HomeMy WebLinkAboutWETLAND REPORT - OT General - 7/16/2024HABITAT TECHNOLOGIES
wetlands, streams, fisheries, wildlife – mitigation and permitting solutions P.O. Box 1088, Puyallup, Washington 98371 253-845-5119 contact@habitattechnologies.net
A VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS COOPERATIVE
July 16, 2024
Ms. Rocio Lokhmatov 3416 - 53rd Street Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 e-mail rocio@skylineproperties.com
RE: Critical Areas Delineation and Rating Report Parcel 222127590094, XXX East Cedar Street, Mason County
Dear Ms. Lokhmatov, This document details the culmination of evaluation and assessment activities undertaken
to complete a characterization of specifically defined environmentally critical areas (wetlands, drainage corridors/streams, and critical fish and wildlife habitats) as an element of the planning for the potential development of Parcel 222127590094 (project site) located on East Cedar Street, Mason County, Washington (Figure 1). The evaluation, delineation, and characterization of environmentally critical areas is a vital
element in the planning for potential future site development actions. The goal of this approach is to ensure that selected actions do not result in adverse environmental impacts to these identified critical areas. The assessment and delineation of specific environmentally critical areas within and
immediately adjacent to the project site followed the methods and procedures defined in the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1987) with the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2010); the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington (Hruby and
Yahnke, 2023); the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Forest Practice Rules (WAC 222-16-030); and Mason County Title 8 - Environmental
Policy. This document was designed to accommodate site planning and potential regulatory actions and is suitable for submittal to federal, state, and local authorities for potential wetlands, drainage corridors/streams, and critical habitats verification and
permitting actions. This assessment did not include an assessment of potential steep slopes, septic suitability, flood zones, adverse erosion zones, or geotechnically hazardous critical areas.
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PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION
The project site was triangular in shape, composed of an individual parcel of record 1.96-
acres in total size, and located in a residential community consisting of existing single-family homesites and vacant properties. The project site had been modified by prior land use actions which included forest harvest, clearing and grading, power installation, water installation, gravel parking area, and landscaped areas.
Directions to Project Site: From eastbound WA-106 E turn east on East Cedar Street. Continue on East Cedar Street to 3xx East Cedar Street. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY The National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Mapping completed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was reviewed as a part of this assessment (Figure 2). This mapping resource identified a drainage corridor (riverine)crossing through the northwestern portion of the
project site. This mapping resource further noted a freshwater pond offsite to the north/northeast of the project site along with drainage corridor. STATE OF WASHINGTON PRIORITY HABITATS AND SPECIES
The State of Washington Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Mapping was reviewed as a part of this assessment (Figure 3). This mapping resource identified a surface water drainage corridor crossing through the northwestern portion of the project site that originated within an offsite wetland to the northeast of the project site. This resource also identified the presence of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) within the drainage
corridor. STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE The State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) SalmonScape
Mapping was reviewed as a part of this assessment (Figure 4). This mapping resource identified a drainage corridor crossing through the northwestern portion of the parcel that originated well offsite to the northeast and continued southwesterly through the project site to terminate along the shoreline of Hood Cannel – Puget Sound. This mapping resource noted the documented historic presence of cutthroat trout within the drainage
corridor. STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES The State of Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Water Type
Mapping was reviewed as a part of this assessment (Figure 5). This mapping resource
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identified a drainage corridor crossing from the northeast to the southwest through the northwestern portion of the project site. This mapping resource also identified a wetland offsite to the northeast of the project site as noted in the mapping resources. The onsite
drainage was identified as a WDNR Type F Water (fish bearing).
MASON COUNTY MAPPING The Mason County Mapping was reviewed as a part of this assessment (Figure 6). This
mapping resource identified the offsite wetland noted in the mapping resources above to
extend onto the northern portion of the project site. This mapping resource further noted a fish-bearing drainage corridor crossing through the northwestern portion of the project site. This mapping resource identified the parcel to the north of the project site to contain wetlands (Sensitive Areas Notice on Title).
SOIL MAPPING The Soil Mapping Inventory completed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service was reviewed as a part of this assessment (Figure 7). This mapping resource identified
the soil throughout generally the northwestern portion of the project site as Alderwood
gravelly sandy loam 15-30% slope (Ac). The Alderwood gravelly sandy loam - 15-30% slope - soils series is defined as moderately well drained, as formed in glacial till on broad uplands, and to exhibit potential inclusion areas of “hydric” soils.
This mapping resource identified the soils within the southeastern portion of the project
site as Alderwood gravelly sandy loam 18-15% slope (Ab). The Alderwood soil series is defined as moderately well drained, as formed in gravelly glacial till, and to exhibit potential inclusions of “hydric” soils.
ONSITE ANALYSIS
CRITERIA FOR CRITICAL AREAS IDENTIFICATION The evaluation and documentation of the specific critical areas included potential wetlands, surface water drainage corridors (aquatic areas), and fish and wildlife habitats
which may be located within or immediately adjacent to the project site. This assessment did not include an assessment of potential steep slope, potential septic suitability, potential flood zones, or potential geotechnically hazardous critical areas. Wetlands: Wetlands are transitional areas between aquatic and upland habitats. In
general terms, wetlands are lands where the extent and duration of saturation with water as the primary factor determining the nature of soil development and the types of plant and animal communities living in the soil and on its surface (Cowardin, et al., 1979). Wetlands are generally defined within land use regulations as "areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support,
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and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions" (US Army Corps of Engineers 1987).
Wetlands exhibit three essential characteristics, all of which must be present for an area
to meet the established criteria (US Army Corps of Engineers, 1987 and US Army Corps of Engineers, 2010). These essential characteristics are: 1. Hydrophytic Vegetation: The assemblage of macrophytes that occurs in areas
where inundation or soil saturation is either permanent or of sufficient frequency
and duration to influence plant occurrence. Hydrophytic vegetation is present when the plant community is dominated by species that require or can tolerate prolonged inundation or soil saturation during the growing season.
2. Hydric Soil: A soil that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding
long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper parts. Most hydric soils exhibit characteristic morphologies that result from recent periods of saturation or inundation. These processes result in distinctive characteristics that persist in the soil during both wet and dry periods.
3. Wetland Hydrology: Permanent or periodic inundation, or surface soil saturation, at least seasonally. Wetland hydrology indicators are used in combination with indicators of hydric soil and hydrophytic vegetation to define the area. Wetland hydrology indications provide evidence that the site has a continuing wetland
hydrology regime. Where hydrology has not been altered vegetation and soils
provide strong evidence that wetland hydrology is present. Mason County defines “wetlands” as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under
normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life
in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm
ponds, and landscape amenities or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were
unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street or highway. However, wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland areas created to mitigate conversion of wetlands, if permitted by the county.
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas: "Fish and wildlife habitat conservation
areas (FWHCA)" are defined by Mason County as those areas that serve a critical role in sustaining needed habitats and species for the functional integrity of the ecosystem, and which, if altered, may reduce the likelihood that the species will persist over the long term. These areas may include, but are not limited to, rare or vulnerable ecological
systems, communities, and habitat or habitat elements including seasonal ranges,
breeding habitat, winter range, and movement corridors; and areas with high relative population density or species richness. They do not include such artificial features or
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constructs as irrigation delivery systems, irrigation infrastructure, irrigation canals, or drainage ditches that lie within the boundaries of, and are maintained by, a port district or an irrigation district or company (RCW 36.70A.030(5).
Mason County defines a “stream” as those areas where surface waters flow sufficiently to produce a defined channel or bed. A defined channel or bed is an area which demonstrates clear evidence of the passage of water and includes, but is not limited to, bedrock channels, gravel beds, sand and silt beds and defined channel swales. The
channel or bed need not contain water year round. This definition is not meant to include
irrigation ditches, canals, storm or surface water runoff devices or other entirely artificial watercourses, unless they are used by salmon or used to convey streams naturally occurring prior to construction. For regulatory purposes a “stream” is typed following the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Stream Typing System (WAC 222-
16-030).
STUDY METHODS Habitat Technologies completed a series of onsite assessments during July 2024,
following the guidance provided within the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual (United States Army Corps of Engineers, 1987) with the Regional Supplement to
the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and
Coast Region (United States Army Corps of Engineers, 2010); the Washington State
Wetland Rating System for Western Washington (Hruby and Yahnke, 2023), the State of
Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Forest Practice Rules (WAC 222-
16-030), and Mason County Title 8 - Environmental Policy. FIELD OBSERVATION
Onsite assessment activities were conducted across the entire project site. The site had undergone various land use modifications, including forest harvest, clearing and grading, power installation, water installation, gravel parking area, and landscaped areas. A depressional area was identified within the northern portion of the project site and within
adjacent properties. This depressional area entered from the northern boundary,
extended southwest through the property, and exited along the mid-western boundary. Soils
As documented at representative sample plots throughout the majority of the project site,
the soil exhibited a gravelly sandy loam texture and coloration typical of the Alderwood soil series. The surface soil generally to a depth of ten (10) inches typically exhibited a very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) coloration and a gravelly sandy loam texture. The subsoil to a depth of approximately 24 inches exhibited a brown (10YR 4/3) coloration,
and gravelly sandy loam texture. This soil appeared to drain moderately well, did not
exhibit prominent redoximorphic features, and was identified as non-hydric in character.
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The soil identified within the depressional area (noted as Wetland A below) within the western portion of the project site exhibited thick dark surface soil and subsoil coloration
to a depth of 24 inches of black (10YR 2/1). Soil texture was noted as muck to silt loam.
The soil within this depression exhibited prominent redoximorphic and other field indicators typical of a hydric soil. Hydrology
Onsite hydrology patterns were influenced by seasonal stormwater runoff originating from both the project site and adjacent properties, an onsite beaver dam within a surface water drainage, and soils characteristics. The majority of the project site exhibited moderate to good drainage and did not exhibit prominent field indicators typically associated with
wetland hydrology or the concentrated movement of seasonal surface water.
A depression (noted as Wetland A below) dominated the northwestern portion of the project site and extended offsite to the northeast and southwest. This area exhibited seasonal and permanent ponding and soil saturation during the assessment. Notably,
the wetland contained areas of permanent ponding as viewed from the project boundary
within its interior and two additional ponds associated with existing active beaver dams located to the north and northeast. Vegetation
The project site generally exhibited three (3) primary plant communities. The first plant community was associated with the managed areas in the southern portion of the project site. This area was dominated by crushed imported gravel, raised garden beds, and a scattering of remnant retained native vegetation.
The second plant community was identified through the majority of the project site. Observed species within this forest plant community included Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga
menziesii), big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa), evergreen
huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), sword fern
(Polystichum munitum), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilium), and western trillium (Trillium
ovatum). This plant community was identified as non-hydrophytic in character (typical of uplands).
The third plant community within the project site was identified as typically associated
with damp to saturated soils. This plant community was noted to continue offsite to the north and east. Observed species included; western red cedar (Thuja plicata), Devils Club (Opopnax horridum), lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), water parsley (Oenanthe
sarmentosa), duckweed (Lemna minor), deer fern (Blechnum spicant). This plant
community was identified as hydrophytic in character (typical of wetlands).
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Wildlife
Wildlife species observed directly and indirectly during the onsite assessment, those
species observed during prior assessments within the general project area, and those species that would reasonably use the habitats provided within and adjacent to the project site included red tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), green heron (Butorides virescens), red winged
blackbird (Agelaius phoenisues), brewer blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), marsh
wren (Cistothorus palustirs), kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), barred owl (Strix varia), common raven (Corvus corax), American crow (Corvus brachynchos), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), common mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), hairy woodpecker (Picoides
villosus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo
erythrophthalmus), dark eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), dark brown creeper (Certhia familiaris), Western screech owl (Otus kennicotti), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), black capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus), chestnut backed chickadee (Parus rufescens), purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus), song sparrow
(Melospiza melodia), golden crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), white crowned
sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), red breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), black tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus), coyote (Canis latrans), muskrat (Ondatra zibthica), beaver (Castor canadensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus
carolinensis), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis),
opossum (Didelphis virginianus), longtail weasel (Mustela frenata), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), shrew (Sorex spp.), mole (Scapanus spp.), bats (Myotis spp.), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), shrew (Sorex spp.), red-legged frog (Rana aurora), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), Pacific treefrog
(Hyla regilla), and common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).
The project site was not assessed for fish species utilization; however, cutthroat trout had a historical presence documented by WDFW.
Wildlife Movement Corridors: The project site was within an area of residential
development and vacant parcels generally converting into residential uses. As identified by onsite wildlife trails, small, medium, and large mammals appeared to be moving throughout the project site. The project site is also within the general area of the migratory movement of passerine birds, raptors, and waterfowl.
• State Priority Species A few species identified by the State of Washington as “Priority Species” were observed
onsite or potentially may utilize the habitats provided by the project site. Priority species
require protective measures for their survival due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal importance.
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Game Species: “Game species” are regulated by the State of Washington through recreational hunting bag limits, harvest seasons, and harvest area
restrictions. Observed or documented “game species” within and adjacent to the
project site included black-tailed deer, common mallard, cutthroat trout, and mourning dove. State Candidate: State Candidate species are presently under review by the
State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for possible listing
as endangered, threatened, or sensitive. The project site was not observed and has not been documented to provide direct critical habitats for State Candidate species.
State Sensitive: State Sensitive species are native to Washington and are
vulnerable to declining and are likely to become endangered or threatened throughout a significant portion of its range without cooperative management or removal of threats. The project site was not observed and has not been documented to provide direct critical habitats for State Sensitive species.
State Threatened: State Threatened species means any wildlife species native to the state of Washington that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout a significant portion of its range within the state without cooperative management or removal of threats. The project site was not
observed and has not been documented to provide direct critical habitats for State
Threatened species. State Endangered: State endangered species means any species native to the state of Washington that is seriously threatened with extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range within the state. The project site was not observed
and has not been documented to provide direct critical habitats for State Endangered species.
• Federally Listed Species No federally listed endangered, threatened, or candidate species were observed or have been documented to utilize the habitats provided within the project site. A single, federally listed “species of concern” – bald eagle – has been documented to utilize the habitats
generally associated with Hood Canal, offsite area lakes, and larger drainage corridors.
CRITICAL AREAS DETERMINATION
Environmentally critical areas determination and characterization was completed
following the guidance and criteria provided within the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual (United States Army Corps of Engineers, 1987) with the Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains,
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Valleys, and Coast Region (United States Army Corps of Engineers, 2010); the Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update Publication #14-06-029 (Hruby, 2014) and Publication #23-06-029 (Hruby, T. & Yahnke,
A. 2023), the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Forest
Practice Rules (WAC 222-16-030), and Mason County Title 8- Environmental Policy. WETLAND FINDINGS
WETLAND MASON COUNTY CATEGORY WDOE RATING SCORE WDOE HABITAT SCORE BUFFER (moderate intensity)
A II 21 7 110 feet
Wetland A: Wetland A was identified as a “depressional wetland” in the northern portion of the project site and continued offsite into adjacent properties. This wetland exhibited
areas of permanent ponding, seasonal ponding, and seasonal saturation during the site
assessment. Wetland A was identified as meeting the criteria for designation as palustrine, forested, seasonally flooded/saturated (PFOE); and palustrine, aquatic, permanently flooded,
beaver (PABHb). Wetland A was rated pursuant to the Washington State Wetland Rating
System for Western Washington (Hruby and Yahnke, 2023) and identified to exhibit a total functions score of 21 points (7 habitat points) (Appendix B). As such, Wetland A was identified as meeting the criteria for designation as a Mason County Category II Wetland. The standard buffer adjacent to this wetland (based on Category and habitat
points) and associated with a proposed moderate intensity land use is 110 feet plus an
additional 15 feet building setback as measured perpendicular from the defined wetland boundary. STREAM FINDINGS
A Type F Stream was identified within the boundary of Wetland A through the project site. This stream originated offsite to the northeast and continued southwesterly through the project site to terminate along the shoreline of Hood Cannel – Puget Sound. Within the project site the channel of this stream had been greatly modified by prior and existing
beaver activities. The standard buffer for a Type F Stream is 150 feet in width as
measured perpendicular from the ordinary high water mark (ohwm). FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION AREAS
No portion of the project site was identified to exhibit characteristics associated with rare
or vulnerable ecological systems, communities, or habitat. The project site was identified to provide other habitat elements including seasonal ranges, breeding habitat, winter range, and movement corridors for a variety of wildlife species.
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SELECTED SITE ACTION
The Selected Development Action for Parcel 222127590094 focuses on the development of a single-family homesite with associated amenities (onsite septic system, driveway, yard) consistent with the Mason County Comprehensive Plan, local zoning, and the character of the neighborhood. Because of the overlap of environmentally critical areas,
associated standard buffers, and the character of the project site, such single-family
homesite development appears possible without encroachment into the wetland or stream corridor. However, single-family homesite development may appear to require the variance/reasonable use permitting process for unavoidable encroachment into associated standard buffers.
STANDARD OF CARE
This document has been completed by Habitat Technologies for use by Ms. Rocio Lokhmatov. Prior to site planning, this document should be reviewed, and the findings verified by Mason County or other applicable permitting agency(s). Habitat Technologies
has provided professional services that are in accordance with the degree of care and
skill generally accepted in the nature of the work accomplished. No other warranties are expressed or implied. Habitat Technologies is not responsible for design costs incurred before this document is approved by the appropriate resource and permitting agencies.
Jessy J. Peck Bryan W. Peck Thomas D. Deming, SPWS Wetland Biologist Intern Senior Wetland Biologist Habitat Technologies
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FIGURES
Figure 1 - Site Vicinity
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan,Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thailand),NGCC, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
County Boundary
No Filled
Tax Parcels (Zoom in to 1:30,000)
7/11/2024, 9:59:26 AM
0 0.1 0.20.05 mi
0 0.15 0.30.07 km
1:6,121
Mason County disclaims accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of website info, not liable for losses from reliance on it. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/disclaimer.php
Mason County WA GIS Web Map Application
Figure 2 - NWI Mapping
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Standards and Support Team,wetlands_team@fws.gov
Wetlands
Estuarine and Marine Deepwater
Estuarine and Marine Wetland
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
Freshwater Pond
Lake
Other
Riverine
July 11, 2024
0 0.2 0.40.1 mi
0 0.3 0.60.15 km
1:12,230
This page was produced by the NWI mapper
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
This map is for general reference only. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is not responsible for the accuracy or currentness of the base data shown on this map. All wetlands related data should be used in accordance with the layer metadata found on the Wetlands Mapper web site.
PHS Species/Habitats Overview:
Occurence Name Federal Status State Status Sensitive Location
Cutthroat Not Warranted N/A No
Resident Coastal Cutthroat N/A N/A No
Priority Habitats and Species on the Web
Report Date: 07/11/2024
PHS Species/Habitats Details:
7/11/24, 10:19 AM PHS Report
about:blank 1/2
Cutthroat
Scientific Name Oncorhynchus clarki
Priority Area Occurrence
Accuracy NA
Notes LLID: 1228767474084, Stock Name: East Hood Canal CoastalCutthroat, Run: Unspecified, Status: Unknown
Source Record 7940
Source Dataset SASI
Source Name Not Given
Source Entity WDFW Fish Program
Federal Status Not Warranted
State Status N/A
PHS Listing Status PHS Listed Occurrence
Sensitive N
SGCN N
Display Resolution AS MAPPED
More Info http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/soc/soc.htm
Geometry Type Lines
Resident Coastal Cutthroat
Scientific Name Oncorhynchus clarki
Priority Area Occurrence/Migration
Accuracy NA
Notes LLID: 1228767474084, Fish Name: Cutthroat Trout, Run Time:Unknown or not Applicable, Life History: Unknown
Source Record 55562
Source Dataset SWIFD
Federal Status N/A
State Status N/A
PHS Listing Status PHS Listed Occurrence
Sensitive N
SGCN N
Display Resolution AS MAPPED
More Info http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/soc/soc.htm
Geometry Type Lines
DISCLAIMER. This report includes information that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) maintains in a central computer database. It is not an attempt to provide you with an official agency response as to the impacts of your project on fish and wildlife. This information only documents the location of fish and wildlife resources to the best of our knowledge. It is not a complete inventory and it is important to note that fish and wildlife resources may occur in areas not currently known to WDFW biologists, or in areas for which comprehensive surveys have not been conducted. Site specific surveys are frequently necesssary to rule out the presence of priority resources. Locations of fish and wildlife resources are subject to variation caused by disturbance, changes in season and weather, and other factors. WDFW does not recommend using reports more than six months old.
7/11/24, 10:19 AM PHS Report
about:blank 2/2
Figure 4 WDFW Salmonscape Mapping
County of Kitsap, Esri, HERE, Garmin, iPC, USGS/NHD, Dale Gombert(WDFW), WDFW, Maxar
All SalmonScape Species
July 11, 2024
0 0.1 0.20.05 mi
0 0.15 0.30.07 km
1:9,028
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), Forest Practices Division, Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), Engineering Division
Map Symbols
Forest Practices Water Type Map¯
End of Fish orLast Fish!?
"Manmade Barrier#*Natural Fish Barrier
Start and EndPoint of SurveyedReach[[New Stream
F Proposed Water Type
Stream Removalxxx
Break betweenwater types
F N
Extreme care was used during the compilation of this map to ensureits accuracy. However, due to changes in data and the need torely on outside information, the Department of Natural Resourcescannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, and therefore, there are no warranties that accompany this material.Date: 7/11/2024 Time: 10:25 AM
Additional Information Legal Description
Approximate Scale :1:12,000
S12 T22.0N R02.0W, S13 T22.0NR02.0W, S18 T22.0N R01.0W, S07T22.0N R01.0W, S06 T22.0N R01.0W,S01 T22.0N R02.0W
0 1,000 2,000500
Feet
Figure 6 - Mason County Mapping
Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community
County Boundary
No Filled
Tax Parcels (Zoom in to 1:30,000)
National Wetlands Inventory (Hyperlinked)
DNR Water Courses
Fish
Non-fish
Shorelines of the State
Unknown
Waters with no type designation
NHD Water Courses
Name
7/11/2024, 10:01:46 AM
0 0.1 0.20.05 mi
0 0.15 0.30.07 km
1:6,121
Mason County disclaims accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of website info, not liable for losses from reliance on it. https://www.masoncountywa.gov/disclaimer.php
Mason County WA GIS Web Map Application
Soil Map—Mason County, Washington(Figure 7 - Soils Mapping)
Natural ResourcesConservation Service Web Soil SurveyNational Cooperative Soil Survey 7/11/2024Page 1 of 3525072052507505250780525081052508405250870525090052509305250750525078052508105250840525087052509005250930509680509710509740509770509800509830509860509890509920509950509980
509680 509710 509740 509770 509800 509830 509860 509890 509920 509950 509980
47° 24' 42'' N 122° 52' 18'' W47° 24' 42'' N122° 52' 2'' W47° 24' 35'' N
122° 52' 18'' W47° 24' 35'' N
122° 52' 2'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 10N WGS84
0 50 100 200 300Feet
0 20 40 80 120Meters
Map Scale: 1:1,520 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:31,700.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed
scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation ServiceWeb Soil Survey URL: Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts
distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Mason County, WashingtonSurvey Area Data: Version 19, Aug 29, 2023
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales
1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jul 31, 2022—Aug 8,
2022
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background
imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Soil Map—Mason County, Washington(Figure 7 - Soils Mapping)
Natural ResourcesConservation Service Web Soil SurveyNational Cooperative Soil Survey 7/11/2024Page 2 of 3
Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
Ab Alderwood gravelly sandy
loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
1.9 54.6%
Ac Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes
1.6 45.4%
Totals for Area of Interest 3.4 100.0%
Soil Map—Mason County, Washington Figure 7 - Soils Mapping
Natural ResourcesConservation Service Web Soil SurveyNational Cooperative Soil Survey 7/11/2024Page 3 of 3
12 24108
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND LIST Adamus, P.R., E.J. Clairain Jr., R.D. Smith, and R.E. Young. 1987. Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET); Volume II: Methodology, Operational Draft Technical Report Y-87,
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Cowardin, Lewis M. et al, 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. Office of Biological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, FWS/OBS-79/31.
Hitchcock, C.L., A. Cronquist. 1977. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press. Seattle, Washington. Hruby, T. 2014. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington: 2014 Update. (Publication #14-06-029). Olympia, WA: Washington Department of
Ecology. Hruby, T. & Yahnke, A. (2023). Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western
Washington: 2014 Update (Version 2). Publication #23-06-009. Washington Department of Ecology.
Lichvar, R.W., D.L. Banks, W.N. Kirchner, and N.C. Melvin. 2016. The National Wetlands Plant List: 2016 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2016-30: 1-17. Published 28 April 2016. ISSN 2153 733X. http://wetland-plands. Usace.army.mil/
Reppert, R.T., W. Sigleo, E. Stakhiv, L. Messman, and C. Meyers. 1979. Wetland Values - Concepts and Methods for Wetland Evaluation. Research Report 79-R1, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Institute for Water Resources, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. United States Army Corps of Engineers, 1987. Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical
Report Y-87-1, US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. March 1987. United States Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
(Version 2.0), Environmental Laboratory ERDC/EL TR-08-13. US Climate Data, 2015 http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/tacoma/washington /united-states/uswa0441/0441/2014/1
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Plants Database, 2015 (for hydrophytic plan classification): http://plants.usda.gov/ United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. 2016 http://vewsoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/newfeatures.2.3.htm.
13 24108
US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory Mapper, 2016 (for NWI wetland mapping): http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html.
Washington State Department of Ecology. 1997. Washington State Wetlands
Identification and Delineation Manual. Publication Number 96-94. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitats and Species Maps 2016 http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife SalmonScape Mapping System, 2016 (for fish presence): http://apps.wdfw.wa.gov/salmonscape/map.html Washington State Department of Natural Resources FPARS Mapping System, 2016 (for
stream typing): http://fortess.wa.gov/dnr/app1/fpars/viewer.htm
14 24108
APPENDIX A – Field Data Worksheets
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: PARCEL 222127590094 City/County: Belfair / Mason County Sampling Date:3 JULY 2024
Applicant/Owner: State: WA. Sampling Point: SP1
Investigator(s): Habitat Technologies Section, Township, Range: Section 12 Township 22N Range 2W
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Hillslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave Slope (%): 8-10%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: N47.41062 Long: W122.87012 Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam NWI classification: Moderate
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks: Slopped Forested property
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius) % Cover Species? Status
1. Acer macrophyllum 30 YES FACU
2. Tsuga heterophylla 10 YES FACU
3. Pseudotsuga menziesii 15 YES FACU
4.
55 = Total Cover
Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius)
1. Vaccinium ovatum 10 YES FACU
2. Vaccinium parvifolium 5 YES FACU
3. Berberis nervosa 15 YES UPL
4.
5.
30 = Total Cover
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius)
1. Polystichum munitum 80 YES FACU
2. Trillium ovatum 10 YES FACU
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
90 = Total Cover
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius)
1.
2.
0 = Total Cover
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 0 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 8 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 0 (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species x 3 =
FACU species 7 x 4 = 28
UPL species 1 x 5 = 5
Column Totals: 8 (A) 33 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 4.1
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes No
Remarks: Upland slope within forested section of property
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: SP1
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-10 10YR 3/2 100 GSL
10-24 10YR 4/3 100 GSL
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks: No prominent Field indicators of hydric soils.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches): (includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: No prominent field indicators of wetland hydrology.
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM – Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region
Project/Site: PARCEL 222127590094 City/County: Belfair / Mason County Sampling Date:3 JULY 2024
Applicant/Owner: State: WA. Sampling Point: SP2
Investigator(s): Habitat Technologies Section, Township, Range: Section 12 Township 22N Range 2W
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Hillslope Local relief (concave, convex, none): Concave Slope (%): 8-10%
Subregion (LRR): A Lat: N47.41107 Long: W122.87000 Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Alderwood gravelly sandy loam NWI classification: Moderate
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are “Normal Circumstances” present? Yes No
Are Vegetation , Soil , or Hydrology naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS – Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes No
Remarks: Slopped Forested property
VEGETATION – Use scientific names of plants.
Absolute Dominant Indicator Tree Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius) % Cover Species? Status
1. Thuja plicata 40 YES FAC
2. Acer macrophyllum 30 YES FACU
3. Pseudotsuga menziesii 20 YES FACU
4.
90 = Total Cover Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius)
1. Opopnax horridum 10 YES FAC+
2. Berberis nervosa 15 YES UPL
3.
4.
5.
25 = Total Cover Herb Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius)
1. Athyrium filix-femina 20 YES FAC
2. Oenanthe sarmentosa 10 YES OBL
3. Lemna minor 10 YES OBL
4. Polystichum munitum 5 NO FACU
5. Fern (Deer) 15 YES FAC+
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
60 = Total Cover Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 15ft radius)
1.
2.
0 = Total Cover % Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 6 (A) Total Number of Dominant Species Across All Strata: 9 (B) Percent of Dominant Species That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 67 (A/B) Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species x 1 =
FACW species x 2 =
FAC species x 3 =
FACU species x 4 =
UPL species x 5 =
Column Totals: (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A =
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is ≤3.01
Morphological Adaptations1 (Provide supporting data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Wetland Non-Vascular Plants1
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation1 (Explain)
1Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No
Remarks: Bank of the waters edge
US Army Corps of Engineers Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast – Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: SP2
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features (inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type1 Loc2 Texture Remarks
0-24 10YR 2/1 100 LS
1Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. 2Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.) Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
Histosol (A1) Sandy Redox (S5) 2 cm Muck (A10)
Histic Epipedon (A2) Stripped Matrix (S6) Red Parent Material (TF2)
Black Histic (A3) Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) (except MLRA 1) Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) Other (Explain in Remarks)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) Depleted Matrix (F3)
Thick Dark Surface (A12) Redox Dark Surface (F6) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1) Depleted Dark Surface (F7) wetland hydrology must be present,
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) Redox Depressions (F8) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:________________________________
Depth (inches):________________________
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Remarks: Prominent Field indicators of hydric soils.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Surface Water (A1) Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (except MLRA Water-Stained Leaves (B9) (MLRA 1, 2,
High Water Table (A2) 1, 2, 4A, and 4B) 4A, and 4B)
Saturation (A3) Salt Crust (B11) Drainage Patterns (B10)
Water Marks (B1) Aquatic Invertebrates (B13) Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (B2) Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1) Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Drift Deposits (B3) Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) Geomorphic Position (D2)
Algal Mat or Crust (B4) Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Iron Deposits (B5) Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Surface Soil Cracks (B6) Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1) (LRR A) Raised Ant Mounds (D6) (LRR A)
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) Other (Explain in Remarks) Frost-Heave Hummocks (D7)
Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes No Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes No Depth (inches): 3
Saturation Present? Yes No Depth (inches): Surface (includes capillary fringe)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Prominent field indicators of wetland hydrology.
15 24108
APPENDIX B – Wetland Rating Worksheet
Figure A1
C]Wetland A
Roads - Mason
County
CJ Tax Parcels -
Mason County
Hydro -Mason
County (arcs)
Hydro -Mason
County (polys)
Habitat Technologies
P.O.Box 1088 Puyallup, WA 98371 (253)845-5119 I www.habitattechnologies.net
0 1 :3,600 80 160 320
Feet
The map fea/llres are approximate and are intended only to provide an indication of said fealllre. Additional areas that have not been mapped may be present. This is nol a survey. Orthophotos and other data may not align. The County assumes no liability for variations ascertained by actual survey. ALL DATA JS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED 'AS IS'AND 'WITH ALL FAULTS'. The County makes no warranty of fitness/or a particular purpose. Dale: 7/8/2024 08:49 AM
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 1
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
RATING SUMMARY – Western Washington
Name of wetland (or ID #): _________________________________ Date of site visit: _____
Rated by____________________________ Trained by Ecology?__ Yes ___No Date of training______
HGM Class used for rating_________________ Wetland has multiple HGM classes?___Y ____N
NOTE: Form is not complete without the required figures (figures can be combined).
Source of base aerial photo/map ______________________________________
OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY ____ (based on functions___ or special characteristics__)
1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS
_______Category I – Total score = 23 - 27
_______Category II – Total score = 20 - 22
_______Category III – Total score = 16 - 19
_______Category IV – Total score = 9 - 15
FUNCTION
Improving
Water
Quality
Hydrologic
Habitat
Circle the appropriate ratings
Site Potential H M L H M L H M L
Landscape Potential H M L H M L H M L
Value H M L H M L H M L TOTAL
Score Based on
Ratings
2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland
CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY
Estuarine I II
Wetland of High Conservation Value I
Bog I
Mature Forest I
Old Growth Forest I
Coastal Lagoon I II
Interdunal I II III IV
None of the above
Score for each function based on three ratings (order of ratings is not important) 9 = H, H, H
8 = H, H, M
7 = H, H, L
7 = H, M, M
6 = H, M, L
6 = M, M, M
5 = H, L, L
5 = M, M, L
4 = M, L, L
3 = L, L, L
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 2
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for Western Washington
Depressional Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2
Location of outlet (can be added to map of hydroperiods) D 1.1, D 4.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2
Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D 3.3
Riverine Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Ponded depressions R 1.1
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R 2.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2
Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R 4.1
Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R 3.1
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3
Lake Fringe Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes L 1.1, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4
Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L 1.2
Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) L 2.2
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L 3.3
Slope Wetlands
Map of: To answer questions: Figure #
Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4
Hydroperiods H 1.2
Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3
Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
(can be added to figure above)
S 4.1
Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1
1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including
polygons for accessible habitat and total habitat
H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3
Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2
Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S 3.3
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 3
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington
For questions 1-7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated.
If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably
have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply,
and go to Question 8.
1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods?
NO – go to 2 YES – the wetland class is Tidal Fringe – go to 1.1
1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)?
NO – Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES – Freshwater Tidal Fringe
If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is
Saltwater Tidal Fringe, it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to score
functions for estuarine wetlands.
2. The entire wetland unit is flat, and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and
surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit.
NO – go to 3 YES – The wetland class is Flats
If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands.
3. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
___The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any
plants on the surface at any time of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size,
___At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m).
NO – go to 4 YES – The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe)
4. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual),
____The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps.
It may flow subsurface, as sheet flow, or in a swale without distinct banks,
____The water leaves the wetland without being impounded.
NO – go to 5 YES – The wetland class is Slope
NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and
shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep).
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 4
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
5. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria?
____The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that
stream or river,
____The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years.
NO – go to 6 YES – The wetland class is Riverine
NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding
6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at
some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland.
NO – go to 7 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
7. Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding?
The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high
groundwater in the area. The wetland may be ditched but has no obvious natural outlet.
NO – go to 8 YES – The wetland class is Depressional
8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For
example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a
Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE
HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a
rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the
rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the wetland unit being scored.
NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more
of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2 is less than
10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area.
HGM classes within the wetland unit
being rated
HGM class to
use in rating
Slope + Riverine Riverine
Slope + Depressional Depressional
Slope + Lake Fringe Lake Fringe
Depressional + Riverine along stream
within boundary of depression
Depressional
Depressional + Lake Fringe Depressional
Riverine + Lake Fringe Riverine
Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other
class of freshwater wetland
Treat as
ESTUARINE
If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or if you have more than
2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating.
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 5
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to improve water quality
D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality?
D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet).
points = 3
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet.
points = 2
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 1
Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1
D 1.2. The soil 2 in. below the surface (or duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitions). Yes = 4 No = 0
D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes):
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > 95% of area points = 5
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > ½ of area points = 3
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants ≥ 1/10 of area points = 1
Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <1/10 of area points = 0
D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation:
This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual.
Area seasonally ponded is > ½ total area of wetland points = 4
Area seasonally ponded is ≥ ¼ total area of wetland points = 2
Area seasonally ponded is < ¼ total area of wetland points = 0
Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site?
D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1-D 2.3?
Source_______________ Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 or 4 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society?
D 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the
303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality? (Answer YES
if there is a TMDL in development or in effect for the basin in which the unit is found.) Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 3 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 6
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
DEPRESSIONAL AND FLATS WETLANDS
Hydrologic Functions - Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation
D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion?
D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland:
Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) points = 4
Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream/ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet points = 2
Wetland is a flat depression (question 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch points = 1
Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 0
D 4.2. Depth of storage during wet periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For
wetlands with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part.
Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet points = 7
Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 5 Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3
The wetland is a “headwater” wetland points = 3
Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1
Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in) points = 0
D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin
contributing surface water to the area of the wetland unit itself.
The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5
The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points = 3
The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit points = 0
Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5
Total for D 4 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M 0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions of the site?
D 5.1. Does the wetland receive stormwater discharges? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? Yes = 1 No = 0
D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at
>1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? Yes = 1 No = 0
Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 = H 1 or 2 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society?
D 6.1. Is the unit in a landscape that has flooding problems? Choose the description that best matches conditions
around the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is
met.
The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow downgradient into areas where flooding has
damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds):
• Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately downgradient of unit. points = 2
• Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther downgradient. points = 1
• Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1
• The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the
water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why _____________ points = 0
• There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0
D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood control plan?
Yes = 2 No = 0
Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 13
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes.
HABITAT FUNCTIONS - Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat
H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat?
H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the
Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each class to meet the threshold
of ¼ ac if the unit is at least 2.5 ac, or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac.
____Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4
____Emergent 3 structures: points = 2
____Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1
____Forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0
If the unit has a Forested class, check if:
____The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/groundcover) that
each cover 20% within the Forested polygon
H 1.2. Hydroperiods
Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover
more than 10% of the wetland if the unit is < 2.5 ac, or ¼ ac if the unit is at least 2.5 ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods).
____Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3
____Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points = 2
____Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1
____Saturated only 1 type present: points = 0
____Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Intermittently or seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland
____Lake Fringe wetland 2 points
____Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points
H 1.3. Richness of plant species
Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2.
Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to
name the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canada thistle
If you counted: > 19 species points = 2
5 - 19 species points = 1
< 5 species points = 0
H 1.4. Interspersion of habitats
Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or
the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you
have four or more plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high.
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 14
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
H 1.5. Special habitat features:
Check the habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points.
____Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in. diameter and 6 ft long).
____Standing snags (dbh > 4 in.) within the wetland
____Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extend at least 3.3 ft (1 m)
over open water or a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m)
____Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree
slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered
where wood is exposed)
____At least ¼ ac of thin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are
permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians)
____Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 above for the
list of strata and H 1.5 in the manual for the list of aggressive plant species)
Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site?
H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat polygons accessible from the wetland.
Calculate: % relatively undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
Total accessible habitat is:
> 1/3 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3
20-33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2
10-19% of 1 km Polygon points = 1
< 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
H 2.2. Total habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland.
Calculate: % relatively undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/2] = _______%
Total habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3
Total habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2
Total habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches points = 1
Total habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0
H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon:
> 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points = (- 2)
≤ 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points = 0
Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above
Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 = H 1-3 = M < 1 = L Record the rating on the first page
H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society?
H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score
that applies to the wetland being rated.
Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2
It has 3 or more Priority Habitats within 100 m (see next page)
It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists)
It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW Priority Species
It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources data
It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a
Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan Site has 1 or 2 Priority Habitats (listed on next page) within 100 m points = 1
Site does not meet any of the criteria above points = 0
Rating of Value If score is: 2 = H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 15
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
WDFW Priority Habitats
See complete descriptions of Priority Habitats listed by WDFW, and the counties in which they can be
found, in: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008 (current year, as revised). Priority Habitat and
Species List.133 This list was updated for consistency with guidance from WDFW.
This question is independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the Priority Habitat. All vegetated
wetlands are by definition a Priority Habitat but are not included in this list because they are addressed by this
rating system.
Count how many of the following Priority Habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit:
Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than 1 ac (0.4 ha).
Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of
native fish and wildlife. This habitat automatically counts if mapped on the PHS online map within 100m
of the wetland. If not mapped, a determination can be made in the field.
Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth
in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human.
Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation.
Fresh Deepwater: Lands permanently flooded with freshwater, including environments where surface
water is permanent and often deep, so that water, rather than air, is the principal medium within which
the dominant organisms live. Substrate does not support emergent vegetation. Do not select if Instream
habitat is also present, or if the entire Deepwater feature is included in the wetland unit being rated
(such as a pond with a vegetated fringe).
Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock.
Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact
to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. Do not select if
Fresh Deepwater habitat is also present.
Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast
Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore.
Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade crest – Stands of at least 2 tree species,
forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha ) >
32 in. (81 cm) diameter at breast height (dbh) or > 200 years of age. Mature forests – Stands with
average diameters exceeding 21 in. (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less than 100%; decay,
decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material is generally less than that found in
old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest.
133 http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf
Wetland name or number ______
Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update 16
Rating Form – Version 2, July 2023
Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of
the oak component is important. For single oaks or oak stands <0.4 ha in urban areas, WDFW’s
Management Recommendations for Oregon White Oak134 provides more detail for determining if they
are Priority Habitats
Riparian: The area adjacent to freshwater aquatic systems with flowing or standing water that contains
elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually influence each other.
Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay
characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast
height of > 20 in. (51 cm) in western Washington and are > 6.5 ft (2 m) in height. Priority logs are > 12
in. (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft (6 m) long.
Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of
basalt, andesite, and/or sedimentary rock, including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated
with cliffs.
Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry
prairie or a wet prairie.
134 https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/00030/wdfw00030.pdf
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PHOTOS
Historic cleared and graded area on the southern portion of the property.
Drainage corridor in the northern section of the project site.
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Beaver dam spanning the drainage corridor in the northern section of the project site.
Mature forest section looking downslope to the drainage corridor.
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Drainage corridor along the western boundary of the project site.