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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBald Eagle Site Management Plan - PLN General - 1/30/1994r BALD EAGLE SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN HAMMA HAMMA RIVER ROOST Mason County Township 24 North, Range 03 West Section 27 and 28 January 1994 Prepared for : Hama Hama Company N. 35959 Highway 101 Lilliwaup, WA 98555 Prepared by: Shelly Ament and Greg Schirato Washington Department of Wildlife P .O. Box 1933 Sequim, WA 98382 Washington State Department of Wildlife Bald Eagle Site Management Agreement On behalf of the people of the State of Washington, to which its wildlife belongs , the following agreement is hereby enacted for the purpose of protecting bald eagles and their habitats . The Landowner and WDW agree to the conservation measures described in the attached site management plan. Site Name : Hamma Hamma Roost Site Legal Description: Township 24 North, Range 3 West , Sections 27 and 28 . In witness where as mutually agreed upon and signed this day of Landowner (signature ) Date Landowner (print ) Date of Birth Address Phone Number City, State, Zip The State of Washington, Department of Wildlife 4 L)�f 1 31 L4�j — Regional Ma ager D to WildliVe Biologist Region County TABLE OF CONTENTS Page # Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Site Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Bald Eagle Ecology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Proposed Land Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 ManagementTerms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Review and Amendment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Appeal Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 INTRODUCTION The bald eagle is listed by the U. S . Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened species in Washington. The protection of nesting, roosting, and foraging habitats is critical in order to remove the bald eagle from threatened species status in the state . The primary threats to bald eagles in Washington today are habitat degradation and human disturbance due to the rapidly expanding human population in the Northwest . The Bald Eagle Protection Rules (WAC 232-12-292 ) and the enabling 77 . 1 RCW legislation g ( 2 . 655 ) were enacted in 1986 to provide some means of protection for important bald eagle habitat in nesting territories as well as significant roosting and foraging areas . These rules direct the Washington Department of Wildlife (WDW) to develop management plans to protect important habitat components that may be impacted by land use changes . The purpose of this plan is to create site-specific management procedures that maintain the integrity of a bald eagle communal roost and to integrate the goals of the landowner . The communal roost includes the trees used for night perching and all physical features surrounding these trees that are important to the suitability of the roost; flight corridors, sources of disturbance, staging trees and topographic features that provide a favorable microclimate for roosting. SITE DESCRIPTION Location The Hamma Hamma Roost is located at the mouth of the Hamma Hamma River . It includes all of the river delta and the area upstream on the Hamma Hamma approximately 1/2 mile . In addition, the eagles use portions of the older timber and snags on the hillsides above the Hamma Hamma and Johns Creek. The roost can be observed from Highway 101 where it crosses the Hamma Hamma River Delta. The primary roost area consists of the area enclosed by the old Hamma Hamma River channel to the north, the Hamma Hamma River to the south and west , and Highway 101 to the east . Some birds perch and roost on the trees along the Hamma Hamma upstream approximately 1/2 mile from the main roost trees . In addition, some birds staging upstream at the mouth of Johns Creek fly up Johns Creek to roost at night . The night roost site up Johns Creek has not been identified at this time. 1 Site Characteristics The roost site consists of mature sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis ) with large dominant cottonwoods (Populas trichocarps ) . The roost area on the delta consists of approximately 39 acres . Snags are present in the roost area. The roost area is flat and within the 100 year flood plain. The perch sites along the Hamma Hamma River consist of alder (Alnus rubra) , douglas fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii ) , cottonwood, and sitka spruce trees. Several type 5 snags are located in the roost area and are commonly used for perching. Much of the perching area on the north side of the Hamma Hamma River has been clearcut up to the river. There are very few old growth conifers in the lower Hamma Hamma valley. Some inside bank erosion is occurring along the banks of the roost area. This is gradually reducing the acreage of the roost site. There are presently two osprey nests within the roosting site . The closest active bald eagle nesting territory is located approximately 3/4 mile northeast of the roost site in the Waketickeh Creek drainage . BALD EAGLE ECOLOGY Recovery Plan Goals Protection of the Hamma Hamma Roost and associated habitat is important in the effort to delist the species from the federal threatened status . In the Pacific states recovery area, this will require a minimum of 800 nesting territories producing an average of 1 . 0 young per territory, average success rate of at least 65% per occupied sites, attainment of breeding population goals in at least 80% of the management zones and stable to increasing wintering populations (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, Bald Eagle Recovery Plan, 1986 ) . Securing winter roosting habitat will help to satisfy the last criteria for delisting. Winter Biology Results of studies conducted at bald eagle roosts in the Pacific Northwest provide the following information relevant to management of the Hamma Hamma Roost . Winter Chronology: Bald eagles begin arriving along large rivers in the Pacific Northwest in late November and early December. Populations increase significantly by late December , peak in January and decline in February. Throughout this period, eagles often feed in large gatherings . They also frequently roost communally at night in groups from 2 to up to a few hundred birds . Timing of eagle abundance is most closely associated with the presence of spawning salmon and steelhead . Weather conditions also influence the timing of eagle concentrations in northern 2 breeding areas . In Alaska, British Columbia, and the Rocky Mountain states , some eagles migrate to the coast when waterways freeze over and reduce the availability of prey. Immature eagles from local populations , such as the San Juan Islands , are also attracted to salmon carcasses that accumulate on coastal rivers . The exact arrival time of the eagles on the Hamma Hamma River is unknown. Local residents report that the birds usually arrive in early December. Counts conducted by the WA Department of Wildlife have shown that the number of eagles began to decline at the end of January into February. The arrival and dispersal of the eagles is closely associated with the annual chum salmon (OncorhYnchus gorbuscha) run. The eagles often remain in the roost area for several weeks following the run to forage on salmon carcasses . Roost Function: Communal roosts have several functions . Roosts may serve as communication centers for food location and pair- bonding and aide in predator avoidance . More importantly, habitat conditions and topographical features in roosts create microclimates which confer metabolic energy savings to eagles by shielding them from adverse weather conditions . Over the long term, this may enhance the survival of the birds and improve their reproductive success the following breeding season. Roost Characteristics: Studies conducted in Washington have revealed that eagles are selective for communal roost sites . The following factors influence communal roost selection by wintering eagles : 1 ) The height , diameter, and growth form of the trees for roosting, but not necessarily the tree species or roost sand characteristics . 2 ) Protection from inclement weather, particularly the wind. 3 ) A minimum of human activity. Eagles usually select roosts in closest proximity to food sources , which often are within 1 mile of the foraging site . Roost stands are typically multistoried with trees of different ages . However , most stands contain a significant portion of old-growth and mature trees that are dominant, open-structured and strong-limbed. These trees provide suitable roosting perches . Staging trees are frequently associated with roosts . These trees tend to be located between the food source and the roost. They provide a gathering point for eagles prior to their entering the roost . Staging trees are believed to advertise roost locations and indicate whether or not the roost is safe to enter . Several eagles have been observed near the mouth of Johns Creek staging before flying up Johns Creek. Spawning chum salmon are the main food source for bald eagles on the Hamma Hamma River . Open gravel bars where fish may accumulate are important feeding areas for wintering bald eagles in 3 Washington. Unfortunately, the number of salmon returning to spawn in the Hamma Hamma River and many other rivers in the Pacific Northwest has significantly declined in recent years . Management practices to improve the diminishing salmon run is vital to insure the long term integrity of the Hamma Hamma Roost site. Historic Use The WA Department of Wildlife records of eagle use on the Hamma Hamma River date back to 1982 . See Table 1 below: TABLE 1 Total Adult Immature Date Eagles Observed Eagles Eagles January 1982 11-50 January 1983 <10 January 1984 11-50 01 January 1989 32 7 25 04 January 1989 14 4 10 January 1989 25 10 January 1991 23 8 15 15 January 1993 15 06 January 1994 15 8 7 PROPOSED LAND USE This management plan was f irst initiated due to a proposal by the Hama Hama Company to log 15 acres above the Hamma .Hamma River in 1990 . Area Biologist Greg Schirato had developed the original plan which was never agreed to or signed by the landowner . In late 1993 the Hama Hama Company submitted an application to the Department of Natural Resources to clear cut 20 acres in the lower Hamma Hamma River Valley - Forest Practice # 09-21377 . The area proposed to be logged is adjacent to Johns Creek. 4 CONSIDERATIONS The concern from the WA Department of Wildlife is the potential for logging activities and other human disturbance causing abandonment of the roost site . There is also concern that logging operations near the roost site may result in the loss of significant habitat. The intent of this revised site. management plan is to allow for timber harvest activities near the eagle roosting area while preserving the integrity of the roost and minimizing human disturbance . Site specific management requires consultation with the landowner with reference to actual property boundaries and land' use intent. These factors are then used to assess the impacts of such action on the continued viability of bald eagle habitat components in the area. Viability concerns are then addressed through site specific management terms and conditions . The purpose of the site management plan is to provide for the protection of specific bald eagle habitat in such a way as to recognize the special characteristics of the site and the landowner ' s property rights , goals and pertinent options . To this end, every land owner shall have fair access to the process including available incentives and benefits . Any relevant factor shall be considered , including, but not limited to, the following: - The status of the eagle population in the region. - The useful life of the roost trees and condition of the surrounding forest; the topography; accessibility and visibility; and existing and alternative flight paths, perch trees, snags and potential alternative roost trees . - Eagle behavior and historical use patterns, available food sources, and vulnerability to disturbance. - The surrounding land use conditions, including degree of development and human use . - Landownership, landowner ability to manage , and flexibility of available landowner options . - Appropriate and acceptable incentive mechanisms such as conservation easements transfer or purchase of development rights, P P leases, mutual covenants , or land trade or purchase . - Published recommendations for eagle habitat protection of other government entities such as the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service or other state agencies . 5 On January 6 , 1994 a site visit was made by Hama Hama Company representative Dave Robbins and WDW Bald Nagle Biologist Shelly Ament . The purpose of this visit was to review the area of the proposed Forest Practice and to evaluate the potential impacts of P P the proposed project on the bald eagles and eagle habitat in the area . Duringthis visit a total of 15 eagles were observed using g g the roost site . Two adult eagles were actually seen flying low going upstream over Johns Creek. MANAGEMENT TERMS Known and presumed aspects of the ecology associated with the Hamma Hamma Eagle Roost allow for the designation of an Eagle Management Area ( EMA) around the site . The EMA is designed to protect the integrity of the roost site and all associated habitat . Proposed land use changes at particular locations within the EMA will be evaluated prior to their initiation to take into consideration the needs of the eagles . Because eagle use and natural conditions within the EMA will change overtime , land use changes proposed in this area will be assessed based on the most current knowledge of eagle use . There are four zones within the EMA - Protected Areas , Conditioned Areas , Potential Habitat , and Other Areas . i Protected Areas The intent of these areas is to maintain habitat as it exists . Activities presently occurring in the protected areas may continue at present levels of intensity unless they are determined to be causing reduced use of the roost . Forest management activities within protected areas will only be conducted if necessary to maintain or enhance the roost stand characteristics . Conditioned Areas The intent of these areas is to minimize disturbance that could disrupt eagle activities within the EMA. This may include time and/or activity provisions or recommendations for maintaining large trees at certain locations . The landowner may or may not have to enter a management agreement depending on the location. Potential Habitat These areas need to be evaluated further to determine their importance to bald eagles . Activities proposed in these areas will be evaluated based on the most current information on eagle use . The potential habitat would be the area the birds utilize on Johns Creek . 6 L4 ^% 1\ is of the EMA may continue at the resent Y P f � � jor land use changes may require amending of approximately 39 acres within the old and the Hamma Hamma River as shown in a no timber harvest, home construction or occur. Normal activities which have east few decades in this zone may continue levels of intensity. No motorized watercraft will be . allowed in the core protection zone from November 1 - February 28 of any given year. In addition, all trees within a 200 ' buffer zone shall be retained along the Hamma Hamma River upstream to the north section line of T24N, R3W, Sec. 27 (See Figures 1 and 2 ) . In the secondary zone no logging, road or home construction, gravel mining or other activity shall occur within 1000 ' of the Hamma Hamma River along the core area and buffer strip from November 1 - February 28 of any given year . Activities presently occurring in this zone may continue at current levels unless they are determined to cause reduced use of the roost. All known perch trees in this zone are to be retained. Snags and stumps should be maintained on the outer delta as potential perch sites. All trees within a 50 ' buffer zone on each side of Johns Creek from the confluence with the Hamma Hamma River upstream to the junction of the north and south forks of the creek (center of section 28 ) shall be retained. No timber harvest, road or home construction, or other activity shall occur within 1000 ' of each side of Johns Creek up to the fork from November 1 - February 28 of any given year (See Figure 2 ) . Activities presently occurring in this zone may continue at current levels unless they are determined to cause reduced use of the roost. All known perch trees in this secondary zone are to be retained. Additional perch trees up Johns Creek will be identified at a later date if possible . * SPECIAL NOTE - Some selective timber harvest may be allowed within the designated buffers on the Hamma Hamma River and Johns Creek in the future . Forest management activities within the buffers must maintain or enhance the roost stand characteristics . The WA Department of Wildlife must be contacted prior to any removal of trees within the buffer zones. An amended site management plan will be required for the removal of any trees within the buffer zones. Selective logging in the buffer zones may only occur outside the period November 1 - February 28 . 7 MONITORING The roost will be monitored periodically by the WDW. Local volunteers , USFS, and the Skokomish Tribe may also assist with monitoring the significant roosting area. Monitoring will attempt to assess the impacts of logging operations and other disturbance to eagle activity at the roost site . Compliance to the plan may also be assured with monitoring efforts . The landowner or the WDW may request a review or update of the plan based on changes in eagle use of the area cr changes in development plans . It is the responsibility of the landowner to notify the WDW of proposed land management activities within the EMA that will affect the management plan. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT This plan will be subject to the following review and amendment procedures . The plan may be reviewed periodically by the Washington Department of Wildlife (WDW) to determine whether : 1 ) the plan requires amendment in response to changing eagle and landowner circumstances; or , 2 ) the terms of the plan comply with applicable laws and regulations; or , 3 ) the parties to the plan are complying with its terms . A landowner may request an emergency amendment to an existing site management plan by contacting the WDW. emergency amendments are effective upon WDW special permission. If necessary to protect bald eagles , the WDW may condition such permission. The special permission may be verbal with later written confirmation. The WDW may initiate an emergency amendment to an existing site management plan. The WDW shall provide written notice of the basis and terms of the amendment . A department emergency is effective upon notice . A landowner may propose a non-emergency amendment by submitting a written request to the WDW. A non-emergency amendment is effective upon the WDW' s issuance of a final amended site management plan. The WDW may also initiate a non-emergency amendment to an existing site management plan. The WDW shall provide written notice of the basis and terms of the amendment . A WDW non-emergency amendment shall be effective upon the WDW' s issuance of a final amended site management plan. For non-emergency amendments , the WDW and the landowner shall work to develop a mutually agreeable amended management plan within 30 days of the amendment request or notice . Should agreement not be reached, the WDW shall within 15 days provide a final amended site management plan to the landowner . 8 l Until an amended plan becomes effective , the WDW may impose reasonable and necessary interim conditions . Such conditions are effective upon notice to the landowner . Department denials of requests for emergency amendments , WDW emergency amendments , final amended site management plans , and interim conditions may be appealed as provided in this plan. APPEAL PROCEDURE In addition to the provisions of WAC 232-12-292( 7 . 1 )-( 7 . 3 ) , the landowner may request a formal appeal of TAfDW actions according to the Administrative Procedures Act , Chapter 34 . 05 RCW, and the Model Rules of Procedure , Chapter 10-08 WAC. Such a request shall be filed with the department within 20 days of receipt of the contested WDW decision. The appeal request shall clearly state the relief sought and the grounds for the appeal . COMPLIANCE The conditions of the plan do not supersede local , county, state , federal or other regulations that are related to environmental protection ( e . g. Shoreline Management Act, SEPA) . It is the responsibility of the landowner to assure that the appropriate permits are obtained and to address concerns other than bald eagle habitat protection. Failure to comply with this plan constitutes a violation of state law as set forth in RCW 77 . 21 . 010 ( 2 ) . 9 4 V V t o lu • uuuw0 TR 19 . 1100190 T R I I • 1100110 10' R/W IN G.L. I . 1100010 1 A.,A 5 Tr. 2 N R/w TrI9 Tr. 10 27 26 Tr. 2 Tr I 1',f{ Lonn *ebb Rd. w 260,15 Tr. I 32427 2427 12 00010 11 00130 G. L . I 1 axe lk 188 f Tr. 13 C. M '4 ` a .k * N OCR h ;� 32427 12''f30020 G.L. 3 r: 26.24.3 ( `r` ,.. O!•d ' ' ,fir:, x + ' t 130001 rodeL. 0? 4470940 t i �~i 1 U 0 't �k n 794 14 000 FIGURE 1 G.L. 4 HAMMA HAMMA RIVER EAGLE ROOST 26. 24. 3 Core protection zone and 200' T r. 1 buffer. 32427 14 00010 Tr. I ESE --� /�2/7Q , � `• iG � � ,a%t..:` I 1\�+ 11 , I ( � +.\t\\ I` _..-} ��`.' f ', ') 1 I.1..�_�. �'Z- .. ' I ry 1�' �� ',`; M/ ` - 1, �` ,•� , Ik' ��}�. 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