The Wetland Tracker Form: Map Examples

Introduction

Selected regulatory agencies in California require newly permitted wetland projects submit a Wetland Tracker Form. This form includes two habitat maps:

• Present habitats
• Planned habitat changes

Habitats must be mapped using the Wetlands Portal Habitats.

Method summary

The recommended way to create Wetlands Portal habitat maps is to use the "My Maps" feature of Google Maps. This method is free and available to anyone using a modern web browser. Read about using My Maps to create and submit Wetlands Portal habitat maps.

Note: Though the maps below were created using My Maps, they also serve as good examples of what should be depicted in the habitat maps regardless of the mapping tool used.

Note: The graphics below provide a visual representation of the required maps. The actual product submitted should be a KML file or shapefile.

Note: The maps shown below are for illustration purposes only and have no relation to any actual plans for the area shown.

Present habitats map

This is an example of a present habitats map. It depicts the habitats present at the project site prior to project construction. Present habitats mapping should cover all areas of the project that are owned, controlled or otherwise subject to potential modification by project proponents. The Wetlands Portal Habitat should be clearly labeled or attributed for each mapped area. The position of the boundary of each area should be accurate to within 10 meters of the true position on the basemap being used. No particular color scheme is prescribed; clarity and readability are most important in this regard. Partially transparent colors are recommended if possible.

Planned habitat changes map

For clarity, the planned habitat changes map example is shown in two parts:

Part 1

Part 2

These two graphics are an example of a planned habitat changes map. They depict all planned changes to habitat, including conversion from one habitat to another, from non-habitat to habitat (habitat gains), and from habitat to non-habitat (habitat losses). The Wetlands Portal Habitat should be clearly labeled or attributed for each mapped area. Brief annotation describing the changes to take place for each area are helpful. The position of the boundary of each area should be accurate to within 10 meters of the true position on the basemap being used. No particular color scheme is prescribed; clarity and readability are most important in this regard. Partially transparent colors are recommended if possible.