Riparian Wetland on Peoria ANGB
As part of effective ecosystem management on military installations containing natural resources, the National Guard Bureau (NGB) is directed, under Executive Order 11990, to provide leadership and take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands.
BEM was contracted by the NGB to complete Wetlands Delineation/Determination and Associated Mapping for Channel Islands Air National Guard Base (ANGB), California, Peoria ANGB, Illinois, and Kinsley Field ANGB, Oregon. This delineation included background research, field visits, and an on-site survey of the wetland boundaries, as well as verification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under the Clean Water Act, Section 404, and appropriate State Agencies, resulting in an approved jurisdictional determination. The mapping provided each base with accurate information (e.g., geographic extent of wetlands/waters) for managing its natural infrastructure.
The three project locations were geographically diverse and presented unique regional wetland characteristics, being located in the USACE Arid West and Midwest Regions. BEM delineated the wetlands/waters on the installations utilizing methods described in the 1987 USACE Delineation Manual and other appropriate more recent supplemental guidance (e.g., Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual, NRCS Field Indicators of Hydric Soils, county soils surveys, regional plant lists). This included appropriate documentation of federal jurisdiction and non-jurisdiction and applicable state wetlands assessment criteria for functionality of wetlands and waters.
Technical reports were prepared summarizing findings of fact and judgments concerning the geographic extent of potentially jurisdictional waters of the United States, and associated wetlands, at each of the three ANGBs. Data recorded at each site included precipitation, summary of delineated waters/wetlands, vegetation observed, state rapid assessment method calculations, field wetland determination forms, site photos, and geo-referenced maps of delineated waters/wetlands, and soil assessment locations. Each of the three reports included a description of wetlands identified, determination of jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional wetlands using the referenced USACE guidance, and a function and values assessment for all wetlands located. Each report also contained an approved jurisdictional determination letter from the USACE and the appropriate corresponding state agency.
The geospatial product included geospatial data (GPS data, aerial imagery, and GIS metadata) and maps that were prepared in accordance with Air National Guard (ANG) specifications and complied with each installation’s Common Installation Picture format. The presented results support updates to the facilities’ Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMP) for the ANG, as well as facilitate general project planning and environmental compliance review.
