HomeMy WebLinkAboutEx 16_WDFW Comment.pdf
State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 4
Region 4 information: 16018 Mill Creek Blvd, Mill Creek, WA 98012 | phone: (425)-775-1311
February 7, 2025
Renton, WA
ATTN: Alex Morganroth
amorganroth@rentonwa.gov
Dear Alex Morganroth:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Bretzke Variances (SEPA # 202405511)
located at 5501 NE 10th St. Renton, WA, as proposed by Jeffery Jones. The Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and
perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable recreational
and commercial opportunities for fish and wildlife. In recognition of our responsibilities, we
submit the following comments for the Bretzke Variances.
Fish and Wildlife Resources and Recommendations:
• The applicant proposes to develop parcel 1023059360. Given the proximity of these
developments to Honey Creek, a fish-bearing stream associated with a Category II
Wetland connected to a lake known for salmonids utilizing this area, there are several
concerns. The Department is concerned that reducing buffer distance on Honey Creek
may adversely impact fish and their aquatic habitat (WAC 220-660-100).
• Per the Department’s management recommendations, riparian vegetation is to be
retained to its fullest potential. We recommend restoring the riparian buffer to the
“site-potential tree height” of the dominant tree species at age 200 years (SPTH200).
Riparian areas provide shade, pollutant removal, bank stabilization, and habitat for
aquatic and terrestrial species and face an overall loss in WA state. Honey Creek is a
documented habitat for multiple salmonids. To ensure no net loss (WAC 220-660-080)
of ecological functions and values occurs (WAC 365-190-080), WDFW recommends a
buffer width of 196 feet. More information about recommended riparian management
zones and SPTH can be found in "Riparian Ecosystems, Volume 2: Management
Recommendations" on the WDFW website.
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• If the mitigation sequence (WAC 197-11-768) is assessed and avoidance of impacts is
infeasible, a full mitigation plan must be provided to indicate how and where the
planting will be done to mitigate the buffer reduction to fulfill no-net loss requirements.
• Finally, a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) may also be required for this project due to
the proximity to the riverine wetland and adjacent lake. We encourage people planning
hydraulic projects to submit a general concept (pre-application) for review through the
Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS). Projects occurring outside the water may
also require a permit, so please submit a pre-application if you are unsure. You may
contact your local habitat biologist, Maria McNaughton
(maria.mcnaughton@dfw.wa.gov), at any stage of the planning process to ask questions
and get feedback on project design and compliance with WAC 220-660 (the Hydraulic
Code).
Thank you for taking the time to consider our comments on this proposal to reflect better the
best available science for fish and wildlife habitats and ecosystems. If you have any questions or
need our technical assistance or resources during this process, please do not hesitate to contact
me, or Maria McNaughton at maria.mcnaughton@dfw.wa.gov, and 360-890-2975.
Sincerely,
Beck Sessa (she/her)
Biologist, Habitat Division
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
R4Splanning@dfw.wa.gov
425.651.9790