Wetlands Investigations on Akers Ranch in Big Valley, California.
Abstract
This study, conducted for the US Army Engineer District, Sacramento (SPL), involved delineation and evaluation of wetlands, a survey of previous farming activities, and assessment of impacts of a proposed land development plan on the Robert W. Akers ranch near Bieber in northeastern California. Results of the study were used by SPK to support litigation in which the property owner allegedly violated provision of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977. The first task was to delineate natural wetlands occurring on the 9,600-acre ranch. A combination of transects and perimeter wetland boundary sampling was used. Vegetation, soil, and hydrology parameters were examined at prescribed locations, and the area at a sample point was considered to be a wetland if a positive wetland indicator was found for each of the three parameters. Task II consisted of an assessment of the functions and values of the natural wetlands. Field observations, hydrologic analyses, and published reports were provided as input to the Federal Highway Administration wetlands. assessment technique that consideres all known wetlands functions. Task III involved a survey of previous farming activities on the property. Task Iv consisted of an assessment of the impacts of a proposed land development plan. The assessment revealed that the proposed activities would result in the destruction of vertually all wetlands on the property, and all functions currently provided by the wetlands would be lost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA177297
Entities
People
- D. R. Sanders Sr.
- E. J. Clairain Jr.
- P. H. Jones
- R. F. Theriot