____ Does the National or Local Wetlands Inventory map show a
wetland on the
property?
____ Does the county soil survey map show hydric soils within the
site?
____ Are there natural drainage channels or swales?
____ Is the ground soggy underfoot in the spring?
____ Are there depressions where water pools for a week or more
in the spring?
____ Do you avoid the area with heavy equipment in the spring to keep
from getting bogged down?
____ Would you need to ditch the site to dry it
out for planting or
building?
____ Are seeps or
springs present?
____ Dig an
18-inch deep hole and remove a clump of soil. Are there
rusty red “mottles” on a gray background?
____
Is there evidence of surface scour from water flowing over the
site? Is there a drift line of leaves or debris caught in the stems
of shrubs or lodged along an elevation
contour?
____ Do you see many
clumps of grass-like rushes (round stems) or
sedges (angular stems), skunk cabbage, willows, or Oregon ash?
(These are just a few of the many plants that grow in wetlands.)
____ If farmed, must you work the soil later than other areas because
soils are poorly drained?
____ Did the area fail a septic system test and/or require
a special
system due to poorly draining soils?
Next Steps: If you think you may have a wetland in an area where you propose earth-moving activities (fill or excavation) or construction, verification by a professional is recommended. We can
evaluate the site and prepare a wetland determination report.
Reports may be submitted to DSL for verification and explanation
of permit requirements.
