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Home My WebLink AboutPocket Gopher Survey City of Shelton Water Main Expansion - HMP Habitat Managment Plan - 11/20/2012 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan For City of Shelton Dayton Airport Road Water Main Expansion Project Mason County, Washington Prepared for: City of Shelton Attn: Dennis McDonald, Regional Project Manager 525 W Cota St. i Shelton, WA 98584 (360)432-5167 Prepared by: Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Key McMurry 550 Mill Creek Road Raymond, Washington 98577 (360) 942-3184 KES Project Number 216.01 October 15, 2012 (Revised 11/9/2012) Page 1 of 1 Grace Miller - Shelton Water Project - Gopher Mgmt Plan From: "Dennis McDonald" <Dennis@ci.shelton.wa.us> To: "Grace Miller" <Gbm@co.mason.wa.us>, "Jeff Skriletz" <jeff.skriletz@dfw.... Date: 11/16/2012 8:48 AM Subject: Shelton Water Project - Gopher Mgmt Plan Attachments: 216.01 City of Shelton-DAW Habitat Management Plan.pdf Grace and Jeff Shelton Dayton-Airport Road Water Expansion Project Mason County SEPA SEP2012-00016 I am sending you two emails. This first one contains the Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey & Management Plan and Attachment B WDFW Guidelines. The second email will contain Attachment A which contains the Figures (-15 pdf files). If this is too unwieldy let me know and I will get you printed copies. Contact me if you have any questions or comments. I await to hear from you about SEPA being issued. Thanks you Dennis McDonald, MA-ABS, PMP Regional Project Manager City of Shelton (360) 432-5167 den nis@ci.shelton.wa.us i i file:///C:/Users/gbm/AppData/Local/Temp/XPgrpwise/50A5FDF4Masonmai11001673 76... 11/16/2012 SIGNATURE PAGE The information and data in this report were compiled and prepared by the undersigned. Key, urry O /Professional Stream an ildlife Biologist I I I I City of Shelton-DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012,(Revised 11/9/2012) i TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................1 PROJECT LOCATION,EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS&PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION........I SOILS,VEGETATION,WDFW PHS,&WDFW HERITAGE DATA FOUND ONsrrE...................................................2 STATE OF WASHINGTON PRIORITY HABITATS AND SPECIES AND NATURAL HERITAGE DATA.................................3 THE STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HERITAGE DATA............................................3 METHODS...........................................................................................................................................................3 GOPHERMAPS AND POLYGONS...........................................................................................................................4 MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER LIFE HISTORY............................................................................................ 5 STATUS...............................................................................................................................................................5 HABITATREQUIREMENTS....................................................................................................................................5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................5 MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER SET-ASIDE GUIDELINES............................................................................6 DURATION OF PLAN&MODIFICATIONS...................................................................................................7 COMPLIANCE....................................................................................................................................................7 QUALIFICATIONS.............................................................................................................................................8 LIMITATIONS....................................................................................................................................................8 REFERENCES..................................................•..................................................................................................9 APPENDIX A Figure 1-Vicinity Map Figure 2-Gopher Survey Overview Figure 3-Gopher Survey Shelton Springs Road Section 1 Figure 4-Gopher Survey Shelton Springs Road Section 2 Figure 5 -Gopher Survey State Route 101 Figure 6-Gopher Survey State Route 102/Mason County Figure 7-Gopher Survey Washington State Patrol Complex Figure 8-Shelton Springs Section NRCS Soil Map Figure 9-State Route 101 Section NRCS Soil Map Figure 10-Mason County Section NRCS Soil Map Figure 11-State Route 102/WSP Section NRCS Soil Map Figure 12-PHoTOPLATE-1 Figure 13-PHoToPLATE-2 Figure 14-Krippner Consulting, LLC. 5.64 radius December 16, 2010 Memorandum Attachments Figure 1-Single Gopher Mound Example Figure 2-Low Density Gopher Mound Example Figure 3-High Density Gopher Mound Example Linda Krippner's CV APPENDIX B Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Guidelines(March 2011, October 2012) City of Shelton—DAW Project ii Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) INTRODUCTION Key Environmental Solutions, LLC., (KES) was hired by the City of Shelton to survey and write a Habitat Management Plan(HMP) for the Mazama Pocket Gopher, a threatened species, pursuant to the Mason County Critical Area Municipal Code, Title 17, Chapters 17.01.110 A, B(8 Table 1), G(1)and J for the City of Shelton Dayton Airport Road Water Main Expansion Project located along Shelton Springs Road, State Route 101, W Public Works Drive, State Route 102/Dayton Airport Road and around the Washington State Patrol complex(WSP). The project site is 40 feet wide on the north side of Shelton Springs Road, 40 feet wide on the west side of SR 101,40 feet wide on the north side of SR102/Dayton Airport Road,40 feet on the east side of Public Works Drive, and around the WSP complex was surveyed for the presence of Mazama Pocket Gophers (Thomomys mazama). The site is located along Shelton Springs Road, SR 101, SR 102/Dayton Airport Road, Public Works Drive and the WSP Complex in Shelton, Mason County, Washington(Figure 1). Fieldwork was conducted on October 8, 2012. The entire 2.5 miles of the project was walked and reviewed for Prairie Habitat and Mazama Pocket Gopher mounds. The KES survey found the listed species (Mazama Pocket Gopher) within the entire project area, except where there were existing paved or graveled roads. This report describes existing site conditions for the site where Mazama Pocket Gophers were found. This report identifies specific locations of active Mazama pocket gopher mounds, discusses habitat and soil requirements of the species, and proposes a Habitat Management Plan, including conservation and mitigation measures to be implemented for the project. Identified active Mazama pocket gopher mounds locations were GPS'd by KES on October 8, 2012, following the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) Mazama pocket gopher surveying guidelines (Appendix B;Figure 2-Figure 7). The GPS unit that is used by KES is a Garmin 62st. PROJECT'LOCATION.EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS&PROPOSED PRO CT DESCRIPTION The property subject to this survey involves numerous Mason County parcel numbers, an actively maintained road right-of-away, Washington State Department of Transportation Road right-of-away, public works property, and the WSP Complex and is located in portions of Sections 1, 2, 3,4, 9, 11 & 12, Township 20 North,Range 4 West,W.M. (Figure 1). The project area is accessed from Shelton Springs Road, SR 101, SR 102/Dayton Airport Road, Public Works Drive and the WSP Complex in Shelton, Washington. There were priority habitats or species (PHS) mapped within the project area site prior to KES's i performing the Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey on October 8,2012. Both Mazama Pocket Gophers (Thomomys mazama couchi) and the Streaked Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata)had been documented at the Shelton Airport. WDFW and KES have found gophers on several properties in the Shelton and Shelton Airport area. Prior to KES surveying along Shelton Springs Road, SR 102/Dayton Airport Road,Public Works Drive and around the WSP Complex neither Mazama Pocket Gopher or the Streaked Homed Lark had been mapped. j The total project site is approximately 2.5 miles long and 40 feet wide or approximately 528,000 square feet(12.12 acres). The project area site is currently heavily developed and frequently j maintained as it is an active road right-of-away. 1 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,TIC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) The project area is surrounded by roads, single family residences,businesses, an airport and timberland. The City of Shelton is proposing to install a new water main from Tarragon Road, along Shelton Springs Road, SR 101, SR 102/Dayton Airport Road,Public Works Drive and through the WSP complex (Figure 1-Fgure 8). The Mazama Pocket Gopher set-aside that would normally be required is 836,352 square feet (19.2 acres). There is no required set-aside required for this project, as the gophers will only be temporarily disturbed and a new prairie vegetation mix will be required to be replanted over the area of disturbance. Also the WDFW guidance on set-asides is not applicable to linear projects that are only being temporarily disturbed and not being built on or covered with gravel, asphalt or concrete. Soils, Vegetation, WDFW PHS, & WDFW Heritage Data Found Onsite According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)and the Mason County Soil Survey(1960 and the current survey), they both show that the soils to occur along Shelton Spring Road, SR 101, SR 102/Dayton Airport Road, Public Works Drive and around the WSP are Grove gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes and Carstairs gravelly loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes (Figure 8-11). The Grove soil series is a prairie soil, where Mazama Pocket Gophers are frequently found. The Carstairs soils are not typically prairie soils, but gophers have frequently been found to occur in this soil series. The Grove series consists of somewhat excessively drained, reddish-brown gravelly soils. It occupies the large glacial outwash plains. The Grove soils have developed from Vashon glacial drift, modified considerably by inclusions of local basaltic rock and mixed material from the Olympic Mountain glaciers. The rainfall ranges from 60 to 100 inches a year. The vegetation is coniferous forest, with an understory dominated by the lower growing mosses, kinnikinnick, and snowberry, and these mixed with huckleberry, salal, and Oregon-grape. The Carstairs series consists of very dark, excessively drained soils. They occupy the nearly treeless outwash plains in the southwestern part of the county. In position and parent material, they are similar to the Grove soils. Carstairs soils have developed from basic parent material and under rainfall that ranges front 60 to 90 inches a year. The native vegetation consists of grass, kinnikinnick, ferns, moss, and low shrubs. Although the soil is surrounded by dense forests, it has no overstory, except for a few lodgepole pines, Douglas-firs, and clumps of Oregon-oak. At the Mason County Public Works property where the new proposed water tank will be located, the soil is Shelton gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes. The grove soil series is listed as a Prairie soil for WDFW, City of Shelton and Mason County. Mazama Pocket Gophers have frequently been found to occur in both Carstairs and Shelton gravelly sandy loam soils. The general vegetation occurring along the project area included;a variety of grasses and landscaping plants, colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris-FAC), Scotch broom(Cystisus scoparius-FACU), Douglas fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii-FACU), kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi-FACU), queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota-FACU), moss, common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale-FACU), Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa-FACU), evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum-NI), hazelnut (Corylus cornuta-FACU), salal(Gaultheria shallop-FACU), Himalayan blackberry(Rubus armeniacus-FACU),ribbed plantain(Plantago lanceolata-FAC), Indian plum(Oemleria cerasiformis-FACU), Pacific ninebark(Physocarpus capitatus-FACW), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea,-FAC), western St. John's wort(Hypericum formosum-FAC), j sword fern(Polystichum munitum-FACU), curly dock(Rumex crispus-FAC),bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum-FACU), white clover(THfolium repens-FAC), Evergreen blackberry 2 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) III I (Rubus lacinatus-FACU), sheepsorrel(Rumen acetosella-FAC , snowbe S m horica os � n'Y( Y P rP albus-FACU), red elderberry(Sambucus racemosa-FACU), hardhack(Spiraea douglasii- FACW), Scouler willow (Salix scouleriana-FAC), Pacific crabapple(Malus fusca-FACW), pine (Pinus monticola-UPL),red fescue (Festuca rubra-FACU), meadow fescue(Festuca pratensis- FACU),red clover(Trifolium prartense-FACU), and yarrow(Achillea millefolium-FACU). There were a couple of little oaks (Quercus garryana-UPL) near Boardwalk Road. State of Washington Priority Habitats and Species and Natural Heritage Data The State of Washington Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) mapping was reviewed in conjunction with this assessment. The PHS mapping source did identify Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama) and Streaked Horned Lark(Eremophila alpestris strigata) to occur on and near the Shelton Airport. However,the PHS mapping source did not identify priority habitats and species in the vicinity of the project site, except near the airport. The priority habitats and species found within the project vicinity are: Oregon white oaks (Quercus garryana), Streaked Horned Lark(Eremophila alpestris strigata) and the Mazama pocket gopher(Thomomys mazama). The State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Heritage Data The State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Heritage Data was also reviewed as part of the assessment for the project site. The Heritage Data did identify Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama) to occur in the area, but no other Heritage species within the subject site. The Heritage Data also found the Mazama pocket gophers and Streaked Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata)to occupy areas on and near the Shelton Airport. METHODS The guidelines established by WDFW in July 2009, March of 2011 and October 2012 for review of management plans developed for pocket gophers are listed in Appendix B and were strictly followed while performing the survey. ICES also followed WDFW guidelines in creating the Mazama pocket gopher map and polygons. The project site was visited by KES on October 8, 2012. The entire 2.5 miles and 40 foot wide project area was walked and reviewed. KES reviewed the entire 2.5 miles and 40 foot wide or approximately 528,000 square feet (12.12 acres) project area for evidence of Mazama Pocket Gophers and mounds, and found evidence or occupancy of Mazama Pocket Gophers. At the beginning of the October 8, 2012 site visit, KES opened three mounds in separate areas of the subject parcel to expose pocket gopher tunnels. This is a field practice commonly used in addition to visual mound identification to determine if Mazama Pocket Gophers are actually present. Mazama Pocket Gophers will usually return to the newly opened mound and plug the tunnel. At the end of site visit, KES checked the open tunnels to see if they had been plugged. All three of the tunnel systems had been plugged. This affirmed KES findings that Mazama Pocket Gophers are currently occupying parts of the project area. 3 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) KES identified approximately 1261 gopher mounds throughout the project area. Applying WDFW guidelines, the 1261 mounds were drawn with 5.64 meter radius circles around them and the polygons resulting in totaled 278,784 square feet(6.4 acres) (Figure 2-Figure 7). When you multiply this area by 3, according to WDFW standards,the approximate required set-aside under WDFW guidelines is 836,352 square feet (19.2 acres). Since the new water main will only cause a temporary disturbance to the Mazama Pocket Gophers, the 3:1 mitigation set-aside area is not being required. WDFW is requiring that the new water main area and any area disturbed by the construction shall be replanted with a prairie vegetation mix. The prairie mix shall be made up of: 20% perennial ryegrass, 15% annual ryegrass, 10%blue wildrye, 10% orchard grass, 10% bentgrass, 15% crimson clover, 10% white clover, and 10%red clover. This seed mix includes a variety of drought-tolerant perennials and annuals that peak in growth at different times during the year. Annuals in the seed mix are expected to reseed themselves. Gopher Maps and Polygons KES GPS'd all active gopher mounds found within the project area following WDFW GPS survey guidelines. Mounds that were flattened, very weathered(with exposed rocks), and with vegetation growing out of them were not counted. Since the project area is a highly maintained road right-of-away and is heavily disturbed some mounds were difficult to determine. KES carefully reviewed the surrounding areas and if obvious gophers were found, these disturbed mounds were counted. KES subsequently produced the Mazama Pocket Gopher mound map and polygons following WDFW guidelines. I KES identified approximately 1261 gopher mounds throughout the project area. Applying WDFW guidelines, the 1261 mounds were drawn with 5.64 meter radius circles around them and the polygons resulting in totaled 278,784 square feet(6.4 acres) (Figure 2-Figure 7). When you multiply this area by 3, according to WDFW standards, the approximate required set-aside under WDFW guidelines is 836,352 square feet (19.2 acres). This is not the final required set-aside area;this is just showing that WDFW recommendations were followed. The WDFW guidance is not set-up for large linear projects and the 3:1 mitigation ratio does not apply to this project. I The current 5.64 meter radius method for calculating set-aside areas is not consistent with what is depicted on the map graphic of Attachment B-Figure 2(WDFW 2011) and is not connected directly with average home range size, as with the calculation of occupied habitat. In addition, it is not practical to apply in the field when the size of the set-aside area is greater than the total area of the project site or parcel. Mitigation ratios, such as the 3:1 ratio currently used for calculating set-aside areas for the Mazama Pocket Gopher, are sometimes used for mitigating impacts to specialized habitats such as wetlands. Usually these mitigation ratios are justified after collecting much empirical evidence that these particular habitats can be difficult to re-create. However, using this rationale for protecting Mazama Pocket Gopher habitat does not appear to be justified given the wide range of foods and habitats used b this species (Stinson, 2005) and J g g Y P� this species' propensity to invade disturbed sites such as clear cuts and trees nurseries. As stated by Witmer et al(1996) when conducting studies to analyze the proposed protection status of Mazama Pocket Gopher. On March 4, 2011, Michelle Tirhi with WDFW testified under oath, that the 3:1 ratio was strictly a policy call and had no science to back it up. 4 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER LIFE HISTORY Status The Mazama Pocket Gopher was listed as a Washington State threatened species pursuant to Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) 232-12-014 and 232-12-011, Appendix I) as of March 2006. In addition, the Mazama Pocket Gophers are a Federal Candidate Species for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The current status of the Mazama Pocket Gopher is being questioned at this time and whether they should be a state threatened species. Habitat Requirements The Mazama Pocket Gopher is a regional endemic found only in western Washington, western Oregon, and northern California. The Mazama Pocket Gopher generally occupies south Puget Sound prairie landscapes. Most gopher populations are restricted to grassland on remnant and former prairie sites. The Mazama Pocket Gophers generally feeds on prairie forbs and grasses; however, they are not constrained to native vegetation and will eat many introduced grasses and weedy forbs. Soil type appears to affect gopher distribution because they are absent from most prairies with particularly rocky soils. Mazama Pocket Gophers prefer prairie or grassland habitat with typically loamy soils. Recently, gophers have been found in non-prairie habitat such as clear-cuts, Capital Forest, forested areas with a dense shrub understory, old Christmas tree farms, road side ditches, road side gravel, and heavily disturbed areas. In general, Mazama Pocket Gophers require prairie type soils such as: Nisqually 73, 74 and Spanaway 110, 111, and 112, with over 90 percent loam. The subject parcel soils are mapped by the NRCS and Mason County as Grove, Carstairs, and Shelton gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes. Again recently we have been finding the gophers in a wide range of soils, not just your typical prairie soils. We are also finding gophers in large numbers. Mazama pocket gopher populations are affected by habitat loss due to plant succession, agriculture, and development,which together has eliminated most of the prairie vegetation and habitat. We have found that the gophers are adapting to other vegetation besides prairie vegetation and that they are able to do quite well with Scotch broom,except where it is very dense. The gophers co-exist very nicely.with grazing, and haying practices. In fact some of the highest densities of gophers found have been where grazing and haying occur. Gophers seem to love disturbed soils. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This project area was found to contain a relatively large population of Mazama Pocket Gophers. The existing Mazama Pocket Gopher habitat found onsite would be rated as fair-good due to the number of mounds observed, the soil type and vegetation, even though the site is frequently mowed and maintained. The soil type found to occur predominately along the project area was grove soil series which is listed as a Prairie soil for WDFW, City of Shelton and Mason County. The other soils found to occur in the project area were Carstairs and Shelton gravelly sandy loam These are not typical prairie soils but Mazama Pocket Gophers have frequently been found to occur in both Carstairs and Shelton gravelly sandy loam soils. The existing vegetation does contain some of the dominant preferred food sources for pocket gophers, but very little. 5 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Manama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) Based upon KES survey, the proposed water main will only have a temporary disturbance for the Mazama Pocket Gopher. The City of Shelton has agreed plant a prairie vegetation mix over the area of disturbance. This prairie mix does contain the dominant food source for the gophers and will provide them a lot more nutrition than the vegetation that currently exists. This seed mix includes a variety of drought-tolerant perennials and annuals that peak in growth at different times during the year. Annuals in the seed mix are expected to reseed themselves. The city has agreed to notify the landowners to keep the project area mowed at least twice a year In addition to the prairie vegetation planting, and mowing [the city agrees to notify affected landowners to hand remove any Scotch broom that may start to grow in the project area." It is KES's professional opinion that the proposed water main starting from Tarragon Road as it intersects Shelton Prairie Road, and running along SR 101, SR 102/Dayton Airport Road,Public Works Drive and connecting to the WSP Complex should be allowed to be constructed. All mitigation for the temporary impacts can occur within the project area.This area will follow WDFW's guidelines for a set-aside including mowing, Scotch broom removal, signage, etc. The project area will not be fenced as this is not applicable for a linear type project. On June 24, 2011 KES's mound survey technique was verified by WDFW Wildlife Biologist, Tammy Schmidt and verified again by WDFW Wildlife Biologist Jeff Skilritz on October 20, 2012. The city and county have the ultimate decision when it comes to reasonable use of a property, with WDFW serving as an advisory role only. Mazama Pocket Gopher Set-aside Guidelines Consistent with WDFW guidelines (Appendix B), KES proposes that the Mazama Pocket Gopher disturbed project area be planted with a prairie vegetation mix, and the project area recommended to be mowed twice a year. This seed mix includes a variety of drought-tolerant perennials and annuals that peak in growth at different times during the year. Annuals in the seed mix are expected to reseed themselves. In addition, all Scotch broom will be removed by hand prior to onsite construction activity. The project area will remain intact and maintained according to these guidelines as long as Mazama Pocket Gophers inhabit the project site. In addition to the above, the applicant proposes to have the set-aside periodically monitored by a qualified WDFW approved wildlife biologist. If it is shown that gophers no longer inhabit the project area after five consecutive years, and approved by WDFW than the project area would be released and able to be developed and the maintenance activities would no longer be required. 6 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) Duration of Plan and Modifications 1. The project site will be monitored for three years, to assure that gophers have not been displaced. If it is found that gophers have been displaced or not found in the numbers prior to project, and offsite set-aside area will be proposed. 2. The monitoring plan will be funded by the City of Shelton. 3. This HMP and the water main planting plan will be attached to the deed and title of the properties, so it will be properly maintained if the property was to change ownership. Consistent with WDFW guidelines(Appendix B), KES proposes that the project area be replanted with a prairie vegetation mix, and recommend the project area be mowed twice a year. This seed mix includes a variety of drought-tolerant perennials and annuals that peak in growth at different times during the year. Annuals in the seed mix are expected to reseed themselves. In addition, all Scotch broom will be recommended to be removed by hand prior to onsite construction activity and will be recommended to be removed by hand for as long as the water main remains activity. The planted prairie vegetation will remain intact and maintained according to these guidelines as long as Mazama Pocket Gophers inhabit the project area. 4. The City and the approved WDFW Biologist will notify the local jurisdiction of any proposed land use activities. In addition to the above, the applicant proposes to have the water main project area periodically monitored by a qualified WDFW approved wildlife biologist for gopher activity and verification that the prairie vegetation is growing properly. Compliance Failure to comply with this Plan is a violation of Mason County Codes and may be subject to civil or criminal penalty. Landowner Signature (Date) Landowner Name(Print) kPA-A L 11/09/2012 Key McMurry-KES Age ignature(Date) Agent Name (Print) 550 Mill Creek Road Address Raymond, WA 98577 City, State,Zip 7 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 1 1/9120 1 2) QUALIFICATIONS KES Owner/Professional Stream and Wildlife Biologist Key McMurry conducted field work on October 8, 2012. Ms. McMurry is a WDFW-approved Mazama Pocket Gopher consultant. Key worked as an Area Habitat Biologist (AHB) for WDFW for 7 t/2 years and covered Thurston, Grays Harbor, and Pacific Counties. Ms. McMurry worked closely with the WDFW wildlife program and was instrumental in developing the interim guidelines for review of sites that contain Mazama pocket gophers. She has also assisted in several Mazama pocket gopher trapping and relocation efforts. KES has performed over 70 Prairie Recons and Mazama Pocket Gopher HMP's. Key was certified by WDFW staff in July of 2008, to perform Mazama pocket gopher surveys, and continues to consult with WDFW on Mazama pocket gopher issues. KES's gopher surveys and maps were verified by Jeff Skriletz with WDFW on October 20, 2012. Key McMurry has over 24 years of experience in the biological field. LIMITATIONS KES personnel have based the above conclusions on standardized scientific methods and best professional judgment. Local, state, and federal regulatory agencies may or may not agree with the findings presented in this report.The services described in this report were performed consistent with generally accepted professional consulting principles and practices. There are no other warranties, expressed or implied. The services performed were consistent with our agreement with our client. This report is prepared solely for the use of our client and may not be used or relied upon by a third party for any purpose. Any such use or reliance will be at such party's risk. The opinions and recommendations contained in this report apply to conditions existing when services were performed. Key Environmental Solutions, LLC., (KES) is not responsible for the impacts of any changes in environmental standards,practices, or regulations after the date of this report. KES does not warrant the accuracy of supplemental information incorporated in this report that was supplied by others. III I 8 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) REFERENCES Burton, D. H., and H.C. Black. 1978. Feeding Habits of Mazama Pocket Gophers in South Central Oregon. Journal of Wildlife Management,42:383-390. Campbell, B. 2004. Restoring Rare Native Habitats in the Willamette Valley. A Landowner's Guide to Restoring Oak Woodlands, Wetlands, Prairies and Bottomland Hardwood and Riparian Forests. See Chapter 5. <http://southsoundprairies.org/documents/1-andownerguide.pdf> Center for Biological Diversity. 2003. Mazama Pocket Gopher. Available at: http://www.sw- center.org,/swcbd/sl2ecies/mazama/. Site accessed October 2009 Ecological Land Services, November 29, 2007. Written by Key McMurry for Dennis Rattie. III Tarragon Company,Mazama Pocket Gopher Reconnaissance. ESA Adolfson, October 2008. Blomberg Industrial Park Mazama Pocket Gopher Management Plan. Prepared for Kenosha Leasing Program, Inc. Geotechnical Testing Laboratory. 2008 Subsurface Soils Investigation: Blomberg Industrial Park, 93'd Avenue SW and Blomberg Street SW, Tumwater, Washington. Prepared for Todd Hansen, Inc. January 17, 2008. Olympia, Washington. Ingles, L.G. 1965. Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Standford, California. Key Environmental Solutions, July 8, 2009. Mazamna Pocket Gopher Recon for Soon Rhee site, Written for Dae and Rae Soon Rhee. Key Environmental Solutions, July 8, 2009. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for Knowlton site, Written for Carol Knowlton. Key Environmental Solutions, August 10, 2009. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for the Baker Site in Rochester. Written for Donna Baker Key Environmental Solutions, August 25, 2009. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for the Wildaire Water System site, Written for Wildaire Water System District. Key Environmental Solutions, August 26, 2009. 93rd do Lathrop Industrial Drive Intersection Improvement Project, Thurston County Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon. Written for Thurston County Department of Public Works. Key Environmental Solutions, October 3, 2009. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for NW Helicopters, Written for Brian Reynolds. Key Environmental Solutions, October 22, 2009. Thurston County Ordinance 14260 Prairie Habitat Conservation, and Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon and No Occupancy Determination. Written for Daniel Kuney and Flamingo Links. City of Shelton—DAW Project 9 Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) I it Key Environmental Solutions, October 28, 2009. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for the Berry site,Written for Brad and Liz Berry Key Environmental Solutions, November 3, 2009. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for Thurston County Public Works, Mullen, Vail and Meridian sites, Written for Thurston County Public Works. Key Environmental Solutions, December 10, 2009. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for the Fletcher Site in Rochester. Written for Dollene and Roger Fletcher. Key Environmental Solutions, May 1, 2010. Revised January 18, 2011. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for the Kenosha Project. Written for Puget Western Inc. Key Environmental Solutions, June 9, 2010, Revised January 4, 2011, Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for Comcast. Written for Comcast. Key Environmental Solutions, June 28, 2010,Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for Belmont Enterprises. Written for Jack Belmont Key Environmental Solutions, September 1, 2010.Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for McCulloch site,Written for Jean Carr with Shea, Jewell and Carr. Key Environmental Solutions, September 10, 2010. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for Edmark site,Written for Chris and William Edmark. Key Environmental Solutions, November 21, 2010. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for Sterling Breen Crushing site, Written for Rosie and Sterling Breen. Key Environmental Solutions, June 2, 2011. Prairie Ordinance 14260 and Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for Thurston County Rainer Drop Box Site, Written for Thurston County Public Works. Key Environmental Solutions, June 5, 2011. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for 18005 Seco Lane SW, Written for Alan and Kathy Stromseth. Key Environmental Solutions, July 3, 2011, Prairie Ordinance 14260 and Mazama Pocket Gopher Recon for Ocasio,Written for Georgina Ocasio. Key Environmental Solutions, August 11, 2011, Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for Tumwater School District 700 Avenue SW Property, Written for the Tumwater School District. Key Environmental Solutions, August 24, 2011. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for Rabe Mud Run Road Property, Written for Todd and Roxanna Rabe. 10 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) Key Environmental Solutions, August 24, 2011. Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan for Wat Prachum Raingsey Buddist Assn, Written for Wat Prachum Raingesy Buddist Assn. Krippner Consulting, LLC. 5.64 radius December 16, 2010 Memorandum Maser, C. 1998. Mammals of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon. Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks. 2001. Inventory Methods for Moles and Pocket Gopher: Standards for Components of British Columbia's Biodiversity No. 26. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2012. Web Soil Survey, Version 4, December 12, 2006. Mason County, Washington. Accessed on October 15, 2012 at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov The Nature Conservancy and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2006. Proceedings of the first Mazama Pocket Gopher Workshop and Preliminary report on Needed Conservation Actions(2006-2010) The Nature Conservancy and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW).Mazama Pocket Gopher Workshop. March 2007 The Nature Conservancy and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW).Mazama Pocket Gopher Workshop. February 2009. The Nature Conservancy and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW). Mazama Pocket Gopher Workshop. March 2007 The Nature Conservancy and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Mazama Pocket Gopher Workshop. November 2011. Pringle, R.F. 1990. Soil Survey of Thurston County, Washington. USDA Soil Conservation Service. Thurston County,Washington. Shea, Carr& Jewell, Inc. 2008. Traffic Impact Analysis: Blomberg Industrial Park. Prepared for Todd A. Hansen, Inc. Thurston County, Washington. Stinson, Derek W. 2005. Washington State Status Repon for the Mazama Pocket Gopher, Streaked Horned Lark, and Taylor's Checkerspot. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 129+xii pp. <http://wdfw.wa.gov/wInVdiversty/soc/status/prairielindex.htm> Thurston County, Washington. 2003. Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance, Title 17 Chapter 17.15.200 (Definitions Critical areas, categories and terms). Thurston County,Washington. 2003. Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance, Title 17 Chapter 17.15.700(Purpose). Thurston County, Washington. 2003. Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance, Title I Chapter 17.15.705(Important habitats and species of Thurston County). 11 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) Thurston County, Washington. 2003. Thurston County Critical Areas Ordinance, Title 17 Chapter 17.15.740 (Listing or delisting of important habitats and species). Thurston County,Washington. 2009, 2010.Thurston County Ordinance 14260, Prairie and Oak Woodlands Conservation Ordinance. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). August 2007,Interim Guidelines for Review of sites that contain Mazama Pocket Gophers, RCW 36.70A,WAC 365-190-080(5) Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW),July 2009,Priority Habitats and Species Management Recommendations:Mazama Pocket Gopher Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Living with Wildlife Series: Pocket Gophers <http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/gophers.htm> Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW). 2008a. Draft Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Management Guidelines for Future Development of Abston 93rd Avenue Project. Parcel numbers 12721210100; 1272120300; and 12421240300 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW). 2008c.Blomberg Industrial Park Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Management Plan:DRAFT. Dated July 1, 2008 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife(WDFW). Priority Habitat and Species List, WDFW Database. Accessed October, 2012. Witmer, G.W., R.D. Sayler, &m.J. Pipas. 1996. Biology and habitat use of the Mazama Pocket Gopher(Thomomys mazama) in the Puget Sound area, Washington. Northwest Science 70:93-98. 12 City of Shelton—DAW Project Key Environmental Solutions,LLC. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Survey and Management Plan October 15,2012.(Revised 11/9/2012) APPENDIX A APPENDIX B WDFW Mazama Pocket Gopher Guidelines March 2011 The Washington Department of Fish and wildlife(WDFW)is providing these management recommendations to inform local government permit reviewers,applicants,consultants, and landowners working on projects with potential impacts to Mazama pocket gopher,a state-listed threatened species.These recommendations are not regulatory,but are based on best available science for avoiding,minimizing,and mitigating impacts to gophers and their habitat,which is primarily located in South Puget Sound. WDFW recommends the following mitigation sequence for reviewing and conditioning proposed development projects with potential impacts to Mazama pocket gophers: 1. Avoid direct impacts to occupied Mazama pocket gopher habitat. a. Determine the potential for gopher occupancy.A list of soil types known to be inhabited by Mazama pocket gopher in Mason,Pierce,Thurston and Lewis Counties is attached (Attachment 1).A generalized map of these soil types in Thurston and Pierce Counties is posted online,along with these management recommendations,at http://wdfw,wa.gov/conservation/phslmgmt_recommendations/.WDFW also maintains information on gopher locations based on survey and research information, which is updated frequently.Applicants can request current data on known locations of Mazama pocket gopher from WDFW's Priority Habitats and Species program (http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/maps_datal), or by calling 360-902-2543. WDFW also provides gopher location data directly to local jurisdictions. b. Because mapped gopher data is incomplete,WDFW recommends that the local permit authority require a Mazama pocket gopher mound survey for all projects proposed on sites with soils listed in Attachment 1.We recommend that a qualified professional who has received training from WDFW in Mazama pocket gopher survey protocols conduct the mound survey between the months of June and October.Surveys conducted outside that time period may not be accurate as to the presence of gophers,and applicants should be encouraged to plan ahead for their projects in order to complete a survey between June and October.A list of consultants who have received the training is available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/mgmt_recommendations/. Information on identifying gopher mounds,including differences from mole mounds, can be found at http://wdfw.wa.goy/living/gophers.htmf, c. If a survey shows occupied gopher habitat on a proposed project site,require the applicant to design/re-design the project to avoid impacts to the occupied area.WDFW defines occupied gopher habitat as Mazama pocket gopher mounds found wholly or partially within the boundaries of the parcels)to be developed, buffered by a 5.64-m radial buffer, and with overlapping radii dissolved.To account for the estimated location Habitat Management Recommendations:Mazama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 of the burrow system(based on surface mounds)occupied by the pocket gopher and biological needs for dispersal and reproduction,the occupied area should be multiplied by a factor of three(3)this area is considered the habitat protection area .(Consultants trained in the survey protocol are familiar with these mapping criteria.)See Attachment 2.All development should be located outside the gopher habitat protection area or areas.The permit authority may want to include mounds located off site In the assessment of areas that will be directly impacted by infrastructure improvements required by the development(e.g.,right-of-way improvements). d. if relocating the project completely outside of existing,occupied gopher habitat is not possible without impacting reasonable use of the property,go to Step 2-minimize impactrA determinaEtion-of reasonable-umis-at-thediscretion-of-�eAocailwrTnit authority, but it is assumed that legal definitions of reasonable use within the context of the property's zoning/land use designation will be followed. WDFW recommends that the full mitigation sequence described here,including a consideration of offsite mitigation opportunities,be employed before Issuing a reasonable use exception. e. If a survey has been completed for a site, a record of this survey should be maintained by the local permit authority,even if the development project does not move forward and even if no pocket gophers were found on the site.Requiring the survey to be recorded is the best way to notify future landowners that occupied gopher habitat has been found on their site.We recommend that a new survey be required if more than one year has passed between an initial survey and the issuance of preliminary plat approval or site plan approval.If mitigation is not implemented at the preliminary approval stage of the project,a new survey should be required when 5 or more years pass between preliminary approval and beginning of earth-moving work. Depending on available resources,WDFW may provide comment on the survey to the local jurisdiction and/or may be available to work with a consultant who is new to the survey protocol to fulfill survey requirements. WDFW will add the survey results to our mapped gopher data if the permit authority or consultant provides the results as a GIS shapefile or hard copy map,along with basic information including parcel number,surveyor and landowner name,date of survey,and number of mounds found(if any).By receiving this data,WDFW will be able to provide it to future landowners and jurisdictions planning or reviewing projects on the same or adjacent sites.Data should be submitted to WDFW Biological Data Management,Gretchen.Blatz@dfw.wa.gov. 'Methodology to determine gopher habitat is based on best available science,including peer-reviewed literature and the best professional judgment of WDFW species experts.WDFW derived the 100 sq m habitat buffer depicted as a circle with a 5.64-m radius from data on home range.Witmer et all(1996)reported a mean home range o€108 sq m for males(range 73-143),and 97 sq m for females(range 47-151).Witmer reports that these figures are somewhat smaller than reported in the literature for other Thomomys,perhaps due to the limited duration of his study(Feb-April).Anderson and MacMahon(1981)reported that in the similar Northern pocket gopher,adults typically made only small shifts(10.15 m)in the their home range over the course of the year.A multiplication factor(0)accounts for uncertainty about the exact location of the burrow system relative to surface mounds as well as species reproduction and dispersal needs and buffering from development impacts,and is WDFW's recommendation based on the best professional judgment of our species and habitat experts.See Attachment 4 for literature citations and other resources. Habitat Management Recommendations:Mazama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 f. WDFW can assist landowners with projects that do not require local permits,but whose property is likely to contain Mazama pocket gopher habitat.The permit authority is encouraged to refer such landowners to WDFW for guidance and stewardship advice. Information on living with pocket gophers can also be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/gophers.htmi.Malicious harm to state threatened species is prohibited z. 2, if impacts to some active sopher mounds can't be avoided,Fminirnize impacts to occupied Mazama pocket gopher habitat. a— Designate-as-a-habitat-pfotec-ion4rea-onsite-the-areas-}t hat-contains-the-highest gopher mound density,plus additional area(s)to make up for occupied habitat that Wil be destroyed by development.Maximizing width to length ratio such that large, contiguous patch(es)are provided and long narrow corridors are avoided are most appropriate as habitat protection areas. Multiple habitat protection areas may be appropriate on some parcels or necessary to allow development.Corridors may be appropriate to maintain connectivity with adjacent sites that also have known gopher populations. b. The total habitat protection area should include an area equivalent to the total occupied habitat area multiplied by three(3) (as calculated above).Attachment 2 shows a habitat protection area shaped to incorporate the concentrated population of gopher use onsite while also achieving the amount of buffer or protection area necessary to afford long-term benefits of habitat use.The habitat protection area should induce habitat suitable for gophers. Restoration may be needed to achieve suitable habitat.See subsection(f),below. c. Record the location of the habitat protection area on the face of the plat,short plat,or site plan.The habitat protection area may be designated as a separate tract. d. Access to the habitat protection area should be restricted.Perimeter fencing should be installed if necessary to reduce human impacts and pet predation on gophers. Informational signage should be installed at the habitat protection area perimeter stating"Mazama pocket gopher habitat area:No entry"and explaining that the habitat protection area contains habitat sensitive to disturbance of a state-threatened species. e. A habitat management plan(HMP)detailing the location and long-term management of the habitat protection area should be required as a condition of project approval, and recorded to run with the title.A recommended habitat management plan template is 2 RCW 77.35.130 defines the unlawful taking of protected fish or wildlife as when a person hunts,fishes,possesses or maliciously kills protected fish and wildlife,or maliciously destroys the eggs or nests of protected fish or wildlife, and she taking has not been authorized by rule of the commission;or the person violates any rule of the commission regarding the taking,harming,harassment,possession or transport of protected fish and wildlife. Unlawful taking of protected fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor.WAC 232-12-297 classifies state threatened and sensitive species as subcategories of protected wildlife. Habitat Management Recommendations:Mazama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 attached(Attachment 3).We request that the permit authority provide WDFW an opportunity to review the HMP by sending the Department a copy during the project review period(however,WDFW will not maintain HMP records and we may not have resources to provide timely comment on all submitted HMPs). €. The HMP should include invasive vegetation control and restoration.WDFW recommends removing all Scotch Broom(Cytissus scoparius) using above ground hand techniques(e.g.no significant movement of earth or large machinery).Twice annually, the habitat protection area should be mowed to control Scotch Broom and enhance herbaceous plant growth.(Information on Scotch Broom control may be found at http://www.southsoundprairies.org/scotchbroom.htm. Restoration of native plants hoi I&occurfoliawinginvasive/Scotch-$room-removal-ptantin"lan-shouI incorporate herbaceous species and minimizes the number of trees proposed for planting in the tree tracts.Examples of beneficial herbaceous plants include legumes, broadleaf forbs,and grasses such as broadleaf lupine(Lupinus latifolius),clover (Trifolium sp.)nodding onion(Allium cemuum)common yarrow(Achilles millefolium), field chickweed(Cerastium arvense)showy fleabane(Erigeron speciosus)coast strawberry(Fragaria chiloensis)and blue wildrye(Elymus glaucus).Possible deciduous trees to plant include Oregon white oak(Quercus garryana),big leaf maple(Ater macrophyllum)or dogwood(Cornus sp). g. Avoid using herbicides and pesticides in the habitat protection area(s). h. WDFW encourages the permit authority to require the applicant to submit annual compliance reports to the local jurisdiction for a period of three to five years after the HMP is approved.Such reports should provide basic information on how the conditions of the HMP are being implemented.WDFW recognizes that the ability to track compliance information is dependent on available local resources. 3. Mitigate unavoidable impacts to Mazama pocket gopher active mounds. a. Only K the avoidance or minimization of impacts through an onsite habitat protection area is not possible,as determined by the permit authority,then offsite mitigation or a combination of onsite and offsite mitigation may be used.A combination of onsite and offsite mitigation is preferred where there is the potential to retain some onsite habitat protection,even if that habitat protection is less than the amount recommended here. b. The offsite mitigation ratio should be calculated at the rate of three acres of suitable gopher habitat permanently protected for every one acre of occupied gopher habitat(as defined above)that is destroyed.Permanent protection may come in the form of a permanent conservation easement implemented by another property owner with gopher habitat.The offsite habitat protection area should be one contiguous patch in single ownership,and use of the site for permanent habitat mitigation should be an allowable use by the local land use permitting authority.The site should contain suitably drained prairie soils of a type and quality equivalent to the gopher habitat on the development site,and be free of impervious surfaces or structures within the habitat protection area.WDFW biologists may be available to review off site proposals for suitability as gopher habitat. Habitat Management Recommendations:Mazama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 c. A habitat management plan as described in Step 2,above,should be implemented for the mitigation site.The HMP should also specify that the site is being used as off site mitigation for a development site,and may not be used as mitigation for other development activities. WDFW Key Contacts: Area Habitat Biologists HMP review,general project assistance Thurston eo rity:-fief-360--9U2=2r79 --E,na*-*my:fwerson@dfw.w a gov-- Pierce County:Tel.360-895-3965 E-mail Gina.Piazza@dfw.wa.gov Mason County:Tel.360-249-4628 x 249 E-mail Gloria.Rogers@dfw.wa.gov Lewis County:Tel.360-785-0472 E-mail Scott.Brummer@dfw.wa.gov District Wildlife Biologist Consultant training for surveys Tel.253-813-8906 E-mail Michelle.Tirhi@dfw.wa.gov PH$Data For opphcont data requests Tel.360-902-2543 E-mail phsproducts@dfw.wa.gov http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phs/maps_data/ Biological Data Management To submit gopher survey results Tel.360-902-2484 E-mail Gretchen.Blatz@dfw.wa.gov Attachments 1.Soils list 2.Mazama pocket habitat protection example 3.Habitat Management Plan template 4.Resource list 5.March 2011 amendments I Habitat Management Recommendations: Mazama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 �I Attachment 2 Soil types where Mazama pocket gophers are most commonly found Cagey loamy sand Everett very gravelly sandy loam,G-3% Everett very gravelly sandy loam,3-15% Indianola loamy sand,0-3% Indianola loamy sand,3-15% Nisqually loamy fine sand,0-3% N squallytoamyfine- and,--3 15% — Spana gravelly loam Spanaway gravelly sandy loam,0-3% Spanaway gravelly sandy loam,3-15% Spanaway stony sandy loam,0-3% Spanaway stony sandy loam,3-15% Spanaway-Nisqually complex Go online to htta://`wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/phslmgmt recommendations to see a generalized map of soils associated with pocket gopher habitat in Thurston and Pierce Counties.Local records may be more accurate. Habitat Management Recommendations:Mazama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 Attachment Z SAMPLE MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER SET-ASIDE DESIGN,BASED ON SURVEY RES JLTS I —..-.ZArAA POCKET GOP NMI i', '�n�yvy?�?'�y 4�.ycy"��``�., i^" '.��f�""6 ff��,i`1" E `re 1�+�i+r� �:�f }.: {.A 2` r - "r•. ipk .. < r. 4 1 r �' faphm l.1nm c Sun ry . • [drib rq ry ;'?gF { "."� J 'qr rjroeeraA.:e+r Attachment 3 HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN TEMPLATE: MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER WDFW Mazarna pocket gopher management recommendations can be found online at htta:/lwdfw.wo.oavlcanservationlnhslmgmt recommendations/. Applicant Subiect Property NAME AND ADDRESS PARCEL NUMBER,ADDRESS,JURISDICTION EXISTING CONDITIONS 1, Parcel size,location,and current use including any improvements_ 2. Mazama pocket gopher status and use of subject property.If other wildlife species of concern are also found on or near the property,their status and use should also be described.A single HMP can be used to cover multi-species and habitat management issues. PROPOSED ACTIVITY Describe the proposed activity including a discussion of proposed structures,roads,right-of-ways and their location on the subject parcel. Include a timeline for proposal activities and whether or not this proposal is part of a long-term plan for continued development of the property. I HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN CONDITIONS ON-SITE 1. Describe habitat preservation actions that will be taken on site. Include size and shape of any preserved area(set-aside)and how this area relates to the existing pocket gopher mound distribution on the parcel. 2. Describe actions that will be taken to maintain and enhance the habitat preservation area on the parcel. This may Include but is not limited to;mowing,invasive species control, reestablishment of native plant species associated with gopher habitat. 3. Describe protection and education actions that will be taken on the preservation site and the property as a whole. This may include fencing,educational signs,etc. OFF-SITE 1. Describe any mitigation actions that will betaken on parcels other than the parcel where the project is proposed. 2. Include a description of the parcel(s)their location(s). 3. Discuss how these parcels will be acquired and how managed as was done for the ON-SITE parcel. DURATION OF PLAN and MODIFICATIONS 1. Describe how long the plan will be enforced,how often the plan will be reviewed,and what conditions lead to this review. 2. Describe how the plan will be funded and who or what organization(s)will be responsible for ensuring the plan is carried out and the site maintained. 3. Describe how responsibility for maintaining this plan will be transferred if ownership changes. 4. Describe-how-the-plan-wiill-be=reviewed-and-modified-should4and-u5e*n-the-pareel's— proposed to change. This could include changes in how other natural resources on the parcel are managed in addition to additional or change in development. 5. Describe who will notify the local jurisdiction of any new proposed land use activities. COMPLIANCE Failure to comply with this Plan is a violation of[JURISDICTION]codes and may be subject to civil or criminal penalty. Landowner or (Date) Landowner or Agent Names(Print) Agent Signature Address City,State,Zip (JURISDICTION]Representative(Date) For review and comment purposes,a copy of[his plan may be sent to: WDFW-Habitat Program Attention:Region 6 Area Habitat Biologist 500 Capitol Way North Olympia,WA 98501-1091 Habitat Management Recommendations:Maaama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 Attachment 4 Resources for further information about Mazama pocket gopher species and habitat Andersen,D.C.and J.A.MacMahon.1981.Population dynamics and bioenergetics of a fossorial herbivore,Thomomys talpoides(Rodentia:Geomyidae),in a spruce-fir sere.Ecological Monographs 51:179-202. Campbell,B.2004.Restoring Rare Native Habitats in the Willamette Valley.A Landowners Guide to Restonng—Nk-W66diands,1Netlands7Pralries-and$ottnmland-Hardwood-9 d-RipariarfF rest-s er --- Chapter 5,http://www,southsoundprairies.org/documents/Landownerguide_pdf Stinson,D.W.2005.Washington State Status Report for the Mazama Pocket Gopher,Streaked Horned Lark,and Taylor's Checkerspot.Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,Olympia.129+xii pp. http://wdfw wa.aov/publications/pub.php?id=00390 WDFW Living with Wildlife Series:Pocket Gophers http://wdfw.wa.Qoy/living/gophers.html Witmer,G.W.,R.D.Sayler,and M.J.Pipas.1996.Biology and habitat use of the Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama)in the Puget Sound area,Washington.Northwest Science 70:93-98. I Attachment 5 Amendments to Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Management Recommendations In March 2011,the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife revised the July 2009 Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Management Recommendations as follows: 1. Section lc was amended to correct the radial buffer used to depict the 100 sq m gopher mound. The correct radial buffer distance is 5.64 m.The map in Attachment 2 was also replaced to reflect the change. 2. The term"active"was removed to describe gopher mounds from section lc.Gopher mound -- ivit"aries4hroughonFt-h"earand-#wefvre-an-inactive-moundin-one-season-may-be occupied in another. 3. Section 2 was amended to replace the term"set-aside"with"habitat protection area."The habitat protection area is not a true set-aside because it may have other uses consistent with gopher occupancy. 4. Internet links and contact information were updated throughout. Habitat Management Recommendations:Mazama Pocket Gopher Revised March 2011 FISH d 117LDLIIFF MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER MOUND SURVEY PROTOCOL (UPDATED 2012) A pocket gopher mound is defined and differentiated from the mounds of other species by its shape, soil quality,and mound layout design. Pocket gopher mounds are irregularly shaped,arranged in disorderly fashion or clusters (as compared to straight line arrangement),having the tunnel opening on the margin of the mound (as compared to the center of the mound). Soil that is expelled in the process of burrowing will be finely sifted (as compared to clumpy). Gopher mounds have a generally flattened surface as compared to the cone or dome-shaped mound of moles. A thin probe or hand shovel may be used to determine the location of the tunnel opening with minimal disturbance to the mound. Excavating tunnels should be avoided. The probability of detecting pocket gophers changes seasonally;although the exact probability difference is unknown. For this reason,distributional mound surveys should be conducted by trained and experienced observers between 1 June and 31 October,the period of time in which pocket gophers are more actively mounding. Surveys should not be conducted in heavily forested stands or areas containing standing water all or part of the year. Significant ground/vegetation disturbance (harrowing,mowing vegetation less than 6",vehicular activity,etc.) can inhibit the surveyor's ability to conduct an accurate survey and should be avoided completely or,at minimum,within 60 days prior to a site survey. Conversely, excessive vegetation height can obscure gopher mounds,also inhibiting the ability to conduct an accurate survey. Surveyors may request to postpone a survey in the event that an accurate survey cannot be conducted at the time and may also request the site be mowed (no lower than 6") no less than 30 days prior to a revisit. Earth moving activities,such as grading and tilling,should be avoided completely and may result in a delay of up to a one year before an accurate survey can be conducted. Surveys are conducted within a property boundary using transects to maintain direction and prevent over-counting. The standard distance between transects is 10 meters;however,the distance between transects may be greater or less than 10 meters based on the ability of the observer to detect mounds,which is influenced by the density and height of vegetation. The surveyor should serpentine along transects while recording all positively identifiable gopher mounds whether wholly or partially within the boundaries of the parcel. Mounds in physical contact with one another may be counted as a single mound. Small,exploratory feeder mounds (usually smaller than a human fist) should not be counted as these areas are often backfilled and might only be used sporadically. The surveyor should record the location of each mound regardless if mounds are off-transect or on- transect using GPS in UTMs, NAD 83/Zone AN datum. GPS units with sub-meter accuracy or averaging capability are preferred. For parcels greater than 10 acres with extensive and dense mounding,i.e.hundreds of mounds per transect; only record the locations of mounds directly on transect. In this situation,transects should be no greater than 5 m apart. GIS mapping software is used to display mound point locations and to calculate Occupied Area and Habitat Protection Area. Calculations by step: 1. Create occupied area polygon(s)by buffering the mound points by 5.64 m and dissolve the overlap. 2. Determine area(either mz or acres)within the polygon(s). This is the Occupied Area. 3. AVOID development in the Occupied Area if possible. 4. MINIMIZE development in the Occupied Area if avoidance is not possible. 5. MITIGATE for development taking place in the Occupied Area(steps 6-8). 6. Multiply the Occupied Area that is impacted due to development by a factor of 3. This is the required Habitat Protection Area. 7. Create a polygon of size that reflects the required acreage for protection. 8. Manipulate the Habitat Protection Area polygon so that the entire Habitat Protection Area is located within the subject parcel AND the Habitat Protection Area encompasses all or the majority of the Occupied Area. Until further notice,private consultants conducting field surveys for Mazama pocket gophers should call the appropriate WDFW District Biologist to request a survey validation site visit immediately after concluding the field survey and mapping process,but before writing an HMP or Report of Findings. Be prepared to provide the date of survey,a map delineating surveyed area and all gopher mounds detected,if any(without buffers applied),the parcel number(s),and a valid site address and/or driving directions to the District Biologist at the time of the request. Validation ensures survey consistency among consultants until they have experience conducting accurate surveys in variable soil and vegetation conditions. WDFW has up to 30 days to conduct a validation site visit,including reporting the biologist's assessment. A Report of Findings (non-detection) or a Habitat Management Plan (detection) should be drafted and submitted to the appropriate jurisdiction. WDFW requests that the jurisdiction forward the results to WDFW staff for review or consultation. In addition,WDFW Statewide Species Database Manager requests the following survey information:parcel number,date of survey,surveyor and affiliation,parcel address,landowner/project name,and a mapped delineation of the Occupied Area as a GIS shapefile. Data can be sent electronically to Gretchen.Blatzpdfw.wa.gov. One survey conducted during the appropriate survey window (1 June thru 31 October) is considered sufficient for establishing the presence of gophers. Survey results are appropriate for land use planning for one (1)year following completion of the survey OR the duration of the development permit,excluding extensions (whichever is longer);after which time,a new survey should be conducted to account for the possibility of temporal and spatial changes in the use area. Page 1 of 1 Grace Miller - Shelton Gopher Rept - email #2 From: "Dennis McDonald" <Dennis@ci.shelton.wa.us> To: "Grace Miller" <Gbm@co.mason.wa.us>, "Jeff Skriletz" <jeff.skriletz@dfw.... Date: 11/16/2012 8:56 AM Subject: Shelton Gopher Rept - email #2 Attachments: LKrippner_cv.pdf; Figure 1 Vicinity Map.pdf; Figure 1_Gopher Circle Example.pdf; Figure 2 Gopher Survey Overview.pdf; Figure 2_Low_density.pdf; Figure 3 Shelton Springs 1.pdf; Figure 3_High_density.pdf; Figure 4 Shelton Springs 2.pdf; Figure 5 State Route 101 Section.pdf; Figure 6 State Route 102 County Section.pdf; Figure 7 Washington State Patrol Section.pdf; Figure 8 Shelton Springs Section NRCS Soil Map.pdf; Figure 9 State Route 101 Section NRCS Soil Map.pdf; Figure 10 Mason County Section NRCS Soil Map.pdf; Figure 11 SR 102 WSP Section NRCS Soil Map.pdf; Figure 12 Photoplate 1.pdf; Figure 13 Photoplate 2.pdf, Gopher_radius_memo_12-16-10.pdf Grace and Jeff Shelton Dayton-Airport Road Water Expansion Project Mason County SEPA SEP2012-00016 Email #2 Attachment A files. Dennis McDonald, MA-ABS, PMP Regional Project Manager City of Shelton (360) 432-5167 dennis@ci.shelton.wa.us file:///C:/Users/gbm/AppData/Local/Temp/XPgrpwise/50A5 FFCEMasonmail 1001673 76... 11/16/2012 Linda Krippner Wildlife & Wetlands Ecologist • Clear communications; strong technical skills; concise reports. • Innovative responses to changing conditions. • Individualized care given to every client and project. Offering Permitting, Restoration and Habitat Management Services: • Site Analysis, Planning and • Mitigation Design and Restoration Design Monitoring • Environmental Permitting • Environmental Impact • Habitat Management Plans Assessment Serving Local Governments, Developers and Tribes, including: • Pierce County Public Works • Trillium Corporation and Utilities • Lakewood Construction • City of Bellevue • CH2M HILL • Seattle Public Utilities • Hoh Indian Tribe Highlighted Achievements • Twelve years as consulting ecologist, overseeing a multitude of successful mitigation projects, habitat restorations and permitting processes. • Certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist by Society of Wetland Scientists. • Created new methods of habitat assessment to fit City of Redmonds' needs for habitat management and planning. • Negotiated wetland mitigation solutions with federal and state permit agencies when conditions changed at King County's Brightwater wastewater treatment site. • Authored best available science papers on wildlife, wetlands, and stream buffers for regulatory updates in several jurisdictions in Washington State. • Provided expert witness services for wildlife and habitat mitigation proposed at residential development sites in Thurston County and the City of Blaine. • Coordinated efforts between private and public stakeholder interests to conserve state threatened Mazama pocket gopher in South Puget Sound. • Complete list of professional publications and presentations available upon request. Education Certificate Program, Wetland Science and Management, University of Washington, 1997 Master of Science in Wildlife Science, School of Natural Resources, University of Michigan, 1994 Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Studies, Augustana College, 1988 PO Box 17621 * Seattle, WA 98127 * Tel. 206-954-0901 linda@krippnerconsulting.com Mazama Pocket Gopher Projects Blomberg Industrial Park, Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan,Thurston County, Washington. Tumwater Boulevard Improvements, Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Survey Report, City of Tumwater, Washington. LOTT Feasibility Report on Habitat Management for Mazama Pocket Gopher,Thurston County Washington. Mason County Racetrack, Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey and Habitat Management Plan (in preparation), Mason County, Washington. PO Box 17621 . Seattle, WA 98127 • Tel. 206-954-0901 lindaCa)krippnerconsulting.cam PORTIONS OF SEC. 1 , 2, 3, 4, 9, 11 & 12, T. 20 N., R. 4 W., W.M. 0 0 g a JO NS L KE MASON COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS SR 102 AIRPORT RD.) URTLE LAKE PORT OF SHELTON WASHINGTON STATE PATROL G s O � 0 D Key Environmental Solutions 550 Mill Creek Road VICINITY MAP Exhibit prepared by: Raymond,Washington 98577 DAYTON AIRPORT RD Figure 1 cri.rw Kc+�ceamm�ia yaw , (360)942-3184 Office CITY OF SHELTON Jerome W.Morrissette&Associates Inc.,P.S. —` (360)562-5763 Cell Date: November 6th, 2012 ,,�_,,, ,,,„„„ www.keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Figure 1 . Single Gopher Mound Example Meters 0 2.5 5 7 Area of Circle = 3.14 (pi) * radius (r) squared For radius = 10 meters, Area = 314 square meters For radius = 5.64 meters, Area = 100 square meters Legend gopher mound 5.64-meter radius buffer lqjp Fp Date: December 12, 2010 - PtP L 10-meter radius buffer Prepared by: Linda Krippner '— -- • • NM• • w� • 1 ♦ y. Legend Map by Project area Gopher habitat(6.4 acres) N ttY Feet w E 0 1,250 2,500 5,000 October 22,2012 S Sources:KES-Gopher mound survey data,October 2012 Copyright:02012 Esri,DeLorme,NAVTE Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 2 Gopher Survey Overview M 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County, Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington keydkeyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W Figure 2. Low Density Gopher Mound Example ` O O � Area calculations, with overlapping radii dissolved: 5.64-meter radius buffer areas - 0.5 acre (Set-aside - 1.5 acres) 10-meter radius buffer areas - 1.5 acres (Set-aside - 4.5 acres) Number of gopher mounds - 20 Legend Sample parcel s Meters • gopher mound 0 20 40 80 5.64-meter radius buffer 10-meter radius buffer Date: December 12, 2010 � Sources: Sample parcel data from Hawaii County, September 2010. Consulting, LLC Gopher mounds fictionally placed for demonstration purposes only. Prepared by: Linda Krippner Figure 3. High Density Gopher Mound Example oP 40 o o . o �•• o0 •• o Area calculations, with overlapping radii dissolved: 5.64-meter radius buffer areas - 0.4 acre (Set-aside - 1.2 acres) 10-meter radius buffer areas - 1.0 acres (Set-aside - 3.0 acres) Number of gopher mounds - 20 Legend Sample parcel Meters • gopher mound 0 20 40 80 5.64-meter radius buffer j10-meter radius buffer Date: December 12, 2010 Sources: Sample parcel data from Hawaii County, September 2010. Consulting, LLC Gopher mounds fictionally placed for demonstration purposes only. Prepared by: Linda Krippner r L v,; Zvi' e •' ¢ • .,, . m AIL -: Legend Project area Maio bV Surveyed gopher mounds m. Gopher '•.: •.� 3 N Feet WE far�1®b@f ®1 0 350 A 1,400 S Sources-KES-Gorr mound survey data,October 2012 i Figure1 Spring Road Section I 1 . . City of • Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey • 1Mason County, 1Shelton, _ • i • 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range AL Jco�m : i 0� K 46 on p� r � w � . ,4,,1 ► ,r ww, A *N Vol Legend Project area Surveyed gopher Gopher N .. Feet w opsE ®tl®b&k@l 0 350 'p 1,400 t. � � S mound survey data,October 2012 Key Environmental Solutions, 1 1 Road Section 1 Mill Creek Road City of • Raymond, WA 98577 Mazarna Pocket Gopher 1 • County, 1Shelton, • 1 n 1 'h 1 Legend QD 4L sr 7 or Freject area Surveyed gopher moundsi isle s GopherhabRat C\� 1 n, f i i 1 1 11 11 iSources KFS Gophermound survey data,October 2012 �i . .r, �rtes•o r�hc.:s t r :P ti.• Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 5 State Route 101 Section 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey � �.. Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County, Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington key@keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W 1 t I t II �i 0 1 � up NAL Feet t,. n i 'h �.� jI L., Legend � Profectarea + - __,_ Surveyed gophermourds .:�4b+,_ •\ f j,�,, , Gopher habrtat q' ��'-��R� • J •i n yCIO aal;� 1 350 70 0 •11 Sources-KES-Gopher mound survey data,October 2012 I�i .r rtes o �:: n "I ergs•.t r '�ati Key Environmental Solutions LLC Figure 5 State Route 101 Section a 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW ;i►� Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey * Office: 360-942-3184 Mason Count , Y Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton,Washington kev@keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W .1 dk � , F t ..l ^ 1 1 Legend Proyect area Surveyed gopher mounds Gopher haUitat ��R�� [�f1s0 [lY I 1 1 11 1/ �� •urce&KES-Gopher mound survey data, •ber 2012 ..y - .rp. �• Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 6 SR 102/1\4ason County Section 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW „�� Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County, Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington key@keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W n n 4 I Legend r Protect area ' '` Surveyed gopher mounds S� � Gopher habitat ,� �� _ At MAP hV I i Feet 1 700 1,400 ` 7-1 T Sources .t mound survey data,October 2012r Icr.t, rp• eti...n Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 7 Washington State Patrol Section ,t 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW �►� Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County, ' Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington kev@keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4,9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W -�r,�.-.m---� F--•.ate_,-T�-Wiz_--:��-�-a--. _. _��- -w -��- --�-�: ,�- AD 4jkLW _l 3 , lit, 'f► s4.. mb 17 - a Y _ Mason County, Washington (WA645 ) Spatial Data Version 2, Jun 16, 2009 Tabular Data Version 6, Jun 29, 2012 Mason County, Washington (WA645) Map Unit Map Unit Name Acres in Percent of Symbol AOI AOI Ca Car-stairs gravelly 2.5 34.6% loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes Gh Grove gravelly sandy 4.7 64.5% loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes Mg Mukilteo peat, 0 to 2 0.1 1.0% percent slopes Totals for Area of Interest 7.3 100.00/0 Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 8 Shelton Springs NRCS Soil Map A 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey & HMP �I► ` Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington keyOkeyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 149, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W li i 4-' 7-_4l yc -•r' y •i - 1 [ �f .*� t• `Fc xt �i t � jc A. 16 vpati,4 L * r. 41 �`i' - --- � F�,` �, �J}ice i�'f11!•i' w1 _ '•. � .. � � w�.• 'w. .+. ;.mow �i�tis �Y w�ar3r��' �r �, if ..y +s vr' r. / � y + y _ �` Mason County, Washington (WA645) Spatial Data Version 2, Jun 16, 2009 Tabular Data Version 6, Jun 29, 2012 Mason County, Washington (WA645) Map Unit Map Unit Name Acres in Percent of Symbol AOI AOI Ca Carstairs gravelly loam, 2.5 50.1% 0 to 5 percent slopes Gh Grove gravelly sandy 1.1 22.5% loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes Gk Grove gravelly sandy 1.3 27.3% loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes Totals for Area of Interest 4.9 100.0CIA) Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 9 SR 101 Section NRCS Soil Map 1 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey & HMP Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington keyOkeyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W r r/ � /�•' - � ' a ' ; �' Ii �¢' `..�• Sc •IMi a '+1r' �r,i 4 lip do r AV f�.J7lL.•1 i." ..'�+ � , af'. '�7 ��.`'�. .+: 1'R 11..1i ,.�+(' At •. ae. .;� : # ,t- +!, w��d.,F 7 re"�" n�`�,i .y,;rYY•° �I _ !I 7 tyam+- g s Jr7_pr.f •+, io�. I - it 'AA Mason County, Washington (WA645) Spatial Data Version 2, Jun 16, 2009 Tabular Data Version 6, Jun 29, 2012 Mason County, Washington (WA645) Map Unit Map Unit Name Acres in Percent of Symbol AOI AOI Gh Grove gravelly sandy 4.3 44.33/o loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes Sf Shelton gravelly sandy 5.4 55.7% loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes Totals for Area of Interest 9.8 100.00/0 Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 10 Mason County NRCS Soil ;\lap ( 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey & HMP �►' Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington keyOkeyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W ..f F s 1.l• - � f7 'f M _• ��i {`�' Ad r _ 1 4 it-N- 1 t 4, Mason County, Washington (WA645) Spatial Data Version 2, Jun 16, 2009 Tabular Data Version 6, Jun 29, 2012 Mason County, Washington (WA645) Map Unit Map Unit Name Acres in Percent of Symbol AOI AOI Gh Grove gravelly sandy 20.0 100.00/0 loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes Totals for Area of Interest 20.0 100.00/0 Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 11 SR 102/WSP NRCS Soil Map 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW '^ Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey & HMP �► Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington key@keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W ...r Lookin west along Shelton Springs Road Looking west along Shelton Springs Road. .� : ,. i e ; ♦,tl , LL .cT 4f a Looking west along Shelton S rings 1ZOad C,,j,h:r Mounds al on Shelton Springs Road i .t i .1.4 IV Looking north along SR101 Gopher mounds at the corner of SR 101 & Shelton , Springs Road Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 12 Photoplate 1 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County, Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington key@keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W e ' s r ram' ta_ ' t Lookin« north 'lull', Sk 101 Go hers along SR 101 +781+"��•j'�1' C Xr_ p x• s�• � pK.: � �•s — r" o•'-- _ �''"• ,.x 4 r y'"'Qt A5. '.ti tS �:'.2 - 1� �1, I J S ii /,,,��,,,• rY - "i A ��lla,S�,��,J�kkt�t'++GL►►�J,..';'�,+�°�y'p��Y}4,.' µ' Looking west along SR 102/Dayton Airport Road Gophers alon SR 102/Da on Airport Road r., `� � .. 'her. jYS'`'- �fY1R�L ',��/ ;,/ ti •`7. �' is` �,; �`+ >�f ''�.�"i•%,wt�Y�'3V-s_ A�"��t�,NsL�` .�✓'�_'t.��''a'ti� is Looking east at WSP Complex Gophers at proposed tank site, on county property Key Environmental Solutions, LLC Figure 13 Photoplate 2 t 550 Mill Creek Road City of Shelton-DAW .4 Raymond, WA 98577 Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Office: 360-942-3184 Mason County, Cell: 360-562-5763 Shelton, Washington key@keyenvironmentalsolutions.com Sec. 1-4, 9, 11, 12 Township 20 N, Range 4 W MEMORANDUM Date: December 16, 2010 To: Heather Burgess, Eisenhower& Carlson, PLLC From: Linda Krippner, Krippner Consulting, LLC RE: Priority Habitats and Species Management Recommendations for the Mazama Pocket Gopher: An Error in Instructions for Calculating Occupied Gopher Habitat Krippner Consulting, LLC has prepared this memorandum for Eisenhower&Carlson, PLLC to describe an error found in the Priority Habitats and Species Management Recommendations for the Mozomo Pocket Gopher published in July 2009 by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Mazama pocket gopher is currently listed by Washington State as a threatened species.This listing was based mainly on the results of the 2005 State Status Report for this species (Stinson, 2005).WDFW has prepared management recommendations for protection of Mazama pocket gophers (WDFW, 2009). These management recommendations are used by local jurisdictions to guide their decisions in critical areas management and permitting. The Mazama pocket gopher management recommendations are site-specific and are based upon the results of gopher mound surveys conducted by WDFW biologists and/or consultant biologists trained in the survey protocol. Once the mound survey is completed,the total area of occupied gopher habitat on a site is estimated by buffering each of the surveyed mounds by a 10-meter radius buffer.This 10-meter radius buffer is derived from the literature that reports an average home range size of 108 square meters for male gophers and 97 square meters for female gophers (Witmer et al. 1996). According to the management recommendations, this could be thought of as a 10 x 10 meter square, or circle of 100 square meters in size (WDFW 2009). This is where the error has occurred. A 10 x 10 meter square is not the same size as a circle that has a radius of 10 meters, as the instructions for calculating occupied gopher habitat indicate. Since the area of a circle is A= pi (3.14) * radius(r)squared, a circle with a radius of 10 meters is approximately 314 square meters in size rather than 100 square meters in size.A circle that is 100 square meters in size would have a radius of approximately 5.64 meters. Figure 1 demonstrates the difference between these differently sized circles. This error in the length of the radius buffer overestimates the area of occupied gopher habitat in all cases. How much a particular site is affected by this error depends upon the degree of overlap between the circles.The less the circles overlap,the greater the difference between habitat estimated using 10- PO Box 17621 s Seattle,WA 98127 s Tel. 206-954-0901 linda@krippnerconsulting.com Mazama Pocket Gopher Management Recommendations: Radius Length Error meter radius buffers and habitat estimated using 5.64-meter radius buffers. This is because the overlapping areas are dissolved before the total habitat area is calculated. For example, in Figure 2,the surveyed mounds are widely spaced with few habitat circles overlapping. In this case,the habitat area increases three-fold by using a 10-meter radius buffer(or 314 square meter circle)as compared with the 5.64-meter radius buffer(or 100 square meter circle). In Figure 3,the surveyed mounds are more closely spaced, more areas are dissolved into one habitat area, and the increase is closer to two-fold. The set-aside area is calculated by multiplying the occupied gopher habitat area by three to account for species reproduction and dispersal and buffering from development on the development site (WDFW 2009). Summary An error was found in the Priority Habitats and Species Management Recommendations for the Mazama Pocket Gopher published in July 2009 by WDFW.The radius used to buffer surveyed gopher mounds should be 5.64 meters rather than 10 meters.The current use of a 10-meter buffer to calculate occupied gopher habitat overestimates this area approximately two to three-fold in all cases. References: Stinson, D. W. 2005. Washington State Status Report for the Mazama Pocket Gopher,Streaked Horned Lark, and Taylor's Checkerspot. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 129+xii pp. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 2009. PHS Management Recommendations: Mazama Pocket Gopher. http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/hab/phsrecs.htm. Published in July 2009, revised date December 2009. Witmer, G.W., R. D. Sayler and M.J. Pipas. 1996. Biology and Habitat Use of the Mazama Pocket Gopher (Thomomys mazama)in the Puget Sound Area, Washington. Northwest Science,Vol. 70. No. 2:93-98. Attachments: Figure 1.Single Gopher Mound Example Figure 2. Low Density Gopher Mound Example Figure 3. High Density Gopher Mound Example Krippner Consulting, LLC 2