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CITY OF RENTON
FISH, AND WILDLIFE
HABITAT
Prepared for:
City of Renton
Planning/Building%Public Work's
200 Mill Avenue South
Renton, liA �98055 -
;July 1991
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WMEERS,SURVEYORS,KANN RS,`tANDSCAPE ARCIIlTE-M,SCIENMS
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Printed bn;eryded paper 415 118TH AVENUE S.E.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.0 STUDY METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.0 KING COUNTY WILDLIFE HABITAT PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1 Freshwater Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 Upland Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.0 CITY OF RENTON HABITAT TYPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.1 Parklands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.2 Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.3 Open Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.4 Forested Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.0 WILDLIFE CORRIDORS AND UNIQUE HABITAT AREAS IN RENTON . . . 19
5.1 Panther Lake Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Cedar River Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3 May Creek Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.4 Unique Habitat Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.5 Washington Department of Wildlife Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.0 KING COUNTY HABITAT VALUE RANKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.0 CITY OF RENTON HABITAT VALUE RANKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.1 Habitat Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.2 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.0 HABITAT MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
10.0 OTHER JURISDICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
11.0 REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
12.0 GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
13.0 APPENDIX
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
List of Figures
1. Vicinity Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Panther Lake Corridor Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3. Cedar River Corridor Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4. May Creek Corridor Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
List of Tables
1. Evaluation of Wildlife Habitats in King County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2. Evaluation of Wildlife Habitats in Renton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The State of Washington Growth Management Act (GMA) established guidelines and
requirements for the inventory of critical areas and resource lands within Washington cities
and counties. This report, with accompanying maps and graphics, identifies potentially
critical Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas in the City of Renton and the surrounding area of
influence (Figure 1).
The City of Renton previously conducted research and developed maps for a variety of
critical areas within the City limits in the Community Profile for the City of Renton. The
generalized critical areas information provided by the Community Profile included: Aquifer
Recharge Areas, Flood Hazards, Steep Slopes, Landslide Hazards, Seismic Hazards, and
Erosion Hazards. Detailed inventories of each of these areas are currently in progress by
City departments and consultants. A wetlands and stream inventory was completed by Jones
and Stokes Associates, Inc., in June 1991, and their findings have been considered in this
report. The following inventory, maps, and report address Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas.
When possible, existing resource information was used to develop the finished product. This
information, such as aerial photographs, State fish and wildlife data, maps, and reports, was
used to identify and refine fish and wildlife habitat areas. A field reconnaissance was
conducted to confirm habitat areas within the City of Renton and its area of influence. The
area of influence extends east of the City limits, into unincorporated King County.
The locations of fish and wildlife habitat within the study area were digitized onto the
existing City of Renton AutoCAD mapping system. The wetlands, streams, and lakes were
incorporated onto the base map using AutoCAD mapping information provided by Jones
and Stokes Associates, Inc.. State of Washington Priority Habitat Areas and Species
information was included, when applicable. Four general habitat areas were color-coded,
according to the habitat type (i.e. wetlands, forests), and ranked according to their value as
habitat area for fish and wildlife.
The following sections provide a description of the study methodology, the fish and wildlife
habitat types and potential wildlife corridors, the habitat ranking system, and
recommendations for the management of these areas.
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Figure 1. City of Renton Critical Areas Inventory Study Area-
DAwEV*mm0A5s0aATESJw_ Renton Incorporated Area and Sphere of Influence
RENT0001-DGN-RENVIC
2.0 STUDY METHODOLOGY
A review of existing literature and mapped products was conducted to determine the
presence of potential fish and wildlife habitat within the City of Renton urban growth
boundaries and sphere of influence. A preliminary review of the following information was
used as a guideline for field reconnaissance:
• The City of Renton Community Profile;
• The Thomas Guide for King County;
• U.S.G.S. quadrangle maps - Mercer Island and Renton;
• The City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department;
• The City of Renton Wetlands and Stream Corridors Critical Areas Inventory;
• The King County Sensitive Areas Map Folio;
• 1990 true color aerial photographs of the City, Scale = 1:24,000;
• State of Washington Department of Wildlife Priority Habitats and Species
data;
• King County Open Space Program, Wildlife Habitat Profile
After reviewing the above sources of information,a field reconnaissance of potential wildlife
habitat areas and corridors was conducted to verify locations and inventory wildlife species
use. A brief description of how each source was used in this study is given below.
The City of Renton Community Profile. This document was completed in 1989, and
intended to provide an assessment of the current conditions of the city for use by city
employees and the general public. It identifies various aspects of the city, including land use
and the natural environment. Descriptions and maps are general in nature, but provided
good base materials for the habitat assessment, and subsequent field verification process.
3
The Thomas Guide for King County. This series of maps provided the field team with an
accurate set of street maps for the city and surrounding area. These maps were used during
the field reconnaissance to refine habitat area locations. They were also used to identify
existing parks, cemeteries, and golf courses.
U S G.S. Quadran lg e maps. These maps also were utilized during the field survey to map
habitat areas at a smaller scale.
City of Renton Parks and Recreation. Information provided by this department was used
to locate the major parks within the Renton City limits. A brief description of each park
was provided, and this information was used to help determine potential wildlife species use,
as well as recreational and educational uses.
The City of Renton Wetlands and Stream Corridors Critical Areas Inventory. This
document was used to characterize and identify wetland areas that may provide habitat for
fish and wildlife species located within the study area. The AutoCAD data was incorporated
onto the habitat maps, and the wetland descriptions used to describe expected fish and
wildlife species use within the city and area of influence.
King County Sensitive Areas Map Folio. This document is a display of sensitive areas (i.e.
steep slopes,wetlands) located within unincorporated King County, and was used to identify
critical areas outside of the Renton City limits, but within the Renton area of influence.
1990 Color Aerial Photographs. A series of color 9 inch by 9 inch aerial photographs taken
in July 1990 at a scale of 1:24,000 (1 inch equals 1,000 feet) were used to identify forested
and open parcels of land within the city limits to be verified during the field reconnaissance.
They also were used to refine area boundaries where access was difficult or denied.
State of Washington Department of Wildlife. Two major data sources from the Washington
State Department of Wildlife (WDW) were used in this study. The first, the Washington
Rivers Information System, is a statewide collection of natural resource data relating to
rivers and streams. The second, the Priority Habitats and Species data, provides definitions
and locations by region of sensitive habitats and species within the State of Washington.
This broad base information has been incorporated into this report when appropriate.
Much of this data was collected and is used at the regional, state, or watershed level.
Therefore, it is used in this report for the purpose of augmenting and when possible,
refining the existing information.
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Wildlife Habitat Profile. In 1987, King County classified and described the different wildlife
communities found within the County. In addition, a map of habitat types was created, and
each type ranked with respect to its value to wildlife. This document describes wildlife
habitat types found within King County, and many of the descriptions and recommendations
for habitat management are appropriate to the City of Renton.
Field Reconnaissance. All habitat information provided by the above sources was verified
in the field by qualified biologists. Small habitat areas were verified using a windshield
survey,while large habitat areas were checked on foot. Each habitat area was typified, and
descriptions provided of any fish or wildlife species observed. Any land use changes of
concern to fish and wildlife were noted, and potential corridors for wildlife movement were
identified.
Compilation of Data Sources and Summary. Fish and wildlife habitat areas identified by
the aforementioned sources were hand-drawn onto a base map of the City, then digitized
onto an AutoCAD base map provided by the City of Renton. The mapped information for
fish habitat and wetlands was used as one layer of data on the finished map product.
The King County Wildlife Habitat Profile is summarized in Section 3.0. A general
description of wildlife habitat areas within Renton that correspond to the King County
habitat areas, and the importance of these habitat types is presented in Section 4. The
ranking system used by King County was used to refine and tailor a similar ranking system
for the City of Renton.
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3.0 KING COUNTY WILDLIFE HABITAT PROFILE
Officials within King County recognized the need to address and provide management
guidelines for certain areas within the County that could potentially provide a diversity of
wildlife habitat and support wildlife species. The resulting County map and document
illustrate wildlife habitat types for the County, a classification system and descriptions for
each habitat type, and a system for ranking the value of habitat types for wildlife. In
addition, the report suggests a system for site specific evaluation of wildlife habitat quality,
and a set of general principles for managing wildlife habitat on a regional basis. A synopsis
of the information which may be applicable to the City of Renton is given below.
3.1 Freshwater Habitats
Freshwater habitats are those areas with fresh water inundation for a part or all of the year.
Freshwater habitats include wetlands, such as marshes or bogs, lakes, and rivers. Wetlands
may be dominated by herbaceous vegetation, shrubs, trees, or floating-leaved plants. The
area immediately adjacent to a river, stream, lake, or pond (areas with permanent surface
water), is commonly referred to as the Riparian Area. Riparian Areas are defined by King
County as all habitats extending 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark of permanent
surface water, or the outermost edge of the habitat area present, whichever is greater.
Habitats occurring within riparian areas should be managed in conjunction with the ponds,
lakes, river, or streams with which they are associated.
Lakes
Lakes are freshwater habitats that are permanently inundated with water, and experience
little or no flow of water. Generally, they are deepwater habitats with an area of 20 acres
or more.
Wildlife rely on lakes as a source of water. Lakes also provide breeding and foraging
habitat for a number of fish, amphibians, aquatics birds, and mammals. Lakes with diverse
riparian zones are of greater value to wildlife than those with intensely developed shorelines.
Vegetation associated with a lake provides cover and potential nesting sites for wildlife.
However, use is dependent on lake size, location, the type of shoreline, and surrounding
land uses.
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Ponds
Ponds are freshwater habitats that are seasonally or permanently inundated with water, and
that experience little or no flow of water. Generally, they are less than 20 acres in size, and
are relatively shallow habitats.
Ponds provide a source of water for terrestrial animals, and breeding and foraging habitat
for fish, amphibians, and many aquatic birds and mammals. Ponds with a variety of
vegetation types in addition to open water are particularly valuable to wildlife. This is
because vegetation around a pond provides cover and potential nesting habitat for wildlife.
Wildlife use is dependent on pond size, location, the type of shoreline and surrounding land
uses. Artificial ponds vary in their value as wildlife habitat. Sewage lagoons are used
heavily by waterfowl,but small farm ponds may be too disturbed or have shorelines that are
too bare to facilitate wildlife activity.
Shrub/Forb Wetlands
Shrub/Forb wetlands are freshwater wetland areas that are dominated by shrubs, and other
woody vegetation associations. Scrub/Shrub plant communities may be successional stages
or may be stable, depending on the hydrologic conditions present. These wet, shrubby areas
are often found along low-lying streams, in river floodplains, or in shallow basins. Typically,
a few tree species will be present. Most common species include willow, red alder, and
crabapple trees. Hardhack and red-osier dogwood are the most common shrubs.
Comparatively, scrub/shrub wetlands support few wildlife species. This is because
understory development is generally poor, but quite dense in structure, and plant species
diversity is limited.
Freshwater Marshes
Freshwater marshes are shallow-water habitats dominated by emergent aquatic plants.
These habitats are generally submerged, but in some cases, may experience only seasonal
submersion. Many freshwater marshes in King County are dominated by cattails, bulrushes,
sedges, rushes, or reed canarygrass.
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Freshwater marshes are rich in aquatic insects, and provide foraging and breeding habitat
for many species of amphibians, birds, and mammals. The degree of wildlife use is
dependent on the marsh size, the vegetation structure, the presence and distribution of open
water, and the adjacent land uses. Generally speaking, marshes with taller vegetation
(better cover), and with a diverse vegetation structure (better foraging habitat), can
potentially support more wildlife species than more homogeneous marshes.
Bogs
Bogs are wetland habitats that form in poorly drained lakes or ponds. Commonly, bogs will
have a floating mat of vegetation, consisting primarily of moss. The chemical composition
of bogs is very acidic and decomposition is very slow. These conditions enable only very
specialized plants to survive and successional rates are very slow. Bogs receive limited
runoff because only small areas drain into most bogs.
Relatively few species of wildlife use bogs compared to other wetland habitats. Amphibians
are the vertebrate group most commonly represented in bogs. Those bogs located adjacent
to other habitat types are the most valuable for wildlife. The plant species characteristic of
bogs are very specialized, and thus sensitive to changes in local microclimates, or changes
in chemical or physical condition of water. In addition, bogs have little resiliency to
imposed stresses that alter or destroy the vegetation. Strict control of adjacent land uses
and the water quality input is recommended to protect bogs.
Wet Meadows
Wet meadows are freshwater wetland habitats that are seasonally inundated with water to
no more than 6 inches in fall, winter, or spring. These habitats may have no standing water
on them for all or part of the year,but display saturated soil conditions within several inches
of the surface. Wet Meadows are typically dominated by emergent, herbaceous plant
species such as soft rush, buttercups, reed canarygrass, skunk cabbage, and other varieties
of sedges and grasses. Some woody shrub species also may be present.
Wet meadows are often rich in seed and soil invertebrates. These conditions provide
foraging habitat for many species of waterfowl.
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Forested Wetlands
Forested wetlands are dominated by deciduous and/or coniferous trees which grow in areas
that are seasonally or permanently flooded. Some trees may die if the area has experienced
heavy flooding. Typically, only a few tree species exist in these habitats, including red alder,
black cottonwood, western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock. Understory
development is limited because of saturated soil conditions.
Forested wetlands are used by a variety of species, including birds, amphibians, and
mammals. However, poor understory development and saturated soils limit species use.
Generally speaking, mixed deciduous/coniferous forested wetlands can support a larger
number of species types than either type alone can support.
Rivers and Streams
River and stream habitats are freshwater areas with flowing surface water. These habitats
include all areas contained within a defined channel. Riverine habitats are used by most
terrestrial vertebrates as a source of water. Few species depend on this habitat regularly
or exclusively, but those that do include, river otter, mink, bald eagle, osprey, harlequin
duck, water shrew, and common merganser. The dominant vertebrates found in these
habitats are fish. The Green and Cedar Rivers are major drainages for the Puget sound
area, and support a variety of fish and wildlife habitat amenities. Riverine habitats should
be managed in conjunction with the riparian areas found adjacent to them.
Riparian Forests
Riparian forest is a forested vegetation unit that occurs along the shores of rivers, streams,
lakes,or ponds. Most riparian forest types are dominated by deciduous trees,but coniferous
riparian areas do exist. Characteristic tree species found here include red alder, black
cottonwood, bigleaf maple, willows, Oregon ash, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce. The
shrub layer is often well-developed, and the herb layer generally lush.
Because of water availability and the stratified vegetative structure found in these habitat
types,forested wetlands are highly valuable to wildlife and support an abundance of animals.
An important habitat feature is ready access to water for forest dwelling animals. Access
to water and abundant insect life attracts a variety of migrating and breeding passerine
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birds. Large migratory animals, such as deer and bear, use riparian forest as migration
corridors.
Many of the original riparian forests along rivers have been modified or cut down to make
roads or to clear land for agricultural purposes. Both riparian forest types are rare in this
area, but coniferous more so than deciduous.
The existence of any forest cover types along stream and river courses enhances the value
of the associated aquatic habitats by buffering them from disturbance. Other amenities
include bank stabilization, decreased amounts of debris, soil, and organic material entering
the waterway, and shade for potential fish-rearing areas.
Riparian Shrub/Forb
The Riparian shrub/forb habitat is a vegetation unit dominated by grasses, sedges, forbs,
shrubs, or small saplings that occur within riparian areas along the shorelines of rivers,
streams, lakes, or ponds.
Riparian Shrub/forb provides access to surface water for many animals, and browsing and
feeding areas for passerine birds. There is less structural diversity than riparian forest
habitats, and thus these areas do not support the numbers or types of species found in
forested areas. However, relatively large numbers of birds, mammals, reptiles, and
amphibians utilize this habitat type.
As mentioned for riparian forests, riparian shrub/forb communities act as buffers to the
waters they border. Riparian shrub communities would be more effective than forb
communities at providing buffer amenities.
3.2 Upland Habitats
Upland habitats are those areas that are not saturated or flooded during the year, except
very irregularly. Upland Habitats include forests, shrub/scrub areas, meadows, and parks.
They may be natural or highly modified, found in areas of steep slopes, and in some cases,
may occur within riparian areas as discussed above. These areas may be dominated by
herbaceous vegetation, shrubs, or trees.
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Oven Meadows
Open meadows are characteristically dominated by grasses and/or forbs,with an occasional
shrub or tree seedling intermixed throughout. These habitat areas may occur as transitional
zones in forest succession or as stable communities that are regularly maintained through
mowing and/or grazing activities. Because of the regular removal of above ground
vegetation, agricultural lands are discussed under a separate heading.
Deer, many mammals, and birds use open meadows to forage. Meadows are of most value
to wildlife when they are adjacent to other habitat patches, particularly forested areas.
Pasture lands are used by several different species of birds for feeding and nesting habitat.
Grazed pastures without shrubby thickets or adjacent forested habitat will not be used as
extensively by wildlife. As with all habitat types, areas with adjacent habitat, and those with
access to water are of most value to wildlife. Mowed lawns provide feeding habitat for a
few ubiquitous bird species (crow, starling, robins), but provide little or no nesting habitat.
Disturbed meadows are used as nesting and foraging habitat by a few bird species, such as
killdeer.
Shrub Scrub
Shrub/Scrub habitat areas are characterized by a dense cover of large shrubs or shrub-like
trees. The makeup of these habitats depends on the degree of disturbance, soil types, and
development of groundcover species.
Persistent shrub habitats adjacent to open meadows, or agricultural fields provide cover,
food, and nesting sites for a variety of bird and mammal species. Shrubby habitats adjacent
to forest stands are valuable as travel corridors for wildlife movement, and increase the
potential for species diversity. Many shrubs are browsed upon by deer species.
Agricultural
Agricultural habitat includes commercial farmlands producing crops, and does not include
small gardens. Periodic removal of above ground crop plants and plowing controls the
successional stages of growth in these areas. The value of agricultural land as wildlife
habitat depends on the crops planted and access to water.
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Agricultural fields in production of herbaceous crops are of little value to terrestrial
vertebrates. However, fallow fields provide food in the form of insects, seeds, fruit, and leaf
material for a few avian species, as well as small rodents and the raptors that feed on them.
Orchards can support a moderate number of bird and mammal species, but many of these
also are typically found in urban environments. A mix of crop types within an area would
support the greatest amount and types of vertebrate species, and agricultural land adjacent
to forest or riparian habitats would be used by most species.
Second Growth Forest
Forested habitats are those dominated by trees over 20 feet high. Second growth forests are
those that are regenerating after having been burned, cut, or in some other way reduced to
an earlier successional stage. Generally, these forests are from 30-50 years old.
Characteristics of a second growth forest are dependent on soil type, moisture, slope, sun
exposure, and the composition of the plant community prior to disturbance. Second growth
forests can either be coniferous, deciduous, or mixed. In Renton, mixed second growth
forests are most abundant.
A wide variety of birds, mammals, and amphibians can be found in second growth forests
if a range of successional stages are present. Successional stages would provide more
habitat amenities for differing wildlife species. Second growth forests with mixed vegetation
layers, and those with snags, well-establish or permanent borders, and much downed woody
materials are the most valuable to wildlife.
Mature and Old Growth Forest
Mature and old growth forests are those dominated by tree species that have regenerated
for at least 120 years or more from the last event that reduced the forest to an earlier
successional stage. Such events include fire, windthrow, logging, and landslides. Mature
forests are those with tree species nearly 200 years old, and in which most of the trees are
healthy. Old growth forests are typically those that have reached an age where many of the
trees have become diseased, have died, have broken off tops, or have been toppled. Once
again, characteristics of these forests is dependent on soil type, moisture, slope, exposure,
and degrees of disturbance. Mature and old growth forest stands are relatively stable unless
disturbed. Heavy recreational use can increase the risk of fire, disturb soils and understory
vegetation, and result in the removal of downed woody materials. These forest communities
take hundreds of years to regenerate and therefore, are very vulnerable to disturbance.
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Urban and Suburban
The urban and suburban habitat types include habitats that are dominated by highly
modified vegetation, and are located in urban or suburban areas. Cultivated ornamental
shrubs and trees, and introduced grasses dominate the vegetative structure in these
communities, although some native trees may be present. The vegetation in these areas may
be controlled by planting, trimming, chemical appli cation,and/or mowing. Typically, no
natural layers of vegetation exist. For example, only trees and mowed lawn may be present,
or shrubs may be present, but located in rows, and of all the same height.
The wildlife use in urban and suburban habitats is determined by several factors: percent
cover of plants, vegetation structure, size of the area, distribution of vegetation types,
proximity to more natural habitats, and the level of disturbance. These areas are usually
dominated by bird and small mammal species. However, far more species are present in
the larger parks with a mix of vegetation, than in urban parks with minimal plant cover. It
has been generally found that highly modified parks tend to support more ubiquitous bird
species, but fewer total species than more natural parks that were relatively unmanaged and
have mostly native plants. Far more species will be present in large parks with a mix of
vegetation than in urban areas with minimal plant cover. Small isolated parks in urban
areas have limited value to wildlife. Fences, and other barriers to terrestrial wildlife
movement may substantially reduce the use of an area as habitat.
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4.0 CITY OF RENTON HABITAT TYPES
The various habitat types identified within the City of Renton are described in this section
in general terms, including potential wildlife species associated with each type. A
generalized species list for each habitat type is included in Appendix A. Renton habitat
types have been classified into four distinct groups: Park Lands; Wetlands; Open Space;
and Forests. Park Lands include Parks, Cemeteries, Golf Courses, and Power Transmission
Corridors. Wetlands include Wetlands and Riparian Areas of Rivers, Streams and Riparian
Environments. Open Space areas include Open Meadows, Shrub\Scrub Fields, and
Agricultural Lands. Forests include Second Growth, Mature, and Old Growth Forested
Areas.
These four designated categories of habitat have been mapped to alert planners and City
staff to areas that offer opportunities for fish and wildlife protection. Each of the sub-
categories has been further detailed into estimated percentages of each of the King County
habitat types.
4.1 Park Lands
Park Lands within Renton and the area of influence have been estimated to cover
approximately 783 acres.
Parks
These urban habitats are present within the City limits and vary in size, and character. They
may be small neighborhood parks, that provide relief to nearby residents, play areas for
children, and habitat areas for birds, ducks, and squirrels. Or they may be large, sub-
regional parks that provide recreational, and educational opportunities, and aesthetic beauty
for humans, and habitat areas for an abundance of wildlife species. Parks may be found
adjacent to schools, along the rivers, in highly urbanized areas, or in isolated patches. Small
parks are generally modified to provide amenities for humans, such as ball fields, or
playgrounds. These areas may provide habitat for a diverse assemblage of bird species,
small mammals, and other animals tolerant of human intrusion. Large parks, such as Cedar
River Park, and May Creek Park, cover greater land areas, support larger numbers of both
plant and animal species, and have experienced less disturbance than the parks closer to the
City center.
14
Areas within the City that are park-like in nature, such as utility corridors have been
included under this heading, and ranked according to their value for wildlife. These areas
are typically large, vegetated units with a multitude of wildlife species.
King County Habitat Types
Open Meadows 65%
Mature and Old Growth Forests 5%
Second Growth Forests 20%
Shrub/Scrub Areas 10%
Cemeteries
These relatively small urban areas are typically planted with grasses, and ornamental shrubs
and trees, which provide habitat to an assortment of birds and small mammals. Species
support is generally limited to ubiquitous species adapted to human disturbance. However,
human intrusion in these areas is generally experienced during the daylight hours.
Nocturnal species, such as opossum, and raccoon, could conceivably use these areas at night.
King Count Habitat Types
Open Meadows 85%
Second Growth Forests 15%
15
Golf Courses
These moderate-sized urban habitats are heavily modified areas,usually with remnant stands
of trees and shrubs, and often with open water areas. Both songbirds and waterfowl can be
found in these areas, as well as small mammals. Again, species support is generally limited
to species that are more tolerant of human disturbance. As is true for cemeteries, golf
courses are used exclusively during the daylight hours. Therefore, these areas could be used
as feeding, browsing, or resting areas for birds, ducks, small mammals, and deer during the
evening hours.
King County Habitat Types
L
dows 85%owth Forests 15%
4.2 Wetlands
Wetlands cover approximately 395 acres of Renton and the area of influence.
Approximately 100,550 linear feet of River and Stream reaches are located in this study
area.
Wetlands
These areas are often referred to as "marshes", "bogs", or "swamps", and represent a
transition between land and water environments. Wetlands are generally located adjacent
to the streams and rivers in Renton, but small, isolated wetland pockets do occur within the
City limits. Wetland types found in Renton include bogs, marshes, shrub/scrub, forested,
and old growth wetlands. These areas provide essential feeding, nesting, and breeding areas
for many species of fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Waterfowl are dependent on
wetlands, as are numerous other bird species such as herons, rails, and black birds.
Mammals, such as raccoon, beaver, otter, and mink are dependent on wetlands to satisfy at
least some of their habitat requirements. Many freshwater and anadromous fish are
dependent on wetlands at some stage in their life cycles.
16
King County Habitat Types
Lakes 10%
Ponds 10%
Shrub/Forb Wetlands 20%
Freshwater Marshes 20%
Wet Meadows 20%
Forested Wetlands 20%
Rivers and Streams
All animal species are dependent on water for their survival. Therefore, these areas, and
their associated riparian areas provide habitat for an abundance of terrestrial and aquatic
species. Some streams and rivers in Renton have been altered, and their riparian areas
denuded. These areas still provide habitat to wildlife, but to a lesser degree than the
preserved or minimally disturbed riparian areas. Rivers and streams (and their associated
riparian areas) provide habitat areas for the greatest diversity and numbers of species in the
urban setting.
King County Habitat Types
Rivers and Streams 100%
4.3 Open Spaces
The City of Renton and the area of influence encompasses approximately 2482 acres of
Open Spaces as defined in this report.
Open Meadows and Brush Fields
These areas include pastures, farmlands, vacant lots, and recently cleared areas. Some of
these areas are in heavily developed areas, have limited vegetation coverage, and provide
17
little habitat for wildlife. Others are disturbed and support predominately weedy and
colonizing plant species providing low quality wildlife habitat. Still others are large and
undisturbed, and provide valuable habitat for numerous birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
King County Habitat Types
Open Meadows 15%
Shrub/Scrub 15%
Riparian Shrub/Scrub 10%
Agricultural 30%
Urban and Suburban 30%
4.4 Forested Areas
Forested Areas make up approximately 5032 acres of land within this study area.
Forests
Mixed coniferous and deciduous forests are found within, and around the city of Renton.
Relatively undisturbed portions of second growth mixed forests are located in the outlying
areas of the City limits and along the Cedar River, as well as some of the other major
streams. There are some deciduous forest areas, but the majority of the forest lands in
Renton are mixed coniferous/deciduous. Plant and animal species diversity increases as the
forest vegetation diversity increases. These relatively undisturbed forested communities with
diverse vegetative communities provide high quality wildlife habitat for a large number of
terrestrial species of all sizes.
King Counry Habitat Types
Second Growth Forests 80%
Mature and Old Growth Forests 5%
Riparian Forests 15%
18
5.0 WILDLIFE CORRIDORS AND UNIQUE HABITAT AREAS
In addition to the four designated habitat types in Renton, the existence of potential wildlife
corridors and unique habitat areas deserved special consideration.
Corridors are defined for this report as large, interconnected tracts of land that have a
mixed regime of habitat types. They are generally found along major rivers or streams, and
conceivably shelter fish and wildlife travelling from one habitat type to another in search
of food, water, or shelter. Three potential corridors located within the City of Renton have
been identified which may provide sufficient cover for the movement of a variety of wildlife
species. Corridor amenities for wildlife are the main emphasis of this discussion, but
corridors are also important for humans. These areas provide us with beautiful scenery, the
opportunity to observe wildlife in a natural setting, and a place to evade urban life. A
description of each potential corridor is provided, as well as its approximate location, and
value as a wildlife habitat area.
5.1 Panther Lake Corridor-This corridor extends from South 15th Street, east of State
Route 167 in Renton, south to the Panther Lake wetland complex (Figure 2). The corridor
is located on the east side of SR-167 and extends south from South 15th Street to
Southwest 41st Street. Here the corridor turns east and crosses Talbot Road South, and
again heads south to Southeast 192nd Street. The corridor is broken from SE 192nd Street
to approximately Southeast 196th Street. However, the corridor remains intact from this
point to Panther Lake. The majority of this corridor is continuous, and made up of
numerous open meadows, shrub fields, forest areas, and wetlands which have been isolated
by surrounding development. The entire corridor follows an unnamed tributary of Spring
Brook Creek. Because of the fragmentation, and adjacent development, this corridor may
only serve as a pathway for birds or cursorial species tolerant of nearby human activity.
However, much of this area is forested and these areas also provide habitat for wildlife not
dependent on movement into other areas for survival.
Approximately 20 separate parcels make up this corridor. The majority of these owners are
private citizens with relatively small lots, but some large corporations own portions of this
area, including Puget Power and Light.
19
it
LEGEND
OPEN SPACE PARK LANDS
SCALE: 1" = 1500' FORESTED AREAS STREAMS
FWETLANDS
ti <
<
S 16th
SW 14th ST F < SE 1571h
`- R4-6
OLLING C
I fs
SEM
•�� .� 23rd ST
1� SE 182nd ST
a
;. s� <
1N •t 4th ST
sifSM S 27th ST SE 184th
. . ... t Bad
�' t�• .tiq.;a;i':, SE 166th S� 2M '< < > \1871h ST�
" ^SE L 168th� SE loath
S1M S 31st ST < bf bt
< < SE 169th ST (1�
3ft ST
W— S 36th /
SW 39th q �
SE PETROVSKY
SW 41st ST SW 41at ST
tK >
g S
SW 43rd ST
�ti !�� ; SE 180th SE I
S� i SE 181rt ST
45th PL `\ / E 182nd ST
SE I Wd PL SE 184th
4SE 1a8th 1 Lth ST
'S' 1861h PL 186th PL <
W S 188th
200th jH ST 8 p SE
S T
S 202nd ST
SE 204�-
{ N o4th ST
206th q�{ l_/
SE 206th PL
SE 207th >
S 208th ST I �ffgg- SE T N 1<4 208th
C CD Fi I ® O R 1
CITY OF-- FRONTON
F=1SH AND WII_L7t_I1=F== = 0
HABITAT A FR AS °==mmNwUMR=
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The Washington State Department of Wildlife has designated portions of this corridor as
priority habitats. These areas include the Longacres wetlands, the Soos Creek wetlands,and
the Black River wetlands. Wetlands in these areas are forested, shrub/scrub, open water,
and emergent marshes. They provide habitat for passerine birds and raptors, are excellent
for waterfowl, and likely to support populations of amphibians, reptiles and small mammals.
5.2 Cedar River Corridor--This corridor extends from Renton Avenue South, along the
Cedar River, east to the proposed Cedar River Regional Park (Figure 3). The majority of
this corridor is forested and runs along the steep slopes on both sides of the river. The
open space along the valley floor, adjacent to the river, is interrupted more by development
than the adjacent steep slopes. However, these open meadow and brush field habitat areas
provide valuable habitat for wildlife both residing in and moving through this corridor. The
developed areas within this corridor do not prohibit wildlife movement, but do impose some
minor restrictions to movement because of fences, roadways, and paved areas.
The Maplewood Golf Course forms a portion of this corridor, as does the Cedar River
Regional Park. The Maplewood Golf Course is surrounded by a six-feet high chain link
fence which may prohibit wildlife movement in this area. This corridor is unbroken in the
southern portion from Renton Avenue South to 140th Place Southeast, where the Cedar
River crosses under Maple Valley Road, into Cedar River Regional Park. The proposed
Cedar River Regional Park is broken into two sections, with a developed area extending
from 149th Avenue Southeast to 152nd Avenue.
The northern portion of this corridor begins near a large gravel pit on Northeast 3rd Street
and extends south to Maplewood Golf Course. The areas surrounding the gravel pit are an
assemblage of both forested and open meadow type habitat areas. This portion of the
corridor is unbroken and largely forested, and extends east along SE Jones Street and
beyond.
This corridor provides important habitat for wildlife associated with the Cedar River and
includes a wide variety of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
Property ownership in this corridor is dominated by large corporations (10 of 14 total
landowners), such as Bonneville Power Administration, Puget Western Inc., and Stoneway
Sand and Gravel. Some portions of this area are owned by individuals (4 of 14), but many
tracts are large.
21
be �
13%ST "
SE 2nd
SCALE. 1 1500
SE 137th PL
SE 138th PL
SE 139th PL SE 1311th PL
SE 140th PL SE 141tt ST
142nd ST a SE 142nd ST
/ 142nd ST ����
143rd PL ISE 143rd ST
ST ST
LEGEND
OPEN SPACE
/j SE 146th P< r FORESTED AREAS
SE 148th ST
WETLANDS
I aPARK LANDS
STREAMS
✓ �` F tipl \ `r' o PQy-
VA
1 1A
SE 158th sr
SEr ,. a�
i'-�.�a SE 160th SE t59th � j, .� �
SE I
i� 1 1tt SE 160th SE
SE 162nd ST y! bd lg� SE 162nd PL
> > > SE 163rd ST
16Jd 162nd PL
SE 165th
SE 165th ST
CORRIDOR 2
CITY OF= RF= NTON DISH AND Wil._.CDL.IF=E o s
o
HABITAT A R�A S DAVm EVANS AND ASSOCIATffi, INC.
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The WDW has designated priority habitats within this corridor which include hazelwood and
Lake Boren Parks,the Cedar River riparian areas and wetlands, and the steep forested open
spaces associated with the Cedar River valley. The parks are undeveloped, and vegetated
with mixed second growth forests. The wetlands along the Cedar River are mainly forested
with an open water component. Wildlife species use in the open space and riparian habitats
along the Cedar River includes large and small mammals, avian and terrestrial species, and
fish.
5.3 May Creek Corridor--This corridor is an assemblage of forest,wetlands, open meadow,
and riparian habitats that extends from Lake Washington Blvd. and North 40th Street, along
May Creek east to Cougar Mountain (Figure 4). This corridor is virtually continuous, but
bisected by Coal Creek Parkway. The corridor remains relatively wide with single family
residences causing slight restrictions near Coal Creek Parkway. The proposed May Creek
Greenbelt forms a large portion of this corridor and provides excellent forested and riparian
habitat. East of Coal Creek Parkway, the corridor becomes a mix of forested, open
meadow, and wetland habitat types. It extends to Cougar Mountain providing a pathway
for wildlife movement to other open space within the City limits. Both large and small
mammals, many bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and fish reside and travel within this
corridor.
The May Creek Corridor provides the best and most diverse wildlife habitat area found
within the City of Renton.
Property ownership of this corridor is dominated by private citizens and small landowners.
Approximately 20 owners have been identified, with 75% in private ownership. Burlington
Northern, and the State of Washington own large portions of this corridor as it approaches
Cougar Mountain.
The DWD has designated Cougar Mountain Wildland Park, the May Creek wetlands, and
the riparian areaa as priority habitat areas. Cougar Mountain is a mature second grouth
mixed forest that provides habitat to a variety of bird, reptile, amphibian, and mammal
species. The May Creek riparian area and wetlands provide habitat areas for speices that
exist in forested, shrub/scrub, and emergent marsh wetlands, including fish.
23
LEGEND
® OPEN SPACE
SCALE: 1" = 1500'
FORESTED AREAS
s-e SF 79 �T L
/ o WETLANDS
-17
y w PARK LANDS
' SE eJra
STREAMS
N 40th SE 84th r
'/ /
z LY
N th ST `
SE 86th
N 37th
NE th
N 36th ST SE 88th
d N 35th ST SE 89th
N 34th ST� N 34th ST w9ft -
N 33rd PL
N 33rd 5T / / /� ��
N 31.t N 31d ST
N i�hj
�—N-30fh ST N 30th S
N 29th I n 29th�
aN 28th STLoul Z.1 / r.
z 27th ST s-1 t-
961h
p 261hPL
< , 98 ST
,�. /j�
NE � 2 NE
NE 24th SE 1
fF [� 23rd PL �/; ' {
t Y L g NE 23rd / 102nd
23rd 22nd NE 23rd ST % > ST /
% i SE 103rd ST Lmd 21nd
I Oth ST a NE 20th
SE 104tli ST �•
<
® > SE 1 NE 19th ST
Z
/ i < 17th
NE 16th
CD (Z) f=3 I ® OR 3
CITY OF= RE=- N-TON DISH ANE:> WIILC)LL1F=E o 0
0
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5.4 Unique Habitat Areas--Some mention should be made of areas that provide unique
habitat elements or conditions within the City limits. The Washington State Department
of Wildlife identified a wetland and heron rookery near 68th Avenue North as a critical
habitat area. This area is relatively large and isolated. It is an old growth, forested,
deciduous wetland, surrounded by open water. Forest and open meadow are located
adjacent to this wetland area. This habitat area and wetland provides good habitat for many
bird species, but has evidence of pollution, such as human debris, sewage, and petroleum
products. Heron, red-winged blackbirds, and yellow warblers were seen during the field
reconnaissance of this area.
5.5 State of Washington Department of Wildlife--The Department of Wildlife has
compoled draft maps of priority habitat areas within Renton. This information corresponds
with many of the habitat areas displayed on the maps accompanying this report. Areas with
threatened or endangered species, or species of special concern have been identified, but
not placed on the maps. This has been done to protect these species and the habitats they
live in. The descriptions of the priority habitat areas have otherwise been incorporated into
this report.
25
6.0 KING COUNTY HABITAT VALUE RANKING
The intent of this classification and ranking system is to help planners and other City
officials develop wildlife management strategies for each habitat area within the City and
area of influence. A system for ranking the habitat types found within the City of Renton
and its sphere of influence was developed using the approach created by King County in
1987. In this ranking scheme, five attributes of habitat are identified and described that
relate to either potential wildlife value of each habitat type or to the importance of
management efforts on certain habitats that may require protection. Numerical scores for
each attribute are assigned for each habitat type, and an overall score for wildlife habitat
value is determined from the scores of all five attributes for each habitat type. Attribute
scores, overall scores, and overall wildlife values for the habitat types found within King
County are listed in Table 1. A summary of the ranking system is given below.
Two attributes of habitats are often used in comparisons of habitat value among many
habitat types within an area:
• Diversity--refers to the number of animal species typically found in each
habitat type.
• Abundance--refers to the relative number of individual animals supported by
one habitat type compared to others.
In general, a habitat that supports a large number of individual animals and a large number
of species is a valuable wildlife habitat. Conversely, an area that supports few individual
animals and species is of lesser value as wildlife habitat area.
Several other attributes can be used as modifiers when determining the basic value of a
habitat area:
• Uniqueness--refers to the number of species that occur primarily in that type
of habitat area.
• Rarity--refers to the amount of that habitat type in the area relative to the
amounts of other habitats.
26
Table 1. Evaluation of Wildlife Habitats in King County
Attributes-0
Wildlife Habitat Overall Overall
Sror+eN Value—
Diversity Abundance Uniqueness Rarity Vulnerability
Saltwater Habitats
Open Salt Water 3
Tidal Mud Flat 2 2 4 2 1 16 3
Salt Marsh 1 2 3 4 4 15 3
Eelgrass Beds 1 1 1 4 4 11 2
2 4
Sandy Beach 1 1 4 11 2
Cobble Beach 1 1 2 3 2 8 1
Rocky Shore 1 1 1 3 1 6 1
4 4 1 10
Developed Shoreline 1 1 4 2 1
8 1
Freshwater Habitats
Lake
4
Pond 4 3 4 3 3 18 4
Shrub Wetland 2 2 4 2 3 21 4
Freshwater Marsh 2 4 4 2 1 10 2
Bog 2 3 3 18 4
Wet Meadow 3 3 1 4 4 11 2
Forested Wetland 2 2' 3 3 1 16 3
River and Stream 1 1 3 2 10 2
4
2 3 10 2
Riparian Habitats
Riparian Forest 4 4 2 3 4
Riparian Shrub/Forb 3 3 25 4
17 4
Upland Habitats (Unforested) 1 3 4
Lowland and Mountain Grass/Forb
Grass/Fort Stage of Succession 3 2 3 1 1
Unmowcd,Stable 2 2 11 2
3
Mowed,Stable 1 1 1 1 9 1
Alpine Meadow 2 2 1 2 1 5 1
Lowland Shrub 4 3 4 4 4 16 3
Mountain Shrub 2 2 2 1 1 16 3
Agricultural 1 2 1 8 1
Herbaceous Cropland 2 2 3 2 2
Orchard 3 2 2 2 11 2
2 12 3
Upland Habitats(Forested)
Second-Growth Forest
Coniferous 4
Deciduous 4 4 2 1 1 16 3
,Mixed 4 4 1 1 1 19 4
2 1 1 Second-Growth Mt. Forest 3 3 3 1 20 4
Mature g Old-Growth Forest 1 14 3
4 3 3 4 4 Mature and Old-Growth Mt. Forest 3 3 23 4
Upland Habitats (Mixed) 3 3 4 19 4
Subalpine Parkland 3 2 4 3
Oak Savanna 2 3 16 3
Urban and Suburban 2 2 4 4 14 3
Mostly Vegetated 4 3 2 1
Moderately Vegetated 3 1 16 3
Poorly Vegetated 1 1 2 i 1 10 2
1 5 1
Attribute Scores: 4 = Very high value
3 = High value
2 = Moderate value
i = Low value
" Overall Score = (Diversity x Abundance) + Uniqueness + Rarity + Vulnerability
"' Overall value based on overall scores. Values on same scale used for attributes-
• Vulnerability--refers to its sensitivity to stresses or disturbances, and the
probability that the habitat will experience those stresses or disturbances.
Calculation of Wildlife Habitat Values for Each Habitat
An overall score for each habitat was determined from the attribute values using the
following calculation:
Overall Score = (diversity x abundance) + uniqueness + rarity + vulnerability
NOTE: Diversity and abundance of wildlife are primary goals within King County and have
been weighted more heavily than the other three attributes.
The habitats were placed into four groups of relatively equal size based on the overall scores
and assigned a wildlife habitat score from 1-4,with 4 designating the most valuable habitats.
28
7.0 CITY OF RENTON HABITAT VALUE RANKING
7.1 Habitat Values
The King County Habitat Evaluation formula and table have been revised to reflect the
wildlife habitat areas found within Renton. In the King County evaluation, diversity and
abundance of wildlife are considered to be the primary goals. Because of this, these
attributes were weighted more heavily than uniqueness, rarity, or vulnerability. In the
Renton Habitat Value Ranking, each attribute is considered to be as important as the other.
Therefore, none of the five attributes were weighted. In addition, Renton is a smaller area
than King County, and more specific information was available. For these reasons, not all
of the King County categories were needed, and some of the rankings were changed to
better suit the habitat types found in Renton. Table 2 illustrates the ranking results applied
for Renton. In addition to the four general habitat types, Corridor Habitats or Unique
Habitats were also ranked.
7.2 Conclusion
It was found that superior wildlife habitats in Renton and its area of influence are May
Creek and Cedar River Corridor, lakes, ponds, freshwater marshes, riparian forests, and
mature and old growth forests. An old growth forest and associated wetland are located
along the Black River and provide excellent wildlife habitat for a number of species,
including Blue Heron. Open water ponds and lakes are scattered throughout Renton and
its area of influence. Riparian forests and freshwater marshes are prominent along the
Cedar and Black Rivers, as well as along May Creek.
The areas of Renton that support quality habitat areas for wildlife are the Panther Creek
Corridor, City parks with freshwater habitats, bogs, wet meadows, forested wetlands, rivers
and streams, riparian scrub/shrub areas, and all types of second growth forested areas. City
parks with freshwater habitats include, but are not limited to Cedar River Regional Park,
Jones Park, and Liberty park. Bogs, shrub/scrub riparian areas, wet meadows, forested
wetland, and rivers and streams can be identified more definitively using the wetlands
inventory maps and report. Second growth foresed areas are located on steep slopes and
in areas difficult to access.
29
Areas that provide limited wildlife habitat include City parks with abundant vegetation, golf
courses, scrub/shrub wetlands and open spaces, herbaceous croplands, and orchards.
The least valuable habitat areas are moderately and poorly vegetated City parks, and
cemeteries.
Each of these habitat areas was ranked as a distinct and separate wildlife habitat unit,
including the corridor habitats. Areas within Renton where two or more habitats are
located adjacent to another greatly increases the wildlife value.
30
Table 2. Evaluation of Wildlife Habitats in Renton
Attributes*
Overall Overall
Wildlife Habitat Score" Value"'
Diversity Abundance Uniqueness Rarity Vulnerability
Corridors
May Creek 4 4 4 4 3 19 4
Cedar River 4 4 3 4 3 18 4
Panther Lake 3 2 2 3 3 13 3
Parklands
City Parks
Mostly Vegetated 3 3 2 1 1 10 2
Moderately Vegetated 2 2 2 1 1 8 1
Poorly Vegetated 1 1 2 1 1 6 1
With Freshwater Habitats 3 3 2 3 1 12 3
Cemeteries 2 2 2 1 1 7 1
Golf Courses 3 2 2 2 1 9 2
Wetlands
Lake 4 2 4 3 3 16 4
Pond 4 3 4 2 3 16 4
Shrub Wetland 2 2 3 2 2 11 2
Freshwater Marsh 2 4 4 3 3 16 4
Bog 2 1 1 4 4 12 3
Wet Meadow 3 3 3 3 2 14 3
Forested Wetland 4 3 2 3 3 15 3
River and Stream 2 3 4 2 3 14 3
Riparian Forest 4 4 2 3 4 17 4
Riparian Shrub/Forb 3 3 1 3 4 14 3
Open Spaces (Unforested)
Open Meadow 3 2 3 1 1 10 2
Shrub/Scrub 4 3 2 1 1 11 2
Agricultural 11
Herbaceous Cropland 2 2 3 2 2 11 2
Orchard 3 2 2 2 2 11 2
Forests
Second-Growth Forest
Coniferous 4 3 2 1 1 12 3
Deciduous 4 4 1 1 1 12 3
Mixed 4 4 2 1 1 13 3
Mature &Old-Growth Forest 4 3 3 14 14 1 18 4
' Attribute Scores: 4 = Very high value
3 = High value
2 = Moderate value
1 = Low value
'• Overall Score = Diversity + Abundance + Uniqueness + Rarity + Vulnerability
••` Overall value based on overall scores. Values on same scale used for attributes.
31
8.0 HABITAT MANAGEMENT
When the other critical areas mapping (i.e. steep slopes, flooding, geotechnical hazards, etc)
has been completed, that information will be compared to the wetland, streams, and wildlife
habitat areas maps. The composite critical areas will emphasize where policy decisions will
be important for fish and wildlife habitats. Basic principles of wildlife management should
be reflected in clearly defined goals that the City may determine for the management of
these wildlife habitats, and may include:
• Maintain a diversity of wildlife;
• Maintain an abundance of wildlife;
• Protect rare, unique, or threatened habitats;
• Protect rare, sensitive, threatened, or endangered species; species valued by the
public; and/or species that serve as indicators of the condition of the habitats.
Once the City has established goals it wishes to achieve for the fish and wildlife habitats
within its area, methods for evaluating habitat types and patches of habitat must be
integrated into a program that recognized both the spatial interactions among habitats and
habitat elements, and the effects that particular types of development can have on specific
habitat types and the overall mosaic of habitats.
When making land use decisions that may affect quality or abundance of habitat, these basic
principles should be kept in mind:
• Isolated patches of habitat typically support fewer species than patches near or
connected to other patches. The maintenance of connections, or corridors, of habitat
between patches of the same or complementary habitats is very important to
maximize wildlife use.
• Many habitats are of greater value when they are adjacent to certain other habitats
than when they are near others. For example, most types of habitats will support
more species when they are next to wetlands or other habitats that provide a source
of water.
32
• Large patches of habitat support more species than small patches. However, species
diversity may be greater if habitat is distributed into a number of patches of various
size rather than one patch of large size.
• The distribution of many habitat types in general increases wildlife diversity.
• Edges, areas of transition between two habitat types, are valuable wildlife habitat.
Habitats can be managed to create abundant and complex edges.
• Wildlife use of habitats may change during successional changes in the makeup of
the plant communities. A mix of successional stages will provide habitat for a wider
variety of species than only one successional stage.
• Identifying the major stresses and disturbances affecting and expected to affect each
habitat type assigned a high rating, or determined to be vulnerable, would provide
useful information for developing a strategy to protect these areas.
• Habitat in an area should be managed as a"system"of interacting and interconnected
habitat elements rather than as a collection of independent habitat types.
33
9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Once clear and concise goals for the management of fish and wildlife habitats within Renton
and its area of influence are established, any or all of the following recommendations may
be used to help maintain these areas.
1) Develop a method for tracking changes in the amount and quality of each habitat type
and for determining trends in these changes. This can easily be achieved by developing
a means for alerting the planner or officials responsible for the City of Renton
AutoCAD mapping system. Habitat areas that are developed, destroyed, or otherwise
altered beyond recognition, should be removed from the critical habitat areas map. A
system for cataloging these changes also should be devised to keep track of types, and
sizes of habitat units, the reasons for habitat destruction, and the potential impacts to
wildlife.
2) Develop a habitat management system that will discourage developing in valuable
habitat areas. This may involve establishing a set of criteria for the minimum acceptable
amounts and distributions of each habitat type needed to maintain the goals established
by the City.
3) Develop a set of management tools for protecting, maintaining, and enhancing wildlife
habitats. These may include:
a. Zoning or other ordinances that limit development in certain areas or habitat types;
b. Financial or social incentives for landowners to maintain or enhance wildlife habitat
on their property;
c. Information or assistance for landowners to help them manage habitats correctly.
For instance, discourage removal of vegetation using chemical applications in areas
used by a diversity of wildlife.
4) Develop a procedure for identifying important or sensitive areas that may need
immediate protection or protection in the near future.
34
5) Develop management tools for the protection of particular habitat areas on an
emergency basis.
6) Develop a management program designed to treat wildlife habitat areas as
interconnected systems, rather than managing these areas independently.
35
10.0 WHAT OTHER JURISDICTIONS ARE DOING
Very little has been done to protect fish and wildlife habitat from development pressures.
Although a few local jurisdictions have taken steps to preserve some habitat types or areas,
none of these have established regulations designed specifically for the protection of all of
the Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas as defined by the DCD minimum
guidelines.
King County has developed regulations for the protection of certain sensitive areas (i.e.
Wetlands, Steep Slopes, etc.) using the King County Sensitive Areas Ordinance. Thurston
County has developed a Draft Environmentally Sensitive Areas Ordinance that provides
protection to fish and wildlife habitat areas through a comprehensive list of regulated uses
and activities in significant habitat areas. The City of Bellevue Shoreline Master Program
has a model developed for the protection of fish and wildlife in shorelines and lakes.
Finally, the Washington Department of Wildlife has identified and designated significant
habitat areas on a regional scale. The Department of Wildlife also has written a guidebook
with management guidelines and definitions for priority habitats and species.
36
11.0 REFERENCES
City of Renton. 1989. Community Profile.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands
and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. Office of Biological Services, Fish and
Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, FWS/OBS-79/31.
Jones and Stokes Associates, Inc.. 1991. The City of Renton Wetlands and Stream Corridors
Critical Areas Inventory.
King County Open Space Program. 1987. Wildlife Habitat Profile.
King County Sensitive Areas Map Folio. 1990. King County, Washington.
King County Sensitive Areas Ordinance. 1990. King County, Washington.
State of Washington, Department of Wildlife. 1991. Priority Habitats and Species Data.
Thomas Brothers. 1989. The Thomas Guide - King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties Street
Guide and Directory.
United States Geological Survey. 1973. Mercer Island Quadrangle.
United States Geological Survey. 1973. Renton Quadrangle.
37
12.0 GLOSSARY
Abundance - Abundance refers to the number of individual animals supported by one
habitat.
Anadromous - Fish going from saltwater to freshwater or up rivers to spawn.
Aquatic bed - Aquatic habitat dominated by plants that grow principally on or below the
surface of the water.
Barriers - Barriers, as used in this report, refers to any man-made or natural obstacle to fish
or wildlife that precludes access or use of a habitat.
Bog - A wetland in which the accumulation of Sphagnum moss determines the vegetation.
Broken corridor - A large tract of land that is not continuous with other similar habitats
around it.
Browse - The movement of wildlife through an area in search of food.
Buffer - A zone adjacent to a habitat, particularly an aquatic habitat, that serves to protect
that habitat from disturbance.
Canopy - The highest layer of vegetation within a forest community.
Community - An assemblage of plant populations that live together and interact with one
another, forming a distinctive living system.
Coniferous - Retaining its leaves or needles throughout the year.
Corridor - A large, undeveloped tract of land that is contiguous with other similar types of
land.
Critical areas - Areas within the City known to provide habitat for fish or wildlife species.
In a more generic sense, can include areas of unbuildable lands because of steep slopes,
flood or geotechnical hazards.
Deciduous - Shedding its leaves at the end of the growing season.
Deepwater - Refers to aquatic habitats that are permanently flooded, including the deeper
parts of wetlands.
Diversity - Diversity refers to the numbers of animal species found in a habitat.
38
Dominant - The species or plant type which forms the greatest part of the vegetation in a
given community.
Edge - The boundary between two habitats; a transition zone between two habitats.
Emergent - An aquatic plant that partially extends above the water.
Field reconnaissance - A cursory review of habitat types found in the field.
Foraging - The activities involved when animals search for food.
Forage - Plants which are a food source for browsing or grazing animals.
Forb - Any herbaceous plant species other that a grass.
Forested Wetland - A wetland dominated by trees.
Freshwater - Refers to habitats with waters that do not contain ocean-derived salts.
Ground Cover - A layer of plants which is in close contact with the ground.
Habitat element - A component of a habitat that contributes to its value for wildlife.
Habitat type - A specific kind of wildlife habitat that can be defined and described by its
physical and biological features and that can be distinguished from other habitat types on
the basis of differential wildlife use.
Herb/Herbaceous - A non-woody plant.
Heterogeneity -The mix of vegetation or features within a habitat. A habitat with a mixture
of areas dominated by grasses, shrubs, and trees would be more heterogeneous than a
habitat dominated by grasses only.
Homogeneous -A habitat area dominated by only one vegetation unit. For instance, a grass
meadow.
Hydrophyte - A plant that typically grows in water or on soils that are saturated for some
time during the growing season.
Inundation - The process of water flowing over land surfaces until the soils are saturated.
Invertebrates - Having no backbone or spinal column.
Layer of Vegetation - The structure of a habitat comprised primarily of the foliage of one
plant for (herb/forb, shrub, trees).
Marsh - A wetland which is permanently submerged or only intermittently exposed.
39
Mature Forest - A forest that has lived through several successional stages of growth over
75 years old.
Nonpersistent emergent - Aquatic plants which fall to or below the surface at the end of the
growing season.
Old Growth Forest - A forest over 150 years old, with a multi-layered canopy structure,
numerous downed logs, snags, and trees of all age classes.
Passerine - Small or medium-sized songbirds.
Patch - Any tract of contiguous habitat of one type.
Persistent emergent -An aquatic plant that normally remains standing at least until the next
growing season.
Plant succession - A sequential change in the plant species composition of a habitat which
occur after some or all of the plants have been altered, destroyed, or left to grow
unimpeded.
Raptor - A large bird of prey.
Rarity - As used in this report, rarity refers to the amount of a habitat type in a region
relative to the amounts of other types.
Resiliency - The ability to recover after stress or disturbance.
Riparian area - The area immediately adjacent to a river, stream, lake, or pond or to other
wetland habitat types having permanent surface water.
Riverine - Those land areas on or near the banks of a river or stream.
Sapling - An immature tree less than 20 feet tall.
Scrub/Shrub - Habitat area characterized by shrubs.
Second Growth Forest - A forest that has regenerated since logging, fire, or some natural
occurrence. Typically less than 75 years old.
Shrub - A woody plant less than 20 feet tall, and usually having several stems.
Site - An area delimited by ownership.
Terrestrial - Areas consisting of land, with plants growing on land rather than in water.
Thickets - A dense growth of shrubs or small trees.
40
Tree -A large, woody plant that usually has a single trunk and grows to heights over 20 feet
tall.
Unbroken corridor - A series of habitat types contiguous with one another and not
fragmented.
Understory - A layer of vegetation which occurs beneath a higher layer.
Uniqueness - Refers to the relative number of wildlife species typically found in that habitat
that are found in few other habitats.
Upland habitat - A habitat that is above the high water line of any wetland or other aquatic
habitat.
Vegetative Structure - The vegetative components within a habitat that make up the
composition of the habitat.
Vertical structure - The number of foliage layers in a terrestrial habitat.
Vulnerability - The sensitivity of the habitat to stresses or disturbances and the probability
that the habitat will experience those stresses or disturbances.
Wetland - A habitat inundated or saturated with surface or ground water frequently enough
to support a prevalence of wetland vegetation where hydric soils have developed.
Wet Meadow - A wetland characterized by meadow emergent, herbs and grasses, and
seasonal flooding.
Wildlife - All non-domesticated vertebrates, excluding fish.
Wildlife Habitat Value - The relative capability of a habitat for supporting individual
animals or populations of species.
Windshield survey - The act of driving by a site to verify its location and characterize the
plant communities that dominate.
41
13.0 APPENDIX
The following are lists of species characteristic to each habitat type identified in the City of
Renton. The lists contain species commonly present in these habitats and some less
common species as well. These are not complete lists of all species which may occur in
each habitat. Many species, although dependent on certain habitats, may occasionally
occupy adjacent habitats. This is most likely to occur near the ecotone (habitat edges).
Other species have less restrictive habitat requirements and commonly occur in a variety of
habitats. Many bird species migrate to nesting and wintering grounds and may only be
present during certain seasons.
Wildlife Expected in Parks, Golf Courses, and Cemeteries.
Common Scientific
Birds
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus
Bewick's Wren Thryomanes troglodytes
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Rufous-sided Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Mallard Anas platyrhyncos
Mammals
Opossum Didelphis marsupialia
Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans
Townsend's Mole Scapanus townsendi
Pacific Mole Scapanus orarius
Townsend's Meadow Mouse Microtus townsendi
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus f Ioridanus
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Townsend's Chipmunk Eutamias townsendi
Douglas' Squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii
Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
43
Amphibians
Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla
Red-legged Frog Rana aurora
Reptiles
Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis
N.W. Garter Snake Thamnophis ordinoides
44
Wildlife Expected in the Wetland Habitat.
Common Name Scientific Name
Birds
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus
Northern Harrier Circus cyanus
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Long-billed Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
Purple Martin Progne subis
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
Virginia Rail Rallus limicola
Sora Porzana carolina
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Killdeer Charadrius vociferous
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
American Coot Fulica americana
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Green-winged teal Anas crecca
Mallard Anas platyrhyncos
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Wood Duck Air sponsa
American Wigeon Anas americana
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
Other less common ducks
Mammals
Trowbridge Shrew Sorex trowbricigii
Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans
Townsend's Meadow Mouse Microtus townsendi
Pacific Jumping Mouse Zapus trinotatus
Beaver Castor canadensis
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Muskrat Ondatra zibethica
Mink Mustella vison
Amphibians
Red-legged Frog Rana aurora
Spotted Frog Rana pretiosa
Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla
Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana
Western Pond Turtle Clemmys marmorata
* Wildlife from adjacent habitats are likely to occur here as well.
Wetland habitat may occur in any of the other habitats.
45
Wildlife Expected in the Open Space Habitat (Non-forested).
Common Name Scientific Name
Bird
Red-tail Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
Northern Harrier Circus cyanus
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
California Quail Callipepla californica
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
Purple Martin Progne subis
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus
Common Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
Bewick's Wren Thryomanes troglodytes
House Wren Troglodytes aedon
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Willow Flycatcher Empidomax traillii
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
MacGillivray's Warbler Oporonis tolmiei
Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata
Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Rufous-sided Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Killdeer Charadrius vociferous
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
Mammals
Opossum Didelphis marsupialia
Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans
Townsend's Mole Scapanus townsendi
Pacific Mole Scapanus orarius
Townsend's Meadow Mouse Microtus townsendi
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Long-tailed Weasel Mustella frenata
Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis
Coyote Canis latrans
46
Amphibians
Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla
Red-legged Frog Rana aurora
Reptiles
N. Alligator Lizard Gerrhonotus coeruleus
Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis
N.W. Garter Snake Thamnophis ordinoides
47
Wildlife Expected in the Coniferous Forest Habitat.
Common Name Scientific Name
Birds
Rufous Hummingbird Selaspho us rufus
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus borealis
Hammond's Flycather Empidonax hammondii
Western Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis
Solitary Vireo Vireo solitarius
Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
Gray Jay Perisorius canadensis
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Chestnut-backed Chickadee Parus rufescens
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Purple Finch Carpodacus pupureus
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata
Sharp Shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus
Western Screech Owl Otis kennicottii
Great Horned Owl Bubo viginianus
Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus
Norhtem Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma
Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus ruber
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
48
Mammals
Trowbridge Shrew Sorer trowbridgii
Vagrant Shrew Sorer vagrans
Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus
California Myotis Myotis californicus
Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis
Silvery-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans
Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus
Pacific Mole Scapanus orarius
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
Pacific Jumping Mouse Zapus trinotatus
Bushy-tailed Woodrat Neotoma cineria
Mountain Beaver Aplodontia rufa
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Spotted Skunk Spilogale putoris
Coyote Canis latrans
Townsend's Chipmunk Eutamias townsendi
Northern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus
Douglas' Squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii
Black-tailed Deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus
Elk Cervus elaphus
Black Bear Unws americanus
Amphibians
Rough-skinned Newt Taricha granulosa
W. Red-backed Salamander Plethodon vehiculum
Reptiles
N. Alligator Lizard Gerrhonotus coeruleus
Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis
N.W. Garter Snake Thamnophis ordinoides
49
Wildlife Expected in the Mixed Coniferous/Deciduous Forest Habitat.
Common Name Scientific Name
Birds
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus borealis
Western Wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus
Hammond's Flycather Empidonax hammondii
Willow Flycatcher Empidomaz traillii
Western Flycatcher Epidonax difficilis
Solitary Vireo Vireo solitarius
Hutton's Vireo Vireo huttoni
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus
Chestnutbacked Chickadee Parus rufescens
Bewick's Wren Thryomanes troglodytes
Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius
MacGillivray's Warbler Oporonis tolmiei
Orange-crowned Warbler IVermivora celata
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
Wilson's Warbler lilsonia pusilla
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
Rufous-sided Towhee Pipilo erythroplithalmus
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus
Purple Finch Carpodacus pupureus
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
Bullock's Oriole kterus galbula bullockii
Red-tail Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Sharp Shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus
50
Western Screech Owl Otis kennicottii
Great Homed Owl Bubo viginianus
Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus Tuber
Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Mammals
Trowbridge Shrew Sorex trowbridgii
Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans
Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus
California Myotis Myotis californicus
Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis
Silvery-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans
Pacific Mole Scapanus orarius
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
Pacific Jumping Mouse Zapus trinotatus
Mountain Beaver Aplodontia rufa
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Mink Mustella vison
Spotted Skunk Spilogale putoris
Coyote Canis latrans
Townsend's Chipmunk Eutamias townsendi
Douglas' Squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii
Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
Black-tailed Deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus
Amphibians
Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla
Red-legged Frog Rana aurora
Rough-skinned Newt Taricha granulosa
W. Red-backed Salamander Plethodon vehiculum
Reptiles
N. Alligator Lizard Gerrhonotus coeruleus
Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis
N.W. Garter Snake Thamnophis ordinoides
51
Wildlife Expected in the Riparian Habitat.
Common Name Scientific Name
Birds
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
Western Wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus
Willow Flycatcher Empidomax trailld
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
Bewick's Wren Thryomanes troglodytes
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
American Robin Turdus migratonus
Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius
Cedar Bombycilla cedrorum
MacGillivray's Warbler Oporonis tolmiei
Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
Rufous-sided Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus
Purple Finch Carpodacus pupureus
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
Bullock's Oriole Icterus galbula bullockii
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Western Screech Owl Otis kennicottu
Great Homed Owl Bubo viginianus
Red-breasted Sapsucker Sphyrapicus Tuber
Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
52
Mammals
Trowbridge Shrew Sorer trowbridgii
Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans
Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus
California Myotis Myotis californicus
Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis
Silvery-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
Pacific Jumping Mouse Zapus trinotatus
Beaver Castor canadensis
Mountain Beaver Aplodontia rufa
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Otter Lutra canadensis
Mink Mustella vison
Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis
Coyote Canis latrans
Black-tailed Deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus
Amphibians
Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla
Red-legged Frog Rana aurora
Rough-skinned Newt Taricha granulosa
W. Red-backed Salamander Plethodon vehiculum
Sharptail Snake Contia tenuis
* Riparian habitat may occur in the parkland, open space, and forested habitats.
53
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