Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

DESIGN & ENGINEERING SERVICES PRELIMINARY DESIGN & ENVIRONMENTAL

PO Box 196900 Anchorage, AK 99519-6900 Phone Number: 907 269 0542 Toll Free: 800 770 5263 TDD: 907 269 0473 TTY: 800 770 8973 Fax Number: 907 243-6927 Web Site: dot.state.ak.us

March 14, 2019

Projects: HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes MP 37-52 Project Nos.: CFHWY00265/0A32024

Linda Speerstra Field Office Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kenai Peninsula Field Office 44669 Sterling Highway, Suite B Soldotna, Alaska 99669-7915

Re: Preconstruction Notice Nationwide Permit #23

Dear Ms. Speerstra:

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proposing to construct passing lanes along the Seward Highway between milepost (MP) 37 and MP 52 in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. The proposed project would include widening the road embankment to construct passing lanes ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 miles in length, at three locations within the project corridor (between MP 42.7 and 44.1, and two segments between MP 50.3 and 48).

The proposed project is located within the following sections on USGS Quad Map Seward C-7, Seward Meridian; Latitude 60.6390°N, Longitude -149.50253°W:  Sections 4, 9, 16, 17, 20, 29, and 32; Township 7 North; Range 1 West  Sections 5,6,7,18; Township 6 North; Range 1 West  Sections 11, 12, and 39; Township 5 North, Range 2 West

Proposed Work The proposed project would also include:  Widening the road embankment to construct three passing lanes  Paving and application of pavement markings  Stabilizing rock and embankment slopes  Improving drainage, including ditch work and extending, replacing, or installing culverts  Reconstructing driveways and approaches

“Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes MP 37-52 March 14, 2019 Project No; CFHWY00265/0A32024 Preconstruction Notice NWP 23

 Replacing, repairing, or improving: guardrail and guardrail end treatments, avalanche mitigation  Relocating utilities  Installing new roadway signs  Vegetation clearing and grubbing  Geotechnical investigation efforts to support the project

Purpose and Need The purpose of the proposed project is to improve safety, traffic flow, and relieve passing pressure along the Seward Highway between MP 37 and MP 52. . The variety of vehicle types and drivers along this stretch of highway is diverse and speed differentials can be significant. Additional passing opportunities are needed to alleviate traffic build-ups and reduce the number and severity of crashes associated with improper passing within the project corridor.

Section 404 or 10 Involvement The proposed project would require the permanent placement of fill material into jurisdictional waters of the U.S. (WOUS). Summit Creek is a tributary to Quartz Creek, which empties into Kenai Lake, a traditionally navigable water. Canyon Creek is a tributary to Six Mile Creek, which empties into the Turnagain Arm. For this reason, all wetlands and waters delineated in the project area are being treated as jurisdictional under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

The total volume of fill that would be placed permanently within WOUS is approximately 28,080 cubic yards, impacting 5.3 acres. The totals for temporary impacts are 8,481 cubic yards, impacting 2.0 acres. Refer to the supplemental information sheet for tables of specific impacts to jurisdictional waters. We request verification that project impacts to WOUS are covered under Nationwide Permit #23.

Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation See attached supplemental information sheets for details on avoidance, minimization, and mitigation for impacts to wetlands and WOUS.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Christina Huber, P.E., Project Manager, at (907) 269-0572 or [email protected]; or Bob Effinger, Environmental Impact Analyst, at (907) 269-0531 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Brian Elliott Regional Environmental Manager

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes MP 37-52 March 14, 2019 Project No; CFHWY00265/0A32024 Preconstruction Notice NWP 23

Attachments: PCN Application Supplemental Information Sheet Figure 1: Location and Vicinity Map Figures 2-11: Wetland Impacts Wetland Delineation and Functional Assessment Report SHPO Concurrence cc: Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager, PD&E Bob Effinger, Environmental Impact Analyst, PD&E Christina Huber, P.E., Project Manager, Highway Design

March 12, 2019

US Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit Application Supplemental Information Sheet HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes MP 37-52 DOT&PF Project No. CFHWY00265

Project Location Section, Township, Range, and Meridian The proposed project is located in the following sections on USGS Quad Map Seward C-7, Seward Meridian (Figure 1):  Sections 4, 9, 16, 17, 20, 29, and 32; Township 7 North; Range 1 West  Sections 5,6,7,18; Township 6 North; Range 1 West  Sections 11, 12, and 39; Township 5 North, Range 2 West From Anchorage drive south on the Seward Highway for 77 miles.

Project Description The proposed project would also include:  Widening the road embankment to construct three passing lanes  Paving and application of pavement markings  Stabilizing rock and embankment slopes  Improving drainage, including ditch work and extending, replacing, or installing culverts  Reconstructing driveways and approaches  Replacing, repairing, or improving: guardrail and guardrail end treatments, avalanche mitigation  Relocating utilities  Installing new roadway signs  Vegetation clearing and grubbing  Geotechnical investigation efforts to support the project

NEPA and Agency Coordination This project was evaluated for environmental effects in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A Categorical Exclusion Environmental Document approved 11/8/18 can be found at the website address below. Agency coordination was completed during the development of the categorical exclusion and is attached to the environmental document. SHPO’s 10/4/18 concurrence with a finding of no historic properties affected is also attached at the end of this application. http://dot.alaska.gov/creg/PDE/projects/CFHWY00265CE11818Signed.pdf

Delineation of Waters Maps of the wetlands and waters delineated in the project area and the location of field sample points are located on Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c of the enclosed wetlands delineation and functional assessment report. Field data recording sheets and photographs of sampling points areas are shown in Appendices A and B. Waters to be impacted by the project include emergent (PEM1B), shrub (PSS1B, PSS1C, PSS1E), and forested wetlands (PFO4B) along with streambed (R2UBH, R3UBH, R4SBC). A key to these types is in the table below.

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes MP 37-52 2 March 12, 2019 Project No; CFHWY00265/0A32024 Preconstruction Notice NWP 23 – Supplemental Information Sheet

Cowardin Classification Key for Wetlands and Waters System P = Palustrine Wetlands Class EM=Emergent SS=Shrub FO-Forested Sub-Class 1=Persistent 1=Broad-leafed Deciduous 4=Needle-leafed Deciduous 4=Needle-leafed Deciduous Water Regime B=Saturated B=Saturated B=Saturated C= Seasonally Flooded E=Seas/ Flooded/Saturated System R = Riverine Waters Subsystem 2= Lower Perennial 3=Upper Perennial 4= Intermittent Class UB= Unconsolidated Bottom UB= Unconsolidated Bottom SB=Streambed Water Regime H=Permanently Flooded H=Permanently Flooded C=Seasonally Flooded

Assessment of Waters Impacted An assessment of wetland and waterbody functions and services has been completed. Each function for each Cowardin wetland/water type in the project area has been evaluated and received a numerical rating. The assessment and ratings can be found on pages 13-15 and Appendix D of the enclosed wetland delineation and functional assessment report.

Jurisdiction of Impacted Waters The proposed project would require the permanent placement of fill material into jurisdictional waters of the U.S. (WOUS) (Figures 2-11). The project areas either drains to Summit Creek or Canyon Creek. See watershed divide on Figure 1. Summit Creek is a tributary to Quartz Creek which empties into Kenai Lake, a traditionally navigable water. Canyon Creek is a tributary to Six Mile Creek which empties into the Turnagain Arm. For this reason, all wetlands and waters delineated in the project area are being treated as jurisdictional under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

Waters of U.S. Impacts The total volume of fill that would be placed permanently within WOUS is approximately 28,080 cubic yards, impacting 5.3 acres. The totals for temporary impacts are 8,481 cubic yards, impacting 2.0 acres. Impacts are summarized in the table below.

PERMANENT TEMPORARY TOTAL WATERS OF U.S. IMPACT AREA (acres) 5.3 2.0 TOTAL WATERS OF THE U.S. IMPACT VOLUME (yd3) 28,080 8,481

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes MP 37-52 3 March 12, 2019 Project No; CFHWY00265/0A32024 Preconstruction Notice NWP 23 – Supplemental Information Sheet

Mitigation Avoidance The proposed project is being designed to avoid impacts to waters of the U.S. (WOUS) to the maximum extent practicable while still meeting the project purpose and need; however, total avoidance of WOUS impacts was not feasible as the existing alignment of the Seward Highway bisects multiple streams and wetland complexes. Avoidance of WOUS impacts would be accomplished in the following ways.  Existing drainage patterns and connectivity would be maintained wherever possible.  Hazardous material use and storage would be in accordance with all State and Federal regulations for the purpose of avoiding contamination impacts to waters.  Material stockpiles or excess material would avoid permanent fill in waters by being disposed of or stored in uplands, unless otherwise permitted for fill in waters.

Minimization Unavoidable wetland impacts have been minimized by:  Steepening side slopes to 3:1 outside the highway clear zone  Utilizing guardrail where practicable.  Placing only the minimum amount of fill necessary to construct the project.  Maintaining the current roadway alignment throughout most of the project. Unavoidable impacts to Summit Creek and its associated riparian wetlands were minimized by:  Shifting the highway centerline to the west (stream parallels the highway to the east)  Armoring the road embankment downstream of the new culvert outlet. Armoring the road embankment will stabilize the slope and help minimize the introduction of road debris into Summit Creek.

Impacts to WOUS would be further minimized through implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in accordance with the Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) Construction General Permit (CGP). Compliance with the CGP requires implementing best management practices (BMPs) during construction to reduce or eliminate erosion and sediment discharge from the construction area, and to permanently stabilize disturbed ground as soon as practicable.

Compensatory Mitigation DOT&PF proposes no compensatory mitigation for the 5.3 acres of unavoidable permanent impacts to waters of the U.S. since the project would result in a net benefit to waters of the U.S.

Summit Creek supports resident fish as well as Coho salmon. The project would improve fish habitat and passage conditions at the Summit Creek culvert crossing. The proposed project would replace the double culverts at MP 43.4 with culverts of greater hydraulic capacity and install a riprap revetment along the road embankment downstream of the culvert outlet. Culvert design and installation would follow the Memorandum of Agreement between the ADF&G and ADOT&PF for the Design, Permitting, and Construction of Culverts for Fish. .The culvert at Summit Creek would include headwalls to stabilize the structure as well as simulated stream substrate to provide adequate habitat for resident fish. All work below OHW will be conducted in accordance with USACE Section 404 and DFG Fish Habitat permit stipulations.

Additional work would be required below OHW at several unnamed non-fish bearing streams and drainages along the project corridor to replace existing culverts or extend culverts to the new road embankment width. These streams may also be slightly realigned to accommodate the expanded roadway width and match the natural channel alignment and/or armored to direct flow into the culvert. Culverts would be placed at the natural stream bottom elevation and grade to restore, as needed, natural hydrologic conditions. Replacement culvert sizes would either match existing hydrologic conditions or would be upsized allowing for increased hydraulic capacity to better accommodate natural flows. HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes MP 37-52 4 March 12, 2019 Project No; CFHWY00265/0A32024 Preconstruction Notice NWP 23 – Supplemental Information Sheet

Rehabilitation of Disturbed Ground The proposed project would involve ground-disturbing activities. Rehabilitation is proposed as follows. Seed, fertilizer, and mulch applications are proposed in order to reclaim areas previously vegetated and not ultimately covered by permanent improvements (i.e. road surface) including cut and fill slopes, ditches, and other areas disturbed by Contractor activities. Seed containing prohibited noxious weeds will be rejected. Certification of seed testing will be required. Slopes will be prepared prior to seeding by removing inhibiting debris and utilizing surface-roughing measures such as raking or grooving the soil surface. The Contractor will be required to maintain seeded areas by protecting them from disturbance and, where vegetation establishment has failed, by reapplying surface preparation, seed, fertilizer, and/or mulch. PROJECT END MP 52 MP 52

MILLS

PROJECT BEGIN MP 37

MP 37

Summit Ck. and Canyon Ck. 3/12/2019 PROJECT NO. CFHWY00265/0A32024 FIGURE 1 Bob Effinger GILPATRICK of 11 N 100 feet

PEM1B

PSS1C PSS1C

R2UBH

Tributary to Summit Creek

STATE OF ALASKA Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Northern Region HSIP: SEWARD HIGHWAY PASSING LANES MP 37-52 0A32024/CFHWY00265 Summit Ck., MP 43.2 Vicinity, Gilpatrick, AK DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 2 of 11 R2UBH

100 feet PEM1B R2UBH PSS1C R2UBH PEM1B PSS1C R2UBH PFO4B PSS1B R2UBH

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

PFO4B HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 43.3 Vicinity Alaska

DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 3 of 11 100 feet

PSS1C

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 43.4 Vicinity Alaska

DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 4 of 11 100 feet R2UBH PSS1C PSS1C R2UBH PSS1C PSS1C

PSS1C STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 44 Vicinity Alaska

DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 5 of 11 100 feet

PSS1C

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 49 Vicinity Alaska

DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 6 of 11 100 feet PSS1E R4SBC PSS1E

R4SBC STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

HSIP Seward Highway PSS1E Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265 R4SBC

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 49.2 Vicinity Alaska

DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 7 of 11 100 feet PSS1B PSS1B PSS1B PSS1B PSS1B

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 49.2 Vicinity Alaska

DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 8 of 11 100 feet PSS1B PSS1B PSS1B PSS1B

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265

PSS1B Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 49.2 Vicinity Alaska

DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 9 of 11 100 feet PSS1B R3UBH PEM1B PSS1B R3UBH R3UBH

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

HSIP Seward Highway Passing Lanes 0A32024/CFHWY00265

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 49.2 Vicinity Alaska PSS1B PSS1B DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 10 of 11 100 feet

STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities PSS1B HSIP Seward Highway

R3UBH Passing Lanes

R3UBH 0A32024/CFHWY00265

Summit Creek Gilpatrick, MP 49.2 Vicinity Alaska

PSS1B DATE: 3/12/19 Figure 11 of 11 WETLAND DELINEATION AND FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SEWARD HIGHWAY PASSING LANES PROJECT, KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA

FINAL REPORT

Prepared for

State of Alaska DOT&PF—Central Region 4111 Aviation Avenue Anchorage, AK 99502

Through

R&M Consultants, Inc. 9101 Vanguard Drive Anchorage, AK 99507

Prepared by

ABR, Inc.—Environmental Research & Services P.O. Box 240268 Anchorage, AK 99524

Project Numbers State: CFHWY00265 Federal: 0A32024

13 November 2017

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by DOT&PF pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated November 3, 2017 and executed by FHWA and DOT&PF.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1

STUDY AREA ...... 1

METHODS ...... 2

PRELIMINARY WETLANDS MAPPING ...... 2

FIELD SURVEY ...... 2

WETLANDS MAPPING AND CLASSIFICATION ...... 4

Proposed Jurisdictional Status ...... 4

FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT ...... 5

Wetland Functions ...... 6

RESULTS ...... 9

WETLANDS MAPPING AND CLASSIFICATION ...... 9

Waters ...... 9

Wetlands ...... 9

Uplands ...... 11

Proposed Jurisdictional Status ...... 12

FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT ...... 13

LITERATURE CITED ...... 16

ABR, Inc. iii Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands TABLES Table 1. Acreages of waters, wetlands, and non-wetland uplands within the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2017...... 19 Table 2. Crosswalk of NWI wetland type and wetland functional class within the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2017...... 20 Table 3. Scoring of wetland functions for the 5 mapped wetland functional classes in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2017...... 21

FIGURES Figure 1. Location of Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Project Area, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska...... 22 Figure 2a. Segment A, Wetlands, Waters, and Functional Classes in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Project Area, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska...... 23 Figure 2b. Segment B, South. Wetlands, Waters, and Functional Classes in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Project Area, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska...... 24 Figure 2c. Segment B, North. Wetlands, Waters, and Functional Classes in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Project Area, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska...... 25

APPENDICES Appendix A. Wetland Determination Data Forms...... A-1 Appendix B. Verification Plot Data and Photos...... B-1 Appendix C. Species observed in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2016...... C-1 Appendix D. Wetland Functional Assessment Forms...... D-1

ABR, Inc. iv Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands INTRODUCTION

The Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project (hereafter referred to as the Project) on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, encompasses two sections of the Seward Highway Right of Way (ROW) in between mileposts 42.7–44.1, and 48.0–50.5. In these two sections of highway, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) proposes to construct and extend several passing lanes. The prime contractor, R&M Consultants, Inc. (R&M), contracted ABR, Inc.—Environmental Research & Services (ABR) to conduct a wetland delineation and wetland functional assessment to support the Project environmental document and wetland permitting efforts under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This report describes the results of the wetland delineation and wetland functional assessment conducted in summer 2017.

STUDY AREA

The Project is located along two sections of the Seward Highway between mileposts 42.7– 44.1 and mileposts 48.0–50.5 on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska (Figure 1). The wetland study area for the Project consists of a corridor extending 100 feet on either side of the highway centerline of these two segments unless private property was present, in which case the study area was reduced to a corridor extending 75 feet from the highway centerline (Figure 2a–2c). At a broad scale, the wetland study area is located within the Chugach-St. Elias Mountains ecoregion, which also includes the Kenai Mountains (Nowacki et al. 2001). This coastal mountain chain surrounds the Gulf of Alaska, intercepting abundant maritime moisture. The larger mountain valleys in the ecoregion are broad, U-shaped, and glacial-carved; they are also sometimes underlain by permafrost and have relatively deep soils and sinuous lakes. The wetland study area occurs in a mountain valley/pass area that encompasses small portions of both the Sixmile Creek and Quartz Creek watersheds (Figure 1).

The wetland study area is made up of two road segments, for a total size of approximately 100 acres (Figure 1). Location coordinates for the centerpoint of the northern segment (Seward Highway milepost [MP] 42.7–44.1) are 60.6879, -149.4763, and for the southern segment (Seward Highway MP 48.0–50.5), the coordinates are 60.6102, -149.5344 (NAD 83, State Plane 4). The legal description of the wetland study area is Seward Meridian:

• Township 7N, Range 1W, Sections 9, 16–17, 20–21, and 28–29; • Township 6N, Range 1W, Sections 7 and 18; and • Township 6N, Range 1W, Sections 13 and 24.

ABR, Inc. 1 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands METHODS

PRELIMINARY WETLANDS MAPPING

Prior to initiating the field survey, ABR scientist Wendy Davis developed a preliminary map of wetlands and waters within the study area to inform field efforts. Wetland boundaries were identified and digitized on-screen using ArcGIS software, following the technical approach typically used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) NWI program (Dahl et al. 2015). A digital, high-resolution (2.5-ft pixel) satellite imagery mosaic acquired in 2012 and 2013 was used as the geographic basis for the identification of wetland boundaries. Wetlands and waters were mapped at a scale of 1:1,500 following the Cowardin et al. (1979) wetland classification (which emphasizes vegetation structure and water regime), and map polygons were attributed using NWI nomenclature. DOT&PF reviewed the preliminary map of wetlands and waters prior to field survey, and had no additional comments or focus areas.

FIELD SURVEY

A team of two ABR scientists (Susan Ives and Robert McNown) collected ground-reference data to support the mapping of wetlands in the study area on two days, 30 and 31 August 2017. The survey dates fall within the median beginning and ending dates of the onset of vegetation green-up in spring and vegetation senescence in fall, respectively, for the Kenai Peninsula (USACE 2007a). Routine wetland determinations were conducted following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) three-parameter approach, which involves collecting data on vegetation, soils, and hydrology (Environmental Laboratory 1987, USACE 2007a). To be classified as a wetland, a site must be dominated by hydrophytic plants, have hydric soils, and show evidence of a wetland hydrologic regime.

Field data were collected electronically using custom Android applications developed by ABR that run on Sony Xperia Z5 tablets and Z4 cell phones. The raw field data were entered directly in the field application and then uploaded to a PostgreSQL database housed on the ABR server in Fairbanks. The field applications provide various data-entry forms that allowed the field team to collect standard wetland determination data, field indicators for wetland functional assessments, wetland verification data, and georeferenced digital photos indexed to the field plot identification number. Preliminary QA/QC of the field data was accomplished on the tablets in the field, and final data QA/QC was done using ABR-prepared HTML forms running on a web

ABR, Inc. 2 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands browser linked to the central ABR relational database (PostgreSQL). Using the HTML forms and following USACE guidelines (USACE 2007a), Regional Supplement data forms, in PDF format, were automatically generated for each field plot.

Following procedures described in Environmental Laboratory (1987), each wetland determination plot was selected so that it comprised an area of homogenous vegetation approximately 20 m in diameter and was representative of the wetland type being surveyed. Plot size and dimensions, however, were modified when necessary to accurately characterize the plant community (e.g., narrow, linear plots are often used to evaluate riparian wetland types). The absolute cover of each vascular plant species within each plot was visually estimated and the presence of hydrophytic vegetation was determined using the Dominance Test (ratio of wetland- to upland-dominant plants) and/or the Prevalence Index (weighted average of all species cover values). Wetland indicator status for vascular plant species was assigned following The National Wetland Plant List: 2016 wetland ratings (Lichvar et al. 2016).

Hydric soils form under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding that persist long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper 12 inches of the soil. Hydric soils often have thick organic deposits (histosols, histels, or histic epipedons) or a low-chroma mineral soil-matrix color with redoximorphic features, indicating a reducing environment. To test for the presence of hydric soils, shallow soil pits were excavated at each wetland determination plot to approximately 18 inches or to the depth of the active layer, if shallower, and the soil profile was described. Key soil characteristics including color, using Munsell Soil Color Charts (2009), and abundance of redoximorphic features were recorded. Soil profile descriptions also were compared with hydric soil criteria in the current version of the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (USDA NRCS 2016).

For a site to have wetland hydrology, it must be flooded or ponded for 14 or more consecutive days or have saturation within the upper 12 inches of the soil profile during 5 out of 10 previous years. Surface and subsurface, direct and indirect indicators of wetland hydrology were recorded at each wetland determination plot; these included surface water, saturated soils, presence of and depth to the water table, drift or sediment deposits, drainage patterns, and geomorphic position, as summarized in the standard USACE wetland determination data form (USACE 2007a). Photos of soils and vegetation were taken at each wetland determination plot. Physiography, surface form, Level IV vegetation class (Viereck et al. 1992), and observations of

ABR, Inc. 3 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

wildlife use (e.g., dens, browse, scat) or human activity (e.g., ATV or foot trails, litter) were also collected. These additional data were used in the functional assessment.

In some cases, verification plots also were sampled to assist with the satellite image- interpretation of wetlands. Verification plots typically were sampled in areas where the wetland or upland status was well documented in the data from formal wetland determination plots. The data from verification plots were used to improve map accuracy by increasing the number of documented wetland types tagged to particular aerial photo-signatures. At each verification plot, the dominant vascular plant species, National Wetland Inventory (NWI) type (Cowardin et al. 1979), and Level IV vegetation class (Viereck et al. 1992) were recorded, along with site photographs and GPS coordinates.

WETLANDS MAPPING AND CLASSIFICATION

The preliminary wetlands map was modified using the field ground-reference data for wetland types in combination with the interpretation of satellite image-signatures for each wetland type. In addition to assigning NWI types, each wetland polygon was assigned a hydrogeomorphic (HGM) and Level IV vegetation class (Viereck et al. 1992). HGM classes represent more localized topographic features that drive wetland function (e.g., slope, depressional, riverine, lacustrine fringe), and the Level IV vegetation types of Viereck et al. (1992) emphasize dominant plant species and vegetation structure. The 3 mapped variables (HGM, NWI, and Level IV vegetation class) were combined to produce a set of unique, multivariate land-cover types, which were then aggregated into a smaller set of wetland functional classes. As described below, wetland functional classes represent groups of wetland types that provide similar ecological functions.

PROPOSED JURISDICTIONAL STATUS

Wetlands and waters within the Project study area were assessed to determine if they met the definition of a water of the U.S., subject to jurisdiction under Section 404 of the CWA, and/or a navigable water of the U.S., subject to jurisdiction under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Navigable waters of the U.S. are defined as “those waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to the mean high water mark and/or are presently used, or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce. A determination of navigability, once made, applies laterally over the entire surface of the waterbody, and is not

ABR, Inc. 4 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

extinguished by later actions or events which impede or destroy navigable capacity” (33 CFR 329). Waters of the U.S. are defined as navigable waters of the U.S.; tributaries to navigable waters of the U.S.; wetlands, lakes, and ponds adjacent to navigable waters or their tributaries; and other waters of the U.S. whose degradation or destruction could affect interstate or foreign commerce (40 CFR 230.3[s]). The CWA definitions are further defined by two Supreme Court decisions, Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) vs. USACE and Rapanos vs. United States, which provide guidance on interstate commerce and significant nexus respectively.

A procedure to define connectivity of waters to Traditional Navigable Waters (TNW) through the classification of waters as tributaries, adjacent wetlands, or significant nexus is described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination Form Instructional Guidebook (USACE 2007b). This guidance was used to classify wetlands and waters within the study area and to provide an initial recommendation on the jurisdictional status of the wetlands identified.

FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT

The Alaska District of the USACE has recently released a new debit-credit calculation protocol (USACE 2016) that provides guidance in calculating mitigation debits and credits using numerical wetland functional values. If mitigation (in the form of wetland preservation) for a proposed project is requested by the USACE, the new USACE mitigation guidance recommends employing the same functional assessment method for the proposed project as was used by an applicable wetland mitigation bank(s) located in the region of the proposed project. For the Seward Highway Passing Lanes project, the type of mitigation to be pursued has not been identified, and no mitigation banks have been identified for potential use. In lieu of that information, for this study, the ABR functional assessment methods used on other DOT&PF projects were modified to best fit the current guidance and requirements to obtain a wetland fill permit. These flexible methods involve ranking and numerically scoring wetland functions so that the results can be used with the USACE (2016) debit-credit calculation protocol. These methods have been used successfully to support the wetland permitting for other DOT&PF road corridor development projects.

ABR, Inc. 5 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

The ABR functional assessment methods involve the use of a scoring system that relies upon available site-specific literature and quantitative data (when available) to determine the presence or absence of specific wetland function indicators. The functional indicators are developed specifically to address the wetland functions known or expected to occur in a given region in Alaska. For this study, the wetland functions evaluated and the functional indicators used to score the mapped wetland types in the Project study area were tailored to region-specific conditions and are described in the Wetland Functions section below. A combination of field ground-reference data, satellite image-interpretation, and literature review was used to evaluate the presence or absence of wetland function indicators for the wetlands identified in the study area.

The wetland function scoring system used in this study was applied to wetland functional classes, which are groups of wetland and waters types that share similar ecological functions and which were developed to fit the specific wetland types occurring in the Project study area. To develop wetland functional classes for the study area, information from Cowardin et al. (1979) wetland classes, HGM classes, and Viereck et al. (1992) Level IV vegetation classes was integrated across all map polygons. This integration of variables was done because vegetation structure and hydrology along with terrain features (represented by HGM classes) can, in combination, influence wetland function. The final set of wetland functional classes represent aggregations of the unique combinations of these variables into a smaller number of multivariate wetland classes that share the same wetland functions. Using these wetland functional classes (which also apply at the broader regional scale) addresses the issue of providing landscape and regional context for the wetland functions occurring in the study area. Using wetland functional classes also avoids the need to assign individual assessment areas for each wetland identified, which substantially increases the data processing effort, particularly in long, linear road corridor areas that cross many individual wetlands.

WETLAND FUNCTIONS

Satellite image-interpretation, local topography, and review of existing wetland maps and field data for the study area were used to define the environmental conditions and characteristics for each wetland functional class, and to determine the functional indicators specific to each wetland function evaluated. For each wetland function in each functional class, the functional

ABR, Inc. 6 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands indicators were scored as present (1) or absent (0). The score for each wetland function in each functional class was then calculated using the summed value for all indicators as a proportion of the total possible score (e.g., 3 of 4 possible functional indicators present represents a functional score of 0.75 for an individual wetland function, see Appendix D for function-specific calculations). Functional indicators were evaluated primarily using the site-specific field data collected in this study, along with information from the regionally applicable scientific literature describing wetland functional performance. The numerical ranking of wetland function used in this study satisfies the requirement of the new USACE wetland mitigation methods (USACE 2016) that wetland functions be numerically scored between 0 and 1. For the Project study area, 8 wetland functions were evaluated as described below.

Flood flow regulation (storage) is the capacity of a wetland to control surface-water flow and subsequently moderate downstream flooding. Waters below ordinary high water and wetlands that do not flood at least seasonally were not considered to perform this function. Indicators of the flood flow regulation function in the study area included a high degree of surface roughness (which slows surface water movements), a depressional HGM class conducive to water storage, visible signs of variable water levels (and thus storage), and the likelihood of floodwaters to interact with surface roughness.

Sediment, nutrient, and toxicant removal is the capacity of a wetland to retain suspended sediment and nutrients and/or toxicants adsorbed to inorganic sediments. Relatively cold soil temperatures in high elevation, mountainous areas limit denitrification; thus, this function in the study area was assessed from the standpoint of retaining inorganic sediments and adsorption of nutrients and toxicants through settlement. The indicators of floodwater storage, as described above, are important indicators of this function as well.

Erosion control and shoreline stabilization is the degree to which a wetland reduces erosion at the edges of relatively permanent flowing waters. In the study area, this function was only assessed for those wetland functional classes abutting relatively permanent, channelized, riverine waters. A consideration of the stabilizing roles of vegetation and soils, and an evaluation of historical imagery was used to assess channel stability.

Organic matter production and export is the capacity of a wetland to make organic matter contributions to the ecosystem through primary production and export. Field data for the study

ABR, Inc. 7 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

area were used to assess production of organic matter through the occurrence of herbaceous or deciduous woody vegetation, and the potential export of organic matter contributions was assessed by evaluating surface-water connections and flooding.

Threatened and Endangered Species (TES) Support is the capacity of a wetland or water to support federal or state listed threatened or endangered species. There are no threatened or endangered species known to occur in the study area and the ranges of such species in Alaska make the likelihood of occurrence in the study area extremely remote. For these reasons, this function was not assessed for any wetland functional class.

Avian and mammal habitat suitability is the capacity of a wetland to support a diversity of wildlife species. This function was assessed for each wetland functional class mapped in this study using a set of 3 function indicators: lack of human disturbance, interspersion of water and vegetation or water with emergent vegetation (primarily for shorebird and waterfowl species), and vegetation structure complexity as measured by number of vegetation strata and aerial cover (primarily for landbird and mammal species).

Fish habitat suitability was evaluated by assessing the degree to which a wetland or water could directly support fish. Only those wetlands and waters with at least a seasonal, intermittent connection to known or likely fish-bearing waters have the potential to perform the fish habitat suitability function. Satellite imagery and field data for the study area were used to assess the indicators for this function, which included the size and depth of surface waters, presence and type of vegetation, likely presence of spawning or resting areas, and permanent connections to other waters.

Educational, scientific, recreational, or subsistence use reflects the degree to which a wetland provides direct support of hunting and gathering activities, local travel, and/or education. The criteria used to determine if the study area is important for educational or scientific use included whether long-term research sites or permanent sample plots could be directly affected by the proposed project. Established trails were evaluated to indicate the likelihood of use of the study area for recreational or subsistence purposes.

ABR, Inc. 8 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

RESULTS

Standard USACE field wetland determination plots were completed at 20 sites and verification plots were completed at 14 sites within the wetland study area (Appendices A and B, Figure 2). Common vascular plant species observed, with scientific names, are included in Appendix C. Ten NWI wetland types (Cowardin et al. 1979) were identified in the study area; this included 3 non-navigable waters, 5 wetland types, and 2 non-wetland upland types (Table 1). A crosswalk between NWI type and wetland functional class is provided in Table 2.

WETLANDS MAPPING AND CLASSIFICATION

WATERS

Upper Perennial Rivers (R3UBH) in the study area included crossings of Summit Creek and its tributary (field plots 04 and 15 in Appendix A, Figure 2a), Fresno Creek (field plot 19 in Appendix A, Figure 2b), and a tributary to Canyon Creek (field plot 32 in Appendix A, Figure 2c). Slate Creek enters Summit Creek west of the highway, outside of the study area. These streams were typically high gradient, high velocity systems with coarse substrates, and lacked well-developed floodplains. R3UBH streams accounted for 0.58 acres or 0.57% of the study area (Table 1).

Lower Perennial Rivers (R2UBH) in the study area included crossings of Summit Creek (field plot 01 in Appendix A, Figure 2a) and its tributaries (field plot 13 in Appendix B, Figure 2a). These streams were typically low gradient, low velocity, sinuous systems with well- developed floodplains. R2UBH streams accounted for 0.22 acres, or 0.22% of the study area (Table 1).

Seasonally Flooded Intermittent Streambeds (R4SBC) in the study area included excavated ditches in the vicinity of MP 49 (field plots 25 in Appendix A and 28 in Appendix B, Figure 2c). These streams had bed and bank morphology, and surface water was likely present during most of the growing season in a typical year. R4SBC streams accounted for 0.14 acres, or 0.13% of the study area (Table 1).

WETLANDS

The single Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Broad-leaved Deciduous Shrub Scrub (PSS1E) wetland identified in the study area is a slope HGM wetland in the vicinity of Seward Highway

ABR, Inc. 9 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

MP 49 (Figure 2c). This type covers 1.41 acres, or 1.37% of the study area (Table 1). As described in the data for the wetland determination plot 26 (Appendix A), this wetland has an open canopy of low to tall Salix sitchensis and S. barclayi (Sitka and Barclay’s willow, respectively) shrubs with understory species dominated by Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Comarum palustre (purple marshlocks), and Carex disperma (soft-leaf sedge). Surface water was present in micro-depressions throughout the wetland, and the primary wetland hydrology indicators, High Water Table (A2) and Saturation (A3), were observed in the soil pit. The thick organic soils observed in this wetland met the criteria for the hydric soil indicator, Histosol or Histel (A1).

Seasonally Flooded Broad-leaved Deciduous Shrub Scrub (PSS1C) wetlands occur in the riparian corridors of Summit, Canyon, and Fresno creeks (Figures 2a and 2b). In total, PSS1C wetlands cover 5.18 acres, or 5.01% of the study area (Table 1). As described in the data for wetland determination plots 02, 10, and 20 (Appendix A) and verification plot 18 (Appendix B), the tall shrubs, Salix pulchra and S. alaxensis (diamond-leaf and felt leaf willow, respectively), are the dominant species in the open to closed tall shrub canopy in these wetlands. Dominant understory species include Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), Calamagrostis canadensis, and Carex disperma. The primary wetland hydrology indicators, Surface Water (A1), High Water Table (A2), and Saturation (A3), were observed in these wetlands, and soils are typically interbedded organics and mineral soils, meeting the criteria for the hydric soil indicator, Histic Epipedon (A2). If insufficient organic soils precluded meeting the criteria for the hydric soil indicator, Histic Epipedon (A2), a positive reaction to alpha, alpha-dipyridol dye indicated the presence of reduced iron and these reducing conditions indicated a hydric soil.

Saturated Broad-leaved Deciduous Shrub Scrub (PSS1B) wetlands occur in footslope landscape positions between MP 49 and MP 50 (Figure 2c). This type covers 7.03 acres, or 6.80% of the study area (Table 1). As described in the data for wetland determination plots 27 and 30 (Appendix A) and verification plot 29 (Appendix B), Salix barclayi is the dominant species in the open to closed tall shrub canopy of these wetlands. Carex leptalea (bristly-stalk sedge), Calamagrostis canadensis, and Chamaenerion angustifolium (narrow-leaf fireweed) are the dominant understory species. The primary wetland hydrology indicators, Surface Water (A1), High Water Table (A2) and Saturation (A3), were observed in these wetlands. Soils either had sufficient organic development to meet the criteria for the hydric soil indicator, Histic Epipedon

ABR, Inc. 10 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

(A2), or the problematic hydric soil indicator, Alaska Gleyed without Hue 5Y or Redder Underlaying Layer.

Saturated Needle-leaved Evergreen Forest (PFO4B) wetlands occur along a footslope in the vicinity of MP 43 (Figure 2a). This type covers 0.61 acres, or 0.59% of the study area (Table 1). As described in the data for the wetland determination plot 12 (Appendix A), this Picea glauca (white spruce) woodland wetland has an understory dominated by the tall shrubs, Salix barclayi and Betula glandulosa (resin birch), Carex aquatilis (leafy tussock sedge), and Equisetum arvense. Scattered surface water was observed in micro-depressions, possibly impounded by the Seward Highway. The primary wetland hydrology indicators observed at the site were High Water Table (A2) and Saturation (A3), and the thick organic soils met the criteria for the hydric soil indicator, Histosol or Histel (A1).

Saturated Persistent Emergent Meadow (PEM1B) wetlands occur in footslope positions in the vicinity of MP 43 and MP 50 (Figures 2a and 2c). This type covers 2.52 acres, or 2.44% of the study area (Table 1). As described in the data for the wetland determination plot 11 (Appendix A) and the verification plot 14 (Appendix B), these small peatlands are dominated by the shrubs, Dasifora fruticosa (golden hardhack) and Betula glandulosa, and Picea glauca saplings. The sedges, Carex leptalea and C. aquatilis, dominate the herb stratum. The primary wetland hydrology indicators observed at the site were High Water Table (A2) and Saturation (A3), and the thick organic soils met the criteria for the hydric soil indicator, Histosol or Histel (A1).

UPLANDS

Non-wetlands, both undisturbed Upland (U) and artificial fill (Us) areas make up the majority of the study area (Figures 2a–2c), and encompass a total of 85.68 acres or 82.87% of the study area (Table 1). Artificial fill in the study area includes the Seward Highway, pullouts, and driveways to access private property. Undisturbed Uplands in the study area are naturally occurring, well-drained forest types occupying footslopes, forb meadows in what appeared to be previously cleared forest, or dense alder stands on steep hillsides.

Most undisturbed Uplands in the study area are open canopy forests dominated by Picea glauca, or a mix of P. glauca and Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar), as described in the data for the wetland determination plots 06, 24, and 33 (Appendix A) and the verification plot 17

ABR, Inc. 11 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

(Appendix B). Dominant understory species include the shrubs Alnus viridis (Sitka alder), Ribes triste (swamp red currant), Salix barclayi, Salix bebbiana (gray willow), and Viburnum edule (squashberry), along with Calamagrostis canadensis, Equisetum arvense, Gymnocarpium dryopteris (northern oak fern), Rubus arcticus (northern blackberry), and Spinulum annotinum (interrupted club-moss) in the herb stratum. Some open canopy forests in the study area include species usually associated with coastal areas (see field plot 22, Appendix A); these areas are dominated by Tsuga mertensiana (mountain hemlock) trees and saplings, Menziesia ferruginea (fool’s huckleberry) shrubs, with Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Rubus pedatus (strawberry-leaf raspberry) in the understory. No primary or secondary wetland hydrology indicators were observed, and the soils at these Upland sites typically had thin organic development and did not meet the criteria for any hydric soil indicators.

PROPOSED JURISDICTIONAL STATUS

The Project study area spans two watersheds, Sixmile Creek and Quartz Creek (HUC 1902030204 and 0902030211, respectively; Figure 1). The majority of the study area is in the Sixmile Creek watershed, where waters flow through Summit Lake and Lower Summit Lake to Canyon Creek. All streams in this portion of the study area can be considered tributaries to Canyon Creek. Canyon Creek is immediately east of and parallels the study area, and flows into Sixmile Creek near Seward Highway MP 56.5. Sixmile Creek flows directly into Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet (Figure 1).

The southern portion of the study area is in the Quartz Creek watershed, and rivers and streams in this portion of the study area are either Summit Creek or tributaries to Summit Creek. Summit Creek is a tributary to Quartz Creek, which flows into the navigable water, Kenai Lake (ADNR 2017). Kenai Lake drains into the Kenai River and Skilak Lake, both of which are also considered navigable waters (ADNR 2017).

It is likely that all R2UBH and R3UBH streams in the study area have year-round flow, and thus are considered relatively permanent waters (RPWs) with a direct connection to a navigable water (Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet and Kenai Lake). It is also likely that all R4SBC streams, given their well-developed bed and bank morphology, have flow throughout most of a typical growing season, and thus are also considered RPWs with a direct connection to a navigable water (Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet and Kenai Lake). Wetlands within the study area occur on

ABR, Inc. 12 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

footslopes or in floodplains. Riverine wetlands in floodplains are directly adjacent to, and are regularly flooded by, RPWs. Slope wetlands in footslope landscape positions occur immediately upslope of riverine wetlands and RPWs, and have surface water connections through culverts beneath the Seward Highway. Thus, it is proposed that all wetlands in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area are jurisdictional under Section 404 of the CWA because the wetlands occur adjacent to navigable waters or their tributaries.

FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT

The wetland types mapped in the Project study area were aggregated into 5 distinct wetland functional classes that included 1 waters and 4 wetland classes (Table 2). The scoring sheets detailing the evaluation of wetland functions in each wetland functional class are provided in Appendix D. The wetland functions occurring in each functional class are discussed below.

Note that none of the wetland functional classes in the study area provide support for federal- or state-listed threatened or endangered species because the study area is well outside the ranges of such species in Alaska (USFWS-NMFS 2014). All wetland functional classes scored moderate (0.50) for educational, scientific, recreational, or subsistence use (Table 3) because there is no documentation to indicate the area has been under scientific study prior to this study. All wetlands within the study area are easily accessible by the public, but no hunting is authorized in the Seward Highway ROW and other subsistence activities (e.g., berry picking) are unlikely due to the high traffic volume and sparse cover of berry-producing species.

As flowing waters, the streams in the Rivers and Streams functional class are unable to perform floodflow regulation functions, or provide erosion control and shoreline stabilization (Table 3). Rivers and Streams were considered to be low functioning for sediment, nutrient, and toxicant removal (0.33) because although the Seward Highway provides a source of sediments and toxicants, the typically high-velocity riverine systems do not provide the long retention times required for this function. Rivers and Streams were considered to be moderate functioning for organic matter production and export (0.50) because they primarily transport organic matter produced by adjacent wetlands, which is accounted for in the wetland functional assessment for the adjacent wetlands (Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub). Rivers and Streams were considered to be low functioning for avian and mammal habitat suitability (0), primarily due to their lack of vegetation and disturbance from the Seward Highway. The Rivers

ABR, Inc. 13 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands and Streams in the study area are also small in size and are unlikely to be regularly used by wildlife species such as Dippers (Cinclus mexicanus), Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus), Spotted Sandpipers (Actitis macularius), and mink (Neovison vison) that make direct use of riverine waters and shorelines. River and Streams, however, were considered to be high functioning for fish habitat suitability (0.80) because of the likely occurrence of fish species. Summit Creek is the only water within the study area that is included in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Anadromous Waters Catalog (AWC Code 244-30-10010-2177- 3063, ADF&G 2017). Alaska Department of Fish and Game culvert assessments performed in 2001, accessible through the Anadromous Waters Catalog web map (ADF&G 2017), identified juvenile Dolly Varden in Fresno and Summit Creeks (fish passage sites 20300949 and 20300941, respectively). Only the lack of overwintering habitat precluded a score of 1 for fish habitat suitability. Overall, the functional class Rivers and Streams was considered to be moderate functioning because the mean score of all assessed functions was 0.43 (Table 3).

The Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub functional class is located in the floodplains of Rivers and Streams, and this functional class was considered to be moderately functioning (0.50–0.67) for flood flow regulation and sediment, nutrient, and toxicant removal (Table 3). This is primarily due to productive vegetation cover, good vegetation and water interspersion, and a seasonal flooding regime. Erosion control and shoreline stabilization also was considered to be moderate functioning (0.50); the presence of easily erodible sandy and silty soils precluded a high score. Organic matter production and export was the highest scoring function (1) due to the dense deciduous shrubs, seasonal flooding, and regular surface water outflow throughout the growing season. Avian and mammal habitat suitability was considered to be moderate functioning (0.67); only disturbance from the nearby Seward Highway precluded a score of 1. Fish habitat suitability was scored high (0.75) primarily due to the adjacency to Rivers and Streams and the fact that small stream channels occur throughout this riverine functional class; only the lack of suitable spawning areas precluded a score of 1. Overall, the functional class Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub was considered to be moderate functioning because the mean score of all assessed functions was 0.66 (Table 3).

The Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub functional class is located in footslope landscape positions, and was not assessed for erosion control and shoreline stabilization or general fish habitat because this functional class did not directly abut a relatively

ABR, Inc. 14 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

permanent channelized water or have surface water connections to fish-bearing waters. Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub Scrub was considered to be high functioning (0.75–0.83) for both flood flow regulation and sediment, nutrient, and toxicant removal. These high scores were primarily due to productive vegetation cover, good vegetation and water interspersion, a seasonal flooding regime, organic soils, and floodwaters entering as sheetflow rather than channelized flow. Organic matter production and export was the highest scoring function (1) due to the dense deciduous shrubs, seasonal flooding, and regular surface water outflow throughout the growing season. Avian and mammal habitat suitability was considered to be moderate (0.67); only disturbance from the Seward Highway precluded a score of 1. Overall, the functional class Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub was considered to be high functioning because the mean score of all assessed functions was 0.75 (Table 3).

The Slope Saturated Forest and Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow functional classes are located in footslope landscape positions. Because these functional classes do not seasonally flood, directly abut a relatively permanent channelized water, or have surface water connections to fish-bearing waters, they were not assessed for floodflow regulation, erosion control and shoreline stabilization, or general fish habitat suitability. As with Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub Scrub, Slope Saturated Forest scored high (0.83) for sediment, nutrient, and toxicant removal due to productive vegetation cover, good vegetation and water interspersion, a seasonal flooding regime, and organic soils. Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow, however, scored low (0.33) for sediment, nutrient, and toxicant removal because this wetland functional class typically had sparse vegetation cover with low vegetation and water interspersion. Both functional classes scored low (0.33) for organic matter production and export because, although they both have ample herbaceous vegetation, little surface water and a lack of surface water outflow limit the ability of these systems to export whatever organic matter they produce. Disturbance from the Seward Highway, low vegetation and water interspersion, and relatively simple vegetation structure contributed to the low scores (0.33) for avian and mammal habitat suitability in both functional classes. Overall, the functional classes Slope Saturated Forest and Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow were considered to be moderate to low functioning because the mean scores of all assessed functions were 0.50 and 0.37, respectively (Table 3).

ABR, Inc. 15 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

LITERATURE CITED

Adamus, P. R. 2013. Manual for Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol for Southeast Alaska (WESPAK-SE). Available online (http://southeastalaskalandtrust.org/wp- content/uploads45yI789N/2012/02/Manual_WESPAKse_10Jan2014.pdf), accessed 15 January 2015

Adamus, P. R., L.T. Stockwell, E. J. Clairain, Jr., M. E. Morrow, L. P. Rozas, and R. D. Smith. 1991. Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET); Vol. I: Literature Review and Evaluation Rationale. Technical Report WRP-DE-2. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). 2017. Anadromous Waters Catalog. Online: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/SARR/AWC/index.cfm?ADFG=maps.dataFiles Accessed 5 October 2017.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR). 2017. Navigable Waters Web Map. Online: http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/nav/map_disclaimer.htm. Accessed 5 October 2017.

Arp, C.D., M.S. Whitman, B.M. Jones, R. Kemnitz, G. Grosse, and F.E. Urban. 2012. Drainage network structure and hydrologic behavior of three lake-rich watersheds on the Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research. 44(4):385-398. doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.385

Bayley, S. E., and R. L. Mewhort. 2004. Plant community structure and functional differences between marshes and fens in the southern boreal region of Alberta, Canada. Wetlands. 2(24): 277–294. doi 10.1672/0277-5212(2004)024[0277:PCSAFD]2.0.CO;25

Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., Office of Biological Services, Washington, DC. 103 pp.

Dahl, T. E., J. Dick, J. Swords, and B. O. Wilen. 2015. Data Collection Requirements and Procedures for Mapping Wetland, Deepwater and Related Habitats of the United States. Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation (version 2), National Standards and Support Team, Madison, WI. 92 pp.

ABR, Inc. 16 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

Dunne, T. and L.B. Leopold. 1978. Water in Environmental Planning. W.H. Freeman and Co. San Francisco. 818 pp.

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.

Lichvar R. W., D. L. Banks, W. N. Kirchner, and N. C. Melvin. 2016. State of Alaska 2016 Wetland Plant List: 2016 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 30: 1–17. [This publication only refers to indicator status species updates; for a complete list of 2016 species see: http://rsgisias.crrel.usace.army.mil/NWPL/ (current as of 14 October 2016).]

Liljedahl, A.K., L.D. Hinzman, and J. Schulla. 2012. Ice-wedge polygon type controls low- gradient watershed-scale hydrology. In Tenth International Conference on Permafrost Vol. 1: International Contributions, Hinkel K.M. (Ed.), The Northern Publisher, Salekhard, Russia: 231–236.

Munsell Soil Color Charts. 2009. Revised edition. Gretag Macbeth, New Windsor, NY.

Nowacki, G., P. Spencer, M. Fleming, T. Brock, and T. Jorgenson. 2001. Ecoregions of Alaska. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 02-297.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2016. Methodology for assessing functional gains and losses for permittee responsible compensatory mitigation and calculating compensatory mitigation credits and debits for third party mitigation providers in the Alaska District. USACE and Alaska SIRT. 12 pp.

———. 2007a. Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Alaska Region Version 2.0. Wetlands Regulatory Assistance Program, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. 72 pp. + appendices.

———. 2007b. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional determination form instructional guidebook. Online: http://www.usace.army.mil/Portals/2/docs/civilworks/regulatory/cwa_guide/jd_guidebook_0 51207final.pdf. Accessed November 2016.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2016. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 8.0. L.M. Vasilas, G.W.

ABR, Inc. 17 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

Hurt, and J.F. Berkowitz (eds.). USDA, NRCS, in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2014. Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, Candidate, and Delisted Species in Alaska (Updated May 13, 2014). Available online at https://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/endangered/pdf/consultation_guide/4_species_list.pdf. Accessed October 2017.

Viereck, L. A., C. T. Dyrness, A. R. Batten, and K. J. Wenzlick. 1992. The Alaska vegetation classification. U. S. Dept. of Agric., Forest Serv., Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-286. 278 pp.

Wardle, D. A. 2002. Communities and Ecosystems—Linking the Above and Belowground Components. Princeton University Press, Princeton/Oxford.

Woo, M-K. 2012. Permafrost Hydrology. Berlin: Springer-Verlag. 563 pp.

ABR, Inc. 18 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

B,Ic 19SewardHighwayPassing LanesWetlands ABR, Inc. Table 1. Acreages of waters, wetlands, and non-wetland uplands within the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2017. Percent of NWI Codea NWI Description Acres Study Area

Waters R2UBH Lower Perennial River 0.58 0.57 R3UBH Upper Perennial River 0.22 0.22 R4SBC Seasonally Flooded Intermittent Streambed 0.14 0.13 Total Waters 0.94 0.92

Wetlands PSS1E Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Broad-leaved Deciduous Shrub Scrub 1.41 1.37 PSS1C Seasonally Flooded Broad-leaved Deciduous Shrub Scrub 5.18 5.01 PSS1B Saturated Broad-leaved Deciduous Shrub Scrub 7.03 6.80 PFO4B Saturated Needle-leaved Evergreen Forest 0.61 0.59 PEM1B Saturated Persistent Emergent Meadow 2.52 2.44 Total Wetlands 16.75 16.21

Uplands U Upland 36.64 35.44 Us Upland (fill) 49.04 47.43 Total Uplands 85.68 82.87

Grand Total 103.38 100.00

a National Wetland Inventory (NWI) nomenclature based on Cowardin et al. (1979) classification system.

Table 2. Crosswalk of NWI wetland type and wetland functional class within the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2017.

NWI Codea Wetland Functional Class

R2UBH Rivers and Streams R3UBH Rivers and Streams R4SBC Rivers and Streams PSS1E Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub PSS1C Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub PSS1B Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub PFO4B Slope Saturated Forest PEM1B Slope Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Emergent Meadow U Upland Us Upland (fill) a National Wetland Inventory (NWI) nomenclature based on Cowardin et al. (1979) classification system.

ABR, Inc. 20 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

B,Ic 21SewardHighwayPassing LanesWetlands ABR, Inc. Table 3. Scoring of wetland functions for the 5 mapped wetland functional classes in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2017. Wetland Function

Wetland Functional Class Regulation Flow Flood Sediment/ Nutrient/ Toxicant Removal Erosion Control & Shoreline Stabilization Production Matter Organic and Export TES Support AvianMammal Habitat and Suitability Fish Habitat Suitability Education/ Science/ Rec/ Subsist Use Mean Score of Functions Assessed

Rivers and Streams N/A 0.33 N/A 0.50 N/A 0 0.80 0.50 0.43

Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub 0.50 0.67 0.50 1 N/A 0.67 0.75 0.50 0.66

Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated 0.75 0.83 N/A 1 N/A 0.67 N/A 0.50 0.75 Deciduous Shrub Scrub Slope Saturated Forest N/A 0.83 N/A 0.33 N/A 0.33 N/A 0.50 0.50

Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow N/A 0.33 N/A 0.33 N/A 0.33 N/A 0.50 0.37

Vir ek gin Cre

HOPE ROAD SEWARD HIGHWAY

Turnagain Arm

k

e

e

r C

e l i

k m

e x e i

r S C E a n s o t i F t o c r e k r S r ix u m e r s v e il i e R R C Moose re r Cr e e Pass Cr Roa k c rin Weber Crg a

C l r P Wilson Block CrCr Fresno Cr M il l s C Colora Lower r do e C Summit e r k B Lake u Summit t T ch Lake en e m d r m it C e C u r r r S C f a o n o te Cr y t a o C Sl n C r r

k e e r C Upper z t r Trail Lake a u Q

STERLING HIGHWAY r R i v e K e n a i Crescent Grant

Lake Lake

R u

s s i Kenai Lake a Cooper n Lake R i v e r

StudyAreaOutline Chukchi Barrow Creek SixmileWatersh ed¹ Sea flo wsno - rth Figure 1. Location of Seward Highway QuartzCreek Watersh ed¹ Passing Lanes Wetlands Project Area, ALASKA - flo wswest - Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. ¹ Watersh¹ edsarebasedonthe level10th Hydrolo UnCode g it ical Bering sh o wn).0902030211 and boun(HUC) (1902030204 daries Credit:USDA-NRCS, USGS, and EPA. Downlo EPA. andUSGS,Credit:USDA-NRCS, at adable Sea Anchorage h ttps://nh d.usg s.goversion v/wbd.htm l, from08/25/2015. mprepared ap by: Map View 0 2 4 6 8 —Environ Inc. m ABR, enResearch tal Services& Gulf of Kilometers Alaska 0 2 4 6 Z 9 November 2017 SHPLWetlands_SA_17-210.mxd Miles 52 Wetlands Functional 51 U PSS1C Classes MP50.5

PSS1C 50 R2UBH Segment B 18 A! PSS1C 49

PSS1C MP44 MP44

C

a 48 PSS1C MP48.0 n

y o n 47 U C U r . Leg en d 46

Stream U 45 W etland U Upland 44 16 MP44.1 WDetermination etland A!A! 17 Plot¹ U 43 Segment A A! Pho toPoint¹ MP42.7 ¹ Relate to Appen dices A and BandRelatetoAppen A ¹ dices Us by adding prefix SHPL_ totheSHPL_ prefix adding by 42 Plot IDs displayed IDs Plot

Segment A MP 42.7 - 44.1

NWI Code¹ NWI Description Waters U U R2UBH RiverLowPeren er n ial

S R3UBH River Peren Upper n ial u m R4SBC SeasoFlooIntermitten ded nStreambed ally t m

i t Wetlands C PSS1E SeasoFloo ded-Saturated n ally r . Deciduo Broad-leavedusScrubShrub PSS1C SeasoFlooBroad-leaved ded n ally PSS1C U Deciduo usScrubShrub R3UBH PSS1C PSS1B DeciduoSaturated Broad-leaved us ! ! ScrubShrub 15West AA 15East PSS1C R3UBH PFO4B SaturatedNeedle-leavedEvergreen Forest PEM1B PEM1B SaturatedPersisten Emergen t Meadow t Uplands 14A! PSS1C U Upland R2UBH Us (fill) Upland

PFO4B ! 13East Wetland InvenNationno al ¹ torym(NW I) enbasedon clature A! A system classification . (1979) etCowal. ardin 13West PSS1C 12 A! PSS1C PEM1B R2UBH Wetland Functional Class PFO4B PSS1C StreamsandRivers 11 A! R2UBH SeasoRiverineFlooDeciduo ded usShrub n ally ! PSS1C S A10 u SeasoSaturatedandSlopeFloo ded- n ally m SaturatedDeciduo usShrub 09 m 08 ! A! SaturatedForestSlope A i t C SeasoSlopeFloo ded-SaturatedEmergen n ally t r . Meadow Uplands

Studyareais based onft200RO a Won MP43 MP43 centerlineunless otherwise noted. Aerialph otog raph yfor study areasegm ents fromKenai Peninsula Boroug 2012–2013, h , U spatial2.5ft resolution Backg roundImagery for Source:Inset: Esri, Dig italGlobe,GeoEye, Earthstar Geog raph ics, CNES/AirbusUSDA,DS, USGS, AeroGR ID, IGN, andIGN,the GISUser Com m unity Scaleapplies when printed 11x17".at

studyreduced area Approxim ateScale= 1:6,750 to 75 feetfrom to75 U centoavo terline id 0 250 500 750 Z Feet private property private S 07 la A! ! 06 te 0 100 200 300 AA! C Meters 05 r.

U PSS1C ¤ R3UBH R3UBH U ! ! Figure 2a. Segment A. 04West AA 04East PSS1C Wetlands, Waters, and Functional 03 A!A! 02 Classes in the Seward Highway U R2UBH Passing Lanes Project, PSS1C Kenai Peninsula, Alaska U A! 01 . by: prepared m ap r R2UBH C —Environ mInc. Research enServices ABR, & tal Summit U Nov9 ember2017 SHPL_Wetlands_segA_17-210.mxd U 52 PSS1B Wetlands Functional 51 PSS1B Classes MP50.5 U PSS1B 50 29West ! AA! 29East Segment B PSS1B 49

Us 48 U MP48.0

U 47

PSS1B 46

27 ! U A 45 R4SBC PSS1E 28West A! A! 28East 44 U R4SBC MP44.1

PSS1E A! 26 43 Segment A PSS1E R4SBC MP42.7 R4SBC 42 24 ! AA! A! 25East 25West U PSS1E MP49 MP49 Segment B, South MP 48.0 - 50.5 U Tile 2c NWI Code¹ NWI Description Waters R2UBH River PerennLow ial er R3UBH River UppPerenn ial er R4SBC IntermittentFloo Streambed ded Season ally Wetlands PSS1E Floo ded-Saturated Season ally Broad-leaved Deciduo ScrubShrub us Broad-leaved PSS1C Broad-leaved Floo ded Season ally DeciduoScrubShrub us PSS1B Deciduo usBroad-leaved Saturated Shrub ScrubShrub U PFO4BForest Evergreen Needle-leaved Saturated PEM1B MeadowEmergentPersistent Saturated Uplands U Upland Us (fill) Upland

U on nobased menclatureInventoryNatioWetland(NWI) ¹ n al Cow ardin et al. (1979) classificatio n system. nclassificatio (1979) Cowal. et ardin

Wetland Functional Class 22 A! A! 23 Rivers and Streamsand Rivers

Riverin e Season ally Floo ded DeciduoFloo Shrub ded us RiverinSeason e ally Slop e Saturated and Season ally Floo ded- Seasonand Saturated ally Slop e Saturated DeciduoSaturated Shrub us Slop e Saturated ForestSaturated Slop e Slop e Season ally Floo ded-Saturated Emergent Floo ded-Saturated SeasonSlop e ally Legend Meadow Uplands Stream

Wetland Studyarea isbase onft d200ROa Won centerlineunless othe rwisenoted. Upland Aerialph otog raphfor y study area se g m e nts fromKenai Peninsu Borou la g2012–2013, h , Wetland DeterminWetland atioPlot¹ n spatial2.5ft resolution Backg rou ndImage for ry InseSou t: rce:Esri, DigitalGlobe,Ge oEye,Earthstar Ge og raph ics, ! A Pho toPoin t¹ U CNES/AirbusUSDA,DS, USGS, AeroGR ID, IGN, andIGN,the GISUse Com r m u nity ¹ Relate to App endices A and B by addin g by B toandApp A Relate endices¹ Scaleapplies whe nprinted 11x17".at p refix SHPL_ to the Plot IDs displayed SHPL_IDs tothepPlot refix . r C ApproximateScale = 1:6,750 o n s e 0 250 500 750 r Z U R3UBH F Fee t 21 0 100 200 300 PSS1C A! Me ters ! R3UBH A!A! A 19East 20 U 19West MP48 Figure 2b. Segment B, South. MP48 Wetlands, Waters, and Functional PSS1C U Classes in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska map prepared by: mapprepared ABR, Inc. — Environ mental Research & Services—Environ& Inc. Research mental ABR,

9 Novem9 ber2017 SHPL_We tlands_se g B_S_17-210.mxd 52 Wetlands Functional 51 A! 34 Classes MP50.5

50 U Segment B 49

48 MP48.0 U 47 Legend

Stream 46 Wetland U Us 45 Upland

Wetland DeterminWetland atioPlot¹ n 44 MP44.1 A! Pho toPoin t¹ PEM1B U Segment A ¹ Relate to App endices A and B by addin g by B toandApp A Relate endices¹ 43 p refix SHPL_ to the Plot IDs displayed SHPL_IDs tothepPlot refix MP42.7 42 PSS1B R3UBH PSS1B ! 32West A A! 32East PSS1B R3UBH 31 !A! 30 A PSS1B Segment B, North MP 48.0 - 50.5 MP50 MP50 U PEM1B PSS1B NWI Code¹ NWI Description Waters 33 A!U R2UBH River PerennLow ial er R3UBH River UppPerenn ial er PSS1B U R4SBC IntermittentFloo Streambed ded Season ally U Wetlands PSS1E Floo ded-Saturated Season ally Broad-leaved Deciduo ScrubShrub us Broad-leaved PSS1B PSS1C Broad-leaved Floo ded Season ally DeciduoScrubShrub us PSS1B Deciduo usBroad-leaved Saturated PSS1B ScrubShrub PFO4BForest Evergreen Needle-leaved Saturated U PEM1B MeadowEmergentPersistent Saturated Uplands U U Upland Us (fill) Upland PSS1B PSS1B on nobased menclatureInventoryNatioWetland(NWI) ¹ n al Cow ardin et al. (1979) classificatio n system. nclassificatio (1979) Cowal. et ardin U Wetland Functional Class U Tile 2b Streamsand Rivers PSS1B Riverin e Season ally Floo ded DeciduoFloo Shrub ded us RiverinSeason e ally PSS1B U Floo ded- Seasonand Saturated ally Slop e Saturated DeciduoSaturated Shrub us PSS1B ForestSaturated Slop e 29West ! AA! 29East Emergent Floo ded-Saturated SeasonSlop e ally Meadow PSS1B Uplands

U Studyarea isbase onft d200ROa Won centerlineunless othe rwisenoted. U Aerialph otog raphfor y study area se g m e nts fromKenai Peninsu Borou la g2012–2013, h , PSS1B spatial2.5ft resolution Backg rou ndImage for ry InseSou t: rce:Esri, DigitalGlobe,Ge oEye,Earthstar Ge og raph ics, PSS1E CNES/AirbusUSDA,DS, USGS, AeroGR ID, 27 andIGN,the GISUse Com r m u nity A! U Scaleapplies whe nprinted 11x17".at R4SBC 28West ApproximateScale = 1:6,750 ! U A A! R4SBC 0 250 500 750 28East Z Fee t PSS1E R4SBC 0 100 200 300 A! 26 Me ters U PSS1E

25East Figure 2c. Segment B, North. ! 24AA! A! R4SBC Wetlands, Waters, and Functional U PSS1E Classes in the Seward Highway

MP49 Passing Lanes Project, MP49 25West Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

U by: mapprepared ABR, Inc. — Environ mental Research & Services—Environ& Inc. Research mental ABR,

9 Novem9 ber2017 SHPL_We tlands_se g B_N_17-210.mxd

Appendix A. Wetland Determination Data Forms.

ABR, Inc. A-1 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): River or Stream Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: RUBH Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation ✓ , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Summit Creek, non-wetland fill (riprap) banks. Coarse substrate, high velocity riffle, little fish cover: overhanging willows, no undercut banks, no large woody debris. Stream becomes RUBH near edge of study area: low gradient, low velocity, meandering. Higher velocity, coarse substrates near highway because stream is constrained for culvert crossing. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) Total Cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Herb Stratum Total Cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL Species . × = . FACW Species . × = . FAC Species . × = . FACU Species . × = . UPL Species . × = . Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = .

Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: Dominance Test is > % Prevalence Index is ≤ . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) ✓ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Unvegetated active channel of Summit Creek.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Unknown Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Active channel, assume hydric soils. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) ✓ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) ✓ Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Active channel of Summit Creek, visible in imagery and in USGS topo map. Channel wide, water + in deep, flowing through culvert beneath highway.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: RUBH

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Surface Water (A), Inundation Visible in Aerial Imagery (B), Geomorphic Position (D) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): RWM, SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Flat or fluvial related Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PSSC Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Tall closed willow in floodplain of Summit Creek. No obvious signs of flooding, but landscape position suggests river- ine HGM. Small channels throughout, connecting beaver dam to stream visible in imagery. Water in ditch at toe of fill. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) . Salix pulchra . ✓ FACW Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Ribes triste . FAC FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Total Cover: . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: Herb Stratum Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC OBL Species . × = . . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC FACW Species . × = . . Rubus arcticus . FAC FAC Species . × = . . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU FACU Species . × = . . Mertensia paniculata . FACU UPL Species . × = . . Polemonium acutiflorum . FAC Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Comarum palustre . OBL Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Sanguisorba canadensis . FACW . Trientalis europaea . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: Total Cover: . ✓ Dominance Test is > % % of total cover: . % of total cover: . ✓ Prevalence Index is ≤ . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Tall closed willow with sparse understory

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A peat - / / A mucky peat - .y / yr / C PL silt loam Second matrix color y\, % of matrix. - / / A muck - .y ./ / A silt loam ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder ✓ Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) ✓ Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: HS odor from horizon , below in depth so does not meet A. Other--positive reaction to alpha, alpha-dipyridol dye in horizon (-in). Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) ✓ Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) ✓ Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) ✓ FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: HS odor from horizon , below in depth so does not meet C. C-- Positive reaction to alpha, alpha-dipyridol indicates presence of reduced iron. D--floodplain of Summit Creek.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PSSC

Hydric Soil Indicators: Histic Epipedon (A), Alaska Redox with .Y Hue, Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Geomorphic Position (D), Presence of Reduced Iron (C), FAC-Neutral Test (D), Saturation (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): River or Stream Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: RUBH Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation ✓ , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Small stream flows west to east beneath hwy through culvert, connecting to Summit Creek floodplain. Stream wide, -in deep in study area. Overhanging willows obscure stream in imagery. Clear water, fine substrate, ample litter and overhanging vegetation. Riparian willows visible in imagery. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) Total Cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Herb Stratum Total Cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL Species . × = . FACW Species . × = . FAC Species . × = . FACU Species . × = . UPL Species . × = . Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = .

Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: Dominance Test is > % Prevalence Index is ≤ . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) ✓ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Unvegetated active channel.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Unknown Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Active channel, assume hydric soil. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Small unnamed stream that connects to Summit Creek floodplain. Stream obscured by willows, not visible in imagery.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: RUBH

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Surface Water (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Drainage Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: Us Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ within a Wetland? Yes No ✓ Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Roadside clearing, soil pit in lowest point (ditch). Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) . Populus balsamifera . ✓ FACU Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Salix richardsonii . ✓ FACW FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Salix pulchra . ✓ FACW . Empetrum nigrum . FAC Prevalence Index worksheet: . Rubus idaeus . FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Picea glauca . FACU OBL Species . × = . Total Cover: . FACW Species . × = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FAC Species . × = . Herb Stratum FACU Species . × = . . Festuca rubra . ✓ FAC UPL Species . × = . . Taraxacum officinale . ✓ FACU Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Achillea millefolium . FACU Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Geranium erianthum . FACU . Solidago multiradiata . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Orthilia secunda . FACU ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Dactylis glomerata . FACU Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Antennaria sp. . in Remarks or on a separate sheet) Total Cover: . Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Previously cleared, poplar saplings now tall. Mix of native and invasive vegetation.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - .y / / A loamy coarse sand gravelly - .y / / A loamy sand v. gravelly - va / / A sand v. gravelly sands, color is variegated ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Remarks: No hydric soil indicators. Soil pit located in low point (ditch) of roadside clearing. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: No wetland hydrology indicators.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: Us

Hydric Soil Indicators: None Wetland Hydrology Indicators: None Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: U Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ within a Wetland? Yes No ✓ Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Generally undisturbed forest adjacent to roadside clearing. Several large spruce stumps at edge of community. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Picea glauca . ✓ FACU FACW, or FAC: (A) . Betula kenaica . FACU Total Number of Dominant Species Across Total Cover: . all Strata: (B) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, Sapling/Shrub Stratum FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Ribes triste . ✓ FAC . Alnus viridis . ✓ FAC Prevalence Index worksheet: Total Cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . OBL Species . × = . Herb Stratum FACW Species . × = . . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC FAC Species . × = . . Rubus arcticus . ✓ FAC FACU Species . × = . . Cornus canadensis . FACU UPL Species . × = . . Orthilia secunda . FACU Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Geranium erianthum . FACU Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Achillea millefolium . FACU . Dryopteris expansa . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Danthonia intermedia . FAC ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Veratrum viride . FAC Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Aconitum delphiniifolium . FAC Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Carex loliacea . OBL in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Lupinus nootkatensis . FACU ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, . Pyrola asarifolia . FACU unless disturbed or problematic. . Sanguisorba canadensis . FACW . Vahlodea atropurpurea . FACW Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm . Luzula parviflora . FAC % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . Poa sp. . % Bare Ground . . Polemonium acutiflorum . FAC Total Cover of Bryophytes . Total Cover: . Hydrophytic % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Band of alder (old clearing) between forest and roadside clearing excluded from plot.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A hemic - yr / .yr / C PL sandy loam gravelly - va / / A sandy loam ext. gravelly sands, color is variegated ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): . Remarks: No hydric soil indicators. Texture of horizon (-in) difficult to assess due to extremely high gravel/cobble content.

Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: No wetland hydrology indicators.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: U

Hydric Soil Indicators: None Wetland Hydrology Indicators: None Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Lower Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): convex Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: U Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No ✓ Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ within a Wetland? Yes No ✓ Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Forb meadow in old roadside clearing, surrounded by white spruce woodland. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) . Rosa acicularis . FACU Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Picea glauca . FACU FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Total Cover: . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: Herb Stratum Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Chamaenerion angustifolium . ✓ FACU OBL Species . × = . . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC FACW Species . × = . . Heracleum maximum . ✓ FACU FAC Species . × = . . Poa sp. . FACU Species . × = . . Taraxacum officinale . FACU UPL Species . × = . . Mertensia paniculata . FACU Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Festuca sp. . Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Achillea millefolium . FACU . Calamagrostis canadensis . FAC Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Rubus arcticus . FAC Dominance Test is > % . Geum macrophyllum . FAC Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Glyceria sp. . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Phleum pratense . FACU in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Aconitum delphiniifolium . FAC Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Geranium erianthum . FACU ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, Total Cover: . unless disturbed or problematic. % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Bare ground cover is litter.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A hemic - yr / / A sandy loam gravelly ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Remarks: No hydric soil indicators. Site previously cleared, soils appear to be mixed. No charcoal or signs of fire. Horizon (-in): Entire horizon appears churned with % distinct pockets of sandy loam colored BG / (gley color from parent material). Small bits of this color also mixed throughout. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: No wetland hydrology indicators

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: U

Hydric Soil Indicators: None Wetland Hydrology Indicators: None Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): RWM, SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Flat or fluvial related Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PSSC Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Tall closed willow wetland. No obvious signs of flooding, but likely riverine HGM based on landscape position in floodplain of Summit Creek. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) . Salix pulchra . ✓ FACW Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Salix richardsonii . FACW FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Total Cover: . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: Herb Stratum Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC OBL Species . × = . . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC FACW Species . × = . . Sanguisorba canadensis . ✓ FACW FAC Species . × = . . Comarum palustre . OBL FACU Species . × = . . Carex disperma . FACW UPL Species . × = . . Taraxacum officinale . FACU Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Equisetum sylvaticum . FAC Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Gymnocarpium dryopteris . FACU . Mertensia paniculata . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Polemonium acutiflorum . FAC ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Micranthes nelsoniana . FAC ✓ Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Trientalis europaea . FACU Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data Total Cover: . in Remarks or on a separate sheet) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Bare ground cover is litter

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A peat - / / A muck - .yr ./ / A silt loam - .y / yr / C PL fine sandy loam Positive rxn to alpha alpha dipyridol at in ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Positive reaction to alpha, alpha-dipyridol indicates reducing environment. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) ✓ High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) ✓ Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) ✓ Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) ✓ FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Scattered patches of surface water throughout, including at toe of road fill. C--Positive run to alpha, alpha-dipyridol. D--floodplain.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PSSC

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Saturation (A), Surface Water (A), FAC-Neutral Test (D), Presence of Reduced Iron (C), High Water Table (A), Geomorphic Position (D) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PEMB Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Small peatland, with shallow impounded water near road. Culvert beneath road connects this wetland to Summit Creek floodplain. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Picea glauca . FACU FACW, or FAC: (A) Total Cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across % of total cover: . % of total cover: . all Strata: (B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Dasiphora fruticosa . ✓ FAC FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Betula glandulosa . ✓ FAC . Picea glauca . ✓ FACU Prevalence Index worksheet: . Vaccinium uliginosum . FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Salix pulchra . FACW OBL Species . × = . . Vaccinium oxycoccos . OBL FACW Species . × = . Total Cover: . FAC Species . × = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACU Species . × = . Herb Stratum UPL Species . × = . . Carex leptalea . ✓ OBL Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Carex aquatilis . ✓ OBL Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Parnassia palustris . FACW . Swertia perennis . FACW Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Trichophorum alpinum . OBL ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Carex utriculata . OBL ✓ Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Carex saxatilis . FACW Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Equisetum arvense . FAC in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Rubus arcticus . FAC Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Eriophorum angustifolium . OBL ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, . Calamagrostis canadensis . FAC unless disturbed or problematic. Total Cover: . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Carex utriculata and C. saxatilis in standing water impounded by roadbed. Bare ground cover is litter.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A peat - / / A mucky peat - / / A muck at a inch layer is infused with silt ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: ✓ Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) ✓ High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) ✓ FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Standing water impounded by road, not considered extensive enough to meet the intent of A.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PEMB

Hydric Soil Indicators: Histosol or Histel (A) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: High Water Table (A), FAC-Neutral Test (D), Saturation (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): convex Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PFOB Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: White spruce woodland with near-continuous wetland sedges and standing water in microlows. Highway likely im- pounds water, unsure if that would be reason for willow dieback. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Picea glauca . ✓ FACU FACW, or FAC: (A) Total Cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across % of total cover: . % of total cover: . all Strata: (B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Salix barclayi . ✓ FAC FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Betula glandulosa . ✓ FAC . Vaccinium uliginosum . FAC Prevalence Index worksheet: . Dasiphora fruticosa . FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Vaccinium oxycoccos . OBL OBL Species . × = . . Spiraea stevenii . FACU FACW Species . × = . . Empetrum nigrum . FAC FAC Species . × = . . Linnaea borealis . FACU FACU Species . × = . Total Cover: . UPL Species . × = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Herb Stratum Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Carex aquatilis . ✓ OBL . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Carex leptalea . OBL ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Sanguisorba canadensis . FACW ✓ Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Carex media . FACW Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Swertia perennis . FACW in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Carex utriculata . OBL Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Viola sp. . ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, . Parnassia palustris . FACW unless disturbed or problematic. . Geranium erianthum . FACU . Equisetum fluviatile . OBL Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius . Polemonium acutiflorum . FAC % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . Calamagrostis canadensis . FAC % Bare Ground . . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU Total Cover of Bryophytes . . Pyrola grandiflora . FAC Hydrophytic Total Cover: . Vegetation % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: White spruce wetland--trees not as robust as in adjacent white spruce uplands. Many standing dead willows, estimate that shrub cover was once around %. Trees and shrubs on microhighs, carex throughout.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / . / A peat - / . / A muck - / . / A mucky peat - / . / A muck - yr / / A silt loam ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: ✓ Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Soil pit located on microhigh to avoid surface water. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) ✓ High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) ✓ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Scattered surface water in microlows, not considered sufficient coverage to meet the intent of A. D--white spruce trees not as robust as those in adjacent well-drained areas.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PFOB

Hydric Soil Indicators: Histosol or Histel (A) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Saturation (A), Stunted or Stressed Plants (D), High Water Table (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): River or Stream Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: RUBH Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation ✓ , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Stream flowing west to east through two culverts beneath highway. Coarse substrate, relatively high-velocity, continuous run. Channel wide, water about in deep. Fish cover is overhanging vegetation. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) Total Cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Herb Stratum Total Cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL Species . × = . FACW Species . × = . FAC Species . × = . FACU Species . × = . UPL Species . × = . Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = .

Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: Dominance Test is > % Prevalence Index is ≤ . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) ✓ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Unvegetated active channel.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Unknown Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): - Remarks: active channel, assume hydric soil. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) ✓ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Water about in deep, stream visible in aerial imagery.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: RUBH

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Inundation Visible in Aerial Imagery (B), Surface Water (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): River or Stream Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: RUBH Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation ✓ , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Fresno Creek flows beneath highway through - culvert. Culvert outlet about above stream surface at time of site visit. High velocity, coarse substrate stream, wide, + in deep. No riparian wetlands on east side of highway-- relatively steep step up to alder-popbal-picgla with no signs of flooding. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) Total Cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Herb Stratum Total Cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL Species . × = . FACW Species . × = . FAC Species . × = . FACU Species . × = . UPL Species . × = . Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = .

Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: Dominance Test is > % Prevalence Index is ≤ . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) ✓ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: unvegetated active channel

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Unknown Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Other--active channel, assume hydric soil Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) ✓ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Active channel of Fresno Creek, visible in aerial imagery and USGS topo map.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: RUBH

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Surface Water (A), Inundation Visible in Aerial Imagery (B) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Flat or fluvial related Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PSSC Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Narrow, wide band of riparian willows on upstream (west) side of hwy. No riparian wetlands in study area down- stream (east) of hwy. Outside of this band, elevation steps up to poplar-spruce uplands. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Salix alaxensis . ✓ FAC FACW, or FAC: (A) Total Cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across % of total cover: . % of total cover: . all Strata: (B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Salix sitchensis . ✓ FAC FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Salix barclayi . ✓ FAC . Rubus idaeus . FACU Prevalence Index worksheet: Total Cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . OBL Species . × = . Herb Stratum FACW Species . × = . . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC FAC Species . × = . . Gymnocarpium dryopteris . ✓ FACU FACU Species . × = . . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC UPL Species . × = . . Galium triflorum . FAC Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Corydalis semipervirens . UPL Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Cardamine nymanii . FACW . Taraxacum officinale . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Streptopus amplexifolius . FACU ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Micranthes nelsoniana . FAC Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Pyrola grandiflora . FAC Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data Total Cover: . in Remarks or on a separate sheet) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks:

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A peat - / / A mucky peat - / / A muck - / / A mucky peat gravelly interbedded silts/gravels - va / / A very coarse sand v. gravelly color is variegated parent material ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder ✓ Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Horizon color is that of parent material. Coarse alluvial soils with organics overtop. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) ✓ High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) ✓ Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Late season, difficult to discern signs of flooding amongst leaf litter. D--riparian zone.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PSSC

Hydric Soil Indicators: Histic Epipedon (A) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Saturation (A), High Water Table (A), Geomorphic Position (D) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): RWM, SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): convex Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: U Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ within a Wetland? Yes No ✓ Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Hemlock forest interspersed with tall closed alder near road, in what appear to be old clearings. Plot centered in hemlocks. Multiple brown creepers observed on hemlocks. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Tsuga mertensiana . ✓ FAC FACW, or FAC: (A) Total Cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across % of total cover: . % of total cover: . all Strata: (B) Sapling/Shrub Stratum Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Menziesia ferruginea . ✓ FACU FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Tsuga mertensiana . ✓ FAC . Sambucus racemosa . FACU Prevalence Index worksheet: . Linnaea borealis . FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Ribes triste . FAC OBL Species . × = . . Vaccinium ovalifolium . FAC FACW Species . × = . Total Cover: . FAC Species . × = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACU Species . × = . Herb Stratum UPL Species . × = . . Rubus pedatus . ✓ FAC Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Gymnocarpium dryopteris . ✓ FACU Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Dryopteris expansa . FACU . Cornus canadensis . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Poa sp. . Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Monotropa uniflora . UPL Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Mertensia paniculata . FACU in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Spinulum annotinum . FACU Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Calamagrostis canadensis . FAC ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, Total Cover: . unless disturbed or problematic. % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Many dead Menziesia shrubs, cover was once nearly % in plot. Groundcover is a mix of litter and moss

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / . / A fibric - yr / / A coarse sandy loam gravelly few gravels, some organic content - .yr / / A loam E horizon, incipient spodosol - .yr ./ / A sandy loam Bs horizon - yr / / A sandy loam gravelly ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Remarks: No hydric soil indicators. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: No wetland hydrology indicators.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: U

Hydric Soil Indicators: None Wetland Hydrology Indicators: None Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: U Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No ✓ Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ within a Wetland? Yes No ✓ Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Mixed forest interspersed with shrubby openings. Plot centered in area with more Poplar. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Populus balsamifera . ✓ FACU FACW, or FAC: (A) . Picea glauca . FACU Total Number of Dominant Species Across Total Cover: . all Strata: (B) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, Sapling/Shrub Stratum FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Salix barclayi . ✓ FAC . Viburnum edule . ✓ FACU Prevalence Index worksheet: . Oplopanax horridus . FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by: Total Cover: . OBL Species . × = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACW Species . × = . Herb Stratum FAC Species . × = . . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC FACU Species . × = . . Gymnocarpium dryopteris . ✓ FACU UPL Species . × = . . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Equisetum pratense . FACW . Urtica dioica . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Streptopus amplexifolius . FACU Dominance Test is > % . Thalictrum sparsiflorum . FACU Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Actaea rubra . FAC Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Athyrium cyclosorum . FAC in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Galium triflorum . FAC Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Anemone sp. . ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, . Mertensia paniculata . FACU unless disturbed or problematic. Total Cover: . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Groundcover is a mix of moss, litter, and dead down wood.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A fibric - / / A hemic - / . / A sapric - yr / / A silt loam - .y / / A coarse sandy loam ext. gravelly - .y / / A silt loam gravelly ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Remarks: No hydric soil indicators Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: No wetland hydrology indicators.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: U

Hydric Soil Indicators: None Wetland Hydrology Indicators: None Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Drainage Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: RSBC Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Narrow ( wide) surface water flowing down ditch, passes beneath highway through culvert and enters large wetland east of highway. GPS points mark beginning of ditch and culvert. Coding RSBC as bottom is fine sediments and mostly unvegetated. Ditch is upland south of this culvert. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) Total Cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Herb Stratum . Juncus arcticus . ✓ OBL Prevalence Index worksheet: . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Calamagrostis canadensis . FAC OBL Species . × = . . Swertia perennis . FACW FACW Species . × = . . Equisetum palustre . FACW FAC Species . × = . Total Cover: . FACU Species . × = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . UPL Species . × = . Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = .

Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: ✓ Dominance Test is > % ✓ Prevalence Index is ≤ . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) ✓ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Algae growing throughout

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Unknown Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Inundated, assume hydric soils Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) ✓ FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks:

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: RSBC

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: FAC-Neutral Test (D), Surface Water (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): RWM, SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Toeslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PSSE Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Open low to tall willows, with scattered small pockets of Carex utriculata in standing water and surface water (both outside of plot, but in this community). Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) . Salix sitchensis . ✓ FAC Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Salix barclayi . ✓ FAC FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Salix pulchra . FACW . Rubus idaeus . FACU Prevalence Index worksheet: Total Cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . OBL Species . × = . Herb Stratum FACW Species . × = . . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC FAC Species . × = . . Carex disperma . ✓ FACW FACU Species . × = . . Comarum palustre . ✓ OBL UPL Species . × = . . Equisetum arvense . ✓ FAC Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Sanguisorba canadensis . FACW . Thalictrum sparsiflorum . FACU Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Parnassia palustris . FACW ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Polemonium acutiflorum . FAC ✓ Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Anemone sp. . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Viola sp. . in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Swertia perennis . FACW Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Trientalis europaea . FACU ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, Total Cover: . unless disturbed or problematic. % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Shrub heights around low-tall break point.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A peat - / . / A mucky peat - / . / A muck ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: ✓ Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) ✓ High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) ✓ FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks:

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PSSE

Hydric Soil Indicators: Histosol or Histel (A) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: FAC-Neutral Test (D), Saturation (A), High Water Table (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): RWM, SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PSSB Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Microtopo differences over , soil pit in microlow. Unclear mechanism for microtopo--old down trees, or decades-old disturbance related to road construction? Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) . Salix barclayi . ✓ FAC Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Herb Stratum Prevalence Index worksheet: . Chamaenerion angustifolium . ✓ FACU Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC OBL Species . × = . . Equisetum arvense . FAC FACW Species . × = . . Heracleum maximum . FACU FAC Species . × = . . Mertensia paniculata . FACU FACU Species . × = . . Athyrium cyclosorum . FAC UPL Species . × = . . Urtica dioica . FACU Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Galium triflorum . FAC Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Polemonium acutiflorum . FAC . Poa sp. . Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Geranium erianthum . FACU ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Geum macrophyllum . FAC Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Angelica genuflexa . FACW Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data Total Cover: . in Remarks or on a separate sheet) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Groundcover is moss, litter, and dead down wood. Trace unidentified forbs and Poa sp.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / . / A peat - / . / A muck - .y / . / A silt loam gravelly perched water table rushing in from inches depth - y / yr / C PL clay loam gravelly ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ ✓ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Duripan Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Possibly higher concentration of redox concentrations, difficult to tell due to water in pit. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) ✓ High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) ✓ Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Scattered pockets of surface water in microlows, but not enough to meet intent of A. D--Water perched atop clay loam.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PSSB

Hydric Soil Indicators: Alaska Gleyed without Hue Y or Redder Underlaying Layer Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Shallow Aquitard (D), Saturation (A), High Water Table (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI, RWM Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: PSSB Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Previously cleared--several large picgla stumps, abundant dead down wood. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) . Salix barclayi . ✓ FAC Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Picea glauca . FACU FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Spiraea stevenii . FACU . Betula kenaica . FACU Prevalence Index worksheet: . Empetrum nigrum . FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Vaccinium uliginosum . FAC OBL Species . × = . . Viburnum edule . FACU FACW Species . × = . Total Cover: . FAC Species . × = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACU Species . × = . Herb Stratum UPL Species . × = . . Carex leptalea . ✓ OBL Column Totals: . (A) . (B) . Rubus arcticus . ✓ FAC Prevalence Index = B/A = . . Calamagrostis canadensis . ✓ FAC . Sanguisorba canadensis . FACW Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Carex canescens . FACW ✓ Dominance Test is > % . Carex media . FACW ✓ Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Equisetum arvense . FAC Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Pyrola grandiflora . FAC in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Gymnocarpium dryopteris . FACU Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Trientalis europaea . FACU ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, . Cornus canadensis . FACU unless disturbed or problematic. . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU . Festuca rubra . FAC Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius . Geranium erianthum . FACU % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . Achillea millefolium . FACU % Bare Ground . . Viola sp. . Total Cover of Bryophytes . . Agrostis scabra . FAC Hydrophytic Total Cover: . Vegetation % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Groundcover is litter, moss and dead down wood.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / / A mucky peat - / . / A muck - yr / / A silt loam stoney Alpha alpha reactive ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder ✓ Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Other--positive rxn to alpha alpha dipyridol indicates reducing environment. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) ✓ High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) ✓ Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) ✓ Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) ✓ FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes ✓ No Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Surface water in small depressions throughout community. Water flowing into pit from atop mineral layer. C-- Positive reaction to alpha, alpha-dipyridol indicates presence of reduced iron.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: PSSB

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks), Histic Epipedon (A) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Saturation (A), Presence of Reduced Iron (C), FAC-Neutral Test (D), Surface Water (A), High Water Table (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): River or Stream Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: RUBH Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation ✓ , Soil ✓ , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No within a Wetland? Yes ✓ No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: Small stream, visible in imagery, passes west to east beneath highway through culvert. Overhanging willows almost entirely cover channel. Coarse substrate, relatively high velocity. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, Total Cover: . FACW, or FAC: (A) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total Number of Dominant Species Across Sapling/Shrub Stratum all Strata: (B) Total Cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, % of total cover: . % of total cover: . FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) Herb Stratum Total Cover: . Prevalence Index worksheet: % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Total % Cover of: Multiply by: OBL Species . × = . FACW Species . × = . FAC Species . × = . FACU Species . × = . UPL Species . × = . Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Prevalence Index = B/A = .

Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: Dominance Test is > % Prevalence Index is ≤ . Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet) ✓ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.

Plot size (radius, or length × width) xm % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . % Bare Ground . Total Cover of Bryophytes . Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes ✓ No Remarks: unvegetated active channel

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue ✓ Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: Hydric Soil Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Remarks: Active channel, assume hydric soil. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) ✓ Surface Water (A) ✓ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes ✓ No Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ✓ No (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: Small stream, continuous riffle.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: RUBH

Hydric Soil Indicators: Other (explain in remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Inundation Visible in Aerial Imagery (B), Surface Water (A) Wetland Determination Data Form - Alaska Region Project/Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Borough/City: Kenai Peninsula Borough Sampling Date: -- Applicant/Owner: DOT&PF Sampling Point: shpl Investigator(s): RWM, SLI Landform (hillside, terrace, hummocks, etc.): Foot Slope Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope: . %/ . ° Elevation: Subregion: Alaska Lat.: . Long.: -. Datum: WGS Soil Map Unit Name: n/a NWI classification: U Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ✓ No (If no, explain in Remarks) Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes ✓ No Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.) Summary of findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc. Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No ✓ Is the Sampled Area Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ within a Wetland? Yes No ✓ Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Spruce-hemlock forest in footslope landscape position. Vegetation - Use scientific names of plants. List all species in the plot. Absolute Dominant Indicator Dominance Test worksheet: Tree Stratum % Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species That are OBL, . Picea glauca . ✓ FACU FACW, or FAC: (A) . Tsuga mertensiana . FAC Total Number of Dominant Species Across Total Cover: . all Strata: (B) % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Percent of Dominant Species That are OBL, Sapling/Shrub Stratum FACW, or FAC: .% (A/B) . Salix bebbiana . ✓ FAC . Picea glauca . ✓ FACU Prevalence Index worksheet: . Vaccinium uliginosum . FAC Total % Cover of: Multiply by: . Empetrum nigrum . FAC OBL Species . × = . . Linnaea borealis . FACU FACW Species . × = . . Salix barclayi . FAC FAC Species . × = . . Betula glandulosa . FAC FACU Species . × = . . Viburnum edule . FACU UPL Species . × = . . Spiraea stevenii . FACU Column Totals: . (A) . (B) Total Cover: . Prevalence Index = B/A = . % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Herb Stratum Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators: . Cornus canadensis . ✓ FACU Dominance Test is > % . Spinulum annotinum . ✓ FACU Prevalence Index is ≤ . . Chamaenerion angustifolium . FACU Morphological Adaptations¹ (Provide supporting data . Diphasiastrum complanatum . FACU in Remarks or on a separate sheet) . Geocaulon lividum . FACU Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation¹ (Explain) . Lupinus nootkatensis . FACU ¹ Indicators or hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, . Poa sp. . unless disturbed or problematic. . Orthilia secunda . FACU . Streptopus amplexifolius . FACU Plot size (radius, or length × width) m radius . Calamagrostis canadensis . FAC % Cover of Wetland Bryophytes (Where applicable) . Castilleja unalaschcensis . FAC % Bare Ground . . Luzula parviflora . FAC Total Cover of Bryophytes . Total Cover: . Hydrophytic % of total cover: . % of total cover: . Vegetation Present? Yes No ✓ Remarks: Trace unidentified graminoids. Groundcover is feathermosses and litter.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Soil Sampling Point: shpl Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type¹ Loc² Texture Mod Remarks - / . / A fibric - / . / A sapric - .yr / / A silt loam gravelly - yr / / A silt loam ext. stoney Discontinuous Bs (Bsh?) at in, .yr./ ¹Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, A=Absent ²Location: PL=Pore Lining, RC=Root Channel, M=Matrix Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils³: Histosol or Histel (A) Alaska Color Change (TA)⁴ Alaska Gleyed Without Hue Y or Redder Histic Epipedon (A) Alaska Alpine Swales (TA) Underlying Layer Hydrogen Sulfide (A) Alaska Redox With .Y Hue Other (Explain in Remarks) Thick Dark Surface (A) Alaska Gleyed (A) ³One indicator or hydrophytic vegetation, one primary indicator of wetland hydrology, Alaska Redox (A) and an appropriate landscape position must be present unless disturbed or problematic. Alaska Gleyed Pores (A) ⁴Give details of color change in Remarks. Restrictive Layer (if present): Type: None Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Remarks: No hydric soil indicators. Spodosol, with discontinuous Bs (Bsh?) horizon. Hydrology Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators ( or more required) Primary Indicators (any one is sufficient) Water Stained Leaves (B) Surface Water (A) Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B) Drainage Patterns (B) High Water Table (A) Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B) Oxidized Rizospheres along Living Roots (C) Saturation (A) Marl Deposits (B) Presence of Reduced Iron (C) Water Marks (B) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C) Salt Deposits (C) Sediment Deposits (B) Dry-Season Water Table (C) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D) Dri Deposits (B) Other (Explain in Remarks) Geomorphic Position (D) Algal Mat or Crust (B) Shallow Aquitard (D) Iron Deposits (B) Microtopographic Relief (D) Surface Soil Cracks (B) FAC-neutral Test (D) Field Observations: Surface Water Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Water Table Present? Yes No ✓ Depth (inches): Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ✓ (includes capillary fringe) Yes No ✓ Depth (inches):

Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitor well, aerial photo, previous inspection) if available: Remarks: No wetland hydrology indicators.

US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Version . Sampling Point: shpl NWI classification: U

Hydric Soil Indicators: None Wetland Hydrology Indicators: None

Appendix B. Verification Plot Data and Photos.

ABR, Inc. B-1 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: Us Viereck code: Closed Tall Willow Species: Populusbalsamifera, Salixpulchra, Salixrichard- sonii, Equisetumarvense, Heracleummaximum, Chamaene- rion angustifolium, Geranium erianthum Notes: Transition from undisturbed wetland to roadside fill. Poplar tree visible in imagery at footslope position. Generally tan photosignature in cleared fill, with some willows and poplar rooting in upland.

Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: Us Viereck code: Midgrass-Shrub Species: Populus balsamifera, Festuca rubra, Taraxacum officinale Notes: Roadside clearing/ditch, non-wetland. Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: Us Viereck code: Species: Piceaglauca, Populusbalsamifera, Salixpulchra, Solidago multiradiata Notes: Upland road fill transitions to upland spruce for- est, no ditch or wetlands.

Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: RUBH Viereck code: Fresh Water Species: Notes: Small stream flows through culvert beneath highway. Stream flows south along hwy, heads east through culvert to connect with floodplain of small stream visible in imagery. Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: PEMB Viereck code: Subarctic Lowland Sedge Bog Meadow Species: Salix pulchra, Carex aquatilis, Eriophorum an- gustifolium Notes: Similar to wetland at shpl-.

Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: Us Viereck code: Midgrass-Herb Species: Festucarubra, Taraxacumofficinale, Achilleamille- folium, Deschampsia caespitosa, Chamaenerion angusti- folium Notes: Dry roadside clearing/ditch,adjacent to white spruce forest. Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: U Viereck code: Open White Spruce Forest Species: Picea glauca, Populus balsamifera, Chamaene- rion angustifolium, Calamagrostis canadensis, Dryopteris expansa Notes: White spruce forested upland.

Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: PSSC Viereck code: Open Low Willow Species: Salix richardsonii, Salix pulchra, Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex utriculata, Comarum palustre Notes: Wet willows along roadside, extend through clear- ing. Mixed forest upland to the east is outside of study area. Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: Us Viereck code: Species: Populus balsamifera, Alnus viridis, Rubus arcti- cus, Phleum pratense, Taraxacum officinale, Rhinanthus minor, Vahlodea atropurpurea Notes: Access road (fill) visible in imagery.

Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: Us Viereck code: Midgrass-Shrub Species: Populus balsamifera, Deschampsia caespitosa, Achillea millefolium, Festuca rubra Notes: Roadside fill, well-drained ditch with poplar root- ing in low spots. Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: RSBC Viereck code: Species: Notes: Culvert. Water from willow wetland at shpl- flows along ditch and under hwy at this point.

Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: PSSB Viereck code: Species: Notes: Culvert connecting wet willows upslope (west) of highway to ditch/willow complex downslope (east) of high- way. Surface water flowing through culvert, but no bed/bank morphology so not mapped as riverine (RSBC). Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: PEME Viereck code: Wet Forb Meadow Species: Equisetum fluviatile, Carex kelloggii, Juncus en- sifolius, Carex saxatilis, Agrostis scabra, Juncus filiformis, Piperia dilatata, Spiranthes romanzoffiana Notes: Wetland ditch, extends along highway. Sampling in high Equisetum fluviatile, dominant species switch to graminoids (Carex kelloggii and C. saxatilis, PEME) south of this point. PEME section of ditch is too small to map, will be inclusion in larger PSSB wetland.

Sampling Point: shpl Site: Seward Highway Passing Lanes Date: -- NWI classification: U Viereck code: Closed Tall Alder Species: Alnus viridis Notes: Steep (over deg) alder hillside in study area on either side of highway.

Appendix C. Species observed in the Seward Highway Passing Lanes Project study area, Alaska, 2016. Nomenclature and indicator status per Lichvar et al. (2016), Alaska Region. Scientific Name Common Name Indicator Status

Achillea millefolium Common Yarrow FACU Aconitum delphiniifolium Larkspur-Leaf Monkshood FAC Actaea rubra Red Baneberry FAC Agrostis scabra Rough Bent FAC Alnus viridis Sitka Alder FAC Anemone sp. N/A Angelica genuflexa Kneeling Angelica FACW Antennaria sp. N/A Athyrium cyclosorum Western Lady Fern FAC Betula glandulosa Resin Birch FAC Betula kenaica Kenai Birch FACU Calamagrostis canadensis Bluejoint FAC Carex aquatilis Leafy Tussock Sedge OBL Carex canescens Hoary Sedge FACW Carex disperma Soft-Leaf Sedge FACW Carex kelloggii Kellogg's Sedge OBL Carex leptalea Bristly-Stalk Sedge OBL Carex loliacea Rye-Grass Sedge OBL Carex media Montana Sedge FACW Cardamine nymanii Cuckoo Flower FACW Carex saxatilis Russet Sedge FACW Carex utriculata Northwest Territory Sedge OBL Castilleja unalaschcensis Alaska Indian-Paintbrush FAC Climacium dendroides Tree Climacium Moss N/A Cornus canadensis Canadian Bunchberry FACU Corydalis semipervirens Rock Harlequin UPL Dactylis glomerata Orchard Grass FACU Danthonia intermedia Timber Wild Oat Grass FAC Dasiphora fruticosa Golden-Hardhack FAC Deschampsia caespitosa Tufted Hair Grass FAC Dryopteris expansa Spreading Wood Fern FACU Empetrum nigrum Black Crowberry FAC Chamaenerion angustifolium Narrow-Leaf Fireweed FACU Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail FAC Equisetum fluviatile Water Horsetail OBL Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail FACW Equisetum pratense Meadow Horsetail FACW Equisetum sylvaticum Woodland Horsetail FAC Eriophorum angustifolium Tall Cotton-Grass OBL

ABR, Inc. C-1 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

Appendix C. Continued. Scientific Name Common Name Indicator Status

Festuca rubra Red Fescue FAC Festuca sp. N/A Galium triflorum Fragrant Bedstraw FAC Geocaulon lividum False Toadflax FACU Geranium erianthum Woolly Crane's-Bill FACU Geum macrophyllum Large-Leaf Avens FAC Glyceria sp. N/A Gymnocarpium dryopteris Northern Oak Fern FACU Heracleum maximum American Cow-Parsnip FACU Juncus arcticus Arctic Rush OBL Juncus ensifolius Dagger-Leaf Rush FACW Juncus filiformis Thread Rush FACW Linnaea borealis American Twinflower FACU Lupinus nootkatensis Nootka Lupine FACU Luzula parviflora Small-Flower Wood-Rush FAC Spinulum annotinum Interrupted Club-Moss FACU Diphasiastrum complanatum Trailing Creeping-Cedar FACU Menziesia ferruginea Fool's-Huckleberry FACU Mertensia paniculata Tall Bluebells FACU Monotropa uniflora One-Flower Indian-Pipe UPL Nephroma arcticum Arctic Kidney Lichen N/A Oplopanax horridus Devil's-Club FACU Vaccinium oxycoccos Small Cranberry OBL Parnassia palustris Marsh Grass-of-Parnassus FACW Peltigera sp. N/A Phleum pratense Common Timothy FACU Picea glauca White Spruce FACU Piperia dilatata Scentbottle FACW Pleurozium schreberi Schreber's Big Red Stem Moss N/A Poa sp. N/A Polemonium acutiflorum Tall Jacob's-Ladder FAC Populus balsamifera Balsam Poplar FACU Comarum palustre Purple Marshlocks OBL Ptilium Crista-castrensis Knight's Plume Moss N/A Pyrola asarifolia Pink Wintergreen FACU Pyrola grandiflora Arctic Wintergreen FAC Orthilia secunda Sidebells FACU Rhinanthus minor Little Yellow-Rattle FACU Ribes triste Swamp Red Currant FAC Rosa acicularis Prickly Rose FACU

ABR, Inc. C-2 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

Appendix C. Continued. Scientific Name Common Name Indicator Status

Rubus arcticus Northern Blackberry FAC Rubus idaeus Common Red Raspberry FACU Rubus pedatus Strawberry-Leaf Raspberry FAC Salix alaxensis Felt-Leaf Willow FAC Salix barclayi Barclay's Willow FAC Salix bebbiana Gray Willow FAC Salix pulchra Diamond-Leaf Willow FACW Salix richardsonii Richardson's Willow FACW Salix sitchensis Sitka Willow FAC Sambucus racemosa Red Elder FACU Sanguisorba canadensis Canadian Burnet FACW Micranthes nelsoniana Heart-Leaf Pseudosaxifrage FAC Solidago multiradiata Rocky Mountain Goldenrod FACU Spiranthes romanzoffiana Hooded Ladies'-Tresses OBL Spiraea stevenii Steven's Meadowsweet FACU Streptopus amplexifolius Clasping Twistedstalk FACU Swertia perennis Felwort FACW Taraxacum officinale Common Dandelion FACU Thalictrum sparsiflorum Few-Flower Meadow-Rue FACU Trichophorum alpinum Alpine Leafless-Bulrush OBL Trientalis europaea Arctic Starflower FACU Tsuga mertensiana Mountain Hemlock FAC Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle FACU Vaccinium ovalifolium Oval-Leaf Blueberry FAC Vaccinium uliginosum Alpine Blueberry FAC Vahlodea atropurpurea Arctic-Hair Grass FACW Veratrum viride American False Hellebore FAC Viburnum edule Squashberry FACU Viola sp. N/A

ABR, Inc. C-3 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands

Appendix D. Wetland Functional Assessment Forms.

ABR, Inc. D-1 Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Rivers and Streams NWI Code(s): R2UBH, R3UBH, R4SBC HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-01, SHPL-04, SHPL-13, SHPL-15, SHPL-19, SHPL-25, SHPL-28, SHPL-32

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

A. Flood Flow Regulation (Storage) Function not assessed (N/A) for this functional class, which comprises riverine waters Assessing the ability of wetlands to store runoff or delay downslope movement of surface water. Riverine and estuarine waters below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM). below the OHWM do not perform this function (N/A). Wetlands that do not at least seasonally flood do not perform this function (N/A). Surface water storage by wetlands in permafrost regions can be significant, while the conventional view that subsurface storage is an effective modulator of stormflow is a misconception in permafrost regions (Woo 2012).

1. Dense vegetation or tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if N/A Tussocks, low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems, and polygonal features in continuous permafrost zones provide surface assessing waters). roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity. 2. Wetland or water is a depressional HGM class or has depressional features N/A HGM depressions occur in topographic depressions with closed contours, and flow vectors are from surrounding areas toward the capable of storage. center of the depression, allowing the accumulation of surface water. Ice-rich, raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones act as micro-depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012, Woo 2012).

3. Wetland or water shows signs of storage (i.e. fluctuating water levels, algal N/A Visible signs of storage indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, retained additional water. mats, and/or lodged debris). 4. Floodwaters enter and flow through wetland predominantly as sheet flow N/A Floodwater entering as sheet flow, rather than channelized flow, is more likely to interact with surface roughness features. rather than channel flow. 5. Waterbody is lake (>20 acres) (N/A if assessing wetlands). N/A Lakes (>20 acres) have substantial storage capacities, and have been documented to modulate the snowmelt-dominated streamflow regime of the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arp et al. 2012, Woo 2012). Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

B. Sediment, Nutrient (N and P), Toxicant Removal Many Alaskan soils have a relatively shallow active layer of unfrozen soil during the growing season. A shallow active layer and/or cold temperatures limit the ability of many Alaskan wetlands to perform denitrification, thus this function focuses on the removal of inorganic sediments and adsorbed toxicants and nutrients through settlement. Sediment retention is used as a proxy for toxicant removal as many toxicants adsorb to sediments, and sediment retention is relatively easy to assess.

1. Slow-moving or still water is present. 0 Rivers and Streams within the study area are relatively high velocity, without pools or Slow or still-moving water allows sediments and adsorbed toxicants to settle out of the water column, as opposed to swift-moving slow moving water for settlement. water that suspends sediments/toxicants. 2. Dense tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if assessing N/A Tussocks and low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems provide surface roughness, which slows water velocity and allows sediments waters). and adsorbed nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. Raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones provide surface roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity, and also act as micro- depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012).

3. At least moderate interspersion of vegetation and water is present. Surface N/A Rooted vegetation takes up nutrients directly from the soil, which may encourage nutrients to move from water to soil to maintain water patches should account for >10% areal coverage (N/A if assessing equilibrium. waters). 4. Sediment deposits are present, providing evidence of deposition during 0 No signs of sediment deposition were observed in Rivers and Streams within the study Visible signs of sedimentation indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, allowed sediments and presumably adsorbed natural flood events. area. nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. 5. Thick surface organic horizon and/or abundant fine organic litter is present N/A Organic soils are effective at retaining heavy metals, some of which can be bound into long-term complexes with peat, particularly (N/A if assessing waters). in cool climates. 6. Sediment, nutrients, or toxicants (from agriculture, roadways, or 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and is a likely source of Sediments, nutrients, or toxicants entering a system document the opportunity for a particular wetland to perform this function. development) appear to be or are likely to be entering the wetland. sediments and toxicants.

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 1/3 = 0.33

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Rivers and Streams NWI Code(s): R2UBH, R3UBH, R4SBC HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-01, SHPL-04, SHPL-13, SHPL-15, SHPL-19, SHPL-25, SHPL-28, SHPL-32

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

C. Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization Function not assessed (N/A) for this functional class, which comprises riverine waters Assesses the ability of a wetland to stabilize banks through anchoring soils and dissipating erosive forces. This function is typically that cannot perform erosion control or shoreline stabilization. only performed by wetlands directly abutting a relatively permanent channelized water. Neither waters nor wetlands that do not abut relatively permanent channelized waters perform this function (N/A). Depending on the mapping and classification some individual wetlands that do not actually directly abut a relatively permanent water (rivers and streams) may be included in this assessment.

1. Wetland has dense, energy absorbing vegetation bordering the watercourse N/A Plants bind soils with their root systems, and slow incoming waves or currents through increased surface roughness. and no evidence of erosion. 2. Soils are not predominantly sandy or silty, and are not ice rich. N/A Sandy and silty soils (Dunne and Leopold 1978) and ice rich permafrost are more susceptible to erosion. 3. Historical aerial photography (if available) indicates stable shoreline N/A Visible evidence of stable shorelines indicates a lack of historical erosion, which may be due any one or a combination of factors features. including bank erodability, erosive force, or protection afforded by adjacent wetlands. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

D. Organic Matter Production and Export Organic matter production and export assesses primary production and subsequent flushing of organic material to downstream waters. Wetlands that are not flooded at least every 10 years do not perform this function as flooding is the transport mechanism for moving organics to downstream waters. If no flooding occurs, production may be high but no carbon is exported.

1. Wetland has at least 30%, or water has at least 10%, cover herbaceous 0 Little to no vegetation rooted in Rivers and Streams within the study area. Overhanging As summarized by Adamus et al. (1991) herbaceous vegetation is generally more productive than aquatic bed, scrub-shrub, or vegetation. Woody plants are predominantly deciduous. vegetation is assessed for the functional classes in which it is rooted. forested wetland vegetation. Higher productivity generates more carbon available for export. Deciduous woody species produce higher quality litter than evergreen woody species, which have recalcitrant litter with high concentrations of lignin and phenolic compounds (Wardle 2002). 2. At least 10% of wetland is seasonally flooded (N/A for waters). N/A Surface water controls many differences between wetland types, including decomposition (Bayley and Mewhort 2004). Increased surface water promotes increased decomposition, which may facilitate carbon export (Adamus 2013).

3. Surface water outflow occurs regularly throughout the growing season. 1 The majority of Rivers and Streams within the study area are perennial. A longer duration of surface water outflow provides more opportunity for organic matter export. While the vast majority of Arctic Coastal Plain wetlands flood during spring breakup, fewer have surface water outflow later in the growing season, when small beaded streams can stop flowing and waterbodies become disconnected. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 1/2 = 0.50

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Rivers and Streams NWI Code(s): R2UBH, R3UBH, R4SBC HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-01, SHPL-04, SHPL-13, SHPL-15, SHPL-19, SHPL-25, SHPL-28, SHPL-32

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

E. TES Support Neither a State of Alaska Special Status Species (Short-tailed Albatross, Eskimo Assesses the ability of a wetland or water to support Threatened or Endangered Species (TES) per the Endangered Species Act Curlew, Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, or Right Whale) nor a federally listed (ESA) and species or subspecies of fish or wildlife in Alaska per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as defined by Threatened or Endangered Species is known to occur in this region of the state. Alaska Statute 16.20.190.

1. Wetland or water contains documented occurrence of a state or federally N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by TES for at least some aspect of life history, even if the community isn't a preferred or listed threatened or endangered species. designated critical habitat. 2. Wetland or water contains documented critical habitat, designated by the N/A NOAA Fisheries and USFWS, the two federal agencies responsible for adminstering the ESA, are required to designate critical U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the National Oceanic and habitat for listed species. Critical habitat is specific geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of an Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA endangered or threatened species, including areas not currently occupied but necessary for recovery. Fisheries). 3. Wetland or water is a known preferred habitat for state or federally listed N/A If specific work on habitat preference in the study area is not available, a literature review will be necessary to identify habitat threatened or endangered species. preferences. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

F. General Avian and Mammal Habitat Suitability Assesses whether the wetland or water supports a high diversity of birds and mammals. Characteristics of the wetland or water, landscape setting, and documented species diversity are considered. 1. Wetland or water is undisturbed by human habitation or development. 0 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1). Anthropogenic disturbance tends to reduce the diversity of birds and mammals using an area.

2. Interspersion of vegetation and water is at least moderate (surface water 0 Little to no vegetation rooted in Rivers and Streams within the study area. Overhanging A greater variety of vegetation and cover types is present in communities with high vegetation-water interspersion. Communities patches accounting for 5–10% areal cover, or continuous cover of surface vegetation is assessed for the functional classes in which it is rooted. with high vegetation water interspersion may support species adapted to open water, edge environments, and well-vegetated water with a well-developed emergent component). components of the community.

3. Wetland has at least 10% cover of trees, low shrubs, or tall shrubs (N/A for N/A Disproportionately high habitat use, in relation to habitat availability, may indicate habitat preference. Habitat availability must be waters). assessed at a larger, regional scale rather than the project mapping which is limited to construction boundaries

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 0/2 = 0

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Rivers and Streams NWI Code(s): R2UBH, R3UBH, R4SBC HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-01, SHPL-04, SHPL-13, SHPL-15, SHPL-19, SHPL-25, SHPL-28, SHPL-32

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

G. General Fish Habitat Suitability Applicable to all waters, and wetlands with perennial or intermittent surface water connection to a fish bearing water. Sheet flow during spring snowmelt on the Arctic Coastal Plain is not considered a sufficiently reliable connection to fish-bearing waters for this function to be applicable. 1. Water has sufficient size and depth of open water so as not to freeze 0 Relatively small and shallow Rivers and Streams within the study area likely freeze fast Assessing whether the wetland or water provides overwintering habitat. completely during winter (N/A for wetlands). during winter. 2. Fish are present. 1 Summit Creek is included in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Anadromous A documented occurrence confirms use by fish for at least some aspect of life history. Waters Catalog: AWC Code 244-30-10010-2177-3063. 3. Herbaceous and/or woody vegetation is present in wetland and/or buffer to 1 Overhanging vegetation is present for most Rivers and Streams within the study area. Overhanging vegetation provides refuge from predators, shade to maintain water temperatures, and detrital matter contributions to provide cover, shade, and/or detrital matter. the food web. 4. Suitable spawning areas are present. 1 Coarse substrates (gravels) are the substrate of many Rivers and Streams within the Assesses the presence of suitable spawning habitat, including aquatic vegetation, deep lakes, mixed gravels. study area. 5. Juvenile rest areas present. 1 Many study area Rivers and Streams have well-developed floodplains, and so connect Assesses the presence of suitable juvenile rest areas, including flooded wetlands, and pools with organic debris or overhanging to flooded wetlands and large pools. Overhanging vegetation present for many study vegetation. area Rivers and Streams. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 4/6 = 0.80

H. Educational, Scientific, Recreational, or Subsistence Use Consumptive (e.g. hunting, fishing, food gathering) and non-consumptive uses, as well as educational and scientific use are assessed. 1. Site has documented scientific or educational use. 0 Scientific use assess the wetland has been used in scientific studies (peer-reviewed or grey literature), excluding studies necessitated by NEPA or project-permitting. Educational assesses the educational value of the wetland to the community (e.g. contains interpretive signs, is historically used for ecology or species identification classes, is a known long term research site with established permanent sample plots, etc.). 2. Wetland or water is in public ownership. 1 The study area is limited to the right-or-way surrounding the Seward Highway, and so is Wetlands or waters in public ownership are more accessible to a variety of people. considered in public ownership. 3. Accessible trails are available. 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and a trailhead at MP 48 Visible or established trails demonstrate that the wetland or water is accessible, and may be used for recreational or subsistence provides year-round access to the public cabin at Manitoba. purposes. 4. Wetland or water supports subsistence activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, berry 0 Due to proximity of highway, and subsequent traffic and debris, subsistence activities in Observed or documented consumptive use confirms that a community is used for subsistence purposes. picking). the study area are considered unlikely. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/4 = 0.50

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1C HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-02, SHPL-10, SHPL-18, SHPL-20

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

A. Flood Flow Regulation (Storage) Assessing the ability of wetlands to store runoff or delay downslope movement of surface water. Riverine and estuarine waters below the OHWM do not perform this function (N/A). Wetlands that do not at least seasonally flood do not perform this function (N/A). Surface water storage by wetlands in permafrost regions can be significant, while the conventional view that subsurface storage is an effective modulator of stormflow is a misconception in permafrost regions (Woo 2012).

1. Dense vegetation or tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if 1 Low to tall willow shrubs are the vegetation type in this functional class. Tussocks, low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems, and polygonal features in continuous permafrost zones provide surface assessing waters). roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity. 2. Wetland or water is a depressional HGM class or has depressional features 1 While this is a riverine HGM class, field observations included small pockets of HGM depressions occur in topographic depressions with closed contours, and flow vectors are from surrounding areas toward the capable of storage. standing water in micro-depressions. center of the depression, allowing the accumulation of surface water. Ice-rich, raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones act as micro-depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012, Woo 2012).

3. Wetland or water shows signs of storage (i.e. fluctuating water levels, algal 0 No visible signs of storage observed in the field. Visible signs of storage indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, retained additional water. mats, and/or lodged debris). 4. Floodwaters enter and flow through wetland predominantly as sheet flow 0 Field observations include numerous small channels throughout the community. Floodwater entering as sheet flow, rather than channelized flow, is more likely to interact with surface roughness features. rather than channel flow. 5. Waterbody is lake (>20 acres) (N/A if assessing wetlands). N/A Lakes (>20 acres) have substantial storage capacities, and have been documented to modulate the snowmelt-dominated streamflow regime of the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arp et al. 2012, Woo 2012). Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/4 = 0.50

B. Sediment, Nutrient (N and P), Toxicant Removal Many Alaskan soils have a relatively shallow active layer of unfrozen soil during the growing season. A shallow active layer and/or cold temperatures limit the ability of many Alaskan wetlands to perform denitrification, thus this function focuses on the removal of inorganic sediments and adsorbed toxicants and nutrients through settlement. Sediment retention is used as a proxy for toxicant removal as many toxicants adsorb to sediments, and sediment retention is relatively easy to assess.

1. Slow-moving or still water is present. 1 Field observations include small pockets of standing water in micro-depressions, and Slow or still-moving water allows sediments and adsorbed toxicants to settle out of the water column, as opposed to swift-moving numerous small channels throughout the community. water that suspends sediments/toxicants. 2. Dense tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if assessing 1 Lot to tall willow shrubs are the vegetation type in this functional class. Tussocks and low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems provide surface roughness, which slows water velocity and allows sediments waters). and adsorbed nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. Raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones provide surface roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity, and also act as micro- depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012).

3. At least moderate interspersion of vegetation and water is present. Surface 1 Field observations include small pockets of standing water in micro-depressions, and Rooted vegetation takes up nutrients directly from the soil, which may encourage nutrients to move from water to soil to maintain water patches should account for >10% areal coverage (N/A if assessing numerous small channels throughout the community. equilibrium. waters). 4. Sediment deposits are present, providing evidence of deposition during 0 No field observations of sedimentation. Visible signs of sedimentation indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, allowed sediments and presumably adsorbed natural flood events. nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. 5. Thick surface organic horizon and/or abundant fine organic litter is present 0 Relatively thin surface organics documented in field. Organic soils are effective at retaining heavy metals, some of which can be bound into long-term complexes with peat, particularly (N/A if assessing waters). in cool climates. 6. Sediment, nutrients, or toxicants (from agriculture, roadways, or 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and is a likely source of Sediments, nutrients, or toxicants entering a system document the opportunity for a particular wetland to perform this function. development) appear to be or are likely to be entering the wetland. sediments and toxicants.

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 4/6 = 0.67

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1C HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-02, SHPL-10, SHPL-18, SHPL-20

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

C. Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization Assesses the ability of a wetland to stabilize banks through anchoring soils and dissipating erosive forces. This function is typically only performed by wetlands directly abutting a relatively permanent channelized water. Neither waters nor wetlands that do not abut relatively permanent channelized waters perform this function (N/A). Depending on the mapping and classification some individual wetlands that do not actually directly abut a relatively permanent water (rivers and streams) may be included in this assessment.

1. Wetland has dense, energy absorbing vegetation bordering the watercourse 1 Dense willow shrubs surround channels, no evidence of erosion in field or in aerial Plants bind soils with their root systems, and slow incoming waves or currents through increased surface roughness. and no evidence of erosion. imagery. 2. Soils are not predominantly sandy or silty, and are not ice rich. 0 Sandy and silty soils (Dunne and Leopold 1978) and ice rich permafrost are more susceptible to erosion. 3. Historical aerial photography (if available) indicates stable shoreline N/A Visible evidence of stable shorelines indicates a lack of historical erosion, which may be due any one or a combination of factors features. including bank erodability, erosive force, or protection afforded by adjacent wetlands. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score (1/2) = 0.50

D. Organic Matter Production and Export Organic matter production and export assesses primary production and subsequent flushing of organic material to downstream waters. Wetlands that are not flooded at least every 10 years do not perform this function as flooding is the transport mechanism for moving organics to downstream waters. If no flooding occurs, production may be high but no carbon is exported.

1. Wetland has at least 30%, or water has at least 10%, cover herbaceous 1 Dense low to tall willow shrubs are the vegetation type in this functional class. As summarized by Adamus et al. (1991) herbaceous vegetation is generally more productive than aquatic bed, scrub-shrub, or vegetation. Woody plants are predominantly deciduous. forested wetland vegetation. Higher productivity generates more carbon available for export. Deciduous woody species produce higher quality litter than evergreen woody species, which have recalcitrant litter with high concentrations of lignin and phenolic compounds (Wardle 2002). 2. At least 10% of wetland is seasonally flooded (N/A for waters). 1 This is a seasonally flooding, riverine wetland functional class. Surface water controls many differences between wetland types, including decomposition (Bayley and Mewhort 2004). Increased surface water promotes increased decomposition, which may facilitate carbon export (Adamus 2013).

3. Surface water outflow occurs regularly throughout the growing season. 1 Rivers and Streams abutting this wetland functional class are mostly perennial. A longer duration of surface water outflow provides more opportunity for organic matter export. While the vast majority of Arctic Coastal Plain wetlands flood during spring breakup, fewer have surface water outflow later in the growing season, when small beaded streams can stop flowing and waterbodies become disconnected. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 3/3 = 1

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1C HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-02, SHPL-10, SHPL-18, SHPL-20

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

E. TES Support Neither a State of Alaska Special Status Species (Short-tailed Albatross, Eskimo Assesses the ability of a wetland or water to support Threatened or Endangered Species (TES) per the Endangered Species Act Curlew, Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, or Right Whale) nor a federally listed (ESA) and species or subspecies of fish or wildlife in Alaska per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as defined by Threatened or Endangered Species is known to occur in this region of the state. Alaska Statute 16.20.190.

1. Wetland or water contains documented occurrence of a state or federally N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by TES for at least some aspect of life history, even if the community isn't a preferred or listed threatened or endangered species. designated critical habitat. 2. Wetland or water contains documented critical habitat, designated by the N/A NOAA Fisheries and USFWS, the two federal agencies responsible for adminstering the ESA, are required to designate critical U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the National Oceanic and habitat for listed species. Critical habitat is specific geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of an Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA endangered or threatened species, including areas not currently occupied but necessary for recovery. Fisheries). 3. Wetland or water is a known preferred habitat for state or federally listed N/A If specific work on habitat preference in the study area is not available, a literature review will be necessary to identify habitat threatened or endangered species. preferences. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

F. General Avian and Mammal Habitat Suitability Assesses whether the wetland or water supports a high diversity of birds and mammals. Characteristics of the wetland or water, landscape setting, and documented species diversity are considered. 1. Wetland or water is undisturbed by human habitation or development. 0 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1). Anthropogenic disturbance tends to reduce the diversity of birds and mammals using an area.

2. Interspersion of vegetation and water is at least moderate (surface water 1 Field observations include small pockets of standing water in micro-depressions, and A greater variety of vegetation and cover types is present in communities with high vegetation-water interspersion. Communities patches accounting for 5–10% areal cover, or continuous cover of surface numerous small channels throughout the community. with high vegetation water interspersion may support species adapted to open water, edge environments, and well-vegetated water with a well-developed emergent component). components of the community.

3. Wetland has at least 10% cover of trees, low shrubs, or tall shrubs (N/A for 1 Dense shrubs, few to no trees, and relatively sparse herbaceous strata. Disproportionately high habitat use, in relation to habitat availability, may indicate habitat preference. Habitat availability must be waters). assessed at a larger, regional scale rather than the project mapping which is limited to construction boundaries

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/3 = 0.67

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Riverine Seasonally Flooded Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1C HGM: Riverine Data: SHPL-02, SHPL-10, SHPL-18, SHPL-20

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

G. General Fish Habitat Suitability Applicable to all waters, and wetlands with perennial or intermittent surface water connection to a fish bearing water. Sheet flow during spring snowmelt on the Arctic Coastal Plain is not considered a sufficiently reliable connection to fish-bearing waters for this function to be applicable. 1. Water has sufficient size and depth of open water so as not to freeze N/A Assessing whether the wetland or water provides overwintering habitat. completely during winter (N/A for wetlands). 2. Fish are present. 1 Summit Creek, which this functinal class abuts, is included in the Alaska Department of A documented occurrence confirms use by fish for at least some aspect of life history. Fish and Game Anadromous Waters Catalog: AWC Code 244-30-10010-2177-3063. Numerous small channels throughout riverine wetlands likely contain fish.

3. Herbaceous and/or woody vegetation is present in wetland and/or buffer to 1 Dense willow shrubs throughout this wetland functional class. Overhanging vegetation provides refuge from predators, shade to maintain water temperatures, and detrital matter contributions to provide cover, shade, and/or detrital matter. the food web. 4. Suitable spawning areas are present. 0 Assesses the presence of suitable spawning habitat, including aquatic vegetation, deep lakes, mixed gravels. 5. Juvenile rest areas present. 1 This is a seasonally flooding, riverine wetland functional class with dense overhanging Assesses the presence of suitable juvenile rest areas, including flooded wetlands, and pools with organic debris or overhanging vegetation. vegetation. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 3/4 = 0.75

H. Educational, Scientific, Recreational, or Subsistence Use Consumptive (e.g. hunting, fishing, food gathering) and non-consumptive uses, as well as educational and scientific use are assessed. 1. Site has documented scientific or educational use. 0 Scientific use assess the wetland has been used in scientific studies (peer-reviewed or grey literature), excluding studies necessitated by NEPA or project-permitting. Educational assesses the educational value of the wetland to the community (e.g. contains interpretive signs, is historically used for ecology or species identification classes, is a known long term research site with established permanent sample plots, etc.). 2. Wetland or water is in public ownership. 1 The study area is limited to the right-or-way surrounding the Seward Highway, and so is Wetlands or waters in public ownership are more accessible to a variety of people. considered in public ownership. 3. Accessible trails are available. 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and a trailhead at MP 48 Visible or established trails demonstrate that the wetland or water is accessible, and may be used for recreational or subsistence provides year-round access to the public cabin at Manitoba. purposes. 4. Wetland or water supports subsistence activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, berry 0 Due to proximity of highway, and subsequent traffic and debris, subsistence activities in Observed or documented consumptive use confirms that a community is used for subsistence purposes. picking). the study area are considered unlikely. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/4 = 0.50

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1B, PSS1E HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-26, SHPL-27, SHPL-29, SHPL-30, SHPL-31

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

A. Flood Flow Regulation (Storage) Assessing the ability of wetlands to store runoff or delay downslope movement of surface water. Riverine and estuarine waters below the OHWM do not perform this function (N/A). Wetlands that do not at least seasonally flood do not perform this function (N/A). Surface water storage by wetlands in permafrost regions can be significant, while the conventional view that subsurface storage is an effective modulator of stormflow is a misconception in permafrost regions (Woo 2012).

1. Dense vegetation or tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if 1 Low to tall willow shrubs are the vegetation type in this functional class. Tussocks, low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems, and polygonal features in continuous permafrost zones provide surface assessing waters). roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity. 2. Wetland or water is a depressional HGM class or has depressional features 1 While this is a slope HGM class, field observations included small pockets of standing HGM depressions occur in topographic depressions with closed contours, and flow vectors are from surrounding areas toward the capable of storage. water in micro-depressions. center of the depression, allowing the accumulation of surface water. Ice-rich, raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones act as micro-depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012, Woo 2012).

3. Wetland or water shows signs of storage (i.e. fluctuating water levels, algal 0 No visible signs of flooding observed in the field. Visible signs of storage indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, retained additional water. mats, and/or lodged debris). 4. Floodwaters enter and flow through wetland predominantly as sheet flow 1 No obvious channelized surface water inputs. Floodwater entering as sheet flow, rather than channelized flow, is more likely to interact with surface roughness features. rather than channel flow. 5. Waterbody is lake (>20 acres) (N/A if assessing wetlands). N/A Lakes (>20 acres) have substantial storage capacities, and have been documented to modulate the snowmelt-dominated streamflow regime of the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arp et al. 2012, Woo 2012). Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 3/4 = 0.75

B. Sediment, Nutrient (N and P), Toxicant Removal Many Alaskan soils have a relatively shallow active layer of unfrozen soil during the growing season. A shallow active layer and/or cold temperatures limit the ability of many Alaskan wetlands to perform denitrification, thus this function focuses on the removal of inorganic sediments and adsorbed toxicants and nutrients through settlement. Sediment retention is used as a proxy for toxicant removal as many toxicants adsorb to sediments, and sediment retention is relatively easy to assess.

1. Slow-moving or still water is present. 1 Field observations include small pockets of standing water in micro-depressions. Slow or still-moving water allows sediments and adsorbed toxicants to settle out of the water column, as opposed to swift-moving water that suspends sediments/toxicants. 2. Dense tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if assessing 1 Lot to tall willow shrubs are the vegetation type in this functional class. Tussocks and low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems provide surface roughness, which slows water velocity and allows sediments waters). and adsorbed nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. Raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones provide surface roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity, and also act as micro- depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012).

3. At least moderate interspersion of vegetation and water is present. Surface 1 Field observations include small pockets of standing water in micro-depressions, and Rooted vegetation takes up nutrients directly from the soil, which may encourage nutrients to move from water to soil to maintain water patches should account for >10% areal coverage (N/A if assessing numerous small channels throughout the community. equilibrium. waters). 4. Sediment deposits are present, providing evidence of deposition during 0 No field observations of sedimentation. Visible signs of sedimentation indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, allowed sediments and presumably adsorbed natural flood events. nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. 5. Thick surface organic horizon and/or abundant fine organic litter is present 1 Relatively thick surface organics documented in field. Organic soils are effective at retaining heavy metals, some of which can be bound into long-term complexes with peat, particularly (N/A if assessing waters). in cool climates. 6. Sediment, nutrients, or toxicants (from agriculture, roadways, or 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and is a likely source of Sediments, nutrients, or toxicants entering a system document the opportunity for a particular wetland to perform this function. development) appear to be or are likely to be entering the wetland. sediments and toxicants.

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 5/6 = 0.83

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1B, PSS1E HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-26, SHPL-27, SHPL-29, SHPL-30, SHPL-31

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

C. Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization This function is not applicable to this wetland functional class, because this wetland Assesses the ability of a wetland to stabilize banks through anchoring soils and dissipating erosive forces. This function is typically functional class does not directly abut a relatively permanent channelized water. only performed by wetlands directly abutting a relatively permanent channelized water. Neither waters nor wetlands that do not abut relatively permanent channelized waters perform this function (N/A). Depending on the mapping and classification some individual wetlands that do not actually directly abut a relatively permanent water (rivers and streams) may be included in this assessment.

1. Wetland has dense, energy absorbing vegetation bordering the watercourse N/A Plants bind soils with their root systems, and slow incoming waves or currents through increased surface roughness. and no evidence of erosion. 2. Soils are not predominantly sandy or silty, and are not ice rich. N/A Sandy and silty soils (Dunne and Leopold 1978) and ice rich permafrost are more susceptible to erosion. 3. Historical aerial photography (if available) indicates stable shoreline N/A Visible evidence of stable shorelines indicates a lack of historical erosion, which may be due any one or a combination of factors features. including bank erodability, erosive force, or protection afforded by adjacent wetlands. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

D. Organic Matter Production and Export Organic matter production and export assesses primary production and subsequent flushing of organic material to downstream waters. Wetlands that are not flooded at least every 10 years do not perform this function as flooding is the transport mechanism for moving organics to downstream waters. If no flooding occurs, production may be high but no carbon is exported.

1. Wetland has at least 30%, or water has at least 10%, cover herbaceous 1 Field data shows over 30% herbaceous vegetation, with dense deciduous willow shrubs. As summarized by Adamus et al. (1991) herbaceous vegetation is generally more productive than aquatic bed, scrub-shrub, or vegetation. Woody plants are predominantly deciduous. forested wetland vegetation. Higher productivity generates more carbon available for export. Deciduous woody species produce higher quality litter than evergreen woody species, which have recalcitrant litter with high concentrations of lignin and phenolic compounds (Wardle 2002). 2. At least 10% of wetland is seasonally flooded (N/A for waters). 1 Field data show pockets of standing water throughout this wetland functional class. Surface water controls many differences between wetland types, including decomposition (Bayley and Mewhort 2004). Increased surface water promotes increased decomposition, which may facilitate carbon export (Adamus 2013).

3. Surface water outflow occurs regularly throughout the growing season. 1 Water observed flowing down ditches and through culverts suggest that outflow occurs A longer duration of surface water outflow provides more opportunity for organic matter export. While the vast majority of Arctic regularly. Coastal Plain wetlands flood during spring breakup, fewer have surface water outflow later in the growing season, when small beaded streams can stop flowing and waterbodies become disconnected. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 3/3 = 1

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1B, PSS1E HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-26, SHPL-27, SHPL-29, SHPL-30, SHPL-31

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

E. TES Support Neither a State of Alaska Special Status Species (Short-tailed Albatross, Eskimo Assesses the ability of a wetland or water to support Threatened or Endangered Species (TES) per the Endangered Species Act Curlew, Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, or Right Whale) nor a federally listed (ESA) and species or subspecies of fish or wildlife in Alaska per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as defined by Threatened or Endangered Species is known to occur in this region of the state. Alaska Statute 16.20.190.

1. Wetland or water contains documented occurrence of a state or federally N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by TES for at least some aspect of life history, even if the community isn't a preferred or listed threatened or endangered species. designated critical habitat. 2. Wetland or water contains documented critical habitat, designated by the N/A NOAA Fisheries and USFWS, the two federal agencies responsible for adminstering the ESA, are required to designate critical U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the National Oceanic and habitat for listed species. Critical habitat is specific geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of an Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA endangered or threatened species, including areas not currently occupied but necessary for recovery. Fisheries). 3. Wetland or water is a known preferred habitat for state or federally listed N/A If specific work on habitat preference in the study area is not available, a literature review will be necessary to identify habitat threatened or endangered species. preferences. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

F. General Avian and Mammal Habitat Suitability Assesses whether the wetland or water supports a high diversity of birds and mammals. Characteristics of the wetland or water, landscape setting, and documented species diversity are considered. 1. Wetland or water is undisturbed by human habitation or development. 0 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1). Anthropogenic disturbance tends to reduce the diversity of birds and mammals using an area.

2. Interspersion of vegetation and water is at least moderate (surface water 1 Scattered pockets of surface water observed in the field. A greater variety of vegetation and cover types is present in communities with high vegetation-water interspersion. Communities patches accounting for 5–10% areal cover, or continuous cover of surface with high vegetation water interspersion may support species adapted to open water, edge environments, and well-vegetated water with a well-developed emergent component). components of the community.

3. Wetland has at least 10% cover of trees, low shrubs, or tall shrubs (N/A for 1 Dense low to tall shrub cover. Disproportionately high habitat use, in relation to habitat availability, may indicate habitat preference. Habitat availability must be waters). assessed at a larger, regional scale rather than the project mapping which is limited to construction boundaries

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/3 = 0.67

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated and Seasonally Flooded-Saturated Deciduous Shrub Scrub NWI Code(s): PSS1B, PSS1E HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-26, SHPL-27, SHPL-29, SHPL-30, SHPL-31

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

G. General Fish Habitat Suitability This function is not assessed for this wetland functional class, as there is no perennial or Applicable to all waters, and wetlands with perennial or intermittent surface water connection to a fish bearing water. Sheet flow intermittent surface water connection to a fish-bearing water. during spring snowmelt on the Arctic Coastal Plain is not considered a sufficiently reliable connection to fish-bearing waters for this function to be applicable. 1. Water has sufficient size and depth of open water so as not to freeze N/A Assessing whether the wetland or water provides overwintering habitat. completely during winter (N/A for wetlands). 2. Fish are present. N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by fish for at least some aspect of life history. 3. Herbaceous and/or woody vegetation is present in wetland and/or buffer to N/A Overhanging vegetation provides refuge from predators, shade to maintain water temperatures, and detrital matter contributions to provide cover, shade, and/or detrital matter. the food web. 4. Suitable spawning areas are present. N/A Assesses the presence of suitable spawning habitat, including aquatic vegetation, deep lakes, mixed gravels. 5. Juvenile rest areas present. N/A Assesses the presence of suitable juvenile rest areas, including flooded wetlands, and pools with organic debris or overhanging vegetation. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

H. Educational, Scientific, Recreational, or Subsistence Use Consumptive (e.g. hunting, fishing, food gathering) and non-consumptive uses, as well as educational and scientific use are assessed. 1. Site has documented scientific or educational use. 0 Scientific use assess the wetland has been used in scientific studies (peer-reviewed or grey literature), excluding studies necessitated by NEPA or project-permitting. Educational assesses the educational value of the wetland to the community (e.g. contains interpretive signs, is historically used for ecology or species identification classes, is a known long term research site with established permanent sample plots, etc.). 2. Wetland or water is in public ownership. 1 The study area is limited to the right-or-way surrounding the Seward Highway, and so is Wetlands or waters in public ownership are more accessible to a variety of people. considered in public ownership. 3. Accessible trails are available. 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and a trailhead at MP 48 Visible or established trails demonstrate that the wetland or water is accessible, and may be used for recreational or subsistence provides year-round access to the public cabin at Manitoba. purposes. 4. Wetland or water supports subsistence activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, berry 0 Due to proximity of highway, and subsequent traffic and debris, subsistence activities in Observed or documented consumptive use confirms that a community is used for subsistence purposes. picking). the study area are considered unlikely. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/4 = 0.50

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Forest NWI Code(s): PFO4B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-12

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

A. Flood Flow Regulation (Storage) This function was not assessed for this functional class because this wetland functional Assessing the ability of wetlands to store runoff or delay downslope movement of surface water. Riverine and estuarine waters class does not at least seasonally flood. below the OHWM do not perform this function (N/A). Wetlands that do not at least seasonally flood do not perform this function (N/A). Surface water storage by wetlands in permafrost regions can be significant, while the conventional view that subsurface storage is an effective modulator of stormflow is a misconception in permafrost regions (Woo 2012).

1. Dense vegetation or tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if N/A Tussocks, low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems, and polygonal features in continuous permafrost zones provide surface assessing waters). roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity. 2. Wetland or water is a depressional HGM class or has depressional features N/A HGM depressions occur in topographic depressions with closed contours, and flow vectors are from surrounding areas toward the capable of storage. center of the depression, allowing the accumulation of surface water. Ice-rich, raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones act as micro-depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012, Woo 2012).

3. Wetland or water shows signs of storage (i.e. fluctuating water levels, algal N/A Visible signs of storage indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, retained additional water. mats, and/or lodged debris). 4. Floodwaters enter and flow through wetland predominantly as sheet flow N/A Floodwater entering as sheet flow, rather than channelized flow, is more likely to interact with surface roughness features. rather than channel flow. 5. Waterbody is lake (>20 acres) (N/A if assessing wetlands). N/A Lakes (>20 acres) have substantial storage capacities, and have been documented to modulate the snowmelt-dominated streamflow regime of the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arp et al. 2012, Woo 2012). Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

B. Sediment, Nutrient (N and P), Toxicant Removal Many Alaskan soils have a relatively shallow active layer of unfrozen soil during the growing season. A shallow active layer and/or cold temperatures limit the ability of many Alaskan wetlands to perform denitrification, thus this function focuses on the removal of inorganic sediments and adsorbed toxicants and nutrients through settlement. Sediment retention is used as a proxy for toxicant removal as many toxicants adsorb to sediments, and sediment retention is relatively easy to assess.

1. Slow-moving or still water is present. 1 Field observations include small pockets of standing water in micro-depressions. Slow or still-moving water allows sediments and adsorbed toxicants to settle out of the water column, as opposed to swift-moving water that suspends sediments/toxicants. 2. Dense tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if assessing 1 Trees and shrubs are both present in this wetland functional class. Tussocks and low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems provide surface roughness, which slows water velocity and allows sediments waters). and adsorbed nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. Raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones provide surface roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity, and also act as micro- depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012).

3. At least moderate interspersion of vegetation and water is present. Surface 1 Field observations include small pockets of standing water in micro-depressions, and Rooted vegetation takes up nutrients directly from the soil, which may encourage nutrients to move from water to soil to maintain water patches should account for >10% areal coverage (N/A if assessing numerous small channels throughout the community. equilibrium. waters). 4. Sediment deposits are present, providing evidence of deposition during 0 No field observations of sedimentation. Visible signs of sedimentation indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, allowed sediments and presumably adsorbed natural flood events. nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. 5. Thick surface organic horizon and/or abundant fine organic litter is present 1 Field data show 16in surface organics. Organic soils are effective at retaining heavy metals, some of which can be bound into long-term complexes with peat, particularly (N/A if assessing waters). in cool climates. 6. Sediment, nutrients, or toxicants (from agriculture, roadways, or 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and is a likely source of Sediments, nutrients, or toxicants entering a system document the opportunity for a particular wetland to perform this function. development) appear to be or are likely to be entering the wetland. sediments and toxicants.

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 5/6 = 0.83

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Forest NWI Code(s): PFO4B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-12

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

C. Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization This function is not assessed for this wetland functional class, because this wetland Assesses the ability of a wetland to stabilize banks through anchoring soils and dissipating erosive forces. This function is typically functional class does not directly abut a relatively permanent channelized water. only performed by wetlands directly abutting a relatively permanent channelized water. Neither waters nor wetlands that do not abut relatively permanent channelized waters perform this function (N/A). Depending on the mapping and classification some individual wetlands that do not actually directly abut a relatively permanent water (rivers and streams) may be included in this assessment.

1. Wetland has dense, energy absorbing vegetation bordering the watercourse N/A Plants bind soils with their root systems, and slow incoming waves or currents through increased surface roughness. and no evidence of erosion. 2. Soils are not predominantly sandy or silty, and are not ice rich. N/A Sandy and silty soils (Dunne and Leopold 1978) and ice rich permafrost are more susceptible to erosion. 3. Historical aerial photography (if available) indicates stable shoreline N/A Visible evidence of stable shorelines indicates a lack of historical erosion, which may be due any one or a combination of factors features. including bank erodability, erosive force, or protection afforded by adjacent wetlands. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

D. Organic Matter Production and Export Organic matter production and export assesses primary production and subsequent flushing of organic material to downstream waters. Wetlands that are not flooded at least every 10 years do not perform this function as flooding is the transport mechanism for moving organics to downstream waters. If no flooding occurs, production may be high but no carbon is exported.

1. Wetland has at least 30%, or water has at least 10%, cover herbaceous 1 Field data show dense herbaceous vegetation. As summarized by Adamus et al. (1991) herbaceous vegetation is generally more productive than aquatic bed, scrub-shrub, or vegetation. Woody plants are predominantly deciduous. forested wetland vegetation. Higher productivity generates more carbon available for export. Deciduous woody species produce higher quality litter than evergreen woody species, which have recalcitrant litter with high concentrations of lignin and phenolic compounds (Wardle 2002). 2. At least 10% of wetland is seasonally flooded (N/A for waters). 0 Surface water observed in field, but less than 10% of wetland. Surface water controls many differences between wetland types, including decomposition (Bayley and Mewhort 2004). Increased surface water promotes increased decomposition, which may facilitate carbon export (Adamus 2013).

3. Surface water outflow occurs regularly throughout the growing season. 0 A longer duration of surface water outflow provides more opportunity for organic matter export. While the vast majority of Arctic Coastal Plain wetlands flood during spring breakup, fewer have surface water outflow later in the growing season, when small beaded streams can stop flowing and waterbodies become disconnected. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 1/3 = 0.33

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Forest NWI Code(s): PFO4B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-12

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

E. TES Support Neither a State of Alaska Special Status Species (Short-tailed Albatross, Eskimo Assesses the ability of a wetland or water to support Threatened or Endangered Species (TES) per the Endangered Species Act Curlew, Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, or Right Whale) nor a federally listed (ESA) and species or subspecies of fish or wildlife in Alaska per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as defined by Threatened or Endangered Species is known to occur in this region of the state. Alaska Statute 16.20.190.

1. Wetland or water contains documented occurrence of a state or federally N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by TES for at least some aspect of life history, even if the community isn't a preferred or listed threatened or endangered species. designated critical habitat. 2. Wetland or water contains documented critical habitat, designated by the N/A NOAA Fisheries and USFWS, the two federal agencies responsible for adminstering the ESA, are required to designate critical U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the National Oceanic and habitat for listed species. Critical habitat is specific geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of an Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA endangered or threatened species, including areas not currently occupied but necessary for recovery. Fisheries). 3. Wetland or water is a known preferred habitat for state or federally listed N/A If specific work on habitat preference in the study area is not available, a literature review will be necessary to identify habitat threatened or endangered species. preferences. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

F. General Avian and Mammal Habitat Suitability Assesses whether the wetland or water supports a high diversity of birds and mammals. Characteristics of the wetland or water, landscape setting, and documented species diversity are considered. 1. Wetland or water is undisturbed by human habitation or development. 0 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1). Anthropogenic disturbance tends to reduce the diversity of birds and mammals using an area.

2. Interspersion of vegetation and water is at least moderate (surface water 0 Surface water observed in field, but less than 10% of wetland. A greater variety of vegetation and cover types is present in communities with high vegetation-water interspersion. Communities patches accounting for 5–10% areal cover, or continuous cover of surface with high vegetation water interspersion may support species adapted to open water, edge environments, and well-vegetated water with a well-developed emergent component). components of the community.

3. Wetland has at least 10% cover of trees, low shrubs, or tall shrubs (N/A for 1 This wetland functional class has at over 10% cover trees (Picea glauga ). Disproportionately high habitat use, in relation to habitat availability, may indicate habitat preference. Habitat availability must be waters). assessed at a larger, regional scale rather than the project mapping which is limited to construction boundaries

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 1/3 = 0.33

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Forest NWI Code(s): PFO4B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-12

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

G. General Fish Habitat Suitability This function is not assessed for this wetland functional class, as there is no perennial or Applicable to all waters, and wetlands with perennial or intermittent surface water connection to a fish bearing water. Sheet flow intermittent surface water connection to a fish-bearing water. during spring snowmelt on the Arctic Coastal Plain is not considered a sufficiently reliable connection to fish-bearing waters for this function to be applicable. 1. Water has sufficient size and depth of open water so as not to freeze N/A Assessing whether the wetland or water provides overwintering habitat. completely during winter (N/A for wetlands). 2. Fish are present. N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by fish for at least some aspect of life history. 3. Herbaceous and/or woody vegetation is present in wetland and/or buffer to N/A Overhanging vegetation provides refuge from predators, shade to maintain water temperatures, and detrital matter contributions to provide cover, shade, and/or detrital matter. the food web. 4. Suitable spawning areas are present. N/A Assesses the presence of suitable spawning habitat, including aquatic vegetation, deep lakes, mixed gravels. 5. Juvenile rest areas present. N/A Assesses the presence of suitable juvenile rest areas, including flooded wetlands, and pools with organic debris or overhanging vegetation. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

H. Educational, Scientific, Recreational, or Subsistence Use Consumptive (e.g. hunting, fishing, food gathering) and non-consumptive uses, as well as educational and scientific use are assessed. 1. Site has documented scientific or educational use. 0 Scientific use assess the wetland has been used in scientific studies (peer-reviewed or grey literature), excluding studies necessitated by NEPA or project-permitting. Educational assesses the educational value of the wetland to the community (e.g. contains interpretive signs, is historically used for ecology or species identification classes, is a known long term research site with established permanent sample plots, etc.). 2. Wetland or water is in public ownership. 1 The study area is limited to the right-or-way surrounding the Seward Highway, and so is Wetlands or waters in public ownership are more accessible to a variety of people. considered in public ownership. 3. Accessible trails are available. 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and a trailhead at MP 48 Visible or established trails demonstrate that the wetland or water is accessible, and may be used for recreational or subsistence provides year-round access to the public cabin at Manitoba. purposes. 4. Wetland or water supports subsistence activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, berry 0 Due to proximity of highway, and subsequent traffic and debris, subsistence activities in Observed or documented consumptive use confirms that a community is used for subsistence purposes. picking). the study area are considered unlikely. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/4 = 0.50

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow NWI Code(s): PEM1B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-11, SHPL-14

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

A. Flood Flow Regulation (Storage) This function is not assessed for this wetland functional class, because this wetland Assessing the ability of wetlands to store runoff or delay downslope movement of surface water. Riverine and estuarine waters functional class does not flood at least seasonally. below the OHWM do not perform this function (N/A). Wetlands that do not at least seasonally flood do not perform this function (N/A). Surface water storage by wetlands in permafrost regions can be significant, while the conventional view that subsurface storage is an effective modulator of stormflow is a misconception in permafrost regions (Woo 2012).

1. Dense vegetation or tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if N/A Tussocks, low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems, and polygonal features in continuous permafrost zones provide surface assessing waters). roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity. 2. Wetland or water is a depressional HGM class or has depressional features N/A HGM depressions occur in topographic depressions with closed contours, and flow vectors are from surrounding areas toward the capable of storage. center of the depression, allowing the accumulation of surface water. Ice-rich, raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones act as micro-depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012, Woo 2012).

3. Wetland or water shows signs of storage (i.e. fluctuating water levels, algal N/A Visible signs of storage indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, retained additional water. mats, and/or lodged debris). 4. Floodwaters enter and flow through wetland predominantly as sheet flow N/A Floodwater entering as sheet flow, rather than channelized flow, is more likely to interact with surface roughness features. rather than channel flow. 5. Waterbody is lake (>20 acres) (N/A if assessing wetlands). N/A Lakes (>20 acres) have substantial storage capacities, and have been documented to modulate the snowmelt-dominated streamflow regime of the Arctic Coastal Plain (Arp et al. 2012, Woo 2012). Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

B. Sediment, Nutrient (N and P), Toxicant Removal Many Alaskan soils have a relatively shallow active layer of unfrozen soil during the growing season. A shallow active layer and/or cold temperatures limit the ability of many Alaskan wetlands to perform denitrification, thus this function focuses on the removal of inorganic sediments and adsorbed toxicants and nutrients through settlement. Sediment retention is used as a proxy for toxicant removal as many toxicants adsorb to sediments, and sediment retention is relatively easy to assess.

1. Slow-moving or still water is present. 0 Small areas of impounded water near the road, but little surface water in general in this Slow or still-moving water allows sediments and adsorbed toxicants to settle out of the water column, as opposed to swift-moving saturated system. water that suspends sediments/toxicants. 2. Dense tussocks, low to tall woody vegetation present (N/A if assessing 0 Vegetation is not dense. Tussocks and low to tall (>20cm height) woody stems provide surface roughness, which slows water velocity and allows sediments waters). and adsorbed nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. Raised polygonal rims in continuous permafrost zones provide surface roughness, which delays downslope movement of floodwaters by slowing velocity, and also act as micro- depressions for long-term storage over the growing season (Liljedahl et al. 2012).

3. At least moderate interspersion of vegetation and water is present. Surface 0 Small areas of impounded water near the road, but little surface water in general in this Rooted vegetation takes up nutrients directly from the soil, which may encourage nutrients to move from water to soil to maintain water patches should account for >10% areal coverage (N/A if assessing saturated system. equilibrium. waters). 4. Sediment deposits are present, providing evidence of deposition during 0 No field observations of sediment deposits. Visible signs of sedimentation indicate that a wetland is capable of, and has in the past, allowed sediments and presumably adsorbed natural flood events. nutrients and toxicants to settle out of the water column. 5. Thick surface organic horizon and/or abundant fine organic litter is present 1 Thick (20in) surface organics observed in the field. Organic soils are effective at retaining heavy metals, some of which can be bound into long-term complexes with peat, particularly (N/A if assessing waters). in cool climates. 6. Sediment, nutrients, or toxicants (from agriculture, roadways, or 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and is a likely source of Sediments, nutrients, or toxicants entering a system document the opportunity for a particular wetland to perform this function. development) appear to be or are likely to be entering the wetland. sediments and toxicants.

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/6 = 0.33

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow NWI Code(s): PEM1B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-11, SHPL-14

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

C. Erosion Control and Shoreline Stabilization This function is not assessed for this wetland functional class, because this wetland Assesses the ability of a wetland to stabilize banks through anchoring soils and dissipating erosive forces. This function is typically functional class does not directly abut a relatively permanent channelized water. only performed by wetlands directly abutting a relatively permanent channelized water. Neither waters nor wetlands that do not abut relatively permanent channelized waters perform this function (N/A). Depending on the mapping and classification some individual wetlands that do not actually directly abut a relatively permanent water (rivers and streams) may be included in this assessment.

1. Wetland has dense, energy absorbing vegetation bordering the watercourse N/A Plants bind soils with their root systems, and slow incoming waves or currents through increased surface roughness. and no evidence of erosion. 2. Soils are not predominantly sandy or silty, and are not ice rich. N/A Sandy and silty soils (Dunne and Leopold 1978) and ice rich permafrost are more susceptible to erosion. 3. Historical aerial photography (if available) indicates stable shoreline N/A Visible evidence of stable shorelines indicates a lack of historical erosion, which may be due any one or a combination of factors features. including bank erodability, erosive force, or protection afforded by adjacent wetlands. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

D. Organic Matter Production and Export Organic matter production and export assesses primary production and subsequent flushing of organic material to downstream waters. Wetlands that are not flooded at least every 10 years do not perform this function as flooding is the transport mechanism for moving organics to downstream waters. If no flooding occurs, production may be high but no carbon is exported.

1. Wetland has at least 30%, or water has at least 10%, cover herbaceous 1 As summarized by Adamus et al. (1991) herbaceous vegetation is generally more productive than aquatic bed, scrub-shrub, or vegetation. Woody plants are predominantly deciduous. forested wetland vegetation. Higher productivity generates more carbon available for export. Deciduous woody species produce higher quality litter than evergreen woody species, which have recalcitrant litter with high concentrations of lignin and phenolic compounds (Wardle 2002). 2. At least 10% of wetland is seasonally flooded (N/A for waters). 0 Surface water observed in field, but less than 10% of wetland. Surface water controls many differences between wetland types, including decomposition (Bayley and Mewhort 2004). Increased surface water promotes increased decomposition, which may facilitate carbon export (Adamus 2013).

3. Surface water outflow occurs regularly throughout the growing season. 0 A longer duration of surface water outflow provides more opportunity for organic matter export. While the vast majority of Arctic Coastal Plain wetlands flood during spring breakup, fewer have surface water outflow later in the growing season, when small beaded streams can stop flowing and waterbodies become disconnected. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 1/3 = 0.33

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow NWI Code(s): PEM1B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-11, SHPL-14

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

E. TES Support Neither a State of Alaska Special Status Species (Short-tailed Albatross, Eskimo Assesses the ability of a wetland or water to support Threatened or Endangered Species (TES) per the Endangered Species Act Curlew, Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, or Right Whale) nor a federally listed (ESA) and species or subspecies of fish or wildlife in Alaska per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) as defined by Threatened or Endangered Species is known to occur in this region of the state. Alaska Statute 16.20.190.

1. Wetland or water contains documented occurrence of a state or federally N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by TES for at least some aspect of life history, even if the community isn't a preferred or listed threatened or endangered species. designated critical habitat. 2. Wetland or water contains documented critical habitat, designated by the N/A NOAA Fisheries and USFWS, the two federal agencies responsible for adminstering the ESA, are required to designate critical U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the National Oceanic and habitat for listed species. Critical habitat is specific geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of an Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA endangered or threatened species, including areas not currently occupied but necessary for recovery. Fisheries). 3. Wetland or water is a known preferred habitat for state or federally listed N/A If specific work on habitat preference in the study area is not available, a literature review will be necessary to identify habitat threatened or endangered species. preferences. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

F. General Avian and Mammal Habitat Suitability Assesses whether the wetland or water supports a high diversity of birds and mammals. Characteristics of the wetland or water, landscape setting, and documented species diversity are considered. 1. Wetland or water is undisturbed by human habitation or development. 0 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1). Anthropogenic disturbance tends to reduce the diversity of birds and mammals using an area.

2. Interspersion of vegetation and water is at least moderate (surface water 0 Surface water observed in field, but less than 10% of wetland. A greater variety of vegetation and cover types is present in communities with high vegetation-water interspersion. Communities patches accounting for 5–10% areal cover, or continuous cover of surface with high vegetation water interspersion may support species adapted to open water, edge environments, and well-vegetated water with a well-developed emergent component). components of the community.

3. Wetland has at least 10% cover of trees, low shrubs, or tall shrubs (N/A for 1 Wetland has 10% cover low shrub (Dasifora fruticosa and Betula glandulosa at Disproportionately high habitat use, in relation to habitat availability, may indicate habitat preference. Habitat availability must be waters). shpl_11). assessed at a larger, regional scale rather than the project mapping which is limited to construction boundaries

Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 1/3 = 0.33

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands Wetland Functional Class: Slope Saturated Emergent Meadow NWI Code(s): PEM1B HGM: Slope Data: SHPL-11, SHPL-14

Function and Indicators Rating Project Rationale Rationale

G. General Fish Habitat Suitability This function is not assessed for this wetland functional class, as there is no perennial or Applicable to all waters, and wetlands with perennial or intermittent surface water connection to a fish bearing water. Sheet flow intermittent surface water connection to a fish-bearing water. during spring snowmelt on the Arctic Coastal Plain is not considered a sufficiently reliable connection to fish-bearing waters for this function to be applicable. 1. Water has sufficient size and depth of open water so as not to freeze N/A Assessing whether the wetland or water provides overwintering habitat. completely during winter (N/A for wetlands). 2. Fish are present. N/A A documented occurrence confirms use by fish for at least some aspect of life history. 3. Herbaceous and/or woody vegetation is present in wetland and/or buffer to N/A Overhanging vegetation provides refuge from predators, shade to maintain water temperatures, and detrital matter contributions to provide cover, shade, and/or detrital matter. the food web. 4. Suitable spawning areas are present. N/A Assesses the presence of suitable spawning habitat, including aquatic vegetation, deep lakes, mixed gravels. 5. Juvenile rest areas present. N/A Assesses the presence of suitable juvenile rest areas, including flooded wetlands, and pools with organic debris or overhanging vegetation. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = N/A

H. Educational, Scientific, Recreational, or Subsistence Use Consumptive (e.g. hunting, fishing, food gathering) and non-consumptive uses, as well as educational and scientific use are assessed. 1. Site has documented scientific or educational use. 0 Scientific use assess the wetland has been used in scientific studies (peer-reviewed or grey literature), excluding studies necessitated by NEPA or project-permitting. Educational assesses the educational value of the wetland to the community (e.g. contains interpretive signs, is historically used for ecology or species identification classes, is a known long term research site with established permanent sample plots, etc.). 2. Wetland or water is in public ownership. 1 The study area is limited to the right-or-way surrounding the Seward Highway, and so is Wetlands or waters in public ownership are more accessible to a variety of people. considered in public ownership. 3. Accessible trails are available. 1 The Seward Highway bisects the study area (Figure 1), and a trailhead at MP 48 Visible or established trails demonstrate that the wetland or water is accessible, and may be used for recreational or subsistence provides year-round access to the public cabin at Manitoba. purposes. 4. Wetland or water supports subsistence activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, berry 0 Due to proximity of highway, and subsequent traffic and debris, subsistence activities in Observed or documented consumptive use confirms that a community is used for subsistence purposes. picking). the study area are considered unlikely. Functional score = sum of ratings for indicators/total possible score = 2/4 = 0.50

ABR, Inc. Seward Highway Passing Lanes Wetlands