This process requires approximately 30 minutes to complete. Sample points were completed at large water bodies, at water bodies representing each National Wetland Inventory type, and at sites where determinations were not obvious. Low intensity characterization involves completion of abbreviated forms at observation points and requires approximately 5 minutes to complete. The form requires information on dominant vegetation, hydrology, and soil type. All three parameters are necessary for proper determination of water body status.
Observation Points require determination of the same three parameters in an abbreviated format .