HomeMy WebLinkAboutRuck_CFF_Application Final
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2022 CF Program Application FINAL
Please complete the following application in its entirety. Be sure to answer “N/A” for questions that don’t apply
to the project. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration.
Unless directed otherwise, use as much space as needed to answer each question.
Contact program staff at 379-4498 or tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us with questions.
Background and Eligibility Information
1. Project Title Ruck Salmon Creek
2. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $126,375
Conservation Futures O&M Request: $8,625
3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $135,000
4. Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process.
X Warranty Deed __ Easement __ Other (Please describe below.)
In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Jefferson Land Trust
5. Applicant Information
Name of Applicant or Organization: Jefferson Land Trust
Contact: Sarah Spaeth
Title: Director of Conservation & Strategic Partnerships
Address: 1033 Lawrence St. Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 379-9501, ext. 101 ________________________________ Fax: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____
Email: sspaeth@saveland.org
6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) _________________________________________________
Organization Name:___________________________________________________________________________
Contact: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Title: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____ _______________________ Fax: (_____) _____-________, ext. ____
Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________
This application was approved by the sponsor’s legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on
March 15, 2022.
2022 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Property Acquisition Project and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application
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2022 CF Program Application FINAL
7. Project Location
Street Address or Description of Location:
922 W Uncas Rd. Port Townsend, WA 98368
Driving Directions from Port Townsend:
From Port Townsend, travel south on State Route 20 toward Discovery Bay. The project area is located
near the junction of Hwy 101 and State Route 20, at the head of Discovery Bay. From the Discovery Bay
store, turn South off of 101 onto West Uncas Road and follow to 922 W. Uncas Road. This is the driveway
to the Reseck residence and the physical access onto the Ruck property.
Section: 27
Township: 29N
Range: 2W
Assessor’s Parcel Number(s): 902272000
Please differentiate current and proposed ownership of each APN and indicate if the parcel is to be acquired with
CF funds or used as match.
902272000 current ownership is private; proposed ownership is fee-simple acquisition by Jefferson Land
Trust using Conservation Futures, WA State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and WA State WWRP Riparian
Habitat funds.
Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable.
902272000: $328,674
8. Existing Conditions
New Site: Yes No __________________________ Number of Parcels: 1
Addition to Existing Site: Yes No ______________ Acres to Be Acquired: 155.3
Total Project Acreage (if different):______________ Current Zoning: CF-80 (Commercial Forestry 1:80)
Existing Structures/Facilities: Vacant land except for Bonneville Power Administration utility corridor through
a section of the eastern side of the parcel (approximately 200 feet wide by 2,350ft long).
Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: Easements for transmission of electrical utility
lines, currently operated by Bonneville Power Administration.
Current Use: Designated Forest Land by Jefferson County Assessor
Waterfront (name of body of water): Salmon Creek and 6 tributaries to Salmon Creek
Shoreline (linear feet): 1.1 miles of Salmon Creek (rive mile 1.4-2.4) and 0.68 miles of tributaries to Salmon
Creek
Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: Frank Ruck (landowner)
9. Current Property Owner X is __is not a willing seller.
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Project Description
10. In 1,000 words or less, provide a summary description of the project, the match, overarching goal, and three
top objectives. Include information about the physical characteristics of the site that is proposed for acquisition
with Conservation Futures Program funds including: vegetation, topography, surrounding land use, and
relationship to parks, trails, and open space. Describe the use planned for the site, any development plans after
acquisition (including passive development), characteristics of the site which demonstrate that it is well-suited to
the proposed use, and plans for any structures currently on the site. If applicable, describe how the site project
relates to a larger conservation program (please identify), and whether the project has a plan, schedule and
funding dedicated to its completion. Please also list any important milestones for the project or critical dates, e.g.
grant deadlines. List the dates and explain their importance. Please attach a spreadsheet of the budget.
Jefferson Land Trust is applying for Conservation Futures funds to acquire the fee-simple interest in the
155-acre Ruck property. The Ruck property is made up of one parcel that is a rectangle about 1 mile long
and a quarter mile wide, sloping east from the foothills of the Olympic mountains, with Salmon Creek
running the long way through the middle of the property from west to east in a ravine that averages 100-
150 feet deep at a 42 degree slope. Six tributaries to Salmon Creek enter the property from the north, south
and west. This property hosts spawning grounds for listed and threatened summer chum, coho, and winter
steelhead, as well as habitat used by fall chum and cutthroat trout, and other wildlife. The acquisition of this
property by Jefferson Land Trust will permanently protect approximately 48 acres of riparian habitat and 108
acres of upland forest habitat, allow for restoration enhancement in the near-term and long-term, and allow for
spawning survey access to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Salmon and Snow Creek Estuary is the most intact of its type on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is the
unquestioned stronghold of the ESA listed Strait of Juan De Fuca summer chum salmon. Acquiring the Ruck
property continues the successful protection and restoration efforts conducted by Chumsortium partners (North
Olympic Salmon Coalition, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jefferson County Conservation
District, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Jefferson County, the Marine Resources Committee, Hood Canal
Coordinating Council, and others) that has been focused on the Salmon and Snow Creek watersheds since
2001. Local expert partners focused on salmon recovery agree that protecting highly functioning habitat, such as
the Ruck Property, in the Salmon Creek watershed is a priority for supporting summer chum core
subpopulations. The Ruck project aims to protect and restore a parcel that was identified through previous
protection efforts by Chumsortium partners.
The Ruck Salmon Creek project has two main goals. The first is to the protect the property against the
increasing threats of residential conversion in the area and of inappropriate forestry uses on the property—
which would negatively impact the functioning riparian habitat that is used by spawning threatened
summer chum. The second goal is, following acquisition Jefferson Land Trust will begin riparian buffer
habitat restoration on the six tributaries leading to the mainstem of Salmon Creek.
The property was clearcut (outside of the riparian buffer) in the early 1990s. The current forest composition
is a mix between red alder-dominant forest with an understory of dense salmonberry, and alder-dominant
with Douglas fir planting understory. Consulting foresters believe that the property needs “major
disturbance” to be able to get on the path toward mature, diverse forest characteristics necessary for
climate resiliency and wildlife habitat. This disturbance will be performed for the purpose of habitat
restoration by creating patch-cuts in the forest to plant a more successful diversity of conifer tree species.
The mainstem of Salmon Creek currently has a 250ft wide buffer with mature conifer and hardwood
species and healthy level of downed woody debris in the creek. The tributaries currently only have a 25ft
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wide buffer that needs to be improved and restored. Jefferson Land Trust plans to expand this buffer to
125ft by spring 2024. There are no buildings on the property.
Adjacent land includes a 63-acre property to the east that is permanently protected by a conservation
easement with Jefferson Land Trust, and commercial timberland currently operated by Rayonier to the
north, west, and south. A large power transmission line easement operated by Bonneville Power
Administration runs in a cleared swath about 250' wide through a portion of the property on the east.
The 155-acre Ruck property contains approximately 1 mile of mainstem of Salmon Creek located from
about river mile 1.4 to 2.5, as well as over 3,500 feet of tributary riparian habitat. The localized issue of this
project is an increasing threat of residential conversion in this area, and the property’s threat of
inappropriate forestry uses which threaten the highly functioning salmonid habitat. Six tributaries travel
through the upland forest down to the mainstem of Salmon Creek. The property was clear-cut in the early
1990s (excluding the minimal 125-foot buffer on either side of the mainstem of Salmon Creek). Given the
property’s varied and steep slopes (42°) leading to the creek, these commercial forestry activities
undoubtedly affected the sediment load of Salmon Creek for many years. The property is currently zoned
as commercial forestry, and with the current landowner’s desire to sell, the threat of extensive commercial
forestry and potential conversion to residential development is high.
The project offers the protection of the entire anadromous reach including riparian, steep slope, and
forested buffers. The anticipated results of this project are permanent protection of one mile of highly
functioning Salmon Creek habitat that directly affects the natal estuary of Salmon and Snow Creeks. The
project also offers the opportunity for full habitat restoration of the surrounding forest buffers into mature,
diverse forest which recharges ground water, protects the creek from erosion and increased sediment
loads, slows down runoff during high precipitation events, and ultimately benefits habitat, agricultural and
human infrastructure downstream.
After acquisition, Jefferson Land Trust will manage the property as a Nature Preserve and will conduct
ecological thinning of dense alder and Douglas fir, followed by plantings of more diverse conifer species.
This forest management will help jumpstart the necessary transition to a mature forest that is more
structurally and compositionally diverse, thus becoming more climate resistant and resilient. Retired DNR
Region 6 Manager Mike Cronin was helpful in recommending the specific restoration and management
strategies that are referenced in this application. Additionally, WDFW staff are excited at the prospect of
Jefferson Land Trust owning the property because they have been denied access for spawning surveys for
the last several years by the current landowners. Conservation Funds are not being requested for the
restoration-related costs, but this restoration component is part of the full project that Jefferson Land
Trust is working to accomplish on the Ruck property by the end of 2024.
Objectives:
1) Jefferson Land Trust conducts a fair-market appraisal and secures and Purchase and Sale Agreement
with Frank Ruck, current landowner.
2) Jeffersron Land Trust acquires the fee-simple interest in the 155-acre Ruck parcel which has 1 mile
Salmon Creek, a stretch that provides habitat for threatened summer chum and other salmonid species by
summer 2023.
3) After acquisition with help from CF funds, the Land Trust will replant and restore the 16.5 acres of
tributary buffers (expand buffers from 25ft up to 125 feet) by spring 2024. In 10 years we will conduct an
ecological forest thinning operation in the upland forests to increase forest health and generate enough
revenue to fund necessary restoration on the previously commercially-managed forest.
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2022 CF Program Application FINAL
11. Estimate costs below, including the estimated or appraised value of the propert(ies) or property right(s) to be
acquired, even if Conservation Futures funds will only cover a portion of the total project cost. In the case of
projects involving multiple acquisitions, please break out appraisals and estimated acquisition costs by parcel.
Estimated or Appraised Value of Propert(ies) to be Acquired:
Total Estimated Acquisition-related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $711,440
Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $17,250
Total Project Cost: $728,690
Basis for Estimates (include information about how the property value(s) was determined, anticipated acquisition-
related costs, general description of operation and maintenance work to be performed, task list with itemized
budget, and anticipated schedule for completion of work):
Jefferson Land Trust spoke with a land appraiser who is familiar with the Ruck property from appraising in
2010. Preliminary discussions in 2022 with this appraiser helped us create an estimate of the current fair-
market value of acquiring the property. The project administration and acquisition-related costs are
estimated based upon recent acquisition projects by Jefferson Land Trust.
Ruck Salmon Creek Conservation Futures
Request
Match (Salmon Recovery
Funding Board and WWRP
Riparian Habitat)
Total
Property Acquisition $110,000 $490,000 $600,000
O&M (signage,
monitoring)
$8,625 $8,625 $17,250
Acquisition-related costs
(environmental
assessment, appraisal,
closing costs, cultural
resources, stewardship
plan)
$16,375 $33,125 $49,500
Project Administration
(staff time, attorney
costs)
$0 $30,000 $30,000
Total $135,000
(19.4%)
$561,750
(80.6%)
$696,750
(100%)
O & M only go to question #15:
Scored Questions
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1. To what degree does the project leverage contributions for acquisition from groups, agencies or
individuals?
1 a. Sponsor or other organizations X will __will not contribute to acquisition of proposed site and/or operation
and maintenance activities.
1 b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use
Conservation Futures program funds.
Protection and restoration of this 1 mile of Salmon Creek and tributaries directly augment the over 20
years of acquisition and restoration work that has already been conducted by partners who are part of the
Chumsortium in this watershed. These acquisition and restoration projects continue at the head of
Discovery Bay with several priority acquisitions of nearshore properties. As a result of the collaborative
efforts conducted over the last 20 years, most of Salmon Creek downstream from this property is protected
with Jefferson Land Trust conservation easements and WDFW ownership. The Land Trust anticipates a
large portion of grant funding for the project from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant and Riparian
Habitat Program – both state grant sources.
1 c. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M %
Conservation Futures Funds Requested $126,375 $8,625 19.4%
Matching Funds/Resources* $553,125 $8,625 80.6%
Total Project Acquisition Cost $679,500 $17,250 100%
* If a prior acquisition is being proposed as match, please describe and provide documentation of value, location,
date of acquisition and other information that would directly link the match to the property being considered for
acquisition.
1 d. Source of matching Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not,
funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when?
Salmon Recovery Funding Board $330,357 Yes No _________ Yes No Fall 2022
WWRP Riparian Habitat __ $300,000 Yes No _______ Yes No Fall 2022
NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that
guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation of property or a property right will be considered as
a matching resource. Donation of resources for on-going maintenance or stewardship (“in-kind”
contributions) are not eligible as a match.
2. To what degree does the project sponsor commit to provide long-term stewardship for the
proposed project?
2 a. Sponsoring agency X is __is not prepared to provide long-term stewardship (easement monitoring,
maintenance, up-keep, etc.) for the proposed project.
Jefferson Land Trust is prepared to provide long-term stewardship for the Ruck project based upon our
established, professional stewardship program. Currently, Jefferson Land Trust has five staff members that
work in our stewardship department, implementing the monitoring and stewardship activities described in
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more detail in question 3. We currently steward over 17,000 acres in Jefferson County, including over 390
acres in the Salmon and Snow Creek watershed specifically.
2 b. Describe any existing programs or future plans for stewardship of the property, including the nature and
extent of the commitment of resources to carry out the stewardship plan.
In addition to regular, professional monitoring program described in question 3a, our long-term
management goals for the Ruck property will include maintaining and enhancing the structural and
species diversity of the forest, and maintaining natural hydrology used by many salmonid species. We
anticipate achieving these goals through both short/mid-term restoration efforts as well as long-term
maintenance. Short-term restoration obligations will include alder thinning along tributary buffers,
followed by introduction of conifer plantings, and 3-5 year maintenance of plantings to ensure access to
light and successful establishment. Mid-term restoration will include more extensive forest restoration in
the form of harvesting alder once it is commercially viable, to release understory Doug fir and/or replant
the newly-sunlit understory with a mixed conifers.
Long-term maintenance will include management of noxious weeds, facilitating appropriate public access,
monitoring forest and stream conditions, and additional actions including the creation of snag and
downed logs where beneficial to accelerate complex forest structure and habitat niches.
3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective long-term stewardship of a
similar project?
Jefferson Land Trust has managed many acquisition projects since its inception in 1989. We have been
awarded numerous Conservation Futures grants and other public grants for acquisition of important
salmon habitat, working lands and open space. We have demonstrated effective and dependable long-
term stewardship on salmon habitat nature preserves such as Snow Creek Forest, Duckabush Riparian
Forest, Duckabush Oxbow and Wetlands Preserve, and Chimacum Creek Nature Preserve. We actively
manage and conduct restoration forestry and stewardship activities on properties we own including our
Bulis Forest Preserve and Valley View Forest Preserve.
3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency’s previous or on-going stewardship experience.
As an accredited Land Trust through the national Land Trust Alliance, Jefferson Land Trust has experience
successfully managing and stewarding various types of preserves. Jefferson Land Trust conducts diligent
and appropriate monitoring, stewardship, and management for all fee-simple properties that we own. This
includes quarterly monitoring of the properties by professional staff and trained volunteers, extensive data
collection and management, and legal defense of the conservation values should it become necessary. We
have a Preserve Steward program which provides an opportunity for long-term volunteerism through
quarterly monitoring of all Land Trust preserves. We will utilize these same tools to provide long-term
stewardship for the Ruck property after acquisition.
3 b. Has the project sponsor and/or applicant been involved in other projects previously approved for
Conservation Futures funding?
_____No, neither the sponsor nor applicant has been involved in a project previously approved for
Conservation Futures funds.
X Yes, the sponsor and/or applicant for this project has been involved in a project previously approved for
Conservation Futures funds. Please provide details:
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Jefferson Land Trust has been the successful applicant of many Conservation Futures Fund projects over
the years, providing us many years of experience in working with County staff to successfully implement
protection projects across multiple ecosystems of Jefferson County. These projects include:
Sunfield Farm, 2003; Quimper Wildlife Corridor, 2004; East Tarboo Creek Conservation Project, 2005;
Tamanowas Rock Phase 1, 2006; the Winona Buffer Project, 2006; Glendale Farm, 2007; Finnriver Farm,
2008; Quimper Wildlife Corridor, 2009; Brown Dairy, 2009; Salmon Creek Ruck 2010; Quimper Wildlife
Corridor 2010; Tamanowas Rock 2010; Chimacum Creek Carleson 2011; Winona Basin - Bloedel 2011; L.
Brown 2012; Boulton Farm 2012; Quimper Wildlife Corridor and Short Family Farm 2013; Quimper Wildlife
Corridor and Snow Creek Irvin and Jenks, 2014; Midori Farm, 2015; QWC 2016 Addition, Tarboo Creek, Farm
and Forest 2016; Serendipity Farm, Snow Creek Taylor and Tarboo Iglitzin 2017; Chimacum Forest,
Marrowstone Mize, Snow Creek Mid-Reach Forest 2018; Tarboo Forest Addition 2019; Ruby Ranch 2018 &
2020; Quilcene Headwaters to Bay 2019 & 2020; Arlandia 2020; Quimper Wildlife Corridor Additions 2021;
and Hannan Farm 2021.
4. To what degree is the acquisition feasible?
4 a. Property X can __cannot feasibly be acquired in a timely fashion with available resources.
4 b. Necessary commitments and agreements X are __are not in place.
4 c. All parties __are X are not in agreement on the cost of acquisition.
If “not” to any of the above, please explain below.
The cost of the acquisition will be agreed upon by Jefferson Land Trust and Frank Ruck (current
landowner) after the appraisal report is provided by a certified appraisal company. Jefferson Land Trust
will hire this appraiser after we have been awarded grant funds and know that we can proceed with the
project.
5. To what degree is the project part of an adopted open space, conservation, or resource
preservation program or plan, or identified in a community conservation effort?
The proposed acquisition X is specifically identified in an adopted open space, conservation, or resource
preservation program or plan, or community conservation effort. Please describe below, including this project’s
importance to the plan. Please also reference the website of the plan if available or include the plan with this
application.
A portion of Salmon Creek habitat on the Ruck property is designated as ‘Priority Aquatic’ and
‘Conservancy’ under Washington State’s Shoreline Master Plan (below)
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Ruck is also identified by the Land Trust's Conservation Plan (https://www.saveland.org/wp-
content/uploads/2016/06/2010_JLT_ConservationPlan_LoRes.pdf) both as having high priority habitat
and as an area with recreation and tourism value.
X complements an adopted open space or conservation plan, but is not specifically identified. Please describe
below, and describe how the proposed acquisition is consistent with the plan.
__is a stand-alone project.
Additionally, the Hood Canal Coordinating Council’s 2022 Salmon Recovery Program Priorities and
Immediate Needs names the protection of highly functioning habitat in the Salmon Creek watershed as a
priority – of which the Ruck property is a prime example. The Chumsortium partners (described in the
Project Description above) identified the Ruck property as a priority for protection beginning in 2001, and
we finally have a landowner who is interested in the selling the property for permanent protection to
Jefferson Land Trust.
6. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened?
6 a. The proposed acquisition site X does __does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity which
would otherwise be lost or threatened.
6 b. If applicable, please carefully describe the nature and immediacy of the opportunity or threat, and any unique
qualities about the site.
The landowner contacted Jefferson land Trust to see if we were interested in acquiring the property, as he
has plans to put it on the market sometime in the next year or so. He is interested in seeing the
conservation values preserved forever, though also is eager to dispose of the property. This is a rare
opportunity to acquire such a significant stretch of Salmon Creek and will allow for better management for
habitat and monitoring of the health of the salmonid species utilizing the creek.
7. Are the conservation values of the project commensurate with or greater than the amount of
CF funds requested?
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Yes, Jefferson Land Trust is only requesting 16.5% of the total project cost from Conservation Futures,
which means that the value of the project is much greater than the amount of funds requested from the
County. However, $135,000 is still a significant and important value to the project and therefore necessary
for the success of this protection and enhancement project.
7 a. Summarize the project’s conservation values and how the CF funds requested support these values.
The project’s conservation values are summarized as protecting highly functioning spawning habitat for
threatened summer chum populations, and habitat for coho, and winter steelhead, fall chum and cutthroat
trout; improving the riparian buffer function by enhancing and expanding the buffers from 25ft wide to 125ft
wide with diverse conifer species; and in the future expanding the restoration project to the upland forest which
will recharge ground water, protect the creek from erosion and increased sediment loads, slow down
runoff during high precipitation events and contribute to carbon sequestration. The Conservation Futures
funds requested supports these values by contributing to the value of the fee-simple acquisition of the
property. Jefferson Land Trust has found that fee-title ownership of a property is the best way to
guarantee a landowner’s long-term interest and protection in salmon habitat and restoration. As a
conservation non-profit, our mission includes the perpetual protection of fish habitat and forestland, even
more so than a private conservation easement landowner. Jefferson Land Trust’s ownership of this
property is the best way to ensure that this 1 mile of Salmon Creek and its tributaries are enhanced and
managed to benefit all salmonids in this watershed.
8. To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna other than habitat for
anadromous fish species?
8 a. X provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat specific to the project and/or State or Federal
(NOAA and USFWS) Candidate, Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive species (provide list and references).
In addition to the anadromous fish species present on site, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
(WDFW)’s Priority Habitat Species (PHS) lists the Ruck property as Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland,
and as a potential site for Northern Spotted Owl territory.
8 b. X provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species.
The property provides a habitat corridor stretching from foothills of the Olympic mountains down to the
low-lying valley at the head of Discovery Bay for other wildlife species. Black bear, cougar, deer and coyote
are some of the species that have been documented on the property.
8 c. X contributes to an existing or future wildlife corridor or migration route.
The property is adjacent to a 63-acre property protected with a habitat conservation easement held by
Jefferson Land Trust. Nearly all properties downstream of this site along Salmon Creek are either
protected by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), or Jefferson Land Trust (see watershed
map in application attachments).
If affirmative in any of the above, please describe and list the Priority Habitat(s) and Threatened, Endangered, or
Sensitive species below, and cite or provide documentation of species’ use.1
Described above.
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8 d. Does the current owner participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat? If so, please
provide details.
The current landowner does not participate in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat, which
will change once Jefferson Land Trust assumes ownership.
9. To what degree does the project protect habitat for anadromous fish species?
9 a. Describe to what degree the project protects habitat for anadromous fish species (for example: marine
shorelines, stream or river corridors including meander zones, and riparian buffers). Please provide documentation
and maps that demonstrate the location, quality and extent of the existing buffer and adjoining habitat.
The Ruck property provides stream and riparian buffer habitat. This property provides critical habitat for
spawning threatened summer chum, spawning winter steelhead, spawning and adult coho, and adult fall
chum. Available spawning habitat for summer chum (such as the Ruck property) must be protected to
ensure sub-population persistence, survival, and productivity. This project will protect habitat that has
documented use by the salmonid species listed above.
WDFW Priority Habitat Species mapping tool
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WDFW Priority Habitat Species mapping tool
10. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use OR forestland for
silvicultural use?
10 a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned agricultural or silviculture use of the proposed
acquisition, including any anticipated changes to that use once the property, or property right, is acquired with
Conservation Futures funds.
The current landowner of the Ruck property has been managing the property for continued commercial
forestry after it was clearcut in the 1990s. As described above, once Jefferson Land Trust secures
ownership of the property, the silvicultural management of the property will be primarily focused on the
riparian and upland restoration needs. In about a decade, we will perform commercial thinning on the
property which will generate enough revenue to fund the restoration costs (tree planting and
maintenance) needed throughout the property.
10 b. Describe the current owner’s record of implementing management practices that preserves and/or enhances
soil, water quality, watershed function and wildlife habitat on the farm.
The current landowner does not participate in extra management practices that preserve soil, water
quality, or watershed function—this will change once Jefferson Land Trust assumes ownership.
10 c. Describe how the acquisition or proposed easement will likely preserve and/or enhance soil, water quality,
watershed function and wildlife habitat.
The acquisition of the Ruck property by Jefferson Land Trust will significantly enhance the watershed
function, water quality, and wildlife habitat of this parcel. While the Washington State Forest Practices
Rules are helpful in an attempt to balance the needs of both industry and of conservation on commercial
forestry lands, Jefferson Land Trust and Chumsortium project partners believe that these practices are not
sufficient on the Ruck property due to its multiple tributaries, its steep slopes (42 degrees), depth of slopes
(100-150 ft) and sensitive habitat for salmonid species. Broader tributary buffers with more conifers will
ensure adequate shade and help reduce the potential for sediment loads in important spawning habitat.
10 d. Does this project preserve a mix of quality farmland and forestland?
This project preserves and enhances forestland, as described above. This site is not appropriate for
farmland activities due to its current forested condition, steep slopes, and critical salmonid habitat
functions.
11. Climate change:
11 a. To what degree does this project increase resiliency to and/or mitigate climate change?
This project aims to protect 155-acres of land and stream classified by The Nature Conservancy as having
Far Above Average Resilience to climate change. Additionally, the restoration of riparian buffers after
acquisition and the subsequent upland forest improvements in the 2030s will follow forest management
practices that are proven to enhance climate resistance and resilience, such as increasing tree species
diversity; having a multi-aged forest; creating structural diversity from the forest ground to the canopy;
and creating snags and downed woody debris that sequester both carbon and water.
This project will permanently protect a one-mile stretch of Salmon Creek, ¼ of which is documented
spawning grounds for the endangered summer chum. Reinforcing protection of high-quality salmon
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habitat is the Hood Canal Coordinating Council’s number one priority in 2022. Protecting high quality
habitat allows for habitat and species adaptability, especially in the face of climate change.
12. What area does the project serve?
12 a. Describe how the proposed acquisition benefits primarily a __local area X broad county area including the
area served, the nature of the benefit, the jurisdictions involved, and the populations served.
This project benefits the entire downstream reach of Salmon Creek. After acquisition, the anticipated
results of this project are permanent protection of one mile of highly functioning Salmon Creek habitat
that directly affects the natal estuary of Salmon and Snow Creeks. The project also offers the opportunity
for full habitat restoration of the surrounding forest buffers into mature, diverse forest which recharges
ground water, protects the creek from erosion and increased sediment loads, slows down runoff during
high precipitation events, and ultimately benefits habitat, agricultural and human infrastructure
downstream of this site.
As previously described, Chumsortium partners (North Olympic Salmon Coalition, Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife, Jefferson County Conservation District, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Jefferson County,
the Marine Resources Committee, Hood Canal Coordinating Council, and others) have been actively
involved in this watershed protection since 2001. The protection and restoration project on the Ruck
property benefits all the residents and businesses downstream of the site.
12 b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CF funded Projects? Areas that Conservation
Futures has not been able to support to date include Marrowstone Island, Toandos Peninsula, Dosewallips
Valley, Bolton Peninsula, and the West End.
No, this project is located in the Salmon/Snow Creeks Watershed south of Discovery Bay.
13. To what degree will the acquisition provide educational opportunities, interpretive
opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource?
13 a. Describe the educational or interpretive opportunities that exist for providing public access, educational or
interpretive displays (signage, kiosks, etc.) on the proposed site, including any plans to provide those
improvements and any plans for public accessibility.2
The entire property will be open to guided public access in the form of group tours or volunteer
stewardship work parties led by Jefferson Land Trust. Further unguided public access will not be
developed based upon public safety concerns and because it is only accessible only through an
undeveloped road easement across neighboring private property. The steep slopes of the Salmon Creek
ravine and the planned restoration activities create public safety concerns that encourage Jefferson Land
Trust to limit the types of public access.
However, the property is currently part of the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail—a 12,000-mile hiking trail
from Montana to Washington—and Jefferson Land Trust plans to continue to allow this use after
protection.
14. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources3?
14 a. The proposed acquisition __ includes historic or culturally significant resources4 and
2 The words “education” and “interpretation” are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee.
3 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious ceremonial and
social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters 27.44
and 27.53 RCW.
S
no
w Creek
Map created in JANUARY, 2022
0 0.5 10.25 MilesRuck LocatorSalmon & Snow Creeks Watershed ´
Ruck PropertyWDFWJefferson LandTrust PreservesConservationEasementsCounty ParcelsRoads
For informational purposes only. Alldata represented are from varyingsources and approximate.
2017 Aerial Image (NAIP)Disc o very Bay
Hwy104Hwy101SalmonCreek
Map created in JANUARY, 2022
0 500 1,000250FeetRuckParcel Map ´
Ruck64-acreConservationEasementWaterbodiesCounty ParcelsPrivateTimberland20 Foot Contour
For informational purposes only. Alldata represented are from varyingsources and approximate.
2017 Aerial Image (NAIP)
S a l m o n C r e e k
Ruck Salmon Creek
Application Photos
View of Salmon Creek mainstem slopes underneath BPA powerline
Conservation Projects Committee walking down 42-degree slope to Salmon Creek mainstem
Salmon Creek mainstem – healthy downed wood conditions
Salmon Creek mainstem – habitat for summer chum, coho, winter steelhead
Upland forest conditions – regenerating Douglas fir and alder
Upland forest conditions – monoculture of Douglas fir and sword fern to be restored and enhanced by Jefferson Land
Trust