Wetland Inventory Mapping
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Chesapeake and Coastal Watershed Services

ESA performed 'ground truthing' wetland delineation and classification services for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a two year contract from 1996 throught 1997 in Carroll (piedmont), Wicomico and Worchester (lower coastal plain) counties.

Wetlands were delineated using the Cowardin, et. al., 1979 classification system. Wetlands were identified by stereoscopic anaylsis of color infrared aerial photographs based on vegetation, visible hydrology and geography in accordance with standard methods. All wetlands that were 1/2 acre in size and clearly identifiable were included on mapping, regardless of regulatory definition. The delineations reflect conditions during the specific year and season when the photographs were taken.

The ESA detailed ground survey and analysis were necessary to absolutely determine the locations, boundary and classification of specific reference wetlands. All wetlands were ground-truthed using the US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory, Cartographic Conventions, May 1987 and Photo interpretations Conventions for the National Wetlands Inventory, July 1985. Several reference wetlands were required per each digital ortho quad in order to assure quality control of wetland typing through aerial interpretation.

This project demonstrates ESA's knowledge, skills and abilities to provide accurate and defensible wetland delineation on behalf of our clients.