HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Report (023)Ms. Janet Stimach
Revegetafion Plan
Margaret Street
Shine, Washington
Parcel #821-33~-028
Prepared for:
Ms Janet Stimach
1920 S. Spokane Street
Seattle, WA 98144
February2003
JEFFERSON COUNTY
DEPT. OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Prepared by:
Dixie Llewellin
Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc,
Port Townsend, Washington 98368
385-6432
Ms. Janet Stimach
Revegetation Plan
Margaret Street
Shine, WA
Parcel # 821-333-028
February 2003
Contents
1.0 Project Overview 1.1 Description of Site
1.2 Building Plan
2.0 Revegetation Approach
3.0 Construction Plan
3.1 Installation Specifications
3.1.1 Fall Installation
3.1.2 Root Disturbance
3.1.3 Soil Amendments
3.1.4 Plant Depth
3.1.5 Staking
3.1.6 Mulching
3.1.7 Re-seeding
3.2 Maintenance: Weeding and Irrigation
3.3 Stormwater Control
4.0 Monitoring Plan 4.1 Vegetation Monitoring
4.2 Photo-documentation
4.3 Reporting Schedule
5.0 Performance Standards
6.0 Contingency Plan
7.0 Summary
Appendix
Table 1
Table 2
Sheet #1
Sheet #2
Wetland Plant List and Landscape Specifications
Re-seeding Recommendations and Quantities
Location and Delineation Maps
Site and Planting Plan
Sample Monitoring Form
Ms~ Janet Stimach
Revegetation Plan
Margaret Street
Shine, WA
Parcel # 821-333-028
February 2003
1.0 Project Overview
The proposed constraction of a single-family residence and garage on property owned by Ms. Stimach
w/il fall within jurisdictional buffers. The entire parcel is within buffers ora Class I estuary wetland
(delineated by OWR July 2001) and a Type 4 stream with associated wetland (delineated by OWR
October 2002). A "Reasonable Economic Use Variance Application" has been submitted to the
Jefferson County Planning Department on December 2002. One requirement of the application is the
preparation of a restoration/revegetation plan to mitigate and minimize buffer impacts. As the agent
for Ms. Janet Stimach, John Pilling president of Home Town Construction has requested a revegetation
plan from Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc. (OWR). This report fulfills that portion of thc application.
1.1 Description of Site
The site is located north of Margaret Street (Parcel # 821-333-028), south of Shine between Squamish
Harbor (offHood Canal) and near an estuarine marsh. The parcel is flat except where the topography
drops to a stream channel that historically was ditched in an attempt to drain the wetland. Fill was
added to the site to create a building site. Due to its location on a peninsula, adjacent to an estmLry, and
near the mouth of Shine Creek the site has several buffer restrictions. A site location and delineation
map is included in the Appendix (Sheet #1).
The building parcel, approximately 200 feet by 114 feet (Tax 81 .52 acres), is bound by Margaret Street
to the south and a ditched stream with an associated wetland to the north. A small triangle shaped
parcel lies to the west and is owned by the neighbors across Margaret Street. Neither the wetland nor
the stream was mapped on the Critical Areas Map of Jefferson County (February 21, 1995). Findings
revealed a Type 4 Stream with 100-£oot buffers measured from the associated wetland edge. The
stream had standing water 18 to 25 inches deep during the October 2002 delineation.
Due to the added fill and disturbed soil several mounds of non-native blackberries, Rubus discolor, and
Scot's broom,. Cytisus scoparius, are thriving on the site. Native trees and shrub are volunteering near
the stream. Existing vegetation on the northern and undisturbed side of the creek includes a healthy
stand of spruce and alders. This will remain undisturbed during any site construction. The remainder
of the site adjacent to Margaret Street consists of pasture grasses.
1.2 Building Plan
A single-family residence, detached garage (1664 sq ft. and 1153 sq ft.) and a driveway are planned for
this site. The proposed residence is consistent with the existing subdivision and zoning in the Shine
Stimach Revegetation Plan 1
February 2003
Ol.vmpic Wetland Resources. Inc.
development. The building is sited outside the Class I buffer bm will still be included in the buffer of
the Type 4 stream. There should be no further degradation to the stream or wetland buffers if
consmmtion is conducted using Best Management Practices (BMP's) and the site is revegetated
according to this plan. Wetland buffers, in fact will be upgraded with the addition of native plantings.
Existing conditions within the southern buffers are dominated by non-native vegetation. The site plan
for the buildings and planting plan are included in the Appendix (Sheet #2).
2.0 Revegetation Approach
The primary goal of this revegetafion plan is to remove non-native species within in the buffer and
replant with appropriate native trees and shrubs. Native trees and shrubs volunteering within the area
should be protected during the construction process. Species identified volunteering include alder.
willow, rose, and elderberry. Adding additional species of trees and shrubs will provide ongoing water
quality protection to the Type 4 stream buffer and the associated wetland.
Secondary goals include increasing species diversity, thereby increasing habitat value for wildlife. The
addition of trees and shrubs within the buffer will add structural layers over time.
To compensate for this wetland or buffer 10,000 square feet will be enhanced with trees, shrubs, or
herbaceous cover. The revegetation area is parallel to the stream north and west of the building site.
Landscaping along Margaret and around the buildings will be left up to Ms. Stimach.
3.0 Construction Plan
3.1 Installation Specif'wations
All areas of exposed soil will be re-vegetated with species known to tolerate local soils and wetland
conditions. Plant species have been selected because they have a high habitat value, are consistent with
surrounding vegetation, and are known to thrive in east Jefferson County. Plants include shore pine,
willow, hazelnut, red flowering currant, and twinberry. Complete landscape specification,, which
includes quantities, sizes, and spacing for each plant,, is in the Appendix (Table 1. Landscape
Specifications). Table 1. also includes a list of local nurseries, which supply native plants. Details of
species location are included in the planting plan in the Appendix (Sheet #2).
3.1.1 Fall Installation
Plants listed above will be installed between mid-September and mid-November. Plantings installed in
the fall generally outperform those installed in the late winter or spring. Plants pm in the ground in the
fall have the advantage of an extended period for root growth before rapid top growth in the spring. In
the fall, the soil is warmer and more aerated than in the spring and most plants experience active root
growth during this time.
The cool, cloudy days and frequent precipitation of fall and winter also provide ideal transplanting
conditions. Until sufficient root systems develop, newly installed plants will undergo transplanting
stress that can be exacerbated by hot, s~mny days. Fall and winter weather allows for reduced
transpiration and provides ample moisture for the roots while the plant recovers from transplant shock.
Olympic Wetland Resources lnc ~-,'~-~'~ ~
Stimach Revegetafion Plan
February 2003
3.1.2 Root Disturbance
Immediately before installation, plants' broken, damaged, and twisted roots must be pruned.
Matted or circling roots of containerized plantings must be pruned or straightened and the sides
of the root ball must be roughened from top to bottom to a depth of approximately half an inch
in two to four places.
If circling roots are left, they may eventually girdle the plant as they grow and thicken in place.
If the roots at the edge of the root ball are straightened and extended, they will have access to a
greater volume of soil in the planting hole. Also, the roughened edges of the root ball will have
better contact with the backfill soil.
Disturbing and removing one-fourth to one-half of the roots in the outer inch of the root ball
will damage only the most sensitive plants; most oftem this treatment actually stimulates
increased plant growth.
3.1.3 Soil Amendments
Organic matter will be incorporated into the entire planting site, not including areas inside the
drip line of existing trees and shrubs. One unit of loose, well-composted organic material
should be incorporated with two units of loose soil to a depth of eight to ten inches (only three
to four inches within three feet of existing drip lines) and mixed thoroughly.
Adding organic and other soil amendments to planting holes has been considered beneficial for
years in the landscaping industry. However, recent research indicates that unless the existing
soil at the re-vegetation site is deficient (highly compacted or missing essential nutrients), soil
amendments are unnecessary. Roots in amended planting holes branch more abundantly, but do
not grow as far into the surrounding soil; this can cause problems during dry months when the
roots cannot reach water sources.
Fertilizers also should not be placed in the planting hole since most nursery stock has been well
fertilized and this will carry the plant through at least part of the first growing season, making
additional fertilizer unnecessary and a waste of time and effort. Furthermore, fertilizer may
promote lush growth in competing weeds.
When the existing soil at a planting site is poor or compacted, the soil should be loosened
and/or amendment mixed in to an area at least large enough to support the mature size of the
tree. For beneficial results, prepare the planting site, not the planting hole. It is recommended
to incorporate one unit of loose compost with two units of loose soil to a depth of eight to ten
inches.
3.1.4 Plant Depth
The finished height of each plant's root ball will be slightly higher than that of the surrounding
soil. The exception is for sandy soils, in which case the soil heights will be even. The top of
the root ball will not be covered with backfill soil. A watering basin will be formed around
each planting by building a berm of soil at least 30 inches in diameter.
Stimach Revegetmion Plan 3
February 2003
Olympic Wetland Resources. Inc.
When planting a container-grown plant, the top of the root ball should not be covered with any
other soil. Coveting the root ball with soil, particularly if it has a finer texture than the potting
or field-growing soil, will generally cause water to flow around the root ball instead of into it;
root balls covered in this way may receive water only from below. To allow direct wetting of
the root ball from above, install the plant so that the top of the nursery soil is slightly higher
than the surrounding soil level. If the soil is sandy, of a large particle size, then the nursery soil
should be level with the surrounding soil.
A watering basin made of mounded soil around each planting will further help to catch water
from above--the berm should be at least 30 inches in diameter surrounding a plant. Mulch
placed within the basin and on the berm will limit moisture loss from the root ball and
surrounding soil, but take care that it does not come into contact with the stem of the plant as
rodents or pathogens living in the mulch may attack the bark.
3.1.5 Staking
Staked plants will be attached to two stakes using strapping or webbing tied loosely enough to
still allows some movement at that point. The strapping or webbing must be tied as low as
possible on the plant's stem while still providing support. Staked plantings will be monitored
every six months and the stakes will be removed as soon as their support becomes unnecessary.
If the plant can stand alone without staking in a moderate wind, do not use a stake. If the plant
does need support, use strapping or webbing as low as possible on the trunk to loosely brace the
tree with two stakes. Do not brace the tree tightly or too high on the mink--if the tree is not
able to sway, it will further lose the ability to support itself and its growth will be tall and thin.
Do not use wire in a rubber hose for strapping as it exerts too much pressure on the bark. As
soon as supporting the plant becomes unnecessary, remove all the stakes.
3.1.6 Mulching
The entire site will be mulched with two to four inches of organic matter including bark,, wood
chips, or certified weed-free straw. The mulch will cover watering basins (both berm and
inside), but must not come in contact with plant stems.
Mulching planting sites of trees and shrubs with organic matter has similar benefits to
incorporating organic matter into the soil (described above): soil moisture is conserved: run-off
and erosion are reduced; soil fertility is increased; and soil structure is improved. An additional
benefit is that weed competition is reduced--weed seeds are less likely to germinate in thick
mulch and root growth of planted species will be more vigorous under the mulch layer.
Mulching can be critical when rapid establishment and growth are important. Grasses and other
weeds growing within the rooting zone can markedly slow growth or contribute to failure of
planted trees and shrubs. Mulch should not be deeper than four inches and as little as 0.6
inches of straw has been found to be beneficial for preventing runoff.
Stimach Revegetation Plan 4
February 2003
As described above, competition from grasses within the rooting zones of trees and shrubs can
retard growth significantly. When the grass is not cut and grows as tall or taller than plantings,
light is also blocked from desirable plants.
Each planting will be mulched with two to four inches of organic matter including barb wood
chips, certified weed-free straw, or other material approved by the consultant. The mulch must
extend at least twice as far as the drip line of each plant including watering basins (both berm
and inside) but must not come in contact with plant stems.
3.1.7 Re-seeding
After the completion of the construction and planting projects, a seed mix will be evenly spread on aH
bare areas, as outlined in Table 2 in the Appendix. An inspection by a wetland biologist or Critical
Areas staff of Jefferson County Department of Community Development will be required after all
planting is completed.
3.2 Maintenance: Weeding and Irrigation
The use of appropriate native species and careful planting and mulching ensures that the need for
ongoing maintenance will be minimi7~d. However, some maintenance is required to ensure that the
young plants become established. Weedy species should comprise no more than 10% of the ground
cover after five years. It is therefore recommended that weeding around new plants be conducted once
or twice a year during the months of May and September for the first five years, and as often as needed
after that. All Scot's broom, Himalayan blackberry, and thistle should be eliminated from the site.
Irrigation will be required for upland species for the first three years or until plants are well established.
Hand watering or irrigating with overhead sprinklers twice a week should be adequate during the
months of August though October. Wetland species that are planted near or in the wetland may require
less watering.
3.3 Stormwater Control
All storm water during construction and after the buildings are complete will be directed away from the
wetland and will pass through a bioswale before entering the wetland. Sediment or nmoff from the
project should be minimiTed with the use of straw bales or sediment fences. This will be required
during the remainder of the building process and will continue to be required until the vegetation
becomes established and can act as a natural filter.
4.0 Monitoring Plan
A professional wetland biologist will conduct site monitoring. Jefferson County Development Review
Division will evaluate success rates after three years. At that point it will be determined whether
monitoring will be required after the five-year period. Monitoring will be conducted in July or A ~ugust
during the growing season.
4.1 Vegetation Monitoring
Monitoring data sheets have been developed for recording plant survivorship, density, and general
condition of planted species. A sample Monitoring Form is included in the Appendix. Mortality of
Stimach Revegetation Plan 5
February 2003
vegetation will be documented along the newly planted buffer and percent ground cover will be
recorded. All volunteer species including the non-native invasive species will be noted. Data gathered
using the monitoring form will be used to evaluate overall success rates and to determine whether
performance standards are met (see section 5.0. below). Post-construction monitoring will be
conducted during the mid-growing season to evaluate the condition of the plantings. Monitoring of
vegetation will begin one year following plant installation and will continue every year for five years.
All dead or dying plant material will be replaced after the second year with the same species from the
ori~nal planting plan.
4.2 Photo-documentation
Photographic monitoring provides a visual record of the restoration effort and is an excellent way to
qualitatively document plant community changes. Four permanent photo-point stations will be
established in the restoration area. The stations will be permanently labeled in the field. Photo-point
photographs will be taken during the monitoring process by the wetland biologist and included in the
annual report.
4.3 Reporting Schedule
Summary reports will be prepared following annual monitoring and submitted to the Jefferson County
Development Review Division within one month offieldwork. A weed control plan to remove
invasive plants will be included in the monitoring report. Information will also be available upon
request during the year.
The installation,, maintenance and monitoring schedule is presented below.
Installation, Maintenance and Monitoring Schedule
This table is to be submitted with monitoring report; white areas in table to be fffied in
with completion dates.
Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring FallI
2003 2004 2004 2.005 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007 2008 2008
I
Planting
Maintenance*
Irrigation**
Replace plants(as needed)
Photo-point
Monitoring Report
*Maintenance; Max' thro ~ugh September
** Irrigation; A ~ugust through October
5.0 Performance Standards
The proposed length of time for mitigation compliance is five years. This time period will allow'
for the planted and volunteer species to become established in the planted area. Survivorship of
emergent species is expected to consist of 80% or greater of overall ground coverage.
Survivorship will be determined during the monitoring process; the project will be considered
Stimach Revegetation Plan 6
February 2003
Olympic Wetland Resources. Inc.
successful if, after three years, over 80% of the trees and shrubs are healthy and vigorous.
Weedy species should comprise not more than 10% of the ground cover.
6.0 Contingency Plan
The purpose of the contingency plan is to discuss altematives to the re-vegetation project if
environmental goals are not successfully met. Recommendations may include replanting of dead
or dying material, or increasing maintenance or watering. Deer browsing may be a problem with
young vegetation and some plants may require protective barriers. A contingency plan will be
submitted with the first year monitoring report if needed.
7.0 Summary
The proposed construction of a single-family residence and a detached garage are planned within
the buffers of a Iype 4 stream and associated wetland. This restoration/revegetation plan has
been designed to minimiTa~ disturbance and impacts to the stream, wetland and buffers. This
report will satisfy requirements outlined in the "Reasonable Economic Use Variance
Application". The plan calls for the removal of non-native aggressive species and the
replacement of native trees and shrubs. Revegetation area is 10,000 square feet and includes the
area directly adjacent to the stream behind the proposed residence and garage.
The primary goal of this plan is to increase overall functions and values of the buffer to further
protect wetlands and streams. The success of this project will be dependant on ongoing
maintenance. Success rates will be evaluated over the next 5 years through the monitoring
process outlined in section 4.0. Final approval of this project falls under the jurisdiction of
Jefferson County Department of Community Development, Critical Areas Division.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further aspects of this project, please feel free
to call.
Sincerely,
Dixie Llewellin, Principal Biologist
Principal Biologi~ Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc.
Certified for Wetland Delineation, 1987 Manual
Wetland Training Institute, June 1995.
Stimach Revegetation Plan 7
FebruaD' 2003
Ol.vmpic Wetland Resources, In~_~,~i;?{~.}~7 L~'~fi
Appendix
Table 1.
Table 2
Wetland Plant List and Landscape Specifications
Re-seeding Recommendations and Quantities
Sheet # 1 Location and Delineation Maps
Sheet # 2 Site and Planting Plan
Sample Monitoring Form
0
~tle: Location and Delineation Map s,,I,: Sh[]t
01~mpk Well0nd Resources, Inc. Margaret Street
Shine, WA Parcel ~821-333-028 Febru~ 2003 gl
8~ 50th Street
Pon Townsend, W198~8 Client: Ms. J~et Stimach
~60 ~85-6432 1 920 S. Spok~e Street
Job ~003-10464
Seaale, WA 98144
*t.tpo" and "UnMtled.tpo"
Site Delineated July 2001
Spruce Willow Forest
Wetland Edge
Delilneated July 200I
12' from property
to cre~k/wetland edge
DP 1
/
/
;5'
Wetland locations are approximate;
to establish exact location of wetland
a formal survey is required.
Squamish Harbor
......... Creek Boundary
.... Creek Buffer
....... Wetland Boundary
,..,~ ,, Wetland Buffer
B1 [] Wetland Flag Point
DP 1 ~ Data Point
~ Area In Buffer
Title: Site and Planting Plan Scale: 1''= 40'
Sheet
Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc,
Margaret Street
856 50th Stat Shine, WA Parcel ~821-333-028 Febrmu 2003 ~2
Pod Townsend, WA98368 Client: Ms. Janet Stimach
360385-6432 1920 S. Spok~e Street J0~:
Sea~le, WA 98144 2003-10464
Original Drawing
by Home Town Construction
Zl( 'v,/E-fLAN:.D .
'~ ~ '~' 'a'?~.ive stakes of
C~! Willow and
'-~ ....... -Oggwood in
Retain all -' ............
Revegemtio~ tO ~ native s~bs and trees
Location
Landscaped m
by Client
Hazelnut 9 Twinborry
0 Shore Pines ~ Red-flowering
CUrrS.]lt
~ Willow stake
(10 per area)
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