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Home My WebLink AboutHabitat Management 702273016 c:.~~. ~^())"fo&' Rob VandeWeghe Habitat Management Report Parcel # 702273016 August 2005 .. . --, .... ._- --- ---- . . \ NOV 15 2005 Prepared for: Rob VandeWeghe 723 Discovery Ridge Road Port Townsend, WA 98368 856 50th Street Port Townsend, Washington 98368 360 385-6432 dixie@cablespeed.com Rob VandeWeghe Habitat Management Report Parcel # 702 273 016 August 2005 Contents Introduction Description of Site Existing conditions Impacts Mitigation Measures Best Management Practices Buffer Protection Summary Appendix Sheet #1 Site Plan and Existing Vegetation Sheet #2 Photographs , Rob VandeWeghe Habitat Management Plan August 2005 Parcel #702 273016 Section 27, Township 27, Range 2 West Introduction This report presents the Habitat Management Plan to compensate for buffer reduction on private property along the Big Quilcene River, which is classified as a Type I Stream. This steam type has assigned I 50-foot buffers measured from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM). To accommodate a single-family residence (footprint of65: X 35') and septic, the buffer will need to be reduced to 112 feet. The subject property is located at approximately river mile (RM) 4. A weir from the Quilcene Nation Fish Hatchery is located at RM 2.8 and apparently prevents upstream passage of salmon. This Habitat Plan has been prepared at the request of Rob VandeWeghe, in accordance with the requirements of the Jefferson County Unified Development Code (January 2001 Section 3). Description of Site The site is located approximately 3 miles southwest of Quilcene, Washington. The 3.5-acre parcel is bound to the west by the Big Quilcene River to the south the Olympic National Forest. The proposed homesite is located at the bottom ofa steep 30-degree slope. Portions of the buffer were cleared several years ago; open areas amid islands of native vegetation create a park-like setting. The access roads are within the open areas. Included with this report is the VandeWeghe Site Plan which includes existing condition and the location and direction of photographs (Sheet # 1). A multi-layer canopy exists along the riparian area as shown in the photographs (Sheet #2, Photo # I and 2). The designated building site is located in an area that consists of nine small alders and hemlocks (DBH 9" to 12") and one large cedar (DBH 35") as shown the photographs (Sheet #2, Photo #3 and #4). A footbridge, build in the early 1970's, crosses the river to access a I-acre parcel (Parcel # 702 284 004), also owned by VandeWeghe. During the site reconnaissance on August 24, 2005, the flow in the Big Quilcene River was low. Existing Vegetation Vegetation on the site consists of large Douglas' firs, red cedars, alders, and big leaf maples with a healthy understory of vine maple, Indian plum, and willow. Shrubs and ground cover consists of huckleberry, salmonberry, salal, trailing .blackberry, and sword fern. The site has very few non-native species. There is high structural diversity in all vegetation layers; over 30 native species were identified. 1 Olympic Wetland Resources. Inc. VandeWeghe Habitat Management Plan August 2005 Impacts Impacts on wildlife will be minimal since most large trees will be retained. This section of the river provides an excellent corridor for wildlife movement since the river is stable and there are open corridors within the buffers. Impacts from site clearing should be closely monitored so that no additional trees or shrubs are removed from the buffer. Mitigation Measures Salmon spawning occurs downstream; all activities that may affect downstream water quality will be monitored. This plan includes the highest degree of protection from any down stream degradation that may threaten salmon habitat. Coho, Chinook, Chum and steelhead salmon are known to use the Big Quilcene River. During and after the construction process Best Management Practices should be implemented as outlined below: Best Management Practices (BMP's) Conservation Practices 1. Avoid or control soil loss and protect water quality from degradation caused by nutrients, animal waste, toxins, and sediment; and 2. Avoid or minimize adverse impacts to surface water and ground water flow, and circulation patterns; and 3. Avoid or control the movement of sediment and erosion control caused by land alteration activities; and 4. Avoid or minimize adverse impacts to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of critical areas. BMP's are those practices as defined by the State of Washington Department of Agriculture, State of Washington Department of Ecology, State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jefferson County conservation district, and other professional organizations. During construction; I. Land disturbing activities should be kept to a minimum and within the building envelope. Areas of exposed soil will be re-vegetated or covered with a minimum of2 inches of straw within 7 days of disturbance. 2. Clearing will be limited by performing it in phases, clearing only the areas that will be worked immediately. 3. Stockpiles of soils will be placed outside the buffer and covered with plastic sheeting during construction. 4. Straw bales or silt fencing will be placed in the area downslope from the construction to prevent sediment from entering the Big Quilcene River during construction. 5. Gravel base will be placed on the driveway and parking area after clearing. After construction; ongoing stormwater management; Runoff from house gutters will be directed away from the river channel and filtered through a grassy swale or sediment trap before entering any of the river channels. 2 Olympic Wetland Resources. Inc. VandcWeghe Habitat Management Plan August 2005 Buffer Protection 1. Temporary signage (on metal fence posts) will be installed during construction to define buffers. 2. During site clearing for the homesite no further degradation of the buffer should occur. All vegetation within the buffer will be retained. Preservation of an existing large trees and shrubs in buffer is critical. 3. During construction, storage and preparation of materials will not encroach upon buffers. S. No additional clearing for paths or to enhance views will be allowed. When feasible riparian vegetation should be encouraged to return to the open areas. 7. To verify compliance with this plan, the project will be inspected during construction and one year after completion of construction. Summary The plan emphasizes minimal impact to all buffers during and after construction. The Big Quilcene River is stable and is not subject to flooding at this location (Stratum Group, Geology Hazard Assessment June 200S). The main focus of this plan is the retention and protection of all native vegetation in the buffer. During site clearing it is critical that trees are carefully removed so surrounding vegetation is not disturbed. Encouraging additional shrub layers within the open areas, where feasible, would also enhance the buffer. Young salmonberry will quickly become established if the open areas are not mowed. Construction impacts will be kept to a minimum and a stormwater management plan should be included with the building permit. This Habitat Management Plan has been prepared to meet the requirements of the setback approval outlined by the Jefferson County Community Development Department. Compliance with the plan will be verified through inspections during and after construction. If you have any further requirements on this project please don't hesitate to call. 1 I /. , / / Lt.{/f {L'~ Dixie LleweUin Principal Biologist, Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc. Certified for Wetland Delineation, 1987 Manual Wetland Training Institute June 1995 3 Olympic Wetland Resources. Inc. VandeWeghe Habitat Management Plan August 2005 TIle: Site Plan and Existing Conditions We: As Indicated SIIIIt Habitat Management Report .~ 0I,IIpk........, 8S6. SRf 1Wt.... .98368 36131S-'432 .... , lllil@ll.....- ~#:2005-8293 IlIII: August 2005 lliIIt: Rob VandeWeghe 723 Discovery Ridge Road Port Townsend, WA 98368 Parcel # 702 273 016 11 t .. r :J o o I . .., I GO- .,..,.. ..diaClM1l1..-.... lots 702 273 016 1lpp'O....1oClIIion of 5' setback from 1De of slope 30 to ..0 degree slope of hill . . 30 to;40 degree sIcpe,of hill fA (fJ to- f'l ~ .- .".. ",. ". . ",. ",. . 702 273 004 .. .- .. .. 1m! 2B4 000 - Oep8fInl8fll of Hat RelIOUrCeS f or .., - Original Map Provided By VandeWeghe ~ ExistIng Vegetation ~ .. .. .- ~ #1 j o 11. 1 i .2 ~ E ;;;. o " 8 i ~ ~ ..- ",. 1 Olympic Weiland Resources, Int! Tille: Habitat Management Assesslnent xule; Sheet Parcel 702273016 856 SOth Street Quilcene Washington #2 j-. August 2005 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Rob VandeWeghe 360 38S-6432 Client; 723 Discovery Ridge Road dixie@<oblespeed.com Port Townsend. WA 98368 Job #; ZOO5-8293 Photo #1 Looking north down the Big QuilceneRiver towards bridge 1............'......'..0.:..-:-;.""".....,.. :~~:,~~.k' .. ~ . ;:~,-:,. ~ --' ~ t.:;.ii:::~: Photo #2 Open areas adjacent to the river Photo #3 Cedars, alders, and hemlocks to be removed for homesite Photo #4 Looking east to the building site