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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Management Plan 821151005 AMY R. LEITMAN MARINE SURVEYS & ASSESSMENTS 521 SNAGSTEAD WAY PORT TOWNSEND WA 98368 Tel.360.385-4073 · Fax.360.385- 1724 email.sea~olympus.net August 22, 2002 Jerry Smith, Planner Jefferson County Dept. of Community Development 621 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 Dear Jerry, Enclosed is a copy of the Habitat Management Plan for Gary Greene. We hope that you find it satisfactory. Please let us know if you have any questions about the report or any details therein. I will be reachable at any of the above contact numbers if you need to speak. Thanks for much for youraccessibility and for working with us on coming up with an appropriate deadline that worked for us all. .... JEFFERSOA C(~uNTY ,:'~ ¥~E~/~ ~ DEPT. OF COM~iUNil¥ DEVELOPMENT  Page Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan Lots 2 and 3 of the Unrecorded Plat of Fem Bay Parcel Numbers 821151005 and 821151006 near Port Ludlow, WA NE¼, Section 15, Township 28N, Range 01E East Jefferson County, WRIA 17 August 22, 2002 JEFFERSO;t COUNTY Prepared by: DEPT. OF COIA~UNIT¥ DEVELOPMENI_~ Amy Leitman Marine Surveys & Assessments 521 Snagstead Way Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: (360) 385-4073, Fax: (360) 385-1724 Introduction: A Habitat Management Plan has been requested by Gary Greene as part of a Variance Request to the Jefferson County Department of Community Development. An unnamed, non-fish bearing, intermittent stream is located on the property defined above. The stream is listed as a Type 5 stream and requires a buffer width of 50' from the OHWM and a building setback of S' from the buffer boundary. The applicant is requesting a variance in order to construct a single-family residence and garage with an office/shop within the buffer boundaries. Qualifications of the Preparer: (see Attachment 3) Site Description: The property (approximately 1.3 acres) is bordered on the west by Tala Shore Drive and on the east by Hood Canal (Figures 1 and 2). To the south lies Lot 1 and to the north lies Lot 4 of the unrecorded Plat of Fern Bay. The intermittent stream enters the property from the north, approximately 260' east of Tala Shore Drive. The stream continues generally south for approximately 120' and exits the property into Lot 1. Photographs of the site are seen in Attachment 2. The property is moderately to heavily wooded with western red cedar Thujaplicata, Douglas fir Psetidotsuga menziesii, grand fir Abies grandis, red alder Alnus rubra, hemlock Tsuga heterophylla, big- leaf maple Acer macrophyllum, cascara Rhamnus purshiana and Pacific yew Taxus brevifolia. At the western end of the property, there is an area ofpredominately large conifers including grand firs. Along the sunnier bluff overlooking Hood Canal, maple and willow trees predominate, but there is a grove of fir trees near the northern property line. Within the residence and the garage building envelope areas (Figure 2) are predominately willows, maples and some medium sized conifers. The understory consists of sword fern Polystichurn munitum, Himalayan blackberry Rubus discolor, lady- fern Althyriurn filix-fernina, thimbleberry Rubus parviflora, devil's club Oplopanax horridurn, salmonberry Rubus spectabilis, foam flower Tiarella trifoliata and false hly-of-the-valley Maianthemum dilatatum. Along the dry streambed (the survey was conducted in August) are predominately horsetails Equistum hyemale, salmonberry and goat's beard Aruncus sylvester. Along the more open and drier bluff area are found sword fern and oceanspray Holodiscus discolor. Adjacent Property: On Lot 4 to the north, the unnamed stream runs through a 1-foot diameter culvert and there is a carport approximately 35' from the stream. The house on Lot 4 is approximately 31' from the bluff edge (Figure 2). Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan · 2 On Lot 1 to the south, the stream again runs through a 1-foot diameter culvert and the house on that lot is approximately 27' from the stream and approximately 29' from the bluff edge. Proposed Construction and Variance Details: As seen in Figure 2, the applicant proposes to construct a single family residence within a building envelop located 15' east of the OHWM of the unnamed stream. This proposed building envelope extends for approximately 110' along the east side of the 120' long stream. The 15' includes a 10' buffer and a 5' setback from the buffer's edge. The applicant also proposes to construct a garage with office/gym within a building envelope located 15' west of the stream's OHWM (Figure 2). A driveway will connect Tala Shore Drive to the garage area. The main residence will be accessed via two footbridges spanning the stream. The recommended stream buffer of 50' on each side of the stream's OHWM would provide approximately 0.275 acre of buffer for the stream on this property (assuming a stream length of approximately 120'). The proposed buffer width reduction Would provide approximately 01094 acre of buffer - a reduction of approximately 66% from the recommended stream buffer area. Vegetation removal required for the construction of these structures will be primarily willows, several small firs and salmonberry. The site conditions that define the location of the proposed structures are as follows: 1) Jeff Davis, an Area Habitat Biologist from the Washington Department Fish and Wildlife, has identified a bald eagle's nest (currently occupied by an osprey) adjacent to the property (Figure 3). In order to protect both the eagle and osprey nest and habitat area, Davis recommended saving the stand of conifers (including the dominate grand firs) located along the western property line. This recommendation would exclude locating the proposed buildings in that area. The driveway route through that area has been planned so that no large conifers will have to be removed. See Attachment 1 for a letter from JeffDavis concerning the proposed site plan. 2) As seen in Figure 2, a well is proposed to be located approximately 150' east of the driveway entrance. Because of the building setback limitations associated with wells, the main residence cannot be located within 50' of the well. Consequently, the only viable building area would seem to be located at the eastern end of the property 3) There exists a ±60' high bluff along the eastem property line. The recommended setback from bluff edges is 1' for each foot of bluff height. Locating the building envelop 60' from the bluff edge would put the envelop, as drawn, within 5' of the stream. The applicant has proposed a compromise location as seen in Figure 2. Habitat Management Plan: The following recommendations are made in order to preserve the biological integrity and function of the stream environment, while not compromising the existing eagle/osprey nest to the west or degrading the bluff stability to the east. Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan · 3 LOG 1. Maintenance of native vegetation within the stream buffer Because of the proposed decrease in the buffer area, it is especially important to maintain the remaining buffer in its natural condition. No native vegetation or dead trees or shrubs should be removed from the buffer zone. However, invasive non-native species should be removed from the buffer area and controlled to prevent future invasion. English ivy Hedra helix and Scot's broom Cytisus scoparius are two examples ofinvasive non- native species that occur in the region. Additional information on invasive non-native species in Jefferson County can be obtained from the Noxious Weed Control Board - 379-5610 ext. 205. The applicant has indicated retaining the large conifers at the western end of the property and at the northern end of the bluffto the east of the property, which will provide habitat protection for the existing eagles and osprey using the nearby nest. A 30' deep vegetation buffer zone is also indicated on the site plan along the eastern bluff edge, which is an important contribution to maintaining bluff stability. 2. Maintenance of the natural stream condition. The water flow patterns should not altered in any way by channelizing, dredging or damming. The applicant has proposed constructing two foot bridges over the stream to provide access to the residence rather than using culverts. This is a positive step toward maintaining natural flow patterns' during the months when there is water in the stream. 3. Native plant replacement. The construction of the two structures will involve removal of some existing native understory and small trees. Native vegetation at least equal to that lost by construction should be planted in other buffer areas. Disturbances to soil and existing native plants should be kept to a minimum. 4. Maintenance of a chemical-free zone within the buffer. The use of fertilizers and pesticides can alter the ecological balance of the stream's ecosystem and should be avoided within the buffer area and beyond, Organic fertilizers and compost can be used when enhancing the buffer area with native vegetation. 5. Diversion of stormwater. There will be an increase in impervious surface area adjacent to the stream. Every effort must be made to direct stormwater away from the stream (and bluff area) to prevent impacts to the stream's existing hydrology and to bluff stability. 6. Stream protection during construction. The access of heavy equipment to the building site on the east side of the stream could produce impacts affecting stream flow and hydrology. The guidelines contained in the Washington Department offish and Wildlife Hydraulic Project Approval must be observed to prevent impacts from heavy equipment use and increased sedimentation during construction. 7. Bald eagle management plan. According to Shelly Ament (pers. comm. - August 19, 2002), a bald eagle management plan will be required from her before any construction, including grading and/or tree removal, can take place. A site visit will be required to determine if the adjacent nest tree is being occupied by eagles or ospreys. Specific management recommendations will be made depending on the results of the site visit. Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan · 4 8. Possible site changes to increase stream buffer area: a. Remove the driveway section indicated north of the garage and replace it with stream buffer area. b. Obtain a geotech report to determine the advisability of moving the residence closer to the bluff. c. Define residence footprint to allow more specific determination of available area for increases in buffer area. Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan · 5 Figure 1 19OE ~ Scale: 1 inch equals 2000 feet Copyright (C) 1997, Maptech, inc. Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan · 6 LOG ~ P~ __7__~/~' Figure 3 Attachment 1 of Washington $,a~y 24, 2002 Jeffemn Co~e~ DCD SDS: Tala Sho~ Prope~ ~areet 82i !~i 00~ n~ar Po~ Lud!~, WA; ~ 114, ~fi~n 15. Tow~hSp 17.~SC ~FW ~ ~eeiv~ ~ u~d site pt~ ~gle ~e~. ~ n~ ~ p!~ is ~ ~to~ 25, 2001 ~d pl~ will avoM ~e removal of $i~ifi~t ~n~ ~$ by l~ted s driveway b~ ~ese ~ ~ wel~ ~ros~h$~ to si!ow ~e~ ~ ~e home, wMCb Thc ~pJic~a ~d ~ ~t ~ve w~ to Al~ou~ ~FW do~ not ~i~!ly ~u~ le~t ~fing ~afive to ~ she, ~ you for ~e o~o~ m pro, de ~ ~o~on~ If you ~ve~y q~s~ons, pl~ eon~ m~ at (360) g95.3~5. ~tn~ty~ , J~ff Davi~ Are~ ~bimt gio!o~ Smi~ & Greene Habitat M~agement Pl~ · 9 LOG TEM Attachment 2 Western end of the property Eastern bluff edge area Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan · I0 Type V stream at the site Smith & Greene Habitat Management Plan · 11 Attachment 3 MARINE SURVEYS & ASSESSMENTS AMY R. LEITMAN 521 SNAG,STEAD WAY PORT TOWNSEND, WA 98368 (360) 385-4073 · EMAIL: sea(~_~olympus.net Summary of Related Background MARINE BIOLOGIST/CONSULTANT; Marine Surveys & Assessments, Port Townsend, WA 1991 - present Responsibilities Include: · Survey intertidal and subtidal project areas for US Fish & Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and WA Department offish &Wildlife permit requirements and general use habitat surveys · Identify, quantify, and gather qualitative information of flora, fauna, substrate and other biological and physical characteristics of the surveyed area · Write reports that include observations and conclusions from upland and SCUBA surveys · Research additional site specific information for inclusion in agency required reports · Determine permit needs for specific projects and assist with application · Environmental Impact Statement research and writing SHELLFISH BIOLOGIST; Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Sequim WA 1995 to December 1999 Responsibilities include: · Identify and survey subtidal harvest beds for both quantitative and qualitative data · Research and analyze biological data for use in Shellfish Management Plans and shellfish management models · Identify, plan and implem~ent shellfish aquaculture activities · Serve as a liaison to other Tribal, State and Federal Fisheries officials to represent the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe in technical issues affecting shellfish VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR; Port Townsend School District, Port Townsend, WA 1995 Responsibilities include: · Identify teachers volunteer needs by personally interviewing every teacher in K-5th grade · Identify potential volunteers by researching organizations in town that work with sen/ors, retired people, high school kids and other professionals · Assisted in the development of a Database to supply information about volunteer interest and availability · Helped provide teachers with appropriate volunteers for their needs VOCATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR; Magnet Center, Port Townsend School District, Port Townsend, WA 1993 - 1995 Responsibilities include: · Organize, prepare and monitor budget for Marine Trades Vocational Training Program · Create, prepare and administrate instructional programs · Design and implement assessment, instructional, and evaluation procedures in marine and related technical trades classes · Access regional, state and national resources to make program efficient and successful BUSINESS MANAGEMENT POSITIONS; San Juan Marine Electronics, Center Harbor Rigging, Sol Squire and Associates, Bellingham and Port Townsend, WA 1991 - 1993 Responsibilities Include: · Reorganize and computerize marine electronics company · Reorganize, design and implement financial and managerial plan for marine rigging shop · Assist marketing company in graphic arts, and client and financial management FISHERIES BIOLOGIST; Washington Department of Fisheries, Brinnon, WA 1988 -1991 Responsibilities Include: · Prepare, .organize, and present scientific and agency policy information to community, regional, state, and national organizations · Help create and prepare interagency Memorandums of Understanding, bUdgets, 5-year work plans, changes for WA Administrative Code fisheries issues, reports of scientific experiments and database records · Survey subtidal shellfish harvest beds for species specific quantitative information and qualitative information for associated flora and fauna · Research and design laboratory and field experiments related to aquaculture projects RESEARCH ASSISTANT; California State University Foundation, Santa Cruz, CA 1985-1988 Responsibilities include: · Design and implement water quality monitoring program for marine culture laboratory · Organize and maintain hatchery activity records and semi-annual report · Assist in technical training of marine culture techniques for visiting students and scientists · Assist in the maintenance and on going research for marine culture laboratory · Participate in SCUBA surveys for subtidal invertebrate seeding projects AQUACULTURE EXTENSION AGENT; Peace Corps, Democratic Republic of Congo 1981-1984 Responsibilities include: · Instruct farmers in site selection, pond design, canal systems design, construction, stocking, management, and harvesting of earthen fish ponds · Assist fish farmers in marketing procedures · Organize fisheries cooperatives for construction, problem solving, and marketing of cultured fish · Facilitate and teach a monthly workshop on aquaculture topics to farmer's cooperative Education B.S. Aquaculture/Zoology (1980) University of Rhode Island Technical Fisheries Training Program (1981) University of Oklahoma M.S. Marine Science (1988) Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Dive Training NAUI Basic Dive Certification (1980) Rhode Island PADI Research Dive Certification (1985) California Surface Supplied Air (1998) Washington DAN 02 Certification (1999) Washington WA State Certified Eelgrass, Macroalgae and Geoduck Surveyor (1988)