HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland Delineation 001093004
Swanson Farm
Wetland Delineation & Rating Report
October 21, 2016
Prepared for:
David Cohn
3057 7th Street
Port Townsend, WA. 98368
Site Address:
3057 7th Street
Port Townsend, WA. 98368
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 2 | M S A
Contents
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3
II. General Site Conditions ............................................................................................................. 3
III. Site Information ........................................................................................................................ 4
Soil Survey .................................................................................................................................. 4
National Wetlands Inventory ...................................................................................................... 4
IV. Wetland Assessment Methods .................................................................................................. 5
V. Wetland Delineation ................................................................................................................. 7
Wetland 1 .................................................................................................................................... 7
Wetland 2 .................................................................................................................................. 10
VI. Wetland Rating ....................................................................................................................... 12
Wetland 1 – Rated Category IV – Buffer of 40 Feet ................................................................ 14
Wetland 2 – Rated Category IV – Buffer of 40 Feet ................................................................ 14
Wetland 3 – Rated Category 1V – Buffer of 50 Feet ............................................................... 15
Wetland 4 – Unrated at Property Owners Request – Buffer of 300 Feet ................................. 15
VII. Summary ............................................................................................................................... 16
VIII. References ........................................................................................................................... 17
IX. Figures .................................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 1. Site and Vicinity Map ................................................................................................ 18
Figure 2. National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Map .............................................................. 19
Figure 3. NRCS Soil Survey ..................................................................................................... 20
Figure 4. Vegetation Line between upland and wetland........................................................... 21
X. Appendices – Rating Forms, Delineation Forms, Additional Maps ........................................ 22
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 3 | M S A
I. Introduction
Marine Surveys & Assessments (MSA) was authorized by the applicant and property owner,
David Cohn, to assess four wetland areas over ten parcels Jefferson County, Washington. For
ease of identification, the wetland areas are designated 1-4 (Figure1), and will be referred to by
these identifying numbers thoughout this report; wetlands 1-3 lie within the limits of the City of
Port Townsend, and wetland 4 lies just outside. Wetland 1 and 2 were both delineated, rated, and
assigned buffers; Wetland 3 was rated and assigned a buffer; Wetland 4 was mapped and
assigned a buffer. Wetlands 1-3 were assigned buffers based on City of Port Townsend code;
wetland 4 was assigned a buffer based on Jefferson County code. All field work was completed
between August 11th and August 22nd, 2016, with GIS, aerial photography, and subsequent report
writing completed in September 2016.
The property is located at 3057 7th St, Port Townsend, WA, and consists of ten parcels which
equal approximately 77.0 acres. Parcel numbers are: 001093002, 001093004, 001093001,
997000101, 997000201, 997000701, 997000301, 997000601, 997000401, 997000501. The
parcels are located in the SW 1/4 SEC 9, T30N, R1W (Figure 1).
II. General Site Conditions
This property is mostly open farmland located within a relatively residential and developed
section of east Jefferson County on Quimper Peninsula. It is west-southwest of Port Townsend,
WA by approximately 2.4 miles, and west-northwest of Port Hadlock, WA by approximately 5.0
miles. The property is 77.0 acres and is divided into ten parcels, the vast majority of which is
open, having been logged and farmed years ago. There is a small farmhouse in the central-
western section of the property, along with a small outbuilding and large barn, accessed from the
east via 7th Street, off Discovery Road (Figure 1).
To the north, the property is bordered by forested land, while the west and southwest is bordered
by residential neighborhoods, accessed in large part from South Jacob Miller Road. To the east is
Discovery Road, a major town artery. Generally, the elevation along the northern section of the
property is greater than the southern; drainage on the property flows from north-to-south. The
western quarter, approximately, consists of a wetland corridor running from the northwest corner
of the property southeast to the man-made pond on the southern border.
Four wetland areas were identified on the property. The smallest (Wetland 1) is approximately
0.10 miles northwest from the farmhouse; the next largest in size (Wetland 2) is almost
immediately adjacent to the farmhouse to the northeast; to the southeast by approximately 0.07
miles lies the next largest wetland (Wetland 3), while the largest, being the aforementioned
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 4 | M S A
northwest-southeast corridor in the western quarter of the property (Wetland 4), is approximately
0.33 miles west of the farmhouse (Figure 1).
The property was, during its time as a working farm, sectioned into seven pastures by wooden
fence-posts and barbed-wire fence, all of which are accessed by the driveway, which extended
into a rough jeep-track traveling east-west almost the width of the property. As a result of
widespread cattle grazing, the vegetation over most of the property’s open area is greatly
homogenous, dominated by common agricultural/disturbed area grasses: Agrostis capillaris,
Dactylis glomerata, and Phalaris arundinacea. The western section of the property, close to
Wetland 4, is distinguished by a gradual shift to scrub-shrub forest from fallow agricultural
fields.
III. Site Information
Soil Survey
Soil
Symbol
Soil Name Acres
CfC Cassolary sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes .2
CmC Clallam gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes 59.7
DaC Dabob very gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes 2.3
DcC Dick loamy sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes .1
HuC Hoypus gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes 14.5
StB Swantown gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes 3.6
*Figure 3
National Wetlands Inventory
The USFWS NWI map (on the National Wetlands Inventory website) shows 4 mapped wetlands
and 1 mapped pond within the 77 acres of property (Figure 2). Three of the wetlands are
classified by the NWI according to the Cowardin classification system as Palustrine Emergent
Shallow Marsh Semi-Permanently Flooded (PEMF) and the remaining wetland as Palustrine
Emergent Shallow Persistent Scrub-Shrub Seasonally Flooded (PEM1/SSC). National Wetland
Inventory code interpretations are as follows:
P: System Palustrine: includes all non-tidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs,
emergents, mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where
salinity due to ocean derived salts is below 0.5 ppt. Wetlands lacking such vegetation are
also included if they exhibit all of the following characteristics: 1. are less than 8 hectares
( 20 acres ); 2. do not have an active wave-formed or bedrock shoreline feature; 3. have at
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 5 | M S A
low water a depth less than 2 meters (6.6 feet) in the deepest part of the basin; 4. have a
salinity due to ocean-derived salts of less than 0.5 ppt.
EM: Class Emergent Wetland: characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes,
excluding mosses and lichens. This vegetation is present for most of the growing season
in most years. These wetlands are usually dominated by perennial plants. All water
regimes are included except subtidal and irregularly-exposed.
F: Water Regime Semi-Permanently Flooded: surface water persists throughout the
growing season in most years. When surface water is absent, the water table is usually at
or very near the land surface.
1: Subclass Persistent: Dominated by species that normally remain standing until the
beginning of the next growing season. This subclass is found only in the Estuarine and
Palustrine systems.
SS: Class Scrub-Shrub: Includes areas dominated by woody vegetation less than 6m (20
feet) tall. The species includes shrubs, saplings, and trees of stunted growth form dues to
environmental conditions.
C: Water Regime Seasonally Flooded: Surface water is present for extended periods
especially early in the growing season, but is absent by the end of the growing season in
most years. The water table after flooding ceases is variable, extending from saturated at
the surface to a water table well below the surface.
The NWI map documents were prepared primarily by stereoscopic analysis of high altitude
aerial photographs taken in 1980 and 1981. Wetlands were identified on the photographs based
on vegetation, visible hydrology, and geography. The aerial photographs typically reflected
conditions during a specific year and season when they were taken. Some small wetlands and
those obscured by dense forest cover may not be included on the map. In addition, there is a
margin of error inherent in the use of aerial photographs. As you will see in our delineation
results, the actual Cowardin classification of the wetlands found differed from those on the
USFWS NWI map.
IV. Wetland Assessment Methods
Consistent with procedures detailed in the Washington State Wetlands Identification and
Delineation Manual (Washington State Department of Ecology, 2011 Manual), preliminary
information was gathered on the project site prior to the field review, rating and delineation.
General information sources included:
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 6 | M S A
1974 National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS)
1975 Soil Survey of Jefferson County Area, Washington (USDA)
2013 Washington Department of Natural Resources Water Resource Map (DNR)
1979 Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual, (WSDE)
2009 Jefferson County Unified Development Code Chapter 18.22 Critical Areas
Jefferson County Critical Areas Map
2014 State of Washington 2014 Wetland Plant List US Army Corps of Engineers (COE)
2014 Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington 2014 Update.
(Hruby, T Washington State Department of Ecology)
Field delineations followed the methodology outlined in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (effective January 1987): Western Mountains, Valleys
and Coast Region 9 Version 2.0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is standard manual, used
in determining wetland areas when applying state and local government regulations under the
Shoreline Management Act and the Growth Management Act in Washington State.
Field ratings followed the methodology outlines in the Washington State Wetland Rating System
for Western Washington; 2014 Update field manual, published by the State of Washington
Department of Ecology. The specified buffers, identified in accordance with each individual
wetland’s rating score, are specified in Jefferson County Code, Table 18.22.330(3), Wetland
Categories, Rating Scores and Buffer Widths.
The extent and location of all four wetlands were determined during field work completed during
August 11th – 22nd, 2016. Field work was done under variable conditions with an ambient
temperature ranging between 66° and 80° Fahrenheit. The time of year and recent precipitation
history were considered in assessing the extent of the suspect wetlands presumed to exist on site.
Specific field methodology used in determining the extent and location of wetland areas include:
1) As part of the initial project site reconnaissance, the site was walked to determine the
general extent and location of potential wetland areas.
2) Wetland and upland sample plots were established in the identified potential wetland
areas and in the adjacent upland areas; and
3) The extent of the wetlands was located with a GPS unit and measured on the ground to
reference points.
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 7 | M S A
V. Wetland Delineation
Wetland delineation establishes the existence (location) and physical limits (size) of a wetland
for the purposes of federal, state, and local regulations. In determining these physical parameters
of each individual wetland, indicators of vegetation, soils, and hydrology are analyzed to assess
critical areas. By defining the transition zone between scientifically established upland and
wetland indicators, an established accurate boundary of the wetland can be identified between a
pair of data points; one representing the upland and one representing the wetland. It is common
for paired data points, when linked to vegetative indicators (such as an obvious transition line of
upland grass into an emergent herbaceous community), to inform the identification of the
wetland delineation. A delineation, often in conjunction with a subsequent rating, is a necessary
procedural step in obtaining information which will inform subsequent construction.
Of the four wetlands found on the property, two were delineated. Wetland 1 and 2 were
delineated for reasons of potential future construction; the property owners identified these
locations as potential building spots, and therefore opted to obtain more accurate wetland
boundaries. Wetland 1 and 2, both classified by the US Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands
Inventory as PEMF (Semi-permanently Flooded, Palustrine, Emergent Marsh), were delineated
using standard paired wetland test plots. Wetland 1, which was smaller and more homogeneous
of border, was delineated using two paired test plots. Wetland 2, which was slightly larger and
also more heterogeneous of border, was delineated using four paired test plots.
Each test plot consisted of two data points, designated “Dry” and “Wet”. Each data point
consisted of a test pit dug to standard depth of 16 inches, to expose a representative soil profile.
Each data point was then assessed for the presence of three wetland indicators: hydrophytic
vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. Following the successful location of paired data
points, flagging was hung between data points to mark the wetland boundary. The test pits at
each data point were marked with yellow flagging, pink wire flags, and GPS latitude and
longitude was taken.
Wetland 1
Paired Data Point GPS Co-ordinates:
Plot A – Wet: 48.10667N 122.81567W
Plot A – Dry: 48.10673N 122.81582W
Plot B – Wet: 48.10660N 122.81542W
Plot B – Dry: 48.10664N 122.81528W
1. Vegetation
In an effort to distinguish the types of plants that grow in different hydrologic regimes, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service incorporated a system of wetland plant indicator status to classify
individual plant species. The wetland indicator status of a species is based on the individual
species occurrence in wetlands in 13 separate regions within the United States. A plant indicator
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 8 | M S A
status is applied to the species as a whole, however individual variations exist within the species.
Indicator categories are as follows:
OBL – obligate wetland – Almost always occurs in wetlands under natural conditions.
FACW – Facultative Wetland – Usually occurs in wetlands, occasionally found in uplands.
FAC – Facultative – Equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands
FACU – Facultative Upland – Usually occurs in non-wetlands, occasionally found in wetlands.
UPL – Obligate Upland – Almost always occurs in uplands under natural conditions.
To meet the qualification as a site dominated by hydrophytic vegetation, wetland plant species
must show at least one of five hydrophytic vegetation indicators (Appendix A; Data Forms). All
test plots that qualified as wet sites did so by fulfilling the same wetland vegetation indicator: all
dominant species across all strata are either classified as OBL or FACW.
The wetland boundary for this depressional wetland was directly correlated to a visible
vegetation line between upland and wetland species (Figure 4); this is visible on satellite
imagery, and was supported by observations in the field. As the land is primarily of old
agricultural use and therefore disturbed over a long period of time, the biodiversity was
considerably less than would be found in a similar depressional wetland in a natural state. As
there were no woody vines present at the test plots, cover estimates were made within a 5-foot
and 30-foot diameter circle for the herbaceous and shrub/tree strata, respectively.
Due to limited biodiversity in a long-term agriculturally disturbed landscape and the
consequent redundancy of plant species, test plots are combined below.
Wetland 1 – Sample Plot A and B – Wet: Vegetation
Stratum Common Name Latin Name Status
Herb Soft Rush Juncus effusus FACW
Herb Reed Canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea FACW
In both wetland test plots, hydric vegetation was present (Appendix A; Data Forms).
Wetland 1 – Sample Plot A and B – Dry: Vegetation
Stratum Common Name Latin Name Status
Tree Scouler’s Willow Salix scouleriana FAC
Herb Orchard Grass Dactylis glomerata FACU
Herb Colonial Bentgrass Agrostis capillaris FACU
Herb Bracken Fern Pteridium aaquilinum FACU
Herb American Vetch Vicia americana FAC
2. Soils
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 9 | M S A
Hydric soils are soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long
enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper soil horizon
(NRCS). Most hydric soils exhibit characteristic morphologies that result from repeated periods
of inundation or saturation that last more than a few days. Saturation or inundation, when
combined with microbial activity in the soil, causes a depletion of oxygen. This anaerobic state
promotes certain biogeochemical processes, such as the accumulation of organic matter, the
accumulation or reduction of iron, and other reducible elements.
These processes in turn create regionally specific, visible indicators, which help identify and
delineate hydric soils in a field setting. These indicators are not intended to replace or modify
the requirements contained in the definition of a hydric soil; they are dynamic, and open to a
degree of human interpretation. Some hydric soils lack any currently listed and accepted
indicators; therefore, the lack of any listed indicator does not prevent classification of a particular
soil as hydric. However, such soils and their specific morphologies, are included and specified in
the necessary field guides.
In this wetland, hydric soils were identified using the 2013 Pocket Guide to Hydric Soil Field
Indicators, prepared by the Wetland Training Institute, Inc, in conjunction with the Munsell Soil
Color Book, a standard reference manual prepared by the Munsell Color Company and used by
the United States Department of Agriculture. Wetland test plot soil findings are as follows:
Wetland 1 – Sample Plot A – Wet
Depth
(inches)
Matrix Redox Features Texture
Color % Color % Type1 Loc2
0-6” 10YR2/1 100 N/A - - - Sandy Clay
6-9” 10YR3/1 99 10YR4/6 1 C PL Silty Clay
9-14” 10YR2/1 99 10YR6/8 1 C PL Silty Clay
14-15” 10YR3/2 93 10YR4/6 7 RM M Sandy Clay
1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix, D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated
Sand Grains
2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Wetland 1 – Sample Plot B – Wet
Depth
(inches)
Matrix Redox Features Texture
Color % Color % Type1 Loc2
0-13” 10YR2/1 100 N/A - - - Loam
13-14” 10YR2/1 95 10YR3/6 5 RM M Silty Clay
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 10 | M S A
1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix, D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated
Sand Grains
2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
In wetland test plots A and B, hydric soils were indicated. In both upland test plots, soils were
determined to be a sandy loam (See Appendix A; Data Forms).
3. Hydrology
Hydrologic conditions result from the interactions between meteorological, surface and ground
water, as well as physical and biological factors that influence the flow, quality, or timing of
water. Therefore, the determination of the presence of hydrologic conditions focuses on the
corresponding presence of factors that most directly influence the persistence of water in a
specific area. Similar to the indicators used in hydric soils, and because watersheds vary
tremendously across the country, regional hydrologic indicators are used to more easily identify
wetlands in the field.
Both wet test plots in Wetland 1 displayed the same four Primary Hydrology Indicators (water
marks, algal mat or crust, inundation visible on aerial imagery, and a sparsely vegetated concave
surface), as well as the same three Secondary Hydrology Indicators (dry-season water table,
saturation visible on aerial imagery, and geomorphic position) (Appendix A; Data Forms)
All dry test plots in Wetland 1 displayed none of the Primary or Secondary Indicators for
wetland hydrology (Appendix A; Data Forms).
Wetland 2
Paired Data Point GPS Co-ordinates:
Plot A – Wet: 48.10608N 122.81250W
Plot A – Dry: 48.10598N 122.81250W
Plot B – Wet: 48.10610N 122.81244W
Plot B – Dry: 48.10604N 122.81224W
Plot C – Wet: 48.10614N 122.81287W
Plot C – Dry: 48.10629N 122.81293W
Plot D – Wet: 48.10638N 122.81245W
Plot D – Dry: 48.10616N 122.81244W
1. Vegetation
Due to limited biodiversity in a long-term agriculturally disturbed landscape and the
consequent redundancy of plant species, test plots are combined below.
Wetland 2 – Sample Plots A,B,C and D – Wet
Stratum Common Name Latin Name Status
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 11 | M S A
Herb Soft Rush Juncus Effusus FACW
Herb Reed Canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea FACW
Wetland 2 – Sample Plots A, B, C and D – Dry
Stratum Common Name Latin Name Status
Tree Scouler’s Willow Salix scouleriana FAC
Shrub Nootka Rose Rosa Nutkana FACU
Shrub Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius FACU
Herb Narrowleaf plantain Plantago lanceolate FACU
Herb American Vetch Vicia americana FAC
Herb Orchard Grass Dactylis glomerata FACU
Herb Colonial Bentgrass Agrostis capillaris FAC
Herb Reed Canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea FACW
Herb Canadian Thistle Cirsium arvense FAC
Herb Common Sheep Sorel Rumex acetosella FACU
Herb Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens FACU
Herb Common Dandelion Taraxacum officinale FACU
2. Soils
Wetland 2 – Sample Plot A – Wet
Depth
(inches)
Matrix Redox Features Texture
Color % Color % Type1 Loc2
0-10” 10YR2/2 99 2.5YR4/6 1 C PL Loam
10-13” 10YR4/1 75 10YR3/6 25 C M Sandy Loam
13-16” 10YR2/2 85 10YR3/6 15 - PL+M Loam3
1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated Sand
Grains
2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
3Depleted matrix present with redox in some pore linings
Wetland 2 – Sample Plot B – Wet
Depth
(inches)
Matrix Redox Features Texture
Color % Color % Type1 Loc2
0-8” 10YR2/1 97 10YR5/6 3 C PL Loam
8-16” 10YR3/2 95 10YR4/6 5 C PL Clay Loam
1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 12 | M S A
Sand Grains
2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Wetland 2 – Sample Plot C – Wet
Depth
(inches)
Matrix Redox Features Texture
Color % Color % Type1 Loc2
0-6” 10YR2/1 100 N/A - - - Clay Loam
M 10YR2/1 98 10YR5/6 2 RM PL Silty Clay
9-14” 10YR2/1 99 10YR6/8 1 C PL Silty Clay
14-15” 10YR3/2 93 10YR4/6 7 RM M Sandy Clay
1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated
Sand Grains
2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
Wetland 2 – Sample Plot D – Wet
Depth
(inches)
Matrix Redox Features Texture
Color % Color % Type1 Loc2
0-5” 10YR2/1 100 N/A - - - Silty Loam
5-15” 2.5YR5/1 70 10YR3/6 30 RM M Silty Clay
1Type: C=Concentration, RM=Reduced Matrix D=Depletion, CS=Covered or Coated Sand
Grains
2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix
In wetland test plots A, B, C and D hydric soils were indicated. In all upland test plots, soils were
determined to be a sandy loam (See Appendix A).
3. Hydrology
Wet test plots in Wetland 2 displayed most of the same three Primary Hydrology Indicators
(algal mat or crust, iron deposits, inundation visible on aerial imagery); select individual wet test
sites also showed oxidized rhizospheres along living roots. Wet test plots in Wetland 2 displayed
most of the same two Secondary Hydrology Indicators (saturation visible on aerial imagery,
geomorphic position); one individual wet test site also showed water stained leaves (Appendix
A; Data Forms).
All dry test plots in Wetland 2 displayed none of the Primary or Secondary Indicators for
wetland hydrology (Appendix A; Data Forms).
VI. Wetland Rating
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 13 | M S A
The intent of a rating is to provide a basis for protecting and managing wetlands; this is
accomplished assessing a wetland’s valued functions and resources -- ecological, economic, or
aesthetic. In the process of a rating, a wetland is given a score according its comparison to
standardized categories and specific attributes such as rarity, sensitivity to disturbance, and the
functions they provide. Based upon this score, the wetland is then placed in Category 1 through
Category 4; the former is a wetland of greatest value, based upon the rating rubric’s
characterization of its inherent value, while the latter is a wetland of least value. A specific
buffer, identified in accordance with each individual wetland’s rating score, is then
recommended, using standardized and established guidelines. While all wetlands provide some
functions and resources that are valued, be they ecological, or aethestic, they also vary widely;
consequently, the recommended buffer, identified in accordance with each individual wetland’s
rating score, reflects that particular wetland and its specific qualities.
Of the four wetland areas investigated on the property, each one was determined to fall into the
class of Depressional. According to the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western
Washington 2014 Update (Hruby 2014), Depressional wetlands occur in topographic depressions
where the elevation of the surface within the wetland is lower than in the surrounding landscape.
The shapes of Depressional wetlands vary, but in all cases, the movement of surface water and
shallow subsurface water is toward the lowest point in the depression. The depression may have
an outlet, but the lowest point in the depression is somewhere within the boundary, not at the
outlet.
The wetlands were rated using the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western
Washington (2014 Update). When the final wetland category is determined, it is based on either
functions or special characteristics (whichever is higher). The rating system for special
characteristics was designed to differentiate among wetlands based on their sensitivity to
disturbance, their significance, their rarity, the ability to replace them and the functions they
provide. Wetlands identified with special characteristics are rated by function in addition to
special characteristics because in some cases there are additional buffer widths due to a very high
score in one of the three functions listed below.
In accordance with Jefferson County Code, Table 18.22.330(3), Wetland Categories, Rating
Scores and Buffer Widths, rating categories are divided into four grades, in order of descending
buffer size: Category I with total scores of 23-27; Category II with total scores of 20-22;
Category III with total scores of 16-19; Category IV with total scores of 9-15.
The category of wetland based on functions is rated by the following parameters:
1) Water Quality Functions: a wetland’s potential to improve water quality
a) Potential of the wetland to improve water quality of and surrounding the wetland.
b) Potential of the wetland to support the water quality function of and surrounding the
wetland. (This parameter regards the ability of the wetland to mitigate for and lessen
the toxicity of potential pollutants on and surrounding the wetland).
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 14 | M S A
c) Potential of local water quality improvement provided by the wetland to
benefit adjacent waters.
2) Hydrologic Functions: a wetland’s potential to improve hydrology
a) Potential to reduce flooding and erosion
b) Potential of wetland to support the hydrologic functions of the site (this parameter
regards the ability of the wetland in reducing the toxicity of potential pollutants on-
site and up-gradient of the wetland).
c) Potential of wetland to help capture surface water that might otherwise flow down-
gradient into areas where flooding might occur.
3) Habitat Functions: a wetland's potential to provide important habitat/ecological value
a) Potential of the wetland to provide habitat for natural living systems.
b) Potential of the accessible and undisturbed habitat and land use intensity surrounding
the wetland to support the habitat functions of the site.
c) Value of wetland to society; degree to which it provides habitat for species valued in
laws, regulation, or policy.
Wetland 1 – Rated Category IV – Buffer of 40 Feet
This wetland, which is found in the National Wetlands Inventory (Figure 2), is approximately
0.30 acres. It is relatively homogenous in shape and boundary, amidst a field of agricultural land;
MSA wetland specialists surmised it must have served as a livestock watering hole at some
point. As there are no Special Rating characteristics within the wetland and its associated 330
foot surroundings, the wetland was rated, based on its functions, to be a Category IV
Depressional wetland (Appendix A; Data Forms).
As the property owners have expressed interest in the northern central section as a possible
building site, the buffer was established according to the City of Port Townsend Municipal Code
19.05.110(E) for moderate impact land uses (single-family residential use on parcels larger than
one acre) at 40 feet (Figure 1).
As defined earlier in this report, Wetland 1 was also delineated; this delineation boundary was
used to establish the baseline for the 40-foot buffer.
Wetland 2 – Rated Category IV – Buffer of 40 Feet
This wetland, which is found in the National Wetlands Inventory (Figure 2), is approximately
0.47 acres. It is approximately horseshoe in shape and generally homogenous of boundary,
amidst a field of agricultural land; as it directly abuts the existing farmhouse, MSA wetland
specialists surmised it may have been further developed as a recreational pond. As there are no
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 15 | M S A
Special Rating characteristics within the wetland and its associated 330 foot surroundings, the
wetland was rated, based on its functions, to be a Category IV Depressional wetland (Appendix
A; Data Forms)
As the property owners have expressed interest in the northern central section as a possible
building site, and as Wetland 2 currently abuts the existing single farmhouse, the buffer was
established using City of Port Townsend Municipal Code 19.05.110(E) for moderate impact land
uses (single-family residential use on parcels larger than one acre) at 40 feet (Figure 1). As
defined earlier in this report, Wetland 2 was also delineated; this delineation boundary was used
to establish the baseline for the 40-foot buffer.
Wetland 3 – Rated Category 1V – Buffer of 60 Feet
This wetland, which is found in the National Wetlands Inventory (Figure 2), is approximately
1.48 acres. It is relatively elongate in shape, running from northwest-to-southeast and its
boundary is relatively homogenous. The southern portion of this wetland is approximately 30
feet from 5th Street, a neighboring residential road, as well as being approximately 100 feet from
a neighboring single-dwelling home. According to aerial photographs and satellite images from
the past, this area is generally wetter than Wetlands 1 and 2; the southern property line is
generally lower in elevation than the northern property line, and topography slopes in a generally
southeast direction. As there are no Special Rating characteristics within the wetland and its
associated 330 foot surroundings, the wetland was rated, based on its functions, to be a Category
IV Depressional wetland.
Given the location of Wetland 3, this buffer was established according to the City of Port
Townsend Municipal Code 19.05.110(E) (updated for use with the 2014 rating system) for high
impact land use wetlands without a delineated boundary (single-family residential use on parcels
larger than one acre; public roads) at 50 feet (Figure 1); an additional 10 feet was added to this
buffer based to reach the slightly more conservative buffer of 60 feet recommended by Jefferson
County Code table 18.22.330(2). The boundary for this wetland buffer was found using field
vegetative indicators, aerial photography, satellite imagery, and GPS.
Wetland 4 – Unrated at Property Owners Request – Buffer of 350 Feet
This wetland is approximately 4.55 acres. It is relatively elongate in shape; located in the western
1/8th of the property, it runs approximately northwest-to-southeast. A smaller wetland, along
with a freshwater pond, is found in the National Inventory of Wetlands. Upon field research and
examination of aerial photographs and satellite images, MSA wetland specialists determined that
the smaller wetland and the freshwater pond are hydrologically contiguous, and form the ends of
a larger wetland corridor (4.55 acres). The southeastern end of this wetland abuts the southern
property line; the northwestern end abuts the northwestern property line. According to aerial
photographs, satellite images, and topographical maps, flow moves in a generally southeast
direction. The area is generally agricultural grassland, with scattered scrub-shrub forest.
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 16 | M S A
This wetland was not rated; however, based on MSA specialists experience with the rating
system in general, as well as the ability to compare it to the three other Category IV wetlands on
the property, it is very like that Wetland 4 would be categorized as a Category IV as well. On
request of the property owner, with thought to preserve the area in its current state for potential
future easement, a buffer was established based on Jefferson County Code table 18.22.330(2)
specifications for a Category 1 wetland of high impact land use without a delineated boundary:
350 feet. The boundary for this wetland buffer was found using field vegetative indicators, aerial
photography, satellite imagery, and GPS.
VII. Summary
This wetland report documents the presence of four wetlands on the property of 3057 7th St, Port
Townsend WA. Two were delineated and rated, one was rated, and one was mapped. All four
were given buffers; three as according to specifications in City of Port Townsend Municipal
Code 19.05.110(E) for Category IV wetlands, and one according to specifications in Jefferson
County Code table 18.22.330(2) for a Category 1 wetland. The location and size of the wetlands
and their associated buffers is defined both in Appendix A, as well as Figure 1.
Respectfully submitted,
Marine Surveys and Assessments
______________________________
James Ialeggio
Staff Wetland Ecologist
______________________________
Amy Leitman
Senior Biologist, Owner
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 17 | M S A
VIII. References
Cowardin, LM., V. Carter, F.C. Golet and E.T. LaRoe, 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service document FWS/OBS-
79/31. 84pp. Washington D.C.
Hitchcock, L.C. and A. Cronquist, 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest.
University of Washington Press. 730 pp.
Hruby, T., 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington -
Revised. Washington State Department of Ecology Publication
#04-06-025.
Jefferson County Unified Development Code, Title 18, Article VII. July 2006.
Munsell Soil Color Charts, 1998. GretagMacbeth. North Windsor, New York.
Pocket Guide to Hydric Soil Field Indicators Based on Field Indicators of Hydric
Soils in the United States v. 7.0 with Updates, Prepared by Wetland
Training Institute, Inc., 2013
Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987):
Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0), US Army
Corps of Engineers, May 2010.
Speare-Cooke, S., 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of
Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society.
417 pp.
US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Jeffeson County Area,
Washington. December, 2013
US Fish and Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory. 1978
Washington State Department of Ecology, 1997. Washington State Wetland Indentification and
Delineation MAnual. Ecology Publication #96-94, Olympia, Washington.
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 18 | M S A
IX. Figures
Figure 1. Site and Vicinity Map
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 19 | M S A
Figure 2. National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Map
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 20 | M S A
Figure 3. NRCS Soil Survey
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 21 | M S A
Figure 4. Vegetation Line between upland and wetland
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 22 | M S A
X. Appendices – Rating Forms, Delineation Forms, Additional
Maps
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 23 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 24 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 25 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 26 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 27 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 28 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 29 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 30 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 31 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 32 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 33 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 34 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 35 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 36 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 37 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 38 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 39 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 40 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 41 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 42 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 43 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 44 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 45 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 46 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 47 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 48 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 49 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 50 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 51 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 52 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 53 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 54 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 55 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 56 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 57 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 58 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 59 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 60 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 61 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 62 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 63 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 64 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 65 | M S A
Swanson Farm (3057 7th St, Port Townsend WA) Wetland Report 66 | M S A