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RS_Revised_Wetlands Study_171017_v1
October 3, 2017 Jamie Waltier Harbour Homes 400 North 34th Street, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98103 RE: Revised Critical Areas Study – “Cedars at the Highlands” Parcel #45750-0106 City of Renton, Washington SWC Job#16-152 1.0 INTRODUCTION This report describes our observations jurisdictional wetlands on or within 100’ of the 4.50 acre property known as “Cedars at the Highlands” (Parcel #145750-0110), located off 160th Avenue SE, in the City of Renton, Washington (the “site”). Above: Vicinity Map Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. PO Box 880 Phone: 253-859-0515 Fall City, WA 98024 Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 2 The site, located in the SE quarter of Section 14, Township 23 North, Range 5 East of the W.M., includes a forested area disturbed by past use as a dirt bike track and storage area under the tree canopy, as well as a large shop building with associated gravel driveway and parking areas. The area is abutted by single family parcels to the no rth and south, and a new road being constructed along the east. The west side of the site abuts 160th Avenue SE. 2.0 METHODOLOGY Ed Sewall of Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. inspected the site in March of 2016. The site was reviewed using methodology described in the Washington State Wetlands Identification Manual (WADOE, March 1997). This is the methodology currently recognized by the City of Renton and the State of Washington for wetland determinations and delineations. The site was also reviewed using the methodology described in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory, 1987), and the Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast region Supplement (Version 2.0 ) dated June 24, 2010, as required by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Soil colors were identified using the 1990 Edited and Revised Edition of the Munsell Soil Color Charts (Kollmorgen Instruments Corp. 1990). The Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual and the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual both requires the use of the three-parameter approach in identifying and delineating wetlands. A wetland should support a predominance of hydrophytic vegetation, have hydric soils and display wetland hydrology. To be considered hydrophytic vegetation, over 50% of the dominant species in an area must have an indicator status of facultative (FAC), facultative wetland (FACW), or obligate wetland (OBL), according to the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: Northwest (Region 9) (Reed, 1988). A hydric soil is "a soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part". Anaerobic conditions are indicated in the field by soils with low chromas (2 or less), as determined by using the Munsell Soil Color Charts; iron oxide mottles; hydrogen sulfide odor and other indicators. Generally, wetland hydrology is defined by inundation or saturation to Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 3 the surface for a consecutive period of 12.5% or greater of the growing season. Areas that contain indicators of wetland hydrology between 5%- 12.5% of the growing season may or may not be wetlands depending upon other indicators. Field indicators include visual observation of soil inundation, saturation, oxidized rhizospheres, water marks on trees or other fixed objects, drift lines, etc. Under normal circumstances, indicators of all three parameters will be present in wetland areas. 3.0 OBSERVATIONS 3.1 Existing Site Documentation Prior to visiting the site a review of several natural resource inventory maps was conducted. Resources reviewed included the NRCS Soils Survey, the National Wetlands Inventory, and the WDNR Fpars Water Typing Maps. 3.1.1 NRCS Online Soil Mapper Soil Survey The site is mapped as containing Alderwood gravelly sandy loam (Map unit AgC). Alderwood soils are not considered "hydric" or wetland soils according to the publication Hydric Soils of the United States (USDA NTCHS Pub No.1491, 1991). Above: NRCS Soil map of the site. Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 4 3.1.2 National Wetlands Inventory According to the National Wetlands Inventory for the site, there are no wetlands on or near the site. National Wetlands Inventory map 3.1.3 WDFW Priority Habitats A review of the WDFW Priority Habitat map covering the site revealed no priority habitats or species within 1,000’ of the site. Above: WDFW Priority Habitat Map of the site. Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 5 3.1.4 WDNR Fpars Water Type Mapping According to the WDNR Water Type Map for the site, there are no mapped streams or waters on the site. Above: WDNR Fpars Water Type Map 3.1.5 City of Renton Stream Map The City of Renton Stream map has no streams mapped on or near the site. The closest streams are several Class 4 streams mapped approximately 4,000’ east of the site. Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 6 Above: City of Renton Stream Map 3.1.6 Mindys Place Wetland Study Sewall wetland Consulting conducted a study of the parcel immediately to the north of the site referred to as Mindy’s Place. This site was found to what at the time under old Code was classified as a Class 4 water with an associated 35’ buffer. This stream exited the Mindy’s Place site at its southeast corner and continued onto the site. The Mindy’s Place site also included a disturbed forested wetland that was classified as a Class 2 wetland with an associated 50’ buffer. 3.2 Field Observations 3.2.1 Uplands As previously described, the site contains a gravel driveway accessing a large shop building on the site. There is also a small outbuilding east of the site, as well as large gravel parking areas, as w ell as scattered vehicles. The western portion of the site contains an open canopy forested area with 20-30 year old cottonwood trees with a sparse to bare understory. Scattered patches of Himalayan blackberry, indian plum, hazelnut, vine maple and stinging nettle are also present throughout the site. This area has been significantly disturbed in the past and most soil pits excavated within this area revealed a mix of fill and natural soils mixed. The drainage ditch along the east side of 160th drains through a culvert passing through the site to the east. Soil pits excavated in the upland areas revealed disturbed gravelly loam as well as a high chroma, dry gravelly loam soil. 3.2.2 Wetlands No areas meeting wetland criteria were found on the site. Off-site Wetlands The Mindy’s Place site to the north contains a disturbed forested wetland that was classified as a Class 2 wetland using the old wetland rating system which was based primarily on the fact the wetland was located near the headwater of a drainage and had minimal disturbance. Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 7 The definition of a Class 2 wetland under the old Code was based mostly on landscape location and general Character. The definition was as follows; ii. Category 2: Category 2 wetlands are wetlands which meet one or more of the following criteria: (a) Wetlands that are not Category 1 or 3 wetlands; and/or (b) Wetlands that have heron rookeries or osprey nests, but are not Category 1 wetlands; and/or (c) Wetlands of any size located at the headwaters of a watercourse, i.e., a wetland with a perennial or seasonal outflow channel, but with no defined influent channel, but are not Category 1 wetlands; and/or (d) Wetlands having minimum existing evidence of human-related physical alteration such as diking, ditching or channelization; and/or Prior to the platting process, the wetland edge was delineated on this site initially to determine the edge of a clearing violation that occurred on the west side of the wetland that occurred prior to 2012. The west side of the wetland had been cleared and graded and the intermittent stream was piped through the site. The restoration included removing the small pipe and regrading of a channel which connects to the channel on the Cedars property. Since no work was to be done or proposed easterly of the wetland and stream edge, the eastern edge of the wetland was only approximated. As part of our review we have refined and depicted accurately where this wetland edge is along the north edge of the Cedars site. We have also re- rated the wetland using the 2014 WADOE Wetland Rating System. Using the function based 2014 Wetland Rating System for Western Washington, and rating the wetland as a depressional wetland, the wetland received a total score of 14 points with 4 points for habitat (see attached rating form). This indicates a Category IV wetland. Based upon the table in RMC 4-3-050 (see page 8), Category IV wetlands have a 50’ buffer as well as a 15’ BSBL for structures. Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 8 3.2.3 Waters As previously stated, a small ephemeral stream channel passes through the northeast corner of the site. The ordinary high water mark of this stream was flagged with white and blue flagging labeled OHWMW1-W6. As defined in RMC 4.50.G7.a, this stream best meets the criteria of a Type Ns water due to its intermittent flow and lack of fish use. Per Renton Code section 4.50.G.2, Type Ns streams have a 50’ buffer measured from the OHWM as well as a 15’ BSBL measured from the edge of the buffer to any structure. Harbour – Madison/#16-152 Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. October 3, 2017 Page 9 4.0 Proposed Project The proposed project is the construction of a 14 lot plat with associated infrastructure. No impacts to the Type Ns stream or its buffer are proposed. If you have any questions regarding this report, please call us at (253) 859-0515 or at esewall@sewallwc.com . Sincerely, Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. Ed Sewall Senior Wetlands Ecologist PWS #212 REFERENCES Cowardin, L., V. Carter, F. Golet, and E. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FWS/OBS-79-31, Washington, D. C. Daubenmire, R. 1959. A canopy-coverage method of vegetational analysis. Northwest Science 33:43-64. Diers, R. and J.L. Anderson. 1984. Development of Soil Mottling. Soil Survey Horizons, Winter 1984, pg 9-15. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Hitchcock, C. and A. Cronquist. 1976. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, Seattle, Washington. Munsell Color. 1988. Munsell Soil Color Charts. Kollmorgen Instruments Corp., Baltimore, Maryland. National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils. 1991. Hydric Soils of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No. 1491. Reed, P., Jr. 1988. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: Northwest (Region 9). 1988. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Inland Freshwater Ecology Section, St. Petersburg, Florida. Reed, P.B. Jr. 1993. 1993 Supplement to the list of plant species that occur in wetlands: Northwest (Region 9). USFWS supplement to Biol. Rpt. 88(26.9) May 1988. CEDARS AT THE HIGHLANDS14120 160TH AVENUE SERENTON, WASHINGTON 98059CEDARS AT THE HIGHLANDS CEDARS AT THE HIGHLANDS AAANNNNNNN LUA17-000189 U:DRS PROJECT NO. 16041A-NNNNNNNNS ERISSEFORPINGOERDETSREENG I NELA53232 OI ET A T H SOY SFOTGNIHASWIDEIPL.OCILAZPRELIMINARY PLAT0GRAPHIC SCALE20'40'80'1 INCH = 40 FT. Wetland name or number RATING SUMMARY - Western Washington Name of wetland (or ID It): UJttf~i) A" Date of site visit: C?-/^( 7 Rated by <=^(. ^c*t~»-ti Trained by Ecology? "''Yes No Date of training HGM Class used for rating ^><"j>r*+i 1 Wetland has multiple HGM classes? Y N NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined). Source of base anrial photo/map OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY 4^f(based on functions or special characteristics ) 1. Category of wetland based on FUNCTIONS Category I -Total score = 23-27 _Category II - Total score =20-22 Category III - Total score =16-19 _Category IV - Total score = 9-15 \S Ca FUNCTION Improving Water Quality Hydrologk Habitat Circle the appropriate ratings Site Potential H M (£> H M 0> H M Q Landscape Potential H <&> L fry L H M TP Value H M iy H L H ^) L TOTAL Score Based on Ratings H 6 i 2. Category based on SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS of wetland Score for each function based on three ratings (order of ratings is not important) 9 = H,H,H 8 = H,H,M H,H,L H,M,M H,M,L M,M,M H,L,L M,M,L M,L,L L,L,L CHARACTERISTIC CATEGORY Estuarlne 1 II Wetland of High Conservation Value 1 Bog 1 Mature Forest 1 Old Growth Forest 1 Coastal Lagoon 1 II Interdunal 1 II III/Kf None of the above Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 1 Wetland name or number Maps and figures required to answer questions correctly for Western Washington Depressions! Wetlands Map of: • To answer questions: Figure* • Cowardin plant classes D 1.3, H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods D 1.4, H 1.2 Location of outlet [can be added to map of hydroperiods} D 1.1, D 4.1 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) D 2.2, D 5.2 Map of the contributing basin D 4.3, D 5.3 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including H 2.1. H 2.2. H 2.3 polygons tor accessible naDitat ana undisturbed nabitat Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) D 3.1, D 3.2 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) D3.3 Riverine Wetlands ManoT: To answer questions: figure* Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods H1.2 Ponded depressions Rl.l Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can be added to another figure) R2.4 Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants R 1.2, R 4.2 Width of unit vs. width of stream (can be added to another figure) R4.1 Map of the contributing basin R 2.2, R 2.3, R 5.2 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) R3.1 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) R 3.2, R 3.3 Lake Fringe Wetlands meek -.. To answer questions: Figure* Cowardin plant classes Ll.l, L 4.1, H 1.1, H 1.4 Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L1.2 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (con be added to another figure) L2.2 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) L 3.1, L 3.2 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) L3.3 Slooe Wetlands Map of: To answer questions: Figure* Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods H1.2 Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S 1.3 Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants icon be added to figure above) S4.1 Boundary of 150 ft buffer (can be added to another figure) S 2.1, S 5.1 1 km Polygon: Area that extends 1 km from entire wetland edge - including polygons for accessible habitat and undisturbed habitat H 2.1, H 2.2, H 2.3 Screen capture of map of 303(d) listed waters in basin (from Ecology website) S 3.1, S 3.2 Screen capture of list of TMDLs for WRIA in which unit is found (from web) S3.3 Wedand Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 2 Wetland name or number HGM Classification of Wetlands in Western Washington For questions 1-7, the criteria described must apply to the entire unit being rated. If the hydrologic criteria listed in each question do not apply to the entire unit being rated, you probably have a unit with multiple HGM classes. In this case, identify which hydrologic criteria in questions 1-7 apply, and go to Question 8. 1. Are the water levels in the entire unit usually controlled by tides except during floods? (^N0^jotc£2 ' YES - the wetland class is Tidal Fringe - go to 1.1 1.1 Is the salinity of the water during periods of annual low flow below 0.5 ppt (parts per thousand)? NO - Saltwater Tidal Fringe (Estuarine) YES - Freshwater Tidal Fringe If your wetland can be classified as a Freshwater Tidal Fringe use the forms for Riverine wetlands. If it is Saltwater Tidal Fringe it is an Estuarine wetland and is not scored. This method cannot be used to score functions for estuarine wetlands. 2. The entire wetland unit is flat and precipitation is the only source (>90%) of water to it. Groundwater and surface water runoff are NOT sources of water to the unit. YES - The wetland class is Flats \fyourwetland can be classified as a Fiats wetland, use the form for Depressionalwetlands. Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The vegetated part of the wetland is on the shores of a body of permanent open water (without any plants on the surface at any time of the year) at least 20 ac (8 ha) in size; At least 30% of the open water area is deeper than 6.6 ft (2 m). YES - The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? _i/j3»e wetland is on a slope (slope can be very gradual), J_The water flows through the wetland in one direction (unidirectional) and usually comes from seeps. It may flow subsurface, as sheetflow, or in a swale without distinct banks, gter leaves the wetland without being impounded. NO - go toy YES - The wetland class is Slope NOTE: Surface water does not pond in these type of wetlands except occasionally in very small and shallow depressions or behind hummocks (depressions are usually <3 ft diameter and less than 1 ft deep). Does the entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? The unit is in a valley, or stream channel, where it gets inundated by overbank flooding from that stream or river, The overbank flooding occurs at least once every 2 years. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 3 Wetland name or number NQ^gate^ YES - The wetland class is Riverine NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding 6. Is the entire wetland unit in a topographic depression in which water ponds, or is saturated to the surface, at some time during the year? This means that any outlet, if present, is higher than the interior of the wetland. NO - go to 7 Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flat area with no obvious depression and no overbank flooding? The unit does not pond surface water more than a few inches. The unit seems to be maintained by high groundwater In the area. The wetland may be ditched, but has no obvious natural-outlet. NO-goto8 YES - The wetland class is Depressional 8. Your wetland unit seems to be difficult to classify and probably contains several different HGM classes. For example, seeps at the base of a slope may grade into a riverine floodplain, or a small stream within a Depressional wetland has a zone of flooding along its sides. GO BACK AND IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE HYDROLOGIC REGIMES DESCRIBED IN QUESTIONS 1-7 APPLY TO DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE UNIT (make a rough sketch to help you decide). Use the following table to identify the appropriate class to use for the rating system if you have several HGM classes present within the wetland unit being scored. NOTE: Use this table only if the class that is recommended in the second column represents 10% or more of the total area of the wetland unit being rated. If the area of the HGM class listed in column 2 is less than 10% of the unit; classify the wetland using the class that represents more than 90% of the total area. HGM classes within the wetland unit being rated HGM class to use in rating Slope + Riverine Riverine Slope + Depressional Depressional Slope + Lake Fringe Lake Fringe Depressional + Riverine along stream within boundary of depression Depressional Depressional + Lake Fringe Depressional Riverine + Lake Fringe Riverine Salt Water Tidal Fringe and any other class of freshwater wetland Treat as ESTUARINE If you are still unable to determine which of the above criteria apply to your wetland, or if you have more than 2 HGM classes within a wetland boundary, classify the wetland as Depressional for the rating. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 4 Wetland name or number DEPRESSIONAL AND FIATS WETLANDS Hydrologic Functions ~ Indicators that the site functions to reduce flooding and stream degradation D 4.0. Does the site have the potential to reduce flooding and erosion? D 4.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: Wetland is a depression or flat depression with no surface water leaving it (no outlet) points = 4 Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outletpojsfcj^i ' Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch points = 1 Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points - 0 D 4.2. Depth of storage during wqt periods: Estimate the height of ponding above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands with no outlet, measure from the surface of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part. Mirk* of ponding are 3 ft or mora «bow tho aurfaoa or bottom of outlet points - 7 = Marks of ponding between 2 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 2 ft from surface or bottom of outlet The wetland is a "headwater" wetland Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in) points = 5 points = 3 points = 3 pointsj=_l^ o D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storage in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of upstream basin contributing surface water to the wetland to the area of the wetland unit itself. The area of the basin is less than 10 times the area of the unit points = 5 The area of the basin is 10 to 100 times the area of the unit points ~ 3 The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit oc[nts^fE--2 Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5 Total for D 4 ^ Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M a L Add the points in the boxes above Record the rating on the first page D 5.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support hydrologic functions of the site? D 5.1. Does the wetland receive stormwater discharges? ^Yes^l^JJo = 0 i D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? CYes =1^6 ~ 0 D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human land uses (residential at >1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? C"Ves^£ No = 0 l Total for D 5 Add the points in the boxes above Record the rating on the first page D 6.0. Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society? D 6.1. The unit is in a landscape that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit being rated. Do not add points. Choose the highest score if more than one condition is met. The wetland captures surface water that would otherwise flow down-gradient into areas where flooding has damaged human or natural resources (e.g., houses or salmon redds): • Flooding occurs in a sub-basin that is immediately down-gradient of unit. points = 2 • Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down-gradient. points = 1 Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. petrKS = The existing or potential outflow from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions thaTthe water stored by the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain why points = 0 There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0 D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood controljilan? Yes=2 hfoVqV Total for D 6 Rating of Value If score is: 2-4 = H Add the points in the boxes above i Record the rating on the first page Wetland name or number DEPRESSIONAL AND PUTS WETLANDS Water Quality Functions - indicators that the site functions to improve water quality D 1.0. Does the site have the potential to improve water quality? D 1.1. Characteristics of surface water outflows from the wetland: Wetland is a depression or flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key) with no surface water leaving it (no outlet). points = 3 Wetland has an intermittently flowing stream or ditch, OR highly constricted permanently flowing outlet. Wetland has an unconstricted, or slightly constricted, surface outlet that is permanently flowing points = 1 Wetland is a flat depression (QUESTION 7 on key), whose outlet is a permanently flowing ditch. points = 1 n1 7 yhf top j« *^tom i-he surface for duff laver) is true day or true organic (uit NRCSdifinitianihYei^ 4 Mo==£= D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution pf persistent plants (Emergent, Scrub-shrub, and/or Forested Cowardin classes): Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area npintx Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > % of area (points =Jj) Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > Vio of area points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <Vio of area points - 0 D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal ponding or inundation: This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual. Area seasonally ponded is > H total area of wetland Area seasonally ponded is > K total area of wetland Area seasonally ponded is < % total area of wetland points = 4 points = 2 Cpoints==j^3 Total for D1 ^ Add the points in the boxes above ^0-5 = L Record the rating on the first page Rating of Site Potential If score is: 12-16 = H 6-11 = M D 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the water quality function of the site? D 2.1. Does the wetland unit receive stormwater discharges? f^Ves = l^Jo = 0 D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? (Yes =T^No = 0 D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes=l No = 0 0 2.4. Are there other sources of pollutants coming into the wetland that are not listed in questions D 2.1-D 2.3? Source Yes - 1 (io = 0^2 €> Total for 0 2 Add the points in the boxes above 2-Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 3 or 4 = H _0 = L Record the rating on the first page D 3.0. Is the water quality improvement provided by the site valuable to society? D 3.1. Does the wetland discharge directly (i.e., within 1 mi) to a stream, river, lake, or marine water that is on the 303(d) list? Yes=l foc^O^ © D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? Yes = 1 (TJo = oj? o D 3.3. Has the site been identified in a watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (ansperYES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? Yes = 2 Ng^jp^ Total for D 3 y Add the points in the boxes above o Rating of Value Ifscoreis: 2-4 = H 1 = M '0 = 1 Record the rating on the first page Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 6 Wetland name or number _ Wetland name or number _ HABITAT FUNCTIONS These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. Indicators that site functions to provide important habitat H 1.0. Does the site have the potential to provide habitat? H 1.1. Structure of plant community: Indicators are Cowardin classes and strata within the Forested class. Check the Cowardin plant classes in the wetland. Up to 10 patches may be combined for each doss to meet the threshold of% oc or more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked. Aquatic bed 4 structures or more: points = 4 __ Emergent 3 structures: points = 2 .Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: point{^£) Crested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0 —^yfaf u ftii I mi w fWfriw/ dm< Umh if: = _The Forested class has 3 out of 5 strata (canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, herbaceous, moss/ground-cover) that each cover 20% within the Forested polygon H 1.2. Hydroperiods Check the types of water regimes (hydroperiods) present within the wetland. The water regime has to cover more than 10% of the wetland or % ac to count [see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). , Permanently flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3 [^Seasonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: points * 2 Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points Saturated only 1 type present: points = 0 Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland <S Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland lake Fringe wetland 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points H 1.3. Richness of plant species Count the number of plant species in the wetland that cover at least 10 ft2. Different patches of the same species can be combined to meet the size threshold and you do not have to name the species. Do not include Eurasian milfoil, reed canarygrass, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle If you counted: > 19 species points = 2_ 5 -19 species (^nts^p < 5 species points = 0 H 1.4. interspersion of habitats Decide from the diagrams below whether interspersion among Cowardin plants classes (described in H 1.1), or the classes and unvegetated areas (can include open water or mudflats) is high, moderate, low, or none. If you have four or more plan t classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high. Low ~ 1 point Moderate = 2 points All three diagrams in this row are HIGH ~ 3points Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 H 1.5. Special habitat features: Check^he habitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points. ^Large, downed, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long). •"Standing snags (dbh > 4 in) within the wetland Undercut banks are present for at least 6.6 ft (2 m) and/or overhanging plants extends at least 3.3 ft (1 m) over a stream (or ditch) in, or contiguous with the wetland, for at least 33 ft (10 m) Stable steep banks of fine material that might be used by beaver or muskrat for denning (> 30 degree slope) OR signs of recent beaver activity are present (cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered where wood is exposed) At least % ac of ttiin-stemmed persistent plants or woody branches are present in areas that are permanently or seasonally inundated (structures for egg-laying by amphibians) Invasive plants cover less than 25% of the wetland area in every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of strata) Total for H 1 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Site Potential If score is: 15-18 = H 7-14 = M ^0-6 = 1 Record the rating on the first page H 2.0. Does the landscape have the potential to support the habitat functions of the site? H 2.1. Accessible habitat (include only habitat that directly abuts wetland unit}. ^ Calculate: %T % undisturbed habitat? « + f{% moderate and low intensitv land uses)/2v'i>= % If total accessible habitat is: >'/, (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3 20-33% of 1 km Polygon points = 2 10-19%of 1 km Polygon dSiffls=i^-< 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland. Calculate: /> % undisturbed habitat^* + f(% moderate and low intensity land uses)/21/^ = Z-" % Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon points = 3 Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches points = 2 Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches ^--points = 1*) Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 \ H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use r~ points -|-2^> S 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity poffifs^O -z_ Total for H 2 _ Add the points in the boxes above o Rating of Landscape Potential If score is: 4-6 a H 1-3 = M Record the rating on the first page H 3.0. Is the habitat provided by the site valuable to society? H 3.1. Does the site provide habitat for species valued in laws, regulations, or policies? Choose only the highest score that applies to the wetland being rated. Site meets ANY of the following criteria: points = 2 — It has 3 or more priority habitats within 100 m (see next page) — It provides habitat for Threatened or Endangered species (any plant or animal on the state or federal lists) — It is mapped as a location for an individual WDFW priority species — It is a Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources — It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a local or regional comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan Site has 1 or 2 priority habitats (listed on next page Site does not meet any of the criteriajrfiove Rating of Value If score is: 2 = H eriajrfiov points = 0 Record the rating on the first page Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 Wetland name or number CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Wetland Type Check off any criteria that apply to the wetland. Circle the category when the appropriate criteria are met SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands Does the wetland meet the following criteria for Estuarine wetlands? —- The dominant water regime is tidal, — Vegetated, and — With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes-Go toSCl.l I SC 1.1. is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, National Estuary Reserve, Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? Category SC 1.2. is the wetland unit at least 1 ac in size and meets at least two of the following three conditions? —The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing, and has less than 10% cover of non-native plant species. (If non-native species are Spartina, see page 25) —At least % of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed orun-mowed grassland. —The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Yes = Category I No = Category II SC2.0. Wetlands of High Conservation Value (WHCV) SC 2.1. Has the WA Department of Natural Resources updated their website to include the list of Wetlands of High Conservation Value? Yes - Go to SC 2.2 No - Go to SC 2,3 SC 2.2. is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value? Yes = Category I SC 2.3. Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a Natural Heritage wetland? h.ttp.;//yywwXdnr.wa.go^ Yes - Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 No = Not a WHCV SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/T/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on their website? Yes a Category I No = Not a WHCV SC 3.0. Bogs Does the wetland (or any part of the unit) meet both the criteria for soils and vegetation in bogs? Use the key below. If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on its functions. SC 3.1. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soil horizons, either peats or mucks, that compose 16 iruor more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Yes - Go to SC 3.3 Nfti-Gq foSCA-r SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are less than 16 in deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating on top of pond? Yes - Go to SC 3.3 (^flo^lsnot a b( SC 3.3. Does an area with peats or mucks have more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level, Al cover of plant species listed in Table 4? Yes = Is a Category I bog No - Go to SC 3.4 NOTE: If you are uncertain about the extent of mosses in the understory, you may substitute that criterion by measuring the pH of the water that seeps into a hole dug at least 16 in deep. If the pH is less than 5.0 and the plant species in Table 4 are present, the wetland is a bog. SC 3.4. Is an area with peats or mucks forested (> 30% cover) with Sitka spruce, subalpine fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engetmann spruce, or western white pine, AND any of the species (or combination of species) listed in Table 4 provide more than 30% of the cover under the canopy? Yes - Is a Category I bog No = Is not a bog Wetland name or number WDFW Priority Habitats Priority habitats listed hv WDFW (see complete descriptions of WDFW priority habitats, and the counties in which they can be found, In: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2008. Priority Habitat and Species List. Olympia, Washington. 177 pp. http://wdfw.wa.gov/publicatlons/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http://wdrw.wa.gov/conservatlnn/phs/llst/) Count how many of the following priority habitats are within 330 ft (100 m) of the wetland unit: NOTE: This question is independent of the land use between the wetland unit and the priority habitat — Aspen Stands: Pure or mixed stands of aspen greater than lac (0.4 ha). — Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively Important to various species of native fish and wildlife (full descriptions in WDFW PHSreport). — Herbaceous Balds: Variable size patches of grass and forbs on shallow soils over bedrock. — Old-growth/Mature forests: Old-growth west of Cascade crest - Stands of at least 2 tree species, forming a multl-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha }> 32 In [81 cm) dtah or > 200 years of age. Mature forests - Stands with average diameters exceeding 21 In (53 cm) dbh; crown cover may be less than 100%; decay, decadence, numbers of snags, and quantity of large downed material Is generally less than that found in old-growth; 80-200 years old west of the Cascade crest. — Oregon White Oak: Woodland stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak component is Important [full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 1SB - see web link above). <r — Riparian: The area adjacent to aquatic systems with flowing water that contains elements of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems which mutually Influence each other. — Westside Prairies: Herbaceous, non-forested plant communities that can either take the form of a dry prairie or a wet prairie [full descriptions in WDFW PHS report p. 161 -see web link above). y — Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wildlife resources. — Nearshore: Relatively undisturbed nearshore habitats. These include Coastal Nearshore, Open Coast Nearshore, and Puget Sound Nearshore. [full descriptions of habitats and the definition of relatively undisturbed are in WDFW report -see web link on previous page). — Caves: A naturally occurring cavity, recess, void, or system of interconnected passages under the earth in soils, rock, ice, or other geological formations and is large enough to contain a human. — Cliffs: Greater than 25 ft (7.6 m) high and occurring below 5000 ft elevation. — Talus: Homogenous areas of rock rubble ranging in average size 0.5 - 6.5 ft (0.15 - 2.0 m), composed of basalt, andeslte, and/or sedimentary rock, Including riprap slides and mine tailings. May be associated with cliffs. — Snags and Logs: Trees are considered snags if they are dead or dying and exhibit sufficient decay characteristics to enable cavity excavation/use by wildlife. Priority snags have a diameter at breast height of > 20 In (51 cm) In western Washington and are > 65 ft (2 m) In height Priority logs are > 12 In (30 cm) in diameter at the largest end, and > 20 ft (6 m) long. Note: All vegetated wetlands are by definition a priority habitat but are not included In this list because they are addressed elsewhere. Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 15 Wetland Rating System for Western WA; 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1, 2015 16 Wetland name or number. SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands Does the wetland have at least % contiguous acre of forest that meets one of these criteria for the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife's forests as priority habitats? If you answer YES you will still need to rate the wetland based on Its functions. — Old-growth forests (west of Cascade crest): Stands of at least two tree species, forming a multi-layered canopy with occasional small openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha) that are at least 200 years of age OR have a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 32 in (81 cm) or more. — Mature forests (west of the Cascade Crest): Stands where the largest trees are 80- 200 years old OR the species that make up the canopy have an average diameter (dbh) exceeding 21 in (53 cm). Yes = Category) No 'orested wetland for this SfalecHir?--^ Does the wetland meet all of the following criteria of a wetland in a coastal lagoon? — The wetland lies in a depression adjacent to marine waters that is wholly or partially separated from marine waters by sandbanks, gravel banks, shingle, or, less frequently, rocks — The lagoon in which the wetland is located contains ponded water that is saline or brackish (> 0.5 ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the lagoon (needs to be rrteasured near the boWmtf—^^ Yes - Go to SC 5.1 No^Not a wetland fn a coastal lagoon SC 5.1. Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions? Vv — The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditching, filling, cultivation, grazing), and has less than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100). — At least % of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. —The wetland is larger than Vio ac (4350 ft2) Yes = Category I No = Category II SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? // you answer yes you will still need to rate the wetland based on fts habitat functions. In practical terms that means the following geographic areas: — Long Beach Peninsula: Lands west of SR 103 — Grayland-Westport: Lands west of SR 105 — Ocean Shores-Copalis: Lands west of SR 115 and SR 109 Yes-Go to SC 6.1 No .notan Interdunal wetlandfo^iatfng SC 6.1. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger and scores an 8 or 9 for the habitat functions on the form (rates H,H,H or H,H,M for the three aspects of function)? Yes = Category I No - Go to SC 6.2 SC 6.2. Is the wetland 1 ac or larger, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is 1 ac or larger? Yes = Category II No - Go to SC 6.3 SC 6.3. ts the unit between 0.1 and lac, or is it in a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac? Yes = Category III No = Category IV Category of wetland based on Special Characteristics If you answered No for all types, enter "Not Applicable" on Summary Form Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,201S 17