria unrelated
             to size were applied in rating sites a disproportionate number of sites would have been
             classified and mapped as HIGH VALUE wetlands. Nineteen sites within the watershed
             had acreages over 20 acres, 23 were between 10 and 20 acres, and 252 sites had less
             than 10 acres. Thus, sites (sampled and nonsampled) with the largest acreages were
             considered to have the highest WVU's, and were mapped accordingly.

                    4.2.3 OTHER RANKING CRITERIA

                    In addition to using raw Functional Values and acreage (reflecting WVU's), other
             criteria were developed for rating relative wetland values in the watershed. These criteria,
             together with those pertaining to Functional Values and acreage are presented in Table
             4. The acreage of each mapped wetland was measured and compiled with its site
             number, type, water regime, and basis for assigning its functional rating into a database
             for all wetlands in the watershed. This database information is provided in Table 5. Each
             wetland was ranked within one of four functional value categories based on the highest
             rank for which it qualified according to the criteria listed in Table 4, including: TOP, HIGH,
             MIDDLE or LOW categories. All wetlands were then color coded on the presentation
             maps according to these ranking categories. Assignment of particular criteria to a rank
             category was somewhat arbitrary, and reflects assumptions of the investigators as to
             perceived issues of significance for the watershed, which might not be accurate. Ideally,
             these issues would be resolved and significance values agreed upon with vested interest
             groups and agencies during the Phase 1, preliminary plan development, prior to
             commencement of functional value investigations. While some issues were so identified,
             these investigations were required to proceed without complete definition of issues or
             their significance. In practice, information in the database and mapped features will allow
             County planners to modify the criteria as needed as conditions and social factors change
             during implementation of the final management plan.


                    Only one historical record of a rare species habitat was found in the watershed.
             which was reported in the July, 1990 Somerset County Critical Area Survey For Rare,
             Threatened, and Endan-gered Species. This report pertained to the Moore's Chapel
             Roadside site, the State's only occurrence of a rare plant species. However, the site was
             essentially destroyed in 1987, and the current population status of the plant at this site
             is unknown. The site is within a drainage ditch along route 413, and although not a
             jurisdictional wetland, it was mapped nevertheless as site number KNWB51.

                   A location for a supposed State Champion Sweetbay Magnolia specimen was
             mapped based on information obtained from Maryland DNR. The wetland site is number
             MSEC21.






                                                          27














         TABLE 4


                        NONTIDAL WETLANDS CLASSIFICATION RANKS
                         AND FUNCTIONAL VALUE RATING CRITERIA

         Each wetland in the watershed was rated according to the following criteria:


         TOP RANK CRITERIA



               1. Associated with wetland complex characterized by all of the following:

                    a.    Two or more welland types, including R1, R2 and tidal, adjacent
                          to or within IGO feet,
                    b.    Total complex size greater than 20 acres,
                    C.    Calculated FV1 for at least one sampled wetland is within top 20%
                          for one or more functions, excluding Ecological Integrity, and
                    d.    One or more wetlands with any other HIGH RANK CRITERIA.

         HIGH RANK CRITERIA


               Any of the following:

               I .  Historical record of rare or endangered species inhabiting site;
               2.   Location of State Champion plant specimen;
               3.   Within County designated Groundwater Protection Area OA";
               4.   Wetland water regime of infrequent occurrence in watershed;
               5.   Dominant vegetation class or subclass is of infrequent occurrence in
                    watershed;
               6.   Associated with wetland complex characterized by:
                          a.    Two or more wetland types, including RI, R2 and tidal,
                                adjacent to or within 100 feet,
                          b.    Total complex size at least 10 acres,
                          C.    At least 2 wetland types are at least I acre in size;
               7.   Size greater than 20 acres;
               S.   Calculated FVI within top 20% for one or more functions;
               9.   Is a perennial stream, or is adjacent to, within 100 feet of, or is located
                    at the headwaters of a perennial stream;
               10.  Associated with an educational program.











         TABLE 4 (continued)



         MIDDLE RANK CRITERIA


              Any of the following:

              I    Associated with wetland complex characterized by:
                        8.   Two or more wetland types, including R1, R2, R4 and tidal,
                             adjacent to or within 100 feet,
                        b.   Total complex size less than 10 acres,
                        C.   Each wetland type greater than I acre in size;
              2.   Calculated FVI 21-79% of top FVI for any sampled function, with the
                   exception of Ecological Integrity,
              3.   Size between 5 and 20 acres.
              4.   Is an intermittent stream.


         LOW RANK CEUTERIA

              Not matching any other criteria.










                   The Somerset County Groundwater Protection Report recommends a protection
            zone for Management Area "A", which includes the two wetlands numbered as KNWD1 1
            and KNWD12.

                   Regarding wetland water regimes of unusual occurrence, the following were
            identified:


                                                     WATER REGIME NUMBER OF SITES


                                                            B                    8
                                                            F                    1
                                                            1                    1


                   Seven wetlands were mapped having        an infrequent vegetation class, namely
            broad-leaved evergreen (Myrica pennsylvanica).

                   The trail system within the wooded wetlands associated with the vocational
            technical school along route 413 was considered to have high social significance, even
            though education functions were not specifically evaluated in this investigation. This
            decision was based on the view that this usage of a wetland within the watershed is
            unusual and the tidal stream therein is an important one.

                   Due to their greater inherent diversity wetland complexes were considered to have
            greater value, other things being equal, than those wetlands unassociated with other
            wetlands or water systems. Rationale for other criteria used in rating watershed nontidal
            wetlands for functional values have been previously discussed.






















                                                       30











                            TABLE 5        BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                    WETLAND SITE DATA

                                                     Y --E-         :RE.G:il:;::,..::::ACRES FUNCTION.N.ALURCRITERIA:
       iQMQ                       ETL.'-ANDINO:i.:.:,...-'.;:...T. P
                                                                                         ... ................
                                                                                                I.............
                                                                                        ......  .. .....
                                                                                       ..........
            KNE          Al            I          PF01/4          A               2."
            KNE          Al            2          Pt                              0.87
            KNE          Al            3          Pf                              0.93
            KNE          Al            4          Pf                              1.43
            KNE          Al            5          Pf                              0.46
            KNE          Al            6          Pf                              2.53
            KNE          Al            7          Pf                              5.75
            KNE          Al            8          Pf                              0.50
            KNE          Al           -9          Pf                              0.81
            KNE          Al            10         Pf                              0.92
            KNE          Al            11         Pf                              3.79
            KNE          Al            12         Pf                              0.64
            KNE          Al            13         PFOI            A               0.70
            KNE          Al            14         PF01/4          A             24.84                  6,7
            KNE          Al            15         Pf                              0.51
            KNE          Al            16         Pf                              0.94
            KNE          Al            17         PEMlx           B               1.07                 4
            KNE          Al            is         Pf                              1.15
            KNE          A2            1          PF04            A               5.75                 6
            KNEO         A2            2          PSSl            A             13.80                  6            2
            KNE          A2            3          PEMI            c               5.58                 6
            KNE          A2            4          Pf                              2.07
            KNE          A2            5          Pf                              0.70
            KNE          A2            6          Pf                              0.51
            KNE          A2            7          Pf                              0.43
            KNE          A2            8          PF04/1          A               4.25
            KNE          A2            9          PEM/SSI         c               2.70                 6
            KNE          A2            10         PEM1            c             14.83                  6
            KNE          A2            11         PEMI            c               9.78                 6
            KNE          A3            1          PEMI            c               0.10
            KNE          A3            2          R4SB3x                          0.60
            KNE          A3            3          PF01/4          A               7.00                 6
            KNE          A3            4          Pssl            A             11.73                  6
            KNE          A3            5          Pssl            A               2.76                 6
            KNE          A3            6          PfOld           E             19.32                               3
            KNE*         B1            1          PF01            C               2.59
            KNE          BI            2          Pf                              0.69
            KNE          BI           -3          Pf                              0.53
            KNE          Bl            4          Pf                              0.43
            KNE          BI            5          Pf                              0.94
            KNE          BI            6          Powx            H               0.63
            KNE          B1            7          PEMI      I     c               1.84
            KNE          BI            8          IPOWX           H               1.031









                                          BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                   WETLAND SITE DATA


                                                                                                           :.c
            QUAM                           *NO.::I:.."' ME...     @@REG*.@l@:@@i@@@:@@ACRES@@@@i@@@!IFIJ.NCrION::.VALUEl: MERIA

           KNE          Bl            9          JPOWx           H              0.70
           KNE          BI            10         lpowx           H              2.80
           KNW          Al            I          In                             0.39
           KNW          Al            2          lpf                            0.45
           KNW          A2            I            owx           1              11.73                 4
           KNW          A2            2          Pf                             0.80
           KNW          A2            3          Pf                             1.38
           KNW          A2            4          Pf                             0.57
           KNW          A2            5          Pf                             0.85
           KNW          A2            6          PF04/1          A              7.36                              3
           KNW          A2            7          PF01            A              1.84                  6
           KNW          A2            8          PEM1            c              3.68                  6
           KNW          A2            9          PF04            A              2.53                  6
           KNW          A2            10         PF04/1          A              1.40                  6
           KNW          A2            11         PF01            A              2.07                  6
           KNW          A2            12         PF03/1          A              1.36                  6
           KNW          A2            13         R4SB3                          0.20                              4
           KNW          A3            1          PF04/1          A              3.91                  9
           KNW          A3            2          Pf                             0.27
           KNW          A3            3          RlUB3                          0.46                  9
           KNW          A3            4          Powx            H              0.07                              2
           KNW*         A4            1          PSSl            A              18.38                             3
           KNW          A4            2          PEMIx           E              0.20
           KNW          A4            3          Powx            H              0.32
           KNW          A4            4          PFOI            A              7.82                  6
           KNW          A4            6          PEM/SSI         c              2.75
           KNW          A4            7          PEM/SSI         c              0.40                              1
           KNW          A4            8          PEM/SSI         c              0.78                              1
           KNW          A4            5A         Powx            H              0.53
           KNW          A4            5B         Powx            H              0.20
           KNW          A5            I          PFO/SSI         E              2.07                              1
           KNW          A5            2          Powx            H              0.14
           KNW          A5            3          PEMI            E              0.30
           KNW          A5            4          Pf                             0.46
           KNW          A5            5          Powx            H              4.10
           KNW          A5            6          R4SB3x                         0.31
           KNW          Bl            1          PFOI            A              0.30
           KNW          Bl            2          PF01            c              2.85
           KNWO         B2            I          JPFOld          A      1       91.30                 7
           KNW          B2            2          Pf                             0.50
           KNW          B2            3          PF04/1          A              3.22
           KNW          B2            4          PF04/1          A              2.76
           KNW          B3            1          powx            H              0.371








                                          BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                   WETLAND SITE DATA

                                                                                                  NALURCRITERIA
                                                                                                   :HIGH. @@@@!-@i!@]MDDLE
                                                                                          .0
          KNW           B3            2          JPFOI/4         A              4.60                  6
          KNW           B3            3          IRIUB3x                        0."                   9
          KNW           B3            4          IPF01           A              9.89                  6
          KNW           B3            5          !PSS/EMI        A              1.33                  -           1
          KNW           B3            6          PFOI            A              1.33                              1
          KNW           B3            7          PUBx            H              0.25
          KNW           B3            8          PFOI            c              1.65
          KNW           B3            9A         PSSIEMI         c              0.69                              1
          KNW           B3            9B         PSS/EMI         c              0.34                              1
          KNW           B3            10         Pf                             0.50
          KNW           B3            11         Powx            H              0.44
          KNW           B3            12         Pf                             0.86
          KNW           B3            9A         PSS/EMI         c              0.69
          KNW           B3            9B         PSS/EMI         c              0.34
          KNW*          B4            1          PEMI            E              1.40
          KNW           B4            2          RlUB3x                         0.53                  9
          KNW           B4            3          PF04            A              0.87                  9
          KNW           B4            4          Pf                             0.98
          KNW           B4            5          PEM1            E              0.30
          KNW           B4            6          Pf                             0.48
          KNW           B4            7          Pf                             0.44
          KNWO          B5            1          PSS/EMI         c              2.02                  8
          KNW           B5            2          PFOI            A              1.27
          KNW           B5            3          Pssl            c              0.53
          KNW           B5            4          Powx          -'H              5.52                              3
          KNW           B5            5          PEMI            c              3.45
          KNW           B5            6          Pssl            c              5.98                  6
          KNW           B5            7                                                               1
          KNW*          cl            I          Pssl            B              0.70                  4,8
          KNW           cl            2          Pf                             0.44
          KNW           cl            3          PF04/1          A              0.85
          KNW*          cl            4          RlUB3                                                9
          KNw*          C2            -1         PFOI/4          A              15.50                 10          2
          KNW*          C2            2          PFOI            F              1.15                  4           2
          KNW*          C2            3          RlUB3x                         3.09                  9
          KNW           C2            4          Pf                             0.29
          KNW           C2            5          PF01            A              2.30
          KNW           C2            6          PEMI            A              0.28
          KNW           C2            7          PEM1            A              0.92
          KNW           C2            8          !PFOI           A              3.70
          KNW           C2            9          PFOI            c              0.30
          KNW           C2            10         PEMI            E              0.30
          KNW           C2            11         PEMI            A              2.41











                                          BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                   WETLAND SITE DATA

                                                                                                      LUECR
                                                                                                               JTERIA::@.:
                                                                                                              MMDLK:
                                                                                      :::@TTOP
                                                                                                   ]HIGH: .... ......
           KNW          C2               12      In                             0.50
           KNW          C2               13      Pf                             0.39
           KNW*         C3               I       PEMI            E              0.60      1           6            2
           KNW*         C3               2       PF04/1          c              1.84      1           6,8
           KNW*         C3               3       PEMI            E              2.50
           KNW*         C3               4       Powx            H              1.38      1           6,8
           KNW*         C3               5       RlUB3x                         0.69      1           8
           KNW          C3               6       PF01/4          A              3.22                  6
           KNW          C3               7A      PF01/4          A             16.56                               3
           KNW          C3               7B      PEM1            B              0.34                  4
           KNW*         C3               8       PEMI            c              0.80
           KNW          C3               9       Pf                             2.53
           KNW          C3               10      Pf                             0.30
           KNW          C3               11      PF04/1          A              2.89
           KNW          C3               12      PF01            A              6.67
           KNW          C3               13      PFOIx           B              0.38                  4
           KNW          C-3              14      PEM1            c              0.87                               1
           KNW          C3               15      PF01            c              0.55                               1
           KNW          C3               16      PF04/1          A              1.19                               1
           KNW          C3               17      Pssl            c              0.61
           KNW          C3               18      PF01            A              1.38
           KNW          C3               19      PEMI            F              0.92                  4,6
           KNW          C3               20      Powx            H              1.43                               1
           KNW          C3               21      PF01            A              3.60
           KNW          C3               22      Powx            H              1.03
           KNW          C3               23      MUM                            1.84      1           9
           KNW          C3               24      PF01            A             19.55      1           6,7
           KNW          C3               25      R4SB3x                         0.63                               4
           KNW          C3               7A      PFOI/4          A             16.56                               3
           KNW          C3               7B      PEM1            B              0.34
           KNW          C4               I       Pf                             0.17
           KNW          C4               2       Pf                             0.35
           KNW          C4               4       Pf                             0.30
           KNW          C4               5       Powx            H              4.64
           KNW          C4               3A      Pssl            A              0.80
           KNW          C4               3B      Pssl            A              1.50
           KNW          C5               1       PFOI            A             26.45                  6,7
           KNW          Dl               1       IPFOI           A       1      4.60                  3
           KNW          Dl               2       PFOI            A              4.40                  3
           KNW          Dl               3       PFOI/4          A             11.27
           KNW          D2               1       PF01            A              5.30                               1
           KNW       I  D2               2       lpssi           c              1.84                               1,3
           KNW          D2               3       JR4SB3x                        3.10                               d4










                              BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                     WETLAND SITE DATA

                                                                      NAWEX
                               :NO ... :,-                                  :: MERIA::::
                :@:G                      IWAT. REG.   CRE&@!@@JFUWC-TIOX,

                                                                   .. ........
        KNW       D2         4     Pssl         A         2.76
        KNW       D2         5     R4SB3x                 1.30                    4
        KNW       D2         6     PEMI         c         2.07
        KNW       D2         7     PFOI         A         0.93
        KNW       D2         8     PF01         A         4.02
        KNW       D2         9     PSS4         A         2.98
        KNW       D2         10    PFOI         A         2.76
        KNW       D2         11    Pssl         A         3.22            6
        KNW       D3         1     Pf                     3.68
        KNW       D3         2     Powx         H         0.30
        KNW       D3         3     Powx         H         0.30
        KNW       D3         4     Pf                     0.32
        KNW       D3         5     Pf                     0.37
        KNW       D3         6     Pf                     0.30
        KNW       D3         7     RMTR3                  1.84            9
        KNW       D3         8     PF01         A         1.03                    1
        KNW       D3         9     PEMI         c         0.43                    1
        KNW       D3         10    R4SB3x                 2.23                    4
        KNW       D3         11    Powx         H         0.30
        KNW       D3         12    R4SB3x                 1.07                    4
        KNW       D4         I     PFOI         A         1.17
        KSW*      Al         I     PF01/4       c         3.40                    2
        KSW       Al         2     Pf                     1.95
        KSW       Al       -3      R4SB3X                 1.38
        KSW       Al         4     R4SB3X                 0.54
        KSW       A2         I     Powx         H         6.97   1
        KSW       Bl         I     PF01/4       A         1.84
        KSW       B2         I     PEMI         c         -0.80
        MNE       A2         1     Powx         H         0.14
        MNE       A2         2     Pf                     0.51
        MNE*      A3         I     PF04/1       E         26.20           6,7
        MNE       A3         2     PF04         E         4.60            6
        MNE*      A3         3     PF04         A         8.05            6
        NMO       A3         4     PEMI         c         1.38            6
        NM        A3         5     PF04         c         9.43            6
        MINE      A3         6     PEMI         c         1.15            6
        MNE       A3         7     PEM1         E         2.76            6
        MNE       A3         8     IPF04/1      c         5.52            6
        NINE      A3         9     PEM1         c         0.30
        MNE       A3         10    PFO/SS1      A         19.32           6
        NE14E     A3         11    PEMI         E         4.83            6
        MNE       A3         12    Pf                     0.50
        MNE       A3 1       13    JPSS4/i      c         lo.81           6








                                          BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                    WETLAND SITE DATA


                        M
                 JD.-4,.:;,G @..-.J!MMAND                  [WAT.:[email protected]@:@@@!@@ACRES..::::.@:IF.UNC-TION::::VALUE CRITERIA:
            QUA


           NINE         A3             14        Powx            H              0.92
           MNE          A3             15        Pf                             1.15
           NM           A3             16        Pf                             0.50
           MNE          A3             17        PF01/4          A              3.91                  6
           MNE          A3             18        PF01/4          A              5.52                  6
           mm           A3             19        PEMId           E             24.38                  6,7
           mm           A3             20        PFO/SS1         E             17.71                  6
           mm           A3             21        PFOI            c              4.00
           mm           B2             1         PF01/4          A              6.67
           MNE          B2             2         PSS4/1          A              1.45                  6
           MNE          B2             3         PF01/4          A              2.30
           MNE          B2             4         Powx            H              0.30
           MNE          B2             6         PSS4/1          A              1.38                  6
           MNE          B2             7         Pssl            A              3.22
           NM           B2             8         PF01            A              8.05
           MNE          B2             9         PF04/1          A              2.76
           MNE          B2             10        PF04/1          A              5.63
           MNE          B2             11        PFOI            A              7.36
           NM           B2             12        Powx            H              0.70
           MNE          B2             13        PF01            A             36.80                  6,7
           NUNE         B2             5A        PFOI            A              5.98
           NINE         B2             5B        PF01            A              0.46
           MNE          B3             I         PF01            A              2.76                              3
           MNE          B3             2         PFOI            A              1.15                              3
           MNE          B3             3         PfOld           A             18.17                              1,3
           MNE          B3             4         PSS/EM1         c             20.01                  6,7
           NM           B3             5         PSSI/4          c              1.61
           MNE*         C2             1         PF04/1          A             11.27                              3
           MNE          C2             2         PSSI/4          A             15.41                  7
           MNE          C2             3         PF04            A              9.66                  7
           MNE          C2             4         PF01/4          A             28.06                  7
           MNE          C2             5         Pf                             0.46
           MNE          C2             6         Pf                             0.92
           MNE          C2             7         Pf                            10.50
           MNE          C3             I         IPSS3/1         c             15.41                  5,6
           MNE          C4             I     ---rPEM/SS1         C              0.30
           MNE          C4             2         lpf                            0.50
           MNE          C5             1         Pf                             1.84
           MNE          cs             2         Pr                             0.63
           MNE          C5             3         Pf                             0.93
           MNE          C5             4         PF04            A              2.53
           MNE          D2             I         PF04/1          A              1.501
           MNE       I D2 1            2         IPF01     I     A             22.541                 7







                                           BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                     WETLAND SITE DATA

        @@QT-R;QU             :4WET
                                     LANDNO                                            FUNCTIONNkLURCRITERIk:


            NINE         D2             3         Pf                              0.80
            mm           D2             4         PSS311          A               3.68                  5
            NINE         D2             5         PEM1            E               0.23
            MNE          D2             6         PFOI            A               1.15
            NM*          D4             1         PF01            A              20.70                  6,7
            NINE         D4             2         PEMI            E               1.38
            MNE          D4             3         Pf                              0.57
            mm           D4             4         PsSl            A               1.40                              1
            NM           D4             5         PFOI            A               1.84
            MNE          D4             6         PF04/1          A               6.44                  6
            mm           D4             7         IPF01           A               3.22                  6
            MNE          D4             8A        IN                              0.57
            NINE         D4             8B        Pf                              0.80
            MNE          D5             I         PFO/SSI         E               1.15
            MNW          C3             1         PF04            A               S.01                  6
            NINW         C3             2         PF04/1          c               6.21                  6
            NRqw*        D3             1         Pssl            B               2.07                  4,6
            Nuqws        D3             2         PEM1            E               1.15                  6
            MNW          D3             3         PFOI            c               2.00                  5,6
            MNW          D3             4         PEM1            c               0.30                  6
            NINW         D3             5         PEM1            c               0.33                  6
            MNW          D3          -6           PFOI            A               1.88
            MNW          D3             7            04/1         A               1.93
            MNW          D3             8         JPEM1           E               0.30                  6
            MNW          D3          -9           Pssl            A               0.78                  6
            NOM          D3             10        PSSI            A               2.12                  6
            MNW          D3             11        Pssl            c               0.92                  6
            MNW          D3             12        PF01            A               1.38                  6
            MNW          D3             13        Pssl            E               1.15                  6
            MNw          D3             14        PF04/1          A               8.74                  6
            MNW          D3             is        PF0411          c               5.30                  6
            MNW          D3             16        PFOI            c               2.18                  6
            MNW          D3             17        PF04            A               4.60                  6
            MNW          D3             18        PnWx            H               0.37                  6
            MNws         D4             I         PFOI            c               2.53                  6
            MNW          D4             2         PF04            c               1.49                  6
            MNw          D4             3         IPEMld          E              28.52                  6,7
            MNW          D4             4         Pssl            A               1.73                  6
            MNW          D4             5         PEM1            E               0.48
            MNW          D4             6         Powx            H               0.40
            MNw          D4             7         PEMI            E               0.35
            MNW          D4             8         PEMI            E               2.301                 6
            MNW          D4             10        PF04            A               3.911                 6









                                          BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                    WETLAND SITE DATA


                                  -ET
                                     L  ANUN
                                                                           ACRES@@':@@!i;[[email protected]..:CRITERU:
                                                                                                             -@MDLE::
           MNw           D4             11       Pssl             E             4.14                  6
           MNw           D4             12       PSS4/1           c             4.37                  6
           MNw           D4             14       PF04/1           c             2.76                  6
           NINW          D4             15       PF01             c             1.30                  6
           MNW           D4             16       PF04             c            10.81                  6
           NOM           N              17       Powx             H             0.29
           MSE           A2             1        Pf                             0.35
           MSE           A3             1        PF04/1           A             3.22
           MSE           A3             2        Pf                             0.35
           MSE*          A4             I        PFOI             A             7.60                              3
           MSE*          A4             2        Pssl             B             2.76                  5,6
           MSE*          A4             3        jpss/EMI@        B            13.34                  5,6
           MSE*          A4             4        Powx             H             8.51                  6,8
           MSE           A4             5        Powx             H             4.60                  6
           MSE           A4             6        Pf                             0.46
           MSE           A4             7        Pf                             0.20
           MSE           A4             8        IPF01            A            15.64                              3
           MSE           A4          -9          IPF01/4 I        A            10.12                              3
           MSE           A4             10       PEM/PSS          A             6.10                  6
           MSE           A5             I        Powx             H             0.21
           MSE*          B2             1        RlSB3                          0.69                  9
           MSE           B2             2        Pf                             0.62
           MSE           B2             3        Pf                             2.53
           MSE           B2             4        PF01/4           c             2."                   5
           MSE           B2             5        Pf                             1.03
           MSE*          B2             6        PEMI             B             0.92                  4,8
           MSE           B2             7        PFOI             A             5.30                  5
           MSE           B3             I        PEMI             c             1.03                              1
           MSE           B3             2        Pf                             0.28
           MSE           B3             3        lpowx            H             0.16
           MSE           B3             4        IPEM1            C             1.05
           MSE           B3             5        Powx             H             0.37
           MSE           B3             6        PFOI             E             0.46
           MSE*          B4             I        POWx             H             3.00                  8
           MSE           cl             I        Pf                             0.57
           MSE           cl             2        PFOI             A             3.45
           MSE           cl             3           f                           2."
                                                 IP
           MSE           cl             4        PF01             A            12.42       1          6
           MSE           cl             5        PF01/4           c            45.77       1          6,7
           MSE           cl             6        PSSl             A             0.92       1
           MSE           cl          -7          !P@@             A             0.92
           MSE           Cl             8        IPEMI I          c             3.101      1          6
           MSE       I   Cl   1         9        IPF04      1     A             0.801












                                            BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                      WETLAND SITE DATA

                                                                                                                   ff.E
                                                                                            -N               1E CR     RIA
                  1).                 LAND-NO             M.                                  CTION ..V LU
                                                                                              JOP
            MSE*         C2             I          IPF01            E            -94.07       1        2,6,7,8
            MSE*         C2             2          Powx             H               2.88                  8
            MSE          C2             3          PF04/1           A             28.75       1           6,7
            MSE          C2             4          Pf                               0.57
            MSE          C2             5          Pf                             20.24
            MSE          C2             6          Pr                             10.35
            MSE          C2             7          PF01/4           A               4.83
            MSE          C2             8          Powx             H               2.64                  6
            MSE          C2             9          PFOI             A               4.60                  6
            MSE          C2             10         PF04/1           A               4.14                  6
            ABE          C2             11         PFOI             A             21.62                   7
            MSE          C2             12         PF01             A               3.45
            MSE          C2             13         Pf                               0.92
            MSE          C2             14         PEMI             c               1.15
            MSE          C2             is         PEMI             A               0.86
            MSE          C2             16         PF01/4           A               1.32
            MSE          C3             I          Pf                               0.18
            MSE          Dl             I          PF04             A             39.10       1
            MSE          Dl             2          PF01/4           A             13.80       1
            MSE          DI             3          PEM1             E               0.46      1
            MSEO         D2             I          Powx             H               2.65                  6,8
            MSE          D2             2          PF01             A             24.80       1           6,7
            MSE          D2             3          Powx             H               4.83
            MSE          D2             4          PFOI             A               1.61
            MSE          D2             5          PEM1             c               0.40                  6
            msw          C3             I          PEMI             A               0.30
            msw          C3             2          PF01/4           c               1.84
            msw          C3             3          PF01/4           A               2.76
            msw          C3             4          PSSI             A               0.57
            msw          C4             I          PF04/1           A               0.35
            MSW          C4             3          Powx             H               0.18
            msw          C4             4          PF01'            H               1.61
            msw          C4             2A         PEM1             E               0.70
            msw          C4             2B         PEM1             E               0.72
            msw          D2             I          PF04/1           A               2.07
            msw          _D2            2-.---.PSSI                 A               0.25
            msw          D2             3          PEMI             c               0.74
            mSw          D2             4          PSSI             A               0.69
            msw          D3             2          Powx             H               0.29
            msw          D3             3          PEMI             A               0.33
            mSw          D3             4          Powx             H               0.26
            msw          D3             5          Powx             H               0.341
            MSW          D3             6          Powx             H               0.50 1










                                          BIG ANNEMESSEX RIVER WATERSHED
                                                   WETLAND SITE DATA

              U.'                                                                                YA
                                                                                                     LURCRITERU.
                                                                                         OP
           msw          D3            7         PEMI            c              8.74                              3
           msw          M             8         PEMI            A              0.30
           msw          D3            IA        Powx            H              0.92
           msw          D3            1B        lpowx           H              0.46
           msw          D4            I         PF01            A              0.63
           msw          D4            2         Powx            H              0.10
           msw          D4            3         PFOI            A              0.10
           msw          D4            4         Pf                             0.25
           msw          D4            5         Pf                             0.41
           msw          D4            6         pf                             0.31
           msw          D4            7         Pf                             0.42
           msw          D4            8         Pf                             0.43


      TOTAL                                                                  1666.63
      AVERAGE                                                                  4.20
      STANDARD DEVIATION                                                       8.89
                     I        F                 I         I             I
      J* Indicates wetland where field sampling and functional assmment was conducted

















                    4.3     POTENTIAL MMGATION SITES


                    Using   photointerpretation techniques similar to those employed for identifying
             wetlands within the watershed, potential wetland creation sites were preliminarily
             identified. From information gathered in the field final site selections were made and
             mapped. Information on the sites selected are provided in Table 6 and in Figures Al-A4
             in the Appendix. The criteria used for selecting sites were:

                    1 .     Nonwooded


                    2.      Adjacent to an existing wetland(s), or

                    3.      Identified via photointerpretation as either a potential mitigation site or as
                            a palustrine farmed site, both of which have standing water or saturated
                            soils through at least the early part of the growing      season,or

                    4.      At least 50% of the soils are from the Pocomoke or Portsmouth series.
                            These soils are poorly drained and make up just over 10% of the land
                            area. Wetlands created on these sites should require less excavation than
                            those created on sites containing other soil types.

                    In addition to the areas indicated as potential mitigation sites there are many other
             areas in the watershed where wetlands could be built. For example, all nonwooded sites
             adjacent to tidal wetlands should be considered as having at least moderate potential as
             candidate mitigation sites, given the ecological benefits that converting these areas to
             wetlands might provide. These benefits include:

                    1 .     Improving water quality by increasing the   size of the vegetative buffer,

                    2.      Providing increased habitat for the many faunal species to whom this type
                            of habitat is critical,











                                                          41









                                                        TABLE 6                 POTENTIAL MITIGATION SITES


                                                                                                      Pho,tointerpreted
                                                                    Adjacent To                       Mitigation      Patustrine                       Soil Series
                            Site            Tidal Wetlands          POW      PFO     PSS      PEM     Area            Farmed          1        2       3        4       5        6




     Marion N.E.            1                                                *

                            2

                            3

                            4

                            5

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Marion S.E.            1

                            2

                            3

                            4

                            5

                            6

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



     Marian S.W.            1

                            2

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Kingston N.W           1

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     Kingston NA            I
                            2

                            3

     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                  Soil Series Legend


                  IOthello
                  2Hatapeake
                  3Johnston
                  4Fattsington
                  5Pocomoke
                  6Portsmouth












            IV.    CUMULATIVE IMPACT ANALYSIS


                   1. 0

                   The cumulative impact assessment effort focused on identifying relative losses of
            wetlands already sustained by the watershed and losses likely to occur in the future from
            projected land use activities. Information developed from this effort in combination with
            the functional assessment will assist agencies in making permit decisions and managing
            future growth relative to nontidal wetlands in the Big Annemessex River watershed.
            Results are shown in Figures Al-A4 in Appendix.

                   The land use features of the watershed, both wetland and non-wetland, are
            important elements in the assessment of cumulative impacts. The Annemessex
            Watershed is completely contained within Somerset County, the southernmost county on
            the Maryland's Eastern Shore. The Annemessex Watershed is predominately a rural
            landscape with small crossroad villages located on the periphery of the watershed
            boundaries. As is typical on the Eastern Shore, the road network follows the higher
            ground which is generally the watershed divide. The small crossroad villages have
            located along the major road network that connects the numerous "necks" or peninsulas.

                   Three major land uses in the watershed are agriculture, forest lands and tidal
            wetlands. Two State natural resource management areas, Janes Island State Park and
            Fairmount Wildlife Management Area, are partially located in Annemessex Watershed.
            The existing residential development in the watershed is limited to small villages,
            farmsteads, scattered single family homes along the major roads, and limited waterfront
            residential Most residential development is north of Hopewell. The small crossroad
            communities include: Hopewell, Marion, Kingston, Westover, Manokin, and Fairmount.

            1. 1 WKQC@
                            Ql@@Gy@_MFLCVMkLAnVF_IMPACT-ASSESSMENT

                   The cumulative impacts assessment utilized the nontidal wetland and functional
            analysis information previously developed. Somerset County's Comprehensive Plan,
            adopted in 1991, provided the main source for addressing cumulative impacts. The
            comprehensive plan provides the most recent planning document that identifies future
            growth areas in the County. The document identifies the broad planning goals and
            objectives intended to guide land use development patterns over the next twenty years.
            The goals in the comprehensive plan which were important to the preparation of the
            nontidal wetlands management plan were identified and involved the following areas:
            economic development, land use, environment and infrastructure. Some of the most
            relevant goals identified in the comprehensive plan are:

                   0     Encourage development in selected nodes or communities so as to
                         preserve valuable farmland, and other sensitive areas, and to
                         protect the County's traditional quality of life from unplanned sprawl.

                   0     Make efficient use of available capacity in existing community

                                                       43










                          facilities, roads and infrastructure. In particular, the existing Town
                          of Princess Anne, and other communities in the U.S. 13/413
                          corridor should be treated as "growth centers".

                   0      Coordinate the extension of water and sewer services with rezoning
                          activities so as to channel development toward growth centers and
                          into preferred community forms.

                   0      Respect sensitive environmental areas, such as floodplains,
                          wetlands and the Critical Area Zone adjacent to streams, rivers
                          and the Chesapeake Bay.

                   0      Retain and enhance wildlife management areas, riparian forest,
                          greenways, scenic areas and unique open space areas.

                   0      Update the County Zoning Ordinance to encourage planned
                          unit development and clustering in preferred areas, and to
                          discourage spot zoning and sprawl. However, it should be
                          noted that the 1976 ordinance designated some degree of
                          development for most of the present growth areas, ranging
                          from residential to commercial or industrial use.

                   The Somerset County Zoning Ordinance, was an additional source evaluated
            for estimating cumulative impacts. However, it was not applied, since it is not consistent
            with the recently adopted comprehensive plan. The Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Maps
            were adopted in 1976 with numerous amendments, including the Critical Area
            requirements, incorporated to the ordinance over time. Somerset County will be
            conducting a comprehensive rezoning process in the near future to bring the zoning
            requirements and maps into cQmpliance with the comprehensive plan. Nevertheless,
            because it is intended that the comprehensive plan guide the rezoning process, it was
            determined that the comprehensive plan would be the primary source for evaluating
            cumulative impacts, rather than the zoning ordinance.

                   The land use map from the comprehensive plan, was reviewed as part of the
            cumulative impact analysis. It demonstrates that the land use component of the
            comprehensive plan recognizes the.County's agricultural base as the foundation of the
            County's economy. The plan seeks to preserve that base by clustering development in
            existing crossroad towns and restricting unplanned sprawl.        It identifies these growth
            areas by concentric rings around existing communities. The plan identifies Primary
            Growth Nodes, intended for residential or mixed land uses with central water and sewer.
            The comprehensive plan also identifies Secondary Growth Areas, allowing limited infill
            development in waterfront communities with onsite septic systems or small-scale
            community treatment systems.          Hopewell, Marion and Westover, all within the
            Annemessix watershed, have been identified as Primary Growth Nodes. Planned Unit
            Developments (PUDs), overlay zoning districts, and higher density bonuses are examples
            of planning tools which are being considered to direct development into the Primary
            Growth Areas.


                                                         44










                    Many of the Secondary Growth Areas do not currently have central sewer systems.
             Based on the comprehensive plan, proposed infill or expansion developments should be
             avoided in areas where have been septic system failures, unless innovative community
             solutions can be developed to address water quality and public health concerns.
             Secondary Growth Areas would be primarily residential in nature with supporting
             community services. Fairmount, Manokin and Marion are crossroad villages in the Big
             Annernessex watershed which have been identified as Secondary Growth Areas.

                    In order to utilize the comprehensive plan for evaluating cumulative impacts, the
             staff of the Somerset County Department of Technical and Community Services scaled
             the conceptual concentric rings depicting future growth areas in the watershed to
             correspond with actual land areas based upon land availability and suitability. The
             resulting information was drafted on 1 "= 600' scale County zoning maps. These maps
             were then reduced and a composite was developed incorporating them, all the
             quarterquad base maps, and the 1"=2000' scale wetland, functional value and potential
             mitigation maps. In this manner information regarding significant wetland functions and
             values were related to projected development in the watershed. Particular wetlands,
             wetland types or wetland functions especially at risk were identified, and strategies were
             developed for avoiding or minimizing impacts relative to the watershed.


             1.2    [email protected]ï¿½L-Q-FAV.MP.LATLVP.IMF@APT A.            S.
                                                                $ï¿½Lk $IWA."T.

                    1.2.1 PREVIOUS LAND USE CHANGES

                    According to the Department of State Planning mapping, the major land use
             changes in Somerset County from 1981-1985 were areas that were timbered and then
             left in brush prior to reforestation. This affected less than 5 percent of the total land area
             of the County.

                    The timbering that occurred was widely scattered throughout the County and
             generally did not affect tidal wetlands. A few areas of forest were converted to cropland,
             but relatively small areas of forests or croplands were converted to development during
             this period.
                    Between 1972 and 1981 larger areas of the County were converted from forested
             farmland to cropland. Some areas of wetlands were drained or filled and converted to
             cropland or forests. Several waterfront areas west and soutwest of Marion were also
             converted from cropland to development.

                    While the changes discussed above relate to Somerset County as a whole, a
             similar pattern is expected to have occurred within the Big Annernessex River watershed.
             Historical records of land use changes prior to 1972 were not readily available for review,
             but it is certain that a substantial portion of the watershed was originally converted from
             forest to farmland. It is speculated that perhaps up to half or more of the original forested
             wetlands have been lost in the watershed since settlement began. Since 1930, there has

                                                          45










             been a 30 percent decrease in cropland in the County from 61,000 acres to 42,000 acres
             in 1982 (Williams, 1993). Most of this cropland was re-converted to woodland. Thus, it
             is conceivable that a net gain in wetlands was achieved for that period. As stated above,
             prior to 1930 there was probably significant conversion of woodland and wetlands to
             farmland.


                    1.2.2 PROJECTED NONTIDAL WETLAND THREATS


                    The comprehensive plan provided the framework for evaluating an ultimate buildout
             scenario for the Big Annemessex: watershed. The nontidal wetlands located within the
             growth centers are assumed to be threatened by potential development, either directly
             by excavation/filling or indirectly from secondary impacts related to land development.
             This does not mean, however, that the buildout scenario will in fact adversely impact all
             wetlands within the designated growth areas.

                    The designated growth areas and wetlands affected are illustrated on maps Al-
             A4. Since the County does not have at this time details regarding specific future
             development within the identified growth areas, proposed infrastructure and zoning
             changes cannot be mapped. As mentioned previously, the County will be undertaking
             a rezoning process which may incorporate some recommendations outlined in this
             document. Other than roads, the watershed presently has little infrastructure.

                    Limited minor subdivisions along the existing-road network can be expected to
             continue. The creation of scattered single-family home development has been the
             historical pattern in most rural, Eastern Shore counties. A capture rate of 80 percent of
             the future residences into the growth centers is a reasonably conservative estimate.
             Unfortunately, there is no accurate way to predict adverse impacts to wetlands from
             scattered, single-family home development.

                    The land area within the Big Annemessex watershed proposed for expansion of
             crossroad communities amounts to 2,480 acres or approximately 10 percent of the
             developable land in the watershed (excluding tidal wetlands).              In other words,
             approximately 90 percent of the developable land area in the watershed will remain in its
             existing land use. It is anticipated that few additional croplands will be created from areas
             in natural habitat. Hence, agriculture is not expected to lead to significant future
             conversion of forested wetlands to cropland.

                    Table 7 identifies the wetlands by type, acres and functional value that are located
             within the planned growth areas. Approximately 164.9 acres of threatened nontidal
             wetlands were identified within all the growth centers. This represents approximately six
             percent of the total growth area. Palustrine forested wetlands are the most prevalent of
             the threatened wetlands, accounting for 116 acres or approximately 70 percent of the
             threatened wetland acreage.      Emergent wetlands and shrub-scrub wetlands both





                                                         46












            TABLE 1.  NONTIDAL WETLANDS WITHIN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GROWTH CENTERS


            Wetland   Growth
            Type      Center        Wetland No.            Map ID        Acres. Value**

            PEM       Hopewell      MSV D-4 7              PEMlC-7       8.74     M
            PEM       Hopewell      MSW C-5 2A             PEMlE-2A      0.70     L
            PEM       Marion        MSE B-3 4              PEMlC-4       1.05     L
            PEM       Marion        MSE B-2 6              PEMlB-6       0.92     H 4,8
            PEM       Hopewell      MSW C-4 2B             PEMlE-2B      0.72     L
            PEM       Marion        MSE C-2 14*            PEMlC-14      1.15     M 1
            PEM       Marion        MSE C-2 15*            PEMlA-15      0.86     M 1
            PEM1      Westover      KNE A-2 3*             PEMlC-3       5.58     H 6
            PEM1      Westover      KNE B-1 7              PEMlC-7       1.84     L
            PEMlx     Westover      KNE A-1 17             PEM1Bx-l7     1.07     H 4


            subtotal                                                    22.63



            PFO       Westover      KNE A-1 13             PF01A-13      0.70     M 1
            PF01      Minokin       MNE B-2 1              PF01/4A-1     1.11     L
            PF01      Minokin       MNE B-2 8              PF01A-8       7.17     L
            PF01      Westover      KNW D-2 1              PFOlA-l       5.30     M 1
            PF01      Westover      KNW D-1 2              PF01A-2       4.40     H 3
            PF01      Westover      KNW D-1 1              PFOlA-1       4.60     H 3
            PF01      Marion        MSE B-2 7              PFOlA-7       5.30     H 4,8
            PF01      Marion        MSE C-2 12*            PF01A-12      3.45     L
            PF01      Marion        MSE C-2 ll*            PF01A-11     21.62     H 7
            PFOI      Marion        MSE B-3 6              PF01E-6       0.46     L
            PF01/4    Marion        MSE B-2 4*             PF01/4C-4     2.99     H 5
            PF01/4    Westover      KNE A-1 1              PF01/4A-1     2.99     L
            PF01/4    Marion        MSE C-2 7*             PF01/4A-7     4.83     L
            PF01/4    Marion        MSE C-2 16*            PF01/4A-16    1.32     M 1
            PF01/4    Westover      KNW D-1 3*             PF01/4A-3    11.27     M 1,3
            PF01/4    Westover      KNE A-1 14*            PF01/4A-14   24.84     H 6,7
            PF01/4    Hopewell      MSW C-4 3              PF01/4A-3     2.76     L
            PF04      Westover      KNE A-2 1*             PF04A-1       5.75     H 6
            PF04      Marion        MSE C-2 4*             PF04A-4       1.61     L
            PF04/1    Hopewell      MSV C-5 1              PF04/1 A-1    0.35     L
            PF01/4    Minokin       NNE B-2 3              PF01/4 3      2.30     L
            PF01      Westover      KNW C-2 2              PF01F-2       0.60     H


            subtotal                                                    115.72



            POW       Minokin       MNE B-2 4              POW Hx-4      0.30     L
            POW       Minokin       MNE A-2 1              POW Hx-1      0.14     L
            POW       Marion        MSE B-3 5              POW Hx-5      0.37     L
            POW       Marion        MSE B-3 3              POW Hx-3      0.16     L
            POWX      Westover      KNE B-1 10             POWHX-8       2.80     L
            POWX      Westover      KNE B-1 8              POWHx-8       1.03     L


            subtotal                                                     4.80




















             PSS1     Westover     KNW D-2 11*            PSSlA-11      3.22     H 6
             PSS1     Westover     KNW D-2 4              PSS1A-4       2.76     M 4
             Pssl     Westover     KNW D-2 2              PSSlC-2       1.84     M 1,3
             PSS1     Westover     KNE A-2 2*             PSS1A-2       13.80    H 6; M 2
             PSS4/1A  Minokin      MNE B-2 2              PSS4/1A-2     0.12     H 6


             subtotal                                                   21.74






             Total Threatened Wetlandsi                               164.891


                Wetlands excluded based on recommended re-configuration of growth area
                boundary




             Farmed wetlands



             Pf                    MNE A-3  16            Pf-16         0.50     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  18            Pf-18         1.15     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  2             Pf-2          0.87     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  16            Pf-16         0.94     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  8             Pf-8          0.50     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  6             Pf-6          2.53     F
             Pf                    KNW B-4                Pf-7          0.44     F
             Pf                    MSE C-3  1             Pf-l          0.18     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  11            Pf-11         3.79     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  10            Pf-10         0.92     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  15            Pf-15         0.51     F
             Pf                    MSE B-3  2             Pf-2          0.28     F
             Pf                    MSE C-2  13            Pf-13         0.92     F
             Pf                    KNE A-2  4             Pf-4          2.07     F
                                   KNE A-1  9             Pf-9          0.81     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  7             Pf-7          5.75     F
             Pf


             Pf                    KNE A-2  7             Pf-7          0.43     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  5             Pf-5          0.46     F
             Pf                    MNE A-2  2             Pf-2          0.51     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  4             Pf-4          1.43     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  3             Pf-3          0.93     F
             Pf                    KNE A-1  12            Pf-12         0.64     F

             total:                                                     26.56







                 See Table 4 for HIGH (H), MIDDLE (M) and LOW (L) rank criteria
             applicable to each listed wetland









             account for approximately 22 acres or 14 percent of the threatened wetlands. Ponds
             account for almost 5 acres or 3 percent, and wet farm fields account for 26 acres,
             although the letter are not considered actual wetlands and are not factored into the total.

                   The Functional Value Criteria of wetlands located within the proposed growth
             centers are compiled in Table 7, together with each wetland's identification number, type,
             impacted acreage and functional value criteria. None of the Top Value wetlands are
             present, but 95 acres or 58 percent of the threatened wetlands in growth areas are High
             Value wetlands. This represents only 11.5 percent of all High Value wetlands in the
             watershed, however. Moderate Value and Low Value wetlands each comprise about 33
             acres or 21 percent of the wetlands in all growth centers. These figures represent 15
             percent and 10 percent respectively of the total wetland acreage for these wetlands. By
             cross-referencing the functional value codes in Table 7 with those of Table 4 (as well as
             Tables 2 and 3, as appropriate), the specific functions expected to be impacted by
             development can be identified for each wetland within the growth centers.

                   A comparison of the wetland acreages and values within the growth centers to
             those throughout the watershed revealed that, in general, suitable areas for expansion
             were chosen during the comprehensive planning process. In this portion of Somerset
             County, very few large contiguous areas of uplands are present. The areas chosen as
             growth centers reflected the historical settlement pattern, the provision of adequate
             infrastructure and a desire to preserve existing agricultural land uses.           Specific
             recommendations concerning each of the proposed growth areas are described in the
             following section.

             1.3    R_gCANlPA_" ALTLOfNS

                   1.3.1 LAND USE

                   The cumulative impact assessment provides the opportunity to evaluate             the
             potential impacts to wetland resources that may result from the implementation of the
             comprehensive plan objective to concentrate future development in the crossroad villages.
             Where appropriate, specific recommendations are provided to modify the proposed growth
             areas to protect high value wetland complexes. The opportunity to refine the proposed
             expansions of crossroad villages will occur when Somerset County initiates the
             comprehensive rezoning process. Modifications to theproposed growth centers are
             suggested in Figures Al through A4,  'and can be incorporated into the proposed rezoning
             maps. A discussion of potential wetland impacts and recommendations within each
             proposed growth center follows.

             Hopewell Primary Growth Area. The Hopewell growth center anticipates residential,
             commercial and airport-related development on approximately 252 acres within
             Annemessix watershed. The threatened wetlands within this growth center include
             isolated palustrine forested, emergent and open-water wetland types, totaling 13 acres
             or approximately five percent of the growth area. Most of the wetlands are of low wetland
             value. This growth area appears to be highly suitable for expansion.


                                                        49









             Marion Primary Growth Area. This growth area includes two parts, a smaller area to the
             south of Coulbourne Creek and a larger area to the north of Coulbourne Creek and
             adjacent to Route 413. The total acreage of both areas is 675 acres, of which 46 acres
             (seven percent) are nontidal wetlands. Overall, 13 wetlands are present in this growth
             area. Although the majority of wetlands are low value, the High Value wetlands present
             account for 31 acres or 67 percent of the total wetlands in this growth area. Development
             on the south side of Coulbourne Creek would have the potential for minimal adverse
             impacts to wetlands present. Only small, isolated emergent, open-water and forested
             wetlands are present. Development on the north side of Coulbourne Creek, however,
             includes several large palustrine forested wetlands, one which is approximately 22 acres
             in size. A reconfiguration of the proposed growth area is recommended which would
             eliminate the northern third of this growth area (see Figures A3 and A4). Additional land
             along Coulbourne Creek which does not have significant wetland resources can be added
             to the Marion growth area to compensate. This reconfiguration would remove eight
             wetlands, including 25 acres of High Value wetlands, from the threat of growth (see
             Table 7 for details).


             Kinaston Secondary Growth Area. The Kingston growth area is anticipated to capture
             additional residential development on approximately 176 acres. No nontidal wetlands are
             located within this growth area. Consequently, this proposed growth area is the most
             suitable of all the proposed areas for allowing additional growth while minimizing impacts
             to wetland resources.


             Westover Primary Growth Area.           This growth area includes two sections and
             encompasses the largest land area within the watershed, totalling 1, 142 acres. There are
             17 wetlands in the growth area for a total of 94 acres. Eight of these wetlands are High
             Value wetlands and they comprise 67 percent of the wetlands present. The smaller
             segment of the growth area to west of Route 413 does not include any wetlands. The
             larger segment to the east of Route 413 and extending to Route 13 contains a large
             wetlands complex of High Value emergent, shrub-scrub and forested wetlands totalling
             63 acres or 67 percent of the wetlands present in the growth area. A reconfiguration of
             this growth area is recommended to remove this wetland complex located in the south
             central portion of the growth area (see Figure A-2). There is available land in the vicinity,
             not constrained by significant wetland resources, to compensate for this modification of
             the growth area. This reconfiguration would remove the threat from development to 53
             acres of high value wetlands (see Table 7 for details).

             Manokin Secondary Growth Area. Of the 237 acres in this growth area, only 9 acres
             (four percent) are nontidal wetlands. Five wetlands are located within this growth area
             and 99 percent of the wetlands present are considered low value wetlands. Only one
             High Value wetland of .12 acres or 1 percent is present. This growth area provides a
             suitable land area for clustering new residential development while minimizing impacts
             to wetland resources.


             Fairmount Secondary Growth Area.                 It is recommended that only infill
             development/redevelopment be allowed in this growth area. No vacant land area for

                                                          50









             expansion is recommended because of the extensive wetlands surrounding this crossroad
             village. Many High Value emergent, shrub-scrub, and forested wetlands have been
             identified in this portion of the watershed. Immediately outside of the privately-held land
             in the village is the Fairmount Wildlife Management Area.



                    1.3.2 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT

                    Somerset County enacted a revised Floodplain Management Ordinance in 1992
             (Ordinance No. 519) in compliance with Maryland's Flood Control and Watershed
             Management Act, Section 89AO1 et seq. Natural Resources Article of the Annotated Code
             of Maryland. Somerset County's floodplain regulations address the County's responsibility
             under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended, and the Flood Disaster
             Protection Act of 1973, as amended. Counties must to adopt and enforce floodplain
             management regulations which meet the requirements of 44 Code of Federal Regulations
             Parts 5577, et seq., in order to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and
             remain eligible for federally subsidized flood insurance, federal disaster relief, and federal
             and State financial assistance.

                    The low-lying landscape of Somerset County's Coastal Plain results in an extensive
             1 00-year floodplain. Normal land development activities in these low-lying areas have
             only a very limited impact on the extent and intensity of major storm events. The
             County's floodplain ordinance does not prohibit residential uses within the 100 year
             floodplain such a prohibition would be a severe restriction on private property rights in
             these circumstances. The ordinance does, however, prohibit development in the
             floodplain when alternative locations on the property in question are available that are
             outside of the floodplain. The burden is placed on the applicant to demonstrate that new
             structures cannot be located out of the floodplain and that encroachments onto the
             floodplain are minimized. In the subdivision of land, design consideration must be given
             to clustering development out of the floodplain. The lowest floor of new residential
             structures must be elevated above the 100-Year Flood Elevation.


                    Nontidal wetlands watershed management plans are required to consider floodplain
             management issues because it is known that the timing and intensity of flooding can be
             affected by the presence or absence on nontidal wetlands. In the case of the Big
             Annemessex watershed, no strong linkage can be drawn between wetland resources in
             the watershed and flooding issues. The flood control functions of the wetlands are poorly
             performed by most wetlands in this watershed. In this low-lying portion of the Eastern
             Shore, tidal and bay-related flooding are more important factors than the limited flood
             control functions performed by nontidal wetlands in the watershed. The Citizen Task
             Force, which was established to assist in developing the Wetlands Watershed
             Management Plan indicated that flood control concerns were not a significant issue and
             that the watershed plan should not emphasize flooding issues.




                                                           51











            1.3.3 WATER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

                   Within the Annemessex watershed, private wells are the predominant source of
            potable water for residential use. Only the town of Fairmount and surrounding area is
            located in an existing Water and Sewer Service Area. The Fairmount service area serves
            a population of approximately 550 out of an estimated total population of 650 (Somerset
            County 1991). A small portion of the Westover and Hopewell growth areas within the
            Big Annemessex watershed fall within the Three to Ten-Year Proposed Service for
            expansion of water and sewer infrastructure. Marion was previously included in the 1986
            Proposed Ten Year Water and Sewer Service Area but was subsequently excluded from
            the planned expansion area for reason of cost.

                   Somerset County has established Groundwater Management Areas within the
            County to protect the water quality of the underlying aquifers which provide all of the
            County's potable water supply. Throughout the majority of the County's land area, fairly
            thick clay and silt confining beds protect the water supply from contamination. To the
            north and east of Princess Anne, and in the vicinity of Westover and Pocomoke City, the
            soils are extremely permeable down to the underlying aquifer. The potential for
            groundwater contamination from septic systems is significant in this area. Approximately
            48 square miles of the County, including a very small portion of the Annemessex
            watershed in the vicinity of Westover, has been designated as Management Area A.
            Onsite systems in Management Area A are effectively restricted because these areas lack
            an "adequate treatment zone" (Somerset County 1991).

                   The remainder of the Big Annernessex watershed falls into Management Area B2
            which is subject to normal septic field testing and permit approval. Management Area
            B2 is characterized by the presence of thick surficial confining beds of the Kent Island
            Formation which protect underlying Pocomoke and Manokin aquifers from the downward
            movement of surface and near-surface contaminants. Water supplies in this management
            area are derived primarily from wells screened in fairly deep confined aquifers including
            (from shallowest to deepest) the Pocomoke, Manokin,.Magothy and Patapsco aquifers
            (Somerset County Groundwater Protection Report, undated). Some older, shallow wells
            may be scattered throughout the study area.

                   Because nontidal wetlands can play an important role in re-supplying potable water
            to groundwater resources, the Maryland Department of 4atural Resources has included
            a water supply element to the development of nontidal wetlands watershed management
            plans. In the case of the Big Annemessex watershed, however, groundwater discharge
            functions are poorly performed by most wetlands in the watershed. There are no strong
            linkages between the nontidal wetlands present in the watershed and the provision of
            private and public water supply to residents within the watershed. The Citizens Task
            Force on the Big Annemessex Wetlands Watershed Management Plan did not indicate
            that any significant water supply issues are present in the study area.





                                                       52









             2.0 PRPTECTIPPI-MPAPPRIE5.

                    2.1 WATERSHED ISSUES AND MMAGEMENT GOALS

                    Issue identification and the development of watershed management goals are key
             components of the nontidal wetlands watershed management planning process.
             Somerset County has approached the identification of watershed issues and management
             goals by creating a Citizens Task Force which represents the various interests of
             watershed residents. Several task force meetings were held to develop a preliminary list
             of watershed issues, refine the list of issues, delete issues which were beyond the scope
             of this planning process, and select a distilled list of watershed issues.

                    The key watershed issues and management goals which evolved from the task
             force meetings were:

                    o Loss of Wetland Resources. It was acknowledged that nontidal wetlands are
             prevalent throughout the watershed and that there was a strong likelihood that some
             wetland impacts can be anticipated from residential development. The task force
             supported State and Federal resource management goals regarding the "No Net Loss"
             policy.

                    o Water Ouallity. The task force identified water quality in nontidal surface waters
             and in the tidal estuary of the Big Annemessex River as a significant issue. The
             recommended management goal is to maintain, and where possible, enhance water
             quality in the Big Annernessex watershed.

                    o AquatIc Resources. The importance of Somerset County's relationship to the
             Chesapeake Bay was made by several task force members. Impairment of the aquatic
             resources in the nontidal and asterion system was a significant issue raised by the task
             force. The recommended management goal is the maintenance and enhancement of the
             finfish and shellfish resources in the Annemessex watershed.


                    Water quality within the Big Annemessex River is considered good (Maryland
             Department of the Environment, 1993). Low dissolved oxygen and elevated organic
             carbon levels were measured in the tidal portion the river, and were attributed to natural
             drainage from extensive adjacent tidal marshes. Due to'elevated bacterial levels in the
             tidal waters, 0.16 square miles of the estuary are restricted to shellfish harvesting.
             Another 2.84 square miles are presently classified as conditionally approved. In August
             of 1989 one die-off of blue crabs was reported in Coulbourne Creek. No cause was
             identified, but the abundance of filamentous algae was suggested as a possible factor.
             While no stream sampling has been done within the Big Annemessex River watershed
             to document aquatic species, Table A-5 in the Appendix lists fish species expected to
             be found based on sampling of a stream in an adjacent watershed (Jesien, et al, 1990).

                    It was the intent of the Task Force to focus on land development threats to nontidal
             wetland resources. Although historically, there has been extensive conversion of nontidal
             wetlands to croplands, the members of the task force did not anticipate any significant

                                                         53








             potential for future conversions due to economic conditions and USDA "Swampbuster'
             provisions. Forest harvest operations in or adjacent to nontidal wetlands were discussed
             during the task force meetings. The discussions resulted in a determination that ongoing
             State forestry programs on developing "Best Management Practices" for timber harvest
             operabons should be encouraged. The County has a limited role in addressing this land
             use activity and there are ongoing State programs which address the impacts of forest
             harvest operations on nontidal wetland resources.

                    The identification of key issues and management goals for the watershed provides
             an opportunity to reevaluate potential mitigation sites and to propose recommendations
             for implementing nontidal wetland resource protection strategies. As provided earlier in
             this report, potential wetland creation sites were identified through photointerpretation and
             field techniques and evaluation of soil survey information. The sites identified included
             large areas where in-kind nontidal wetlands can perhaps be created in a cost-effective
             fashion and with a high probability for success.

                    A supplemental mitigation strategy is recommended for the Big Annernessex
             watershed that emphasizes, in some cases, wetland mitigation design and location that
             enhances water quality and aquatic resource management goals with out-of-kind
             mitigation. For example, Mitigation sites adjacent to the existing stream network could be
             given high priority because they might enhance water quality and aquatic resource
             functions by providing additional buffers to trap sediments, nutrients and other pollutants.
             Nonwooded sites at the interface of tidal and nontidal surface waters provide opportune
             locations for water quality enhancement. Another opportunity is in the upper reaches of
             the first order streams or drainageways where nontidal wetland creation would not pose
             an impediment to agricultural drainage.

                    The Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would
             need to show some flexibility in reviewing individual wetland permits within the watershed
             in order for this alternative mitigation strategy to be successful. For example, some
             flexibility in allowing out-of-kind mitigation would be necess    .ary. Palustrine forested
             wetlands are the most common wetland type within the watershed. The forested
             wetlands in the watershed do not exhibit high functional values for nutrient attenuation
             and sediment trapping, two indicators of the value of wetlands in enhancing water quality.
             Mitigation design to enhance these functional values would tend towards shallow wetland
             creations supporting emergent and shrub-scrub wetlands aidjacent to the existing stream
             system. This would be considered out-of-kind mitigation. Implementation of this
             alternative approach would not only increase the functional value of watershed wetlands
             in the areas of nutrient attenuation and sediment trapping, it would also increase the
             diversity of wetland types in the watershed. This alternative strategy, developed from a
             comprehensive evaluation of the wetland functions and incorporating clear watershed
             management goals, may receive a favorable review by the State and Federal review
             agencies.






                                                          54











                   2.2 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING RESOURCE PROTECTION
                          STRATEGIES

                   The following recommendations for implementing resource protection strategies are
            provided to illustrate some of the opportunities available for the preservation and
            enhancement of nontidal wetland and water quality resources in the Big Annemessex
            watershed. More specific options for enhancing water quality and aquatic resources are
            outlined in Tables 8a and 8b.

                   0      Somerset County Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Proaram. Because of the
                          low-lying topography in the stutdy area,             the tidal influence
                          extends a considerable distance up the tributaries to the Big Annemessex
                          watershed. Hence, the Critical Area encompasses a large portion of the
                          entire watershed. Section 9.2 of the Somerset County Chesapeake Bay
                          Critical Area Program (Rogers, Golden & Halperin, 1990) describes the
                          nontidal wetlands protection element of the plan. Individual Critical Area
                          reviews of proposed development actions should be evaluated in light of the
                          Big Annemessex Wetlands Watershed Management Plan. This Plan
                          encourages the continued implementation of the County's Critical Area
                          Program. While continuing support of the local Critical Area program
                          should help protect the wetlands, it should be noted that as of October,
                          1993 the State Nontidal Wetlands Program assumed responsibility for
                          nontidal wetlands within the Critical Area. This resolved the problems
                          associated with two different sets of regulations within the state for the
                          same resource.


                   0      Strearn and Wetland Buffers The Somerset County Comprehensive Plan
                          (1991) recommends that a iinimum stream buffer of 50 feet and wider
                          buffers in areas of degraded streams be implemented.                    This
                          recommendation was based on an anadromous fish survey of Somerset
                          County streams (Jesien et al 1990). The Critical Area requirements include
                          a minimum 1 00-foot shoreline buffer and additional buffer requirements for
                          wetlands and Habitat Protection Areas. An evaluation of stream buffer
                          alternatives should be undertaken during the upcoming comprehensive
                          rezoning effort, leading to incorporation of an appropriate stream buffer
                          zoning requirement outside of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. Buffers
                          can enhance water quality in the watershed by reducing the potential for
                          erosion of stream banks, and reducing the amount of pollutants in surface
                          runoff through filtration by vegetative uptake.

                   0      Easements. Somerset County has prepared a Land Preservation and
                          Recreation Plan for Somerset County (Urban Research & Development
                          Corporation 1988). The Plan identifies a number of opportunities to
                          preserve wetlands; agricultural lands; rare, threatened and endangered
                          species habitat; and unique or diverse natural areas. The Big Annemessex
                          Wetlands Watershed Management Plan supports these recommendations.
                          Somerset County should encourage the public sector programs and private

                                                        cc










                          sector nonprofit organizations to evaluate opportunities for longterm
                          preservation of nontidal wetland resources in the Annemessex watershed.

                   0      Sediment Control and Floodr)lain Ordinances. Both the Sediment and
                          Erosion Control (Ordinance No. 76) and the Floodplain Management
                          (Ordinance No. 519) represent the local adoption of minimum State
                          requirements. Both of the ordinances provide the foundation for effective
                          local programs to control the adverse impacts associated with land
                          development, including the transport of large sediment loads to streams and
                          wetlands downstream of active construction sites. Upgrading of sediment
                          and erosion control regulations should be considered to further address
                          these problems. To provide for more effective cross-compliance, current
                          definitions of wetlands should be incorporated into the ordinances along
                          with statements concerning the protection of this resource.

                   0      Stormwater Manaaement. The above recommendation also applies to the
                          stormwater management regulations for Somerset County, adopted in 1984.
                          In addition, amendments to stormwater management regulations should be
                          made to encourage the use of created wetlands for water quality
                          enhancement. In the Big Annemessex watershed which consists of many
                          small sub-basins discharging to tidal waters, water quantity concerns are
                          less important than water quality concerns. In areas of residential
                          development on previously agricultural- lands, there are opportunities to
                          integrate stormwater management designs with efforts to restore poorly
                          functioning drainageways (eg. culverts blocked with sedimentation) and
                          agricultural ditches to a more natural headwater stream, providing habitat
                          and water quality benefits.

                   0      Comprehensive Rezoning. The cumulative impact analysis identified
                          portions of two proposed growth areas which should not be rezoned for
                          higher density residential use because of the presence of High Value
                          wetland complexes.

















                                                       56











                                                                                                 TABLE 8a.
                                             BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY ACTIVITIES


                               Measure                                                     Description                                               Advantages

                         Conservation Tillage                     Tillage or planting system which uses plant residue to Reduces soil erosion.
                                                                  provide cover for 30 percent or more of the soil surface.

                         Buffer streams and ditches               Channel for conveyance of runoff. Buffers provide              Reduces erosion, removes some sediment from
                                                                  filtration of runoff prior to entering the stream.             runoff.

                         Cover Crops                              Close-growing grasses, legumes, or grains usually grown        Reduces erosion. Cover crops remove excess
                                                                  for one year or less                                           nitrogen and may add desirable organic (versus
                                                                                                                                 soluble) nutrients. May slightly decrease surface
                                                                                                                                 water temperature.

                         Nutrient management plans                Plans for determining the amount of nutrients required to      Minimizes leaching of nutrients from root zone.
                                                                  achieve desired yields, improve the tirning of nutrient        May reduce amount of nutrients lost with surface
                                                                  application, and increase nutrient use efficiency. May         runoff.
                                                                  include measures for use and disposal of animal waste.
                         Timber harvesting plans                  Operation and management plans for on-going forestry           Minimizes sedimentation and erosion from timber
                                                                  activities. Should be developed in conjunction with the        harvesting. Reduces the transport of chemicals
                                                                  Soil Conservation Service.                                     from fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides to
                                                                                                                                 surface and ground water supplies.










                                                                                          TABLE 8b.
                                                     BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPMENT AREAS


                                  Measure                                           Description                                                 Advantages

                 Extended Detention Facilities            Facilities which temporarily detain a portion of the runoff       Removes particulate pollutants such as sediment,
                                                          after a storm event.       Facilities normally dry between        phosphorus, and organic carbon from the runoff
                                                          storm events.                                                     prior to discharge to a stream.

                 Wet Ponds                                Ponds containing permanent pool of water.                         Removes particulate and soluble pollutants in
                                                                                                                            storm water runoff.

                 Stormwater Wetlands                      Constructed wetlands designed to provide water quality            Removes particulate and soluble pollutants in
                                                          treatment for stormwater runoff through filtration and            storm water runoff. Also provides wetland
                                                          vegetative uptake.                                                habitat.
                 Infiltration trenches                    Underground stone trenches for treatment of stormwater            Removes particulate and soluble pollutants in
                                                          runoff. Runoff is directed into the trench, and slowly            storm water runoff.
                                                          exfiltrates from the trench into the water table.

                 Sand Filters                             Similar to infiltration infiltration trenches. Self-contained     Removes particulate and soluble pollutants in
                                                          beds of sand and adsorptive media such as peat.                   storm water runoff. +
                                                          Pollutants in stormwater runoff are removed as the
                                                          runoff flows through the filter.

                 Grassed Swales                           Vegetated, engineered channel which removes pollutants            Removes particulate pollutants in storm water
                                                          in stormwater runoff through filtration through grass and         runoff.
                                                          infiltration through soil.











           V.     REFERENCES

           Adamus, Paul, et. al. 1987. Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET). Volume 11:
           Methodology. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS. 206 pages plus appendix.

           Amman, Alan & Amanda Stone. 1991. Method For The Comoarative Evaluation Of
           Nontidal Wetlands In New Hampshire. Published by New Hampshire Dept. Environmental
           Services, Concord, NH.

           Jennings, Ann, et al. 1993. Saturated Forested Wetlands. In: National Wetlands
           Newsletter, Volume 15, No. 4.

           Jesien, Roman, et al., 1990. Anadromous Fish Survey of Somerset County Streams: Final
           Rego . Prepared for Somerset County Commissioners. 40 pages.

           John Pickard Associates. 1991. Somerset County Comorehensive Plan 1991. 86 pp. .

           John E. Harms, Jr. & Associates, Inc., 1990. Somerset County Critical Area Survey Fo
           Rare, Threatened, and Endan-gered Species. Prepared for Somerset County Department
           of Technical And Community Services, Princess Anne, MD.

           Maryland Department of the Environment. 1993. Maryland Water Quality Inventory, 1989-
           1991. Report 93-016. Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Management Administration,
           Baltimore, MD.

           Maryland Department of Natural Resources, MD Natural Heritage Program. 1987.
           Manaciement Plans For Sianificant Plant And Wildlife Habitat Areas Of Maryland's
           Eastern Shore: Somerset County. Prepared for MD Coastal Resources Division, MD
           Tidewater Administration. 18 pages.

           MD Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources. 1955. The Water Resources
           of Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. Bulletin 16. Baltimore, MD. 533 pages.

           Rociers, Golden & Halpers. et al. 1990. Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program. 48
           pages.                                                  I

           Somerset County Groundwater Protection Report. undated document provided by
           Somerset County Department of Technical and Community Services.

           U.S. Soil Conservation Service. 1966. Soil Survey Of Somerset County, Maryland. 90
           oacies olus maps.


           Urban Research & Develooment Corp., 1988. Toward a Better Quality of Life: A Land
           Preservation and Recreation Plan For Somerset County. Bethlehem, PA.

           Williams, Greg, December 9, 1993. Soil Conservation Service. Personal Communication.


                                                     59




I
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I                    VI. APPENDIX
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'1                      60






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                        m@ (KrIVIM3702 Rona, GREENMIELV, ml@RVLI@42D M770                                                                                                                                                              HIGH V
                                                (ZM2m_m                                                                 NONTMAL WETLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                        WATER RESOURCES A=PJSTRATIUN                                                                     DATE OF PHOTOGRAPHY 04/17/88                                                                  MIDOL
                                  MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
                              MARYLAND STATE PLANS GFJO COORDINATE SYSTEM 1983                                                            YEAR OF MAP PRODUCTION 1993                                                                  LOW V














        APPENDIX A-5
              Results of electrofishing at Marumsco Creek

                                             Month-Day                No. of
        Species             3-4* 3-4 3-11 3-22 3-30 4-11 4-20 4-27 5-2 Occurrences

        Anguilla rostrata        x   x    x        x   x        x      6
        Umbra pygmaea            x            x    x   x        x      5
        Esox americanus          x        x        x        x   x      5
        Notemigonus crysoleucas           x   x    x   x    x   x      6
        Erimyzon oblongus            x        x    x   x        x      5
        Aphredoderus sayanus     x        x        x                   3
        Fundulus diaphanus   x   x                                     2
        Fundulus beteroclitusx                                         1
        Lepomis gibbosus     x   x   x    x   x    x   x    x   x      9
        Lepomis macrochirus  x   x   x        x    x   x    x   x      8
        Pomoxis nigromaculatusx                                        1

        Total No Species (12)5   7   4    5   5    8   6    4   7








              source: Jesien, Roman, et al. Anadromous Fish Survey of Somerset county streams: Final Report.
                     December 31, 1990. Study submitted to Somerset County Dept. Technical & community Services




                    M M M M Wl ow w M am M am so M M M 1111












         7,PPENDIX B



                                          BIG ANNE.MESSEX WETLANDS
                                     WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
                                              OCTOBER 15, 1993



                   The Citizen Task Force met on October 5, 1993 to hear a presentation on the
             wetlands evaluation element of the plan and to discuss the direction the plan may
             take and attendant issues. Some sixteen participants listened to an agenda which
             included:


                   1)     State perspectives - an explanation of State interest in
                   Watershed Management Plans and non-tidal wetlands permitting and the
                   certification process by Denise Clearwater of DNR.

                   2)     Results of Wetlands Evaluation element of the plan by Ted
                   Hogan, Greenhorne & O'Mara's Department head for Wetland Services
                   and Pieter de Jong, Senior environmental planner for G & 0.

                   3)     Review of issues previously raised at the April 27, 1993
                   meeting.

                   4)     Discussion other issues needing resolution as the consultants
                   continue work on the plan.      The role of cultural and historical
                   elements in the plan was discussed in reference to federal
                   requirements for the protection of- cultural resources.

                   The question had been raised previously as to differences      between upland
             function and non-tidal wetland, particularly in a low lying area.    The consultant
             and Ms. Clearwater commented that most of the non-tidal wetlands     evaluated were
             depressions lower than surrounding areas and that although other     areas may have
             similar functions to wetlands, non-tidal wetlands perform these      functions to a
             higher degree, providing more habitat and are more likely to host endangered
             species.

                   No additional water quality monitoring is envisioned as a part of this
             plan. However, as the emphasis on Bay tributaries increases, we would hope more
             monitoring would be performed.       At this point, water quality on the Big
             Annemessex appears to be good.

                   The question of on-site septic impact versus that of sewer lines and       more
             dense development cannot be resolved easily. A cumulative impact analysis could
             possibly address this problem. However, sewer and water lines are limited to the
             Fairmount area in this watershed and the most frequent use of land is agriculture
             or forestry.

                   Several aspects of mitigation were discussed.      Prior converted land is no
             longer considered non-tidal wetland and is therefore a prime candidate for
             mitigation. Enhancement of existing wetlands is not usually considered equal to
             creation and a higher mitigation ratio is therefore required.

                   The ability to create a wetland has improved as experience in this field
             grows.   Mitigation is most often successful in areas where the water table is
             naturally high, so that many sites on the Eastern Shore can easily be used for
             wetland c reat ion/restorat ion.











                   While it is true that function will be lost at an original location if
             mitigation occurs off-site, as was suggested by a Task Force member, there are
             other factors to be considered.     If the area is designated for growth and
             development is occurring, any wetland might be degraded at that site.      a new
             location could enhance other goals such as habitat diversity and tributary
             proteclion and be offered protection from encroachment.

                   Finally, there had been concern as to another layer of regulation coming
             out of this plan. Currently, non-tidal wetlands are already protected under the
             State non-tidai wetlands law and certification of the plan by DNR would
             streamline the process of permitting.       Locally, it is true that existing
             regulations and zoning may incorporate recommendations from the plan, however,
             no separate ordinance has been considered.

                   Discussion then turned to the issues the consultant felt needed
             clarification as the cumulative impact and recommendation elements of the plan
             were developed.  This included the prioritizing of goals and the views of the
             Task Force were solicited in this regard.

                   InitialTask Force responseon theneed for wetlands protection ranged from
             the statement that not much has been impacted in Somerset County, which
             illustrates that the County has been doing a good job to concern that too often
             farming techniques do not observe a buffer strip next to ditches and animal waste
             is not properly managed.   The group seemed to agree that high value wetlands
             should received protection and that wetlands should be protected which show the
             h@ghest ranking as to function. Also diversity of habitat and wildlife should
             be a prime motivation for protection of non-tidal wetlands.

                   Some members felt that wetlands functions which protect the water quality
             of the Bay were of the highest level of importance.     In this regard, drainage
             ditches area also of concern as they may increase nutrients in tributaries and
             the Bay.   The maintenance of existing ditches and possibly, providing some
             buffering of ditches was also discussed.

                   Finally members remarked on the importance of education in protecting the
             watershed and the Bay. County staff commented on the educational programs they
             have conducted for the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program and promised this
             would continue in the future.

                   The Task Force adjourned at this point and viewed the seven overlays and
             maps which the consultant had prepared at I" - 600'.

                   Attached is the Issues list which has been discussed by the Task Force to
             date.













                                             ISSUES LIST


           A     General Issues raised at the April 27, 1993 meeting

                 1)    The role of cultural and historical elements in the
                       watershed plan.

                 2)    Monitoring outside of wetlands to determine how upland
                       areas function as opposed to non-tidal wetlands. That
                       is, how unique is the function of wetlands versus
                       adjoining uplands.

                 3)    Implementation Concerns: what is envisioned and will it
                       result in another layer of regulations?

                 4)    Will there be any provision for water quality monitoring
                       in tributary streams?

                 5)    when considering land use, how do septic tanks on the
                       required larger lots affect non-tidai wetlands/water
                       quality versus sewer lines which allow small lots and
                       more development?

                 6)    Will enhancement of degraded wetlands/prior converted
                       land be considered mitigation?

                 1)    Do mitigation areas function effectively as wetlands?
                       If you mitigate outside the immediate area, how does
                       that make up for the loss of function in the original
                       location?


           B.    Other issues which need resolution

                 To write a successful plan, we must prioritize goals and objectives and
           decide how to implement -the plan.     In other words, we have the framework
           following DNR guidelines as to what must be addressed, but now we must "fill in"
           the elements from a County perspective.

                 1.    This is a wetlands watershed management plan so first
                 consideration should be given to our protection objectives. Should
                 we pursue a "no net loss" policy or protect high value wetlands and
                 minimize impacts to lower value wetlands?

                 2.    Is protection of surface water quality an important watershed
                 management goal?    If so, management techniques should include
                 buffering streams and/or ditches and choosing mitigation sites near
                 tidal wetlands and streams to enhance protection.   (Note: nutrient
                 attenuation and sediment trapping were in low to moderate range in
                 functional assessments]

                 3.    How important is diversity of habitat?    Should diversity of
                 habitat be a wetland preservation or mitigation objective?












                    4.    Should maintaining or improving aquatic resources          be ail
                    important planning goal'

                    5.    What should be the most important planning objectives?

                    6.    The consultant has been given the task of measuring cumulative
                    impacts on the @-etlands of the watershed.         Thus far, -e have
                    suggested using the possible buildout as derived from the 1991
                    Comprehensive Plan, with special emphasis on growth areas. Should
                    agricultural and forest harvest impacts also be addressed as to
                    potential impact to wetlands?

                    7.    In designing the original concept plan, staff did not see
                    water supply and flood control as important issues in the watershed.
                    Functional assessment of the wetlands in the Big Annemessex region
                    seem to bear this out.        Does the Task Force agree with this
                    decision'


                    8.    What is the Task Force's perspective on regulatory controls,
                    voluntary controls or economic incentives to achieve the objectives
                    @-e have identified' How could this be best implemented'

             C.     Any additional issues?





                                                                                                                      NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY



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