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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Report (011) :~ ..... ' .~ ~ · LISA PALAZZI · A"' .... ~'~:4:~ '" ' 203 FOURTH AVENUE EAST SUITE 321 ~~~ ~".,:}~ OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98501 ~' "~/~W ~ VOICE: (360)534-0346 · FAX: (360) 534-9027 Joe Pollack 310 Disney Road Nordland, WA 98358 August 8, 1995 Report File Number: M95-0010 Report Subject: Wetland delineation report Location: Approx. 60 acre site located west of Discovery Road, about 2 miles southwest of Port Townsend in Jefferson County; Portions of the site are in Sections 20 and 29, Township 30N, Range 1W. Field work was carded out by Lisa Palazzi, (ARCPACS certified soils specialist and wetlands specialist) on several days over a several month period, including August 3, 16, September 8, and October 5 1994.. Wetlands were delineated and flagged in the field. Data was collected to determine wetland rating. GENERAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK To qualify as a jurisdictional wetland, as defined by the federal 1987 COrps, °fEngineers Manual (required by the Jefferson County Interim Critical Areas Ordinance), an area must predominantly support wetland vegetation, must have hydric soils, and must have wetland hydrology characteristics defined for the on site soil type -- in this case, evidence or observation of a long-duration water table at 12 inches or less depth. In Jefferson County, the jurisdictional wetland will only be regulated by the County if it is greater than 10,000 sq ft in size (personal communication from Jefferson County personnel). The Wetland edge is located by evaluating the presence or absence of the three parameters, then flagged in the field for subsequent survey. Once identified as jurisdictional wetland, the wetland is "rated" using the October 1991 Washington State Wetlands Rating System (required by the Jefferson County Interim Critical Areas Ordinance). The rating system combines a Series of questions and a point system to determine the specific value of the individual wetland. Depending on site specific, pre- development wetland vegetatiOn, soils, hydrology and buffer characteristics,~ the wetland has greater or lesser value and so is afforded varying levels of protection in the form of wetland buffers (relative widths defined in the Ordinance). The higher the rating, the greater the buffer, ranging from a minimum of 25 feet for relatively low quality, smaller wetlands adjacent to low Page 1 intensity development areas (density of less than 1 unit per acre) up to a maximum of 150 feet for the highest quality, or rare wetlands adjacent to high intensity development areas (density greater than 1 unit per acre). The area within the wetland and buffers is generally considered unavailable for development, unless there is no reasonable alternative. Any impacts to the wetland are regulated at least by Jefferson County and the federal Army Corps of Engineers (COE). Other potentially involved agencies include the state Dept. ofFish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the DNR Natural Heritage Program. In general, any impacts must be mitigated for through either wetland creation or enhancement program with the intent being no net loss of wetland acreage. Impacts within the buffer are regulated only by Jefferson County, although the WDFW can also become involved with setting buffer requirements. OVERVIEW Attached maps include: 1) a 1"=100' scale 1990 aerial photo of the site (source: DNR Aerial Photo and Map Sales, Olympia WA); 2) an aerial topography map with preliminary wetland edges from earlier work (Source: client) 3) On-site soil maps (Source: Jefferson County SCS Soil Survey, issued in 1972 from work done on a photo base dated 1951 and 1954) Attached Appendices include: 1) A summary of the soil series descriptions 2) Wetland rating forms Approximate wetland boundaries are marked on the aerial photo. Those boundaries are flagged in the field. Some portion (possibly all) of that flagged edge has been Surveyed, but we have not reviewed the resUlts of that Survey so cannot prOVide it herein. The survey map will supplant the hand-drawn, estimated wetland edge map on the attached aerial photo for purpose of planning · and buffer setbacks: Geomorphology and Soils The site is characterized by having a broad flat swale across its eastern majority with mild slopes to southwestern and western uplands and some .smaller areas of eastern uplands. The swale drains from north to soUth with the wetland broadest at the northern end, 'then narrowing to a small stream channel with a narrow wetland riparian zone in the southern portions. There is a drain that runs across the Wetlands from north to south, generally trending toward the western side of the wetland. Based on topography and local history, it is likely that the ditch is Page 2 man-made -- that some portions of the original meander channel was ditched to improve drainage at some time in the past. However, soil characteristics indicate that overall; the area currently mapped as wetland is very close to what was originally wetland, probably due to a combination of fine textured subsoils not draining effectively and due to the very moderate slope of the drain. · According to the Jefferson County soil survey, the following soil series are. mapped on or near the site: the Belfast silty clay loam and the Belfast silt loam, wet variant, (both classified as coarse-loamy, mixed, non-acid, mesic Typic Udifluvent~); the Casey silt loam, 0-8% slopes (classified as a fine, mixed, mesic Typic Albaqualfs2; the Clallam gravelly Sandy loam, 0-15% slopes (classified as a loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Entic Durochrept3) the Dick loamy sand, 0- 15% slopes (classified as a mixed, mesic Alfic Xeropsamment4); the. Hoypus gravelly loamy sand, 0-15% slopes (classified as a sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic XerorthentS); and the Semiahoo mUck and its moderately shallow variant (both classified as euic, mesic Typic Medisaprists6). The Belfast and Semiahoo soils'are mapped across the wetland areas in the midsite swale with the Belfast in the more channeliZed southern portions and the Semiahoo in the broader, northern ~ Coarse-loamy, mixed, non-acid, mesic Typic UdiflUVent generally meaning the soil is very young with minimal horizon development (ent), is a result of periodic flooding activity (fluv), has a Uric moisture regime -- in most years the soil between 4 and 12 inches depth not dry for more than 90 days (udi), has otherwise average characteristics for these soil'types (typic), has a mesic temperature regime (mean annual temperature ranges from 8° to 15° C (470 - 59° F), has a Ph greater than 5.0 (non-acid), has no specific mineralogical source (mixed), has > 15% sand content and <18% clay content by dry weight (coarse-loamy). · 2 Fine, mixed, mesic Typic Albaqualfs, generally meaning the soil has an argillic (clay) horizon and has greater than 35% base saturation (alf), is expected to have a seasonal high water table within approx. 12 inches of the soil surface (aqu), has an abrupt textural change between the argillic (clayey) B horizon and the overlying albic or ochric horizon (alb), is otherwise typical (typic), has a mesic temperature regime (mean annual temperature ranges fi.om 8° to 15° C (47° - 59° F), no specific mineralogic source (mixed), and has 35-50% clay content (fmc). 3 Loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Entic Durochrept, generally meaning the soil has minimal horizon development (ept and entic), has a pale-colored, low base saturation surface horizon (ochr), has an. silicate-cemented subsurface layer (dur), has a mesic temperature regime (mean annual temperature ranges fi.om 8° to 15°'C (47° - 59° F), has no specific mineralogi¢ source (mixed), texture, of the fmc fraction is loam and coarse fi.agrnent content is greater than 35% (loamy-skeletal). 4 Mixed, mesic Alfic Xeropsamment, generally meaning the soil is very young xvith little horizon development (ent), has a sandy, or loam,v sand tex-ture with low coarse fragment percentage throughout (psamm), has developed under climate conditions of wet winters and droughty summers (xer), has some sign of leaching that indicates be~nning of development into an more mature soil type, such as having higher clay content or base saturation in a B horizon (attic), has a mesic temperature regime (mean annual temperature ranges from 8° to 15° C (47° - 59° F), and has no specific parent material mineralogy (mixed). 5 Sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Xerorthent, generally meaning the soil has minimal horizon development (ent), has no distinguishing characteristics at the Great Group level (orth=standard), has developed under climatic conditions of wet winters and dry summers is greater than 35% (sandy-skeletal). 6 Euic, mesic Typic Medisaprist, generally meaning the soil is dominated by organic rather than mineral components, is greater than 20-30% organic matter (ist), has exUemely- (as compared to slightly- or moderate[v-) decomposed organic materials (sap), is otherwise not very unusual for an organic soil (medi and typic), has developed under conditions of a mesic climate (mean annual temperature ranges from 8° to 15° C (47° - 59° F), and has a pH of 4.5or higher (euic): Page 3 portions. The Casey is mapped along the eastern wetland-upland transition area as well as along the lower western sideslope of the southern channel. The Dick soils are mapped on the upland knoll that juts into the site about midway along the western edge. The Hoypus soils are mapped across the rest of the western upland slopes with the exception of the southwest comer where the Clallam soils are mapped, Please refer to the attached soil map for more details. For your information, standard characteristics of the mapped soil series are described in APPENDIX II. Please note that the SCS soil series maps and descriptions characterize expected characteristics in only the top 60-100 inches of soil. FurthermOre, the maps units can have extensive inclusions of other soil tyPes, and in some rare cases, can be entirely in error. Site elevation ranges from highs of aroUnd 160 feet in the southWest comer and 145 feet in the northeast comer down to around 108 feet in the base of the wetland at the northern boundary and 91 feet in the base of the wetland as it'exits the site at the southern boundary. Vegetation ~ Vegetation in the swale area isa mixture of paSture grasses in the higher elevation sideslopes grading to a predominance facultative, facultative wet and obligate species on the lower sideslopes. The wettest portions of the' sWale in the northern portions of the property support a variety of vegetation including (dominants are starred): Scientific Name(acr°nym) Common Name Indicator Status Juncus effusus (JUEF)* soft rash FACW+ Typha latifolia (TYLA) - cattails OBL Circium edule (CIED)* edible thistle FACW- Festuca rubra (FERU) red fescue FAC Ranunculus repens (RARE) creeping buttercup FACW The southern portions of the wetlands, as described above, become increasingly channelized with pockets of open water and with a shrubby wet riparian area, including most of the plants listed above, but als° (dominants are starred): Scientific Name(acronyrn) Common Name Indicator Status Rosa pisocarpa(ROPI)* clustered rose FAC Rubus spectabilis (RUSP) salmonberry FAC Alnus mbra (ALRU) red alder FAC Salix sitchensis (SASI)* Sitka willow FAC Salix scoulerana (SASC)* Scoulers willow FACW Equisetum arvense (EQAR)* field horsetail FAC Urtica dioica (URDI)* stinging nettles FAC+ Veronica scutellata (VESC) marsh speedwell OBL Malus fusca (MAFU) Pacific crabapple FACW Page 4 Upland vegetation includes, but is not limited to (dominants are starred): Scientific Name(acronym) Common Name Indicator Status Pseudotsuga menziesii (PSME) Douglas-fir FACU* Sambucus cerulea (SACE)* blue elderberry FAC- Symphocarpus albus (SYAL)* snowberry FACU Pteridium aquilinum (PTAQ) bracken fern FACU Polystichum munitum (POMU) sword fern FACU Holodiscus discolor (HODI)* oceanspray not listed Prunus emarginata (PREM) bitter cherry FACU Rubus ursinus (RUUR) trailing blackberry not listed Achillea millefolium (ACMI) yarrow FACU ltydrology The source of hydrology appears to be surface and subsurface flow along the base of the swale via a channel system (a drain) that initiates about 1.mile north of the site. Wetland soils are mapped along the base of the broad swale that eXtends atleast a couple of miles to the north. It is unknown whether there are any perennial springs that might provide a year-round water source, but water was observed within 20 inches of the surface even' in late August, a time period when most stormwater fed systems are dry. So it is assumed that there is at least some source from springs, but the great annual flows are a result of winter precipitation and subsequent nm ,. off. The muck/peat soils are generally deeper, and may contribute some water to aquifer.recharge. However, the potential for recharge is very low in the finer textured'soils mapped in the southern portions of the site. Wetland Classification and Rating The Field Rating Form that documents the results of the preliminary wetland rating are provided in Appendix II. If requested, a final rating can be provided with the Office Rating Form, which can be filled out after results are returned from a State Agency database search. That search will provide information about any documented occurrences of any sensitive, endangered or threatened plant or animal species in the area around the subject property. At such time as development is imminent, it is recommended to obtain that information. Until that time, the wetlands are rated as a Category II system due~to being rather large, having a variety of plant species, and having a connection to significant upland habitat. Class II wetlands are given a 100 feet wide standard buffers for high intensity development prol ~)sals, and a 50 feet wide buffer for low intensity development proposals. · , Wetlands Regulatory Issues If there are any proposed impacts to wetlands or the standard buffers as a result of this project,. Page 5 they must be permitted and mitigated for to some degree with the primary jurisdictional agency being Thurston County for buffer and wetland impacts, the Washington Dept. ofFish and Wildlife for stream impacts, and the Army Corps of Engineers for wetland impacts. Jefferson County_ In general, every effort should be made to minimize impacts to wetlands and buffers. No roads, buildings or clearing should occur in the wetland or its buffers. In areas where impactS are unavoidable, the County .may allow impacts as long as they are mitigated for fully. Typically, impacts will be mitigated for by either creating or enhancing wetlands, or enhancing buffers, the specifics to be decided upon On a site by site basis, As any wetland creation or enhancement is usually very costly, it is recommended to avoid impacts whenever and where-ever possible. Any impacts to buffers will usually require a buffer enhancement plan in and adjacent to the impacted areas. No guidance is provided in the ordinance about the required replacement ratios for wetland creation mitigatiOn projects. But typically, any impactsto wetlands will require at least a 2:1 Or 3:1 replacement of lost wetland acreage and restoration in areas temporarilY impacted. Often, it is required to complete mitigation before initiation of the primary project. Army Corps of Engineers and. State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife The COE regulates all Waters of the United States, including streams and wetlands. The WDFW regulates al_Il salmon or fish bearing streams. Both agencies require notification and a detailed project proposals. If the proposed impacts affect (in any way) more than 1 total acre of Waters of the United States, the COE will assess the actions to determine whether the proposal meets requirements of any of their variOus conditioned permits. If impacts are less than 1 acre, the action is likely to be permitted, but mitigation is generally required. If proposed impacts are greater than 1 acre, but less than 2 acres, the.site may qualify for a Nationwide Permit, as long as planned activities are accompliShed using best management practices and activities. If the proposed impacts are greater than 2 acres, the site will be regulated under a COE Individual Permit process which is much more costly than the Nationwide Permit process, requires .a greater level of report detail, and is not automatic, i.e. the permit may not be awarded. The WDFW will assess whether any proposed impacts'will affect stream functions or fish habitat. They may require some mitigation for impacts, may require certain erosion control operations and processes during construction and.may also require that construction occur only certain times of the year, to minimize sedimentation in the creek. SUMMARY The 60+ acre site has an approx. 11 acre wetland that includes a Type 3/4 stream (possibly an old drainage ditch) in its southern portions. The wetland is predominantly Palustrine Emergent class, but in its southern portions, also supports a Palustrine Scrub-Shrub wetland class along the banks of the stream/ditch. The wetland rated as Category 2 wetland despite being rather Page 6 severely impacted and degraded by farming practices. The rating was most affected by the · number of plant species, and the proximity to the adjacent upland habitat. The wetland is given standard 100 feet wide buffers for high intensity develoPment and 50 feet wide buffers for low intensity development under the Jefferson County Interim Critical Areas Ordinance. As there is no current site development plan, no specific comments can be provided on any proposed impacts to the site wetlands or buffers. . Aside from Jefferson County regulatory authority.described above, any impacts to the'wetlands and the associated creek are also regulated by the State Dept. offish and Wildlife and the Federal Army Corps of Engineers. All three agencieS will require a proposal and justification for any proposed impacts before they will issue the necessary permits for the proposed activities. I hope this report provides adequate information for'you to prOceed with project planning. If you have any questions, please feel free to call and discuss. Wetlands specialist ARCPACS certified soil specialist Certification #3313 Page 7 APPENDIX I BELFAST SERIES The Belfast silt loams, wet variant, are very deeP, poorly drained'soils formed on alluvial flood plains that were. originally under forests. Typically, the upper 20 inches is a dark gray silt loam, fine sandy loam or loam. Subsoils. to a depth of 60+ inches are dark grey or olive grey stratified fine sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam. Distinct mottles generally are visible below 9 inches depth. . permeability is moderately slow (0.2-0.6 inches per hour). A'seasonal high water table is expected at 6 to 12 inches depth. The Belfast silt loam, wet variant soils are used primarily for pasture or diversified home garden crops.. Its main limitation is the seasonal wetness at-6 to 12inches depth and very poor trafficability when wet. These soils are easily c°mpaeted when wet, greatly affecting surface infiltration rates and subsurface flow patterns. BELFAST SERIES The Belfast silty clay loams, wet variant, are very deep, poorly drained soils formed on alluvial flood plains originally under forests. Typically, the upper 20 inches is a grayish brown silty clay loam or sandy clay lOam. Subsoils to a depth of 60+inches are dark grey or olive grey stratified fine sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam. Permeability is moderately slow (0.2-0.6 inches per hour). A seasonal high water table is expected at 6 to 12 inches depth. - The Belfast silty clay loam, wet variant soils are used primarily for pasture. ItSmain limitation is the seasonal wetness at 6 to 12 inches depth and very poor traffieability when wet. These soils are easily compacted when wet, greatly affecting surface infiltration rates and subsurface flow .. patterns. CASEY SERIES The Casey silt loams are moderately deep, somewhat poorly-drained soils formed in shallow glaciolacustrine or marine sediments.' These soils are often associated with wetlands although they are not always within the wetland boundaryi Generally, the surface down to 33 inches is composed of layers of silt loams and clays with faint mottles starting at 3 inches and distinct mottles starting at 10 inches. Below 33 inches, there is a layer is loamy fine sand overlying another thick layer of clay from 40 to 60+ inches depth. Soil permeability is expected to be slow (0.06-0.2 inches per hour). The sand layer, being sandwiched between fine textured layers, will have no effect on drainage other than to increase perching in the fine layer directly overlying the sand. Page 8 Casey soils are used for.pasture, wildlife habitat, recreation areas and rural homesites with the main limitation being seasonal wetness, with an expected water table at 12 to 24 inches depth during the rainy season. The main limitations specifically for onsite septic and stormwater treatment are related to both the very fine soil textures and seasonal wetness. The slow permeability makes potential for septic drainfield failure very high, usually evidenced in a surface rather than subsurface failure during periods of extended rainfall. CLALLAM SERIES The Clallam. gravelly sandy loams are moderately deep, well-drained soils formed in glacial till. They are usually found on uplands, slopes ranging from 0-30%. The surface sOils are generally grayish-brown to dark grayish-brown gravelly sandy loams. They have a weakly cemented glacial till layer at 2040 inches depth that will resthct vertical soil percolation to some degree. Average soil permeability is expected to be moderate (0.6-2 inches per hour) above the cemented till and very slow (less than 0.06 inches per hour) in the till layer. A seasonal perched water table is not expeCted; the till in these areas must be more fractured. HoweTM, the soil is' expected to be saturated periodically during the rainy season and the majority of soil water will percolate laterally. · The Clallam sOils Originally developed under a forest, but more than half of the mapped aci~eage has been cleared and is now used for pasture~ gar&ns, Orchards and homesites. The primary limitations are related to shallow soil depths. Stormwater will percolate into the soil readily in undisturbed areas, but will move laterally across the till layer, surfacing in adjacent drainages and low-lying areas. Septic system design will be limited by minimal soil depths and fluctuating seasonal high water. · · · . DICK SERIES ~ The Dick loamy sands are deep, somewhat excesSively drained soils fOrmed in .'Sandy glacial outwash on plains and terraces. They are usually found on uplands, slopes ranging from 0-15%. In unwooded areas, the top 4 inches of the surface soils are generally grayish brown loamy sands underlain by lighter brown loamy sands to 10 inches, then olive brown loamy sands to 60 inches. Sometimes these Soil have discontinuous yellowish brown weakly cemented lenses below 37 inches that restrict percolation to varying degrees. Average soil permeability is expected to be rapid (6-20 inches per hour). ·No seasonal water table is expected within 60 inches of the soil surface. The primary limitations of this Soil are related to fast percolation rates: Septic systems may fail due to poor filtering ability. HOYPUS SERIES The Hoypus gravelly loamy sands are deep, somewhat excessively drained gravelly soils formed in glacial outwash on terraces. They are usually found on uplands, slopes ranging frOm 0-30%. Page 9 The surface soils are generally dark gray to dark brown gravelly loamy sands. Subsoils are dark yellowish-brown gravelly loamy sands overlying dark grayish brown'gravelly lOamy sands grading to very gravelly sands with depth. These horizons with varying colors and textures are a result of different depositional events. Average soil permeability is expected to be raPid (6'20 inches per hour). Most of the Hoypus soils were originally wooded, but a great deal of the mapped acreage has been cleared and is now used for limited pasture, gardens, and homesites. The primary limitations are related to rapid percolation rates and slope. Stormwater will percolate into the soil readily in undisturbed areas, but will receiVe relativelY little treatment in the Soil due to rapid percolation. Septic system design will be limited' also,by rapid percolation, poor treatment of effluent, and steep slopes making design difficult. SEMIAHOO SERIES The Semiahoo mucks are very deep, very pooflyrdrained soils formed on floodplains out of organic materials derived primarily from herbaceous organic deposits. Drainage has often been altered by subsurface drains and open ditches: Native vegetation is mainly sedges and rashes. Typically, the soils are black muck to a depth of 60 inches or more: The SemiahoO is a hydric (wetland) soil. Percolation rates are expected to be moderate (0.6-2 inches per hour). Semiahoo soils are used for cropland, hayland or pasture. Most crops can only be grown if a drainage system lowering the water, able 2-5 feet during the growing season is installed. Subsidence is minimal if the water table is maintained immediately below the root zone, and allowed to return to the surface during the' winter season. These soils are not suited for building of any so~ as they have poor load-beating capacities and so will not effectively support a foundation or road-- Lc. the structure will sink tmless support piles are installed into competent, non, organic materials below the muck. SEMIAHOO SERIES Thc Semiahoo muck moderately shallow variant is a very poorly-drained soil formed on floodplains out of' organic materials derived primarily from herbaceous organic deposits. Drainage has often been altered by subsurface drains and open ditches. Native vegetation is mainly sedges and rushes. Typically, the soils have a black muck cap 10-1~ inches thick, and in most places 2 to 4 layers of muck and mucky peat overlying mineral soil at 24 to 48 inches. In most of these soils, there is also a thin layer (2-~ inches thick) of diatomaceous earth at 10-18 inches from the surface. The Semiahoo is a hydric (wetland) soil. Percolation rates are expected to be moderate (0.6-2 inches per hour). Page 10 Semiahoo soils are used for cropland, hayland or pasture. Most crops can only be grown if a drainage system lowering the water able 2-5 feet during the growing season is installed. Subsidence is minimal if the water table is maintained immediately below the root zone, and allowed to return to the surface during the winter season. These soils are not suited for building of any sort as they have poor load-bearing capacities and so will not effectively support a foundation or road -- i.e. the structure will sink unless support piles are installed into competent, non-organic materials below the muck. Page 11 WETLANDS RATING FIELD DATA FORM BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Date: ~-- 7' ~5"' Name ofRater(s):Lisa palazzi Affiliation(s): Pacific Rim Soil & W~tt~r Name of Wetland (if known): '-'~o//'~. ~.~ &d.~ -?"~ Govemmentjufisdicfionofwetland: ~.~~~~, 'rn'"' ~'~ ~ ~'~7_ /'/<o t~_ LOcation: ~ ,r'q, ~ $ t, ~ ?'.,/ c-~ 95, 't- ~ iq'; ~ / SOURCES OF INFORMATION: (check all sources that apply) Site visit:~USGS Topo map:~C.NWI map'S_ Aerial PhotoK_ Soil Survey~Other: 2~ Describe: · ~ . · · , , , ,, , , , ~ , , , WHEN THE FIELD DATA FORM IS COMPLETE., ENTER CATEGORY HERE.~ points: , , , Q.1. High Quality Namrai Wetland. ' , CirCle AnsWers - . Answer this question if you have adequate information or experience to do so. If not, find someone with the expertise to answer the questions. Then, if the answer to questions la, lb, and lc are all NO, contact the Natural Heritage Program of DN1L . la. Human-caused disturbances. _ . Is there significant evidence of human-caused changes to topography or hydrology of the wetland as indicatedby any of the following conditions? (Consider only changes that may have taken place in the last 5 decades. The impacts of earlier changes have probably stabilized, and the new ,-albeit different -- wetland ecosystem of high quality.) . · lal. Upstream watershed > 12% impervious. Yes:go to' Q2 la2. Wetland is ditched and water flow is no.._!t obstructed, k. ~ to Q2 la.3. Wetland has been graded, filled, logged, xes:go to Q2 la4. Water in wetland is controlled by dikes, weirs, etc. Yes:go to Q2 la5. Wetland is graze& Yes:go to Q2 la6. Other indicators of disturbance (list b~low). ' ( ~o to.Q2 No: go to lb , , lb. Are there populations of non-native plants which are currently present, cover more than Yes:go to Q2 10% of the wetland, and appear to be invading native populations? Briefly describe any non-native plant populations and information sources: No: go to lc · · . , , , , , , ,, , , ,, , , Page 3 quality. Evidence of the degradation of water quality include: direr (untreated) runoff from . roads or parking lots; presence Or historic evidence of waste dumps; oily,sheens; the smell of No: Possible Cat. orgamc chemicals; or livestock use. Briefly describe: ' . I: contact DNR- ~ ~ a,,,-x.-~,~ ',~ ~ ~ Namral Heritage ~'~-~ ~ ~ ' Program .. . . . . . · · Q.2. Irreplaceable Ecological Functions: _ . · ~..--.---------~. . :' -. . Does the wetland: . .. , I Yes:go to 2a - have at least 1/4 acre of Organic soils deeper than 16 inches, an~dd the wetland is . · relatively undisturbed; , ' . . ~ ' · . (NOTE: If the answer is NO because the wetland is disturbed, briefly describe the disturbance. Indicators of disturbance may include: ' . i : - . · wetland has been graded, filled, logged; ' .. · organic soils on the surface are dry for more than half the year; ~ .. · ,. · wetland receives direct stormwater runofffrom urban or agricultural areas.) . - OR have a forested class greater than 1 ·acre; Yes:go to 2b · - O._~R have characteristics of an esmarme system; · '-, ~ : .~ Yes:go to 2c - O...~R have eel grass, floating or non-floating kelp beds? · Yes:go to 2d . . . . . . , · _ . · 2a. Bogs and Fens: Are any of the three following conditions' met for the area of organic soil? .. . 2a. 1 Are Sphagnum moSses a common groundcover (>30%) AND iscover 0finvasive . species (Table 3) <10%? - . - Is the area of Sphagnum mosses and deep organic softs >1/2 acre? Yes Cat.I - Is the area of Sphagnum mosses and deep organic softs 1/4-1/2 acre? Yes: Cat. 1I 2a.2 Is there an area of organic soil which has an emergent class With at least one species No: go to 2a,2 from Table 2 (bog and fen spp.), AND is cover of invasive species (Table 3) <10%? - . · - IS the area of herbaceous plants and deep organic softs >'1/2 acre? ' Yes: Cat. I - IS the area of Sphagnum mosses and deep organic softs 1/4-1/2 acre? Yes: Cat. Il . . · . No: go to 2~3 , , i , , Page 4 2a~3 Is the vegetation a mixture of only herbaceous plants and Sphagnum mosses with no scrub/shrub or forested classes? - IS the area of herbaceous plants, Sphagnum, and deep organic soils >1/2 acre? Yes: Cat. I - Is the area of herbaceous plants, Sphagnum, and deep organic soils 1/4-1/2 acre? Yes: Cat. II · · · No: go to Q3 ,. Q.2b. Mature Forested Wetlands ~/~ /~,, 2b. 1 Does 50% of the cover of upper forest canopy consist of evergreen trees older than 80 Yes: Cat. I years or deciduous trees older than 50 years? · No: go to 2b.2 . (NOTE: Size of trees cannot be used as a surrogate for age.) . , 2b.2 Does 50% of the cover of forest canopy consist of evergreen trees older than 50 years, Yes: go to 2b.3 AND is the structural'diversity of the forest high, as characterized by an additional layer of No: go to Q3 trees 20-49' tall, shrubs 6-20' tall,, and a herbaceous ~oundcover? · 2b~3 Does <25% of the areal cover in the herbaceous/groundcover or the shrub layer Yes: Cat.' I consist of invasive or exotic plant species from the p. 19 list? No: go to' Q3 · .. Q.2c. Estuarine Wetlands . .~-. ' 2c. 1 Is the wetland listed as National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Yes: Cat. I Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park, or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific No: go to 2C.2 Reserves designated under WAC 332-151 ? _ 2c.2 Is the wetland >5 acres; Yes: Cat: I (NOTE: If an area contains patches °f salt tolerant vegetation that are <600 feet apart and separated by mudflats that go dry on a Mean Low Tide, OR separated by tidal channels that are <100 feet wide, then all the vegetated areas are to be considered together in calculating the wetland area~) . , - OR is the wetland 1-5 acres; Yes: go to 2c.3 - OR is the wetland <l acre? Yes: go to 2c.4 Page 5 2c.3 Does the wetland meet at least 3 of the following 4 criteria? · · - minimum existing evidence of human-related disturbance, such as diking, Yes: Cat. I ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, or the presence of non-native plant species; ~. No: CatII - surface water connection with tidal saltwater or tidal freshwater; .. .. - at least 75% of the wetland has a 100' buffer of ungrazed pasture, open water, shrub or forest; --~ · ' · · . , - _ has at least 3 of the following features: low marsh; high marShl tidal channels; ~- lagoon(s); woody debris; or contiguous freshwater wetland. . . . . · · · 2c.4 Does the wetland meet all four criteria under 2c. 37 - · Yes: Cat. II , - . '- ' - '- No: 'Cat. 'iii · · · : · . . . Q.2d. Eel Grass and Kelp Beds ' _, . · . .. . . 2d. 1 Are eel grass beds present?, ' ' ·. :~/~/~ Yes: Cat. .I ~ .. - - No: go t02d. 2 · · ~ . , 2d.2 Are there floating or non-floating kelp-bed(s) preSent with >50% macro-algal cover in Yes: Cat I the month of August or September? '~ · ~. · · '. -. ' · No: Cat. li ~ .. Q.3. Category IV Wetlands - ~ -~ ' · · 3a~ Is the wetland less than 1 acre AND hydrologically isolated AND comPriSed of one Yes: Cat. IV · 4?vegetated class that is dominated (>80% areal cover) by one species from Table, 3 or Table . · · . . . . · 3b. Is the wetland less than 2 acres AND. hydrologically isolated AND With one vegetated " Yesi Cat. IV class AND with >90% area cover of any combination of species from Table 3? . . . : 3c. Is the wetland excavated from upland AND comprised ofa pond smaller than 1 acre Yes: Cat. IV without<0.1 acresa surfaCeof vegetation?Water connection, to streams, lakes, rivers, or other wetlands 'AND with , , , Page 6 Q.4. Significant Habitat Value. Circle scores that Answer all questions and enter data requested, qualify ' acres points 4a~ Estimate total wetland area, seleCting from choices in the near-fight column, and score >200 6 in the far column: 40-200 5 10-40 Enter wetland acreage here: ' t/f acres, and source: ~ .~"/~,~.~ 5-10 - 3 1-5 2 0.1-} 1 <0.1 0 · · . 4b. Wetland classes: Circle the wetland classes below that qualify by being greater than 1/4 acre in size for each class, and in the case of Open Water, being that size for more than · # of - 1 month at a time. 'classes points - - ! 0 Open Water ' ' ' · 3 6 Aquatic Beds  5 10 - . . . Forested : . - . Count the number Of wetland classes above, then score according to the columns to the · dght. _ , · 4¢. Plant Species Diversity. .: ' · Class # spp p. oints · Aquatic Bed 1 0 For each wetland class (at right)that qualifies'in 4b above, count the 2 . 1-' . number of different plant speCies you can find that cover mOre than 3 2 5% of the ground. It is not neCessary to name them >3 3 · Score in column at far right. Emergent 1 0 · - 2-3 1 Note: Any p!ant species with a cover of>5% qualifies for points ' · 4-5 2 within a class, even those that are not of that class -- i.e. a grass species can qualify for points in a forested class.. . · ' Scrub Shrub 1' 0 2 1 3-4,2. · . ~'~4~ Forested 1 0 ,. ' 2 1 34 2 ' >4 3 Page 7 ,~ 4d. Structural Diversity. If the wetland has a forested class, add 1 point il'each of the following classes is present Within -. the forested class, AND is larger than 1/4 acre in siz.e: _ ., '. ~ . . . - trees >50' tall .' .. . . Yes=l . . - trees 20'-49' tall . - . ,. · Yes=l - shrubs . - ' ' Yes=l · - herbaceous groundcover - . Yes=l Also, add 1 point if there is any "open water" or" aquatic bed" Class immediately next to the Yes=l forested area (i.e., there is no scrub/shrub or emergent vegetation between them). . · . . 4e. Class Interspersion: . . ". ~ .:'- · . Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersi°n between-wetland ClaSses is high, High=3 moderate, low, or none. · ~ '- ' ,. . . · · · · · : .. 4f. Habitat Features · . · Answer questions below, circle features that apply, and score to right: ' " · ' · . · Is there evidence that the open or standing water was caUSed by-beaver " Yes=2 activity? ........................................... . '. · · Is aheron rookery 10cated within 300'? - . ,.... ~.- _. ~ . . yeS=l ~w4>. · , , · Are raptor nest(s) located within 300'? ..................... .:, ' · . . Yes=l · · Are there ar least 3 standing dead trees (snags) per acre>10" DBH (in or adjacent to the.· wetland)? .................... .. -' · . · . , *Are there at least 3 downed logs Per acre with a diameter of>6" for at least 10' in length (in or YeS=l adjacent to..)? ........ · · Are there areas (vegetated or unvegetated) within the wetland that are P°nded for at least 4 . ' months of the year, AND the wetland has not qualified as having· an open water class in Q4b (i.e. <1/4 acre in size)? ..................................... ' , i , , Page 8 4g. Connection to Streams (Score one answer only.) · · . 4g. 1 Does the wetland provide habitat for fish at any time of year AND does it have a Yes=6 perennial surface water connection to a fish bearing stream? " · . . 4g.2 Does the Wetland provide fish habitat seasonally AND does it have a seasonal surface Yes=4 water connection to a fish bearing stream? · , .. . 4g. 3 Does the wetland function to export organic matter through a surface water Yes=4 connection atall times of the year to a perennial stream? . .. . · _ .. 4g.4-Does the wetland function to.export organic matter through a surface water . .~ - connection to a stream on a seasonal basis? ,. -. ~ · . . · , , , . · , . 4h. Buffers: Score the existing buffers on a scale of 1-5 based on the following fOur · descriptions. If the conditions.of the buffers do not fit,. score a point higher or lower, depending on whether the buffers are more or less degraded: · . . ' · Forest, scrub, native grassland Or openwater bufferS'are present with'widths >100' ': . Score=5 ~' ' ... around 95% of the circumference. ' ' - - · · · Forest, scrub, native grassland or open water buffers are Present with widths >100' around>50% of the circumference, OR the same buffers are presem with widths >50' arom!.d >50% of the circumference. -. ~ ' ~' - - "~" ' · .. · .. · _ · ., _ . · Forest, scrub, native grassland'or open water buffers are Present with widths >100' Score=2 " around >25% of the cimumference, OR the same buffers are present with widths.>50' ~ · around >95% of the circumference. ~ · , · No roads, buildings or paved areas within 100'_ of the wetland for >95%.of the .. .. Score=2 ___~_------eirc-nrnfo. renc~. .' ' _ . · · No roads, buildings or paved areas within 25' of the Wetland for >95% of the . ' 'Score=1 circumference OR No roads, buildings or paved areas within' 50' of the wetland for >50%. of · the circumference . . · · · · · , · Paved areas, industrial areas or residential construction (with less than 50' between Score=0 houses) are <25' from the wetland for more than 95% of the circumference .... , , Page 9 4i. Connection to Other Habitat AreaS: ' J - .' ~ ~ . , Select the description which best matches the site being evaluated. ~. .' · · .. -Is the wetland connected to or part of a riparian Corridor at l;aSt 100' wide connecting two .. Yes=5 or more wetlands; OR is there an upland connection present >100' wide with good forest, or shrub cover (>25% cover) connecting it with a Significant Habitat Area (>300 ycls dim. ension or >20 acifOW)? ' - . ' . :.... . ::' _. · -Is the wetland connected to any other Habitat Area (>50 yds dimenSi°n) with either (1) a: forested/shrub cOrridor <100' wide OR (2) a'vegetated corridor >i00' wide, but with'c°Ver ~ .. <6' tall? ' " ' ' : "' ." · . _ · . . · ,. ': Yes:3 -IS the wetland connected to or part of a riparian corridor' between 50~100; wide .with ._ .... _ .- scrub/shrub or forest cover connection to other wetlands. ' -".' "-'" -. _ _ . _ . . -Is the wetland connected to any other Habitat Area(>50 yds di~nensi0n)'with a'vegetnted - yes=l corridor <100' wide with cover <6' tall? . - . - · . -IS the wetland and its buffer (if the buffer is <50' wide) ComPletelY isolated by development ~ - Yes=q3 (urban, residential with a denSity >2/ac, or indUStrial)9 '. , -."~ .- .., : ' -. Now add the scores circled (for Qsa-Q5i aboV~e) 'to get.a total Is the'total - greater than orequai to 22 pOints? '- -2-¢ :" ":' .' '": ':'-'' :' ":"'-'" No: Cat.m ' . _ . . Page 10 Pollack~ WetlandS-:Wet!andDelineatiOn'Rep0/t ~: Jefferson'County Soil' Survey Map . · S0il Map'U.n.i.t. · ~' ;'Soil Series~ ~-~ . Bk ' Belfast sil, wet variant ' ' · ~Bm Belfast siCl, wet variant CeB "~ Casey sil CmC -- - ClalIam gsl ' DcD '" '-Dick. ls . . HuC .Hoypus gls. ' Se Semiahoo' mUck_ . Sh ' - semiahoo muck, modemtely shallow variam M95-0010 file reference number