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Home My WebLink AboutHabitat Management Plan - HMP Habitat Managment Plan - 4/30/2006 Lee Boad Habitat Management Planning and Wetland Services Wedand Delineation•Habitat Management Plans• Riparian Restoration•Mitigation•Biological Evaluation ROCK WALL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN 4710 SR 302 E Belfair,WA 98528 Parcel: 12228-244*020 Mason County Prepared for: Jim Yates 2908 N.Vista View Dr. Tacoma,WA 98407-1027 Prepared by: Lee Boad April,2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION........................................................................Error!Bookmark not defined. PROJECTDESCRIPTION.........................................................................................................I PROPERTYDESCRIPTION......................................................................................................I APPLICABLESETBACKS........................................................................................................3 SPECIESINFORMATION.............................................................................................................................3 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS............................................................................4 MITIGATION MEASURES.......................................................................................................5 MONITORNG............................................................................................................6 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................7 Appendices Appendix A:Vicinity Map Appendix B: Site Map Appendix C. WDFW Priority Species Map Appendix D. National Wedand Inventory Map Lee Boad Habitat Management Planning and Wetland Services WIT- Wetland Delineation•Habitat Management Plans-Riparian Restoration•Mitigation•Biological Evaluation LBHMPWS243 Page 1 of 11 1.0 Introduction At the request of Jim Yates a Habitat Management Plan has been prepared for a proposal to construct a retaining wall adjacent to the marine shoreline associated with parcel 12228-24-OW20 in Mason County, Washington. Approximately 125-feet of rock wall will be constructed adjacent to the shoreline of Case Inlet. Project mitigation includes the application of Best Management Practices(BMP's)and shoreline restoration. BMP's will consist of common measures necessary to avoid unnecessary erosion, contamination,and siltation of waters during construction. Shoreline restoration will include removal of a rockery located within the intertidal area. The site is mapped in Section 28 of Township 22 North,Range 1 West. All field work and reporting associated with this report has been conducted by Lee Boad. All observations relate to the above mentioned project site unless otherwise stated. i 2.0 Project Description The majority of the proposed rock wall will be located just landward of the existing Ordinary High Water Mark(OHWM)where the face of an eroding bank currently exists. The wall will parallel the shoreline with the exception of two voids. One will be left open to maintain foot access while the other will be left to maintain existing boat launch access. The wall will be 4-feet high at the northern most point and taper gradually to just less than two feet at the southern point. No filling or grading is proposed. Avoidance mitigation includes positioning a portion of the wall landward approximately 15 feet from the (OHWM)to preserve a gradual upland/tideland transition area. Compensatory mitigation includes the removal of a remnant man-made rockery located within the intertidal area of the southern portion of the property. Removing such a feature is intended to restore shoreline function. Additional mitigation includes the planting of overstory trees and the incorporation of Large Woody Debris into the wall. 3.0 Property Description The site is approximately Yz an acre of open grass bordered to the west by the Case Inlet shoreline. The State Route 302 corridor represents the eastern boundary while similar sized private ownerships are adjacent to the north and south. The site is encompassed by open lawn and includes a 2,600 square foot house. The area is zoned R-5 while the shoreline is designated as Type 1 Conservancy. Landscape topography slopes downward towards a 3-4-foot vertical drop adjacent to the shoreline The OHWM is located at the toe of the eroding bank. The intertidal area is predominately rocky shoreline with minimal salt tolerant vegetation and mudflat area. I PO Box 2854 Belfair,Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0619.Office Phone 360-372-2421•boad4o®peoplepc.com Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 2 of 11 ..y r i ao m I Figure 1. The intertidal area associated with the property is predominately rocky shoreline. i - zw Figure 2. The rock wall will be located landward of the existing OHWM against the eroding bank. PO Bo x 2854 Belfair,WA 98528 cell:360-620-0618,Office:360-372-2421 e-mail:boad4O@peoplepc.com k .com Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 3 of 11 4.0 Applicable Setbacks This project site is within the jurisdiction of Mason County. The applicable FWHCA setback for this project is as follows: Habitat Type Buffer Building Setback Type 1 Conservancy Shoreline 100, 15, 5.0 Species Information The following descriptions relate to federally listed species with potential relevancy to the project area Puget Sound Chinook(Oncorhynchus is tsha)-Threatened Listed as threatened since March 24, 1999,adult Puget Sound Chinook spawn in several rivers and streams flowing into Puget Sound. No significant spawning areas exist in proximity to the project site. The portion of the property most significant to Chinook is the nearshore area as it represents migration and foraging habitat. Chinook have been documented in both Coulter Creek and Sherwood Creek. These fish are assumed to be of hatchery origin and not managed as a wild stock by state or tribal fisheries managers. No modifications to the shoreline are proposed that would cause any loss in shoreline habitat. Surf Smelt(Hypomesus pretiosus) Surf smelt spawn year round on high intertidal beaches of sand and gravel. Juvenile surf smelt rear in nearshore areas while feeding on plankton. Surf smelt are the food source for a variety of other marine species such as Chinook salmon. The renewal of fine beach sediments is important to surf smelt habitat. The Washington Administrative Code Hydraulic Code Rules now include consideration of surf smelt habitat in the permitting of in-water construction activities,which this proposal is not.Identified surf smelt spawning sites have been given"no net loss"protection. Construction of bulkheads and other such shoreline armoring can bury spawning habitat,increase erosion at the base of the bulkhead,and prevent the renewal of fine beach sediments. As this project is located landward of Ordinary high Water,no loss in habitat will occur. Shifting a portion of the wall landward to protect an upland/tideland transition area is recommended to maintain renewal of fine sediments to the beach. Bull Trout(Salvelinus confluentis)-Threatened The Coastal-Puget Sound distinct population segment(DPS)of bull trout is the only anadromous(utilize fresh and marine habitats)population of bull trout within the continental United States.Bull trout within this DPS rear in natal streams and then migrate to the saltwater environment to mature.Bull trout require clean cold water associated with mountain streams and need an unobstructed passage both upstream and downstream.These habitat requirements have made the bull trout very susceptible to habitat change and degradation. Bull Trout are not documented in proximity to the project site. Given that Bull Trout are not present,no impacts to Bull Trout are predicted to result from this project. Bald Eagle(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)-Threatened PO Box 2854,Belfair,WA 98528 cefl:360-620-0619,Office:360-372-2421 a-mail:boad40Qpeoplepc.com Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 4 of 11 Habitat areas associated with Bald Eagle include uneven aged coniferous stands with some old-growth components. Nests are typically constructed in larger trees with dead or broken tops providing an unobstructed view of nearby water. Snags and trees with exposed lateral limbs,or dead tops are used as perches and defense stations. The northern portion of Case Inlet as well as the Sherwood Creek watershed support important nesting and roosting habitat due to proximity to marine foraging areas and presence of intact forested habitat. The project site is of sufficient distance from these areas to avoid any impact to Bald Eagle associated with construction activities. One large Douglas fir will be removed. This tree supports potential roosting habitat but has been eroded to the point where it will not survive or stand for much longer. Planting of overstory tree species is recommended to mitigate for removal of the large Douglas fir. Marbled Murrelet(BrachvraWhus marmoratus)-Threatened Marbled Murrelets are typically associated with coastal habitats and nest in old-growth forests. Murrelets may fly as far as 50 miles inland to nest,however the average distance is roughly 5-miles from nest to sea. It is only during the summer breeding months that they are commonly found inland. During non-nesting seasons they live at sea. Murrelets require tall mossy trees in coniferous old growth forests with thick branches where they can construct a cup nest 20-40 meters above the forest floor. Muneletts have been documented laying eggs on rocky ground habitats only when a sufficient forest is unavailable. There are no documented nesting sites in vicinity to the project site. No potential nesting sites occur within the project area. Given the lack of use of the site and no proposed removal of habitat suitable for nesting,this project will have no adverse impact on Marbled Murrelet. Northern Spotted Owl(Stria occidentalis caurina)-Threatened Spotted owls require a large amount of land for their nesting and hunting grounds;pairs may occupy up to 58 sq.km. They are territorial and do not migrate,but they may shift their ranges slightly in response to seasonal changes Suitable spotted owl habitat includes trees relatively large in diameter in the stand,multi-layered forest canopy with a moderate to high canopy closure in overstory,midstory,and understory,large,tall,live trees with cavities,broken tops,mistletoe,or platforms of branches capable of holding accumulated organic matter suitable for use as a nest. Dead standing trees and fallen decayed trees supporting abundant populations of prey species are critical to spotted owl populations. The open lawn and high level of human activity associated with this site are not representative of potential habitat for spotted owl and none are documented within or in proximity to the site. No impacts to spotted owl or their habitats are predicted to result from this project. 6.0 Potential Project Impacts Vegetation Disturbance One overstory Douglas fir will be removed. The area around the tree has eroded to the point where the tree will not survive under the current natural circumstances. It is recommended that the tree be segmented into manageable logs and anchored to the rock wall to provide LWD habitat along the shoreline. PO Box 2854,Belfair,WA 98528 cell:360-620-0618,Office:360-372-2421 e-mail:boad40@peoplepc.com Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 5 of 11 Noise Pollution An increase in noise from construction activities is anticipated during daylight construction hours. The project site is not within the radii of concern for any listed species that may be affected by increased noise from construction.No impacts from noise are expected to occur. Temporary Increase in Sediment and Turbidity The proposed work has potential to temporarily increase turbidity and suspended sediment within the project area.Best Management Practices and tactical construction timing are recommended to minimize this impact. 7.0 Mitigation Measures 7.1 Recommended Best Management Practices Best Management Practices for this project are as follows: • Perform work during dry weather. • Install silt fencing down slope of the work area to prevent erosion and siltation of waters. • Any work recommended within the intertidal zone should be done at low tide. • Minimize amount of erodible soils at any given time to the maximum extent feasible. • Check all equipment daily for leaks. Refueling and lubrication of equipment should occur off site. Do not store any fuel,lubricants,chemicals,or hazardous substances outside overnight within the project area. • Do not apply any chemicals when there is a possibility of rain. 7.2 Removal Remnant Rock Wall The existing rock wall located within the intertidal area should be removed to restore natural shoreline processes. Although this particular feature individually may seem of insignificant impact to the shoreline,it is one of many 0 shoreline modifications that `may collectively play a significant - . . impact to the nearshore t environment. Observed impacts of shoreline modification associated with this site is :Y ' primarily the hindrance of _ sediment movement. Such conditions have resulted in a buildup of material on one side of the wall and depletion on the opposite side. PO Box 2954,Belfair,WA 98528 ce11:360-620-0618,Office:360-372-2421 e-mail:boad4O@peoplepc.com Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 6 of 11 73 Preservation of upland/tideland transition area The southern most portion of the shoreline area associated with the property consists of a more gradual gently sloped upland/tideland transition area. The rock wall will be tapered down and shifted east of this area to preserve sediment recruitment and natural landscape. 1 fi Figure 3.Gradual uplond/tideland transition area to be preserved Within the upland tideland transition area,it is recommended that natural plant succession be allowed to transpire in place of any supplemental planting. Invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry,reed canary grass,Japanese knotweed,and English Ivy may invade this area These species are stubborn competitors for light and nutrients and limit success of native plants. Invasive species should be removed from this area should they invade. 7.4 Compensation for Overstory Tree Removal It is recommended that 6-Douglas fir be planted within the upland area landward of the rock wall. The trees should be planted within 25 feet of the shoreline at spacings no less than 10-feet between each tree. The trees should be flagged for maintenance and monitoring. The optimum time for planting is during winter months. 7.5 Incorporation of Woody Debris(LWD)in Rock Wall Design It is recommended that the rock wall be designed to include the use of anchored LWD. This can be done using the large Douglas fir and root wad that will be removed. Each log would be anchored to a buried concrete block measuring 2'x 2'x 6'(commonly termed"ecology blocks")with a steel eye for chain connection- Chains will be galvanized lashing chains. Existing driftwood located along the toe of the bank can be placed at the toe of the wall once the project is complete. It is not recommended that the natural driftwood be anchored to the wall. PO Box 2854,Belfair,WA 98528 cell:360-620-0618,Office:360-372-2421 e-mail:boad40@peoplepc.com Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 7 of 11 8.0 Monitoring Monitoring of the site may be required as a condition of permit approval. If so,monitoring will begin the first fall following project completion and maintained on an annual basis for three years. The information gathered will provide the following: 1)condition of the shoreline area restored and planted trees;2)the use of the site by wildlife species;3)any unforeseen effect on the shoreline caused by the project;4)any occurrence of exotic species within the upland/tideland transition area;5)any corrective measures that may be deemed necessary to provide desired conditions. This monitoring will be in effect for the duration of three years. The information gathered will be provided in an annual report and submitted to the Director of Mason County Department of Community Development. 9.0 Conclusion The project consists of constructing a rock wall necessary to prevent further erosion of an existing upland area adjacent to the Case Inlet shoreline. The site is currently maintained as an open lawn area used for private residential activity. Best Management Practices are recommended to insure no negative impacts to aquatic habitat associated with construction activities. Avoidance mitigation includes shifting a portion of the wall to preserve a gradual upland/tideland transition area. Compensatory mitigation includes the removal of an existing intertidal rockery which will allow natural processes to restore sediment movement along the shoreline. No impacts to water quality,shoreline habitat,or the use of the site by listed species are predicted to result from this project. Mitigation Measures,Restoration Measures,and Best Management Practices have been identified to avoid and compensate for impacts associated with the proposed construction. A site map in Appendix B shows locations of project components in relation to property lines. I trust this information is sufficient for your needs at this time. Thank you for choosing Lee Boad Habitat Management Planning and Wetland Services as your environmental consultant. Lee Boad Senior Ecologist Attached: Appendix A:Site Map Appendix B:Site Vicinity Map Appendix C:WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Map Appendix D:National Wetlands Inventory Map PO Box 2854,Belfair,WA 98528 cell:360-620-0618,Office:360-372-2421 e-mail:boad40Qpeoplepc.com APPENDIX A: VICINITY MAP .� ) Beefs aT ) I } i f i } l } r �. Site location ids } 1 1 t } } � � Ally 1 WashogtM i } Case Inlet Vaughr ' - ; Fox Isla �r Gra�rviauv� } 1 U..cenlar.47'22' ,122W W Lee Road Habitat Management Planning and Wetland Services Appendix A• Vicinity Map Wetland Delineation • Habitat Management Plans• Riparian Restoration• - - Mitigation•Biological Evaluation Project Name: Retaining Wall Location: Case Inlet Project: LBHMWS171 Client: Murphy Date: 4/06 PO Box 2854 Belfair.Washington 98528•Cell Phone 360-620-0618.Office Phone 360-372-2421•boad40na.oeooleoc.com Lee Poad Habitat Maweement Plarnyard Weiland 5ervice5 Appendix D Client,Jim Yates - — 5►te map f arcel#12228240O02O 4110 5P 302 E Delfair,WA 98528 State Pake 302 East 149, L xzle:1"-!50'-O" Exi9tlnq Hare 192' 156' Open Death Access track 5tep5 Fropmd kock Wall ,-,�� (approx.125') DOW Upland fidlad fralsitlon DOj to 6c Preserved ExistN Extent of Ordinary Nita Water 0 Artificially Caistru cl 0 P.ockery to be P-- w 0 Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 10 of 11 APPENDIX C: WDFW PRIORITY HABITAT AND SPECIES MAP .41 sr -f T vicinity r • Lee Boad Habitat Management Planning and Wetland Services Appendix C: PHS Map Wetland Delineation • Habitat Management Plans • Riparian Restoration Mitigation • Biological Evaluation Project Name: Retaining Wall Location: Case Inlet Project: LBHMWS171 Client: Murphy Date: 4/06 PO Box 2854.Belfair.WA 98528 ce11:360-620-0618.Office:360-372-2421 e-mail:twad40na oeonlece.com Habitat Management Plan Mason County,Washington LBHMPWS243 Page 11 of 11 Appendix D: National Wetland Inventory F:[xa. M. III Puim" EZ lUiy ,a u�sr4 r PEAK �02 /PUSH P f2f let W" r.. '22- '.N,422'48 57'W [E] Estuarine - The Estuarine System describes deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands with low energy and variable salinity, influenced and often semi-enclosed by land. (2) Intertidal - This is defined as the area from extreme low water to extreme high water and associated splash zone. [US] Unconsolidated Shore - Includes all wetland habitats having three characteristics: (1) unconsolidated substrates with less than 75% areal cover of stones, boulders, or bedrock; (2) less than 30% areal cover of vegetation other than pioneering plants; and 3) any of the following water regimes: irregularly exposed, regularly flooded,irregularly flooded, seasonally flooded, temporarily flooded, intermittently flooded, saturated, seasonal-tidal, temporary-tidal,or artificially flooded. Intermittent or intertidal channels of the Riverine System or intertidal channels of the Estuarine System are classified as Streambed. Landforms such as beaches, bars, and flats are included in the Unconsolidated Shore class. [N] Regularly Flooded - Tidal water alternately floods and exposes land surface at least once daily. PO Box 2854.Belfair_WA 98528 cW360-620-0618.ntfice:360-372-2421 a-mail:boad40naoeookoc.com