HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Wetland_Report_190403_v1April 3, 2019
Alex Castro
110 Aspen Ln S
Pacific, WA 98047
RE: Critical Area Report – Parcel #0739000085
City of Renton, Washington
SWC Job #19-115
Dear Alex,
This report describes our observations of jurisdictional wetlands, streams
and buffers on or within 200’ of Parcel #0739000085, located 12727 SE
Petrovitzki Road, in the City of Renton, Washington (the “site”).
The site is a total of 1.12 acres and located within the SE ¼ of Section
28, Township 23 North, Range 5 East of the W.M.
Above: iMap Vicinity Map of the site
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
PO Box 880 Phone: 253-859-0515
Fall City, WA 98024
Castro/#19-115
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
April 3, 2019
Page 2
Above: iMap aerial photograph of the site
METHODOLOGY
Ed Sewall of Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc. inspected the site on March
6, 2019. The site was reviewed using methodology described in the Corps
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April 3, 2019
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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).
OBSERVATIONS
Existing Site Documentation.
Prior to visiting the site, a review of several natural resource inventory
maps was conducted. Resources reviewed included the National Wetland
Inventory Map and the NRCS Soil Survey online mapping and the WDFW
Salmonscape stream mapping website.
Soil Survey
According to the NRCS Soil Mapper, the site is mapped as moderately
well drained Alderwood gravelly loams. Alderwoodsoils are formed on
glacial till and are not considered to be a hydric (or wetland) soil.
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Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
April 3, 2019
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Above: USDA Soil Survey Map of the site
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Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
April 3, 2019
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National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
According to the NWI map for the site, there no wetlands or streams on
the site. A 73 acre forested and scrub-shrub wetland is mapped to the
southwest of the site.
Above: National Wetlands Inventory Map of the site.
WDFW Salmonscape Stream Mapping
According to the WDFW Salmonscape map, there are no streams on or
near the site. The closest stream is Big Soos Creek, which is located
within the wetland to the southwest of the site and is shown of 900’ away
from the site.
Castro/#19-115
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
April 3, 2019
Page 6
Above: WDFW Salmonscape stream mapping
Field observations
The site contains an existing shop building near the center of the site.
The remainder of the site contains scattered douglas fir trees as well as
an open grassed area on the south. A gravel driveway enters the site
form its southeast corner off SE 176th Street.
Soil pits excavated throughout the site revealed a dry, gravelly loa m with
colors of 10YR 3/3-3/4.
There are no wetlands or streams on the site.
Off -site Critical Areas
There is a large wetland located southwest of the site approximately 165’
at its closest point. This wetland is quite large and appears to be the
headwater area of Big Soos Creek. The 1990 King County Wetland
Inventory identified this wetland as “Soos Creek #2”, with a total area of
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April 3, 2019
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134 acres. The wetland is identified as having forested, scrub shrub and
emergent plant communities. At that time, a small portion of the
wetland retained bog characteristics (Labrador tea bog). However, the
inventory noted that the bog portion was drying up. In our review of
various parts of this wetland over the years where access is available and
from previous projects along this wetland, it appears the bog area no
longer remains as water chemistry and hydrologic conditions have
changed in the 29 years since the inventory was conducted.
Using the 2014 WADOE Wetland Rating system and rating the wetland
as a depressional wetland, this wetland scored a total of 24 points with 7
for habitat. This indicates a Category I wetland. According to City of
Renton Municipal Code, Category I wetlands with a habitat score of 7
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April 3, 2019
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points have a 150’ buffer measured from the wetland edge. As depicted
on the aerial photograph map on page 7 of this report, the 150’ buffer
does not appear to encroach onto the site.
Conclusion
There are no wetlands, streams or buffers on the site.
If you have any questions in regards to this report or need additional
information, please feel free to contact me at (253) 859-0515 or at
esewall@sewallwc.com .
Sincerely,
Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
Ed Sewall
Senior Wetlands Ecologist PWS #212
Attached: Rating Form
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Sewall Wetland Consulting, Inc.
April 3, 2019
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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.
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.
Muller-Dombois, D. and H. Ellenberg. 1974. Aims and Methods of
Vegetation Ecology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, New York.
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.
USDA NRCS & National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, September
1995. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States - Version 2.1
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April 3, 2019
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Above: Looking south across site
Below: Looking southwest from west edge of site. All vehicles are located
on off -site property. Category I wetland is located just past tree line in
distance.
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April 3, 2019
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Below: Looking westerly from southeast corner of site.
Below: Looking north across site towards shop structure.
Wetland name or number _ RATING SUMMARY - Western Washington Cr&Jt 2- of site vislt. 3 • (* '1 Traineri hw Frolnpu? XYes Name of wetland (or ID #): Rated by HGM Class used for rating_ Trained by Ecology?_^Yes No Date of training Wetland has multiple HGM classes? ^y" N NOTE: Form is not complete without the figures requested (figures can be combined). Source of base aerial photo/map. OVERALL WETLAND CATEGORY . (based on functions or special characteristics yofwetl SCatc Category I - Total score = 23-27 Category II - Total score =20-22 Category III -Total score =16-19 Category IV - Total score = 9-15 FUNCTION Improving Water Quality Hydrotogic Habitat Circle the appropriate ratings Site Potential M L Landscape Potential j ^ M L ( •y M l H (&> L Value , M L <fl) M L H 73^ L TOTAL Score Based on Ratings °\ 7 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 Estuarine I II Wetland of High Conservation Value I Bog 1 Mature Forest 1 Old Growth Forest 1 Coastal lagoon 1 II Interdunal 1 II III IV ^ 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 Deoressional 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 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) 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 Map of: To answer questions: F!gtt»# 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 Frinee Wetlands Maps* To answer questions: Figure* Cowardin plant classes Ll.l, L4.1, Hl.l, H1.4 Plant cover of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants L1.2 Boundary of area within 150 ft of the wetland (can 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 Slope Wetlands Map of: To artmrsr question: Figure* Cowardin plant classes H 1.1, H 1.4 Hydroperiods H1.2 Plant cover of dense trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants S1.3 Plant cover of dense, rigid trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants (con 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 Wetland 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 hydrotogic 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 hydrotogic 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? NO - goto^> 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. NO-_gp_to-» YES - The wetland class is Flats If your wetland can be classified as a Flats wetland, use the form for Depressional wetlands. 3. 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). rfWO -jjgjp.?3 YES - The wetland class is Lake Fringe (Lacustrine Fringe) 4. Doesjbeentire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? _^fj)e"Wetland is on a slope [slope can be very gradual), _^fhe 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, The water leaves the wetland without being impounded. ('NO- go to 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). 5. DoesthC entire wetland unit meet all of the following criteria? _j^fhe 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 5-C-2 <SEZgo-t»-6 YES - The wedand class is Riverine NOTE: The Riverine unit can contain depressions that are filled with water when the river is not flooding 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 ofthewetland. . .••- 7"-^^^ NO - go to 7 ( YES - The wedand class is Depressional \ Is the entire wetland unit located in a very flataTlu with uu ubwe-us deprogaion aadjuuaeilxtJlk 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 - go to 8 YES - The wetland class is Depressional 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 youihave 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 FLATS WETLANDS Water Quality Functions - Indicators that the site functions to imprave 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 wetlandr 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 flowinR outlet. ("points =.2^ 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, j»ints = 1 D 1.2. The soil 2 in below the surface lor duff layer) is true clay or true organic (use NRCS definitional Y»< =-*-^b - 0 V D 1.3. Characteristics and distribution of oersistent olants (Emereent. Smib-shruh. and/nr Forest*! Cowardin classes): Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > 95% of area «6Tnts = 5]]) Wetland has persistent, ungrazed, plants > % of area points "==3 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants > Vio of area points = 1 Wetland has persistent, ungrazed plants <Vio of area points = 0 5" D 1.4. Characteristics of seasonal oondine or inundation: This is the area that is ponded for at least 2 months. See description in manual. Area seasonally ponded is > ft total area of wetland Q points = 4^2} Area seasonally ponded is > % total area of wetland points = 2 Area seasonally ponded is < K total area of wetland points = 0 H Total for D 1 Add the points in the boxes above IT Rating of Site Potential If score is: - H 6-11 = M 0-5 - I Record the rating on the first page 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? Q Yes =J>& - 0 I D 2.2. Is > 10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate pollutants? rVes ^l^Jft) = 0 1 D 2.3. Are there septic systems within 250 ft of the wetland? Yes = j^o = 0 / D 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 TjiHTL-3 <V TotalforD2 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Landscape Potential Ifscore is: *far 4»H 1 or 2 = M 0 = 1 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? fJesVpNo = " \ D 3.2. Is the wetland in a basin or sub-basin where an aquatic resource is on the 303(d) list? !<|s^0No = 0 | D 3.3. Has the site been identified irva watershed or local plan as important for maintaining water quality (answer YES if there is a TMDL for the basin in which the unit is found)? Yes = 2 r4a=i>-' O Total for D 3 / Add the points in the boxes above 2--Rating of Value Ifscore is: 2-4 * H 1 = M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 5 Wetland name or number DEPRESSIONAL ANQ FLATS WETLANDS Hydrotogic 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 out.etpffits = T 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. Deoth of storaee durine wet oeriods: Estimate the heiaht ofoondina above the bottom of the outlet. For wetlands with no outlet, measure from the surf ace of permanent water or if dry, the deepest part. Marks of ponding are 3 ft or more above the surface or bottom of outlet -~2 Marks are at least 0.5 ft to < 3 ft from surface or bottom of outlet points = 3 The wetland is a "headwater" wetland points = 3 Wetland is flat but has small depressions on the surface that trap water points = 1 Marks of ponding less than 0.5 ft (6 in) points = 0 5" D 4.3. Contribution of the wetland to storaee in the watershed: Estimate the ratio of the area of uostream 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*^j The area of the basin is more than 100 times the area of the unit pomts = u Entire wetland is in the Flats class points = 5 3 Total for D 4 ^ Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Srte Potential If score is: 12-16 = H *^~6-ll = M 0-5 = L 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? ^Tes=^>lo = 0 i D 5.2. Is >10% of the area within 150 ft of the wetland in land uses that generate excess runoff? (X*$Jz£^° ~ 0 i D 5.3. Is more than 25% of the contributing basin of the wetland covered with intensive human landuses [residential at >1 residence/ac, urban, commercial, agriculture, etc.)? f Yes = 1^3*0 - 0 / Totaf for D 5 ^ Add the points in the boxes above 3 Rating of Landscape Potential Ifscore is: •S'H lor2 = M 0«L Record the rating on \he first page D 6.0, Are the hydrologic functions provided by the site valuable to society? D 6.1. The unit is in a landscase that has flooding problems. Choose the description that best matches conditions around the wetland unit beina rated. Do not add points. Choose the hiahest 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-JU^* • Surface flooding problems are in a sub-basin farther down-gradient. points = 1 Flooding from groundwater is an issue in the sub-basin. points = 1 The existing or potential outtlbw from the wetland is so constrained by human or natural conditions that the water stored bv the wetland cannot reach areas that flood. Explain whv points = 0 There are no problems with flooding downstream of the wetland. points = 0 Z-D 6.2. Has the site been identified as important for flood storage or flood conveyance in a regional flood controljjjan? Yes = 2CS0 =J>> Total for D 6 Add the points in the boxes above Rating of Value If score is:_2-4 » M 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 6
Wetland name or number These questions apply to wetlands of all HGM classes. HABITAT FUNCTIONS - 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 10patches may be combined for each doss to meet the threshold ofx acor. more than 10% of the unit if it is smaller than 2.5 ac. Add the number of structures checked. __r^?Xquatic bed 4 structures or more:|#>ints=^' _=*j5*rgent 3 structures: poTnts = 2 -"Scrub-shrub (areas where shrubs have > 30% cover) 2 structures: points = 1 ••forested (areas where trees have > 30% cover) 1 structure: points = 0 Jf the unit has a Forestedclass, check 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 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 y* ac to count (see text for descriptions of hydroperiods). Pgnaanentlv flooded or inundated 4 or more types present: points = 3 _j^5easonally flooded or inundated 3 types present: pdlnts^e^ Occasionally flooded or inundated 2 types present: points = 1 _jfTjt«raTed only 1 type present: points = 0 ..^Permanently flowing stream or river in, or adjacent to, the wetland Seasonally flowing stream in, or adjacent to, the wetland Lake Fringe wetland 2 points Freshwater tidal wetland 2 points 2-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 €urasian milfoil, reed canarygross, purple loosestrife, Canadian thistle If you counted: > 19 species ^1So7nts-2^L 5 -19 species points = 1 < 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 plant classes or three classes and open water, the rating is always high. None = 0 points Low = 1 point Moderate = 2 points All three diagrams /atfNb 1HR r\ S^KtK. 1 f-ZL"^-—. "> ) in this row I ^ "* Tlf J V 0QH^P / S^MC* J •ceIIHSft -3points^> ^/ He "/ i^^/ 3 Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,2015 13 Wetland name or number. H 1.5. Special habitat features: ChecL*rtpiabitat features that are present in the wetland. The number of checks is the number of points. J^^ffge, dpwned, woody debris within the wetland (> 4 in diameter and 6 ft long). ___Sta*ltfrng 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) ^^pvefa stream (or ditch) fh, or contiguous with the wetiand, 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 slopeJJDR signs of recent beaver activity are present {cut shrubs or trees that have not yet weathered wHere wood is exposed) <<At least K ac of thin-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 areatin every stratum of plants (see H 1.1 for list of strata) <r Total tor H 1 Add the points in the boxes above Rating, of Site Potential If score is: .^15-18 - H 7-14= M 0-6 = L Record the rating on the first page H 2.0r 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: /"^j % undisturbed habitat + U% moderate and low intensity land uses>?21 S~ = % If total accessible habitat is: > 73 (33.3%) of 1 km Polygon points = 3 20-33% of 1 km Polygon Vooints-^ 10-19% of 1km Polygon points =1 < 10% of 1 km Polygon points - 0 H 2.2. Undisturbed habitat in 1 km Polygon around the wetland. Calculate: *^><T"% undisturbed habitat + [(% moderate and low intensity land usesV/2(^ • **** % Undisturbed habitat > 50% of Polygon P°.'^s = 3 Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and in 1-3 patches ( points=T*) Undisturbed habitat 10-50% and > 3 patches ^poimr^I Undisturbed habitat < 10% of 1 km Polygon points = 0 2_ H 2.3. Land use intensity in 1 km Polygon: If _ > 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity land use points ^±jy S" 50% of 1 km Polygon is high intensity points * 0 - "Z— Total for H 2 Add the points in the boxes above 2_ Ratinfcof Landscape Potential Ifscore is: 4-6 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 — tt 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 — tt isa Wetland of High Conservation Value as determined by the Department of Natural Resources — It has been categorized as an important habitat site in a Jocal or regional comprehensive plan, in a Shoreline Master Plan, or in a watershed plan Site has 1 or 2 priority habitat's (listed on next page) within 100 m ^ points - 1" Site does not meet any of the'eriteria above points = 0 Ratlnfcof Value If score is: 2 = H *^i»M 0 = L Record the rating on the first page Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update Rating Form - Effective January 1,-2015 14
Wetland name or number WDFW Priority Habitats Priority hahitats 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/publications/00165/wdfw00165.pdf or access the list from here: http;//wdfw,wa,|jov/cpn5en,aUpn/nh,'!/li,iit/) 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 1 ac (0.4 ha). — Biodiversity Areas and Corridors: Areas of habitat that are relatively important to various species of native fish and wildlife (fulldescriptions In WDFWPHS report). — 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 3 tree speries. forming a multi-layered canopy with occasionalsmall openings; with at least 8 trees/ac (20 trees/ha J > 32 In (81 cm) dbh 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. — Oregojj White Oak: Woodland1 stands of pure oak or oak/conifer associations where canopy coverage of the oak cnjrtponent Is important (fulldescriptions In WDFW PHS report p. 158- see web link above). — 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). — Instream: The combination of physical, biological, and chemical processes and conditions that interact to provide functional life history requirements for instream fish and wfldlife 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. — CllSKs: 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>20ft (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 name or number CATEGORIZATION BASED ON SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS Wetland Type Checkoff any criteria that apply ta the wetland. Grcle the category when the appropriate critericbare met. Category SC 1.0. Estuarine wetlands Does the wetland meet the fallowing criteria for Estuarine wetlands? — The dominant water regime is tidal, — Vegetated, and _~ —^ia^^ — With a salinity greater than 0.5 ppt Yes-Co to SC 1.1 No= Not an «stu=»rir|g uu^wKiT^ SC 1.1. Is the wetland within a National Wildlife Refuge, National £ark. National Estuary Reserve; Natural Area Preserve, State Park or Educational, Environmental, or Scientific Reserve designated under WAC 332-30-151? Yes - Category 1 No - Go to SC 1.2 Cat. 1 SC 1.21. 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 y* of the landward edge of the wetland has a 100 ft buffer of shrub, forest, or un-grazed or un-mowed grassland. —The wetland has at least two of the following features: tidal channels, depressions with open water, or contiguous freshwater wetlands. Yes = Category 1 No = Category II Cat. 1 Cat. II SC2.8. 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^GololicjCS""' SC 2.1 Is the wetland listed on the WDNR database as a Wetland of High Conservation Value? Yes = Category 1 No » Not a WHCV SC 2.3: Is the wetland in a Section/Township/Range that contains a; Natural Heritage wetland? httD://wwwl.dnr.wa.eov/nho/refdesk/datasearch/wnhowetlands.odf -Yes- Contact WNHP/WDNR and go to SC 2.4 No =Nota_WHCV--SC 2.4. Has WDNR identified the wetland within the S/r/R as a Wetland of High Conservation Value and listed it on their website? Yes = Category 1 No = Not a WHCV Cat 1 SC 3.8. 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 wUI 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, thatjompose lG4njjl\ more of the first 32 in of the soil profile? Yes - Go to SC 3.3 ("No-GotoSC3^) SC 3.2. Does an area within the wetland unit have organic soils, either peats or mucks, that are lesslliaii 10 in deep over bedrock, or an impermeable hardpan such as clay or volcanic ash, or that are floating uil lop Of a lek^r pond? Yes-Go to SC 3.3V No = Is not a b<£ cover of plant species listed fh Table 4? Yes = Is a Category 1 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, subaipine ftr, western red cedar, western hemlock, lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, or western white pine, AN D 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 1 bog No = Is not a bog Cat 1 Wetland Rating System for Western WA: 2014 Update RatingjForm - Effective January 1,2015
Wetland name or number SC 4.0. Forested Wetlands Does the wetland have at least 1 contisuous 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 wHI 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 t~ No = Not a forested wetland for this section ^ •y Cat. 1 SC 5.0. Wetlands In Coastal Lagoons 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 tfaalis-saline-of brockish (aAS^ppt) during most of the year in at least a portion of the \agoopJnee~ds to be measured near the bottom) ^^^x Yes-Go terse 5.1 No = Not a wetland in a coastal lagoon SC 5.1. Does the wetland meet all of the following three conditions?^ — —The wetland is relatively undisturbed (has no diking, ditchingTnillng, Lullivdllun, grazing)] and has less than 20% cover of aggressive, opportunistic plant species (see list of species on p. 100). —~ At least 54 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 Via ac (4350 ft*) Yes = Category 1 No ' Category II Cat. 1 Cat II SC 6.0. Interdunal Wetlands Is the wetland west of the 1889 line (also called the Western Boundary of Upland Ownership or WBUO)? If you answer yes you wHI still need to rate the wetland based on Its 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 = not an interdunal wetland for rating 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 1 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. Is the unit between 0.1 and 1 ac, or is it In a mosaic of wetlands that is between 0.1 and 1 ac? Yes = Category III No » Category IV Catl Cat. II Cat III Cat. 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 1,2015 17