HomeMy WebLinkAboutWetland Delineation Report - PLN General - 5/30/2007 THE WETLAND CORPS
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Wetland Delineation • Habitat Management Plans • Riparian Restoration • Mitigation • Biological Evaluation
DAVIES WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT
Parcel 123291401000' cl 1630
230 NE Old Belfair Highway
Belfair, Washington Mason County RECEIVED
MASON COUNTY
Prepared for:
Drew Davies
PO Box 1095
Allyn, Washington 98524
Prepared by:
Lee Boad and Heather Lane
May,2007
1 1 H 1 r 1E 1 LANL CORPS 7 7'
Wetland Delineation • Habitat Management Plans - Riparian Restoration • Mitigation • Biological Evaluation
DAVIES WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................1
GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS...........................................................................................1
METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................... 1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION .......................................................................................2
WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS..............................................................................3
WETLANDEVALUATION...................................................................................................5
SUMMARY................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................7
Figures
Figure 1. Site Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Site Map
Figure 3. National Wetland Inventory Map
Figure 4. Mason County Soil Survey Map
Figure 5. DNR Water Resource Map
Appendices
Appendix A. Routine Wetland Determination Data Forms
Appendix B. Soil Survey Text
Appendix C. Wetland Rating Form
THE WETLAND CORPS 7
Wetland Delineation • Habitat Management Plans • Riparian Restoration • Mitigation • Biological Evaluation
May, 2007 Project#TWC07W341
Page 1 of 6
DAVIES WETLAND DELINEATION REPORT
230 Old Belfair Highway
Belfair,Washington
INTRODUCTION
The Wetland Corps has been authorized by Drew Davies to perform a wetland delineation
at the property located off of Old Belfair Highway in Belfair, Mason County, Washington,
(Tax Identification Number 123291401000). The delineation was performed due to the
recent non-permitted placement of fill material around an existing road grade near a
speculated wetland area. The delineation was completed on May 21", 2007 to identify the
extent of regulated wetlands and associated buffers,
The subject property is located in the NE '/4 of Section 29, Township 23 North, Range 01
West WM (Figure 1 Vicinity Map). The parcel is 10 acres in size and roughly rectangular
in shape,oriented east to west.
For the purposes of federal, Washington State, and Mason County jurisdictional oversight,
methodology used for the wetland delineation is consistent with the wetland definition
provided in paragraph 25a of the Washington State Wetlands Identification and
Delineation Manual (Washington State Department of Ecology, 1997). The sections below
provide: (1) an introduction to the site; (2) a description of methods used in the field
delineation; and, (3)technical results.
GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS
The entire parcel is 10.84 acres in size, and contains a single-family residence within the
westernmost portion of the parcel. The recently expanded road grade enters the parcel
from Old Belfair Highway, parallels the southern property boundary to the eastern side of
the parcel. The eastern portion of the parcel contains a relatively undisturbed, open
upland area with some forested components. A large, depressional wetland system
occupies nearly 5 acres within the majority of the western and central portion of the parcel,
and extends north off the property for several acres. The property is surrounded by
moderate-density residential land use.
The vegetation theme within the undisturbed upland portions of the parcel contain red
alder, cascara, Himalayan blackberry, swordfern, tall buttercup, stinging nettle, grasses,
and bleeding heart. The wetland contains several different vegetative communities ranging
from an herbaceous community comprised of soft rush, slough sedge and spreading rush,
PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421•boad40@peoplepc.com
Davies Wetland Delineation
TWC No.07W341
May,2007
Page No.2
to a shrub-dominated community comprised of spirea, willows, salmonberry, ladyfern and
skunk cabbage. The entire wetland contains a scattered overstory of red alder, Oregon ash
and cascara. Topography throughout the property is comprised of a low-gradient slope
from both the east and west sides of the property down toward the depressional wetland
area.
METHODOLOGY
Consistent with procedures detailed in the Washington State Wetlands Identification and
Delineation Manual (Washington State Department of Ecology, 1997) (1997 Manual),
preliminary information was gathered on the project site prior to the field review and
delineation. General information sources included: United States Geological Service
(USGS) topographic maps, 1974 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, the Soil Survey of Mason County Area,
Washington(USDA, 1951), and Mason County's critical areas regulations.
Field Delineation
Methodology used for wetland delineation was consistent with the technical approaches
articulated in the 1997 Manual. This document is the wetland delineation manual that is
used in determining wetland areas when applying state and local government regulations
under the Shoreline Management Act and the Growth Management Act in Washington
State.
The extent and location of suspect wetlands were determined during field work performed
on May 21", 2007. Field work was conducted under cloudy skies with an ambient
temperature ranging between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The time of year and recent
precipitation history were considered in assessing the extent of the suspect wetland
presumed to exist on site.
Specific field methodology used in determining the extent and location of wetland areas
include:
1. As part of the initial project site reconnaissance, the site was walked to determine
the general extent and location of potential wetland areas;
2. Wetland and upland sample plots were established in the identified potential
wetland areas and in the adjacent upland area; and
3. Wetland boundaries were delineated with flagging by noting localized topography
and vegetation patterns and comparing parameters of hydrology, soil, and
vegetation with data collected at the wetland and upland sample plots.
The project area was investigated and data was collected at five sample plot locations.
Data collected at each sample plot were entered onto a Routine Wetland Determination
PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421•boad40@peoplepc.com
Davies Wetland Delineation
TWC No.07W341
May,2007
Page No.3
Data Form (Washington State Department of Ecology 1997). Copies of data forms for
each sample plot are provided in Appendix A.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Mason County Soil Survey
The soil survey of Mason County indicates two onsite soil types, (USDA, 1951):
The first onsite soil type is identified as: Mukilteo peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes (Mg).-The
Mukilteo series consists of peat that is mainly partly decomposed sedges, spirea, twigs, and
roots. Peat bogs usually are densely covered by spirea and are generally free of trees and
other shrubs. Intermixed with the spirea are various sedges that form a good part, of the
peat material. Occasionally, Mukilteo peat has a cover of deciduous trees, brush, and
shrubs in place of the spirea. Mukilteo peat is widespread throughout the county, and it
comprises the largest part of the upland bogs. This peat is very poorly drained and often
ponded many months of the year. Artificial drainage can be used to remove excess
moisture. Mukilteo peat is more acid and less fertile than McMurray peat. Mukilteo peat,
0 to 2 percent slopes (Mg).- This soil is strongly acid. It is saturated throughout the year
and is difficult to drain. This soil is in capability subclass IIIw.
The second onsite soil type is identified as: Saxon silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes
(Sa).- The Saxon series consists of friable, well-drained, brown, silty soils on the uplands.
They have developed from Vashon glacial lake sediment similar to that of the Kitsap soils.
Surface drainage is well developed, internal drainage is medium, and the moisture-holding
capacity is good. The rainfall is 45 to 60 inches a year. The vegetation is a dense forest of
fir, cedar, and alder, with a dense undercover of salal, vine maple, bracken fern, and sword
fern. Saxon soils differ from the Kitsap soils in having browner surface soil and less dense
subsoil, and in containing shot. Saxon silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes (Sa) occurs on
rolling or gently rolling benches near Belfair. The slight compaction in this material does
not restrict movement of moisture or growth of roots. The soil is deep, friable, and
permeable; it has a good capacity to hold available moisture. This soil is in capability
subclass We and in site class 3 for Douglas-fir.
A more detailed soil description can be found in Appendix B Mason Soil Survey Text.
The Mason Soil Survey map is shown in Figure 4.
National Wetlands Inventory
The USFWS NWI map (online wetlands mapper) maps the identified wetland area within
the approximate parcel location. The wetland is mapped by the NWI Wetland Code as [P]
Palustrine [FO] Forested [C] Seasonally flooded. (Figure 3. National Wetland Inventory
Map).
Department of Natural Resources Water Resource
The Department of Natural Resources Water Resource Map shows no identified streams in
the project vicinity. (Figure 5. DNR Stream Map).
PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421•boad40@peoplepc.com
Davies Wetland Delineation
TWC No.07W341
May,2007
Page No.4
WETLAND DELINEATION RESULTS
One wetland was identified within the subject parcel. The wetland occupies approximately
5 acres of the property, but continues northeast for several acres. The wetland is located
within a topographic depression, and contains several vegetative communities, listed
below. A stream enters the wetland at the southeastern side of the parcel, and eventually
flows into another system which eventually flows under the Old Belfair Highway and into
the Union river. The source of hydrology for the wetland appears to generate primarily
from a fluctuating water table, in addition to seasonal surface runoff from surrounding
landscape and overbank flooding from the stream during heavy rain events. The portion
of the wetland within the property is flagged with pink ribbon labeled WETLAND
DELINEATION. A portion of the southernmost boundary of the wetland was not flagged,
due to the recent placement of fill material around an old road grade that likely represented
the wetland boundary prior to alteration.
In general, the portion of the wetland within the parcel is comprised of three vegetative
communities: 1) The western portion of the wetland within the parcel contains a dense
shrub community of various willows, spirea, and salmonberry with an understory of slough
sedge and skunk cabbage. 2) The central portion of the wetland within the property
contains a vegetation community dominated by grasses and sedge, with a scattered
overstory of red alder and Oregon Ash. 3) The eastern portion of the wetland within the
parcel contains both forested, shrub and herbaceous components comprised of red alder,
salmonberry, creeping buttercup, soft rush and wild lily-of-the-valley.
Vegetation
The portion of the wetland that is within the property contains red alder (Alnus rubra,
FAC), western red cedar (Thuja plicata, FAC), Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia, FACW),
Cascara (Frangula purshiana, FAC-), salmonberry (Rubus discolor, FAC+), spirea
(Spiraea douglasii, FACW), Pacific willow (Salix lucida, FACW)+, sitka willow (Salix
sitchensis, FACW), himilayan blackberry (Rubus discolor, FACU), stinging nettle (Urtica
dioica, FAC), skunk cabbage (Lysichiton armericanum, OBL), water horsetail (Equisitum
jluviatile, OBL), lady fern (Athyrium filix femina, FAC), soft rush (Juncus effufus,
FACW), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens, FACW), wild lily-of-the-valley
(Maianthemum dilatatum, FAC), water parsely (Oenanthe sarmentosa, OBL), slough
sedge (Carex obnupta, OBL), true forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides, FACW), and
Baltic rush(Juncus balticus, FACW), spreading rush(Juncus supiniformis, OBL).
The upland vegetation within the parcel includes red alder(Alnus rubra, FAC), western red
cedar (Thuja plicata, FAC), big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum, FACU), Cascara
(Rhamnus purshiana, FAC-), swordfern (Polystichum munitum, FACU), ladyfern
(Athyrium filix femina, FAC), tall buttercup, (Ranunculus acres, FACW), himilayan
blackberry (Rubus discolor, FACU), bleeding heart (Dicentra Formosa, FACU), stinging
nettle (Urtica dioica, FAC), beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta, FACU), field horsetail
(Equisetum arvense, FAC), Canadian thistle (Cirsium arvense, FACU+), and orchardgrass
PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421-boad40@peoplepc.com
Davies Wetland Delineation
TWC No.07W341
May,2007
Page No.5
(Dactylis glomerata, FACU).
Soils
Wetland test pits in sample plots 1, 2, 4 and 5 excavated within western and northern
portions of the wetland within the parcel, revealed soil characteristics consistent with that
of the mapped soil type, Muckilteo peat. The test pits revealed a single-layer profile of
muck with matrix chroma IOYR 2/1 and 10YR3/1 to 12 inches deep. Test pit 3 excavated
within the outer fringe of the wetland near the southeastern portion of the wetland
boundary were not consistent with Muckilteo muck, but were similar to the second mapped
soil type, Saxon silt loam, with the exception of a darker upper layer and iron concretions
in the lower layer. Test pits revealed silt loam and silty clay loam with matrix chroma
IOYR 3/1 to 6 and 8 inches deep, with matrix chroma IOYR 6/3 and large, common,
distinct iron concretions concretions 18 inches deep. Within these test pits near the wetland
boundary, hydric soils were indicated by the low chroma equaling one in the upper layer of
the soil profile, and the presence of iron concretions in the lower portions of the soil
profile.
The soil profiles observed in known upland test pits were consistent with the mapped soil
type, Saxon silt loam. Upland test pits also exhibited a two-layer soil profile. The upper
layer consists of silt loam and sandy silt loam to approximately eight to ten inches deep of
matrix chromas 1 OYR 3/3 and 1 OYR 4/3. The lower profile contained silt loam and sandy
silt loam with matrix chromas of IOYR 6/3 and IOYR 6/4. No hydric soil indicators were
present in upland soil test pits.
Hydrology
Hydrology was indicated by drift lines, FAC-neutral vegetation, oxidized root channels,
sediment deposits, drainage patterns, soil saturation and inundation during the growing
season, and the onsite soil, Muckilteo peat, listed as a hydric soil on the 2007 National
Hydric Soils List.
Upland test pits showed no indicators of wetland hydrology.
WETLAND EVALUATION
The wetland was classified as a Depressional wetland per Washington State Wetland
Rating System for Western Washington (Hruby 2004). Based on functional attributes
associated with the wetland including habitat, water quality, and hydrology functions, it
has been rated as a Category I wetland, scoring 86 points on the state rating form. The
score for water quality functions in this wetland is 30, hydrological functions scored 28,
and the score for habitat functions is 28 (see Appendix C for rating form). According to
Table 17.01.070 F of the Mason County Resource Ordinance, the base buffer width for a
Category I Wetlands scoring between 20 points and 28 points in habitat function, within
parcels intended for Moderate Impact Land Use require a base buffer width of 110 feet
with an additional 15-foot building setback. Moderate Impact Land Use is described in
Table 17.07.070 B of the Mason County Resource Ordinance as single-family residential
PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-3 72-2421-boad40@peoplepc.com
Davies Wetland Delineation
TWC No.07W341
May,2007
Page No.6
lots, residential subdivisions with 1 unit/acre or less. Any High Impact Land Use such as a
residential subdivision with more than 1 unit/acre would require a buffer of 200 feet from
the wetland with a 15-foot building setback.
SUMMARY
This wetland report documents the presence of a Category I Wetland at the subject
property. According to Table 17.01.070D of the Mason County Resource Ordinance, the
onsite wetland requires a I I0-foot buffer with an additional 15-foot building setback for
Moderate Impact Land Use (one unit per acre or less) or a 200-foot buffer with an
additional 15-foot building setback for High Impact Land Use. The southernmost portion
of the wetland has been historically occupied by a road grade which has been partially
expanded. A restoration plan has been prepared to address the completed work within the
wetland and associated buffer.
Thank you for choosing the Wetland Corps as your environmental consultant. If you have
any questions, feel free to call.
Respectfully submitted,
The Wetland Corps
l u;UL
AJ4/-
Heather Lane
Staff Wetland Specialist
Lee Boad
Senior Ecologist
PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421•boad40@peoplepc.com
REFERENCES
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet and E.T. LaRoe, 1979. Classification of
Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service document FWS/OBS-79/31. 84 pp. Washington, D.C.
Hitchcock, L.C. and A. Cronquist, 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest.
University of Washington Press.. 730 pp.
Hruby, T., 2004. Washington State Wetland Rating System for Western Washington—Revised.
Washington State Department of Ecology Publication#04-06-025.
Munsell Soil Color Charts, 1998. GretagMacbeth. New Windsor,New York.
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon, 1994. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone
PinePublishing. 528 pp. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Speare-Cooke, S., 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of
Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society.
417 pp.
US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Pierce
County Area, Washington. September, 1977.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory. 1978.
Washington State Department of Ecology, 1997. Washington State Wetland
Identification and Delineation Manual. Ecology Publication#96-94,
various pagination. Olympia, Washington.
Washington State Department of Ecology, 1993. Washington State Wetlands
Rating System, Western Washington Second Edition. 61 pp.Ecology
Publication#93-74. Olympia, Washington.
Washington State Department of Ecology, 1999. Methods for Assessing
Wetland Functions for Reverine and Depressional Wetlands in the
Lowlands of Western Washington. Ecology Publication#99-115. Olympia,
Washington.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 1993.National List of Plant Species that
Occur in Wetlands Region 9—Northwest. Resource Management Group
PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528-Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421-boad40@peoplepc.com
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FIGURE 1 VICINITY MAP
Project Name: Davies
Location: Belfair,Washington
Project: TWC07-341
1 — Client: Drew Davies
THE WETLAND CORPS Date: 05/07
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Mapper website Figure 3 National Wetland Inventory Map
Section 29 Township 23N Range 01W
FIGURE 3 NWI MAP
Project Name: Davies
Location: Belfair,Washington
Project: TWC07-341
Client: Drew Davies
THE WETLAND CORPS Date: 05/07
T.
A Y
Approximate
Masan
Parcel Location
�
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Onsite Soil Conditions based on Mason County Soil Survey
Subject Site Soil:
The first onsite soil type is identified as: Mukilteo peat,0 to 2 percent slopes(Mg).-The Mukilteo series consists of peat that
is mainly partly decomposed sedges,spirea,twigs,and roots.Peat bogs usually are densely covered by spirea and are generally
free of trees and other shrubs. Intermixed with the spirea are various sedges that form a good part, of the peat material.
Occasionally, Mukilteo peat has a cover of deciduous trees, brush, and shrubs in place of the spirea. Mukilteo peat is
widespread throughout the county, and it comprises the largest part of the upland bogs. This peat is very poorly drained and
often ponded many months of the year. Artificial drainage can be used to remove excess moisture. Mukilteo peat is more acid
and less fertile than McMurray peat. Mukilteo peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes (Mg).- This soil is strongly acid. It is saturated
throughout the year and is difficult to drain.This soil is in capability subclass 1IIw.
The second onsite soil type is identified as: Saxon silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes (Sa).- The Saxon series consists of
friable,well-drained,brown, silty soils on the uplands. They have developed from Vashon glacial lake sediment similar to that
of the Kitsap soils. Surface drainage is well developed,internal drainage is medium,and the moisture-holding capacity is good.
The rainfall is 45 to 60 inches a year. The vegetation is a dense forest of fir,cedar,and alder,with a dense undercover of salal,
vine maple,bracken fern, and sword fern. Saxon soils differ from the Kitsap soils in having browner surface soil and less dense
subsoil, and in containing shot. Saxon silt loam,5 to 15 percent slopes(Sa)occurs on rolling or gently rolling benches near
Belfair. The slight compaction in this material does not restrict movement of moisture or growth of roots. The soil is deep,
friable,and permeable;it has a good capacity to hold available moisture. This soil is in capability subclass We and in site class
3 for Douglas-fir.
FIGURE 4 SOIL SURVEY
Project Name: Davies
Location: Belfair,Washington
Project: TWC07-341
*Ir Client: Drew Davies
THE A V ETL,_.y ND CORPS Date: 05/07
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170 parcel F 1 17 848 170 848
+ location + +
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/ — Stream Water Type 1-4(Eas:side; H':tfic Soils
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/ Stream Water Type:-5 iWe side; Highly F:odible
Stream Type i:nkwr-n(Wor.side} &
gh[y Fro&ble
• Water T=.pe Chan¢e _J No Data or Gra,,•el Pits
FIGURE 5 DNR STREAM MAP
Project Name: Davies
Location: Belfair,Washington
1� Project: TWC07-341
THE 'WETLA ND CORPS Client: Drew Davies
Date: 05/07
APPENDIX A
Routine Wetland Determination Data Forms