Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)

Ranking Criteria

**[Information to Landowners]{.underline}:**

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in North Carolina has
established this procedure to prioritize Wetland Reserve Program offers
based on environmental criteria and cost to the agency. Ranking score
will be based on NRCS evaluation of natural resource conditions, a
preliminary wetland restoration plan and map, and cost information
obtained from approved cost-lists and the landowner.

NRCS will consider environmental and project cost criteria separately.
NRCS will give priority consideration to the environmental criteria
score in its selection of projects. Project cost information will
primarily be used to differentiate among offers with equivalent
environmental scores. NRCS will complete a preliminary restoration plan
with you to document conservation decisions, partnership arrangements,
and cost-sharing arrangements. Acceptance of your offer will be subject
to NRCS verification of partnership agreements and offers to sell an
easement for less than the county cap.

**[Information to NRCS Personnel]{.underline}:**

One ranking must be prepared for each offer.

Cost estimates entered in this procedure will become the basis for the
budget of accepted projects. Costs of projects must not be
underestimated in order to improve rank.

> The landowner(s), or their properly designated agent, must acknowledge
> receipt of the ranking determination. Ranking scores will normally be
> valid for one program-year (October 1-September 30).

Project Name:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
County: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Circle Type: Permanent Easement 30-yr. Easement 10-yr. Restoration only

[Environmental Criteria]{.underline} Points [Project Cost
Criteria]{.underline} Points

1\. HGM Class \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

2\. Target Hydrology \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

3\. Hydrology Restoration Need \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

4\. Land Cover / Soils \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

5\. Habitat Location \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

6\. Vegetation Restoration Condition \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 1. NRCS
Easement Cost \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

7\. Declining Wetland Habitats \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 2. NRCS Restoration
Cost \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

8\. State Priority Areas \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 3. Other Rest. Funding
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

9\. Conservation of At-Risk Spps.**^\*^** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

10\. Duration of Agreement \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

## Total Environmental Criteria \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Total Cost Criteria \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Max. 100 pts. Max. 35 pts.

^\*^ *When points are awarded in Conservation of at-risk species
Criterion, a qualified wildlife\
biologist must indicate concurrence in criteria 8.*

**NRCS Concurrence:**

A program eligibility determination and a preliminary restoration plan
have been completed for this offer. This ranking procedure has been
completed based on the preliminary restoration plan and the best natural
resources information available. The ranking procedure has been reviewed
for completeness and accuracy.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

District Conservationist Date

**Other Participating Ranking Team Members:**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name Representing

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name Representing

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name Representing

**Landowner Acknowledgement for Receipt of Ranking Criteria:**

I have received a copy of the completed ranking worksheet. I understand
that this ranking will determine the priority of my bid in a competitive
selection process. I understand that I may withdraw or modify this offer
at any time by providing a written request to my local NRCS
representative. Modification of the offer requires NRCS re-evaluation of
the ranking.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

# Signature of Landowner or Authorized Representative Date

###  {#section .unnumbered}

###  {#section-1 .unnumbered}

### Environmental Criteria {#environmental-criteria .unnumbered}

**1. Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Class** (Maximum 15 points)

A site's landform and its predominant hydrologic processes determine the
hydrogeomorphic (HGM) class. NRCS is supporting a national program
initiative that emphasizes restoration of wetland hydrology by placing
highest priority on HGM classes that provide the greatest hydrologic
functions.

15 pts. X Acres Estuarine and Riverine / Total Acres = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

10 pts. X Acres Depressions and Slopes / Total Acres = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

5 pts. X Acres Flats / Total Acres = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\
\
**TOTAL** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Pts.\
\
(Total points must be 15 or less; if greater, check for math error)

**2. Target Hydrologic Regime for Restoration Site** (Maximum 12 points)

> The WRP requires restoration of wetland hydrology to pre-manipulation
> conditions. Based on the county soil survey report's "*Table of Soil &
> Water Features*", the hydrologic regime of the predominant soil
> mapping units in the restoration project is:
>
> 12 pts. X Acres Frequent flooding, long duration / Total Acres =
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> 9 pts. X Common flooding, long duration / Total Acres =
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> 6 pts. X Frequent flooding, brief duration / Total Acres =
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> 3 pts. X Common flooding, brief duration / Total Acres =
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> 1 pts. X High water table (saturated in upper\
> part) during [\>]{.underline} 5% of growing season / Total Acres =
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> **TOTAL** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Pts.
>
> (Total points must be 12 or less; if greater, check for math error)
>
> *(Score for this criterion may only be determined using soil data to
> estimate the pre-manipulation hydrologic regime)*

**3. Hydrology Restoration Need** (Maximum 12 points)

WRP allows enrollment of adjacent lands that contribute significantly to
the functions and values of the restoration site as long as the adjacent
lands do not exceed 50% of the total easement area. WRP resources are
limited, so NRCS will place greater priority on restoring wetland
habitats than on adjacent uplands, or protecting natural wetlands.

> To complete the scoring for this factor, a certified wetland
> determination and its accompanying aerial photomap must be obtained.
> Next, determine the proportion of the [offered]{.underline}
> [acreage]{.underline} *(not the whole farm or tract)* that is covered
> with each of the following NRCS wetland labels. Express the
> proportions as whole number percentages remembering to show all 100%
> of offered acreage. Multiply each percentage by the corresponding
> factor. Write the product in the left-hand column, and then sum the
> products to get a score for this criterion. If the score exceeds 12
> points, check for an error.
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ = 0.12 x \_\_\_\_\_% Prior Converted (PC) or Non-Wetland
> (NW) with certified\
> [hydric]{.underline} soil, or Wetland Manipulated, production not\
> possible (WX).
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ = 0.08 x \_\_\_\_\_% Farmed Wetland (FW) or Farmed Wetland
> Pasture (FWP).
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ = 0.05 x \_\_\_\_\_% Wetland (W).
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ = 0.02 x \_\_\_\_\_% Upland buffer (NW) with certified
> [non-hydric]{.underline} soil.

\_\_\_\_\_\_= Hydrology Restoration Need Score

**4. Land Cover / Soil Characteristics** (Maximum 18 points)

Determine acreage of each land cover type for each soil classification.
Multiply land Cover / Soil factor (in bold) by the acres in that
category divided by the total acres in the offer. If score exceeds 18,
check for math error.

+---------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|               | **A**           | **B**           | **C**           |
+---------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Soil        | **Cropland,     | **Old field,    | **Forestland**  |
| Cla           | pasture,        | native veg.**   |                 |
| ssification** | hayland**       |                 |                 |
|               |                 | **\< 30 % woody |                 |
|               |                 | cover**         |                 |
+---------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **            | **18** x        | **12** x        | **6** x         |
| Predominantly | (\_\_\_\_ac./   | (\_\_\_\_ac./   | (\_\_\_\_\_ac./ |
| hydric (A     | total ac.)      | total ac.)      | total ac.)      |
| list)**       |                 |                 |                 |
|               | =               | =               | =               |
|               | \_\_\_\_\_\     | \_\_\_\_\_\_\   | \_\_\_\_\_\_\   |
|               | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. |
+---------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **            | **12** x        | **9** x         | **3** x         |
| Predominantly | (\_\_\_\_ac./   | (\_\_\_\_ac./   | (\_\_\_\_ac./   |
| hydric (B     | total ac.)      | total ac.)      | total ac.)      |
| list)**       |                 |                 |                 |
|               | =               | =               | =               |
|               | \_\_\_\_\_\     | \_\_\_\_\_\     | \_\_\_\_\_\     |
|               | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. |
+---------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Non-hydric  | **6** x         | **3** x         | **1** x         |
| buffer**      | (\_\_\_\_ac./   | (\_\_\_\_ac./   | (\_\_\_\_ac./   |
|               | total ac.)      | total ac.)      | total ac.)      |
|               |                 |                 |                 |
|               | =               | =               | =               |
|               | \_\_\_\_\_\     | \_\_\_\_\_\     | \_\_\_\_\_\     |
|               | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. | _\_\_\_\_\_pts. |
+---------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **TOTAL       |                 |                 |                 |
| PTS.**        |                 |                 |                 |
+---------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

Column **A** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ pts. + Column **B** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ pts. +
Column **C** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ pts. = \_\_\_\_\_\_pts.

**5. Significance of Wildlife Habitat Location** (Maximum 8 points)

> A leading purpose of WRP is to restore habitat for wetland dependant
> wildlife. Offered site is:
>
> 8 Contiguous with a permanently protected wildlife conservation area
> of at least 100 acres in size.
>
> 6 Contiguous with state-designated Outstanding Resource Water, Primary
> Nursery Area, National/State Scenic River, or designated Trout Waters.
>
> 4 Offered site located adjacent to a permanent river, stream, or
> natural lake.
>
> 2 None of the above, but it will create a habitat corridor at least
> 300-feet wide that links existing protected habitats.
>
> 0 None of the above
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = Significance of Wildlife Habitat Location Score

**6. Vegetation Restoration Condition** (Maximum 8 points)

8 Expiring and otherwise eligible CRP, WHIP, NC Partners, or Partners
for Fish and Wildlife agreement (see WRP Handbook, April 1998, Part
514.11)

6 Land cropped, hayed, or grazed in 2 (or more) of the last 5 growing
seasons.

2 Woodland, shrubland, cutover woodland, and fields with no crop or
forage history in last 5 growing seasons. WRP requires these site types
must have hydrologic functions essentially removed to be eligible for
enrollment.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = Vegetation Restoration Condition Score

**7. Declining Wetland Habitats of Special Concern** (Maximum 2 points)

> The wetland types listed below may be of minor significance to
> migratory birds, but they are an important part of the state's natural
> wetland heritage. Award [2 points]{.underline} if any one of the
> following wetland habitats will be restored by a project:
>
> \_\_\_\_ Carolina bays with mineral soils (does not include Carolina
> bays with Histisols)
>
> \_\_\_\_ Upland depressions (non-alluvial pools) in the Piedmont and
> Mountains
>
> \_\_\_\_ Bogs and fens in the Piedmont, Mountains, and Sandhills
>
> \_\_\_\_ Alluvial pools on floodplains of Piedmont and Mountain
> waterways

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = Declining Habitat Score

**8. State Priority Areas** (Maximum 7 points)\
\
The geographic areas listed below have been identified by NRCS and
cooperating partners as priority areas for the enrollment of WRP
easements. The establishment of easements in these areas will provide
protected habitat corridors by linking existing WRP easements with other
land already protected, including state and federally owned land. Award
[7 points]{.underline} if the offered land is located in any of the
following priority geographic areas (see attached maps):\
\
\_\_\_\_ East Dismal Swamp (Washington, Beaufort, Hyde, and Martin
Counties)\
\
\_\_\_\_ Scuppernong River Headwaters in Tyrrell County\
\
\_\_\_\_ Roanoke River Floodplain (Martin, Bertie, Halifax, and
Northampton\
Counties, especially between Hwys. 258 and 11)

**9. Conservation of At-Risk Species** (Maximum 10 points)

IMPORTANT: Do not award points in this category, unless one of the
participant's objectives, stated in the conservation plan, is
conservation of at-risk species.

IMPORTANT: Points awards must be supported by the written opinion of a
qualified representative from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NC
Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Natural Heritage Program, or NRCS
biologist [and]{.underline} the conservation plan must include practices
needed to conserve the specie's habitat.

**[Qualified Representative's Opinion]{.underline}**

**Likelihood of Benefit**

Based on my knowledge of:

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

*(List [only]{.underline} Federally-listed endangered, threatened and
Federal Species of Concern, or State-listed endangered and threatened
species. Note listing status.)* habitat requirements, my awareness of
the site location and condition; and familiarity with the proposed
conservation plan, I concur that the person's offer is likely to sustain
a population of the species, or encourage a population of the species,
occurring in the vicinity, to utilize the site for some stage of its
life during the time period covered by the plan.

**Manner of Benefit**

Considering proximity to existing populations as well as characteristics
of the proposed project, the offer is likely to benefit the
**[animal(s]{.underline})**, listed above, by providing:**\
***(Check applicable categories)*

\_\_\_\_ all necessary habitat elements, in sufficient extent, to
complete the specie's life cycle.

\_\_\_\_ breeding habitat.

\_\_\_\_ foraging, over-wintering, stopover, or larval development
habitat.

\_\_\_\_ a buffer against detrimental disturbance, or pollution, of the
habitat.

Considering proximity of existing populations, as well as
characteristics of the proposed project, the offer is likely to benefit
the [**plant(s)**,]{.underline} listed above, by: **\
***(Check applicable categories)*

\_\_\_\_ sustaining, or increasing an existing population already on the
land to be enrolled.

\_\_\_\_ re-introducing the species to the land to be enrolled.

\_\_\_\_ creating conditions that buffer, or favor expansion of an
existing population in the vicinity.

\_\_\_\_ creating a buffer against detrimental disturbance, or
preventing exclusion from the habitat.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Specialist's Signature Date Representing

  -------------------------------------------------------------- --------
  **Plan may benefit specie(s) listed as Federal- Threatened or  **10**
  Endangered**                                                   

  **Plan may benefit specie(s) listed as State-                  **5**
  Threatened/Endangered, or Federal Special Concern**            

  **Plan is not likely to effect any rare or declining species** **0**
  -------------------------------------------------------------- --------

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = At-Risk Species Conservation Score

**10. Duration of WRP Agreement** (Maximum 8 points)

WRP places higher priority on projects that will protect the restored
wetland for the greatest duration.

> 8 Permanent Easement
>
> 4 30-Year Easement
>
> 2 10-Year Restoration only agreement
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = Duration of WRP Agreement Score

**Project Cost Criteria**

1.  **NRCS Easement Cost** (Maximum 10 points)

Landowners may voluntarily offer their eligible acres to NRCS at a
discount below the Appraised Value (AV) in order to make the project
more competitive among its peers. Landowners must provide NRCS District
Conservationist with a separate written offer to earn points under this
criterion. District Conservationists should transmit a copy of the
landowner's offer to the State Office along with the completed ranking
criteria. Complete the following calculations and circle the appropriate
criteria:

**Acres Offered** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

  -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
  **Permanent Easement       **30-year Easement\        **10-year
  Offered at:**              Offered at:**              Restoration
                                                        Agrmt.**

  10 Easement donation\      8 Easement donation\       8 All\
  on entire offer.           on entire offer.           10-yr.
                                                        Restoration
                                                        Agrmt.\
                                                        offers.

  8 Less than 70% of AV      6 Less than 45% of AV..    

  6 70 -- 80% of AV.         4 45 - 55% of AV.          

  4 80 -- 90% of AV.         2 55 -- 65% of AV.         

  2 90 -- 99% of AV.         1 65 -- 75% of AV.         

  0 At AV.                   0 75% of AV.               
  -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NRCS Easement Cost Score

2.  **NRCS Restoration Cost** (Maximum 15 points)

Complete the following calculations and circle the appropriate criteria:

**High** (Organic soils with buried wood,\
woody cover, ditched and\
drained forestland) 5 pts. X (acres/total acres) = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_pts.

**Medium** (Cropland out of production\
with native grasses and forbs\
and less than 30% woody shrubs.\
Organic soils w/ recent cropping\
history) 10 pts. X (acres/total acres) = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_pts.

**Low** (cropland, pasture, or hayland on\
mineral soils w/ recent cropping\
history) 15 pts. X (acres/total acres) = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_pts.

**Total Points** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

3.  **Other Restoration Funding** (from Landowner or Partner) (Maximum
    10 points)

> The landowner or a partner organization has pledged to provide goods
> and services equivalent to the following proportion of the total
> project restoration cost:

If Permanent Easement Offer If 30-year Easement [or]{.underline}\
10-year Restoration Only

10 75 to 100% of costs 10 65 to 75% of costs

8 50 to 75% of costs 8 50 to 65% of costs

4 25 to 50% of costs 6 35 to 50% of costs

6 1 to 25% of costs 4 25 to 35% of costs

0 NRCS will bear 99 to 100% of costs 0 NRCS will bear 75% of costs

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ = Other Funding Score