The indicators below may be used as evidence of inundation or
saturation when used as provided in Rule
62-340.300, F.A.C. Several of
the indicators reflect a specific water elevation. These specific water
elevation indicators are intended to be evaluated with meteorological
information, surrounding topography and reliable hydrologic data or analyses
when provided, to ensure that such indicators reflect inundation or saturation
of a frequency and duration sufficient to meet the wetland definition in
subsection 62-340.200(19),
F.A.C., and not rare or aberrant events. These specific water elevation
indicators are not intended to be extended from the site of the indicator into
surrounding areas when reasonable scientific judgment indicates that the
surrounding areas are not wetlands as defined in subsection
62-340.200(19),
F.A.C.
(1) Algal mats. The presence or
remains of nonvascular plant material which develops during periods of
inundation and persists after the surface water has receded.
(2) Aquatic mosses or liverworts on trees or
substrates. The presence of those species of mosses or liverworts tolerant of
or dependent on surface water inundation.
(4) Aufwuchs. The presence
or remains of the assemblage of sessile, attached or free-living, nonvascular
plants and invertebrate animals (including protozoans) which develop a
community on inundated surfaces.
(5) Drift lines and rafted debris.
Vegetation, litter, and other natural or manmade material deposited in discrete
lines or locations on the ground or against fixed objects, or entangled above
the ground within or on fixed objects in a form and manner which indicates that
the material was waterborne. This indicator should be used with caution to
ensure that the drift lines or rafted debris represent usual and recurring
events typical of inundation or saturation at a frequency and duration
sufficient to meet the wetland definition of subsection
62-340.200(19),
F.A.C.
(6) Elevated lichen lines. A
distinct line, typically on trees, formed by the water-induced limitation on
the growth of lichens.
(7) Evidence
of aquatic fauna. The presence or indications of the presence of animals which
spend all or portions of their life cycle in water. Only those life stages
which depend on being in or on water for daily survival are included in this
indicator.
(8) Hydrologic data.
Reports, measurements, or direct observation of inundation or saturation which
support the presence of water to an extent consistent with the provisions of
the definition of wetlands and the criteria within this rule, including
evidence of a seasonal high water table at or above the surface according to
methodologies set forth in Soil and Water Relationships of Florida's
Ecological Communities (Florida Soil Conservation Staff
1992).
(9) Morphological plant
adaptations. Specialized structures or tissues produced by certain plants in
response to inundation or saturation which normally are not observed when the
plant has not been subject to conditions of inundation or saturation.
(10) Secondary flow channels. Discrete and
obvious natural pathways of water flow landward of the primary bank of a stream
watercourse and typically parallel to the main channel.
(11) Sediment deposition. Mineral or organic
matter deposited in or shifted to positions indicating water
transport.
(12) Vegetated tussocks
or hummocks. Areas where vegetation is elevated above the natural grade on a
mound built up of plant debris, roots, and soils so that the growing vegetation
is not subject to the prolonged effects of soil anoxia.
(13) Water marks. A distinct line created on
fixed objects, including vegetation, by a sustained water
elevation.
