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Home My WebLink AboutWetland Delineation 502213024 WESTECH COMPANY Environmental Consulting'" Site Permitting May 16, 2007 ~. r-- ! MAY 1 8 2007 i i JEFFfF!SC1i,;"7~Odi\]IY- -" Df:Pf. Of CO"ij,;Ui,i i'l utVl:LOPV:lj'.jj" Zoa Ann Lamp Jefferson County Department of Community Development 621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Dear Ms. Lamp: This letter is in response to your letter of April 30, 2007 regarding the property of David and Anna Gardner in Brinnon, WA (Site Address 311-146 Highway 101 t Case #MLA07- 00143. You noted that we utilized the Department of Ecology 2004 document for rating the wetland as per state requirements to utilize "Best Available Science" in rating and delineating wetlands. After speaking to you, J recognize that the County is currently involved in a process to revise its code and potentially buffer requirements (that process will probably be finished later this year). The County is currently utjJizing the older DOE Rating System (DOE 1993). As such, J have recomputed the wetland rating under the DOE 1993 system. Under that system, the wetland scores 27 points for habitat value, making it a Category II wetland since it scores more than 22 points. Under the Jefferson County Code, that wetland would require a standard buffer of 100 feet. I do not believe that this will change the proposed project in any way. The drainfield is at a considerable distance from the wetland (considerably more than 100 feet) and the house site is several hundred feet away on the top of a hill. As we discussed, this letter is intended as an amendment to our Wetland Delineation Report. 650 Salmon Street. Assessor's Parcel #502213024 dated July 2006. You indicated that this letter indicating the new rating would be sufficient information to respond to your request in your letter of April 30, 2007. Please let me know if you need additional information. Thank you. Sincerely, G~~~~ Principal Scientist GBSlxk P.O. Box 2876 ... Port Angeles, Washington 98382 - Telephone: (360) 565-1333 ... Fax: (360) 452-8708 emall: bshea@tenforward.com I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I WESTECH COMPANY Environmental Consulting - Site Permitting WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT 650 SALMON STREET ASSESSOR'S PARCEL #502213024 and 982501109 JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON July 2006 G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D. Kim Loafman IRE{'EIVE[) FEB 1 3 2007 Submitted to: JEfn8SU~~UUNn UeD JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1820 Jefferson Street Port Townsend, Washington 98368 Submitted by: WESTECH COMPANY P.O. Box 2876 Port Angeles, Washington 98362 P.O. Box 2876 - Port Angeles, Washington 98362 - Telephone: (360) 565-1333 - Fax: (360) 452-6708 emall: bshea@tenforward.com I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT 650 SALMON STREET ASSESSOR'S PARCEL #502213024 and 982501109 JEFFERSON COUNTY, WASHINGTON July 2006 G. Bradford Shea, Ph.D. Kim Loafman Submitted to: JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1820 Jefferson Street Port Townsend, Washington 98368 Submitted by: WESTECH COMPANY P.O. Box 2876 Port Angeles, Washington 98362 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1.0 INTRODUCTION Anna and David Gardner have recently purchased a 5.6 acre parcel (Lot #4, Assessor's Parcel #502213024) plus a small lot to the north, which provides access to Lot # 4 (Lot #17, APN 982501109) located in Jefferson County at 650 Salmon Street in Brinnonr-,--------- Washington within Johnston Short Plat #3, in an area known as Olympic Canal Tracts (Volume 2 of Surveys, Pages 99 and 100). This Property (Site) is located in Section 21 of Township 25 North, Range 2 West (Figure 1). The owners intend to build a house and install a drainfield at the Site. Prior to purchase, a Level 1 Wetland Assessment was conducted on April 10, 2005 by Dixie L1ewellin of Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc. at the request of Stan Johnston of Johnston Realty as part of a pre-sale requirement. That investigation revealed the presence of wetlands on the Site. The findings in this report also indicate that the CriticalAre~s .~s mapped by Jeffersgn Cg\Jnty were different from that of the .field findings. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner contracted with Westech Company (Westech) in May 2006 to determine if Critical Areas on the property would interfere with the proposed building site for their home and placement of the drainfield. That initial determination was based on reconnaissance of the property. Exploration of the site revealed two small man-made ponds of non-regulatory size, a wetland, and a stream (see Appendix A). The proposed home-site was determined to be approximately 296 feet from the closest edge of the wetland and the marked placement for the drainfield is 149 feet from the wetland. The stream which drains into the wetland and runs through the northwest comer of the Site is approximately 82 feet from the drainfield at its closest point. The Gardner's requested that Westech complete a full Wetland Delineation Report including delineation the Critical Areas, rating of the wetland, and determination of the buffer zones. County Assessor's parcel maps and U.S. Geological Survey maps were utilized as base maps for stream and wetland mapping (Figures 2 and 3). Section 3.0 of this report contains results of the delineation. VVVV968SSVVD.RPT/071906/xmk 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 11 f l ~~~fff ~ ~ '&1 jjl~l~ i !iii,1 , Jli8~8SS 1& Sl~.j II'] -, 111.~j!!I~~111 f,.I.,I.!I',I,!,."I~I,,~,1,I,..,',!i,!: l. iii ., (!) DO.. riAl1 I ~ !illillll.lIH~lm coo 00 00 NN >.+-' C .5 m 0 c..a.. E c.. o m o:!E .c~ o i .e 0 fh ... ~~ ~ ::J o en c.. m :!E c o ~ ~ .9 T"" ~ ::J C) u: I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I N .'f:J.f:oLl7 Ill: ~ I J I p 1 ~ ~ J ! lJ I f ~ ::l j; I: .. 1 f q ~ I 8: @ ~ ~ a ]1 Ill: . o t <0...... o 0) 00) NT"" >-0 Co.. [0 EI- o "" {) B .c:: ~ C,) ::::J .ec8 o ~ 0- m ::E b "2 "0 :> N ~ ::::J C) i.i: I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , ~I" ;;-(I\'(f~\j I!~, -l $:;:: 'In\ 1\ 1\111\ l~ii.L!i i !i 17f I . ~I~ )i1cl}jl11!~~rll /I/~II' (1,l=),$:5C1IiI'ivYIYf\j:lf ~lf~I,~I/,f;:J~ i1 iLi Xli ~ Y~-i 11'II,)j: ,( /i X~~ILrfl ~"i ~ 'I / /ri~",/I ~ '"I ~~ i ." /.. "-;. ~ R -';::' I I; ; / ./ll~lt1 ~ 1 /" ~ " . I /~I ;. \, ""I / R ," "'" ;1 . ~ I/jI "-lj~ 5 "" """ "- Ii " II ~I _->")~ a ~ '- "- ' '-, II--} ~ / 'Iii i, /' '" ~ ~ Ii'- ~ I IJ ,I( / Ii / Ii R ~,,-"'" N-- 0 ./ /// /i~' 7' ~ I ~~~I ----- I / 1../, ~ I -.... j / .' i! i = I '. --- if"(,A1/E I I ( i i ~ --- . ~ I~ \, ,I \! ~ U'~ \.=l~ #1 \ I ",' i -Dltlil .,r-< ~ /'~ I .' l' \ ' I.. l"I1I- - \ ~ ./ , . . 1 1.11' 0 / , i i i ! I II J I I , I ~ ,~I J coco 00 00 NN :>'(1) c: UJ as as c..c ,~ ~ ...,0 .c: C. (,) as JB:E UJ ~ .~ c: o ~ c: ::J o (,) c: ~ ~ (I) ..., ~ ::J o en c. as :E ~ 8!. ('I) ~ ::J .2> 11. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 2.0 METHODS Wetlands were delineated in the field based on field methods recommended in the Washinaton State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (WDOE 1997). Wetland rating was accomplished according to the Guidelines of the Washinaton State Wetlands Ratina Svstem (Western Washington) (WDOE 1993, 2004). Methods were essentially those recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Routine On-Site Field Method of Delineation of Wetlands (U.S. ACOE 1989). Guidelines and requirements of the Jefferson County Critical Areas Code were applied as applicable (Unified Development Code, Section 3, Land Use Districts 2001). Wetlands have many distinguishing characteristics. The most notable features are: (1) the presence of water at or near the surface, (2) wetland soils, and (3) vegetation adapted to or tolerant of saturated soils. Wetland delineation techniques require observational evidence of the three parameters of wetland hydrology, hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation. Wetland plants were primarily identified in the field, with subsequent collection and keying when necessary. Plants were identified using the following sources: Cooke 1997 Guard 1995 Pojar and MacKinnon 1994 Hitchcock and Cronquist 1973 Lyons 1997 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 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 1988). Soils were determined through field examination. Soils were dug or augured to depths of up to 18 inches using a wetland shovel, a 24" soil probe and a standard augur. 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 1994). Soil was also examined for presence of mottles, gley, and other indicators of anaerobic soil oxidation. Hydrologic conditions were determined through examination of topographic relief and drainage patterns. Soil moistness was determined by hand as indicated above, and in the event of standing water, depth to standing water was noted. WW968SSWD.RPT/0719061xmk 5 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Initial field surveys were carried out by Dr. G. Bradford Shea and Ms. Xandra Kopp on May 12, 2006., At this time, site characteristics were noted, relevant measurements were taken, and photo documentation was acquired. A follow-up visit occurred on May 17th by Mrs. Kim Loafman and Mr. James McDougall who delineated the wetland and stream edges, noted plants growing on the site, and collected data on soil conditions. A Wetland Determination Letter Report by Westech Company was then sent to the Gardner's prior to their purchasing the Subject Property. After the Gardner's bought the property, Dr. Shea conducted another site visit on June 9th to do a reconnaissance of the outlet to the wetland. This assisted in determining characteristics which would aid in classifying the wetland type. Once the wetland was rated, Dr. Shea, Mrs. Loafman, and Mr. McDougall returned to the Subject Property on June 28, 2006 to mark buffer zones on each of the regulated Critical Areas. Wetlands were determined based on the Routine On-Site Field Method used by Washington Department of Ecology and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Wetlands were determined by a combination of vegetation, soil, and hydrology indicators. Specific transect and quadrat points were sampled along apparen~ wetland edg~. The$eva!iPlJS points were sampled for vegetation, soil, and hydrology in order to determine wetland boundaries. Appendix A contains wetland maps and data forms showing two examples of typical sample plots, one being taken in the delineated wetland and the other from an upland area. Wetland boundaries were marked in the field using pink 'Wetland Delineation" flagging tape tied to trees and shrubs every 15-25 feet. Wetland buffer zones were determined based on field measurements and regulatory requirements, and were marked with orange and black striped flagging tied to vegetation at distances of every 15-25 feet.b VVVV968SSVVD.RPT/071906/xmk 6 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS 3.1 Existing Conditions The Site is located along Hood Canal on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. Elevation is roughly 60 feet above mean sea level (msl). According to the Level 1 Wetland Assessment by Olympic Wetland Resources (2005), "The central portion of the property consists of second growth timber growing on a basalt island with a large wetland on the eastern portion of the parcel." Westech's review of Jefferson County wetland maps confirm Olympic Resources' finding that Critical Areas were incorrectly mapped by the County. This map shows the entire property as being within a much larger wetland and ground-truth studies have revealed that is not the case. There is a gravel access road into the property from the north. A seasonal creek passing under this road flows across the northwest comer of the parcel and drains into the wetland. On the uplandporticmof .the property, which rj~es 3.0 to 40 ,feet above the wetland, several trailers and outbuildings are located (L1ewellin 2005). Exploration of the Subject Property also revealed two small man-made ponds of non-regulatory size in this open meadow area (see Figure 4). Veaetation The Site transitions from a forested wetland on the eastern side of the property to an open meadow on the western portion. The Site vegetation is fairly diverse with over 30 tree, shrub, and herbaceous plant species (see Table 1 for a comprehensive listing of dominant plants found at the Site). The forested wetland has an overstory of western red cedar, western hemlock, and red alder. The shrub layer is fairly dense and consists of red elderberry, salmonberry, red-osier dogwood, and Douglas' spirea. Wetland obligate plants such as skunk cabbage and slough sedge can be found growing in the standing water which is several inches deep in places. The seasonal stream also has red alder, western hemlock, and western red cedar as the dominant species in the overstory. But big leaf maple, grand fir, and willows can also be found growing along the streambanks. Understory vegetation is comprised of salmonberry, both red and evergreen huckleberry, thimbleberry, and three .species of blackberry, including the non-native Himalayan blackberry. Large Douglas firs, western hemlocks, western red cedars and big leaf maples can be found around the proposed home-site. In the open meadow area where there are two ponds of non-regulatory size, the vegetation along the edges of the ponds consists primarily of sedges and rushes. WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 7 ------------------- ~~-- .....................,~~~ :.. . .t~::~:));:;~~~::::;~;:~{~/) f 'ZlL\ ," .'~'::" : ' ~,' .;,:-:"" ~Man-Made{:: "./ ~-' . ~ Ponds Drainage Ditch \. ~ .. .. .. .. .... .. Type 5 stream( iI I -' 7 u I l Type 5 Stream Category III Wetland 50 Foot Buffer Zone Proposed Drainfield " - ~ -"" Meadow Area "----, , , , , \ \ ~ I \ \ I I I I Access Road I J " ~,' A I ,.'& I " / f\ ( / Ir-fi\ \ '" . J " / ' 4 ,,1 I \, \, J' , Category III , 50' 1 I '" 0'" Wetland , 'I' I " ' ......Lt) "......... :J I ".............. I I " .......- ....--" J \ ......~ ------- / I I \ Old Forest Roads ---.,::::::::~,..L-->~-.......<-:. I ./ - - - i I I' " ./ // ............., I I , ....... / // - ....... .......----/ / l I I ..............-___......./ I I I I I I I I I I I I \ , , .......-- .............. ---- - --- #" , .,#' .... .,.. c;- g u Proposed ""-" Drainfield Proposed Home-site Forested Area t N Figure 4. Site Map Westech Company 2006 Source: Westech Company 2006 -- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Soils Soils on the Site are of the Triton-Hoodsport soil association (SCS 1975). These soils are generally slightly to strongly acidic, and are moderately well drained. They can be found on nearly level to very steep slopes. They are usually very gravelly soils underlain by compact glacial till or basalt. The specific soil types mapped at the Site by SCS are: 1). McMurrav and Mukilteo Peat: This mapping unit consists of approximately 50 percent McMurray peat and 50 percent Mukilteo peat. These soils are found in nearly level, shallow basins or depressions. These soils are very poorly drained and permeability is moderate. Roots can penetrate to a depth of more than 60 inches. These soils hold more than 10 inches of water available for plants. Runoff is very slow to ponded, and the hazard of water erosion is slight to nonexistent. A moderate hazard of sloughing or slumping exists along banks of open drainage ditches. A seasonable water table is at a depth of 0..,12 inches. 2) Olete-Hoodsport Complex. 0-30 percent slopes: This mapping unit is made up of about equal proportions of Olete very gravelly silt loam, 0-30 percent slopes, and Hoodsport very gravelly sandy loam, 0-15 percent slopes. The Olete soil is rolling to hilly, and the Hoodsport soil is undulating to gently rolling. The soils of this complex are mainly used for production of trees, and for wildlife habitat and recreation areas. Field observations did not fit well with the mapped types (See Table 2). Topography and drainage results in moist to saturated surface soils in the root zone on the wetland side of the delineated boundary. Hydric soils are present in the wetland as they were predominantly clay and depth to inundation was 3 inches. Wetland soils are dark brown in the first 12 inches below the surface and then become more of a light yellowish brown below 12 inches depth. The topsoil consists of muck with gravel and sand mixed in with woody debris. The soil profile then changes to gravelly sandy clay within the next six inches down. At a depth of 12-18 inches the soil type is of silty sandy clay. Upland soils tend to be dark brown, though lighter in value and chroma than the wetland soils found on-site. These soils are well-drained sandy loams. Neither the upland nor wetland soils are characteristic of, or entirely consistent with, the types mapped by the Soil Conservation Service. These upland soils could be a poorly mixed variant of the Olete-Hoodsport complex. However, in L1ewellin's report she states, "fill may have been brought in to create roadbeds and dry areas" by previous landowners, and perhaps this could account for discrepancies, at least in the upland areas. WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 9 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Hvdrology Hydrology of the Site is influenced by Site topography since the upland portion of the property is higher in elevation than the low-lying depressional wetland. The hydrology of the Site is complex. The previous owner, Mr. Eric Julson, has altered its natural flow. It appears that a well in the open meadow pumps water to feed the two small man-made ponds. Via groundwater and a constructed ditch, the water then flows into the seasonal stream which runs downhill and empties into the wetland. The wetland then flows off-site to a roadside ditch along Highway 101 which experiences periodic blockage from beaver dams or plugging of the 42 inch culvert. The wetland drains east across Highway 101 then north into Hood Canal. 3.2 Description of Wetlands Stream The seasonal stream found on the property is classified as a Type 5 stream. The edge closest to the area for the proposed drainfield and home-site has been flagged with pink "Wetland Delineation" tape tied to vegetation 100 feet upstream and 100 feet downstream of where the gravel access road into the property crosses the stream. Flags are labeled A 1 through A 12. Wetland There is a single wetland on-site which occupies the eastern portion of the property. The edge of this wetland has, been delineated by Westech staff and 200 feet of the side closest to the proposed home-site and drainfield construction area has been flagged with pink "Wetland Delineation" tape. The flagging has been labeled 81 through 89. The total size of this wetland was not indicated on the Jefferson County Online Map Database. Ponds The meadow has two man-made ponds; the larger oval pond is approximately 1,173 square feet and the irregular shaped pond is estimated to be 670 square feet. These ponds would be rated as Category IV wetlands but due to their limited size they are non- regulatory. Jefferson County's Unified Development Code Section 3.6.9 states that Category III and IV wetlands must meet the requirement of a minimum of 10,000 square feet in size in order to be considered regulatory. WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 3.3 Land Uses and Habitat Values The Site is currently an undeveloped property zoned for residential development. The Site contains a forested wetland and a forested upland area with a large open meadow. The area contains a diversity of plant species (Table 1). The two small ponds provide habitat for pond-breeding amphibians such as pacific tree frogs (Hyla regilla) and red-legged frogs (rana aurora) as evidenced by tadpoles (larvae) seen in the ponds. The wetland and upland areas also provide food, cover,. and nesting areas for small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other amphibians. It is likely larger mammals such as coyote and black-tailed deer use the area as well. The snags (standing dead trees) in the wetland are good habitat for cavity nesting birds, such as woodpeckers. B~avers~re ysing the wetl~nd ~s evidencedpythe 7..8fopt ppndcreated by theirdam along the drainage ditch off one end of the wetland. Water outflow from the wetland is impeded part of the time. The County occasionally removes the blockage. Priority habitat and species maps from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have not been consulted in detail yet as they are outside Westech's current Scope of Work. Preliminary maps from the Jefferson County website indicate there are several bald eagle nesting territories in the area of the Subject Property. It would be prudent for the landowners to have this more thoroughly investigated before proceeding with the proposed development. 3.4 Wetland Types and Buffers The seasonally flowing stream which was dry upon Westech's last Site visit in late June has been rated as a Type 5 stream by (Jefferson County 2006). The large wetland on-site was rated by Westech staff according to Washington Department of Ecology Guidelines (Hruby 2004). Wetland ratings are based on: 1) Water Quality Function - Does the wetland have the ability to improve water quality? 2) Hydrologic Function - Does the wetland decrease flooding and/or erosion? 3) Habitat Function - Does the wetland provide habitat for many species? It has been determined that this wetland is a Category III wetland based on the functions provided by the wetland (see Appendix B). The wetland is above the required threshold in size, which is 10,000 square feet, and would therefore be considered a regulatory wetland according to Section 3.6.9 of the Jefferson County Unified Development Code. WW9685SWD.RPT/071906/xmk 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A 50 foot buffer on both the Type 5 stream and the Category III wetland is required for a development of a single-family residence. Orange and black striped flagging denoting the buffer zone around these Critical Areas has been placed in the field at the appropriate distance. Wetlands serve a variety of functions such as they transfer surface water into the ground, thereby recharging groundwater supplies, they trap sediments and pollutants, and provided stormwater detention, as well as provide fish and wildlife habitat. Buffers are also important in that they reduce the adverse impacts of adjacent land uses by stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, filter suspended solids, nutrients and toxic substances, moderate impacts of stormwater runoff, and reduce noise disturbance and light intrusion. Buffer areas can also provide important habitat for wildlife. Because wetlands and their associated buffer zones serve both a function and have value, it is important to avoid impacting these areas during home construction and drainfield placement. WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Conclusions Two Critical Areas were found on the Subject Property at 650 Salmon Street in Brinnon. This included a Type 5 stream and a Category III depressional wetland. The wetland was found to be greater than 10,000 square feet in size and drains into Hood Canal. Buffer zones of 50 feet have been mapped (Figure 4) around these Critical Areas for the proposed residence as per Jefferson County regulations (Jefferson County 2001). Wetland and stream edges, and the associated buffer zones for both have been flagged on the ground only on the sides of the wetland and stream closest to the proposed development. The proposed home-site as described to us and located by the landowner is located entirely outside the buffer area of both the wetland and stream. The home-site is approximat~ly 296 feet from tbe closest edge of the wetland. The proposed drainfield is 149 feet from the wetland and it lies approximately 30 feet outside the buffer zone of the stream. 4.2 Recommendations Westech Company recommends that the property be permitted for a home-site and drainfield as per the provisions of Jefferson County Code, provided the home and associated drainfield are placed entirely outside the buffer zone as currently indicated by the owner. No structures, grading, excavating, filling, draining, or other activities which may adversely affect the stream or wetland may be carried out in these areas or in the buffer zones as per Section 3.6.9 of the Unified Development Code. The home and drainfield should be placed entirely outside the buffer zone. Erosion control measures such as silt fences should be in place prior to construction. Silt fence placement should be based on topography and runoff potential from construction sites to the wetland and stream. Silt fences should be placed along the access driveway to protect the stream and buffer zone. Any grading activities should not take place during the rainy season (after November 1 or before April 1) without all possible erosion control measures in place. Other standard drainage and erosion control measures should be undertaken in accordance with Jefferson County regulations (Jefferson County 2001). Such measures could include placement of straw bales or similar control devices at the downhill edge of construction areas and spreading straw or jute netting (or similar measures) over exposed soil areas. WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 13 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5.0 REFERENCES Cooke, S.S. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washinaton and Northwestern Oreaon. Seattle Audubon Society. Seattle, Washington. Guard, J. 1995. Wetland Plants of Washington and Oreaon. Lone Pine Publishing. Renton, Washington. Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Seattle, Washington. Hruby, T. 2004. Washinaton State Wetland Ratina Svstem for Western Washinaton. Revised. Washington State Department of Ecology Publication #04-06-025. Jefferson County. 2001. Jefferson County Unified Development Code. Section 3, Land Use Di~tricts, SUbf:)eqtjcm 3.6 - Wethilnds. Department of Community Development. Port Townsend, Washington. Jefferson County. 2006. Online Map Database. Access during June, 2006. http://www.co.jefferson.wa.uslidms/mapserver.shtml. L1ewellin, Dixie. 2005. Level 1 Wetland Assessment. Olympic Wetland Resources, Inc. Report File Number 2006-0411. Lyons, C.P. 1997. Wildflowers of Washinaton. Lone Pine Publishing. Renton, Washington. Munsell Color. 1994. Munsell Soil Color Charts. GretagMacbeth. New Windsor, New York. Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 1994. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone Pine Publishing Company. Redmond, Washington. Taylor, R. 1995. Northwest Weeds. Mountain Press Publishing Company. Missoula Montana. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). 1989. Federal Manual for Identifyina and Delineatina Jurisdictional Wetlands. U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1988. National List of Species that Occur in Wetlands: Region 9 (and Supplement). Biological Report 88(26.9). Portland, Oregon. WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 1953. Quadrangle Map of Brinnon, Washington. 1 :24,000 Scale. Published 1953, Photorevised 1985. Boulder, Colorado. U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1975. Soil Survey of Jefferson County Area, Washington. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington, D.C. Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). 1993. Washinaton State Wetlands Ratina System: Western Washinaton. Second Edition. Publication # 93-74. Olympia, Washington. Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). 1997. Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual. Publication #96-94. Olympia, Washington. WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 15 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE 1. LIST OF PLANT SPECIES ON THE SITE Common Name Scientific Name Indicator * Wetland Western red cedar Thuja p/icata FAC Red alder Alnus rubra FAC Skunk cabbage Lysichiton americanum OBL Slough sedge Carex obnupta OBL Baltic rush Juncus balticus FACW+ Red-osier dogwood Comus st%nifera FACW Douglas'spirea Spirea doug/asii FACW Soft rush Juncus effusus FACW Hooker's willow Sa/ix hookeriana FACW- Meadow barley Hordeum brachyantherum FACW- Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis FAC+ Stinging nettle Urtica dioica FAC+ Velvet grass Ho/cus /anatus FAC Common horsetail Equisetum aNense FAC Upland Grand fir Abies grandis UPL Bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum FACU Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla FACU- Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii FACU Indian plum Oem/eria cerasiformis FACU Trailing blackberry Rubus ursinus FACU Himalayan blackberry Rubus disc%r FACU White clover Trifolium repens FACU Evergreen huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum FACU+ Thimbleberry Rubus paNiflorus FACU Evergreen blackberry Rubus /aciniatus FACU+ Red elderberry Sambucus racemosa FACU Salal Gaultheria shallon FACU Dandelion Taraxacum officina/e FACU Sword fern Po/ystichum munitum FACU Bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum FACU *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). VVVV968SSVVD.RPT/071906hank 17 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TABLE 2. SITE SOILS LocationlDeeth Tvee Color Value/Chroma Plot # VHS-1 (Wetland) 0-6" Muck with gravel and sand & woody debris 6-12" Clay with gravel and sand 12-18" Silty sandy clay Dark brown 2/2 (10YR) Dark brown 212 (10YR) Light yellowish brown 3/4 (10YR) Plot # VHS-2 (Upland) 0-6" Sandy loam 6-12" Sandy loam 12 -18" Sandy loam Dark brown Dark brown Dark brown 3/3 (10YR) 3/3 (10YR) 3/3 (10YR) *Value/Chroma readings are from comparison of field samples with Munsell Soil Color Charts WW968SSWD.RPT/071906/xmk 18 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A SITE PHOTOGRAPHS WW968SSWD.APPA/071906/xmk A-1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1) Property entrance: Stream to right and wetland downhill to the left. 2) Southern property boundary and southern portion of home-site. WW968SSWD.APPA/071906/xmk A-2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 3) Proposed drainfield area. 4) Man-made pond in meadow area. WW968SSWD.APPA/071906/xmk A-3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX B WETLAND MAP AND DATA FORMS WW968SSWD.APPB/071906/xmk B-1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I \ ---- &' J: j I I .t l- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DATA FORM 1 Routine Wetland Determination 0I'JA State Wetland Delineation Manual or 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual) Project/Site: Salmon Street -- Brinnon Date: May 17, 2006 ~pplicant/owner: Anna and David Gardner County: Jefferson State: Washington Investigator(s): Dr. G Bradford Shea, Mr. James McDougall S/TJR: 21/25N/2W Mrs. Kim Loafman Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? . no Community 10: Wetland Is the site significantly disturbed (atypical situation)? yes Ii Transect 10: Is the area a potential Problem Area? ~'!ij Plot 10: VSH-1 yes VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator Skunk cabbage H-15% OBL Slough sedge H-15% OBL (Lvsichiton americanum) Carex obnupta) Red alder C-35% FAC Common horsetail H-5% FAC A/nus rubra) Equisetum aNense) Salmonberry " Btackehfem S-20% FAC+ H-5% FACU Rubus spectabilis) Pteridium aquilinum) Indian plum S-5% FACU Oem/eria cerasiformis) HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION INDICATORS: YO of dominants OBl, FACW, & FAC: 90% Check all indicators that apply & explain below: Regional knowledge of plant communities _X_ Wetland plant list (Nafl or regional) _X_ OTHER_ Physiological or reproductive adaptations Morphological adaptations "'echnical Literature _X_ Wetland Plant Data Base Hydrophytic vegetation present? . no Rationale for declsionlRemarks: 90% of plants found are those kinds typically found in wetlands. HYDROLOGY s It the growing season? .. no Water Marks: yes Ii Sediment Deposits: yes II Based on: time of year Drift Lines: yes Drainage Patterns: yes ~ Oxidized Root (live roots) Local Soil Survey: III no Channels < 12 in. yes E Depth of inundation: inches " '" , Depth to free water in pit: _3_ inches Water-stained Depth to saturated soil: inches F AC Neutral: yes II yes. Leaves: Check all that apply & explain below: Other: Stream, Lake or gage data: _ Aerial photoQraphs: Other: Wetland Hydrology present? III - ,;, . ~. . . no Rationale for decision/Remarks: Soil does not drain well enough to be considered upland soils. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ap Unit Name: Triton-Hoodsport Association Drainage Class: D axonomy (Subgroup): McMurray and Mukilteo Peat, and Olete-Hoodsport Complex Field obs~rvations confirm mapped type? yes II Profile Description Matrix color Drawing of soil Depth Horizon (Munsell Mottle colors Mottle abundance Texture, concretions, profile (inches) moist) (Munsell moist) size & contrast structure, etc. (match description) 0-6 A Dark brown I I Muck ~2 (10YR) 0-6" with gravel "" and sand Dark brown ~ & woody 6-12 B ~2(10YR) debris Light I 6-12" I Clay with 12+ ~ellowish .......... ~ gravel C brown and sand 3/4 (10YR) Silty 112-18" I sandy ....... clay ~ lHydric Soil Indicators: (check all that apply) Histosol Concretions Histic Epipedon High Organic Content in Surface Layer of Sandy Soils Sulfidic Odor Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils Aquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soils List Reducing Conditions Listed on National Hydric Soils List Gleved or Low-Chroma Colors Other (explain in remarks) Hydric soils present? &I no Rationale for decision/Remarks: Soils have a good deal of clay and depth to inundation is 3 inches, all of which is indicative of hydric soils. Wetland Determination (circle) Hydrophytic vegetation present? I no Hydric soils present? no Is the sampling point . no Wetland hydrology present? no within a wetland? Rationale/Remarks: Based on vegetation, soils, and hydrology, this plot was located within a wetland. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DATA FORM 1 Routine Wetland Determination (yVA State Wetland Delineation Manual or 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual) Project/Site: Salmon Street -- Brinnon Applicant/owner: Anna and David Gardner Date: May 17, 2006 County: Jefferson State: Washington Investigator(s): Dr. G Bradford Shea, Mr. James McDougall SIT/R: 21/25N/2W Mrs. Kim Loafman Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? III no Community 10: Upland Is the site significantly disturbed (atypical situation)? yes I Transect 10: Is the area a potential Problem Area? yes t"ir"~ Plot 10: VSH-2 VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator Sword fern H-5% FACU Western hemlock C-10% FACU- Polystichum munitum) Tsuga heterophylla) Red alder C-5% FAC Western red cedar C-5% FAC (Alnus rubra) Thuja plicata) Bigleaf maple C-70% FACU Bracken fern S-5% FACU , Acer macrophyl/um) pteridium aquilinum) HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION INDICATORS: YO of dominants OBl, FACW, &FAC: 10% ~heck all indicators that apply & explain below: Regional knowledge of plant communities _X_ Wetland plant list (Nafl or regional) _X_ OTHER_ Physiological or reproductive adaptations Morphological adaptations Irechnical Literature _X_ Wetland Plant Data Base Hydrophytlc vegetation present? yes II Rationale for declslonlRemarks: Only 10% of plants found are those kinds typically found in wetlands. HYDROLOGY s It the growing season? III no Water Marks: yes II Sediment Deposits: yes fI " Based on: time of year Drift Lines: yes Drainaae Patterns: ves t= Oxidized Root (live roots) II Local Soil Survey: .no Depth of inundation: inches Channels < 12 in. yes Depth to free water in pit: inches Water-stained Depth to saturated soil: inches FAC Neutral: yes (I yes II Leaves: Check all that apply & explain below: Stream, Lake or gage data: _ Other. Aerial chotoaraohs: Other. Wetland Hydrology present? yes II Rationale for decision/Remarks: No evidence of surface hydrology within plot I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ap Unit Name: Triton-Hoodsport Association axonomy (Subgroup): McMurray and Mukilteo Peat, and Olete-Hoodsport Complex Drainage Class: C Field observations confirm mapped type? yes II Profile Description Matrix color Drawing of soil Depth Horizon (Munsell Mottle colors Mottle abundance Texture, concretions, profile (inches) moist) (Munsell moist) size & contrast structure, etc. (match description) 0-6 A Dark brown Sandy ~/3 (10YR) I 0-6" I Loam Dark brown "" ~ 6-12 B ~/3(10YR) Dark brown I 6-12" I Sandy 12+ C ~/3 (10YR) ......... ~ Loam I 12-18" Sandy ....... Loam ~ Hydric Soil Indicators: (check all that apply) Histosol Concretions Histic Epipedon High Organic Content in Surface Layer of Sandy Soils Sulfidic Odor Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils Aquic Moisture Regime Listed on Local Hydric Soils List Reducing Conditions Listed on National Hydric Soils List Gleved or Low-Chroma Colors Other (explain in remarks) Hydric soils present? yes II Rationale for decision/Remarks: Well-ciraining loam is not indicative of hydric soil. Wetland Determination (circle) Hydrophytic vegetation present? yes I II Hydric soils present? yes Is the sampling point yes Wetland hydrology present? yes within a wetland? Rationale/Remarks: Based on vegetation, soils, and hydrology, this plot was not located within a wetland. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I WETLAND RATING FORM - WESTERN WASHINGTON Name of wetland (if known): wetland at 650 Salmon Street. Brinnon. WA Location: SEC: 21 RANGE: 2W (attach map with outline of wetland to rating form) TOWNSHIP:25N Person(s) Rating Wetland: Dr. G.B. Shea Affiliation: Westech Company Date of site visit: 06/09/2006 SUMMARY OF RATING Category based on FUNCTIONS provided by wetland I II mx IV - Category I = Score> 70 Score for Water Quality Functions 13 Category II = Score 51 - 69 Score for Hydrologic Functions 8 Category III = Score 30 - 50 Score for Habitat Functions 20 Category IV = Score < 30 TOTAL Score for Functions 41 Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERlSTCS of Wetland I II - Does not apply X GJ Final Category (choose the "highest" category from above") Check the appropriate type and class of wetland being rated. Estuarine Natural Herita e Wetland Do Mature Forest Old Growth Forest Coastal La oon Interdunal None of the above Deressional Riverine Lake-frin e Slo e Flats Freshwater Tidal X Does the wetland being rated meet any of the criteria below? If you answer YES to any of the questions below you will need to protect the wetland according to the re ations re ardin the s ecial characteristics found in the wetland. SPl. Has the wetland been documented as a habitat for any Federally listed Threatened or Endangered plant or animal species (TIE species)? For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the appropriate state or federal database. SP2. Has the wetland been documented as habitat for any State listed Threatened or Endangered plant or animal species? For the purposes of this rating system, "documented" means the wetland is on the a ro riate state database. SP3. Does the wetland contain individuals 0 Priori s ecies listed b the WDFW or the state? SP4. Does the wetland have a local significance in addition to its functions? For example, the wetland has been identified in the Shoreline Master Program, the Critical Areas Ordinance, or in a local mana ement Ian as havin s ecial si ificance. To complete the next part oithe data sheet you will need to determine the Hydrogeomorphic Class of the wetland being rated. The hydrogeomorphic classification groups wetlands in to those that function in similar ways. This simplifies the questions needed to answer how well the wetland functions. The Hydrogeomorphic Class of a wetland can be determined using the key below. See p. 24 for more detailed instructions on classifying wetlands. Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 1 of 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Classification of Vegetated Wetlands for Western Washington Wetland Name: wetland at 650 Salmon Street. Brinnon. W A Date: 06/09/2006 1. Are the water levels in the wetland usually controlled by tides (i.e. except during floods)? 11- go to 2 YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe If yes, is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is a Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is rated as an Estuarine wetland. Wetlands that were call estuarine in the first and second editions of the rating system are called Salt Water Tidal Fringe in the Hydrogeomorphic Classification. Estuarine wetlands were categorized separately in the earlier editions, and this separation is being kept in this revision. To maintain consistency between editions, the term "Estuarine" wetland is kept. Please note, however, that the characteristics that define Category I and II estuarine wetlands have changed (see p.---.J. 2. Is the topography within the wetland flat and precipitation is only source (>90%) of water to it. II - go to 3 YES - The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a "Flats" wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. Does the wetland meet both of the following criteria? The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of open water (without any vegetation on the surface) where at least 20,acres (8ha) are permanently inundated (ponded or flooded); At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 (2 m)? 11- go to 4 YES - The wetland class is Lake-fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria? The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual). The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks. The water leaves the wetland without being impounded? NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these types of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than I foot deep). II - go to 5 YES - The wetland class is Slope S. Is the wetland in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river? The flooding should occur at least once every two years, on the average, to answer "yes". The wetland can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding. II - go to 6 YES - The wetland class is Riverine 6. Is the wetland in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time of the year. This means that any outlet, ifpresent is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO - go to 7 YES - The wetland class is Depressional 7. Is the wetland located in a very flat area with no obvious depressional and no stream or river running through it and providing water. The wetland seems to be maintained by high groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural outlet. No - go to 8 YES - The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland seems to be difficult to classify. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. Sometimes we find characteristics of several different hydrogeomorphic classes within one wetland boundary. Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within your wetland. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland being rated. If the area of the second class is less than 10% classify the wetland using the first class. WetIand Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 2 of 11 I Does the wetland have the Dotential to improve water quality? (see p.38) D 1.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland: . Wetland is a depression with no surface water outlet ............................................................points = 3 . Wetland has an intermittently flowing, or highly constricted, outlet......................................points = 2 . Wetland has an unconstricted,surface outlet .........................................................................points = 1 . Wetland is flat and has no obvious outlet and/or outlet is a ditch .......................................... oints = 1 D 1.2 The soi12 inches below the surface is clay, organic, or smells anoxic (hydrogen sulfide or rotten eggs). YES oints = 4 NO oints = 0 D 1.3 Characteristics of persistent vegetation (emergent, shrub, and/or forest class): · Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation> = 95% of area...............................................points = 5 · Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation> = Yz of area ...................................................points = 3 . Wetland has persistent, ungrazed vegetation> = 1/10 of area ...............................................points = 1 . Wetland has ersistent un ed ve etation < 1/10 of area .................................................. oints = 0 D 1.4 Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area of the wetland that is ponded/or at least 2 months, but dries out sometime during the year. Do not count the area that is permanently ponded Estimate area as the average condition 5 out of 1 0 years. NOTE: See text Jor indicators of seasonal and permanent inundation, . Area seasonally ponded is > 1/2 total area ofwetland...........................................................points = 4 . Area seasonally ponded is> 1/4 total area ofwetland...........................................................points = 2 . Area seasonall onded is < 1/4 total area of wetland........................................................... oints = 0 Total for D 1 Add the oints in the boxes above D 2 Does the wetland have the oUDortunitv to improve water quality? (see p. 44) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants, _' Grazing in the wetland or within 150ft _ Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland = A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas, farmed fields, roads, or clear-cut logging _ Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland _ Wetland is fed by groundwater high in phosphorus or nitrogen Other I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I D4 I I I Does the wetland have the Dotential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.46) D 3.1 Characteristics of surface water flows out of the wetland: . Wetland has no surface water outlet .....................................................................................points = 4 . Wetland has an intermittently flowing, or highly constricted, outlet......................................points = 2 . Wetland is flat and has no obvious outlet and/or outlet is a small ditch.................................points = 1 . Wetland has an unconstricted surface outlet ......................................................................... oints = 0 D 3.2 Depth of storage during wet periods. Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. . Marks of ponding are 3 ft. or more above the surface ...........................................................points = 7 . The wetland is a "headwater wetland" ..................................................................................points = 5 . Marks of ponding between 2 ft. to < 3 ft. from surface .........................................................points = 5 . Marks are at least 0.5 ft. to < 2 ft. from surface ....................................................................points = 3 . Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water ................................points = 1 . Marks of ondin less than 0.5 ft.......................................................................................... oints = 0 D 3.3 Contribution of wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland itself. . The area of the basin is less than 10 times the are ofwetland................................................points = 5 . The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the wetland............................................points = 3 . The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the wetland ....................................points = 0 . Wetland is in the FLATS class basin = the wetland b definition ...................................... oints = 5 Total for D 3 Add the oints in the boxes above Does the wetland have the oDDortunitv to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 49) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage, or reduction in water velocity, it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Answer NO if the water coming into the wetland is controlled by a structure such as flood gate, tide gate, flap valve, reservoir etc. OR you estimate that more than 90% of the water in the wetland is from groundwater. Note which of the following indicators of opportunity apply. _ Wetland is in a headwater of a river or stream that has flooding problems. _ Wetland drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems _ Wetland has no outlet and impounds surface runoff water that might otherwise flow into a river or stream that has flooding problems Other . D4; then add score to table on . 1 Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) 2 4 5 2 13 Multiplier 1 2 3 3 8 Multiplier 1 8 Page 3 of 11 I I I I I I I I Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.52) R 1.1 Area of surface depressions within the riverine wetland that can trap sediments during a flooding event: . Depressions cover> % area of wetland................................................................................. points = 8 . Depressions cover> Yz area ofwetland.................................................................................points = 4 . Depressions present but cover < Yz area ofwetland...............................................................points = 2 . . No de ressions resent......................................................................................................... oints = 0 R 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: . Forest orshrub > 2/3 area of the wetland..............................................................................points = 8 . Forest or shrub> 1/3 area of the wetland..............................................................................points = 6 . Ungrazed. emergent plants> 2/3 area ofwetland..................................................................points = 6 . Ungrazed emergent plants> 1/3 area of wetland...................................................................points = 3 . Forest shrub and un azed emer ent < 1/3 area of wetland ................................................. oints = 0 Add the oints in the boxes above R 2 Does the wetland have the opportunity to improve water quality? (see p. 53) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams. lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the/allowing conditions provide the sources of pollutants. _ Grazing in the wetland or withm 150 ft _ Untreated st'ormwater dischar~es to wetland _ Tilled fields or orchards withm 150 ft. of wetland _ A stream or culvert discharges into wetland that drains developed areas, residential areas. farmed fields. roads. or clear-cut logging _ Residential. urban areas. golf courses are within 150 ft. of wetland _ The river or stream linked to the wetland has a contributing basin where human activities have Multiplier raised levels of sediment. toxic compounds or nutrients in the river water above standards for water. quality. _ Other . TOTAL - Water I Comments: I I I I I I I I I I R 3 Does the wetland have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.54) R 3.1 Characteristics of the overbank storage the wetland provides: Estimate the average width of the wetland perpendicular to the direction of the flow and the width of the stream or river channel (distance between banks). Calculate the ratio: (width of wetland) / (width of stream). . If the ratio is more than 20 ...................................................................................................points = 9 . If the ratio is between 10 - 20 ...............................................................................................points = 6 . If the ratio is 5- <1 0 .............................................................................................................points = 4 . If the ratio is 1- <5 ...............................................................................................................points = 2 . If the ratio is < 1 .................................................................................................................. oints = 1 R 3.2 Characteristics of vegetation that slow down water velocities during floods: Treat large woody debris as "forest or shrub ", Choose the points appropriate for the best description, . . Forest or shrub for> 1/3 area OR emergent plants> 2/3 area ...............................................po~ts = 7 . Forest or shrub for> 1/10 area OR emergent plants> 1/3 area..............................................pomts = 4 . Ve etation does not meet above criteria ............................................................................... oints = 0 Add the oints in the boxes above R 4 Does the wetland have the opportunity to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p.57) Answer YES if the wetland is in a location in the watershed where the flood storage. or reduction in water velocity. it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows. Note which of the following conditions apply. _ There are human structures and activities downstream (roads. buildings. bridges. farms) that can be damaged by flooding. _ There are natural resources downstream (e.g. salmon redds) that can be damaged by flooding _ Other Multiplier (Answer NO if the major source of water to the wetland is controlled by a reservoir or the wetland is tidal fringe along the sides of a dike) YES multi lier is 2 . 'c Functions Multi I R4; then add score to table on .1 Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 4 of 11 I Does the wetland have the Dotential to improve water quality? (see p.59) L 1.1 Average width of vegetation along the lakeshore: . Vegetation is more than 33 ft. (10m) wide............................................................................points = 6 . Vegetation is more than 16 ft.(5m) wide and < 33 ft.............................................................points = 3 . Vegetation is more than 6 ft. (2m) wide and < 16 ft..............................................................points = 1 . Ve etation is less than 6 ft. wide .......................................................................................... oints = 0 L 1.2 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland: Choose the appropriate description that results in the highest points, and do not include any open water in your estimate of coverage. In this case the herbaceous plants can be either the dominant form (called emergent class) or as an understory in a shrub or forest community, . Herbaceous plants cover> 90% of the vegetated area...........................................................points = 6 . Herbaceous plants cover> 2/3 of the vegetated area .............................................................points = 4 . Herbaceous plants cover> 1/3 of the ve~etated area.............................................................points = 3 . Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed In > 2/3 vegetated area............................................points = 3 . Other vegetation that is not aquatic bed in > 1/3 vegetated area............................................points = 1 . A uatic bed cover> 2/3 of the ve etated area....................................................................... oints = 0 Add the oints in the boxes above L 2 Does the wetland have the oDPortunitv to improve water quality? (see p.62) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in the lake water, or surface water flowing through the wetland to the lake is polluted. Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. _ Wetland is along the shores of a lake or reservoir that does not meet water quality standards _ Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft _ Polluted water discharges to wetland along upland edge Tilled fields or orchards within 150 ft. of wetland - Residential or urban areas are within 150 ft. of wetland = Parks ,with grassy areas that are maintained, ballfields, golf courses (all within 150 ft. oflake Multiplier shore) _ Power boats with gasoline or diesel engines use the lake _ Other YES multi lier is 2 NO multi lier is 1 . TOTAL - Water Quali Functions Multi I the score from Ll b L2; then add score to table on .1 Comments: I I I I I I I I I I Does the wetland have the Dotential to reduce shoreline erosion? (see p.63) L 3.1 Average width and characteristics of vegetation along the lakeshore (do not include aquatic bed): (choose the highest scoring description that matches conditions in the wetland) . 3/4 of fringe vegetation is shrubs or trees at least 33 ft. (10m) wide......................................points = 6 . 3/4 of fringe vegetation is shrubs or trees at least 6 ft. (2m) wide. ........................................points = 4 . 1/4 of fringe vegetation is shrubs or trees at least 33 ft. (10m) wide......................................points = 4 . Fringe vegetation is at least 6 ft. (2m) wide ..........................................................................points = 2 . Frin e ve etation is less than 6 ft. 2m wide........................................................................ oints = 0 Record the oints in the boxes above I I I L 4 Does the wetland have the oDDortunitv to reduce erosion? (see p, 64) Are there features along the shore that will be impacted if the shoreline erodes? Note which of the following conditions apply. _ There are human structures and activities along the upland edge of the wetland (buildings, fields) that can be damaged by erosion. _ There are undisturbed natural resources along the upland edge of the wetland (e.g. mature forests, other wetlands) that can be damaged by shoreline erosion. Other Multiplier I I . L4; then add score to table on . 1 Comments: I I I Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 5 of 11 I Does the wetland have the potential to improve water quality? (see p.65) 8 1.1 Characteristics of average slope of wetland: . Slope is 1% or less (a 1% slope has a 1 ft. vertical drop in elevationfor every 100ft. horizontal distance) .............................................................................................................................. points = 3 . Slope is 1 % - 2%..................................................................................................................points = 2 . Slope is 2% - 5%. .................................................................................................................points = 1 . Slo e is eater than 5%....................................................................................................... oints = 0 8 1.2 The soil 2 inches below the surface is clay, organic, or smells anoxic (hydrogen sulfide or rotten eggs). YES = 3 oints NO = 0 oints 8 1.3 Characteristics of the vegetation in the wetland that trap sediments and pollutants: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits the vegetation in the wetland. Dense vegetation means you have trouble seeing the soil surface. . Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation> 90% of the wetland area......................................points = 6 . Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation> Y2 of area ............................................................points = 3 . Dense, woody, vegetation> Y2 of area. .................................................................................points = 2 . Dense, ungrazed, herbaceous vegetation> Y-i of area ............................................................points = 1 . Does not meet an of the criteria above for ve etation.......................................................... oints = 0 Total for S 1 Add the oints in the boxes above S 2 Does the wetland have the oDDortnnitv to improve water quality? (see p. 68) Answer YES if you know or believe there are pollutants in groundwater or surface water coming into the wetland that would otherwise reduce water quality in streams, lakes or groundwater downgradient from the wetland? Note which of the following conditions provide the sources of pollutants. _ Grazing in the wetland or within 150 ft _ Untreated stormwater discharges to wetland _ TiIledfields,Iogging,ororchards witlrin 150 ft. of wetland _ Residential, urban areas, golf courses are within 150 ft. upslope of wetland Other Multiplier I I I I I I I I . TOTAL - Water Comments: .1 I I Does the wetland have the Dotential to reduce flooding and stream erosion? (see p.69) S 3.1 Characteristics of vegetation that reduce the velocity of surface flows during storms: Choose the points appropriate for the description that best fits conditions in the wetland, . Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation covers> 90% of the area of the wetland: Stems of plants should be thick enough (usually> 1/8 in.) or dense enough to remain erect during surface flows..........points = 6 . Dense, uncut, rigid vegetation> 1/2 area of wetland .............................................................points = 3 . Dense, uncut, rigid ve~etation > 1/4 area. ............................................................................points = 1 . More than 1/4 of area IS azed mowed tilled or ve etation is not ri . d.............................. oints = 0 83.2 Characteristics of slope wetland that holds back small amounts offlood flows. The slope has small surface de~ressions that can retain water over at least 10% of its area. YES = 2 omts NO = 0 oints Add the oints in the boxes above S 4 Does the wetland have the oDDortnnitv to reduce flooding and erosion? (see p. 71) Is the wetland in a landscape position where the reduction in water velocity it provides helps protect downstream property and aquatic resources from flooding or excessive and/or erosive flows? Note which of the follOWing conditions apply. _ Wetland has surface runoff that drains to a river or stream that has flooding problems Multiplier Other (Answer NO if the major source of water is controlled by a reservoir (e.g. wetland is a seep that is on the downstream side of a dam) YES multi lier is 2 NO multi lier is 1 . TOTAL - H drolo ic Functions Multi I the score from S3 b 84' then add score to table on .1 Comments: I I I I I I I I Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 6 of11 I Does the wetland have the Dotential to provide habitat for many species? H 1.1 Vegetation structure (see P. 73): Check the types of vegetation classes present (as defined by Cowardin) if the class covers more than 10% afthe area of the wetland or 1/4 acre. ~ Aquatic Bed ~ Emergent plants _ Scrub/shnib (areas where shrubs have> 30% cover) ~ Forested (areas where trees have> 30% cover) _ Forested areas have 3 out of5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) Add the number of vegetation types that qualify. If you have: 4 types or more ... points = 4 3 types.. points = 2 2' es ................ 'oints = lie.... oints = 0 H 1.2 Hvdroperiods (see p. 74): Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or 1/4 acre to count (see textfor descriptions of hydro periods). ~ Permanently flooded or inundated ~ Seasonally flooded or inundated 4 or more types present ..... points = 3 _ Occasionally flooded or inundated 3 types present .................. po!nts = 2 _ Saturated only . 2 types present .................. pomts = 1 ~ Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland _ Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland _ Lake-fringe wetland .................= 2 points _ Freshwater tidal wetland..........= 2 points H 1.3 Richness of Plant Species (see p. 76): Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 fe (different patches of the same speqif!s can be combined to meetthe size threshold) You do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian Milfoil, reed canary grass. purple loosestrife, Canadian Thistle, If you counted: > 19 species .......................points = 2 5 - 19 species ....................points = 1 List species below (optional): < 5 species.........................points = 0 2 I I I I I I 2 I 1 I I H 1.4 Interspersion of Habitats (see p. 77): Decided from the diagrams below whether interspersion between types of vegetation (described in H1.1), or vegetation types and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, medium, low, or none. I I None={)poin'!'s Lpw = 1 ~ M~=2points I 1 I I H 1.5 ~ High = 3 points Note: If you have 4 or more vegetation types or 3 vegetation types and open water, the rating is always "hi h". Special Habitat Features (see p. 78): Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points you put into the next column. ~ Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft. long) _ Standing snags (diameter at the bottom> 4 inches) in the wetland _ Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft. (2m) and/or overhanging vegetation extends at least 3.3 ft. (1m) over a stream for at least 33 ft. (10m) K- Stable steep banks of fme material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present ~ At least 1/4 acre of thin-stemmed persistent vegetation or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-Iaymg by amphibians) ~ Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in each stratum of plants H 1 TOTAL Score - otential for rovidin habitat Add the oints in the column above / ,~braided.~ls) I I I 4 10 I Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 7 of11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I H 2 Does the wetland have the oDDortunitv to provide habitat for many species? H 2.1 Buffers (see P. 81): Choose the description that best represents condition of buffer of wetland. The highest scoring criterion that applies to the wetland is to be used in the rating. See text for definition of "undisturbed". _ 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% of circumference. No developed areas within undisturbed part of buffer (relatively undisturbed also means no grazing).......................................................... points = 5 x....- 100m (330 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 50% circumference .................................................................................................... points = 4 _ 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 95% circumference ... ................. ....................... .............. ...... .................. ................... points = 4 _ 100m (330 ft) ofrelatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water > 25% circumference ............. ..... ....... ........ .......... ....... ........ ..... ..... ................................ points = 3 _ 50m (170 ft) of relatively undisturbed vegetated areas, rocky areas, or open water for> 50% circumference ............................................................................................... points = 3 If buffer does not meet any of the three criteria above: _ No paved areas (except paved trails) or buildings within 25m (80 ft) of wetland > 95% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK................................... points = 2 _ No paved areas of buildings within 50m of wetland for> 50% circumference. Light to moderate grazing or lawns are OK ................................................................... points = 2 _ Heavy grazing in buffer ................................................................................................. points ,= 1 _ Vegetated buffers are < 2m wide (6.6 ft) for more than 95% circumference (e.g. tilled fields, paving, basalt bedrock extend to edge of wetland) ............................. points = 0 _ Buffer does not meet any of the criteria above ............................................................... points = 1 H 2.2 Corridors and Connections (see p. 82) H 2.2.1 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 150 ft. wide, has at least a 30% cover of shrubs, forest or native undisturbed prairie, that connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 250 acres in size? (Dams in riparian corridors, heavily used gravel roads, paved roads, are considered breaks in the corridor). YES = 4 points (go to H 2.3) II = go to H 2.2.2 H. 2.2.2 Is the wetland part of a relatively undisturbed and unbroken vegetated corridor (either riparian or upland) that is at least 50 ft. wide, has at least 30% cover of shrubs or forest, and connects to estuaries, other wetlands or undisturbed uplands that are at least 25 acres in size? OR a lake- fringe wetland, if it does not have an undisturbed corridor as in the question above? i..'. (go to H 2.3) NO = go to H 2.2.3 H. 2.2.3 Is the wetland: . Within 5 mi (8km) of a brackish or salt water estuary OR . Within 3 miles of a large field or pasture (> 40 acres) OR YES = 1 point . Within 1 mile of a lake greater than 20 acres? II = 0 points 4 2 Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 8 oft 1 I H 2.3 Near or adjacent to other priority habitats listed by WDFW (see p. 83): Which of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft. (100m) of the wetland? (See text for a more detailed description o/these priority habitats.) _ Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other. _ Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 0.8 ha (2 acres) _ Cliffs: Greater than 7.6m (25 ft) high and occurring below 5000 ft. _ Old-growth forests: (Old growth west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings, with at least 20 trees/ha (8 trees/acre) > 81em (32 in) dbh or> 200 years of age. _ Mature forests: Stands with average diameters exceeding 53cm (21 in) dbh; crown cover may be less than 100%; decay. decadence, numbers of snags. and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80 - 200 years old west of the Cascade Crest. _ Prairies: Relatively undisturbed areas (as indicated by dominance of native plants) where greases and/or forbs form the natural climax plant community. ~ Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.15 - 2.Om (0.5 - 6.5 ft). composed of basalt, andesite. and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. _ Caves: A naturally occurring cavity. recess. void. or system of interconnected passages. _ Oregon white Oak: Woodlands stands of pure oak: or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak: component of the stand is 25%. _ Urban Natural Open Space: A priority species resides within or is adjacent to the open space and uses it for breeding and/or regular feeding; and/or the open space functions as a corridor connecting other priority habitats. especially those that would otherwise be isolated; and/or the open space is an isolated reIIina:Ilt offiatutal habitat larger than 4 ha. (10 acres) a:Ild is surrounded by urban development. _ EstuarylEstuary-like: Deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands. usually semi-enclosed by land but with open, partly obstructed or sporadic access to the open ocean. and in which ocean water is at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land. The salinity may be periodically increased above that of the open ocean by evaporation. Along some low-energy coastlines there is appreciable dilution of sea water. Estuarine habitat extends upstream and landward to where ocean-derived salts measure less than 0.5 ppt. during the period of average annual low flow. Includes both estuaries and lagoons. _ MarinelEstuarine Shorelines: Shorelines include the intertidal and subtidal zones of beaches, and may also include the backshore and adjacent components of the terrestrial landscape (e.g., cliffs. snags. mature trees. dunes. meadows) that are important to shoreline associated fish and wildlife and that contribute to shoreline function (e.g., sand/rock/log recruitment, nutrient contribution, erosion control). If wetland has 3 or more priority habitats.= 4 points _~1I~~1_ If wetland has 2 nrioritv habitats ..............= 3 points No habitats ...............................= 0 'POints H 2.4 Wetland Landscape: Choose the one description o/the landscape around the wetland that bestftts (see p. 85) · There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, and the connections between them are relatively undisturbed (light grazing between wetlands OK. as is lake shore with some boating. but connections should NOT be bisected by paved roads. fill, fields, or other development ................. .., ........ ........ ............ ..... ............... .................... ............... ................ points = 5 · The wetland is Lake-fringe on a lake with little disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile ..................................................................................................... points = 5 · There are at least 3 other wetlands within 1/2 mile, BUT the connections between them are disturbed. ........................................ .................................................................................... points = 3 · The wetland fringe on a lake with disturbance and there are 3 other lake-fringe wetlands within 1/2 mile.............. ................ .................... ............... .................... .......... ..... ................ points = 3 · There is at least 1 wetland within 1/2 mile........................................................................... points = 2 . There are no wetlands within 1/2 mile ................................................................................. points = 0 H 2 TOTAL Score - opportunity for providing habitat Add the scores in the columns above . Total Score for Habitat Functions Add the points for H 1 and H 2; then record the result on p. 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Wetland Rating Form -western Washington (11/04) 1 3 10 20 Page 9 of 11 I I I I I I I' I I I I I I I I I I I I CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Please determine if the wetland meets the attributes described below and circle the appropriate answers and Category. C2 Estuarine wetlands? (see p,87) Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? _ The dominant water regime is tidal, _ Vegetated, and _ With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt. YES = Go to SC 1.1 NO 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 designated under WAC 332- 30-I5I? YES = Category I NO = go to SC 1.2 SC 1.2 Is the wetland at least 1 acre in size and meets at least two of the following conditions? YES = Category I NO = Category II _ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. If the non-native Spartina spp,. are only species that cover more than 10% of the wetland, then the wetland should be given a dual rating (I1II). The area of Spartina would be rated a Category II while the relatively undisturbed upper marsh with native species would be a Category 1. Do not, however, exclude the area of Spartina in determining the size. threshold of 1 acre. _ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland _ The wetland has at least 2 of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Natural Heritae:e Wetlands (see p. 88) Natural Heritage wetlands have been identified by the Washington Natural heritage Program/DNR as either high quality undisturbed wetlands or wetlands that support state Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive plant species. SC 2.1 Is the wetland being rated in a SectionlTownshiplRange that contains a natural heritage wetland? (This question is used to screen out most sites before you need to contact WNHP/DNR) S/TIR information from Appendix D or accessed from WNHPIDNR web site YES _ Contact WNHPIDNR (see p. 88) and go to SC 2.2 NO SC 2.2 Has DNR identified the wetland as a high quality undisturbed wetland or as a site with state threatened or endangered plant species? YES = Category 1 NO Cat I Cat. 1 Cat. I Cat. II Dual Rating IIII C3 Boe:s (see p. 88) Does the wetland (or part of the wetland) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below to identify if the wetland is a bog. Jfyou answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its function, 1. Does the wetland have organic soil horizons (i.e. layers of organic soil), either peats or mucks, that compose 16 inches or more of the first 32 inches of soil profile? (See Appendix B for a field key to identify organic soils)? YES = go to question 3 NO = go to question 2 2. Does the wetland have organic soils, either peats or mucks that are less than 16 inches deep over bedrock. or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on a lake or pond? YES = go to question 3 NO = is not a bog for purpose of rating 3. Does the wetland have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, AND other plants, if present, consist of the "bog" species listed in Table 3 as a significant component of the vegetation (more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species in Table 3)? YES = Is a bog for purpose of rating NO = go to question 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 hold dug at least 16" deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the "bog" plant species in Table 3 are present, the wetland is a bog. 4. Is the wetland forested (> 30% cover) with sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock. lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Englemann's spruce, or western white pine. WITH any of the species (or combination of species) on the bog species plant list in Table 3 as a significant component of the ground cover (> 30% coverage of the total shrublherbaceous cover)? YES = Category I NO = Is not a bog for purpose of rating Cat. I Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 10 of 11 I ~C4 Forested Wetlands (see p. 96) Does the wetland have at least 1 acre of forest that meet one of these criteria for the Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitats? If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its junction. _ Old-growth forests: (west of Cascade Crest) Stands of at least two three species forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/acre (20 trees/hectare) that ar~ at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 inches (81 cm or more). NOTE: The criterion for dbh is based on measurements for upland forests. Two-hundred year old trees in wetlands will often have a smaller dbh because their growth mtes are often slower. The DFW criterion is and "OR" so old-growth forests do not necessarily have to have trees of this diameter. _ Mature forests: (west of the Cascade Crest) Stands where the largest trees are 80 - 200 years old OR have an average diameters (dbh) exceeding 21 inches (53 cm); crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is genemlly less than that found in old-growth. Cat. I YES = Category I NO= ~C5 Wetlands in Coastal Laeoons (see p, 92) Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon ? _ The wetland lies in a depressional adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks _ The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains surface water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be measured near the bottom.) YES = Go to SC 5.1 NO _ not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC5.1 Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? _ The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing) and has less than 20% cover of invasive plant species (see list of invasive species on p. 74). _ At least 3/4 of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft. buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. Cat. I _ The wetland is larger than 1/10 acre (4350 square ft.) YES = Category I NO = Category II Cat. II ~C6 Interdunal Wetlands (see p. 94) Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary ofVpland Ownership or WBVO)? YES = Go to SC 6.1 NO _ not an interdunal wetland for rating If you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas: . Long Beach Peninsula -- lands west of SR 103 . Gmyland-Wes~ort --lands west ofSR 105 . Ocean Shores- opalis - lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 SC6.1 Is the wetland one acre or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is one acre or larger? YES = Category II NO = go to SC 6.2 Cat. II SC6.2 Is the wetland between 0.1 and 1 acre, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 acre? YES = Category III Cat. III Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics . Choose the "highest" rating ifwetlandfalls into several categories, and record on p. 1. If you answered NO for all types enter "Not Applicable" on p. 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Wetland Rating Form - western Washington (11/04) Page 11 of 11