EP 1130-2-540
15 Nov 96
objectives and/or land use classifications stated in the Master Plan and OMP. Where applicable,
the OMP will provide site specific prescriptions for grassland management.
(e) Wetlands Management. The Forest Cover Act provides for the development of
vegetative cover, such as wetlands, so as to yield maximum benefit and otherwise improve such
areas. Wetlands are those areas inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency
and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include
swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Wetlands will be assigned a resource objective or
wetlands land classification in the Master Plan and the OMP. Existing wetlands will be protected,
conserved and maintained with one goal being "no net loss" of wetlands at any one project. On
hydric soils (indicating previous wetland conditions) consideration and management emphasis
should be given to returning, operating, and/or maintaining wetlands for wetland plant
communities. Consideration should be given to buffering the wetland within an adequate amount
of land to prevent abuse or loss from adjacent land uses. The development and maintenance of
wetlands should integrate the needs of fish and wildlife and support national programs and efforts
associated with the Endangered Species Act, Section 307 of PL 101-640, EO 11990, and the
North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Wetlands management objectives and practices
should be featured in the Master Plan and OMP.
(f) Soils Management. All land management prescriptions developed for use at water
resources development projects will integrate the constraints and favorable characteristics
associated with specific soil types and land use capabilities. Land uses and conservation practices
recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service for each land use capability class
should be carefully considered during the development of Master Plans and OMPs. Where
available, an inventory of soil survey maps will be maintained at project offices and referenced in
management prescriptions contained in the OMPs. Constraints associated with the soils and land
use capabilities of a particular site will be identified and incorporated into Master Plans and
OMPs. The OMP will provide site specific prescriptions for soils management including erosion
control, sediment management and bank stabilization.
(2) Mitigation. Mitigation measures authorized by Congress or approved by
Headquarters compensate for ecological resources unavoidably and adversely affected by a Corps
project. Mitigation includes stand-alone projects; work undertaken concurrently with project
construction; and operation, maintenance and management of mitigation measures. The species,
habitat, and/or measures identified as mitigation are contained in feasibility reports and design
memoranda submitted as supporting documentation for the project authorization and in other
supporting documents identified as special reports to Congress. Mitigation measures that are cost
shared with a local sponsor shall have the appropriate ratio of shared costs identified in the above
reports and documents. Approved mitigation plans and associated measures shall be incorporated
into the Master Plan and OMP.
(3) Enhancement. PL 89-72 provides for consideration of fish and wildlife enhancement
opportunities at Corps water resources development projects. Enhancement measures/activities
are those measures/activities taken above a stewardship level (i.e., level required to sustain fish
and wildlife resources for the life of the project), and those measures/activities which produce an
increase or concentration of animal numbers for the purpose of recreational benefits.
Enhancement measures/activities are subject to cost-sharing or total funding by others, in
accordance with administrative guidance provided by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for
Civil Works.
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