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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Management Plan 959400316 REVISED PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN John Backus property Jefferson County Project #MLA 03-00292 October 15, 2003 Prepared by: Cindi Kunz Wildlife scientist Kunz Biological Consulting 780 Arcadia West Port Townsend, WA 98368 cmkunz(~olypen, com (360) 38s-63oo LOG ITEM P,~ge ( ~of__._. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION SITE DESCRIPTION PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES Existing Vegetation and Conditions HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT MINIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS Erosion and Sediment Control Buffer Protection CONCLUSION REFERENCES APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDICES Soil Log Report Photos of Subject Property Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. FIGURES Vicinity Map Site Map Lot and Building Plan Kunz Biological Consulting Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 JOHN BACKUS REVISED PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN October 2003 Jefferson County Project #MLA03-00292 INTRODUCTION At the request of John Backus, potential landowner, a wildlife and critical habitat survey was conducted for a proposed residential building and septic drainfield construction. The purpose of the survey is to assess the project vicinity for critical wildlife habitat, to determine if priority species are present, and to develop a habitat management plan for the proposed project construction. Priority species and critical habitat are established by the Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife (WDFW). Management guidelines are addressed in the 1991 "Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species". Priority habitat is de£med 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 def'med in the WDFW 1991 management guidelines. Priority species are defined as wildlife species requiring 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 Backus property is located west of Highway 101 and east of the Big Quilcene River on the comer of Riverdale and Hiddendale Drive. The legal description is T27N, Range 2W, SW ¼ of Section 27, Lot 16, block 3 of the Hiddendale Tracts. This report is prepared to meet requirements of the Jefferson County Unified Development Code (adopted December 18, 2000). This plan is submitted in order to compensate for a buffer reduction on this private property along the Big Quilcene River, which requires a 150- foot restrictive buffer. The Puget Sound chinook salmon and Hood Canal summer mn chum were listed as a federally threatened species by National Marine Fisheries Service on March 24, 1999. The subject property is located at approximately river mile 3.7. A weir from the Quilcene Fish Hatchery is located at river mile 2.8. Approximately 500 adult coho are passed upstream of this fish hatchery annually and steelhead and cutthroat trout pass the weir in late winter and early spring when the electric weir is turned off (Davis 2003). The purpose of this plan is to protect the stream from degradation and provide habitat enhancement recommendations for priority species and habitat in this project vicinity. SITE DESCRIPTION The site is located approximately three miles south of Quilcene, Washington; in the Hiddendale Tracts, west of Riverdale Drive on the comer of Hiddendale Road and Riverdale Drive (Figures 1 and 2). West of the subject property is the Big Quilcene River. During the site visit, conducted on July 12, 2003, the flow of the Big Quilcene River was low. This river is known to change course and flood frequently. FIGURE I VICINITY MAP topozone.com 0 2000 4000 600~ 8000 meters l , , ....... , ......... I ......... ~ ......... 0 2.0 4- 0 miles[ , , I , , , t~unz t31ologlcal t;onsultmg Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 Z r~ Z Kunz Biological Consulting Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES A recent Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife database search was reviewed for sensitive or priority wildlife and/or habitat that may occur within the project vicinity. This database indicates that priority anadromous and resident fish are present in the Big Quilcene River. Additionally, harlequin duck breeding occurs in the project vicinity (Davis 2003, WDFW 2003a). The harlequin duck is a Washington State Game species that provides year-round recreation for consumptive and non-consumptive users. Low benthic macroinvertebrate biomass may limit the productivity of harlequin ducks (Bengston and Ulfstrand 1971). Human disturbance discourages nesting at traditional sites and thereby decreases productivity (WDFW 2003b). Cutthroat trout populations and range can be limited by such factors as stream temperatures higher than the normal spawning range, lack of spawning and rearing habitat, high sedimentation of spawning grounds, and/or a lack of preferred food items (WDFW 1991). The only wildlife sign observed on the project site, was that of the Columbian black- tailed deer. Columbian black-tailed deer are also 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 are game species which are hunted, or otherwise harvested, by the public and are subject to hunting and fishing regulations. Existing Vegetation and Conditions Vegetation on the site consists largely of various grasses, trailing blackberry, with Himalayan blackberry growth occurring on the south boundary. A stand of predominantly young alder trees exists between the grassy upland area and the existing fiver channel. The ordinary high water (OHW) mark occurs within this stand of riparian zone trees. The OHW mark was evident by indications of soil scour and a collection of debris within the thickets of vegetation. A soil log conducted by JSF Engineering, Inc (Appendix A) reports that the soil consists predominantly of brown silt loam and loamy sand throughout the lot. Impacts on wildlife would be minimal due to lack of large trees suitable for snag- dependent species or raptors. The greenbelt between the river and upland property protects and generally produces a higher quality stream habitat for this area. The alder and willow trees can withstand periodic inundation of water, which makes them very valuable in the reestablishment of streambanks. They improve water quality by reducing sedimentation and erosion and provide for wildlife habitat. Kunz Biological Consulting Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT The maintenance of woody debris and riparian vegetation in and adjacent to streams is important in providing wildlife habitat. The preservation and enhancement of both horizontal and vertical structural diversity can be achieved by the retention and development of shade tolerant understory trees, grasses and woody shrub plant species. For fish habitat enhancement, the maintenance of riparian vegetation is essential for controlling stream temperature, providing cover, and protecting against lateral erosion (WDFW 1991). This vegetative buffer will provide erosion control, and maintain natural stream temperatures and the diversity of aquatic invertebrates (Mechan et al. 1977, Kuchel 1977, Newbold et al. 1980). WDFW Management Recommendations for cutthroat trout and steelhead include the following: · Buffer zones of at least the width of the height of the tallest tree should be maintained along stream banks. · Road construction and maintenance activities should be avoided adjacent to streams which provide fish habitat. · In-stream structures such as bridges, piers, boat ramps, or culverts must not impede the natural movements of these fish species. · Waters inhabitated by these fish species should not be treated with metal based herbicides during the period March 1 - June 15. The proposed project is in compliance with all of the above WDFW recommendations. As requested by Jeff Davis, WDFW, a detailed planting plan for this project site will be provided in a separate report. In addition to the deciduous alder and willow that currently exist on the proposed project site, coniferous trees will be planted well above the OHW mark within the existing riparian vegetation and upland towards the proposed residence. In order to increase structural layers and add diversity in species to the site, a shrub layer will be planted. Additionally, the landscaping will include native plants and a native grass seed layer for habitat enhancement. The planting plan objective is to enhance flora and fauna throughout this project location. Following is a proposed planting list for this project location, which will provide habitat diversity for wildlife. An appropriate number (approximately 3 to 6 plants) of each of the following fourteen species will be planted throughout the property: Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) Evergreen huckleberry ( Vacinnium ovatura) Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) Red osier dogwood (Comus stolonifera) Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) Vine maple (Acer circinatura) Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) Oregon grape (Mahonia aquafolium) Native crabapple (Malasfuscia) Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) Hybrid cottonwood (Populus spp.) Vine maple (Acer circinatum) - Red alder (Alnus rubra) Kunz Biological Consulting Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 A native grass seed layer planted in the upland area adjacent to the residence comprised of the following grass species and compositions is proposed: Red fescue (Festuca rubra var. commutata) 40% Tufted hairgrass (Dechampsia cespitosa) 30% Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) 20% Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) 10% PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The single family residence proposal consists of constructing up to an approximately 2,000 square foot building with an access driveway and garage. The setback buffer from the OHW mark would be approximately 70 feet in order to accommodate the residence, drain field and driveway. The size of the lot is approximately 182' X 64' (11,648 square feet). New single family residences, with over 3,000 square feet of impervious surface, are required by Jefferson County Stormwater Management Ordinance to provide a Small Parcel Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. This project is exempt from this requirement due to its small size. However, recommendations for stormwater management are incorporated in this plan to provide maximum protection for stormwater entering the adjacent salmon-beating river. Erosion controls are presented in "Minimization of Construction Impacts". Impacts on wildlife will be minimal due to the retention of existing alder trees along the Big Quilcene River and lack of habitat in the upland area. All construction activities that may affect the water quality, parameters will be monitored. The implementation of the proposed habitat enhancements will ensure an improvement in botanical and structural diversity. The existing channel of flowing water is approximately 95 feet from the proposed building site. The area between the building site and the river consists of the small stand of trees (approximately 30 to 35 feet in width) and a small grassy area, which delineates the upland from the riparian zone adjacent to the fiver (see Photos in Appendix B). The proposed planting plan will increase the buffer from + 30 feet in width to + 55 feet in width. Also, native tree and shrub plantings will occur along the northern and southern boundaries. Notably, houses adjacent to the subject property have setbacks from the Big Quilcene River of approximately 30 to 80 feet. MINIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS Erosion and Sediment Control · Drainage plans will protect and prevent unacceptable impacts to the water quality and stream channels from storm water run off and erosion. Kunz Biological Consulting Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 No materials will be stockpiled near the stream. Excavated and imported material will be stockpiled outside the buffer in the upland locations and will be protected with plastic sheeting during construction to prevent runoff to the stream area. Areas of exposed soil will be planted with the above listed vegetation or covered with a minimum of 2 inches of straw within 7 days of disturbance. Temporary erosion control measures such as sediment barriers and mulching will be used as necessary after initial disturbance of the soil. These sediment barriers will be installed along the edge of the construction area to contain spoils and sediments. These temporary erosion controls will be properly maintained throughout the construction (on a daily basis) and reinstalled as necessary (such as after backfilling) until replaced by permanent erosion controls or until construction is complete. · Upland drainage will be directed away from the river channel and filtered through a grassy swale or sediment trap to prevent erosion or impact to the Big Quilcene River. Construction equipment will have drip pans to contain potential leaks from equipment. Vehicle fueling will be conducted away from the project site, which is sufficient distance upland from the creek. Bu[£er Protection · Installation of temporary signage during construction in order to define buffer. · Storage and preparation of materials will not be placed within buffers during construction. Existing woody vegetation, which serves as a physical separation between the river and residence within the buffer, will be retained. Preservation of all existing trees and shrubs, as well as the above listed proposed vegetation plantings, within the buffer area is critical in order to provide river protection and enhancement. To increase plant community diversity within this buffer (upland from the alder stand), other native trees and shrubs will be planted. This improved plant community will promote diversity in animal populations, as well. · Minimal cleating for limited river access or view enhancement will be allowed as approved by the Critical Areas Administrator~ · To verify compliance with this plan, the project will be inspected during construction and one year after construction completion. Kunz Biological Consulting Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 CONCLUSIONS This Priority Habitat and Species Management Plan has been prepared to meet the requirements of an Administrative Reduction or Reasonable Economic Use Variance as defined by the Jefferson County Community Development Department. This project site adjacent to the Big Quilcene River has a natural and established buffer that provides riverbank protection from erosion. Additionally, this riparian zone provides cover and habitat and serves as a wildlife corridor along the fiver. Site surveys and database research have indicated that there are priority habitat and species located in the immediate project vicinity. However, the proposed plantings of coniferous and deciduous trees, shrubs and grasses will aid in providing a more diverse habitat for wildlife within the proposed project vicinity. The primary purpose of this plan is to further enhance the priority habitat adjacent to the proposed project and to minimize any construction impacts. Compliance with this plan will be verified through site inspections both during and after construction. REFERENCES Bengston, S., and S. Ulfstrand. 1971. Food resources and breeding frequency of the harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus, in Iceland. Oikos 22:235-239. Davis, Jeff. 2003. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Electronic mail message to Stacie Hoskins, Jefferson County Department of Community Development regarding Case # MLA03-00511. October 2. Kuchel, C.R. 1977. Some aspects of the behavior and ecology of harlequin ducks in Glacier National Park, Montana. Thesis, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. Mechan, W.R., F. J. Swanson, and J. R. Sedell. 1977. Influences of riparian vegetation on aquatic ecosystems with particular reference to salmonid fishes and their food supply. Pp. 137-145 in Proceed. Symp. On the Importance, Preservation and Management of the Riparian Habitat. July 9, 1977, Tucson, AZ. Newbold,J.D., D.C. Erman, and K.B. Roby. 1977. Effect of logging on macroinvertebrates in streams with and without buffer strips. J. Fish Aquat. Sci., 37:1076-1085. WDFW. 1991. Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species. Elizabeth Rodrick and Ruth Milner, ed. WDFW. 2003a. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Species Database Report for T27 R02W Section 27. Kunz Biological Consulting Backus Habitat Management Plan October 15, 2003 WDFW. 2003b. Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Species, Volume IV: Birds- Harlequin Duck. Prepared by Jeffrey C. Lewis and Don Kraege. Website: www.wa, gov/wdfw/hab/phs/vol4/harlduck.htm. 10 APPENDIX A Soil Log Report JSF John Scoff Fleming Engineering, inc. P.O. Box 44, Port Angeles, WA 98362 voice: (360) 452-8500, 800-248-6008, fax: (360) 452-3383, email' jsfeng@olypen.com - SOIL LOG - ' May 7, 2003 Client: Location: Excavated: Logged: Weather: John Backus C/o Sharon Alger , 3100 Bucklin Hill Road, Suite 244 Silverdale, WA 98383 Riverdale Drive, Quilcene, WA, Parcel # 959-400-316, Lot 16, Block 3, Hiddendale Tracts Addition McClanahan Construction Co., April 23, 2003 Apdl 23, 2003 by John S. Fleming, P.E. Partly cloudy Test Pit #1: Restrictive at 70"+ 0-12" Brown sandy loam, weak subangular blocky structure, many roots, dry. Type 4 soil. 12-32" Dark brown sandy loam & loamy sand stratified with medium sand, very weak subangular blocky structure, many roots, dry. Type 2B, 3 & 4 soil. 32-70" Dark brown extremely gravelly coarse sand, single grain, few silt skins on gravel, few roots, dry. Type 1A soil. Test Pit #2: Restrictive at 46"+ 0-24" Brown loam, silt loam, sandy loam & loamy sand, stratified, weak subangular blocky structure, common roots, dry. Type 3 to 5 soil. 24-46" Brown sandy loam & loamy stratified with dark gray very gravelly coarse sand, single grain to weak subangular blocky structure, many roots, dry. Type lA, 3 & 4 soil. 46-76" Dark brown extremely gravelly coarse sand, single grain, lenses of reddish brown ferrans, few silt skins on gravel, moist. Type lA soil. Test Pit #,3: Restrictive at 78"+ 0-30" Brown silt loam, sandy loam & loamy sand, stratified, single grain to weak subangular blocky structure, common roots, dry. Type 3 to 5 soil. 30-78~ Dark gray very gravelly coarse sand stratified with gravel, single grain, very few roots, moist. Type lA soil. Test Pit #4: Restrictive at 80"+ 0-18" Brown silt loam, sandy loam & loamy sand, stratified, possibly old stump hole filled in, weak subangular blocky structure, pocket of distinct reddish brown, common roots, diffuse wavy boundary 13.48", dry. Type 3 to 5 soil. 18-80" Grayish brown very gravelly medium sand, extremely gravelly coarse sand, pockets of gravel, single grain, silt skins on gravel, black mangans, very few roots, dry to moist. Type lA & lB soil. Soil Log for Job 03018. PaQe I of I APPENDIX B Photos of Subject Property Above: Opiand propetRyfacingaide?w~!ow ~eio,,:? Big Qui!cene River facing