WETLANDS OF THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

A Methodology for Their Classification and Description

FOREWORD

_Wetlands of the Central and Southern California Coast and Coastal Watersheds: A Methodology for Their Classification

This report focuses more on the proposed methodology for classifying California wetlands than on providing a complete catalogue of their types or inventory of examples. The catalogue of types is not exhaustive, but expands on the initial catalogue of the draft report. We encourage review and comment on the methodology, with the ultimate collective goal of providing a useable identification and assessment tool in an effort to help document and conserve the natural riches of the study region, and perhaps beyond.

Although funded in large part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this document and its contents resulting from our study do not represent the views, methods, or conclusions of this agency. The issue of limits of federal regulatory jurisdiction of Waters of the U.S., including wetlands under the federal Clean Water Act, in central and southern California is not specifically addressed in detail herein, as discussion and review of this topic was not the intent nor motivation of the authors. This document also does not necessarily represent the views of the institutions with which the authors are associated. It is the goal of the authors, however, to publish this document so that it will be available to a broader audience. Any individual or organization who wishes to assist with this publication endeavor is encouraged to contact the authors.

We have been rewarded throughout our work with exposure to a portion of the wealth of the State's wetlands heritage and to the magnitude of their beauty. Without agency concern and appreciation for presentation of this heritage, preparation of the report using color photographs would not have been possible, and would not have had the same impact. This document also serves as Environmental Report No. 1 of the Museum of Systematics and Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Santa Barbara.

 

Wayne R. Ferren Jr., UCSB
Peggy L. Fiedler, SFSU
Robert A. Leidy, EPA, UCD
February 6, 1995

 

Background

Methods

The Study Region

Scarcity and Losses

Wetlands Definition

Clean Water Act Section 404 Jurisdiction

Hydrogeomorphic Units

Ecosystem Functions and Socio-Economic Values

Introduction

Geologic History

Geography

Coast Ranges
Southern Provinces
Climate

Vegetation

Land Use History

Native American Use
European and Modern Influence

Introduction

Classification of California Wetlands

Early Efforts
Improvements and Additions
Agency Efforts
A Modified Cowardin et al. Approach

Rationale for the Classification

How to Use this Classification Methodology

The Classification Tables

Systems, Subsystems, Classes, and Subclasses of Wetlands
Water Regimes: Wetlands and Deep Water Habitats
Water/Soil Chemistry: Wetlands, and Deep Water Habitats

Hydrogeomorphic Units: Marine and Estuarine Systems

Hydrogeomorphic Units: Riverine, Lacustrine, and Palustrine System

Substrate/Dominance/Characteristic Types: Marine and Estuarine Systems

Substrate/Dominance/Characteristic Types: Riverine, Lacustrine, and Palustrine Systems

Key to the Wetlands Systems

Key to the Marine Subsystems and Classes

Key to the Estuarine Subsystems and Classes

Key to the Riverine Subsystems and Classes

Key to the Lacustrine Subsystems and Classes

Key to the Palustrine Classes

Introduction

Marine Wetlands

Marine Wetland Classes and Subclasses

Marine Hydrogeomorphic Units

Ecosystem Functions and Socio-Economic Values

Socio-Economic Values
Losses and Impacts to Marine Wetlands

Losses
Impacts
Restoration and Creation of Marine Wetlands

Rare or Threatened Wetlands

Classification of Marine Wetlands

Key to the Marine Wetland Classes and Subclasses

Table of Hydrogeomorphic Units in the Marine System Arranged Within Corresponding Water Regimes

Catalogue of Marine Wetlands

Introduction

Estuarine Wetlands

Types of Estuaries

River Mouth Estuaries
Canyon Mouth Estuaries
Lagoonal Estuaries
Coastal Dune-Creek Estuaries
Bay Estuaries
Structureal Basin Estuaries
Artificial Drain Estuaries
Estuarine Wetland Classes and Subclasses

Estuarine Hydrogeomorphic Units

Ecosystem Functions and Socio-Economic Values

Ecosystem Functions
Socio Economic Values
Estuarine Wetlands: Losses and Impacts

Losses
Impacts
Restoration and Creation of Estuarine Wetlands

Rare or Threatened Wetlands

Classification of Marine Wetlands

Key to the Estuarine Wetlands Classes

Table of Estuarine Geogeomorphic Units Arranged Within Corresponding Water Regimes

Catalogue of Estuarine Wetlands

Introduction

Riverine Wetlands

Types of Rivers, Streams, and Washes

Riverine Wetlands Subsystems, Classes, and Subclasses

Riverine Hydrogeomorphic Units

Ecosystem Functions and Socio-Economic Values

Ecosystem Functions
Socio Economic Values
Impacts and Losses

Modification of Natural Flow and Retention Patterns
External ThreatsL Riverine Systems as Open Ecosystems
Riverine Systems as Disturbance Driven Ecosystems
Loss of Resistance and Resilience in Riverine Ecosystems
Restoration and Creation of Riverine Wetlands

Rare or Threatened Wetlands

Key to the Riverine Wetland Subsystems and Classes

Table of Riverine Geogeomorphic Units Arranged Within Corresponding Water Regimes

Catalogue of Riverine Wetlands

Introduction

Lacustrine Wetlands

Types of Estuaries

Natural Lakes
Artificial Reservoirs
Lacustrine Wetland Classes and Subclasses

Lacustrine Hydrogeomorphic Units

Ecosystem Functions and Socio-Economic Values

Ecosystem Functions
Socio Economic Values
Impacts and Losses

Restoration and Creation of Lacustrine Wetlands

Rare and Threatened Lacustrine Wetlands

Key to the Lacustrine Wetland Subsystems and Classes

Table of Hydrogeomorphic Units in the Lacustrine System Arranged Within Corresponding Water Regimes

Catalogue of Lacustrine Wetlands

Introduction

Palustrine Wetlands

Palustrine Wetland Classes and Subclasses

Palustrine Hydrogeomorphic Units

Ecosystem Functions and Socio-Economic Values

Ecosystem Functions
Socio Economic Values
Palustrine Wetland Losses and Impacts

Losses
Impacts
Restoration and Creation of Palustrine Wetlands

Rare and Threatened Palustrine Wetlands

Vernal Pools
Vernal Ponds
Palustrine Vernal Lakes
Vernal Alkali Plains
Dune Swale Wetlands
Coastal Canyon Bottom
Forested Riparian Corridors
Classification of the Palustrine Wetlands

Key to the Palustrine Wetland Classes

Table of Hydrogeomorphic Units in the Palustrine System Arranged Within Corresponding Water Regimes

Catalogue of Palustrine Wetlands

Introduction

Background
The Ventura River Watershed
Physical Characteristics
Estuarine Characteristics
Marine Characteristics
History of Land and Water Development
Methods

Data Collection
Data Analysis
Assessment of Functions and Values
Description of Wetlands Types and Distribution

Marine System
Estuarine System
Lacustrine System
Riverine System
Palustrine System
Watershed Distribution
Assessment of Functions and Values