COLORADO

# WRP Ranking Factors

**Revised October 2003**

  ------------ -- -- ------ -- ---------- -- --- -- -- ----------- --------- -------- -- -- ----- -- --- ------- ------------- ----------- ------------ -- -- ---- -------- -------- ------ -- -- -- --------
  Applicants                                                                                                                                                                                         
  Name:                                                                                                                                                                                              

  Applicants                                                                                                                               Hydrologic                                                
  Address:                                                                                                                                 Unit:                                                     

  City:                                                            County:                                                     State:                                                Zip:            

  Permanent                                            30 Year                                                   Restoration                                                                         
  Easement:                                            Easement:                                                 Agreement:                                                                          

  FIPS:                        Section:                                                                                        Township:                                    Range:                   

  RANKING TEAM                                                                                                                                                                                       
  INITIALS:                                                                                                                                                                                          

  NRCS:                                                                      USFWS:                      CDOW:                                                     OTHER:                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  ------------ -- -- ------ -- ---------- -- --- -- -- ----------- --------- -------- -- -- ----- -- --- ------- ------------- ----------- ------------ -- -- ---- -------- -------- ------ -- -- -- --------

**Eligibility and ranking Information:**

1\. Identify the key plant species and communities here:

2\. Identify the key animal species that points are taken for.
\*\*\*Restoration plan must specifically address the critical habitat
needs of these species. If this is not possible do not take points for
those species.

3\. The following counties currently are at or above the 25% limitation
for their cropland acres in CRP. **Cropland** from these counties is
ineligible for WRP, **HOWEVER, Non-cropland** acres are eligible for
WRP. These counties are Baca, Crowley, Dolores, Kiowa, Las Animas,
Lincoln, Moffat, Prowers, Pueblo, and Routt.

4\. If habitat for a state or federal threatened or endangered species
is negatively impacted with the project, it is ineligible for WRP.

5\. Proof of an adequate water source is required. If water rights are
necessary, legal documents showing shares or other amounts of water
available for the intended use are required. Quantity and availability
of water (water rights) must be adequate to meet restoration
goals.**\*\*\*PROOF MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE STATE OFFICE PRIOR TO
APPROVAL FOR SURVEY.\*\*\***

6\. Privately owned parcels will be given priority for funding over
publicly owned parcels.

7\. You may only pick one value for each ranking factor except on
ranking factor 1A.

8\. Score points based on expected conditions after the site is
restored.

9\. Colorado has payment caps of \$3,000/acre for the easement payment
on perpetual easements (\$2,250 for 30-year easements). State
Conservationist approval is needed for projects with a restoration cost
exceeding \$1500 per acre.

10\. Use the ranking as is for Restoration Agreements, when determining
funding Restoration Agreements will be considered separately from
easements.

10\. Deepwater ponds (more than 50% of surface area is \> 3' deep) are
ineligible for WRP.

# Ecological Factors

**1. Location Significance:**

> **A. WETLAND TYPE** - Colorado is divided into 5 distinct region.
> Wetland Types are assigned points based on significance in each
> region. See last page for descriptions of Wetland Types.
> **\*\*\*NOTE** -- Peatlands are very rare and endangered, however
> significant restoration is usually not needed or possible. These
> wetlands will be considered eligible for participation as a State
> Conservationist designated community of state-wide importance and
> significance.\*\*\*

  -------- ---------------------------------- ------- --------- -------------- --- ------- ------- ---- ------ ------- ---------- --- ---- -- -------- --
           **[West Slope (state                                                                                                                        
           line-7500ft)]{.underline}**                                                                                                                 

           1\. Riparian                                                            250                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           2\. Wet Meadow                                                          200                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           3\. Marshland                                                           150                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

                                                                                                                                                       

           **[Mountain Parks (N. Prk, M..                                                                                                              
           Prk, S. Prk, San Luis                                                                                                                       
           Valley)]{.underline}**                                                                                                                      

           1\. Peatland                                                            300                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           2\. Riparian                                                            250                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           3\. Wet Meadow                                                          200                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           4\. Marshland                                                           150                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           5\. Upland                                                              0 **X**                     acres              =           points   

                                                                                                                                                       

           **[Montane (7,500 - 14,433                                                                                                                  
           ft)]{.underline}**                                                                                                                          

           1\. Peatland                                                            300                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           2\. Riparian                                                            250                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           3\. Wet Meadow                                                          200                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           4\. Upland                                                              0 **X**                     acres              =           points   

                                                                                                                                                       

           **[Front Range (I-25 - 7500                                                                                                                 
           ft)]{.underline}**                                                                                                                          

           1\. Riparian                                                            250                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           2\. Marshland                                                           200                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           3\. Wet Meadow                                                          150                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           4\. Upland                                                              0 **X**                     acres              =           points   

                                                                                                                                                       

           **[Eastern Plains (I-25- state                                                                                                              
           line)]{.underline}**                                                                                                                        

           1\. Wet                                                                 300                         acres              =           points   
           Meadow(playa\'s[1]{.underline}/,                                        **X**                                                               
           saline, depressional)                                                                                                                       

           2\. Riparian                                                            250                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           3\. Marshland                                                           200                         acres              =           points   
                                                                                   **X**                                                               

           4\. Upland                                                              0 **X**                     acres              =           points   

                                                                                                                                                       

           **TOTAL**                                                                                           acres                          points   

  Points                                              DIVIDED                              times        0.15           subtotal                        
  --                                                  BY ACRES                                                                                         
  -------- ---------------------------------- ------- --------- -------------- --- ------- ------- ---- ------ ------- ---------- --- ---- -- -------- --

> **[1]{.underline}/** Area must meet saturation criteria for the given
> area for at least 3 of 5 years to be considered.
>
> **B. proximity to similar wetland types -**
>
> \> 1 mile to nearest wetland of similar type 200 points
>
> 1/2 to 1 mile 150 points
>
> 1/4 to 1/2 mile 100 points
>
> \< 1/4 mile - \*\*SEE BONUS POINTS IF ADJACENT TO 0 points
>
> WRP CONTRACT OR SIMILAR EASEMENT OR PROTECTED AREA

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   0.05     subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

**2. HABITAT:**

> **A.** **Provides habitat for threatened, endangered, rare, migratory,
> or\
> endemic species** (pick highest value if more than one applies) -
>
> Project enhances habitat for a state species of concern,\
> a federal and/or state threatened or endangered species,\
> or a federal candidate species 300 points
>
> Enhances habitat for migratory birds and declining native\
> species 200 points

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   0.10     subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

**3. WATER QUALITY:**

> **A. PERCENT OF AREA** **FORMERLY IN CULTIVATED CROPLAND** - Area must
> be adjacent to a stream/river or wetland that is existing or to be
> restored.
>
> \>90% of the offered acres 400 points
>
> 50-89% of the offered acres 300 points
>
> \<50% of the offered acres 200 points

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   0.05     subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

**4. HYDROLOGY RESTORATION/ENHANCEMENT:**

> **A. PERCENT OF AREA** - This is the acreage to be restored/enhanced
> or that has been restored/enhanced by another agency or private group
> that meets NRCS restoration standards.
>
> Riparian Area (Eligibility Criteria D) 300 points
>
> **OR**
>
> To be restored on \>30% of the offered acres 300 points
>
> To be restored on 20-29% of the offered acres 200 points
>
> To be restored on 10-19% of the offered acres 100 points
>
> Points should be assigned based on the predominant eligibility factor,
> riparian or wetland.

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   0.15     subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

B.  **INCREMENT OF AREA** - This factor addresses the relative degree of
    restoration/enhancement required. If giving points for conditions
    before it was restored prior to this application, proof is required
    of those before conditions.

> Riparian Area (Eligibility Criteria D) 300 points
>
> **OR**
>
> Essentially all (\> 90%) of the hydrology has been 300 points\
> removed/altered\
> Hydrology has been moderately removed/altered 200 points
>
> Points should be assigned based on the predominant eligibility factor,
> riparian or wetland.

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   0.10     subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

> **C. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE** - Consider costs that would not
> normally be a part of a restoration practice. This factor is for
> practices requiring difficult engineering, are on poor soils, areas of
> high flows or flow velocity, etc.
>
> Site has no O&M costs exceeding those normally associated 100 points\
> with a practice\
> Site has several practices with O&M considerations exceeding 0 points\
> those for normal practices on normal sites

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   0.10     subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

**Economic Factors**

**5. Estimated restoration cost to NRCS based on percent of cost\
share:**

> To calculate this factor when you have more than one practice, divide
> the total amount of cost-share that will be paid to the landowner by
> the total estimated cost for all practices (based on cost list
> prices). Landowner portion can be reduced by landowner accepting less
> or a partner agency or organization contributing to restoration costs.
> Costs can be cash match or in-kind.

  -------- --------------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------------- ---- ------------ ----
           **PERPETUAL**                    **30                         **RESTORATION**        **POINTS**   
                                            YEAR**                                                           

           0 to 70% of                      0 to 45%                     0 to 45% of total      300          
           total cost                       of total                     cost                                
                                            cost                                                             

           71 to 80% of                     46 to                        46 to 55% of           250          
           total cost                       55% of                       total cost                          
                                            total                                                            
                                            cost                                                             

           81 to 90% of                     56 to                        56 to 65% of           200          
           total cost                       65% of                       total cost                          
                                            total                                                            
                                            cost                                                             

           91 to 100% of                    66 to                        66 to 75% of           100          
           total cost                       75% of                       total cost                          
                                            total                                                            
                                            cost                                                             

  Points                            times            .10      subtotal                                       
  --                                                                                                         
  -------- --------------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------------- ---- ------------ ----

**6. Estimated easement cost to nrcs per acre:**

> Points are given when less than NRCS offered value is accepted.
> Landowner may donate the remaining value or funding for the NRCS
> portion forgone can be provided by a partner organization or agency.
>
> [\<]{.underline}35% of NRCS offered easement payment 400 points
>
> 36 to 50% of NRCS offered easement payment 300 points
>
> 51 to 65% of NRCS offered easement payment 200 points
>
> 66 to 80%of NRCS offered easement payment 150 points
>
> 81 to 95% of NRCS offered easement payment 100 points
>
> \>95% of NRCS offered easement payment **OR** Restoration 0 points\
> Agreement

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   .10      subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

**7. determination of contract Term:**

> Perpetual Easement 300 points
>
> 30-year Easement 200 points
>
> Restoration Agreement 200 points

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------
  Points --          times   .10      subtotal             

  --------- -------- ------- -------- -------------------- -----------------

**BONUS POINTS:**

> **1. ADJACENT TO ANOTHER WRP CONTRACT(S) OR SIMILAR EASEMENT SUCH AS A
> DUCKS UNLIMITED EASEMENT MANAGED THE SAME AS IT WOULD BE IF WRP.**
>
> Adjacent to easement(s) or agreement(s) of similar or 10 points\
> longer length\
> Within 1 mile of easement(s) or agreement(s) of similar or 5 points\
> longer length

  ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------
  **Total points for ecological factors**                    

  **(70% of Total)**                                         

                                                             

  **Total points for economic factors**                      

  **(30% OF TOTAL)**                                         

                                                             

  **TOTAL BONUS POINTS**                                     

                                                             

  **Total points**                                           
  ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------

**DESCRIPTIONS**

**WETLAND TYPES**

Peatland is any wetland that accumulates partially decayed plant. This
type is further classified into bog and fens with only fens being found
in Colorado. Fens receive drainage from surrounding mineral soil and
support some marsh-like vegetation. They can prevent or reduce the risk
of floods, improve water quality and provide a habitat for unique plant
and animal communities. They can be found at low points in the
landscape.

Marshland may occur next to open bodies of nonflowing water. Marshes
also occur along slow moving streams and rivers. Vegetation can include
cattails, bulrush, pondweed, or duckweed. Marshes are a favorite for
waterbirds.

Wet Meadow land contains waterlogged soil but not standing water. These
often occur near or may include irrigated cropland, hayland (native or
introduced), and pastureland. This is the most common wetland type in
Colorado. Wet meadows improve the quality of the water while providing
habitat for various wildlife.

Riparian areas are the transition zone between uplands and water bodies.
This may include intermittent streams and creeks. They generally have a
high water table and can be recognized by floodplain and streambank
vegetation including trees and shrubs. They are a popular nesting
habitat and forage for wildlife including waterbirds.

Playa basins can be defined as rain fed ephemeral wetlands. Playa basins
are typically clay lined and vary in size from ¼ acre and up. Vegetation
can include hydrophytic, upland, or be non existent depending on
frequency of saturation.