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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Management Plan 991200606 Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15,2008 PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN Fitzgerald Property Jefferson County Project MLA 08-00007 August 2008 Prepared by: Cindi Kunz Wildlife scientist Kunz Biological Consulting 780 Arcadia West Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 385-6300 Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15,2008 JEROME FITZGERALD PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN August 2008 Jefferson County Project MLA 08-0000 7 INTRODUCTION At the request ofthe landowner, Jerome Fitzgerald, a wildlife and critical habitat survey was conducted for the proposed relocation and construction of a recreational vehicle pad and driveway. This existing RV pad will be relocated 27 feet to the north, in order to comply with the Jefferson County Department of Community Development (JCCD). The purpose of the survey is 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 east of Highway 101 and north of the Big Quilcene River (Figure 1). The legal description is T27N, Range 2W, NE Y4 of Section 24, block 6, lots 10-12. This report is prepared to meet requirements of the Jefferson County Unified Development Code, Section 3.6.8 (adopted December 18,2000). This plan is submitted to compensate for a buffer reduction (25%) on this private property along the Big Quilcene River, which requires a ISO-foot restrictive buffer. The subject property is located at approximately river mile 0.6. A weir from the Quilcene Fish Hatchery is located at river mile 2.8. The Puget Sound Chinook salmon and Hood Canal summer-run chum were listed as federally threatened species by the National Marine Fisheries Service on March 24, 1999. The purpose of this plan is to protect the stream from degradation and provide habitat enhancement recommendations for priority species and habitat in this project vicinity. Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan Figure 1. Vicinity Map /":,, ':\ _J ~ ^ - .r_)~""\....."" ;,'''''' . \." ,..-.... (C, '''~,''"\....\ r-r/ 'us ......~'-r...... J \".- ',,- (- ; 101 ',' V' '.,) J / ~ \ I 104 ',"""___'.1 , I:" I,.:, " ~ _t", i'~-f ) ...// I I_.....~' r-43Ig.---.gEe~e) o.uilceneli?"\ // / it I I - -.....-. !'[/"..../ ~-~..,\~\- -..,/ J \. '-, ' . SR ' C.'"':"", /"."'"..../_"._I'''~.''-'''_ - -~J"> > .~i1/" . " /./ 3 _ 1/\ ;,/ '\ ' (" \ .------~ .~-- . - ~ : / _r- J (" ') ~l \_ I "."~''"''"";,-'"''~, ) '"', ,'- ,...... ./ ,-~/_ G> ?, J t ,- I , . /,...oos. Q;j <! I \\1 t' ,:-- elvQ!,Z' REj'e -,~, i ~ / J \ ft- '-:"'-~,~ Ips ""'.,-, ,/- ~ --.. fo....//' .,,~. (..~ ~ ~ , West ~//'" . .,"..'----', ,,! r J .....1 /,~..- I I ) \ 52~C~~~I:~~ '- , Ri~:!: -,/,/~ i r~ r_~- <,..' C~~~~/j ~ / ; . ,..,.- Duckab~~hc;l=-~ ./? / / \( '" r/ ,/ ) ~"....... _r" ._ ,/' ~i,_ I \, i"// ..~ \ t..,...I "'-f fl'lt!"~~~_<1>. '9~~~..:,:3. r.l .... mm(1)''' \.:?-,er .-'. ( ~ -' / Y>,~,"'" . , ~'b//)I ('-I ,., ~'7 ,/ cc~./ \_/-~ r.......) /' EldO~r:Jij' ~/./ /) \.....-,./....\.~"\ f-- ~_\ (' \1 ( t \ ~(~ /1 I / i?:"",j rJ \ \ .. 'Belfilir / I ."'< Sil.tJ/ l) I (,\ . ,-:\ f t" ,,"(t.'. ,\\.,~/'" , ~ 1 HOO~~POI~l ~ ...._.,. / ;V Potl"c~r! I!.~~~~/j'~,/ ___/"/ f ~ . _-- ,) 101 '_'~.'----~ /.-- .",.. .J ..::~ : f~ ',. --/ ',/ "'-..~~---_....../ Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15,2008 SITE DESCRIPTION The site is located on 0.35 acres east of Highway 101,just southeast of Qui1cene, Washington, at 222 Fremont Avenue (Figure 2). The Big Quilcene River runs south of the proposed building site adjacent to the landowner's property line of parcel #991200606 (Figure 3). A site visit was conducted on June 30, 2008, which consisted of a visual survey throughout the property and a partial survey of the adjacent property. 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 flow of the Big Quilcene River was moderate. This river is known to change course and flood frequently. Existim! Vefletation and Conditions The project site, located on approximately 0.35 acres, is bordered on the east by Linger Longer Road, the north by Fremont A venue, to the south by Big Quilcene River, and on the west by an undeveloped, wooded property. The vegetation buffer located west and south of the proposed building site is comprised of a mixed stand of predominantly big leaf maple, willow, and red alder, as well as Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock. The understory is blackberry, fern, willow, and vine maple. The southern property bordering the Big Quilcene River supports the ecological function of protecting riparian areas, as it is comprised of structural layers with a diversity of native plant species. Vegetation located on both sides of the river is well established, which improves water quality by reducing sedimentation and erosion and provides wildlife habitat. The alder and willow trees can withstand periodic inundation of water, which makes them very valuable in the reestablishment of streambanks. These species improve water quality by reducing sedimentation and erosion and provide for wildlife habitat. No trees or shrubs will be removed from the project site, unless they form a hazard. Impacts on wildlife will be minimal due to the lack of large trees suitable for snag- dependent species or raptors. The greenbelt between the river and upland property protects and generally produces a higher quality riparian habitat for this area. This greenbelt will be improved by the project, as additional plantings will occur when the RV pad is relocated to the north away from the existing berm and Big Quilcene River. PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES A recent Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife database search was reviewed for sensitive or priority wildlife habitat and/or habitat that may occur within the project vicinity (WDFW 2008). This database indicates that WDFW priority species do occur adjacent to this property and are described in the following paragraphs. Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan Figure 2~ Quilcene Vicinity Map =uscs Pl"'f\V'F!'l"""e <.:;:t!'!',f,-p!l'!l'\ll"':l'1'+- Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan Figure 3. Parcel Map ...-_- :'Ct'b,{?=.:, Legend P a T09;S-H J C R,:).ads 1\:J'ftl1!n~, CC' Tt~- '~+:Ff: ~?-;:,-~;..., 2f::-::-~; '::1 "" ~-J"':i {" <;~t:-~l>~'?: DNR SI.r'9arrr::. ;- ;- --,,"'j -rti;t:i';:"?!; 1._~ "4i::;!'t r~;..! _,I,'f:ti:7f~ >'k! '4cn ':"~ 'h:' 'oct ::":"c'T~ '1 :~~4':':~ \41::i,t }??,ct!'l:t'::-f~;S:3:r;::x::r.l<f f;?'~- ;~l:!-(:~::-;Pi ~s t"r-'",:r.:.:;,~.~ Eo; 'L':r"(" - -"X~ L FA-Fish ou1Fr",s",._ m&:1 o .':,'....'~n o '\J\lz;n:1~ o (~CLI"::"" ~----- -:'.:,.. :E :::: ~t"l ~"~c:~~,1_2~::-~~-:lb}~1::\ ~\.::~;.~ 2'o::<:"~-o Z g:f!j'~ :J~::-"'::'~OI -.---"------ .. ~~i:_:~.... 2(:. ': :-::':)~, ~~'\~:\ 1': ::b:(:,:~r~ l ~::O:-~1l .1', 2!:1t):~:12- ~ ~~.' -?~~...:::/f(j:5C;::, Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15,2008 The WDFW has classified the Big Quilcene River as a Type 1 stream, which requires a ISO-foot setback. The WDFW database search indicated that priority anadromous and resident fish are present in the Big Quilcene River. These species include fall Chinook, fall and summer chum, coho salmon, Dolly Varden/bull trout, pink salmon, and winter steelhead. These fish populations and range can be limited by such factors as stream temperatures higher than the normal spawning range, lack of spawning and rearing habitat, high sedimentation of spawning grounds, and/or lack of preferred food items (WDFW 1991). Several bald eagle management areas are located along Quilcene Bay approximately one mile south and southeast of the subject property. Since there will be no tree removal and the management areas are outside the proposed project site, no affect is expected. Additionally, harlequin duck breeding occurs in the project vicinity (WDFW 2008). The harlequin duck is a Washington State Game species that provides year-round recreation for consumptive and non-consumptive users. Low benthic macro invertebrate biomass may limit the productivity of harlequin ducks (Bengston and Ulfstrand 1971). Human disturbance discourages nesting at traditional sites and thereby decreases productivity (WDFW 2003). The only wildlife sign observed on the project site was that ofthe Columbian black-tailed deer. Columbian black-tailed deer are also classified by the WDFW as a recreationally important species, which are defined as species with high recreational importance or high public profile and that are vulnerable to habitat loss or degradation. Wildlife under this classification are game species which are hunted, or otherwise harvested, by the public and are subject to hunting and fishing regulations. HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT The maintenance of woody debris and riparian vegetation in and adjacent to streams is important in providing wildlife habitat. These shrubs, tree roots, and various groundcovers help to stabilize, anchor and add strength to the soil. The preservation and enhancement of both horizontal and vertical structural 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 pollutantsfroIIl developed areas (Yates 1988). ;~2-- -- ,.:t:?'!:' .- - - '" o i'~ The maintemui~~ ()~'riparian vegetatidn is essential'f'dt fish habitat enh~~ .... t by controlling stream temperatures, providing covet, and protecting again#tl~t~al erosion (WDFW 1991). This vegetative buffer will provide erosion control, andrnaihtain natural stream temperatures and the diversity of aquatic invertebrates (Meehan et al. 1977, Kuchel1977,Newbold et al. 1980). WDFW Management Recommendations for cutthroat trout and steelhead include the following: < Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15,2008 . 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 movement of these fish species. . Waters inhabited by these fish species 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 southern and western property boundary. All native vegetation will be retained throughout the existing buffer and non-native, noxious vegetation will be removed, if needed. The botanical and structural diversity within this existing buffer will be increased an additional 30 feet in average width by planting a native tree, shrub and grass layer for habitat enhancement from the berm to the existing RV pad (Figure 4). The objective of these plantings is to enhance flora and fauna along the stream buffer zone. Following is a proposed planting list for the project location, which will provide habitat diversity for wildlife: Evergreen huckleberry (V accinnium ovatum) Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguigeum) Red osier dogwood (Corn us stolonifera) Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) Oregon grape (Mahonia aquafolium) Vine maple (Acer circinatum) Native crabapple (Malas fuscia) A native ground cover or grass seed layer planted within this tree/shrub area between the berm and new RV pad location, 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) Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15,2008 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT A driveway and RV pad have been previously constructed and are comprised of crushed rock. This ~xisting RV pad will be relocated 27 feet to the north, in order to comply with the JCCD. The revised site plan (Figure 4) indicates the 25% buffer reduction, thus providing a distance of 115 feet measured horizontally from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of the Big Quilcene River. This designated building site is located on the southeastern portion of the property, as indicated in the photos (Appendix A). The proposed relocation ofthe RV pad will allow for a total vegetated setback buffer of approximately 115 feet. The size of the R V pad is approximately 2000 square feet and will be comprised of crushed rock. Recommendations for stormwater management and erosion control will provide maximum protection to prevent stormwater from entering the adjacent salmon-bearing river. Erosion controls are presented in "Minimization of Construction Impacts". Impacts on wildlife will be minimal due to the retention of existing alder and willow trees along the Big Quilcene River and lack of habitat in the upland and adjacent area. All construction activities that may affect the water quality parameters will be monitored. The implementation of the proposed habitat enhancements will ensure an improvement in botanical and structural diversity. The channel of flowing water is approximately 85-90 feet from the existing RV pad. The existing RV pad will be relocated 27 feet to the north in order to increase this vegetative buffer. A man-made berm or dike occurs just north of the river, approximately 60 feet from the OHW mark. This berm had been previously constructed to provide delineation and riparian zone protection. The area between the proposed RV pad building site and the river consists of a small, narrow buffer of trees and shrubs (approximately 60 feet in width from the river to the berm) and an additional, unvegetated buffer approximately 30 in width located south ofthe existing RV pad to the berm. This portion of the buffer will be planted with small trees and shrubs. With the relocation of the pad, the additional 30 feet of buffer will be available for planting ofthe native grass layer. The proposed planting plan will increase the vegetated buffer from:!:: 90 feet in width to :!:: 115 feet in width. The native tree, shrub and grass plantings will occur along the southern boundary adjacent to the building site. MINIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS Erosion and Sediment Control . No materials will be stockpiled near the stream. Excavated and imported material, such as crushed gravel, will be stockpiled outside the buffer in the upland locations and will be protected with plastic sheeting during construction to prevent runoff to the stream area. Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15,2008 . 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 sediments. These temporary erosion controls will be properly maintained throughout the construction (on a daily basis) until replaced by permanent erosion controls or until this low impact construction is complete. . Upland drainage will be directed away from the river channel and filtered through a grassy swale or sediment trap to prevent erosion or impact to the Big Quilcene River. . 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 river protection and enhancement. . To increase plant community diversity within this buffer (upland from the alder stand), other native trees and shrubs will be planted. This improved plant community will promote diversity in animal populations, as well. . Minimal clearing for limited river access or view enhancement will be allowed as approved by the Critical Areas Administrator. . To verify compliance with this plan, the project will be inspected during construction and one year after construction completion. 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 the Big Quilcene River has a natural and established buffer that provides ~ ~r N ~ ~ - ~ -- - -C~,~ -0" _ f') \'10 (V 1--. ~ () o G' o 6' 0~ :'.:l. ~ ~ -, ~ <:)' c.~ ~ ..., "\ '" " ~ ~ ~ ~'\ ;t ~ ~- t::::I ~ ~ ( ~- '~ ~ ~ ~ (: ~ ;. ~ <.j, ~- ~ ~ ~ 1"\ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ h-eIY)On f .. I ~,-,;Y5 ~I o ~, B "" (j"- ;::" ~ r 10.: .! -'1 r" , ~ ---")0 ~ .... c:s--- '" t ,-, -.l !~ ~ K 9IJI tie".) plm/;n1:5 (ire.p'5j S hru ~ 9 r(J ~5 - ..... ~ .!V V', .... I '~(~1* ~ '"", ~,.e' , '~'12'< . " ?. J;J e rlM ......__ "'I 1'0' .. -->>----~~ -_""_~",~,,,iii;,~,,_~__ 1313 QUI f ~ K; I)e .. ----+ k ,..,. II ~ ;V 71 r '- J f') , .,- o :s .(.......0 ,;,. "1 _""".""........,r_.-.___........._..__..,__.............A__~A."'"_~__..~_ ~ N l ~~ ~ ~ " I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ '7 --.::y ,~ Kunz Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August; 15,2008 riverbank protection from erosion. Additionally, this riparian zone provides cover and habitat and serves as a wildlife corridor along the river. Site surveys and database research have indicated that there are priority habitat and species located in the immediate project vicinity. However, 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 ~o the proposed project and to minimize any construction impacts. Compliance with this plan will be verified through site inspections both during and after construction. REFERENCES Bengston, S., and S. Ulfstrand. 1971. Food resources and breeding frequency of the harlequim duck, Histrionicus histrionicus, in Iceland. Oikos 22:235-239. Kuchel, C.R. 1977. Some aspects of the behavior and ecology of harlequin ducks in Glacier National Park, Montana. Thesis, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. Mechan, W. R, F. J. Swanson, and J. R Sedell. 1971. 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. Erman, and K. B. Roby. 1977. Effect oflogging on macroinvertebrates in streams with and without buffer strips. J. Fish Aquat. Sci., 37:1076-1085. WDFW. 1991. Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats and Species. Elizabeth Rodrick and Ruth Milner, ed. WDFW. 2008. Washington Department ofFish and Wildlife Habitat and Species Database Report for T27N R02W Section 24. WDFW. 2003. Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Species, Volume IV: Birds - Harlequin Duck. Prepared by Jeffrey C. Lewis and Don Knege. Web5iIe: www.wa.gov/wdfw/hab/phs/vo14/harlduck.htm. Yates, Steve. 1988. Adopting A Stream: A Northwest Handbook. University of Washington Press, Seattle, W A. ' KllllZ Biological Consulting Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan August 15, 2008 APPENDIX PROJECT PHOTOS = ::I ~esi . . ~j:; 'f': ~ €f' , ..,p' _l-) Driveway parallels Linger Longer Rd Big Quilcene R. - property to right Driveway to RV Pad Cl t:' oj' H.....~.'I. . ILI"f ~ \ ..~.~~. · . 'it": ~~. ~J ; .f',: ...,f "",{,, ~Ift ~ ... f---.' "'::' . Existing pad facing north ,.;; ~Ji ,,1-....- ." ~) ~.,. w~ ~. ~ ~- Existing RV Pad and berm '1f-':ft~ -" ;r..' ~- "t:" " ~ ,.;, ....,~ J'; ~, I:;. New pad location Existing RV Pad $ I ~. .~~~, ;""!lj{ ;~'.:.. " 1","'_?;"~"'.i- "~4; $. r~ ~- U'. .~'~ol\' ,.'" ,.-, ~ "' ~. ::;~" ~ "'.'.' .. '"i, :,:", . , ;...~:..\r! ,..)'1\ /., .' ~ .-, yJ ;~.l- ''-. t:"!~~ ~~: ""'" 0'_'\__ ~j;"''' I':~ ~ ~< 4Xi' ..~ $" ',' ~;i!~. '~- "- ' .... )t.t" "'.'~'.. -,. ;;-.i'<'_'~'. .;~\. ".'. < ..1(, ~ -. v -5.-'i, '.:' _ '~;"._.k'-~, '""" ' €. ,~\ ". l~~~;;; ~~ J'. ~..~,-i'" I, ~ ;:0.".,. ~ '1.1.~~ "*"'.it~'~;i, lie ' t. ; ~~..;:!:\.t'{"t~ ~~. . ,.' 'Ii. .J.~ . 4flt.:.. 'W'!" ,~,:, .....'.::;,. 'i..:'.:__ Linger Longer Rd above property