How do Type 5 Waters and Small Wetlands fit into the State Trust Lands HCP Riparian Conservation Strategy?
Most of the conservation strategies were initially defined during the development of DNR’s State Trust Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). One notable exception within the riparian conservation strategy was the level of protection necessary for non-fish bearing seasonal waters (Type 5 or Ns streams). DNR did not have enough information to develop clear guidance for the 70-year life of the HCP. As part of the HCP agreement, the Implementation Agreement Adaptive Management section 10 specified that DNR would develop a long-term conservation strategy for Type 5 streams within 10 years. In the interim, Type 5 waters would continue to be protected under the guidance ot the 1992 Forest Resources Plan to maintain water quality, fisheries habitat, stream banks, wildlife, and other aquatic systems. This is stated on page IV 79 of the HCP as follows: “… during the first 10 years of this HCP, Type 5 waters not associated with unstable slopes will be protected only when necessary for water qu
