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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Management Plan 701194030 (2) PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN Gusoskey property Jefferson County Project #MLA04-00234 January 13, 2005 }:;-------./.- Prepared by: Cindi Kunz Wildlife scientist Kunz Biological Consulting 780 Arcadia West Port Townsend, W A 98368 cmkunz@olvpen.com (360) 385-6300 ',~ RECE IVED " ,. <, 0 ')flf1~ ! !\ \\\ ~ Q) d;JtJ ,:>:J ~,"t ! \l 1.-' JEffERSON CUllNW ULn Kunz Biological Consulting Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13, 2005 JOHN AND CAROLE GUSOSKEY PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN January 2005 Jefferson County Project #MLA04-00234 INTRODUCTION At the request of John and Carole Gusoskey, landowners, a wildlife and critical habitat survey was conducted for a proposed residential building 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. The Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife (WDFW) establish priority species and critical habitat. Management guidelines are addressed in the 1991 "Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species". Priority habitat is defined by the WDFW as a habitat type with unique or significant value to many species. An area classified and mapped as "priority habitat" must meet certain criteria as defined in the WDFW 1991 management guidelines. Priority species are defmed 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 subject property is located east of Highway 101 on East Quilcene Road (Figure 1). The legal description is Township 27N, Range 01 W, Section 19, parcel number 701194030. The purpose ofthis plan is to protect the stream from degradation and provide habitat enhancement recommendations for priority species and habitat in this project vicinity. The habitat management plan is prepared to meet requirements of the Jefferson County Unified Development Code (adopted December 18,2000) and is submitted in order to compensate for a buffer reduction on this private property along the Unnamed creek, which requires a 100-foot restrictive buffer. SITE DESCRIPTION The site is located on the eastern side of Quilcene Bay, approximately 2 miles from Center Road on East Quilcene Road (Figure 2), at 83 Wampum Point Road. A site visit was conducted on December 19,2004, which consisted ofa survey throughout the property and a partial survey of the adjacent properties. Photographs taken of the site are shown in Appendix A. The vegetation characteristics of the area and signs of wildlife, if any, were noted throughout the survey. The property lies adjacent to an unnamed creek and the flow was very low at the time of the survey. Figure 1 - Vicinity map ,"" - !" J'5 '.; i ~ ' 0, 'P~'\. t~) I t, I; '1?.. {) or C~'. I 'l..c-f;~ , _~._.._-c ....... ~ "\_'~ ~~ ,I --:-.....~ {'-(j Cj ! ".' ,:. , " I -r .~. ; "I: :"., ,,\ """~[] [:, ~ , , ._";,4,.. ! ! .2l~. , . , , .1 r I .' J/ , . " , . '.' ~ '! :1 i o .'"'.' . . .'-'. . ':.' '. . . -, . ~ . . .:;tiJ;:~,i';@r~.it :. ~.'.5;::.:-:.:'~ :,::= -:. ~ ~"'~ ~ - ".:. . ',.-', '.'.' -.' ,'.. ,I:; (:.:..:~.~.;.;.~:. .... ;:;.:.;: ;:.-:!: 6_'" ~~ '_~. 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Vegetation on the building site is comprised largely of various grasses, and occasional tansy ragwort and scotch broom. A narrow greenbelt exists from the creek outlet and widens towards the eastern and more upland portion ofthe property. This vegetation buffer consists predominantly of scattered alder, willow, cedar, Douglas fir, scotch broom, vine maple, rugosa rose, ferns and grasses. In particular, the eastern property bordering the unnamed creek supports the ecological function of protecting riparian areas, as it is comprised of dense structural layers with a diversity of native plant species. The greenbelt will remain unaffected by the project, as it is located south of the proposed building site. No trees or shrubs will be removed from the project. The greenbelt between the creek and upland property protects and generally produces a higher quality stream habitat for this area. Vegetation is established on the creek berm, located on both sides of the creek, which improves water quality by reducing sedimentation and erosion and provides wildlife habitat. Impacts on wildlife will be minimal due to the lack of trees or shrub vegetation on the building site. PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES '-,----------- A recent WDFW database search was reviewed for sensitive or priority wildlife and/or habitat that may occur within the project vicinity. This database indicates that WDFW priority species do occur adjacent to this property and are described in the following paragraphs. The WDFW database (WDFW 2004) and StreamNet (2005) did not indicate the presence of anadromous or resident fish in the unnamed creek adjacent to the property. However, the WDFW has classified the intermittent creek as a Type 4 stream, which requires a 100- foot setback (Davis 2004). The database indicates surf smelt, Pacific oysters, and Dungeness crab are found in the vicinity of the subject property (WDFW 2004). Surf smelt spawning area occurs south of the subject property, on the mudflats comprising the "Community Tideland area". Pacific oysters can be found within the same vicinity of these mudflats and extend south along the entire eastern portion of Qui1cene Bay. Dungeness crab can be found offshore throughout Qui1cene Bay. Waterfowl concentrations and trumpeter swan usage has been identified by the WDFW for the offshore area adjacent to this project site. The Quilcene Bay estuarine environment serves as a resting and refueling station for waterfowl feeding on seeds, grasses, and small invertebrates. High usage of the area is known to occur by Harbor ',,---/ n ~ :._'~ ," ~ (\\ p -=::. ;' . h r~", ,,' ~ "^ r-' '" f t'-; Ct It" '_1. '" ,1 , ;J:o.! .. " --'-\ I T~: ' . _ 1.-. . .. ~_:" ! ,$\.. '., "\>,.. ,.,..., 0 i ;\' /;' 1. 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'I \})~ ;z:.. "\" ~ \ .',::\ 'r;} ~ d\ \J) -.\) (J I ~~I ~ .... err ~, -1::: "- -, tJl \jJ ~ m '1\ 'f' 'l,j \.' '.--"'~ y'....'\.'" I'j \ Y::/) "A'{<""". ,. ( /j<'\" ?>' /-' (~- , .' , .~Y' 0$ y /' ," .?,~ ,-j./ j" I' j V\ ~'~ ,f/' "P--~'':;I r't\ , ~ i' k '''' I:;.'} ~ ~\... ..-t..,(: x '" ' L.I\ ~ '^~....,\_.... ~ pi! ~~r ' e ~ o =--~ '\;"' -'\ \ , '"' '-F,: ~,. t,< ....+ \ ~,,~ 01', ~ ~ ~ l' 1~,' r --;;P ..- ~~ t (:.... ~~ ~~,,:. ~ ~. '~Jl. ~,.,.... ,A 'i.I ~,' ,'C.'. ..r ~-' ' r- ~,.,. _~ .F~ . ~;i," tp~,~ ~ jU it<"" "f;J "'" tl J ;/ / / "r f"'" " ./ ../ ,,/ ,/ ,,/' Kunz Biological Consulting Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 seals utilizing the mud flats both as a year round haul out site and for seasonal pupping. Harbor seals often utilize these haul-out areas for digesting food, resting, giving birth or nursing their young. In southern Puget Sound, pupping takes place July through September (Ecology 2005). The offshore estuary is designated as an estuarine zone by the Coastal Zone Atlas of Washington, and is defined as an area strongly influenced by the marine environment and distinguished by a branching channel pattern in a broad flat valley (WDFW 2004). These estuaries are transition zones found in sheltered bays where freshwater rivers and streams mix with salt water. This biologically productive zone provides organic and mineral nutrients important for oysters, clams crabs, salmon and birds (Ecology 2005). HABITAT MANAGEMENT The maintenance of woody debris and riparian vegetation in and adjacent to streams is important in providing wildlife habitat. The shrubs, tree roots and various groundcovers stabilize, anchor and add strength to the soil. The preservation and enhancement of both horizontal and vertical structural plant diversity can be achieved by the retention and development of shade tolerant understory trees, grasses and woody shrub plant species. Plant roots slow and absorb runoff, releasing the water slowly to groundwater and streams and back into the atmosphere. Vegetation also provides nutrients and habitat for fish and wildlife (Murdoch and Cheo 1999). Riparian zones filter pollutants from developed areas - a minimum sixty feet of riparian border is needed to protect from excess nitrates and phosphates (Yates 1988). The maintenance of riparian vegetation is essential for fish habitat enhancement by controlling stream temperatures, providing cover, and protecting against lateral erosion (WDFW 1991). The vegetative buffer provides erosion control, maintains natural stream temperatures, and allows for diversity of aquatic invertebrates (Meachan et al. 1977 and Newbold et al. 1980). Although this intermittent stream is not a fish-bearing stream, the WDFW Management Recommendations for cutthroat trout and steelhead will be utilized, as follows: . 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 inhabited 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. Increased structural layering and diversity in species occur on this property from the most easterly property boundary. The green belt narrows as the stream progresses towards the Bay to the west. All native vegetation and shrubs will be retained throughout the existing '''---..... Kunz Biological Consulting Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 buffer and non-native, noxious vegetation will be removed. The botanical and structural diversity within this existing narrow buffer will be increased from 10 feet to 75 feet adjacent to the proposed building site by adding additional trees and a shrub layer for habitat enhancement. The objective of these plantings is to enhance flora and fauna throughout this project location. Following is a proposed planting list for the project location, which will provide habitat diversity for wildlife. Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) Evergreen huckleberry (Vacinnium ovatum) Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) Red osier dogwood (Comus stolonifera) Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) Oregon grape (Mahonia aquafolium) Native crabapple (Malas fuscia) Madrona (Arbutus menziesii) Vine maple (Acer circinatum) A native grass seed layer planted within the trees and shrubs within the 75 foot buffer area adjacent to the residence, will be comprised of the following proposed grass species and compositions: Red fescue (Festuca rubra var. commutata) 40% Tufted hairgrass (Dechampsia cespitosa) 30% Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) 20% Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) 10% . ~...- ,/ The estuarine habitat will be unaffected by this proposed project as there is adequate setback from the existing bulkhead and no soil disturbance will occur to affect the marine environment. The marine environment will be enhanced by the removal of noxious weeds and the revegetation of existing grasses with hardy, native woody vegetation along the shoreline. These upland shoreline plantings serve to increase the availability of detritus, woody debris, and insects to nearshore marine waters. Erosion and sediment control measures will be utilized, as described in the "Minimization of Construction Impacts" section of this report. Some suggested native plant species for shoreline plantings are as follows: Beach strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) Sea-myrtle (Baccharis halimifolia) Tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) low Oregon grape (Mahonia repens) Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) Mock-orange (Philadelphus lewisii) Rugose rose (Rosa rugosa) PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The single family residence proposal consists of constructing a structure with an approximately 2400 square foot footprint with an access driveway and garage. The setback buffer from the center of the creek will be approximately 78 feet in order to accommodate the residence and driveway. The septic system has been installed within the predesignated community drainfield due east of the proposed building site, across Kunz Biological Consulting Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 from the access easement. The permit, number SEP04-00293, defines that septic disposal processes for the residence will not be within 100 feet of the stream at any point. The well is functional and all water and power lines have been installed from the well site to the edge of the property by the road (Figure 3). No construction work will occur in the vicinity of the stream to install pipelines. Construction debris at the original well house and foundation (see 'D' on Site plan - Figure 3) will be removed in order to restore the area to its natural state. 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 smaller size. However, recommendations for stormwater management are incorporated in this plan to provide maximum protection for stormwater entering the adjacent creek. Erosion controls are presented in "Minimization of Construction Impacts". Impacts on wildlife will be minimal due to the retention of existing vegetation along the creek bank, lack of habitat in the proposed building location, and implementation of proposed habitat enhancements. The existing channel of flowing water in this intermittent stream is approximately 78 feet from the proposed building site. The area between the building site and the creek consists of a small, narrow buffer of trees and shrubs (approximately 10-15 feet in width) and a large grassy area, which delineates the upland from the riparian zone adjacent to the creek (see Photos in Appendix A). An existing privacy fence (see 'c' on Site plan- Figure 3) will be removed and replaced with trees and shrubs within the buffer zone adjacent to the stream. The proposed planting plan will increase the buffer from i: 10 feet in width to i 75 feet in width. MINIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS Erosion and Sediment Control . Drainage plans will protect and prevent unacceptable impacts to the marine and fresh water quality and stream channels from storm water runoff and erosion. . No materials will be stockpiled near the stream or Quilcene Bay shoreline. 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. ".----" Kunz Biological Consulting Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13, 2005 . 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 stream channel and filtered through a grassy swale or sediment trap to prevent erosion or impact to the stream or marine environment. . 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. Buffer Protection . Installation oftemporary 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 and adjacent to the shoreline, native trees, shrubs, and grasses will be planted. This improved plant community will promote diversity in animal populations, as well. . To verify compliance with this plan, the project will be inspected during construction and one year after construction completion. CONCLUSIONS This Priority Habitat and Species Management Plan has been prepared to me~t 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 an unnamed creek and Quilcene Bay has a natural and established buffer that provides protection from erosion. Additionally, this riparian zone provides cover and habitat and serves as a wildlife corridor along the creek and shoreline. ',---, Kunz Biological Consulting Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 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 ofthis 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 Davis, Jeff. 2004. Personal communication between landowner, John Gusoskey, and WDFW Habitat biologist, Jeff Davis, regarding unnamed creek adjacent to the proposed project. Ecelogy. 2005. "Puget Sound Shorelines." Washington Department of Ecology, W ebsite for plants and species of Puget Sound: http://www. ecy. wa.gov/programs/ sealpugetsound.html. '~~-,--/ Meehan, 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 ofthe Riparian Habitat. July 9, 1977, Tucson, AZ. Murdoch, Tom and Martha Cheo. 1999. Streamkeeper's Field Guide. Adopt-A-Stream Foundation, Everett, W A. Newbold, J.D., D.C. Erman, and K.B. Roby. 1977. Effect oflogging on macro invertebrates in streams with and without buffer strips. J. Fish Aquat. Sci., 37:1076-1085. StreamNet. 2005. Website with GIS Data for Anadromous and Resident Fish Distribution. WDFW. 1991. Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species. Elizabeth Rodrick and Ruth Milner, ed. WDFW. 2004. Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife Habitat and Species Database Report for T27 R01 W Section 19. Yates, Steve. 1988. Adopting A Stream: A Northwest Handbook. University of Washington Press, Seattle, W A. ',--./ Kunz Biological Consulting John & Carole Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 APPENDIX A Kunz Biological Consulting John & Carole Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 '..,--",,' View of western portion of creek and neighboring property to the south. Kunz Biological Consulting John & Carole Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 ".._-_/ _!t Photo shows an easterly view of creek and vegetation. "-/ Kunz Biological Consulting John & Carole Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 "-,~./ Creek portion located 75 feet from proposed building site. This is the most western part of the creek draining to Quilcene Bay. Kunz Biological Consulting John & Carole Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 View of eastern portion of property Kunz Biological Consulting John & Carole Gusoskey Habitat Management Plan January 13,2005 -', Building site proposed to the right of vehicles on level, grassy area. Unnamed creek is located to the left of the vehicles above.