HomeMy WebLinkAboutHabitat Managment Plan 991200606
Kunz Biological Consulting
Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan
August 15,2008
I """'v r-"> ,,1.,.) ',,", 11 ", q':""~~:\ I
IllD1b iM tC'l Ii \!J. U~lnl/
I . .. I 'I
I. r'l' pi i
!U U AUG 25 2008 ilhV
~._~
COUNTY
DEPl dry DEVELOPMENT
PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Fitzgerald Property
Jefferson County Project
MLA08-00007
August 2008
Prepared by:
Cindi Kunz
W"ddlife scienti$t
Kunz Biological Consulting
780 Arcadia West
Port Townsend, W A 98368
cmkunz@olypen.com
(360) 385-6300
Kunz Biological Consulting
Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan
August 15,2008
JEROME FlTZGERt\LD
PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN
August 2008
Jefferson County Project MLA08-00007
INTRODUCTION
At the request of the 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 (ICCD). 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 ofFish 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 ~ 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
<..
Kunz Biological Consulting
Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan
August 15,2008
SITE DESCRIPTION
The site is located on 0.35 acres east of Highway 10 1, just southeast of Qqilcene,
Washington, at 222 Fremont Avenue (Figure 2). The alg 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. lIDs river is known to change coutse and flood
frequently.
Existin1! Ve1!etation and Conditions
The ptoject site, located on approximately 0.35 acres, is bordered on the east by Linger
Longer Road, the north by Fremont Avenue, 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, fem., willow, and vine maple. The southern property bordering
the Big Quilcene River supports the ecological fun'ftion of protecting riparian areas, as it
is comprised of s1:r!Jcturallayers with a diversity of native plant specie~.
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. lIDs
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 of Fish and Wildlife database search was reviewed for
sensitive or priority wildlife habitat and/or habitat that may occur within the project
vicinity (WDFW 2008). lIDs 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
0'
'2Km
0'
11Mi
]image cou,rt:esy of the. U.S. Ge.ological Survey
inn,:, il,AFrrncnff- f"nrr,,"'u"'?ffinn T~e, _ IiI!C'JFSI ~ ~
jt/
jt/
jt/
,,t
/J'.".-
jt/
f/
o
o
Kunz Biological Consulting
~itzgerald _J!abitat Management Plan
Legend
Parcels-H
JC Roads
Towns
"*
CCU'l!)' Sirs!!
.
Rr..ra Ce1k.rS
DNR Streams
F .r-Ish tf2b~
Figure 3. Pareel Map
9912.00504
~12.00502
'--":''!S'''~~i''':--..sc~\;C''\'4!~''~
~:ll~~lI''''~~'''ll''''"<:><~l\~~r ~~.:.t"<>~j""'Z~"""*'''''-:':''' ;<<,,-',.o'i"""""....(>< 1\lii"d'''''~..-'6.,,~'''_yr~~~~~~i(~~~~ :4 ~A:I n
99t20060t
N . ~a'1'm Ha:a1lzt.
Np Nm.f'5h tt.'103!'~a
INs; Na1'~'5h tt..,Semala
S ~~lne!'
LFA-FtSh
9uttines_mid
...~
'.\iaKr
Co:.rfter.
991200609
~
/~/
~_~_''''''>'''o_~"
";'
991200602
991.200603
"'-'1"'>
f
991~
.
991200601
9912.()()6()6 .
~,
\ 99'2012
);
1.
"
\
~
\
.~
.~
s
\
i
\
I
J.
i
,
~
i
j
'i
l
i.
11. _ .to.
I
i
-.t."...."...".
i
~
i
~
"
I
~
n
i
t
...J
...
t
:J
~
~
,
t
, .
~
#
l'
~
~
~
i
f
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 Vardenlbull 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 macroinvertebrate 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 of the 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 othetwise 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 pollutant&Jr(),u developed areas (Yates 1988).
~,':[Ji" ... .i
The maintenai~{i~~;riparian vegetation is essentialfo'f fish habitat enh.!"..nt by
controlling stream temperatures, providing cover, and protecting again#ft~t~l erosion
(WDFW 1991). This vegetative buffer will provide erosion control, and'rilaihtain natural
stream temperatures and the diversity of aquatic invertebrates (Meehan et al. 1977,
Kuchel1977,Newbold et al. 1980). WDFW Management Recommendations for
cutthroat trout andsteelhead 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 (Vaccinnium ovatum)
Red flowering currant (Ribes sanguigeum)
Red osier dogwood (Cornus 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 t(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 of the 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
wj.!l 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 of the existing R V 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 of the native grass. layer. The proposed
planting plan will increase the vegetated buffer from i: 90 feet in width to i: 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 dwing 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
~
~
.~
~
~
~
~
~
;-
\:::lI
~,
~.
~
~
~~
"
~
4t:::::
~
~
~
~
h-emonf Av~-
J
14.:;..- ~ 5 . ~ I
1-' i ~
I I I 71
I '
~ 1
I
I
1
._.~.
~
13iJ
)
1
I
I
I
I
B
...
!,';I
1",,-
1<
I~
ll..
!~
"~<,
, ,
0'_
......
~
r
I
!
j
I
1
" --t
.~. -, ~ ---".~
~
tj
?f-
I . ,)--.~
I
I
I
: I I
f Ih-1
I
~',
....
cs-...
~
,
'-/
90'
Qu; fcene..
River'
)
\..
",,,,-?
.. ....''1;,<.'''"'''---_ "__.'---~ ....,................ """"-.___' ,-,.,....... ---'''''''-~T~''''''~lOllV!''-'''','' _",,,,.. ...._<.___'.~'" -,__~_""',._.._..._...~_~$......".-..__~ .~.""_........".,.~,,..~ "",~""","'''''''''''''',..~<"""~...,~,,,,,,,_.._...,~______.,......,....
\
\
,0
,.j."&i:,....,,.:~:,.,..., '
~, .
1: '
I
s*"
~
1
.,-
o
:.5
L..D
~
-.
.~
""'
C._F
(b
7J
Q..-
';f~""":
8l. ',:
~f, '!
,j ';.', .
.~ ~,
Jt .' ~
'1."1
I
N t
~
!
!
~New pbnll,nrs
V't (fre~5, SArCrl4s{y/'(J$k.$,-
I !
~ ~ I
~~~,-' '-"~:~,T~-.~j~f~kl_~8cA;~'dtlsf1~1
\$e tfY\ ~~ .. ~,. $e tm ) I
"~" " ~l~_ " _;
,'I
1f
t
I
f
:~
,
I
t
(~~
,
>
i
I
j:
~
~~
~
~
"
,
~
~
~
~
~
)
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 to 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 N: Birds - Harlequin Duck. Prepared by Jeffrey C. Lewis and Don
Kraege. WebsB: 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.
Kunz Biological Consulting
Fitzgerald Habitat Management Plan
August 15,2008
APPENDIX
PROJECT PHOTOS
Driveway parallels Linger Longer Rd
''';:> ....
Big Quilcene R. - property to right
Driveway to RV Pad
> ",> .....
Existing pad facing north
Existing RV Pad and berm
New pad location
Existing RV Pad
-"-"> ...
linger longer Rd above property