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HomeMy WebLinkAbout28_Wildlife Management Plan Rev 4_2025-0618 1101 Fawcett Avenue, Suite 200 Tacoma, Washinton 98402 253.383.4940 June 18, 2025 Statesman Group 7370 Sierra Morena Boulevard SW Calgary, Alberta T3H 4H9 Attention: Garth Mann Subject: Revised Wildlife Management Plan Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort Jefferson County, Washington File No. 12677-001-13 Introduction The Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort (MPR) is situated on approximately 270 acres in Pleasant Harbor and Black Point in Hood Canal and will consist of a 9-hole championship golf course, residential housing, marina, and a maritime village. As part of the Jefferson County (County) approval conditions (Ordinance No. 01-0128-08, 63.l) a wildlife management plan is required. This condition states that the wildlife management plan (WMP) will focus on non-lethal strategies to: ■ Prevent diminishment of tribal wildlife resources (e.g. deer, elk, cougar, waterfowl, osprey, eagles, and bear); ■ To reduce the potential for vehicle collisions on US Highway 101; ■ Reduce the conflicts resulting from wildlife foraging on high value landscaping and attraction to fresh water sources; ■ To reduce the dangers to predators attracted to the area by prey or habitat; and ■ To reduce the danger to humans. A WMP was prepared in 2017 to address the County requirements outlined in Ordinance No. 01-0128-08, 63.l. Since 2017, the proposed development has been revised and this letter report presents the proposed changes to the project and changes to the 2017 WMP, for the proposed Pleasant Harbor MPR, near Brinnon in Jefferson County, Washington (Figure 1, Vicinity Map). The following report addresses the current site plan for the Pleasant Harbor MPR (Figure 2, Site Plan). A Habitat Management Plan (HMP) for the project area was developed in 2012 and describes potential fish and wildlife usage of the project site (GeoEngineers 2012). In addition, the HMP also described minimization measures such as providing wildlife corridors, increasing shoreline buffer and enhancement through native plantings in degraded Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 2 File No. 12677-001-13 habitat areas (GeoEngineers 2012); Figure 3, Golf Course Wildlife Corridor Plan shows the proposed wildlife corridors relative to the current site plan. PROJECT LOCATION The Pleasant Harbor MPR is located along the western shoreline of the Hood Canal surrounding Pleasant Harbor and Black Point in Sections 15 and 22 of Township 25 North, Range 2 west of the Willamette Meridian. The Pleasant Harbor MPR property, hereinafter referred to as the site, is approximately 1½ miles south of Brinnon in Jefferson County, Washington (Figure 1). The site is located in the Skokomish- Dosewallips Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA 16) and is part of the East Olympic and Hood Canal Basins. The approximately 270-acre site is partially developed and comprised of three main development sections as identified in Figure 1. Section 1 is the Golf Course/Golf Resort on Black Point, which extends east approximately 1 mile into Hood Canal. This property was historically used for camping and recreation. Sections 2 and 3, referred to as the Maritime Village/Marina area. These sections are located on the northwest shoreline of Pleasant Harbor which is a shallow cove of Hood Canal north of Black Point. Currently, Sections 2 and 3 are being utilized for a variety of purposes including business (real estate office), recreational (the marina), and commercial (restaurant and convenience store). SITE DESCRIPTION The entire site was previously logged by others prior to 1970. Historical aerial photographs reproduced in the Forestry Report prepared for the Pleasant Harbor MPR show the area now occupied by the Pleasant Harbor Marina was once used for log rafting and a log dump. The existing narrow loop road on the slope and along the waterfront was created by others to serve these uses. Black Point Peninsula and Marina Existing land use on the Black Point peninsula is predominantly low-density residential. The peninsula was previously logged, and single-family homes have been constructed on the west and east sides. The northern end of the peninsula is undeveloped. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) owns approximately 30 acres of forest land on the northern portion of the peninsula. Improvements on WDFW land include a public boat launch and picnic area with access from Black Point Road. The site was historically used as a 500-site campground and consists of developed roads and camping pads. There are buildings remaining on-site, including restrooms located throughout the developed area of the site. Section 1 is bordered by Hood Canal to the south, forested land and several single-family residences to the east, light residential housing to the north, and US Highway 101 to the west. Black Point peninsula landforms consist of hills, ravines, and deep kettles shaped by glacial processes. The project area is sparsely forested with pockets of second growth coniferous forest and areas of deciduous shrubs and trees. There are also cleared areas that were associated with the campground, including roads, campsites, maintenance areas, lodge, restrooms, parking areas, and play areas. The golf course has been reduced to nine holes to accommodate the Tribe, with more than 26 acres of fairways with manicured grasses and more than 8 acres of waterbodies, both manmade and natural. The updated development plan consists of approximately 34 acres of buildings including the Wastewater Treatment Plant and 19 acres of roads and parking areas with a total impervious surface of less than Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 3 File No. 12677-001-13 20 percent of the site. All stormwater will be collected and infiltrated to achieve a zero-discharge of stormwater to Hood Canal. Vegetation found on the property consists primarily of an over story of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), with occurrences of red alder (Alnus rubra), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), and Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii). Broadleaf shrubs and other plants found in the understory include: red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum), Scot’s broom (Cytisus scoparius), vine maple (Acer circinatum), salal (Gaultheria shallon), and evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum). The Black Point peninsula and marina areas provide grazing and cover habitat for deer, elk, cougar, and bear. However, these habitats do not provide potential grazing or prey habitat for osprey, eagles, and waterfowl. Shoreline The Pleasant Harbor shoreline is considered a low-energy environment due to the protected waters of the bay and the vegetation established below the mean higher high tide line. Salt-tolerant vegetation identified on the shoreline along Pleasant Harbor included saltgrass (Distichlis spicata var. spicata), pickleweed (Salicornia), Puget Sound gumweed (Grindelia integrifolia var. macrophylla), and fleshy jaumea (Jaumea carnosa). The Hood Canal shoreline of Black Point is considered a high-energy environment because of the exposed nature of the shoreline and the lack of vegetation established below the mean higher high tide line. The shoreline along Black Point is high bluff with areas of vertical slopes, which contain little to no vegetation and signs of active erosion. The shoreline within the project area does not provide grazing or cover habitat for deer, elk, cougar, or bear. However, the shoreline does provide potential grazing and prey habitat for osprey, eagles, and waterfowl. Project Description The plan is to develop a mixed-use resort development on the 270-acre site. Although three project alternatives and a no-action alternative (four alternatives total) have been developed, and recent changes have been made to the preferred alternative, the basic project description remains consistent within the various phases and alternatives. DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVISIONS The development plan has been revised since 2017 and therefore changes to the wildlife corridors have been proposed to align with the current development. Figure 3 identifies the current proposed wildlife corridors and the proposed connections between habitat areas. The following is a list of revisions to the proposed development since 2017 that affect the location and connectivity of wildlife corridors onsite. ■ The main access roads have been adjusted to accommodate additional housing in the west and southeast corners of the property. ■ Fairway locations and configurations have been adjusted to accommodate:  storm ponds and other utility infrastructure,  the Inn by the Sea, Conference and Event Center, Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 4 File No. 12677-001-13  Cascadia, Eagle Nest, and Olympia Housing as well as  the additional housing in the Vista view and Seaview housing areas. ■ The Wetland Creation area identified in Kettle C is now a proposed reclaimed water pond. ■ Kettle B will no longer be the reclaimed water pond and therefore Wetland B will not be impacted by the proposed development and the entire Kettle will be protected and available for wildlife use. MITIGATION MEASURES Various strategies will be implemented to help prevent the diminishment of tribal wildlife resources throughout the site from impacts caused by the development. These strategies include providing natural vegetated areas that will be protected from development and remain undisturbed as well as reducing impacts to the marine environment by controlling pollution that may drain to Hood Canal and Pleasant Harbor. The following mitigation measures will be taken to limit impacts to terrestrial wildlife resources and protect wildlife corridors within the golf resort: ■ Designated vegetated areas/corridors will be left undisturbed and extend throughout areas of development. These undisturbed vegetated areas will consist of the typical forested habitat that currently exists on the site. The areas will be dominated by a coniferous and deciduous forest, with dense to moderately dense shrub and herbaceous layers. ■ Wildlife Corridors depicted in Figure 3 extending through golf course fairways will consist of mowed grasses. However, it is assumed that wildlife will still cross through these areas of the fairways. ■ Wildlife Corridors depicted in Figure 3 will extend across internal roadways. These roadway crossings will connect existing retained and restored habitat areas. To reduce conflicts with residents and wildlife, signs will be installed at each of the identified roadway crossings to keep drivers alert to potential wildlife traversing roadways in transit between other internal and external habitat areas. The Jefferson County Code (JCC) 150-foot shoreline buffer will be increased to a 200-foot shoreline buffer and will not be disturbed or encroached upon. Disturbed portions of the buffer will be restored. ■ The final wetland critical area buffers will be marked and left undisturbed for Wetlands C and D. ■ Existing concrete and gravel roads within the buffers of Wetlands C and D will be removed and the areas will be replanted with native vegetation that is found in the project vicinity. ■ In an effort to increase potential nesting habitat for endemic birds, the project will construct and place birdhouses and nesting sites in out-of-play areas. ■ Vegetated corridors that lead to offsite areas and to other remaining vegetated areas will be left throughout the golf course and housing areas. These corridors will lead to more than 200 acres of relatively undisturbed vegetation on and off site in addition to existing and restored wetland and buffer features on-site. These corridors will be dominated by native vegetation that will provide food and habitat to animals that may use the site. ■ An effort will be made to retain trees that have a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 10 inches or greater throughout the site in these corridors. These trees are important because they are used as perch trees Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 5 File No. 12677-001-13 and nesting trees for birds such as bald eagles and osprey. An active osprey nest was identified near the west shoreline of Pleasant Harbor and the nest and tree will be protected during construction. ■ If there are existing dead trees or trees that suffer mortality, these dead tree snags will be retained for nesting and feeding sites in areas that do not create a hazard. Undisturbed areas of natural vegetation and habitat corridors are important to wildlife currently using the site. Habitat corridors are needed to allow movement and subsequent flow of genes between wildlife populations in habitats that otherwise would be isolated. The two primary users of corridors are corridor travelers and corridor dwellers. Corridor travelers include large herbivores such as deer; medium to large carnivores like foxes and coyotes; and various migratory animals (Payne and Bryant 1994). Corridor dwellers generally have limited dispersal ability and consist mostly of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and birds. These vegetated areas will lesson impacts and allow wildlife that typically utilizes the site to continue to utilize the site. Wildlife Resources As stated above, the purpose of this WMP is to provide non-lethal strategies to prevent diminishment of tribal wildlife resources (e.g. deer, elk, cougar, waterfowl, osprey, eagles, and bear) to reduce the potential for vehicle collisions on US Highway 101, to reduce the conflicts resulting from wildlife foraging on high value landscaping and attraction to fresh water sources, to reduce the dangers to predators attracted to the area by prey or habitat, and to reduce the danger to humans. Therefore, development of the WMP included identification of tribal wildlife resources and review of literature on the identified tribal wildlife resources. For the purposes of this report, the wildlife resources discussed below include: deer, elk, cougar, waterfowl, osprey, eagles, and bears. DEER During previous site visits, black-tail deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbiannus) scat and tracks were observed throughout the site from the shoreline to the upland in all sections and there were visual confirmations of deer made during the field reconnaissance. ROOSEVELT ELK There is documented presence of regular large concentrations of Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) in the vicinity of the site (WDFW 2017a). Elk migrate on a seasonal pattern and can be expected to be in the project vicinity during certain times of the year. Elk could potentially wander onto Black Point and inhabit the site for short durations during the year. However, US Highway 101 separates the entire site from crucial elk wintering range (WDFW 2017b). According to Bryan Murphie (wildlife biologist with WDFW), there are two unique herds in the area: Duckabush and the Dosewallips herds (personal communication with Bryan Murphy 2017). Both herds have the potential to cross US Highway 101, but the Duckabush herd would likely be the herd that utilize Black Point (personal communication with Bryan Murphie 2017). There is not a documented presence of elk utilizing Black Point; however, elk could be found occasionally using the site (personal communication with Bryan Murphie 2017). Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 6 File No. 12677-001-13 Elk are typically found in herds that can range in size of individuals. During mating season, bulls gather harems of cows and these harems can range in size from 3 to 25 cows (WDFW 2004a). Therefore, it is assumed a herd could be as small as four individuals (three cows and one bull). COUGAR The project site includes forested habitat with thick brush and sparse development which is typical habitat of cougar. While cougars were not observed during the site reconnaissance and no evidence of cougar was noted, it is possible that cougar are found within the development site. Adult cougar prey typically includes deer (WDFW 2004b), which have been identified on and near the project site. BEARS Due to habitat conditions of the project site (forested area with sparse development) bears could be found at the project site. In general, bears are strongly associated with forest cover, but they do occasionally use open country (WDFW 2004b). Bears were not observed on the project site and evidence of presence was not noted; however, due to habitat conditions, it is possible that bears could be found within the development site. WATERFOWL Migratory waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans, are expected to be present within the vicinity of the site. The Duckabush River enters Hood Canal about 1 mile southwest of the site. There is an extensive delta and shallow mudflat habitat at the mouth of the river. This area is prime habitat for waterfowl: thus, they can be expected to feed and migrate through the area during various times of the year. There is a documented waterfowl concentration of trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinators) along the southern shoreline of Black Point that is associated with the mouth of the Duckabush River and of hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) along the east shoreline of Black Point (WDFW 2011; WDFW 2017a). There is also documented presence of hooded merganser as concentrations in a pond less than ½ mile to the east of the site (WDFW 2011; WDFW 2017a). OSPREY AND EAGLES An active osprey nest was observed and identified adjacent to the development site, near the west shoreline of Pleasant Harbor. Two off-site bald eagle nests are mapped by WDFW (WDFW 2017a) on the eastern shoreline of Black Point, under ½ mile east from the development area. The shoreline on the southern edge of Black Point and the Pleasant Harbor shoreline contain mature trees suitable for eagle and osprey perching. Although there are no eagle nests or communal areas identified onsite, there is a presence of bald eagles in the project vicinity, which indicates there is potential for bald eagles to utilize the site. During the 2006 field reconnaissance, one immature and one adult bald eagle were observed flying over the site, and two adult bald eagles were observed perched in mature Douglas fir trees along Pleasant Harbor. Wildlife Management Strategies The proposed project has been designed to minimize impacts from the proposed development. Wildlife corridors and enhancement through installation of native plants is proposed over much of the site. In Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 7 File No. 12677-001-13 addition, the golf course has been reduced from an 18-hole course to a 9-hole course reducing the overall footprint of the development. Through discussions with Native American Tribes it has been identified that tribal wildlife resources (including Roosevelt Elk) should be discouraged from using the development site (Jefferson County Web Meeting Notes 2017). Therefore, management strategies listed below include strategies to discourage wildlife use of the sites to prevent diminishment of the wildlife resources, reduce vehicle collisions, reduce conflicts with foraging on high value landscaping, reduce dangers to predators attracted by prey, and reduce dangers to humans. DEER Deer have been identified on the project site and will likely continue to reside within the project area after construction. Deer can be a nuisance species when population numbers increase to a point where human and deer conflicts become a concern (WDFW 2004b). Deer will forage on landscaped plants and can attract animals that prey on deer, such as cougar and bear. In addition, with an increased population there is a potential increase in deer and vehicle collisions (WDFW 2004b). Potential ways to discourage deer from the property include: ■ Installing cattle guards within driveways or roads with adjacent fencing along entrances; ■ Landscaping with deer resistant plants; ■ Implementing scare tactics. Scare tactics can include visual (bright colors, jerking movements), auditory (loud noises), and smell (sprays that have a scent deer dislike). However, scare tactics are often considered temporary because deer will get used to the tactic and once again return to the site; and ■ Installing fencing around the perimeter of the site or potential food sources (landscaped plants). Statesman Group (Statesman) will evaluate deer presence on the project site and if deer become a nuisance, Statesman will implement the following strategies: ■ Statesman will landscape with deer resistant plants and if needed will fence around potential food sources (landscaped plants). ■ Scare tactics will be used to deter deer from the project site. Scare tactics will include use of chemicals for smell, loud noises, and flashing lights. ROOSEVELT ELK Elk have not been identified on the property but there is a potential for their presence because the site is adjacent to mapped elk crucial wintering range (WDFW 2017a). Elk can be a nuisance species when human and elk conflicts become a concern. Elk will forage on landscaped plants and due to the location of the highway, there is a potential increase in elk and vehicle collisions (WDFW 2004a). Human and elk conflicts are influenced by the number of elk in the area, the availability of alternative food sources and hiding cover, and winter weather conditions (WDFW 2004a). Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 8 File No. 12677-001-13 Methods to discourage elk from utilizing the site are similar to deer. Typical nonlethal damage-control techniques to discourage elk include but are not limited to the following: ■ Scare tactics can include visual (bright colors, jerking movements), auditory (loud noises), and smell (sprays that have a scent elk dislike). However, scare tactics are often considered temporary because the animals will get used to the tactic and return to the site. ■ Elk fences and other barriers can provide relief from elk damage in situations where plants cannot be protected individually (WDFW 2004a; Johnson et al. 2014; WSDOT 2017; personal communication with Kelly McAllister at WSDOT 2017; personal communication with Bryan Murphie at WDFW 2017). The fence will need to be minimum 8-foot-high woven-wire fence, but the development has proposed a 10-foot-high perimeter fence with gates. In addition, electric fences have proven to be an alternative to the woven-wire fencing. The fences feature 8 to 10 strands of high tensile steel wire supported by conventional fence post systems. To be effective, fencing must be seen by the elk because often times they will go through the fence if not seen. To make the fencing visible, survey tape or branches can be used. ■ High numbers of wildlife and vehicle collisions frequently occur in areas where large numbers of deer and elk are present directly adjacent to high traffic volume highway segments (WSDOT 2017). According to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), signs are the most commonly used tool to warn motorists of the possibility of wildlife on the highway (WSDOT 2017). Flashing signs or signs with regularly updated messages are more successful at reducing deer and elk vehicle collisions than regular signs and are currently used in areas with high wildlife/vehicle collision rates (WSDOT 2017). Therefore, another potential strategy to reduce elk and vehicular incidents is to install collars on elk that are linked to signs on US Highway 101. The signs would light up when the elk get close to the roadway and warn people to slow down. However, this strategy would not prevent elk from entering the project site and is not always an effective strategy (personal communication with Kelly McAllister at WSDOT 2017; personal communication with Bryan Murphie at WDFW 2017). To help prevent elk and vehicle collisions, Statesman will install flashing signs that are associated with collared elk. Even though there is no history of elk grazing on the grasses in the project area, Statesman has agreed to satisfy the concerns of Port Gamble SKlallam Tribe (PGST) to install a west oriented fence in any open areas where elk could find access to the nine holes of golf course grasses. Statesman will investigate if there is proven technology in types of grasses that are not attractive for elk grazing. For the project site, strategies for discouraging elk from the property include utilizing scare techniques which is a temporary solution. Statesman will be responsible for monitoring elk presence on the site. If more than four elk (which could be a herd) are observed accessing the property within a 1-year span, Statesman will employ the following strategies to remove and discourage elk from the site: ■ If four elk are observed on the property in a 1-year span, Statesman will implement scare tactics to deter the elk from the project site. Scare tactics will include use of chemicals smell, loud noises, and flashing lights. ■ There has been no history of elk entering and grazing on the property. Once the property is developed no more than four elk will be allowed on the property at one time. To satisfy the request of PGST to keep elk off of the development property, the developer will erect a 10-foot-high perimeter fence with gates to discourage elk from crossing the highway and using the property. This fence will also Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 9 File No. 12677-001-13 discourage other large mammals from crossing the highway at the development and will likely reduce conflicts with wildlife and the development. COUGAR Cougar could potentially be attracted to the development site by the presence of prey species such as deer and elk. WDFW provides several tips for preventing conflicts if living within areas where cougars are present (WDFW 2004b): ■ Do not leave small children unattended and make sure children are indoors by dusk. Cougars are generally more active from dusk to dawn. ■ Modify the habitat around homes. Light all walkways after dark and avoid landscaping with plants that deer prefer to eat. Shrubs and trees around children’s play areas should be pruned to prevent cougars from hiding behind them. ■ Do not feed wildlife that may be prey to cougars. Attracting prey species will likely attract cougars. ■ Feed pets inside and do not leave unattended water and food outside. ■ Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids because garbage can attract small mammals that, in turn may attract cougars. Statesman will monitor the number of cougar sightings on the project site. If cougar presence becomes a nuisance, then the following strategies will be implemented: ■ Statesman will implement public education programs regarding living in areas with cougars (i.e. garbage can management, feeding pets, and supervising children outdoors). ■ If cougars are still observed on the property, Statesman will modify habitat around homes which will include, lighting all walkways after dark, pruning shrubs and trees, and landscaping with deer resistant plants. BEAR Bear can utilize a variety of habitats but are generally associated with forested areas. Therefore, bear have the potential to be on the development site before and after the development of the project. WDFW provides several tips for preventing conflicts if living within areas where bears may be present (WDFW 2004b): ■ Do not feed bears; a wild bear can become permanently food conditioned after just one handout and associate food with humans. ■ Manage garbage. Bears will go through garbage looking for food. Trash cans should be put out shortly before the garbage truck arrives, garbage cans should have tight fitting lids and be kept in a shed or garage, and garbage cans should be sprayed with disinfectants to reduce odors that may attract bears. ■ Remove bird feeders from early March through November. ■ Clean barbecue grills after each use and store the barbecue in a shed or garage. Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 10 File No. 12677-001-13 ■ Electric fencing can be used where bears frequent. Electric fencing will only work if it is operating before conflicts occur. Bears will go through electric fencing once they are food conditioned and know that food is available. ■ Temporary scare tactics (as described above) can be used to temporarily scare bears from a building. The location of the frightening devices should be changed every other day; however, bears will still become accustomed to them after a period of time. Statesman is planning to install bear-proof garbage containers approved by US Park Service. Statesman will monitor the number of bear sightings on the project site. If bear presence becomes a nuisance than the following strategies will be implemented to discourage bear presence: ■ Statesman will implement public education programs regarding living in areas with bears (i.e. garbage can management, cleaning barbeque grills, and bird feeders). ■ If needed scare tactics will be implemented to deter bears from certain areas. WATERFOWL There is potential for waterfowl to become attracted to the site after development has occurred. Waterfowl habitat (mowed grasses and areas of open water) is being created as a result of the development actions. Methods to discourage use of the site include: ■ Not feeding waterfowl, ■ Putting a grid or net over open water that will prevent waterfowl from using the water; and ■ Scare tactics. Statesman will evaluate waterfowl presence and identify whether waterfowl are becoming a nuisance. If waterfowl are becoming a nuisance, then the following strategies will be implemented to discourage waterfowl presence: ■ Install signage near open water to educate people about not feeding birds. ■ Implement scare tactics such as loud noises and flashing lights. ■ If waterfowl presence is still considered to be a nuisance, a grid or net will be installed over open water features. OSPREY AND EAGLES Osprey and eagles are currently found near the project site and will likely be present after the project is constructed. In general, osprey and eagles are not considered nuisance species. Habitat for osprey and eagles will be managed at the project site by retaining trees that have a DBH of 10 inches or greater throughout the site in these corridors. These trees are important because they are used as perch trees and nesting trees for birds such as bald eagles and osprey. Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 11 File No. 12677-001-13 Summary and Recommendations The Pleasant Harbor MPR is situated on approximately 270 acres in Pleasant Harbor and Black Point in Hood Canal and will consist of a 9-hole championship golf course, residential housing, marina, and a maritime village. As part of the Jefferson County approval conditions (Ordinance No. 01-0128-08, 63.l), a WMP is required, and this revised WMP has been prepared to identify changes in the site plan and the effects of the impacts of these changes on the approved 2017 WMP. For the purposes of this report, the wildlife resources discussed within this WMP include: deer, elk, cougar, waterfowl, osprey, eagles, and bears. Deer, elk, cougar, bear, osprey, and eagles all have the potential to be found on or within the project site and presence of these animals on the development site may increase as a result of the proposed development. The internal roads, fairways, and housing locations have been adjusted from the 2017 site plan and have required adjustment to the Wildlife Corridors (Figure 3). The Wildlife Corridors have been adjusted to include fairways that will provide connections between habitats and designated internal roadway crossings with signage to inform residents and reduce impacts to wildlife migrating between habitats. Statesman will manage wildlife sightings and determine whether certain species are considered a nuisance. Even though there is no history of elk grazing on the grasses in the project area, Statesman has agreed to satisfy the concerns of PGST to install a 10-foot-high perimeter fence with gates to close off open areas where elk could find access to the nine holes of golf course grasses. Statesman will investigate if there is proven technology in types of grasses that are not attractive for elk grazing. In the case of elk, if more than four elk individuals are observed on the site in a 1-year period, Statesman will use alternative elk management strategies including scare tactics and fencing as described in the Wildlife Management Strategies section above. Typical recommended management strategies for living with wildlife are listed below: ■ If species become a nuisance, employ scare tactics (visual, auditory, and smell). This is often a temporary strategy that will only work until the animal becomes use to the noise. ■ Install signage in designated areas where wildlife may cross internal access roads to inform residents of potential conflicts with wildlife. ■ Do not feed the animals. Waterfowl and bear will associate humans and food and may become aggressive. ■ Manage pets responsibly. Leaving pet food out may attract prey species which could in turn attract predator species such as cougar. ■ Manage garbage cans, barbeque grills, and bird feeders. These items can attract animals looking for food. Animals may associate food with humans and become aggressive. Limitations GeoEngineers, Inc. has developed this Wildlife Management Plan for the property located at Pleasant Harbor and Black Point owned by Statesman Group in general accordance with the scope and limitations of our proposal. Within the limitations of scope, schedule, and budget, our services have been Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 12 File No. 12677-001-13 executed in accordance with the generally accepted practices in this area at the time this report was prepared. No warranty or other conditions express or implied should be understood. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of Statesman Group and authorized agents and regulatory agencies following the described methods and information available at the time of the work. No other party may rely on the product of our services unless we agree in advance to such reliance in writing. The information contained herein should not be applied for any purpose or project except the one originally contemplated. The applicant is advised to contact all appropriate regulatory agencies (local, state, and federal) prior to design or construction of any development to obtain necessary permits and approvals. References GeoEngineers, Inc., 2012. Habitat Management Plan Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort, Jefferson County, Washington. Prepared for Statesman Group. January 27, 2012. GEI File No. 12677-001-08 Jefferson County Meeting Notes. Meeting Notes Summary and Follow-Up Action Items, Pleasant Harbor MPR Discussion, Technical Workgroup. Web Meeting: January 26, 2017 at 8:30 to 10:30 am. Johnson, Heather, et al., 2014. Evaluation of Techniques to Reduce Deer and Elk Damage to Agricultural Crops. Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wsb.408/epdf?r3_referer= wol&tracking_action=preview_click&show_checkout=1&purchase_referrer=www.google.com&pu rchase_site_license=LICENSE_DENIED_NO_CUSTOMER. Payne, Neil F. and Fred C. Bryant, 1994, Techniques for Wildlife Habitat Management of Uplands. McGraw Hill, Inc., New York. Personal communication with Kelly McAllister at WSDOT, 2017. Phone conversation between Kelly McAllister a Fish and Wildlife Biologist with WSDOT and Jennifer Dadisman with GeoEngineers. July 7, 2017. Personal communication with Bryan Murphie at WDFW, 2017. Phone Conversation between Bryan Murphie a Wildlife Biologist with WDFW and Jennifer Dadisman with GeoEngineers. July 7, 2017. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2004a. Olympic Elk Herd Plan. Wildlife Program, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 52pp. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2004b. Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. Available at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/species/. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2011, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Habitats and Species Map in the Vicinity of T29R01E Section 7. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2017a Priority Habitat and Species Interactive Mapper. Available at: http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/phsontheweb/. Exhibit 28 Statesman Group | June 18, 2025 Page 13 File No. 12677-001-13 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2017b. Game management Unit (GMU) Search; Jefferson County. Available at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/gmu/search/search.php?searchby= County&search=Jefferson&orderby=PlaceName. Washington State Department of Transportation, 2017. Reducing the Risk of Wildlife Collisions. Available at: https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Environment/Biology/FAQwildlifeCollisions.htm. If you have any questions regarding our work or the information provided please call us at 253.383.4940. Sincerely, GeoEngineers, Inc. Jennifer L. Dadisman, MS, PWS Joseph O. Callaghan, MS, PWS Biologist Principal JLD:JOC:tlm Attachments: Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. Site Plan Figure 3. Golf Course Wildlife Corridor Plan One copy submitted Exhibit 28 Figures Exhibit 28 Kettle C Kettle B Kettle A µ Vicinity Map Figure 1 Pleasant Harbor Master Planned ResortBrinnon, Washington 2,000 2,0000 Feet Data Source: Mapbox Open Street Map, 2015 Notes:1. The locations of all features shown are approximate.2. This drawing is for information purposes. It is intended to assist inshowing features discussed in an attached document. GeoEngineers, Inc.cannot guarantee the accuracy and content of electronic files. The masterfile is stored by GeoEngineers, Inc. and will serve as the official record ofthis communication. Projection: NAD 1983 StatePlane Washington North FIPS 4601 Feet P:\12\12677001\GIS\1267700112_WMP_F01_Vicinity Map.mxd Date Exported: 07/11/17 by syiSection 1:Golf Resort Section 2:Maritime Village/Marina Section 3:Maritime Village/Marina Exhibit 28 Figure 2 Site Plan Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort Brinnon, Washington 12677-001-14 Date Exported: 06/18/25Not to Scale Source(s): Hatton Godat Pantier Engineers and Surveyors Plat Map. Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figure for any other project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers. The locations of features shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data contained therein. The file containing this figure is a copy of a master document, the original of which is retained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record. 1 Exhibit 28 Figure 3 Golf Course Wildlife Corridor Plan Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort Brinnon, Washington 12677-001-14 Date Exported: 06/18/25Not to Scale Source(s): Hatton Godat Pantier Engineers and Surveyors Plat Map. Disclaimer: This figure was created for a specific purpose and project. Any use of this figure for any other project or purpose shall be at the user's sole risk and without liability to GeoEngineers. The locations of features shown may be approximate. GeoEngineers makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the figure, or data contained therein. The file containing this figure is a copy of a master document, the original of which is retained by GeoEngineers and is the official document of record. 1 Exhibit 28