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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Management Plan 947100901 KUNZ BIOLOGICAL CONSUL TING 780 Arcadia West Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 385-6300 LARRY SCOTT MEMORL~ TRAIL PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPEC]ES REPORT A wildlife and critical habitat survey was conducted at the request of Jefferson Coumy for the proposed Larry Scott Memorial Trail. The purpose of the survey is'to assess the area along the existing railroad grade, and portions of those properties on which the proposed trail will be located, for critical wildlife habitat and to determine if priority species are present. Priority species and critical habitat are established by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Management guidelines are addressed in the 1991 "Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species". In regards to project impacts to wetlands, this report will address only priority habitat and species issues. A separate report, prepared by Pacific Rim Soil and Water, will identify and characterize the wetlands that occur within the proposed project vicinity. Priority habitat is defined by the WDFW as a habitat type with unique or significant value to many species. An area classified and mapped as "priority habitat" must meet certain criteria as described in the WDFW 1991 management guidelines. Priority species are defined as wildlife species requiting protective measures for their perpetuation due to their population status, their sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or their recreational importance. A priority habitat may contain priority and/or non-priority species. The proposed Larry Scott Memorial Trail begins at the Park & Ride parking lot located at the intersection of 12th and Landis in Port Townsend. The trail will continue east through the Port Townsend Industrial Park to an existing railroad grade near the Port Townsend Paper Mill. The existing trail currently continues south and ends at Four Corners (Figure 1). The route of the proposed trail has not yet been finalized. However, those owners indicating an interest in locating the proposed trail on their land are represented by the shaded portions in Figure 1. The legal .description is Township 30N, Range lW and currently includes Sections 10, 15, i6, 17, 20, 29 and 32. As the proposed trail may include Sections 18, 19, and 30, a priority habitat and species data search for these areas are included in this report. Townsl~ip 30N, Range tW, Section 15 The pigeon guillemot nesting area, as noted above, continues into this section north of the Port Townsend Paper Mil1. The habitat west of the paper mill within this section consists of patches of both deciduous (red alder, willow, cherry and madrona) and coniferous (selectively thinned stand of Douglas fir) stands. The understory is scotchbroom, Oregon grape, soapberry, salal, blackberry, wild roses and honeysuckle. A mature bald eagle was observed flying west from the paper mill. Additionally, a red- tailed hawk was observed over a clearcut west of the papermill. Priority Habitat/Species Description: The pigeon guillemot nesting area is a priority area which is described as "the primary use area necessary to support a breeding pair and its young during the breed'mg season". Pigeon guillemots, in this instance, are considered priority species only Within their known breeding area. Bald eagles are commonly observed within the'Port Townsend shoreline vicinity. There are no documented bald eagle nests located within this section. The proposed project is unlikely to impact priority habitat within this area provided the cut bank remains intact for pigeon guillemot nesting. Township 30N, Range lW, Section 16 .: Within this section is the Glen Cove Pond and Marsh which is a mar made pond and marsh on the mill property. This pond is located approximately 600 feet southerly of the existing trail located along the railroad grade. This area is a documented Jefferson County Significant Natural Area for waterfowl usage. The following waterfowl species utilize the area: green-winged teal, pinta/l, mallard, gadwall, widgeon, scaup, ruddy duck, hooded merganser, and northern shoveler. The eastern portion of this section consists of a predominantly second growth Douglas fir stand, associated with alder, madrona and willow. The understory is blackberry, scotchbroom, salal, ferns, wild rhododendron and honeysuckle. Continuing west, the habitat changes to a predominantly red alder stand with.an understory consisting of red elderberry, tansy mustard and nettles. Beyond this alder stand the trail leads to a more dry and open environment with a few large willow, madrona, cedar, Douglas fir, alder, and big-leafed maple. The understory is composed of grasses, thistles, scotchbroom, nettles, trailing blackberry and vetch. The trail continues to the south and runs parallel with Highway 20. The habitat east of the trail is entirely scotch broom; west of the trail, bordering the highway, are Douglas fir with some snags and dead top trees. Township 30N, Range 1W. Section 19 The trail does not extend into this section. However, as discussed above for section 18, the trail proposal may' also include section 19. Again, the WDFW data search indicated several freshwater wetlands in the northwest corner of this section. No documented priority species were noted for this vicinity. Township 30N, Range 1W, Section 20 Several documented wetlands were observed along the western portion of this section and adjacent to the existing trail. ... The habitat is predominantly alder and small Douglas fir, associated with scotchbroom, .. willow, trailing blackberry, wild rhododendron, and soapberry. Columbian black-tailed deer were observed in a pasture west of the trail. A private drive has eliminated a portion of the trail within this section. The trail crosses Old Discovery Road and continues south into Section 29. Priority Habitat/Species Description: These wetlands were, again, documented by the WDFW and are defined as priority habitats. While these wetlands are not in the vicinity of the existing trail, project impacts to these priority areas will need to be re-evaluated if the proposed trail route traverses the western portion of Section 20. Columbian black-tailed deer are classified by the WDFW as a recreationally important species which are defined as species with high recreational importance or high public profile and that are vulnerable to habitat loss or degradation. Wildlife under this classification axe game species which are hunted, or otherwise harvested, by the public and are subject to hunting and fishing regulations. Township 30N, Range lW, Section 29 The WDFW data search indicates that fairly extensive wetlands occur along the western portion of this section. The wetlands in the upper northwest comer axe not currently in close proximity to the trail. There is a WDFW priority habitat and species designation for the southwest wetlands which the existing trail bisects. From the Old Discovery Road crossing, the trail continues south through a new development along a gravel road. The habitat consists of scotchbroorn, alder, willow, madrona, cedar, and Douglas fir. Deer tracks were observed along the trail. South of this newly developed area the trail parallels the wetland to the west. The habitat is predominantly large Douglas fir and red alder. Priority Habitat/Species Description: This wetland and farmland area is designated as significant for regular large concemrations of wintering waterfowl. This priority area is defined as an area commonly used by large concentrations of animals. Pileated woodpeckers are designated as a state candidate species. These are species known to be experiencing or have experienced failing or declining populations due to factors such as limited numbers, disease, predation, exploitation, or a loss of suitable habitat. As recommended in Section 29, project impacts to this priority habitat will need to be re- evaluated if the proposed trail causes habitat alteration at this wetland area. CONCLUSIONS The habitat description provided in the above sections pertain, predominantly, to the existing trail along the railroad grade. While several priority habitats and species have been identified within the project area, the existing trail does not appear to be impacting any,of the WDFW or Jefferson County documented areas of significance. From the Park & Ride parking lot, located at the intersection of 12th and Landis, to Nelsonts landing, the adjacent habitat has been developed or somehow disturbed, or is within an industrial area. Most of the trail has high motorcycle usage. On several occasions throughout the survey, motorcyclists were observed from the Glen Cove area to the more remote area adjacent to the wetland in Sections 29 and 32. Horse back riding appears to be popular along the trail with riders and sign of horses observed near from the Port Townsend Paper Mill to Nelson's Landing. Due to the current level of activity along the existing trail, it is unlikely that the proposed project will impact priority habitat, provided precautions are taken during construction in the more sensitive areas. It is recommended that upon determination of a trail route proposal, another WDFW search and habitat survey may be conducted in order to ensure protection of priority habitat and species.