HomeMy WebLinkAbout09B- Wetland ReportWESTECH COMPANY
Environmental Consulting Site Permitting
WETLAND DELINEATION
240 ROBINSON ROAD
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL # 502-15-1018
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
May 2020
G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D.
Trevor J. Shea, CWD
Submitted to:
JEFFERSON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, Washington 98368
Submitted by:
WESTECH COMPANY
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
Offices: Port Angeles, Washington, Winston and Eugene, Oregon, Cottonwood & Rocklin California
Telephone: (360) 460-6451
Main Office: P.O. Box 1239, Winston, OR 97496
email: brad@westechcompany.com
WETLAND DELINEATION
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL # 502-15-1018
JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
May 2020
G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D.
Trevor J. Shea, CWD
Copyright 2020 by G. Bradford Shea, Westech Company —All Rights Reserved
Submitted to:
JEFFERSON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, Washington 98368
Submitted by:
WESTECH COMPANY
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Proposed Project 6
1.3 Regulatory Framework 6
2.0 METHODS 8
3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS
12
3.1
Existing Conditions
12
3.2
Land Uses and Habitat Values
17
3.3
Wetland Types and Buffers
20
3.4
Jefferson County Wetland Map
21
4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 22
4.1 Conclusions 22
4.2 Recommendations 22
5.0 REFERENCES 23
TABLES
Table 1 — List of Plant Species: Off -Site Wetland and On -Site Upland 13
Table 2 — Site Soils 19
FIGURES
Figure 1 — Location Map
2
Figure 2 — Vicinity Map
3
Figure 3 — Parcel Map
4
Figure 4 — 2015 Aerial Map
5
Figure 5 — Site Map
7
Figure 6 — Soil Map
15
Figure 7 — Map Showing Project and Off -Site Estuarine Wetland
18
APPENDICES
Appendix A — Site Photographs A-1
Appendix B — Wetland Data Forms B-1
Appendix C — Wetland Rating Form C-1
W W 1637.2-Robin son Rd WD. TOC/052620/mas
1.0 INTRODUCTION
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The Property (Site) is located at 240 Robinson Road, Brinnon, on Hood Canal in Jefferson
County Washington. The Property is owned by Charles and Theresa Crowell who are
presently located in Kingston, Washington (Jefferson County 2020a). The subject property
(hereafter designated as "Site" or "Property") located at 240 Robinson Road has an
existing residence (single wide mobile home) and storage shed. The Site is recorded as
Assessor's Parcel # 502-15-1018.
The Site lies within Jefferson County, Washington in the NE Quarter of Section 15 of
Township 25 North, Range 2 West, W.M. (Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4). The Site is located
roughly three miles south of Brinnon, in an unincorporated area of Jefferson County. The
Site lies on the north side of the Duckabush Estuary at the confluence of the Duckabush
River and Hood Canal.
The Property is a long, rectangular shaped parcel, with an existing residence and shed.
An existing septic system is present which will be replaced, as will the residence (see Site
Plan and Proposed Septic Design in Figure 5).
The Site lies generally north of the Mean Higher High Water Mark (MHHW) of Hood Canal,
with a low bank beach area at the southern end of the property. The property grades
upward on a hillside to the north of Robinson Road, extending from roughly 10 feet
elevation at the base to approximately 85+ feet elevation at the proposed drainfield
location near the north end of the property.
The property consists of a single lot that measures approximately 92 feet by 900 feet. The
total lot size is listed as 1.86 acres which appears to include some area south of the
Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) (Jefferson County 2020a). The Parcel location is
shown in Figures 1-4.
There is an existing residence which is proposed to be replaced within the existing
footprint. A new septic system will be built, with a septic tank on the north side of the
residence. A pump system will be installed near the residence, pumping effluent to a new
drainfieid, to be located on the north portion of the parcel, outside of the shoreline buffer
zone.
The Property is designated as Conservancy by the Jefferson County Shoreline Master
Program (Jefferson County 2020b). This shoreline designation requires a standard 150
foot setback from OHWM plus an additional 10 foot setback for structures. Nearby
portions of the Duckabush Estuary shoreline, located west of the property, are designated
as "Natural" which require additional protection. This includes estuarine wetlands.
WWI 637.2-Robi nson Rd W D. R pt/052220/mas
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1.2 PROPOSED PROJECT
The Property currently contains an existing residence, a small shed and an existing, septic
system. The owner intends to replace the existing residence within the existing footprint
(Figure 5). The current proposal is the replacement of that residence and the construction
of a new septic system for the residence, with the drainfield to be placed outside of the
shoreline and wetland buffer zones (Figure 5).
Planned construction activities will occur within the 200 foot shoreline zone. The western
end of the Project may lie within the wetland buffer zone. This Wetland Delineation (WD)
identifies wetland areas near the property (no wetland areas were found on the Site itself),
rates those wetlands and determines if the Project is within the wetland buffer zone per
Jefferson County regulations.
1.3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The marine shoreline along this Property is considered a Shoreline of Statewide
Significance and has been designated as Critical Habitat for Hood Canal Summer Chum
and Puget Sound Chinook salmon (50 C.F.R. 226). The Shoreline is classified as a "Fish
and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area" (FWHCA) by Jefferson County, requiring a 150
foot buffer from the OHWM.
The Duckabush River Estuary flows into Hood Canal to the west and southwest of the
Project Site. This area is characterized by estuarine wetlands characterized by brackish
water and salt tolerant plants. The estuarine wetland contains emergent vegetation and
tidal channels. It is crossed to the west by State Highway 101 but is otherwise largely
undisturbed. The wetland ends at the residence on the property to the west of the
Project Site, due to construction of a berm, roughly 4-6 feet in height. That parcel
contains an existing residence.
It is the intention of the owner to construct a new septic system on the Site (see Figure 5).
Any residential renovation or replacement will occur within the footprint of the existing
residence (see Figure 5).
During the construction of the proposed septic system, the Project will disturb surface soils
and some existing vegetation. The Property owner has contracted with Westech
Company (Westech) to satisfy the County's requirements with regard to Critical Areas and
wetland buffer requirements through preparation of this Wetland Delineation as required
by the County (Jefferson County 2020d). A Habitat Management Plan has also been
prepared (Westech 2020a) which has been submitted under separate cover.
This Report constitutes a Wetland Delineation report. Since no wetlands were found on
the Site itself, this report focuses on general characteristics of the off -site wetland and on
the rating and required buffer zone for that wetland.
WW 1637.2-R obinson Rd WD. Rpt/052220/mas
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2.0 METHODS
The Wetlands were delineated and rated according to procedures required by the
Jefferson County Code (JCC 18.22.290-350 and 450). The Code requires that wetlands
be identified, delineated, and rated according to procedures of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the Washington Department of Ecology.
Since the State of Washington now defers to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE
or Corps) wetland delineation methods, these wetlands were delineated according to the
Corps' Wetland Manual (USAGE 1987) and the Regional Supplement for the Western
Mountains, Valleys and Coast Region (USACE 2010). The Wetlands were rated by the
methods outlined in the Washington State Department of Ecology's Wetland Rating
System for Western Washington (DOE 2014).
The following methods are drawn from the Corps' Regional Supplement (USAGE 2010).
The Corps' manual defines wetlands as those "areas that are inundated or saturated by
surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under
normal circumstances, do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions." Wetlands are defined by the following three criteria:
1. Vegetation: Prevalent vegetation consisting of macro-phytes (macro-phytic
vegetation) adapted to areas with wetland hydrologic and soil conditions.
Hydric soils: Soils that are histosols, in aquic suborders or that show certain
characteristics associated with poor drainage, very poor drainage or ponding for a
long duration during the growing season.
Hydrology: Evidence that the area is inundated or saturated to the surface between
5 and 12.5 percent of the growing season in most years.
Evidence of at least one (usually two) wetland indicators from each of these three
categories is generally required to identify an area as a wetland.
Preliminary data gathering consisted of the examining U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
maps, county parcel, wetlands, and topographic maps, aerial photographs, and Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil surveys. Because these sources were
insufficient to make a determination, additional information on site vegetation, soils and
hydrology was gathered at the Site. The Site did not appear to have the complexity to
require a comprehensive determination, therefore a Routine Determination with Onsite
Inspection was used. Only one test pit was analyzed since the wetland was found to be
off -site and was entirely on State Lands. Another test pit was taken on the Site in an
upland area.
W W 1637.2-Robinson Rd WD. RpU052220/mas
No wetlands were found on -site. For off -site wetlands, boundaries were initially
estimated by noting likely areas of topographic and vegetative distinction between
wetlands and uplands. The routine method for delineating wetlands begins with the
identification of plant communities, as uplands and wetlands are often occupied by
different assemblages of species determined by combinations of environmental
influences.
These plant communities were identified and evaluated for the presence or absence of
hydrophytic vegetation. The wetland indicator status of the dominant species is used to
determine the presence of hydrophytic vegetation. Each species has an indicator status
defined according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (USDA 2012). A
species indicator status refers to the relative frequency at which the species occurs in
jurisdictional wetlands. Wetland plant species (OBL, FACW and/or FAC) must constitute
greater than 50 percent of the dominant vegetation to meet Department of Ecology (DOE)
criterion for hydrophytic vegetation (USAGE 2010).
Since non -dominant plants in the wetlands were scattered irregularly throughout, small
transects could not be utilized to estimate percent coverage. Accordingly, a combination
of on -Site visual inspection and aerial maps were used to estimate percent coverage.
These estimates were used to conduct a dominance test with 50/20 selection as
described in the Corps manual (USACE 2010).
Wetland plants were primarily identified in the field, with subsequent collection and keying
when necessary. Plants were identified using the following sources:
Hansen's Northwest Plants Database 2020
USDA NRCS Plants Database 2020
Pojar and MacKinnon (Updated 2014)
Guard 1995
Cooke 1997
Hitchcock and Cronquist 2014
Lyons1997
Taylor 1995
Keying of plants using magnifying lenses and dissecting microscope was used as
necessary. Determination of wetland indicator status utilized regional keys published by
USDA. This indicator replaced the previous U.S. Fish and Wildlife key in June 2012
(USDA 2012).
Areas with plant communities dominated by hydrophytic vegetation were then evaluated
for wetland hydrology and hydric soils. Wetland hydrology refers to "all hydrological
characteristics of areas that are periodically inundated or have soils saturated to the
surface at some time during the growing season." These are areas with evidence that
the presence of water has an overriding influence on the characteristics of vegetation
and soils due to anaerobic and reducing conditions (USACE 2010).
WW1 637.2-Robi nson Rd W D. Rpt/052520/mas
An area has wetland hydrology if it is inundated or saturated to the surface continuously
for at least five percent (5%) of the growing season in most years. The level of
inundation can range from permanently inundated to irregularly inundated/saturated.
The level of inundation/saturation can be impacted by precipitation, topography and soil
characteristics.
Hydrology is often the least exact of the parameters used to delineate wetland edges
because it is the most ephemeral and leaves the least reliable traces in the landscape
after water tables or floods have receded. Therefore, indicators of wetland hydrology
are sometimes difficult to find in the field. However, it is essential that a wetland area is
periodically inundated or has saturated soils for a sufficient duration during the growing
season.
Based on Corps recommendations, Westech staff noted areas with evident
characteristics of wetland hydrology. In general, places with wetland hydrology show
evidence that the presence of water has had an overriding influence on characteristics
of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic and chemically -reducing conditions.
Hydrologic conditions were determined through examination of topographic relief and
drainage patterns. Soil moistness was determined by hand and, in the event of standing
water, depth to standing water was noted. Field indicators of wetland hydrology include
such features as watermarks, historic records, and visual observation of saturated soils or
inundation.
Evidence of hydric soils was checked along the apparent wetland boundary. These are
soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during
the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper layers. These soils are
identified in the field mainly by morphological features such as color patterns, organic
matter accumulation, and observation of inundation.
Soils were sampled to depths of up to 18-24 inches using a wetland shovel. Soil
consistency was determined by feeling for grain size and texture. Soil moisture was
determined at that time. In the event of saturated conditions in the hole, depth to standing
water was noted. Soil color was determined through comparison of field samples with
standard Munsell Color Charts (Munsell 2009). Soil was also examined for presence of
redox features, gley or other indicators of anaerobic soil oxidation. If one or more of these
indicators was present in the wetlands, the soil was considered hydric.
The wetlands were determined based on the Routine On -Site Field Method used by the
Corps using a combination of vegetation, soil and hydrology indicators. The boundaries of
the wetlands were determined by first mapping plant community areas as wetland or non -
wetland based on a field investigation and aerial photograph (Google Earth 2020). The
general wetland boundary was determined by the interface of these two mapping units.
WW1 637.2-Robinson Rd WD. RpU052520/mas 10
Wetland boundaries were estimated based on physical characteristics (existing rock berm)
adjacent to the wetland edge, as well as Google Earth mapping. The estuarine wetland
was examined for characteristics of vegetation, soil and hydrology in order to identify the
location of wetland boundaries. Appendix B contains a data form for one sample from a
typical area in the delineated wetland.
The wetland boundary was not flagged since it was an off -site wetland located on state
land. Buffer widths were determined based the state Rating System for Western
Washington and mapped with GPS and Google Earth Pro Software. The wetland Field
Data Station and associated soil test pit was indicated by blue and white diagonal flagging
and stake containing the test pit number (labeled VSH-#1 for vegetation, soils and
hydrology stations).
A site visit was carried out by Dr. Bradford Shea and Mr. Graham Nott on May 11, 2020.
This report was prepared jointly by Dr. Bradford Shea and Mr. Trevor Shea with
assistance from Ms. Mary Ann Shea. Exploration of the Property (Site) involved noting
Site characteristics such as hydrology and soil conditions. A botanical study involving
identification of the plant species found growing on the Site and in the off -site wetland was
also conducted.
The wetland edge was delineated and photographic documentation was acquired
(Appendix A). Measurements for mapping purposes were made using a fiberglass tape
measure and GPS unit.
WW1 637.2-Robinson Rd WD. R pt/052520/mas 11
3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS
3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Property (Site) is located in Jefferson County roughly three miles south of Brinnon,
Washington. The property is a long parcel of beach front land ranging in elevation of five
(5) feet above mean sea level (msl) at its lowest point and rising to 97 feet above msl at
its highest point. The Site is vegetated by a mixture of beachfront vegetation and lawn
to the south of Robinson Road and lowland forest and open field vegetation to the north
of the Road.
Upland and wetland plants are described in more detail below (Table 1). Upland plants
include beach plants characteristic of sandy soils above the Ordinary High Water Mark
(OHWM), lawn plants both to the south and north of the existing residence (single wide
mobile home) and upland forest and field areas to the north of Robinson Road.
The properties surrounding the site appear to be rural residential in nature. The Site is
zoned as RR-5. The shoreline is designated as "Conservancy" with the wetlands to the
west designated as "Natural" shoreline. Estuarine wetlands are generally considered as
important protected wetlands under both federal and state regulations.
Wetland
Westech's field investigation determined that NO WETLANDS are located on the Site
itself. An estuarine wetland is located approximately 140 feet west of the Site). That
wetland has been rated (Wetland A) as a Category I estuarine wetland that is adjacent to
Hood Canal and the mouth of the Duckabush River.
The off -site estuarine wetland receive water from tidal action of Hood Canal, from the flow
of the Duckabush River and from precipitation and overland flow originating in areas with
higher elevation in the Duckabush watershed. The wetland characteristics are often
shaped by tidal action and river flow.
Wetland boundaries were determined by first noting likely areas of topographic and
vegetative distinction between wetland and uplands. The wetland contained hydric soils
and vegetation such as salt -meadow cordgrass, salt -bush and seashore saltgrass (FAC)
which provided the clearest markers of wetland location. The wetland transitioned sharply
from wetland to upland as marked by a rock berm west of the site which is 4-6 feet in
elevation. Evidence of hydric and non-hydric soils corresponded with the change in
landscape elevation and plant variation.
WW1637.2-Robinson RdWD.Rpt/052520/mas 12
TABLE 1. LIST OF PLANT SPECIES: OFF -SITE WETLAND AND ON -SITE UPLAND
Common`Name
Scientific Name _ Indicator
Off -Site Wetland
Saltbush Atr�lex patula FACW
-- — _. —
Seashore sallgrass Distichlis spicata FAC
Salt -meadow cordgrass
Spartinapatens
OBL
Common cattail
Typha latifolia
OBL
Sitka willow
Salix sitchensis
FACW
Salt marsh dodder
Cuscuta salina var. major)
FACW
Slender rush
Juncus tenuis
FAC
_
Common horsetail
Equisetum arvense
FAC
—.
—
Upland (on site
Douglas fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
FACU
Pacific silver fir
Abies amabilis
FACU
Pacific madrone
Arbutus menziesii
FACU
Himalayan blackberry
Rubus armeniacus
FAC
Salal
Gaultheria shallop
FACU
Bracken fern
Pteridium aqudinum
FACU
Red elderberry
Sambucus racemosa
FACU
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
FACU
— Common plantain
Plantago moor
FAC
Beach pea
Lathyruao Qicus _
FACU
Seashore lupin
Lupinus littoralis
FACU
Oxe�re daisy
Leucanthemum vulg_are_
Annual bluegrass
Poa annua
__F_ACU
FAC
Perennial ryegrass
Lolium erenne
FAC
"Indicators: UPL = Upland plant, FACU= Facultative Upland Plant (more upland than
wetland), FAC = Facultative (borderline wetland plant), FACW = Facultative Wetland
Plant (prefers wetland conditions), OBL = Obligate (only found in wetlands).
WW1637.2 Robinson RdWD.Tab 1/052220/MAS 13
Hydrological indicators, such as saturated soils, are evident characteristics of wetland
hydrology, places where the presence of water has an overriding influence on
characteristics of vegetation and soils due to anaerobic and chemically -reducing
conditions. These included tidal channels and the main river channel of the Duckabush
River (See Figure 5 and Appendix B).
The vegetation, soils, and hydrology of the Site and the nearby estuarine wetland are
described in more detail in the following subsections. Results of these three factors at the
test pit locations (one on -site and one off -site) and adjacent plant quadrats (Figure 5) are
contained in Appendix B. Site photographs are shown in Appendix A.
Vegetation
Table 1 lists upland vegetation found on the site and wetland vegetation found in the
nearby estuarine wetland.
All areas on the Site were found to be vegetated with upland plants. These included
beach plants such as beach pea (Lathyrusjaponicus) and seashore lupine (Lupinus
littoralis) near the ordinary high water mark. Lawn areas were found near the existing
residence which included meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) (FACU), perennial
ryegrass (Lolium perenne) (FAC) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua) (FAC). This
combination of species does not meet Corps criterion for hydrophytic vegetation
because less than 50 percent of dominants, including the UPL and FACU plants on the
sandy beach area are OBL, FAC or FACW.
The upper part of the Site above (north of) Robinson Road was checked for dominant
vegetation. This area is a coniferous upland forest and no significant areas of plants
which are not listed as FACU or UPL were found. Dominant species included Douglas
fir, western hemlock, Pacific madrone and a few red alder trees. Field species included
scotch broom, bracken fern and a variety of weedy herbaceous species. This includes
the area where the proposed drainfield will be placed.
Soils
"Hydric soils" is a name for soils commonly found in wetlands. These soils are identified
mainly by morphological features such as color patterns, organic matter accumulation,
or observation of inundation. A soil may be considered hydric if it is inundated (flooded
or ponded) for at least one continuous week during the growing season in most years
(USAGE 2010). Westech staff looked for field indicators of hydric soil conditions as
recommended by the Corps. If one or more of these indicators was present in the
wetlands, the soil was considered hydric (USAGE 2010).
WW 1637.2-Robinson Rd WD. Rpt/052520/mas 14
Westech staff examined existing NRCS soil surveys of the Site. The NRCS maps four
types on or near the Site (NRCS 2020). The soils mapped by the NRCS on the Site
include:
Coastal Beaches (Co). This soil is usually very well drained (sand, gravel
and cobble) and has a depth to water table of about 0 - 11 inches. It has a
high frequency of flooding. It consists of sands and gravels to a depth of 60
inches. These soils are subject to influence of tides and storm waves.
These soils are mapped along the beach and the lower bluff area.
Tidal Marsh (Td). This is a very poorly drained soil derived from alluvial
cones. The soil is typically 0-6 inches of mucky silt loam overlying up to 60
inches of layers including soils which vary from stratified sand to silty clay.
Depth to a restrictive layer is 80 inches. It has frequent flooding or ponding
due to tidal action and is often moderately to strongly saline. These soils are
found in areas to the west of the property.
Lystair fine sandy loam 0-15 percent slopes (LVC). This is a somewhat
excessively- drained soil with a depth to water table of more than 80 inches.
Depth to a restrictive layer is 10-20 inches. Available water storage in the
profile is very low (1.7 inches). This soil type has no frequency of flooding or
ponding. The soils are found across the northwestern portion of the
property.
Grove very gravelly loamy sand, 15 - 30 percent slopes (GoD). This is a
somewhat excessively drained soil with a depth to water table of more than
80 inches. This soil type originated from glacial outwash. It generally
contains a restrictive layer at depths 80 inches, which has a high to very
high ability to transmit water (5.95-19.98 in/hr). This soil type very low
available water storage in the profile (2.5 inches) and has no frequency of
flooding or ponding. The soils are found across the upper (northeastern)
portion of the property.
Tidal Marsh soils appear on the NRCS national hydric soils list. Wetland A appears to
have this underlying soil type. Lystair and Grove soils do not appear on the NRCS
national hydric soils list (NRCS 2020). A soil map can be found in Figure 6.
Because NRCS soil surveys do not necessarily capture small scale variation, Westech
staff conducted additional field studies of the soils. To examine soils in the wetland
boundaries, Westech staff dug soil pits and observed soil characteristics. The location of
the soil pits examined by Westech are shown in Figure 6.
W W 1637.2-Robinson Rd W D. Rpt/052520/mas 15
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The VSH plots (vegetation, soils and hydrology) are located within a representative portion
of the off -site Duckabush Estuary wetland area and in an on -site upland area typical of
upland areas on the subject Property (Site). The location of each plot has been marked in
the field using a wooden stake tied with blue and white striped flagging (see Figure 7 for
locations). The soil information taken at each sample point is highlighted in Table 2,
As Table 2 indicates, soils near the edge of the off -site wetland (Wetland A (VSH-1) were
clay soils with matrix with a value/chroma of 2/2 (10YR; 100%) between zero to six inches
in depth. Soils were mucky clay 2/1 (10YR; 100%) between six to eighteen inches in
depth.
Soils in a test pit on the Site, which is outside of the wetland boundary (VSH-2) were
sandy loam soils with a value/chroma of 4/3 (10YR; 100%) between zero to six inches in
depth and gravelly sandy loam with a value/chroma of 4/3 (10YR; 100%) between six to
twelve inches. A hardpan layer was found below 12 inches, indicating the probable
presence of glacial till.
Hydrology
Numerous factors (e.g., precipitation, topography, soil permeability, and plant cover)
influence the wetness of an area. The water source for the off -site wetlands come from
tidal action of Hood Canal, direct flow from the Duckabush River and from a combination
of direct precipitation and runoff from adjacent elevated areas. Saturation was present in
the wetland soils and tidal channels were evident at some locations, indicating an
estuarine wetland (USACE 2010, WDOE 2014).
3.2 LAND USES AND HABITAT VALUES
Wetlands are transitional areas between upland and aquatic environments where water is
present long enough to form distinct soils, and where specialized, water -tolerant plants
grow. Wetlands serve a variety of functions such as transferring surface water into the
ground, thereby recharging groundwater supplies. Wetlands trap water along with
sediments and pollutants providing storm -water detention and filtration. They also mitigate
flood impacts; and provide wildlife habitat.
Wetland buffers are important because they reduce the adverse impacts of adjacent land
uses on wetlands. The buffers sere to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, filter suspended
solids, nutrients and toxic substances and moderate impacts of storm -water runoff. As
such, buffers sere to preserve wetland functions. They also provide important habitat for
wildlife living in and around the wetland.
W W 1637.2-Robi nson Rd W D. Rpt/052520/mas 17
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Location/Depth
Type
Value/Chrorna
VSH-1 (Wetland)
0-6"
Clay
10YR 2/2
6-12"
Clay
10YR 2/1
12"+
Clad
10YR 2/1
VSH-2 (Upland)
0-6"
Sandy loam
10YR 4/3
6-12"
Sandy gravelly loam
10YR 4/3
12"+
Harlan
N/A
WWI 637. 2-Robinson Rd W D. Tab2/052820/mas 19
Wetland A is located off of the property (Figure 7) at a distance of approximately 140 feet.
The proposed project is replacement of a single-family residence in the same footprint on
the property. The Project is not expected to have any impacts on the wetland, since there
is another existing residence between the wetland and the residence to be replaced.
3.3 WETLAND TYPES AND BUFFERS
Wetland A was found to be an estuarine wetland, located off -site at a distance of roughly
140 feet, according to GPS coordinates and Google Earth Mapping. The boundary of this
wetland was not flagged, since it is on Washington State Land, managed by the
Washington Department of Natural Resources. GPS readings have been taken of the
stake locations and utilized in preparation of the map in Figure 7.
Wetland Rating
The buffer sizes to be applied at this Site are governed by the Jefferson County Critical
Areas Code. In order to establish buffer sizes, Jefferson County requires that wetlands be
rated using the Washington State Department of Ecology's Wetland Rating System for
Western Washington (WDOE 2014). In this system, wetland ratings are based on:
Water Quality Function (i.e., Does the wetland have the ability to improve water
quality?)
2. Hydrologic Function (i.e., Does the wetland decrease flooding and/or erosion?)
3. Habitat Function (i.e., Does the wetland provide habitat for many species?)
In Washington, wetland rating categories are based on the rarity of the type of wetland, our
ability to replace it, its sensitivity to adjacent human disturbances, and the functions it
performs. The objective of the rating system is to divide wetlands into groups that have
similar needs for protection.
Wetland A (off -site wetland) was rated as a Category I estuarine wetland by
characteristics. The wetland is over an acre in size and contains tidal salt water and
tidal channels. (See Wetland Rating Forms in Appendix C). Several priority species
including salmonids, elk and other animals are associated with the Duckabush River
Estuary and projects are currently underway to further protect the estuary, including a
realignment of Highway 101, to the south of the Site.
WW 1637.2-Robi nson Rd WD. RpU052520/mas 20
Wetland Buffers
The type of wetland determines buffer widths within Jefferson County. The proposed
project consists of the replacement of an existing single-family residence with a new
residence on the same footprint. The required buffer width for Category I wetlands with
a project of this type is 150 feet from the wetland edge (see Figure 7).
3.4 JEFFERSON COUNTY WETLAND MAP
Jefferson County online maps show the wetland as an off -site wetland. The soils map
indicates that wetland soils may be found in the lower areas of the Site, however, based
on our field observations, that finding appears to be in error.
WW1 637.2-RobinsonRd WD. Rpt/052520/mas 21
4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 CONCLUSIONS
No wetlands were found on the Project Site. One wetland, classified as a Category I
Estuarine Wetland, with a corresponding 150 foot buffer zones was identified off -site, to
the west of the Site. Figure 7 shows the locations and extent of the mapped wetlands.
Jefferson County requires buffer widths of 150 feet for Category I wetlands. Wetland
boundaries and buffers (where appropriate) were off -site and on state lands and were
therefore not marked in the field.
The proposed home site will be constructed mainly outside of the wetland buffer zone. The
wetland is to the west of the proposed project at a distance of 140 feet. The home will be
replaced within the existing footprint, with another existing residence between the project
and the wetland.
4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Westech recommends that the home be replaced on the existing footprint as designed.
This location appears to be mostly outside of the 150 foot wetland buffer zone. The
location within the shoreline zone has been addressed in the Habitat Management Plan for
the Project, submitted to Jefferson County under separate cover.
Standard erosion control measures including a silt fence between the construction zone
and the shoreline and wetland should be utilized in order to prevent any erosion impacts to
the wetland during construction. This includes construction and placement of the septic
tank and effluent line.
WW1 637.2-Robi nson Rd WD. RpU052520/mas 22
5.0 REFERENCES
Cooke, S.S. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington
and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society. Seattle, Washington.
Google Earth. 2020. Online mapping software. www.googleearth.com. Imagery date:
July 21, 2018.
Guard, J. 1995. Wetland Plants of Oregon and Washington. Lone Pine Publishing.
Renton, Washington.
Hansen's. 2020. Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database. www.nwplants.com
Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 2014. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of
Washington Press. Seattle, Washington.
Jefferson County. 2020a. Online mapping database. Port Townsend, Washington.
Jefferson County 2020b. Jefferson County Critical Areas Code (JCC 18.22). Port
Townsend, Washington.
Jefferson County. 2020d. Letter from Donna Frostholm, Jefferson County DCD, to
Charles and Theresa Crowell, Dated March 18, 2020. Jefferson County DCD, Port
Townsend, Washington.
Lindberg & Smith Architects. 2019. Unpublished Site Plan for Proposed Post Residence,
Port Angeles, Washington.
Lyons, C.P. 1997. Wildflowers of Washington. Lone Pine Publishing. Renton,
Washington.
Munsell. 1994. Munsell Soil Color Charts. GretagMacbeth. New Windsor, New York.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2020a. Hydric Soils.
http://soils.usda.gov/use/hydric/.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2020b. Web Soil Survey.
hftp://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 1994 (Updated 2014). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Lone Pine Publishing Company. Redmond, Washington.
Taylor, R. 1995. Northwest Weeds. Mountain Press Publishing Company. Missoula
Montana.
WW1 637.2-Robinson Rd WD. Rpt/052520/mas 23
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers__ Wetland._.Delineation Manual Western Mountains, Valleys and, Coast
Regions (Version 2.0). May 2010. Washington, D.C.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). 1987. Wetland Delineation Manual.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2020. (Natural Resource Conservation Service
(NRCS) Plants Database. http://plants.usda.gov/Java/
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2012. 2012 National Wetland Plant List.
http://plants.usda.gov/core/wetiandSearch.
Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). 2014. Washington State Wetlands Rating
System for Western Washington. Thomas Hruby. Publication #14-06-029.
Olympia, Washington,
Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). 1997. Washington State Wetlands
Identification and Delineation Manual. Publication #. 96-94. Olympia, Washington.
WW1 637.2-RobinsonRd WD. Rpt/052520/mas 24
APPENDICES
W W 1637.2-Robi n sonRd W D. Rpt/052520/mas 25
APPENDIX A
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
W W 1637.2-Robi nson Rd W D.AP PA/052620/mas A-1
SIMON .. pp�
- f
-
1Eel
R
3 Upland area north of the residence, with typical upland grasses.
4) Off -site wetland edge, roughly 150-200 feet west of property (Project Site), showing
upland vegetation along Robinson Road (left) and upper area of off -site estuarine
wetland associated with the mouth of the Duckabush River.
WW1637.2-RobinsonRdWD.APPA/052620/mas A-3
RM
/e\ 7 T:4 .IDIV14�
WETLAND DATA FORMS
WW1 637.2-Robi nson Rd W D. AP P B/052620/mas B-1
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM — Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: 240 Robinson Road
Applicant/Owner: Offsite Wetland - DNR
Investigator(s): Dr. Bradford Shea & Graham Non
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Estuarine Wetland
Subregion (I_RR): NW Forest
Soil Map Unit Name: Tidal marsh
City/County: Jefferson
Sampling Dale: May 11, 2020
State: WA Sampling Point: VSH-1 (Weiland)
Section, Township, Range: S15, 125N, R2W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): Flat Slope (%): 0-1
Lot: 45Deg39M07.52S N Long: 122Deg55M39.76S W Datum: NAD83
NWl classification: Estuarine- Intertidal
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes X No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances' present? Yes X ___ No
Are Vegetation , Soil or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS — Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
--- ---- ---
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes X No
Hydric Soil Presento Yes X No Is the Sampled Area
Welland Hydrology Present? Yes X No within a Wetland? Yes X No
Remarks:
Off Site, estuarine inter -tidal marsh
VEGETATION — Use scientific names of plants
Absolute
Dominant Indicator
Dominance Test worksheet:
Tree Stratum (Plot size:
1.
) %Cover
Species? Status
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAQ 2 (A)
2.
Total Number of Dominant
3.
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B)
4.
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAG 100 (A/B)
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
-)
= Total Cover
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
2.
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species x 3 =
3
4.
5.
FACU species x 4 =
= Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 10 m2
)
UPL species x 5 =
1 Distichlis spicata
10
No FAC
Column Totals: (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
2 Typha latifolia 20 Yes OBL
3 Cuscuta Salina
10
No FACW
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
_ 1 -Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
4 Spartina patens 50 Yes OBL
5.
_ 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
6.
_ 3 - Prevalence Index is 53.0'
7.
_ 4 - Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
__ 5 - Wetland Non -Vascular Plants'
_ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
8.
g.
10.
11.
90
= Total Cover
...____.—_ ...
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size:
1
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes X No
2.
90 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 10
Estuarine wetland at mouth of Duckabush River on Hood Canal
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast — Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point: vsH-1 (wemmd)
Profile Description. (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % or (moisD _%_ Type' Loc Texture Remarks
0-61, 10YR 2/2 100
Clay Dark Brown
6-12" 10YR 2/1 100
Clay Dark Brown/Black
12+^ 10YR 2/1 100
Clay Dark Brown/Black
_'Type,_C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS -Covered or Coated Sand Grains. Location: PL=Pore Lining M=Matrix,
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all
,X Histosol (Al)
_ Histic Epipedon (A2)
_ Black Histic (A3)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
_ Depleted Below Dark Surface (At 1)
_ Thick Dark Surface (Al2)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1)
_ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)
_ Sandy Redox (S5)
_ Stripped Matrix (S6)
` Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1)
_ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
_ Depleted Matrix (F3)
_ Redox Dark Surface (F6)
_ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
_ Redox Depressions (F8)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils':
X 2 cm Muck (Al 0)
_ Red Parent Material (TF2)
_ Very Shallow Dark Surface (H-12)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
'Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type -----__—_..—
Depth (inches):
Hydric Soil Present? Yes X No
Remarks:
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required check all that apply)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
X Surface Water (Al)
_ Water -Stained Leaves (B9) (except
_ Water -Stained Leaves (89) (MLRA 1, 2,
_ High Water Table (A2)
MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 4B)
4A, and 4B)
X Saturation (A3)
_ Salt Crust (1311)
_ Drainage Patterns (B10)
X Water Marks (B7)
_ Aquatic Invertebrates (813)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
_ Sediment Deposits (132)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
_ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
X Drift Deposits (B3)
Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3)
_ Geomorphic Position (D2)
_ Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
_ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
_ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
_ Iron Deposits (B5) _.._
Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
_. PAC -Neutral Test (D5)
_ Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
_ Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (ERR A)
_ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (ERR A)
_ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Frost -Heave Hummocks (D7)
_ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (88)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes X No
Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes X No
Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes X _ No_
Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes X No
gauge, monitoring well, aerial
Off -site estuarine wetland with tidal channels at mouth of Duckabush River on Hood Canal
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast -Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM — Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: 240 Robinson Road_ _ City/County: Jefferson _ _ Sampling Date: 5/11/20
Applicant/Owner: Charles & Theresa Crowell State: WA Sampling Point: VSH-2 (Upland)
Investigator(s): Dr. G. Bradford Shea & Graham Nott Section, Township, Range: S15, T25N, R2W
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Terrace & Hillslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): Flat & Hillslope Slope (%): 0-30
Subregion (LRR): NW Forest Lat: 47Deg 39M 08_36S N Long: 122Deg 55M 35_83S W _ Datum: NAD 83
Soil Map Unit Name: Lystair NWI classification: None
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes X No (If no, explain in Remarks,)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes X No
Are Vegetation _, Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS — Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes
No x
Hydric Soil Present? Yes
No X
Is the Sampled Area
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes
No X
within a Wetland? Yes No X
Remarks:
Some recent grading
& perc
holes.
VEGETATION — Use scientific names of plants.
Tree Stratum (Plot size
1 __.---- ._... ...__....
2.
3.
4.
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 10m2
1 Rubus armeniacus
2 Cystisus scopaous
3.
4.
5.
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 10m2
1 Plantago laceolata
2 Taiaxacum off icianale
g Graminae
4.
5.
6.
7.
6311111
9.
10.
11.
%Cover Species? Status Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: ., �(A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
= Total Cover I That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 33 (A/B)
30 Yes
FAC
30 Yes
FACU
60 = Total Cover
10 No FAC
20 Yes
FACU
10 No
FAC/U
40 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 1
1.
2.
100 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0
Upland area near proposed septic system (drainfield)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of:
Multiply by:
OBL species
x 1 =
FACW species
x 2 =
FAC species
x 3 =
FACU species
x 4 =
UPL species
x 5 =
Column Totals:
(A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
.._ 1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
_ 2 - Dominance Test is >50
_ 3 - Prevalence Index is 53.0'
_ 4 - Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
5 - Wetland Non -Vascular Plants'
_ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No X
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast — Version 2.0
SOIL
Sampling Point: VSH-2 (Upland)
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix _.._ Redox Features
_Linches.L Color (moist) %_ Color (moist) % Type Loc Texture Remarks
0-6" 10YR 4/3 100
Sandy loam Brown
6-12" 10YR 4/3 100
Sandy loam Brown
12+" Hardpan
Gravelly sand
'Type_C=Concentration, D=Depletion RM=Reduced Matrix CS=_Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 'Location: PL=Pore Linin , M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)
_ Hislosol (Al) _ Sandy Redox (S5)
_ Histic Epipedon (A2) _ Stripped Matrix (S6)
_ Black Histic (A3) _ Loamy Mucky Mineral (Elf (except MLRA 1)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) _ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (Al 1) Depleted Matrix (173)
Thick Dark Surface (Al2) _ Redox Dark Surface (F6)
_ Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) _ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) _ Redox Depressions (F8)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils':
_ 2 can Muck (Al 0)
_ Red Parent Material (TF2)
_ Very Shallow Dark Surface (11-12)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
'Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type. Packed gravelly sand
Depth (inches): 12-15
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No X
Remarks:
Hardpan layer at 12-15 inches
HYDROLOGY
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required check all that apply)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
_ Surface Water (Al)
_ Water -Stained Leaves (139) (except
_ Water -Stained Leaves (139) (MLRA 1, 2,
_ High Water Table (A2)
MLRA 1, 2, 4A, and 413)
4A, and 413)
Saturation (A3)
_ Salt Crust (B 11)
_ Drainage Patterns (1310)
_ Water Marks (61)
_ Aquatic Invertebrates (613)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
_ Sediment Deposits (132)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
_ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
_ Drift Deposits (133)
_ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3)
_ Geomorphic Position (D2)
_ Algal Mat or Crust (134)
_ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
_ Shallow Aquitard (03)
_ Iron Deposits (65)
_ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
_ FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
_ Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
_ Stunted or Stressed Plants Oil (_RR A)
_ Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
_ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (137)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Frost -Heave Hummocks (D7)
_ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (68)
Surface Water Present?
Water Table Present?
Saturation Present?
Yes _
No X
Depth (inches):
Yes
No X
Depth (inches):
Yes _
No X
Depth (inches):
gauge,
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No X
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast — Version 2.0
APPENDIX C
WETLAND RATING FORM
W W 1637.2-Robinson Rd W D.AP PC/052620/mas C-1
Wetland name or number A
RATING SUMMARY - Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): Off -Site Wetland A Date of site visit: 05/11/2020
Rated by Dr. G. B Trained by Ecology?X Yes No Date of training 2015-17
HGM Class used for rating Estuarine Wetland has multiple HGM classes?Y X N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY I (based on functions_ or special characteristics X )
1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
Category I —Total score = 23 - 27
Category II - Total score = 20 - 22
Category III — Total score = 16 - 19
Category IV -Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION Improving Hydrologic Habitat
Water Quality
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on
Ratings
2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC
CATEGORY
Estuarine
Wetland of High Conservation Value
I
Bog
I
Mature Forest
I
Old Growth Forest
I
Coastal Lagoon
I II
Interdunal
1 II III IV
None of the above
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 201S
Score for each
function based
on three
ratings
(order of ratings
is not
important)
9 = H,H,H
8 = H,H,M
7 = H,H,L
7 = H,M,M
6 = H,M,L
6 = M,M,M
5 = H,L,L
5 = M,M,L
4 = M,L,L
3 = L,L,L
1
Wetland name or number.A
CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Wetland Type
Category
Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the category when the appropriate criteria are met.
SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands
Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands?
The dominant water regime is tidal,
Vegetated, and
X- With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes= Go to SC 1.1 No= Not an estuarine wetland
SC 1.1. Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area
Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve esignated under WAC 332-30-151?
cat.
Yes = ategory 1 No - Go to SC 1.2
SC 1.2. Is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions?
XThe wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less
than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartina, see page 25)
Ca
— At least % of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-
mowed grassland.
X The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal chann _qepressions with open water, or
Cat. II
contiguous freshwater wetlands. Yes = Category I No = Category II
SC 2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV)
SC 2.1. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High
Conservation Value? Yes- Go to SC 2.2 No - Go to SC 2.3
Cat.
SC 2.2. Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value?
Yes = Category I No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland?
http://wwwl.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/datasearch/wnhpwetlands-pdf
Yes - Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 No = Not a WHCV
SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on
their website? Yes = CategoryI No = Not a WHCV
SC 3.0. Bogs
Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key
below. If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions.
SC 3.1. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 in or
more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Yes - Go to SC 3.3 No - Go to SC 3.2
SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep
over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of a lake or
pond? Yes - Go to SC 3.3 No = Is not a bog
SC 33. Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND at least a 30%
cover of plant species listed in Table 4? Yes = 1s a Category I bog No - Go to SC 3.4
NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory, you may substitute that criterion by
measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the
plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog.
Cat. I
SC 3.4. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar,
western hemlock, Iodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the
species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy?
Yes = Is a Category I bog No = Is not a bog
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015