Background and Eligibility Information

Transcription

1 2016 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Property Acquisition and/or Operations and Maintenance Project Application Please complete the following application in its entirety. Be sure to answer N/A for questions that don t apply to the project. Incomplete applications will not be accepted for consideration. Unless directed otherwise, use as much space as needed to answer each question. Contact program staff at or tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us with questions. Background and Eligibility Information 1. Project Title: Big Quilcene River Moon Valley Reach 2a. Conservation Futures Acquisition Request: $5,000 b. Conservation Futures O&M Request: $0 3. Total Conservation Futures Request: $5, Please indicate the type of interest contemplated in the acquisition process. X Warranty Deed Easement X Other (Please describe below.) One landowner may prefer a (more restrictive) conservation easement over fee simple sale. In whose name will the property title be held after acquisition? Initially Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group; Likely to transfer to Skokomish Tribe Post-restoration 5. Applicant Information Name of Applicant or Organization: Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Contact: Sarah Heerhartz Title: Project Manager Address: 600 NE Roessel Rd., Belfair, WA Phone: (360) , ext. 13 Fax: (360) , ext. sarah@pnwsalmoncenter.org 6. Sponsor Information: (if different than applicant) Organization Name: Jefferson County Environmental Health Contact: Tami Pokorny Title: Environmental Health Specialist II Address: 615 Sheridan St. Phone: (360) , ext. Fax: (360) , ext. tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us This application was approved by the sponsor s legally responsible body (e.g., board, council, etc.) on not applicable, 20. 1

2 7. Site Location Street Address or Description of Location: The Moon Valley Reach spans approximately 0.8 miles of the Big Quilcene River, from river mile (RM) 2.2 to RM 3 just downstream of the Highway 101 crossing. It includes four parcels located in Quilcene accessible from the street address: 170 Mood Valley Dr. Driving Directions from Port Townsend: Route 19 to Center Road, South to Quilcene, Route 101 to Moon Valley Rd. (on left before crossing the Big Quilcene River). Section: 22 & 23 Township: 27N Range: 2W Assessor s Parcel Number(s): , , , & Please differentiate current and proposed ownership of each APN and indicate if the parcel is to be acquired with CF funds or used as match. Current owners are: Parcel (170 Moon Valley Dr.) Michael K & Kora Lea Whittaker PO Box 220 Quilcene, WA Parcels , & (Glen Logie Rd.) Mark Baclawski st Ave Seattle, WA Please list the assessed values for each property or APN, as applicable Total Appraised Value $374, Total Appraised Value $67, Total Appraised Value $36, Total Appraised Value $46, EXISTING CONDITIONS New Site: Yes No Number of Parcels: 4 Addition to Existing Site: Yes No Acres to Be Acquired: (22 acres Whittaker; 85.3 acres Baclawski) Total Project Acreage (if different): Current Zoning: Parcel : AL-20 Local Agriculture Parcel : AL-20 Local Agriculture Parcel : AL-20 Local Agriculture Parcel : AL-20 Local Agriculture Existing Structures/Facilities: Parcel (Whittaker): Barn Pump House Pump Reservoir House 2 Old Sheds 4 Houses (1 partially built) 1 Quonset Hut/partially built shop 2

3 Parcel (Baclawski): Barn Recreational Cabin Any current covenants, easements or restrictions on land use: Whittaker Parcel : Easement State of Washington (25 strip adjacent to river left bank for public access); Covenant (septic monitoring) - Jefferson County Public Health and Covenant (septic monitoring) - Jefferson County Public Health; Backlawski Parcel : Easement State of Washington (25 strip adjacent to river left bank for public access); Conservation Easement Jefferson Land Trust Parcel : Easement State of Washington (25 strip adjacent to river left bank for public access); Conservation Easement Jefferson Land Trust Parcel : Notice of Moratorium on Non-Forestry Use of Land Current Use: Whittaker Parcel : Open Space Open Space/Residential Baclawski Parcel : Designated Forest Land/Vacant Parcel : Designated Forest Land/Vacant Parcel : Designated Forest Land/Vacant Waterfront (name of body of water): Big Quilcene River Shoreline (linear feet): 2,782.4 Owner Tidelands/Shorelands: N/A 9. Current Property Owner X is is not a willing seller. (Whittaker) Current Property Owner X is is not a willing seller. (Baclawski) Project Description 10. In 1,000 words or less, provide a summary description of the project, the match, overarching goal, and three top objectives. Include information about the physical characteristics of the site that is proposed for acquisition with Conservation Futures Program funds including: vegetation, topography, surrounding land use, and relationship to parks, trails, and open space. Describe the use planned for the site, any development plans after acquisition (including passive development), characteristics of the site which demonstrate that it is well-suited to the proposed use, and plans for any structures currently on the site. If applicable, describe how the site relates to the larger project, and whether the project has a plan, schedule and funding dedicated to its completion. Please also list any important milestones for the project or critical dates, e.g. grant deadlines. List the dates and explain their importance. Please attach a spreadsheet of the budget. The Big Quilcene - Moon Valley Reach Project represents the initial phase of a multi-phase effort to restore floodplain connectivity as well as salmon spawning and rearing habitat to a nearly 0.8-mile segment of the Big Quilcene River below the Hwy 101 Bridge. Recently, two adjacent landowners (about 107 acres) have expressed an interest in selling their properties for the purpose of restoration and 3

4 conservation, presenting a tremendous opportunity to address underlying causes of major sediment, flooding, and habitat issues within this reach and further downstream. Funds from this application to the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund will contribute to the purchase price of four parcels, or the purchase price of the Whittaker parcel and an (expanded) conservation easement on the three Baclawski parcels, and will serve to make the project area eligible to apply for O & M funds in the future. The topography in this area is essentially level, extensive floodplain with steep banks to the south side of the river and at the northern extent of the properties. The surrounding land use is forestry and rural residential. The Hwy 101 bridge over the Quilcene River and the Quilcene National Fish Hatchery are located upstream of the project area. A 25 DFW access easement and trail, used largely during the fishing season, runs through three of the four subject parcels along the north bank of the river and ultimately to the community of Quilcene in the vicinity of the county s Riverside Park. A parking area to serve this access route is located just upstream of the Hwy 101 bridge. Lawn and pasture grasses occupy a large proportion of the project area. The riparian zone is native conifer forest along the south bank, where steep slopes have prevented development of the land. Along the north bank, where the historical land use is agriculture, the riparian buffer is a mix of native trees of different stages of maturity and areas dominated by noxious weeds. In the Moon Valley Reach, the Big Quilcene River was moved, straightened and diked to support agricultural use of the floodplain. As a result of the altered stream hydraulics and extensive diking along the north bank, the channel is now incised to a depth of up to ten feet. The artificially steep stream gradient, and scouring force of higher flood velocities, has resulted in a coarse cobble/boulder streambed lacking spawning gravels suitable for ESA-listed summer chum salmon and contributed to sediment aggradation problems downstream in Quilcene and beyond the river mouth where an extensive delta cone of sediment has formed. Off-channel rearing habitat is largely absent despite the addition of engineered logjams. These provide some habitat benefits but not at the scale needed. Loss of channel complexity and loss of riparian forests are major limiting factors for ESA-listed summer chum salmon in this reach. The restoration phase will be designed to address the underlying causes of habitat loss and will natural geomorphic and hydrologic processes such as channel migration and floodplain sediment deposition and storage. The Whittaker parcel is a small farm and residential property with three houses and an additional fourth partly-developed homesite. The property contains fenced pasture, a small tree farm, and several outbuildings as well as a Group B water supply. The Baclawski property was formally pasture and forestland. It now includes protected open space, a young fruit and nut orchard, and forest available for silviculture. A conservation easement held by the Jefferson Land Trust on approximately 18 acres of land spanning the river includes 1,750 of frontage on the north bank and 575 on the south bank. The overarching goal of the Moon Valley Reach Project is to acquire the subject properties (or property rights) necessary to enable restoration of natural floodplain processes. The sponsor and applicant will collaborate with WDFW, Jefferson Land Trust, Skokomish Tribe, The Nature Conservancy and community stakeholders and trustees who are already actively engaged in planning the restoration of the lower mile of the Big Quilcene River. This section of the Big Quilcene River has been identified as a target for restoration in the Summer Chum Recovery Plan and in the Hood Canal Coordinating Council's Sum 3-Year Work Program Specifically, restoration and protection of freshwater reaches in the lower watershed is identified as the highest priority action for summer chum recovery in the Big Quilcene River, with habitat diversity, channel stability, flow moderation, and 4

5 sediment load identified as key features for restoration The project will allow for improved salmon habitat in the lower watershed and estuary and contribute to restoration efforts already underway there by attenuating floods, reducing downstream sediment transport, and contributing to temperature and flow regulation. Restoration and protection of the Moon Valley floodplain will contribute to improved water quality, better rearing conditions for juvenile salmon, and expanded habitat for other wildlife (including birds and beavers), and an enhanced trail system and outdoor experiences for students, recreationists and visitors in Quilcene. Matching funds were recently sought by HCSEG from the Department of Ecology s National Estuary Program (NEP) Watershed Protection and Restoration Grants (response is pending). HCSEG and Jefferson County are also pursuing salmon recovery grants through the Hood Canal Coordinating Council Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery. A Letter of Intent in partnership with HCSEG has been submitted and the next application deadline is March 25, Estimate costs below, including the estimated or appraised value of the propert(ies) or property right(s) to be acquired, even if Conservation Futures funds will only cover a portion of the total project cost. In the case of projects involving multiple acquisitions, please break out appraisals and estimated acquisition costs by parcel. a. Estimated or Appraised Value of Propert(ies) to be Acquired: $524,791 b. Total Estimated Acquisition-related Cost (see Conservation Futures Manual for eligible costs): $78,000 c. Total Operation and Maintenance Cost: $0 with respect the acquisition phase d. Total Project Cost: $633,637 Basis for Estimates (include information about how the property value(s) was determined, anticipated acquisition-related costs, general description of operation and maintenance work to be performed, task list with itemized budget, and anticipated schedule for completion of work): The acquisition costs are based upon assessed values. Anticipated acquisition-related costs and anticipated schedule are listed on the next page. No operations and maintenance work will be performed during this phase of the project. 5

6 Anticipated Schedule (dates assume NEP funding. Property Whittaker Baclawski Otherwise, add one year) Appraisal 6,000 8,000 January 2017 Appraisal Review 3,000 5,000 March 2017 Closing 10,000 10,000 September 2018 Cultural Resources (acq) 10,000 10,000 June 2017 Env. Audits 8,000 8,000 June 2017 Acquisition Related Expenses Subtotal 37,000 41,000 - Land 375, ,464 - Subtotal 412, ,464 - Administration (5%) 20,600 9,573 - Total for Property 432, ,037 - Total Project Cost $633,637 - Scored Questions 1a. Sponsor or other organizations _X_will will not contribute to acquisition of proposed site and/or operation and maintenance activities. b. If applicable, please describe below how contributions from groups or agencies will reduce the need to use Conservation Futures program funds. c. Matching Fund Estimate Acquisition O&M % Conservation Futures Funds Requested $5,000 50% Matching Funds/Resources* $5,000 to match CFF /$628,637 50% Total Project Acquisition Cost $10,000 CF only/$633, % * If a prior acquisition is being proposed as match, please describe and provide documentation of value, location, date of acquisition and other information that would directly link the match to the property being considered for acquisition. d. Source of matching Amount of Contribution If not, Contribution If not, funds/resources contribution approved? when? available now? when? Ecology - NEP Watershed (Overall project) Protection and Restoration Grant Up to $553,291 Yes No March 2016 Yes No 2017 And/Or SRFB/PSAR Up to $628,637 Yes No December 2016 Yes No $ Yes No Yes No $ Yes No Yes No 6

7 NOTE: Matching funds are strongly recommended and a higher rating will be assigned to those projects that guarantee additional resources for acquisition. Donation of property or a property right will be considered as a matching resource. Donation of resources for on-going maintenance or stewardship ( in-kind contributions) are not eligible as a match. 2 a. Sponsoring agency is Xis not prepared to provide long-term stewardship (maintenance, up-keep, etc.) for the proposed project site. b. Describe any existing programs or future plans for stewardship of the property, including the nature and extent of the commitment of resources to carry out the stewardship plan. Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group will hold the properties and steward them, in partnership with Jefferson County, utilizing grant funds until all phases of restoration are completed. The Skokomish Tribe has expressed interest in taking title post-restoration and in providing long-term stewardship consistent with existing conservation and public access easements and state grant requirements (Deed of Right). The opportunity to apply for conservation futures operations and maintenance funds in the future, in partnership with an eligible sponsor, may become important in the event of unavoidable impacts to the site from public use or act of nature. Jefferson Land Trust stewards the existing conservation easement on the Baclawski parcels (and in partnership with the landowner through an approved management plan) and would be closely involved if the conservation easement on the Baclawski property is expanded or, otherwise, requires amendment. 3 a. Describe the sponsoring agency s previous or on-going stewardship experience. Jefferson County has acquired, restored and/or stewards floodplain properties on the Dosewallips, Duckabush and Big Quilcene River (for the purpose of salmon recovery) in coordination with partner agencies and organizations. The Skokomish Tribe owns property to the south of the river located adjacent to the project area. The tribe has acquired, restored and stewards numerous additional properties in the Skokomish Watershed and elsewhere along the Big Quilcene River. b. Has the sponsor and/or applicant of this project been involved in other projects previously approved for Conservation Futures funding? No, neither the sponsor nor applicant has been involved in a project previously approved for Conservation Futures funds. X Yes, the sponsor and/or applicant for this project has been involved in a project previously approved for Conservation Futures funds. Please provide details: Jefferson County acquired parcels in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor through a conservation futures application sponsored by JLT and was a partner in acquiring a forested parcel at the entrance to Port Townsend. In 2013, the County partnered with Jefferson Land Trust on a successful application to acquire property and property rights on the Duckabush floodplain. This is the first time that the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group has been in the role of applicant. 4 a. Property _X_can cannot feasibly be acquired in a timely fashion with available resources. b. Necessary commitments and agreements are _X_are not in place. c. All parties are X are not in agreement on the cost of acquisition. If not to any of the above, please explain below. Landowner acknowledgement forms are signed but grant funds are needed prior to ordering appraisals and beginning the negotiation process. 7

8 5. The proposed acquisition is specifically identified in an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan, or community conservation effort. Please describe below, including the site s importance to the plan. Please reference the website of the plan if available or include the plan with this application. X complements an adopted open space or conservation plan, but is not specifically identified. Please describe below, and describe how the proposed acquisition is consistent with the plan. The lower river is identified in local salmon recovery chapter Guidance for Prioritization (see This specific project has also been submitted for inclusion the 2016 HCCCLE 4-year Work Plan. The lower river is identified in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plan (or through consultation with TMDL lead for Ecology) as a high priority for protection and/or restoration of riparian cover. The lower river is identified in Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) planning process (or through consultation with PIC leads) as a high priority for protection and/or restoration and protection and/or restoration of riparian cover can contribute to stated goals for shellfish beds. is a stand-alone project. 6. Conservation Opportunity or Threat: a. The proposed acquisition site _X_does does not provide a conservation or preservation opportunity which would otherwise be lost or threatened. b. If applicable, please carefully describe the nature and immediacy of the opportunity or threat, and any unique qualities about the site. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a highly significant stretch of the Big Quilcene River for comprehensive conservation and restoration. The acquisition phase is the first phase of a project that will result in multiple positive benefits and contribute significantly to the productivity of the Big Quilcene River over all. Opportunities to work with adjacent willing sellers of such high-potential properties to help reverse mistakes of the past on a large scale are very rare. 7. The proposed acquisition: X provides habitat for State of Washington Priority Habitat and/or State or Federal Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive species. X provides habitat for a variety of native flora or fauna species. X contributes to an existing or future wildlife corridor or migration route. If affirmative in any of the above, please describe and list the Priority Habitat(s) and Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species below, and cite or provide documentation of species use. 1 ESA-listed species utilizing the Big Quilcene River include: Hood Canal Summer Chum Hood Canal Fall Chum Puget Sound Summer and Winter Steelhead Documentation of species use documented at: ESA-listed spotted owls as well as bald eagles, harlequin ducks and cutthroat trout occur in the area. These acquisitions will enhance the riparian corridor linking Quilcene and the Whittaker property. 1 See, for example,

9 8 a. Describe the extent and nature of current and planned agricultural use of the proposed acquisition, including any anticipated changes to that use once the property, or property right, is acquired with Conservation Futures funds. No agricultural uses are planned for either property as part of this project. Topsoil was removed from portions of the Baclawski parcels by a previous owner, and efforts to establish a fruit and nut orchard on that property have met challenges due to the drought-prone, rocky character of the remaining soil. Agriculture is largely incompatible with a naturally-functioning Big Quilcene River floodplain as evidenced by efforts of the past to move, straighten and dike the river channel and especially in light of the changing hydrologic regime of higher flood flows predicted by climate models.this project is the first step in recreating the historic floodway of the Big Quilcene River. It will benefit habitat for ESA-listed salmon while lessening flood impacts in Quilcene, improving forest health and water quality, restoring native soils, improving hydrologic and geomorphic function, promoting carbon sequestration, and enhancing aquifer recharge and summertime flows. b. Describe any participation by the current property owner in any other agricultural land conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat including the program and nature of the involvement N/A c. Is the owner implementing an approved farm plan, or equivalent system of management practices, that is sufficient to meet federal and state standards for soils and water quality on the farm? No 9. a. Describe how the proposed acquisition benefits primarily a local area X broad county area including the area served, the nature of the benefit, the jurisdictions involved, and the populations served. This project, as a high priority restoration goal for the Big Quilcene River, will support the productivity of the lower river with benefits cascading into the estuary and Hood Canal. It is hoped that this project, in conjunction with a separate on-going floodplain restoration program in the lower mile of the river including the community of Quilcene (in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, HCSEG, the County, the Skokomish and Jamestown S Klallam Tribes and benefitting from the input of multiple other stakeholders and trustees) will lead to additional intervening acquisitions and/or conservation easements to ultimately lead to the best possible restoration outcomes ecologically, for salmon, and also to meet the needs of the community for recreation, educational opportunities and economic vitality. b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CF funded Projects? Areas that Conservation Futures has not been able to support to date include Marrowstone Island, Toandos Peninsula, Dosewallips Valley, Bolton Peninsula, and the West End. No 10. Describe the educational or interpretive opportunities that exist for providing public access, educational or interpretive displays (signage, kiosks, etc.) on the proposed site, including any plans to provide those improvements and any plans for public accessibility. 2 New trails are planned for the vicinity of Quilcene that could potentially connect with the established WDFW pedestrian corridor or, as the restoration progresses, a new trail or trail network designed for the enjoyment and protection of the restored Moon Valley Reach. 11. The proposed acquisition includes historic or culturally significant resources 3 and 2 The words education and interpretation are interpreted broadly by the CF Committee. 3 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious ceremonial and social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters and RCW. 9

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12 2016 Jefferson County Conservation Futures Program Scoring Form Please note: if none of the answers provided describe the project, answer N/A or 0. ADJUSTED CRITERIA SCORE X WEIGHT = SCORE 1. To what degree does the project leverage contributions for acquisition from groups, agencies or individuals? X 5 = (Points awarded based on the following level of contribution) a. Leverages significantly = 3 points b. Leverages moderately = 2 points c. Meets requirement = 1 point 2. To what degree does the project sponsor commit to provide long-term stewardship for the proposed project? a. Stewardship plan with guaranteed long-term stewardship = 5 points b. Stewardship plan with guaranteed short-term stewardship = 3 points c. Stewardship plan, no guarantee = 1 point 3. To what degree has the project sponsor demonstrated effective long-term stewardship of a similar project? a. Highly demonstrated = 5 points b. Moderately demonstrated = 3 points c. Slightly demonstrated = 1 point d. Effectiveness not demonstrated = 0 points X 10 = X 1 = 4. To what degree is the acquisition feasible? X 5 = a. Highly feasible = 5 points b. Moderately feasible = 3 points c. Slightly feasible = 1 point To what degree is the project part of an adopted open space, conservation, or resource preservation program or plan, or identified in a community conservation effort? Sliding scale: 1-5 points X 4 = 6. To what degree does the project conserve opportunities which are otherwise lost or threatened? Sliding scale: 1-5 points X 6 = 7. To what degree does the project preserve habitat for flora and fauna? 12

13 (Points awarded in part based on level of documentation.) a. State of Washington Priority Habitat and/or State or Federal Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive species = 0 3 points X 4 = b. Variety of native flora & fauna = 0 3 points X 4 = c. Provides wildlife corridor or migration route = 0 3 points X 4 = d. Current owner participates in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat = 0 3 points X 4 = 8. To what degree does the project preserve farmland for agricultural use? a. Likely will maintain active agricultural use = 0 3 points X 4 = b. Owner is implementing an approved farm plan, or equivalent system of management practices, that is sufficient to meet federal and state standards for soil and water quality on the farm. = 0 3 points X 4 = c. Participates in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat = 0 3 points X 4 = 9. To what degree does the project serve: a. A significant benefit area? X 4 = Sliding scale: 1-3 points b. Is the project located in an area that is under-represented by CF funded projects? Sliding scale: 0-3 points X 4 = 10. To what degree will the acquisition provide educational opportunities, interpretive opportunities, and/or serve as a general community resource? X 4 = a. Public access, with planned or educational/interpretive displays and materials, events or activities = 5 points b. Limited public access, available space for signage and educational materials = 3 points c. Remote location = 1 point d. No opportunity = 0 points 11. To what degree does the project preserve historic or culturally significant resources 5? X 3 = a. Project is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, or an equivalent program = 3 points b. Project is recognized locally as having historic or cultural resources = 2 points c. Project is adjacent to and provides a buffer for a historic or cultural site = 1 point d. None of the above = 0 points 12. To what degree does the project preserve forestland for silvicultural use? a. Likely will maintain active forestland for silvicultural use = 0 3 points X 4= b. Land is enrolled in public and/or private programs which certify long-term sustainable silviculture: Certified = 4 points 5 Cultural resources means archeological and historic sites and artifacts, and traditional religious ceremonial and social uses and activities of affected Indian Tribes and mandatory protections of resources under chapters and RCW. 13

14 Uncertified = 0 points X 1 = c. Will manage any timber harvest with a plan that significantly avoids clear cutting (i.e. avoids cutting all trees in any given section of forest) = 0 3 points X 4= 14

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19 General project location (green circle) with the channel migration zones for the Big Quilcene River indicated in red, gray-blue and yellow. 19

20 Whittaker Big Quilcene River Baclawski 20

21 Big Quilcene River from the Baclawski property with engineered logjam visible. Baclawski property looking upstream towards the Whittaker parcel. 21

22 Big Quilcene River looking upstream from the Whittaker property. Some of the improvements on the Whittaker property. 22

23 Dike and noxious weeds growing along the north side of the Big Quilcene River in the Moon Valley Reach. Slope and mature forest on the south side of the river. 23

24 River Valley View Long Plat excerpt for the Whittaker parcel. 24

25 Baclawski conservation easement excerpt (AFN #549560). 25