Wetland Delineation Report, Missouri National Recreational River – Goat Island EA Management Plan – 13-18 May, 2019

Sharpe, Peter

The objective of this investigation was to respond to a request for technical assistance for a comprehensive delineation of wetland habitats subject to jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and all wetlands subject to National Park Service (NPS) procedures for implementing Director’s Order #77–1: Wetland Protection for National Park Service lands within the proposed trail and camping areas of Goat Island, NE located within the limits of the Missouri River. This work utilized the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Midwest Region (August 2010) as the primary methodology for making wetland determinations in the field. A total of 1 palustrine wetland encompassing 0.04 ac of land was identified and delineated within the EA study boundary of Goat Island (227 acres) (Fig. 1). The wetland habitat was primarily a sparsely vegetated concave depression which was classified as a palustrine, emergent, persistent, seasonally saturated, managed wetland (PEM1Bm). The wetland feature had high clay content soils and was completely within an existing ATV social trail that the MNRR team is planning on converting into a formal hiking/campground access trail. The wetland system appeared to be “isolated” in terms of meeting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers criteria for potential jurisdiction, but this system would fall under NPS policy jurisdiction under DO #77-1, therefore the park is encouraged to share this report and recommendations with our service wide wetland leads (Joel Wagner and Kevin Noon). With regards to recommendations, the park should explore the possibility of re-routing the existing social trail to avoid the mapped wetland (Wetland-1). Should a trail re-route not prove possible, then any impacts to the wetland may qualify as an excepted action under our DO. #77-1 guidelines and no formal Wetland Statement of Findings may be necessary. Kevin Noon or Joel Wagner will be able to provide an official determination of DO #77-1 requirements upon receipt of this report, mapping, and supporting data. It is recommended that the park also make this report and any formal coordination with the NPS Wetlands Program leads available to the Omaha Army Corps Regulatory Branch for CWA compliance.