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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDabob Bay Natural Area Addition 2018 final application 1 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program Please complete the following application in its entirety. Be sure to answer “N/A” for questions that don’t apply to the project. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration. Unless directed otherwise, use as much space as needed to answer each question. Contact program staff at 379-4498 or tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us with questions. 1. Project Title: Dabob Bay Natural Area Addition 2a. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $100,000 b. Conservation Futures O&M Request: 0 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $100,000 4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. X Warranty Deed __ Easement __ Other (Please describe below.) In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Northwest Watershed Institute will hold title to the property, with donation to DNR as part of Dabob Bay Natural Area within two years. 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Northwest Watershed Institute Contact: Peter Bahls Title: Executive Director/Conservation Biologist Address: 3407 Eddy Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 385-6786 Fax: (360) 385-2839 Email: peter@nwwatershed.org 6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) Organization Name: Northwest Watershed Institute Contact: Peter Bahls Title: Executive Director Address: 3407 Eddy Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 385-6786 Fax: (360) 385-2839 Email: peter@nwwatershed.org This application was approved by the sponsor’s legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on March 24, 2018 2018 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Property Acquisition and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application 2 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program 7. Site Location Street Address or Description of Location: 531 Twana Way, Quilcene, WA. Driving Directions from Port Townsend: Turn right at the Chimacum 4-way stop onto Center Road, proceed south under Hwy 104, ¼ mile, then left onto Dabob Road, continue about 3.6 miles, left on Coyle Road 3. 4 miles, right on Toandos Road 1.2 miles, right on Twana Way, park at top of hill and walk down to property about .1 mile. Section: 17 Township:28 N Range: 1W Assessor’s Parcel Number(s); 701153025 Please differentiate current and proposed ownership of each APN and indicate if the parcel is to be acquired with CF funds or used as match. Parcel to be acquired with CF funds. Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable. $139,947 8. EXISTING CONDITIONS New Site: X Yes No ________________ Number of Parcels: 1 Addition to Existing Site: Yes No X Acres to Be Acquired: 5.11 Total Project Acreage (if different): Current Zoning: 1 per 5 Existing Structures/Facilities: One old yurt Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: No Current Use: Vacant land/Rural residential Waterfront (name of body of water): Dabob Bay Shoreline (linear feet): 200 feet along Dabob Bay Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: NA 9. Current Property Owner X is __is not a willing seller. Project Description 10. In 1000 words or less, provide a summary description of the project, the match, overarching goal, and three top objectives. Include information about the physical characteristics of the site that is proposed for acquisition with Conservation Futures Program funds including: vegetation, topography, surrounding land use, and relationship to parks, trails, and open space. Describe the use planned for the site, any development plans after acquisition (including passive development), characteristics of the site which demonstrate that it is well-suited to the proposed use, and plans for any structures currently on the site. If applicable, describe how the site relates to the larger project, and whether the project has a plan, schedule and funding dedicated to its completion. Please also list 3 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program any important milestones for the project or critical dates, e.g, grant deadlines. List the dates and explain their importance. Please attach a spreadsheet of the budget. Since 2002, Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI) and over 40 partnering organizations have been working to protect and restore the Tarboo watershed, from the headwaters of Tarboo Creek to Tarboo-Dabob Bay, with over 3,800 acres conserved to date. NWI proposes to purchase a key five acre shoreline parcel within the boundaries of the Dabob Bay Natural Area for permanent protection. Dabob Bay is one of the least developed saltmarsh embayments left in Puget Sound that supports high biodiversity, fish and wildlife resources, and shellfish farming. Protection of lands within the 10,000 acre Dabob Bay Natural Area is recognized as having state-wide and national significance. The proposed acquisition will protect a parcel of largely undeveloped forested shoreline and a steep, feeder bluff that is important in maintaining the nearby coastal saltmarsh spit that supports two globally rare plant associations. Jefferson County Conservation Futures funding will provide critical “seed” match to leverage larger matching funds from a National Coastal Wetland Conservation Grant to purchase the property. After NWI completes restoration by removal of a yurt and driveway and re-plants disturbed areas, NWI plans to donate the property to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for inclusion and management as part of the Dabob Bay Natural Area. To ensure permanent conservation of the Property, NWI proposes, upon purchase, to grant a Deed of Right to Jefferson County that runs with the property. 11. Estimate costs below, including the estimated or appraised value of the propert(ies) or property right(s) to be acquired, even if Conservation Futures funds will only cover a portion of the total project cost. In the case of projects involving multiple acquisitions, please break out appraisals and estimated acquisition costs by parcel. a. Estimated or Appraised Value of Propert(ies) to be Acquired: $300,000 b. Total Estimated Acquisition-related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $32,100 c. Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $19,500 d. Total Project Cost: $351,600 Basis for Estimates (include information about how the property value(s) was determined, anticipated acquisition-related costs, general description of operation and maintenance work to be performed, task list with itemized budget, and anticipated schedule for completion of work): 4 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program Fair market value of the property was estimated by NWI based on numerous previous appraisals of similar shoreline bluff properties purchased by NWI and DNR within the Dabob Bay Natural Area. O & M costs were estimated based on NWI’s 15 years experience in completing similar demolition and restoration projects along Tarboo Creek and Dabob Bay. See budget below. BUDGET Schedule March 2019 – NWI purchases property with combination of JCCF and National Coastal Wetland Conservation grant funds. July 2019 – NWI removes structures and driveway, de-compacts soils as needed, applies wood chip mulch, and removes invasive species. February 2020 – NWI re-plants disturbed areas with native trees and shrubs. July 2012 – NWI donates property to DNR for permanent protection and management as part of the Dabob Bay Natural Area. Item JCCF Request Match Total Cost Total Estimated Value of Conservation Easement 100,000 200,000 300,000 Acquisition Related Costs: Appraisal 0 8,000 8,000 Staff Time (Limited to 5% of Total Proj. Cost)0 11,000 11,000 Legal Fees - prepare purchase agreement 0 1,500 1,500 Excise Tax 0 5,700 5,700 Recording Fees 0 150 150 Settlement Fees 0 850 850 Title Insurance 0 900 900 Survey - property 0 4,000 4,000 Total of Acquisition Related Costs 0 32,100 32,100 O&M Costs Stewardship plan 0 2,500 2,500 Permitting 0 2,000 2,000 Remove structures and driveway 0 10,000 10,000 Decompact soil, chip mulch 2,000 2,000 Re-plant and control invasive species 3,000 3,000 Total of O&M Related Costs 0 19,500 19,500 Total Project Costs 100,000 251,600 351,600 Percent of total 28%72%100% 5 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program Scored Questions 1 a. Sponsor or other organizations X will __will not contribute to acquisition of proposed site and/or operation and maintenance activities. 1 b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use Conservation Futures program funds. 1 c. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M % Conservation Futures Funds Requested $100,000 $0 28% Matching Funds/Resources* $232,100 $19,500 72% Total Project Acquisition Cost $332,100 $19,500 100% * If a prior acquisition is being proposed as match, please describe and provide documentation of value, location, date of acquisition and other information that would directly link the match to the property being considered for acquisition. 1 d. Source of matching Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not, funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when? National Coastal Grant $251,600 Yes No 2019 Yes No 2019 NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation of property or a property right will be considered as a matching resource. Donation of resources for on-going maintenance or stewardship (“in-kind” contributions) are not eligible as a match. 2 a. Sponsoring agency X is __is not prepared to provide long-term stewardship (easement monitoring, maintenance, up-keep, etc.) for the proposed project site. 2 b. Describe any existing programs or future plans for stewardship of the property, including the nature and extent of the commitment of resources to carry out the stewardship plan. Northwest Watershed Institute will raise funds from private donations and grants to conduct a detailed stewardship plan for the property and complete restoration, including removal of structures and the driveway road and replanting with native trees and shrubs. 3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency’s previous or on-going stewardship experience. Northwest Watershed Institute owns and stewards the 400 acre Tarboo Wildlife Preserve in the Tarboo valley and has over 16 years of experience conducting habitat stewardship and restoration projects in the Tarboo watershed and Tarboo-Dabob Bay, including more than ten similar restoration projects. 6 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program 3 b. Has the sponsor and/or applicant of this project been involved in other projects previously approved for Conservation Futures funding? _____No, neither the sponsor nor applicant has been involved in a project previously approved for Conservation Futures funds. X Yes, the sponsor and/or applicant for this project has been involved in a project previously approved for Conservation Futures funds. Please provide details: Yes. Eight conservation easement projects proposed by NWI and JLT were previously approved for Conservation Futures funding as part of the landscape scale conservation project in the Tarboo watershed. Six have been successfully completed, the Radka property project funded in 2016 is scheduled to be completed in May of 2018, and Iglitzin Farm project is underway. 4 a. Property X can __cannot feasibly be acquired in a timely fashion with available resources. b. Necessary commitments and agreements X are __are not in place. c. All parties X are __are not in agreement on the cost of acquisition. If “not” to any of the above, please explain below. 5. The proposed acquisition X is specifically identified in an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan, or community conservation effort. Please describe below, including the site’s importance to the plan. Please reference the website of the plan if available or include the plan with this application. __complements an adopted open space or conservation plan, but is not specifically identified. Please describe below, and describe how the proposed acquisition is consistent with the plan. __is a stand-alone project. The proposed project is identified as a conservation priority in the following plans – Jefferson Land Trust’s Jefferson County Conservation Plan (2010) identifies the Property as a priority within habitat area, that includes Dabob Bay. http://saveland.org/linkFiles/web_forms/2010_JLT_ConservationPlan_LoRes.pdf The Tarboo/Dabob Bay Implementation Strategy, a Sub-Plan of JLT’s Jefferson County Conservation Plan, identifies the Property as a priority conservation area within Tarboo-Dabob Bay. The property is a priority in Northwest Watershed Institute’s Tarboo Watershed Conservation Strategy to protect and restore lands within the recently expanded Dabob Bay Natural Area (objective 2) (http://www.nwwatershed.org/conservation-strategy.html). The proposed properties are within a priority terrestrial conservation area identified and mapped in the Willamette Valley- Puget Trough- -Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment (2004 Floberg et al). This priority area includes much of the Tarboo and Thorndyke watersheds. The Ecoregional plan, developed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy, is one of the primary conservation plans for Puget Sound and has received extensive public and scientific review. 7 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program The property is within the boundaries of the Dabob Bay Natural Area, an area identified by the state’s Natural Heritage Program as a statewide priority for conservation. The boundaries of the Natural Area were expanded in 2009 after an intensive one year scientific assessment by DNR’s Natural Area scientists, as reported in the Upper Dabob Natural Area Recommendation. Natural Heritage Report by Rex Crawford and David Wilderman, 2008. 6. Conservation Opportunity or Threat: 6 a. The proposed acquisition site X does __does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity which would otherwise be lost or threatened. 6 b. If applicable, please carefully describe the nature and immediacy of the opportunity or threat, and any unique qualities about the site. The out of state owner that is interested in selling the property. She has agreed to hold off on listing with a realtor to allow NWI to raise funds to purchase the property for conservation. If not purchased by NWI,, it is likely that the property will be sold, cleared and with new house developed, losing the opportunity to protect this parcel as part of the Dabob Bay Natural Area for the foreseeable future. 7. The proposed acquisition: 7 a._X provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat and/or State or Federal Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive species. 7 b. X. provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species. 7 c. X contributes to an existing or future wildlife corridor or migration route. If affirmative in any of the above, please describe and list the Priority Habitat(s) and Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species below, and cite or provide documentation of species’ use.1 Priority and Listed Species on-site (forest and/or nearshore habitat) Dabob Bay shoreline - Priority Marine Shoreline Habitat Western toad - State Candidate and Federal Species of Concern Pileated woodpecker - State Candidate Puget Sound steelhead - State Candidate and Federal Threatened Hood Canal coho salmon - Federal Species of Concern Hood Canal summer chum salmon - State Candidate and Federal Threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon - State Candidate and Federal Threatened Provides habitat for a variety of native flora and fauna The diversity of habitats to be protected (forest, bluff shoreline, beach) within the high quality, intact estuary of Dabob Bay provides for very high diversity of fish, wildlife, bird, amphibian and plant species. Furthermore, the feeder bluffs of the property are critical for maintaining the sand supply to Long Spit, a coastal saltmarsh spit that supports two globally rare plant communities and a diversity of saltmarsh species and estuarine species. The property is also at the northern extent of a stretch of shoreline where over 100 eagles congregate every spring. Eagles feed in the tidelands at low tide and roost along the shorelines, including the proposed project. 1 See, for example, http://www.dnr.wa.gov/researchscience/topics/naturalheritage/pages/amp_nh.aspx http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/list/ http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/plants.html http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/pubs/wa_ecological_systems.pdf 8 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program Wildlife corridor The proposed project is a key addition to a landscape-scale wildlife corridor along Tarboo Creek, from the headwaters to Tarboo-Dabob Bay. The property also provides a wildlife corridor from the stream to surrounding uplands. Cougar, bobcat, deer, black bear, and other large mammals use these areas, as well as diversity of amphibians, reptiles, and birds. 7 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat? If so, please provide details. No 8. Describe to what degree the project protects habitat for anadromous fish species (for example: marine shorelines, stream/river corridors including meander zones, and riparian buffers). Please provide documentation and maps that demonstrate the location, quality and extent of the existing buffer and adjoining habitat. The property includes the upper nearshore habitat along the beach. This habitat is critical rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids listed above in Section 7, including federally listed Hood Canal summer chum salmon and Puget Sound Chinook. Both species were documented in NWI’s 2003 nearshore surveys of Dabob Bay, see http://www.nwwatershed.org/pubs/tarbooFishSurvey.pdf 9 a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned agricultural use of the proposed acquisition, including any anticipated changes to that use once the property, or property right, is acquired with Conservation Futures funds. N/A 9 b. Describe any current or future management practices that promote the preservation of soil and water quality and good watershed function on the farm. N/A 9 c. Describe how the owner employs agricultural management practices that will protect or enhance wildlife habitat. N/A 10 a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned silvicultural use of the proposed acquisition. Please cite or provide documentation of existing or planned silvicultural activities including forest management plan(s) or forest ecosystem restoration. The forest management objective is help restore the forest ecosystem, especially in the area disturbed by prior development of a small yurt. No timber harvest will be allowed, just management practices aimed at restoration. NWI will remove structures and the driveway, de-compact soils and spread wood chip mulch as necessary before planting with native trees and shrubs. NWI will maintain plantings and control invasive weeds. 10 b. Describe the silvicultural management practices that promote the preservation of soil and water quality and good watershed function on the property. Soil de-compaction, removal of roads, additional of wood chip mulch and tree planting are all silvicultural practices that will help restore the forest ecosystem on the property. 10 c. Describe the owner’s timber harvest plan and harvest methods that will protect or enhance wildlife habitat on the property. No timber harvest will be permitted to best protect and enhance wildlife habitat through the natural growth of older trees and native forest habitat. 11. a. Describe how the proposed acquisition benefits primarily a __local area X broad county area including the area served, the nature of the benefit, the jurisdictions involved, and the populations served. 9 2018 CF Program Application http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/560/Conservation-Futures-Program The proposed project benefits a broad county area because it is a key part of much larger conservation effort that spans from the headwaters of Tarboo Creek to the state’s Dabob Bay Natural Area. In particular, the project will protect a key piece within the Dabob Bay Natural Area, a region that has been recognized as a state and national priority for conservation due to its intact and diverse estuarine habitats and nationally recognized value for shellfish farming. The shellfish industry is East Jefferson County’s largest agricultural exporter and the largest employer in the south County. 11 b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CF funded Projects? Areas that Conservation Futures has not been able to support to date include Marrowstone Island, Toandos Peninsula, Dosewallips Valley, Bolton Peninsula, and the West End. Yes. This project would be the first CF funded project to help protect and restore land within the Dabob Bay Natural Area, the largest conservation effort underway in East Jefferson County. The property is also located at the northern base of the Toandos Peninsula, which is under-represented by CF funds. 12. Describe the educational or interpretive opportunities that exist for providing public access, educational or interpretive displays (signage, kiosks, etc.) on the proposed site, including any plans to provide those improvements and any plans for public accessibility.2 The proposed acquisition has high value statewide for public education as part of the larger, landscape- scale state managed Dabob Bay Natural Area. DNR is planning to develop a Management Plan for the Natural Area that will involve the public in identifying potential recreational and interpretive activities, such as developing a trail system and interpretive signage that is consistent with protection of the Natural Area. Overall, the Dabob Bay Natural Area provides a unique opportunity for the public and future generations to learn about a healthy functioning coastal estuary in Puget Sound. 13. The proposed acquisition X includes historic or culturally significant resources3 and __ is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent program. __ is recognized locally has having historic or cultural resources. X is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site. If affirmative in any of the above, please describe below, and cite or provide documentation of the historical or cultural resources. The proposed project is within the Usual and Accustomed Area of four federally recognized Native American Tribes – the Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Lower Elwha S’Klallam, and Skokomish. Ancient tribal use of Tarboo-Dabob Bay is well documented in several tribal legends and recorded oral histories (Elmendorf 1961, 1990). Two historic village sites have been identified along the shorelines of the Dabob Bay Natural Area. A Twana village was located on nearby Long Spit (Kris Miller Skokomish Tribe, pers. Comm.). The proposed project protects a feeder bluff that maintains the sand supply to Long Spit, protecting this cultural site. The project will also help protect the shellfish and fishery resources of Dabob Bay, reserved treaty resources and arguably, cultural resources, of great importance to the Tribes Verification 2 The words “education” and “interpretation” are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. 3 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious ceremonial and social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters 27.44 and 27.53 RCW Page 1 of 6 Figure 1. Vicinity map showing proposed project at the north end of the Toandoas peninsula within the Tarboo-Dabob Bay watershed of East Jefferson County, WA. Proposed Project Page 2 of 6 Figure 2. Proposed project within the Tarboo-Dabob Bay watershed and in relation to previously protected properties (green and hatched). Page 3 of 6 Figure 3. Proposed project within the Dabob Bay Natural Area boundaries (magenta line). Page 4 of 6 Figure 4. Proposed project (Bennett) in relation to other properties, protected and in process. Figure 5. Parcel map showing yurt and road proposed for removal and restoration. Page 5 of 6 Figure 6. Aerial view north of property in relation to shoreline and shoreline drift process. Figure 7. Closer view of project showing role of feeder bluff in maintaining Long Spit. Page 6 of 6 Figure 8. Kayakers view feeder bluffs and beach on west side of proposed property. Figure 9. Annual spring eagle convocation of over 100 eagles gathers on tidelands near proposed project (Photo by Keith Lazelle).