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HomeMy WebLinkAbout901273004 Camp Beausite Wetland Delineation Phase IICamp Beausite Northwest Phase II Wetland Delineation 510 Lake Beausite Road Chimacum, WA 98325 Parcel #901 273 004 and 901 284 003 November 2015 Prepared for: Claudia Edmondson P.O.Box1227 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 350 385-6432 dixie 1@cabl e spee d. c ont I n ,.*M Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Wetland Delineation November 2015 Table of Contents Introduction Proposed Proiect Site Description and Existing Conditions Wetland Delineation Methodology Background Information Wetland Delineation Findings Soils Vegetation Hydrology Wetland Analysis Results Wetland Categorization Buffer Requirements Limitations Summary References Appendix Sheet #1 Location, Critical Area, NWI and Soils Sheet #2 Plot plans, Aerial and PHS Map Sheet #3 Wetland Delineation Findings Sheet #4 Photographs of site Applied Methodology (2015 updates) Wetland Rating Field Data Form Data Forms, Routine Determination, WA State Wetland Rating System (DoE) Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Wetland Delineation November 2015 Introduction Olympic Wetland Resources has been authorized by Claudia Edmondson for Camp Beausite Northwest to perform a Wetland Delineation on a small wetland near Phase II of the proposed development at 510 Lake Beausite Road, Chimacum, WA. The goal of the delineation; conducted on November 9,2015, was to define the wetland edge, categorize the wetland, and determine the associated buffer. This small wetland was identified in the July 1995 in the Beausite Lake Wetland Delineation Report (McGraner/Llewellin) while determining wetland boundaries around Beausite Lake. The original survey was to determine restrictions required for a Special Use PermitlZoning Application from the Kiwanis Club of Port Townsend. The proposal was to build a comprehensive camping facility along the southern shore of the lake on property owned by Jefferson County. Using the methodology from 1995 this small wetland was considered isolated and with a Category IV rating and not regulated. Twenty years later new wetland standards and classification criteria have been established. Jurisdictional requirements are now examining the larger picture including landscape settings and the roles wetland functions and values have in society. Proposed Project The development is part of a phased expansion of Camp Beausite facilities. A restroom facility was completed in 2009 to meet ADA regulation standards for disabled campers as part of Phase I of this development. This report addresses wetlands nears the proposed Phase II; the construction of a 4bay garage with a shop and storage area. This garuge will be built by PermaBilt who will pour the slab and construct the 3,340 sq.ft post and frame building. In addition to the garage there will be a graveled parking and access area as shown on the building plans. This wetland delineation addresses potential buffer restrictions near the building envelope, which extends approximately 15 feet around the building to allow for construction access. Phase III will be the construction of 3 bunkhouses (2017), Phase IV includes construction of a multipurpose building and commercial kitchen (2018), and Phase V will be the construction of a new lodge (2019-2020). The overall plan including all proposed Phases is included at the end of this report on Sheet #2. Site Description and Existing Conditions o Legal Description: Parcel 901273 004 and 901284 003o Section 27 Township 29N Range lWo Soils: Sm Semiahmoo muck (hydric soil) and SuB Swantown gravelly loamo National Wetland Inventory Map: Wetland Mapping: Freshwater Emergento Location: 510 Lake Beausite Road, Chimacum WA 98325 Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Repor"t Fi le #20 I 5- I 0 12 November 2015 Maps including location, critical areas, NWI, and soils, are included in the Appendix (Sheet #1). Sheet #2 includes Phased plot plan, aerials, and Priority Habitat Species Maps. This small depressional wetland drains toward Beausite Lake and is included within the Quilcene/Snow Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA#17) sub-basin Chimacum. It is listed on the National Wetland Inventory as a Palustrine Emergent Wetland, permanently flooded (PEMH). Beausite Lake is approximately 22 acres and rates as an important habitat due to the associated wetlands and high quality forested uplands. Along the shoreline of Beausite Lake the landscape is defined by shallow slopes with associated wetlands. Camp Beausite Northwest has operated since 1989 on the southern boundary of the lake in a cleared area with an aging lodge/meeting facility and temporary structures to house campers during the summer. In addition to the upgraded restroom facility the parking areas and trails were paved in2014 to accommodate wheelchairs access. This small delineated wetland is also south of Beausite Lake within an area that is mostly cleared. It has a shallow inlet/ditch from Beausite Lake Road and outlet/swale which appears to empty into Beausite Lake. There was no hydrology or flowing water at the time of this delineation. Scots' broom is present in disturbed areas near the lake and around this small delineated wetland The remaining lake perimeter is vegetated with scrub-shrub wetlands transitioning to upland forests. Upslope from the lake and as seen from aerial photographs there are large tracts of forests that include mature Douglas firs and hemlock with a healthy understory of native species. A11 critical areas, including the presence of sensitive species, were examined within one mile of the proposed development. Gibbs Lake to the southwest and its outlet to Naylor Creek are now under examination for water quality issues (discussion with Mike Dawson Jeff Co Water Quality). Other mapped critical areas include the west fork of Chimacum Creek and associated wetlands within Chimacum Valley. Although there is no direct mapped stream connection, surface stormwater drains to Beausite Lake and eventually ends downslope in Chimacum Valley. Chimacum Creek is listed on the Jefferson County 303d list to have several water quality issues including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and bacteria problems This small wetland is mapped as containing Priority Habitat Species (PHS) on the Washington Fish and Wildlife maps. This wetland is an extension of the PHS that includes allof Beausite Lake. The listed species include bald eagles. There are no spotted owls, eagle nests, or marbled murrelets listed within ll3 of a mile of the delineated wetland. Wetland Delineation Methodology This wetland delineation was conducted using methodology defined by federal, state, and local agencies. Three parameters are examined at several locations within wetland: soils, vegetation, and hydrology. All wetland delineations must be prepared in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineerc Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, Yersion 2.0 (May 201q. A comprehensive description of methodology used to conduct this delineation and categorization is included in the Appendix. Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Report File #2015-1012 November 2015 Background Information The following resources were consulted prior to field work for this project: o Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, Version 2.0 (May 2010). o Jefferson County Unified Development Code (March 2008) with 2015 internet updates o Washington State Wetland Rating System, #14-06-029 with updates o Jefferson County Critical Areas (Internet )o Aerial Photographs (1994, 2000, 2005 and 2006, 2009, 201 l, 2013) o 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and regional supplements o National Wetlands Inventory Map (lntemet) o Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (Version 7.0,2010, o National Plant List, Northwest (Region 9)2014 Wetland Delineation Findings The small delineated wetland is associated with the Beausite Lake shoreline. The wetland rating and buffers will be discussed in detail under Wetland Analysis Results. The wetland was delineated and boundaries were flagged in the field at poirfs 20 to 30 feet apart, using orange plastic ribbon labeled "Wetland Boundary" labeled with alphanumeric codes (A1 through 4.6). This wetland is south of Beausite Lake with a seasonal stream draining to the lake. A map including the delineated wetland boundary, associated buffers, and datapoint location is included in the Appendix (Sheet #3, Wetland Delineation Findings). Al1 data is explained in detail on the data sheets at the end of this report. Below is a summary of findings of soil, vegetation, and hydrology below. Soils The Web Soil Survey lists the soils as Sm Semiahmoo muck and SuB Swantown gravelly loam. Jefferson County classifies Sm Semiahmoo muck as a hydric soil. The layers within the test pits were often mixed indicating soils that have been altered due to agriculture and possibly ditching. Strong redoximorphic features were observed in most of the test pits. Soils at DP #1, DP#3, and DP#5 were clearly hydric and contained a depleted matrix below a dark surface. These sandy loam soils, especially DP#5 had large orange concentrations within the lower horizons (Munsell soil color 10YR 4/4). DP #2 and DP#3 were very slightly upslope from the depression and channels and consisted of soils that had a change of texture and color. These soils were more granular and the matrix color was a lighter brown (10YR4/3) Redox features (concentrations) were still observed below the top layers but the matrix colors did not qualiff as hydric. Vegetation This wetland delineation was conducted during the beginning of the dormant season; most herbaceous vegetation was identified by last year's growth. Shrubs and trees were identified by familiarity of growth patterns and residual leaves on the ground. The majority of the wetland had shrub and herbaceous growth. The grasses identified included Colonial hairgrass and tall Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Report File #2015-1012 November 2015 fescue. In the middle of the depression small trees and shrubs consisted of alders, Pacific willow, and English hawthorn with a dense understory of slough sedge and soft rush. All species within the wetland and drainage were wetland tolerant with a rating of FAC (facultative wetland) and OBL (obligate wetland). The subtle transition to upland species was indicated by snowberry, Scots' broom, and dandelions with a mix of Colonial bentgrass and tall fescue. Himalayan blackberry was also present in a few locations. Below is the list of vegetation identified during the dormant season with the assigned indicator status ofeach species. November 10, Beausite Lake, Small Wetland Plart List 2015 Scientific N Status Laameommon name Asrostis caoillaris Colonial bentgrass FAC Grass Alnus rubra Alder FAC Tree Carex obnupta Slough sedge OBL Sedge Circium arvense Canada thistle FAC Herb Crataesus monogvna Enelish hawthorn FAC Shrub Cytisus scoparius Scots'broom NI Shrub Festuca arundinqcea Tall fescue FAC-Grass Frangula purshiana Cascara false buckthorn FAC Tree Juncus effusus Soft rush FACW Rush Pseudotsusa menziesii Douglas'fir FACU Tree Ranun cul us o c c i d ent a I i s Western buttercup FACW Herb Rosa nutkana Nootka rose FAC Shrub Rubus spectabilis Salmonberry FAC Shrub Salix lucida Pacific willow FACW Tree S chedonorus arundinac eus Tall fescue FAC Herb Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry FACU Shrub Tarctxacum officinale Dandelion FACU Herb Ilydrology On May 15,2015 Governor Jay Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency. April through September was projected to be the lowest rainfall on record in the past 64 years. No hydrology was identified in any test pit or within the drainage channels to or from this wetland. Hydrology can be verified during drought years and at the end of our typically dry summers by the presence of Primary and at least 2 Secondary Indicators. Found in the test pits were the presence of reduced iron (C4) which is a primary indicator. Secondary indicators included field observation of a distinct drainage pattern through this wetland (B10) and the drought conditions qualify under as a dry season water table (C2). C Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Report File #2015-1012 November 20154 Below is summary of test pit findi Wetland Analysis Results Wetland Categori zation The current approach to wetland rating now includes the evaluation wetland for improving water quality, hydrologic functions, and habitat functions. Included in the analysis for this wetland categorization were landscape settings, contributions to the basin and sub basin for water retention of downstream flooding and potential for water filtration. Habitat function is assessed according to structural layers, interspersion ofhabitats, and surrounding natural buffers. Although this a just a small wetland, it is mapped on the Jefferson County Critical Areas Map as an extension of the wetlands associated with Beausite Lake shorelines. It is also mapped on the Fish and Wildlife Maps as having Priority Habitat Species. Using the Washington State Wetland Rating System, effective January 2015 this wetland rates as a Category III wetland. It received 6 points for Improving Water Quality, 6 points for Hydrologic Functions, andT point for Habitat Functions (total of 19 points). Buffer Requirements This phased development is considered high intensity land use according the Jefferson County UDC table (Table t8.22.330(3). Buffers for this high habitat delineated wetland will be 150 feet measured perpendicular from the delineated edge (UDC March 2008, Table 18.22). The mapped wetland in relationship to Phase II of this project is indicated on sheet #3. Property lines and project locations are based on information supplied by the client. If there is a question of mapped locations of wetland boundaries and buffers a formal survey may be required. Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Report File #2015-1012 ISS o Soils Hydrology Plants Wetland DP#1 l0YR3i2& lOYR 5/2 Redox None*Soft rush, Colonial bentgrass, Tall fescue Yes DP#2 10YR3/3 & 1OYR 4/4 no redox None Scots'broom, Colonial bentgrass, Tall fescue No DP#3 l0YR3/l redox 10YR5/6 Nonex Alder, Pacific willow, slough sedge, soft rush Yes DP#4 l0YR4/3 and IOYR4/4 redox 5Yk4/4 None Douglas fir, snowberry, Scots' broom, bentgrass, dandelion No DP#5 10YR3/2 redox 5YR 4/4 None*Salmonberry, Canada thistle, Colonial bentgrass Yes November 20155 Limitations The final authority for the approval of this wetland delineation and buffer analysis will be Jefferson County Department of Community Development. Jurisdictional authority over wetland and shorelines also rests with the local, state and federal agencies. If there are further questions or planning requirements for this phase or future phases for this development, please do not hesitate to call. Summary A wetland delineation was completed on a small depressional wetland associated with and to the south of Beausite Lake. This wetland is indicated on the Jefferson County Critical Areas Map, the NWI Map, and within the PHS maps. It is shown to contain hydric soils and is in an area of high quality buffers. Due to the point system from the Washington State Rating System (DOE) the small wetland qualifies as a Category III wetland. Since this phased development is a commercial project it will be evaluated as "high intensity land use" and will have 150' buffers. Wetland edges and data points were flagged in the field and recorded on the Wetland Delineation Findings maps (Sheet #3). The map indicates the approximate location of the wetland, drainages, and 150' buffers buffer location in conjunction to the proposed garagelshop. According to these maps the building envelope of this phase of the project (Phase II) is outside wetland buffers... submitted, Dixie Llewellin Principal Biologist, Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc. Certified for Wetland Delineation, WTI, 1995 Certified for Wetland Rating and Soil Analysis DOE, 2007,2010,2014 Respectfully Camp Beausite Northwest Phase II Report File #2015-1012 November 2015 ML 6 0lympic Wetland Resources 856 50th Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 360 385-6432 dixie@cablespeed,com Title:Location, Critical Areas, NWI, and Soils Camp Beausite Northwest, Phase II 510 Lake Beausite Road Chimacum, WA98325 Scale: As Indicated Sheet #tDate: November 2015Client Claudia Edmondson P.O.Box1227 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Job #: 2015-t0t2 Parcel #901 273 S27 T29N RlW 004 and 901 284 003 Location of Delineated WetlandTOPoI map prnted on o=/olla2 ftom "Puget tpo" and "Unttled.tpg' 1?2..+2'00" W 122"33'00" W WGS84 122"17',00" W z ooro o Z oo o E z6oi'o B z .O E z oo-n6 N+ z ooost r+ 05 l5 mlles#0 J 10 15 l0 2Jhn PtutedlohTOPO e1999 WiIdJIDwTPEdE1DN (w.toFo com) Mapped Critical Areas Green is Wetland Map Unit Symbol Map UnitNameSm Semiahmoo muck, shallow variant (Hydric Soil)SuB Swantown gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes w Water Olympic Wetland Resources 856 50h Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 360385-M32 dixie@cablespeed,com Plot Plan, Aerial and PHS Map Camp Beausite Northwest, Phase II 510 Lake Beausite Road Chimacum, WA98325 Client Claudia Edmondson P.O.Box1227 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 All other buildings will be complete during future Proposed 4 Garage/Shop (Phase II) with parking Phase IV New Multipurpose Blding Parcel #901 273 004 and 901284 003 S27 T29N R1W \\ and Meeting Fabit (Phase I) Priority Habitat Sensitive Species Eagle Nest Along Beausite Lake Washington Depaftment of Fish and Wildlife .-,t_ Map of Contributing Basin andAreaAround Lake Date: November 2015 Existing 0lympic Wetland Resourcs 856 50th Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 360 385-6432 dixie@cablespeed.com Titte: WetlandDelineationFindings Camp Beausite Northwest, Phase II 510 Lake Beausite Road Chimacum, V/A 98325 Scale: As Indicated Sheet !a.tt J Date: November 2015Client Claudia Edmondson P.O.Box1227 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Job #: 2015-10t2 Beausite Lake Shore Parcel #901 273 004 and 901284 003 S27 T29N RlW IIII ! Drainagei Channel ;r(Seasonal Stream) Phase I Restroom Facility,"**rry 50'200' Accuracy Note Property lines are based on information supplied by the client. All wetland locations from this Wetland Delineation are approximate. To establish the exact wetland edge a formal survey is required. Northern Margin of Beausite Lake Road Proposed 4Bay Garage Existing Barn (657 sqft) to Be Demolished Delineated Wetland Edge 150'Buffer From Wetland Edge Q nlagged delineation markers @ Data Points - + Ni.*_ffi* T [!A Existing Lodge tva r,,, DP#\r q7oDP#3 \V V, Title:Photographs of Wetland Camp Beausite Northwest, Phase II 510 Lake Beausite Road I Scale: I as tndicated Sheet 0lympic Wetland Resources 856 50th S'treet Port Townsend, WA 98368 360 385-6432 dixie@cablespeed.com Chimacum, V/A 98325 I Daie: lNovember 2015 #4 Claudia Edmondson P.O.Box1227 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Job #: 2015-1012 Depressional Wetland Parcel #901 273 004 S27 T29N R1W and 901 284 003 Data Point #3 Slough Sedge and Pacific Willow Delineated Wetland Depression Looking to the South fromAl Data Point #5 Drainage Corridor with Salmonberry Applied Methodology for Wetland Delineation 2015 The characteristics of an area that result in its classification as'ketland" have been formally defined by federal and state agencies. All wetland delineations must be prepared in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineerc Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region, Version 2.0 (May 2010). The wetland delineation report will include how the wetland boundary was determined and include a map of the delineated wetland, data sheets, and descriptions of site characteristics in both upland and wetland. The methodology outlined in the Corps Manual is based upon three essential characteristics of wetlands: (1) hydrophytic vegetation; (2) hydric soils; and (3) wetland hydrology. Field indicators of these three characteristics must all be present in order to determine that an area is a wetland (unless problem areas or atypical situations are encountered). All wetlands identified using this methodology may be regulated regardless of size. Determining Wetland Edges Wetland edges were determined by establishing pairs of data points. In general, the wetland edge falls between the sampling plot with all three positive wetland requirements and where one or all of the requirements were not present. Other difficult situations encountered in identiffing wetlands are described in greater detail in the Corps Regional Supplement. Hy dr op hy tic Ve g etatio n Hydrophytic vegetation decisions are based on coflrmunities of species that tolerate prolonged inundation or soil saturation during the growing season. Vegetation sampling will follow the guidance outlined in the Corps Manual. Several methods can be applied; however one method includes recording vegetation of a sampling point to determine if more than 50oh of the dominant species have a wetland indicator status of OBL, FACW, or FAC. Dominance of plant species is determined by calculating actual aerial cover within an appropriate radius for trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species at each data point. Commonly occurring plant species have been rated by the U.S. Army Corps of Ensineers National Wetland Plant List NWPL.), 2014 COE Western Mountains, Vallevs, and Coast. During the fieldwork, each species was recorded and given aruting based on indicator status and percent cover. The 2014 NWPL will be used in any wetland delineations or determinations performed after May 1,2014. Key to Wetland Indicator Status codes -Northwest Region (Source: USFWS, 1988, 1993): OBL Obligate: species that almost always occur in wetlands under natural conditions (est. probability >99%). FACW Facultative wetland: species that usually occur in wetlands (est. probability 67 to 99o/o), but are occasionally found in non-wetlands. FAC Facultative: species that are equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands (est. probability 34 to 66%). FACU Facultative upland: species that usually occur in non-wetlands (est. probability 67 to 99o/o), but are occasionally found in wetlands. UPL Upland: species that almost always occur in non-wetlands under normal conditions (est. probability >99%). NL Not listed: species that are not listed by USFWS (1988, 1993) and are presumed to be upland species. NI No indicator: species for which insufficient information is available to determine status, or which were not evaluated by USFWS. Hydrophytic Soil A hydric soil is a soil that forms under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding lasting long enough during the growing season to result in an anaerobic upper layer (USDA-NRCS 1995). Hydric soils favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (I\iRCS), in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, has compiled lists of hydric soils. It is common, however, for a map unit of non-wetland (non-hydric) soil to have inclusions of hydric soil, and vice versa. Therefore, field examination of soil conditions is important to determine if hydric soil conditions exist. In general, anaerobic conditions create certain characteristics in hydric soils, collectively known as 'oredoximorphic features" and include low chroma, depletions, gleying, sulfidic material (rotten egg odor) andlor high organic content within the soil immediately below the A-horizon. Holes were dug on the site and soil colors were described by texture, color name, value, and chroma (Munsell Color 2000). Soils were categorized in accordance with NRCS Field Indicators of Hydric Soils of the United States (Version 7.0, 2010 with updates). This manual further defines organic soils, sandy soils, loamy and clayey soils with a numeric value. Wetland Hydrologlt Water must be present in order for wetlands to exist; however, it need not be present throughout the entire year. The standard requires 14 or more consecutive days of flooding, or ponding or a water table 1.2" or less below the soil surface during the growing season. The growing season has begun when two or more different non-evergreen vascular plants are identified. Indicators of hydrology may include, but are not necessarily limited to, ponded water, drainage patterns, drift lines, sediment deposition, historic records, water-stained leaves, cracking of the soil surface, oxidized root channels, and/or sediment deposits. The Regional Supplements provide methods for evaluating situations in wetlands that periodically lack indicators of wetland hydrology but where hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation are present. Categorization Wetland categoization is determined using the Washington State Department of Ecologt (DOE) Wetland Rating System Revised (Ecolog,t Publication #14-06-029, Effective January 2015 and as amended), according to tlpe and category of wetland. The wetland is assigned a score of High, Medium, or Low for wetland values; including water quality function, hydrologic function, and habitat function. The total rating determines the category of wetland. Wetlands are rated as entire systems and quite often exceed project boundaries. Ratings range from Category I to Category [V. Buflers are assigned according to intensity of land use for specific parcel size using final numeric scores. Category I indicates wetlands with the highest quahty of function for improving water quahty, preventing flooding problems, and providing habitat. These are not replaceable and therefore receive the largest buffer and highest protection. Classification Two classification systems are conlmonly used to describe wetlands. The hydrogeomorphic (HGM) system describes wetlands in terms of their position in the landscape and the movement of water in the wetland (Brinson, 1993). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service classification system (Cowardin et al., 1979) describes wetlands in terms of their vegetation communities; for example, emergent (PEM), scrub- (PSS) shrub, and forested (PFO) community types.