Wetland Delineation Report: Kismet Basin Lake …64FB1BEC-A43C-4118-B98E...The Kismet Basin Lake Stabilization Project is located in Sections 11 and 12, T30N- R21W within the City

w a t e re c o l o g yc o m m u n i t y

Wetland Delineation Report: Kismet Basin Lake Stabilization Project

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. for Brown’s Creek Watershed District

July 2014

Brown’s Creek Watershed District Kismet Basin Wetland Delineation Report July 15, 2014

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

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INTRODUCTION

Brown’s Creek Watershed District completed the Kismet Basin Lake Stabilization Project. The project

was intended to provide a surface water outlet from Kismet Basin (formerly a landlocked basin) to

Brown’s Creek via construction of a linear wetland system within an existing drainage way. Constructed

wetlands and infiltration technology were included to minimize the outflow and impact of discharge from

Kismet Basin to Brown’s Creek. The project was also intended to provide additional storage of

stormwater runoff, filtration of sediment, and to encourage infiltration. The overall purpose was to

stabilize lake-levels while minimizing discharges to Brown’s Creek, a DNR Designated Trout Stream,

and to high quality wetlands in the headwaters area of Brown’s Creek.

Wetland construction involved a combination of excavation to expand existing wetlands and low, earthen

berms designed to pond water within sloping drainage ways. Wetland vegetation was established through

a combination of grass and forb seeding and vegetative plantings.

The wetlands constructed as part of this project were designed to serve multiple purposes including:

Protection of Water Quality

Groundwater recharge

Attenuation of stormwater flows

Protection of base flows to Brown’s Creek

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this report is to document the boundaries of wetlands and determine the total acreage of

wetlands that were constructed as part of the Kismet Basin Lake Stabilization Project.

Review Team and Contact Information

The wetland delineation was performed by Jason Naber, PWS. The report and report figures were

prepared by Jason Naber and Annie Weeks. This delineation is prepared for Brown’s Creek Watershed

Distrcit.

Wetland Delineators: Delineation Prepared for:

Jason Naber, WDC #1254 Karen Kill

Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. (EOR) Brown’s Creek Watershed District

651 Hale Ave N. 455 Hayward Ave. North

Oakdale, MN 55128 Oakdale, MN 55128

651-203-6028 651-275-1136

[email protected] [email protected]

Site Location and Description

The Kismet Basin Lake Stabilization Project is located in Sections 11 and 12, T30N- R21W within the

City of Grant, Washington County.




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METHODOLOGY

Preliminary Investigation

Prior to conducting the field wetland delineation, existing data and available maps were compiled and

reviewed. Topographic maps (Figure 2), National Wetland Inventory (NWI) (Figure 4), and MN DNR

Protected Waters (PWI) (Figure 5) maps were reviewed to determine likely locations of existing, natural

wetlands. Construction documentation and plans for the created wetlands were also reviewed to

determine approximate locations of constructed wetlands. NRCS SSURGO soils were compiled using

the Web Soil Survey site to determine potentially hydric soils in the project area (Figure 3), although due

to the highly disturbed nature of the property, soils are likely altered. Lastly, precipitation data from the

Minnesota Climatology Working Group was reviewed to determine how current precipitation at or near

the site compares to normal conditions (Appendix E).

Wetland Delineation Methods

The methodology of the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and regional supplements

for the North Central-Northeast Region were used to delineate wetlands within the project area. The

wetland delineation was conducted on June 27, 2014. The entire project area was systematically covered

on foot to verify locations of existing and constructed wetlands. Figure 6 show locations of sampling

points and soil pits.

One wetland-upland transect was located in each of the two constructed basins. At each sampling point a

wetland observation and upland observation point was established, and the Wetland Determination Data

Form – North Central-Northeast Region was completed. Completed field data forms are attached in

Appendix B. All sample points were recorded for map preparation using Trimble GeoXT Global

Positioning System (GPS) and transfer to ArcMap v. 10.1 Geographic Information System (GIS). Photos

for the sample points are in Appendix D.

Vegetation At least one sample point was established in each plant community encountered at the site. At the

upland/wetland boundary, all dominant species were assigned scientific names to allow for wetland

indicator status determination. Flora used for nomenclature and identification are listed in References.

The wetland probability indicator status of dominant plant species was determined using the National List

of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: North Central-Northeast Region, 2013 Supplement.

Soils Soil samples were collected using a trenching shovel. Soil colors were determined using the Munsell Soil

Color Charts. Primary and secondary indicators followed the Natural Resources Conservation Service

“Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils,

Version 5.01, 2003.” Soils were described to include those hydric indicators immediately below the A-

horizon. The hydric soil determination was then made based upon soil pit characterization, soil order,

ponding, and flooding.

Hydrology As required in the 1987 Manual, the presence of subsurface hydrology or indicators thereof was

characterized in the rooting zone. Comments are on data sheets about any absence or marginal presence

of hydrology on the date of delineation and the professional judgment used to make a hydrology

determination at the point.




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Delineation Boundary Determination The boundary was determined after taking into consideration the parameters of soil, hydrology,

vegetation, topography, and professional judgment at paired upland and wetland sample points. Boundary

point locations were field-flagged at sufficient intervals, depending on curvature.

RESULTS

Description of Field Conditions

The delineation was performed on June 27, 2014. Weather conditions at the time were mostly sunny with

day time highs in the high-70s F. The site conditions at the time of the delineation were normal, but

somewhat problematic due to construction and highly disturbed soils. The previous two months during

the growing season (April & May) were wetter than normal as was June. See Appendix E for

precipitation information.

Preliminary Site Review

No NWI-mapped wetlands or MN DNR Protected Waters occur on the site where the wetland

delineation was conducted. Based on aerial photographs, land to the north and east of the project area

has been altered for agricultural use. Alteration of hydrology includes the construction activities that

were implemented to stabilize lake levels, as described above.

Topography within the vicinity of the project is generally level and varies between 930 and 970 feet,

and within the project site, topography has been slightly altered due to the construction activities

(Figure 2). Vegetation within the project area varies and is comprised of wetland native and non-native

species including reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), as well as inclusions of upland species

including pine trees.

Soils within the project area are comprised primarily of DeMontreville loamy fine sand, which is well

drained any not typically associated with wetlands (Table 1). The northern portion of the site, where one

constructed wetland occurs is comprised of Ronneby fine sandy loam, which is somewhat poorly drained

and is associated with drainageways.

Table 1. Soils within project vicinity

Soil symbol

Soil Name Surface texture

Hydrologic Group

Slope Drainage class Landform

158C Zimmerman Loamy fine sand

A 6-12 Excessively drained

Lake plains

166 Ronneby Fine sandy loam

B/D 0-2 Somewhat poorly drained

Drainageways on moraines

453B DeMontreville Loamy fine sand

C 2-6 Well drained Moraines




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Wetlands

Two wetlands were delineated at the project site 1 (Figure 6), and are described below (Table 2). The

total area of constructed wetlands is 17,013 square feet. Overall, the site was somewhat problematic

due to wetland construction activities. Soils were highly disturbed and hydric soil indicators were

difficult to interpret. Vegetation varied across the site and was comprised of a mix of hydrophytic and

non-hydrophytic species, and several invasive species were present.

Table 2. Wetlands

Wetland ID Wetland Type Square

Feet Circular 39 Eggers and Reed

Wetland R2 Type 1 PEMA 3,113

Wetland R1 Type 2 PEMB 13,900

Total area of created wetlands 17,013

Wetland R2 Wetland R2 is a basin exhibiting marginal wetland hydrology and vegetation. Two secondary

hydrological indicators were noted; stunted or stressed plant growth and geomorphic position. The

soils do not fit a typical hydric indicator category due to disturbance caused by the construction process.

Soils are comprised of loam to a depth of 10 inches and loam/sand to a depth of 22 inches. Vegetation

of Wetland A is comprised primarily of reed canary grass and Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis),

with lesser abundance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), wild

bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

Similar to Wetland A, the upland sampling point was highly disturbed from past construction of the

wetland. No indicators of hydrology were present and soils were comprised of sand/gravel to a depth of

22 inches. The vegetation of the upland was only comprised of herbaceous species and was dominated

by invasive species, including spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), Kentucky bluegrass, bird’s foot

trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), and yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis).

Wetland R1 Wetland R1, in general, was higher functioning than Wetland A. At the time of the delineation, ponded

water was about 2 feet below the outlet. In addition to ponded water, indicators of hydrology include

high water table (present 8 inches below the surface), saturation present 2 inches below the surface,

geomorphic position, and FAC-Neutral test. Indicators of hydric soils were less apparent, however.

Soils were silty sand to three inches, and saturated sand to a depth of at least 16 inches.

The ponded areas of the site supported a diversity of native hydrophytic species, including fowl

bluegrass (Poa palustris) and broom sedge (Carex scoparia). Reed canary grass was the only visible

invasive species in the ponded area, but it is relatively abundant with an absolute cover of 20%.

The wetland-upland transition on Wetland B was difficult to identify due to the mix of vegetation,

including many invasive species, and lack of typical hydric soil indicators. The upland soil pit did not

exhibit indicators of wetland hydrology and soils were mixed as a result of construction. The upland

vegetation around Wetland B was comprised of a shrub and herbaceous layers. Shrub species included

three planted pine species, red pine (Pinus resinosa), scot pine (P. sylvestris), and white pine (P.




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strobus). The herbaceous layer was comprised primarily of native species, with switchgrass (Panicum

virgatum) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) being the most abundant.

REFERENCES

Eggers, Steve D. and D. Reed. Wetland Plants and Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin. U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District. St. Paul, MN. 1997. 263pp.

Minnesota Climatology Working Group. Wetland Delineation Monthly Precipitation Data from

Gridded Database. http://climate.umn.edu/gridded_data/precip/wetland/wetland.asp

Ownbey, Gerald B. and T. Morley. Vascular Plants of Minnesota: A Checklist and Atlas. University of

Minnesota Press, Minneapolis MN. 1991. 306pp.

Tiner. R.W. 2003. Dichotomous Keys and Mapping Codes for Wetland Landscape Position, Landform,

Water Flow Path, and Waterbody Type Descriptors. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National

Wetlands Inventory Program, Northeast Region, Hadley, MA. 44 pp.

USDA, NRCS. 2003. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the Unites States, Version 5.01. G.W. Hurt, P.M

Whited, and R.F. Pringle (eds). USDA, NRCS in cooperation with the National Technical

Committee for Hydric Soils, Fort Worth, TX.

USACE. 2013. National Wetlands Plant List. http://rsgisias.crrel.usace.army.mil/NWPL/

USACE. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:

Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0)

http://climate.umn.edu/gridded_data/precip/wetland/wetland.asp

http://rsgisias.crrel.usace.army.mil/NWPL/




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APPENDIX B: FIGURES

Figure 1. Site location

Kismet Basin Mill Creek Trout Habitat Enhancement Wetland Delineation Report June 25, 2014



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R1 Basin Photo 1

R1 Basin Photo 2




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R1 Basin Photo 3




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R1 Basin Photo 4

R2 Basin Photo 1




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R2 Basin Photo 2

R2 Basin Photo 3

Documents

Wetland Delineation Report: Kismet Basin Lake …64FB1BEC-A43C-4118-B98E...The Kismet Basin Lake Stabilization Project is located in Sections 11 and 12, T30N- R21W within the City