Wetland and Riparian Area Protection Policy

NBWA Watershed Monitoring Workshop-November 30 Meetings – Jon Bishop

Aquatic Resource Monitoring and Assessment Framework

POLICY OVERVIEW:

3 PHASESPhase 1: Will Include:

Wetland definitionWetland area delineation methodA monitoring and assessment framework for State watersRegulations: For permitting dredged and fill material consistent with Clean Water Act Section 404 federal program

Phase 2: Will Include:– Wetland beneficial use definitions– Water quality objectives– Implementation program

Phase 3: Will Include:– Protection of riparian area water quality related functions– Beneficial use definitions, water quality objectives– Implementation program

Monitoring and Assessment Framework

Purpose:

To support existing aquatic monitoring and assessment programs

To report the condition of aquatic resources including wetlands

To report the effectiveness of California Water Board permitting requirements including compensatory mitigation for impacts to aquatic resources.

Monitoring and Assessment Framework

Description:(1) Will be implemented in coordination with the State Wetland and Riparian Area Monitoring Program (WRAMP) under the auspices of the California Water Quality Monitoring Council

(2) Will specify reporting ecological conditions of aquatic resources including wetlands and the effectiveness of protection measures.

(3) Will provide for a watershed approach that includes the development of regulatory assessment standards to guide the application of assessment information to various regulatory decisions.

(4) Will be based on an adopted wetland definition and associated delineation method along with standard wetland classification and mapping approaches.

(5) Will provide for internet access to assessment and monitoring information.

Monitoring and Assessment Framework

Information Collection and Reporting Structure:

Based on three levels of information with each level supporting the next:

Level 1: GIS-based aquatic resource inventory

Level 2: Rapid Assessment: Use of California Rapid Wetland Assessment Method (CRAM)

Level 3: Intensive Site Assessment

Will utilize Wetland Tracker GIS database for data management and reporting

Monitoring and Assessment Framework

Additional Elements:Coordinate with the SWAMP Regional Data Centers (RDCs) for data quality assurance/quality control services

Tools under development:

Cram modules for wetland types and CRAM training clinics

Wetland Tracker for mitigation project tracking

Online 401 application with GIS tool to input project impact/mitigation maps into Wetland Tracker

Monitoring and Assessment Framework

General Support and Funding:

Funding: assessment framework initially will be provided through existing California Water Board programs.