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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Managemnet Plan 936000216 Nil107- I 97 BUJt)7- J to7 PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN Dickie Property Jefferson County Project February 2007 RECE\VlRO t"I"~ Ii} f' IA.Vh. ",.,; .\. t\l\ \~ W Prepared by: ,1tnt~~\'~fJm~\) nrJ Cindi Kunz Wildlife scientist Kunz Biological Consulting 780 Arcadia West Port Townsend, WA 98368 cmkunz@olypen.com (360) 385-6300 Kunz Biological Consulting K. Dickie Habitat. Management Plan February 5, 2007 KEViN DICKIE PROPERTY PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN February 2007 INTRODUCTION At the request of Kevin Dickie, landowner, a wildlife and critical habitat survey was conducted for a proposed residential building construction. The purpose of the survey was to assess the project vicinity for critical wildlife habitat, to determine if priority species are present, and to develop a habitat management plan for the proposed project construction. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) establish priority species and critical habitat. Management guidelines are addressed in the 1991 "Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species". Priority habitat is defined by the WDFW as a habitat type with unique or significant value to many species. An area classified and mapped as "priority habitat" must meet certain criteria as defined in the WDFW 1991 management guidelines. Priority species are defined as wildlife species requiring protective measures for their perpetuation due to their population status, their sensitivity to habitat alteration and/or their recreational importance: A priority habitat may contain priority and/or non-priority species. The subject property is located west of Highway 101 in Brinnon, W A (FigUre 1). The legal description is Township 26N, Range 02W, Section 23, parcel number 936000216. The purpose of this plan is to protect the creek from degradation and provide habitat enhancement recommendations for priority species and habitat in this project vicinity. The habitat management plan is prepared to meet requirements of the Jefferson County Unified Development Code (adopted December 18, 2000) and is submitted in order to compensate for a buffer reduction on this private property along an unnamed, intermittent creek, which requires a 50-foot restrictive buffer. SITE DESCRIPTION The site is located due west of Highway 101 off Tog Road (Figure 2), at 283 Lee Way, Brinnon, W A. A site visit was conducted on December 9,2006, which consisted of a survey throughout the property and a partial survey of the adjacent properties. Photographs taken of the site are shown in Appendix A. The vegetation characteristics of the area and signs of wildlife, if any, were noted throughout the survey. The property lies adjacent to an unnamed creek and the flow was very low at the time of the survey. ropoZone - USGS Brinnon (W A) Tope Map Figure 1 - Site map . o . . . . . 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 kill . . . . . . o 0.1 0.2 0.3. 0.4 0.5 mi 470 43' 50"N, 1220 53' 36"W (NAD27) USGS Brinnon (WA) Quadrangle Projection is UTM Zone 10 NAD83 Datum F'" :// I /' ! ~~.~ . / .I . I I ~ ~ "C ~ M=18.325 G=O.078 Figure 2 - Site Map jMAP - Environmentally Sensitive Areas ',,", LAYERS CJ Base Map D ZOnes & Permits D Shoreline ~ Habitat, Soil, Wildlife 1-0 0 ~DNR Streams ~..JJ2l 0 ;VlFA-Fish !-.LJ OiSoils-H j....1il 0 Wetlands r-1fiiI @ Wildlife and Habitat j-.[] CD Seismic Hazard I-D O~L.andslide Hazard : ~ Oil' ~ FEMA FIRMS :,,' j-..[J] 0 Erosion Hazard , La O~Oitical Aquifer Rechal ~ Background Imagery . : !-.[J] HiIIshade ~..CJ USGS Topos , ~-CJ Dose Aerials , HJ UGA Photo . ~..CJ PT Photo ~.Q 1994 Aerial Photos H4 2000 Aerial Photos : LI!2I200S Aerial Photos '1 ',,~b'Map.' . F Auto Refresh Help: , D A clOsed group, click to opeil. E3l An open group, dick to close. 'CJ A hidden . layer, dick to make vlsible. .1!21 A visible layer, dick to hide. :!ii Visible, but not at this scale: zoom in. ,~ Visible, but not at this scale: 2OOI'n out. o An inactive layer, dick to activate. ' @ The active layer. ~ aick to toggle layer legend. Q' L.abeIs on, dick and refresh to hide. Q' L.abeIs off, dick and refresh to show. large Text Help Wildlife and Habitat is now the Active Layer Zoom In ~~~I.I,. .. Road: t . ,. S~~le 1~6,7,...". \~l "') ".iI IE", nvironme" ntally S.~~SitiveAreas, cl ..,' " .- . ... "" "I"'t "..,,'"''''-^.. ".., ., '-t. n. H'\ ,",.#"v.., Kunz Biological Consulting K. Dickie Habitat Management Plan February 5, 2007 Existinll Velletation and Conditions The project site is located on 0.78 acres west of Highway 101 (Figure 3). The designated building site is a cleared, open arealocated on the southwestern portion of the property, as indicated in the photos (Appendix A). An unnamed, seasonal Type 5 creek runs north of the proposed building site along the property line separating the landowner's two parcels (#936000216 and #93000217). The level building site location was cleared in the early 1990' s, 15 years prior to the septic system installation. This septic system extends to the landowners northern lot (septic permit #: SEP05-00175 and parcel number 936000217). Lee Way and property boundary is located 30 feet from the proposed building site. The vegetation. buffer located north, south and east of the proposed building site is comprised of a mixed stand of cedar, Douglas fir, madrona, hemlock, big leaf maple, and alder. The understory is blackberry, fern, and vine maple. The northern property bordering the unnamed creek supports the ecological function of protecting riparian areas, as it is comprised of dense structural layers with a diversity of native plant species. The greenbelt will remain unaffected by the project. No trees or shrubs will be removed from the project site, unless they form ahazard. The greenbelt between the creek and upland property protects and generally produces a higher quality riparian habitat for this area. Vegetation located on both sides of the creek is well established, which improves water quality by reducing sedimentation and erosion' and provides wildlife habitat. Impacts on wildlife will be minimal due to the lack of trees or shrub vegetation on the building site. PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES A recent WDFW database search was reviewed for sensitive or priority wildlife and/or habitat that may occur within the project vicinity. This database indicates that WDFW priority species do not occur adjacent to this property. A bald eagle management area for two eagle nests (#1104-1 and #1104-2) is located due east of the proposed site. Since there will be no tree removal and the management area is outside the proposed construction site, no affect is expected. The WDFW database (WDFW 2006) and StreamNet (2007) did not indicate the presence of anadromous or resident fish in the unnamed creekadjacent to the property. However, the WDFW has classified the intermittent creek as a Type 5. stream, which requires a 50- foot setback. HABITAT MANAGEMENT The maintenance of woody debris and riparian vegetation in and adjacent to streams is important in providing wildlife habitat. The shrubs, tree roots and various groundcovers stabilize, anchor and add strength to the soil. The preservation and enhancement of both Figure 3 - Lot and Building Plan SITE PLAN LEGAL DESCRIPTION: SUBDMSlON: BRINNONWOtD SECTION: 23 QlR SECTION: NE 1/4 TOWNSHIP: 26N RANGE: 2W BRlNNON JEFFERSON COUNTY WASHINGTON ADDRESS: 283 lEE WAY. BRINNON, WA 98320 , Kunz Biological Consulting K. Dickie Habitat Management Plan February 5, 2007 horizontal and vertical structural plant diversity can be achieved by the retention and development of shade tolerant understory trees, grasses and woody shrub plant species. Plant roots slow and absorb runoff, releasing the water slowly to groundwater and streams and back into the atmosphere. Vegetation also provides nutrients and habitat for fish and wildlife (Murdoch and Cheo 1999). Riparian zones filter pollutants from developed areas (Yates 1988). The maintenance of riparian vegetation is essential for fish habitat enhancement by controlling stream temperatures, providing cover, and protecting against lateral erosion (WDFW 1991). The vegetative buffer provides erosion control, maintains natural stream temperatures, and allows for diversity of aquatic invertebrates (Meachan et al. 1977 and Newbold etal. 1980). Although this intermittent creek is ~ot a fish-bearing stre~ the WDFW Management Recommendations for cutthroat trout and steelhead will be utilized., as follows: . Buffer zones of at least the width of the height of the tallest tree should be maintained along stream banks. · Road construction and maintenance activities should be avoided adjacent to streams, which provide fish habitat. . In-stream structures, such as bridges, piers, boat ramps, or culverts must not impede the natural movements of these fish species. · Waters should not be treated with metal;.based herbicides during the period March 1 - June 15. The proposed project is in compliance with all of the above WDFW recommendations. Increased structural layering and diversity in species occur on this property along the entire northern property boundary. All native vegetation and shrubs will be retained throughout the existing buffer and non-native, noxious vegetation will be remov~ if needed. The botanical and.structural diversity within this existing buffer will be increased an additional 5 feet in average width by constructing a berm at the top of the slope above the creek and planting additional trees and a shrub layer for habitat enhancement. The objective of these plantings is to enhance flora and fauna throughout this project location. Following is a proposed planting list for the project location, which will provide habitat diversity for wildlife: Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) Evergreen huckleberry (Vacinnium ovatum) Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) Red osier dogwood (Cornus stoloniftra) Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) Oregon grape (Mahonia aquafolium) Native crabapple (Malasfuscia) Madrona (Arbutus menziesii) Vine maple (Acer circinatum) Kunz Biological Consulting K. Dickie Habitat Management Plan February 5, 2007 A native ground cover or grass seed layer planted south of this tree/shrub berm adjacent to the residence, will be comprised of the following proposed grass species and compositions: Red fescue (Festuca rubra var. commutata) 40% Tufted hairgrass (Dechampsia cespitosa) 30% Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) 20% Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) 10% Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT The single family residence proposal consists of constructing a structure with a 20' x 30' building footprint with a gravel access driveway. The setback buffer from the center of the creek will be approximately 44 feet in order to accommodate the residence and driveway. This allows for the 25% reduction of the 50-foot easement from a single family residence foundation. The septic system was installed in 2006. The pretreatment unit and pump chamber septic tanks are located in the southwest comer of the property. The community water line runs along Lee Way. Water and power lines have been installed from the road at the western edge of the property to the building site (Figure 2). No construction work will occur in the vicinity of the creek to install pipelines. New single family residences, with over 3;000 square feet of impervious surface, are required by Jefferson County Stormwater Management Ordinance to provide a Small Parcel Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. This project is exempt from this requirement due to its smaller size. However, recommendations for stormwater management are incorporated in this plan to provide maximum protection for stormwater entering the adjacent creek. Erosion controls are presented in "Minimization of Construction Impacts" . Impacts on wildlife will be minimal due to the retention of existing vegetation along the creek bank, lack of habitat in the proposed building location, and implementation of proposed habitat enhancements. The existing channel of flowing water in this intermittent stream is approximately 44 feet from the proposed building site. The area between the building site and the creek consists ofa small, narrow buffer of trees and shrubs (approximately 30 feet in width) and an approximately 15 foot width cleared north of the proposed building site. This level area delineates the upland from the riparian zone adjacent to the creek (see Photos in Appendix A). A vegetated berm will be constructed at the top of the riparian zone slope to provide additional delineation and riparian zone protection. Kunz Biological Consulting K. Dickie Habitat Management Plan February 5,2007 MINIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS Erosion and Sediment Control . Drainage plans will protect and prevent unacceptable impacts to the fresh water quality and creek channels from stonn water runoff and erosion. . No materials will be stockpiled near the creek.. Excavated and imported material will be stockpiled outside the buffer in the upland locations and will be protected with plastic sheeting during construction to prevent runoff to the creek area. . Areas of exposed soil will be planted with the above listed vegetation or covered with a minimum of 2 inches of straw within 7 days of disturbance. . Temporary erosion control measures such as sediment barriers and mulching will be used as necessary after initial disturbance of the soil. These sediment barriers will be installed along the edge of the construction area to contain spoils and sediments. These temporary erosion controls will be properly maintained throughout the construction (on a daily basis) and reinstalled as necessary (such as after backfilling) until replaced by permanent erosion controls or until construction is complete. . Upland drainage will be directed away from the creek and filtered through a grassy swale or sediment trap to prevent erosion or imp~t to creek channel. . Construction equipment will have drip pans to contain potential leaks from equipment. Vehicle fueling will be conducted away from the. project site, which is sufficient distance upland from the creek. Buffer Protection . Installation of temporary signage during construction in order to define buffer. . Storage and preparation of materials will not be placed within buffers during construction. . Existing woody vegetation, which serves as a physical separation between the river and residence within the buffer, will be retained. Preservation of all existing trees and shrubs, as well as the above listed proposed vegetation plantings, within the buffer area is critical in order to provide creek protection and enhancement. . To increase plant community diversity within this buffer, native trees, shrubs, and ~asses will be planted. This improved plant community will promote diversity in animal populations, as well. . To verify compliance with this plan, the project will be inspected during construction and one year after construction completion. Kunz Biological Consulting K. Dickie Habitat Management Plan February 5, 2007 CONCLUSIONS This Priority Habitat and Species Management Plan has been prepared to meet the requirements of an Administrative Reduction or Reasonable Economic Use Variance as defined by the Jefferson County Community Development Department. This project site adjacent to an unnamed creek has a natural and established buffer that provides protection from erosion. Additionally, this riparian zone provides cover and habitat and serves as a wildlife corridor along the creek. Site surveys and database research have indicated that there are no priority habitat and species located in the immediate project vicinity. The proposed plantings of coniferous and deciduous trees, shrubs and grasses will aid in providing a more diverse habitat for wildlife within the proposed project vicinity. The primary purpose of this plan is to further enhance the priority habitat adjacent to the proposed project and to minimize any construction impacts. Compliance with this plan will be verified through site inspections both dwing and after construction. REFERENCES Mechan, W.R., F.J. Swanson, and J.R. Sedell. 1977. Influences of riparian vegetation on aquatic ecosystems with particular reference to salmonid fishes and their food supply. Pp. 137-145 in Proceed. Symp.On the Importance, Preservation and Management of the Riparian Habitat. July 9, 1977, Tucson, AZ. Murdoch, Tom and Martha Cheo. 1999. Streamkeeper's Field Guide. Adopt-A-Stream Foundation, Everett, W A. Newbold, J.D., D.C. Ennan, and K.B. Roby. 1977. Effect oflogging on macroinvertebrates in streams with and without buffer strips. J. Fish Aquat. Sci., 37: 1076-1085. StreamNet. 2007. Website with GIS Data for AnadromouslResident Fish Distribution. WDFW. 1991.. Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species. Elizabeth Rodrick and Ruth Milner, ed. WDFW. 2006. Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife Habitat and Species Database Report for T27 ROl W Section 19. Yates, Steve. 1988. Adopting A Stream: A Northwest Handbook. University of Washington Press, Seattle, W A. P~oto above: Building site with septic tanks (photo facing east) Photo below: Mea~~~~~:~..~~.~,.~~~lding setback fro~ stream . .. . '?~:~{~~!ffK;'~{;:L ,:."f.~f(:~j: Photo above: Proposed building site facing north. Proposed vegetative berm will be constructed at the top of the slope. Photo below: North of proposed building site towards stream and vegetative buffer. This is where the proposed berm and plantings will be constructed in order to further protect this riparian zone. . ',.. :. ,'.f .. ,.,:.- -:II: -; P;hoto above: Building site.facing southern portion.ofproperty. Septic tanks shown in background.