TH-FishWildlife&HabitatReport-Jul12-07
416 Washington Street SE, Suite 202
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 352-9897
(360) 352-9914 fax
cootco@olywa.net
FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES
AND HABITATS REPORT
FOR THE
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
S23, 26, 27 T17N R1E
Thurston County, City of Yelm
JULY 2007
prepared for:
Thurston Highlands, LLC
4200 6th Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
prepared by:
Steve Shanewise, PWS
Senior Ecologist
THURJULY07habitat.doc
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Methods 2
Section 1. Results
Property Overview 4
Species Databases 4
Observed Wildlife 5
Table 1. Amphibian Occurrence 7
Observed Habitats 7
Table 2. Summary of Breeding Season Transects 9
Section 2. Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations
Construction Impacts 10
Mitigation for Construction Impacts 12
Developed Condition Impacts 13
Mitigation for Developed Condition Impacts 15
Figure 1: Site Map with Habitat Areas
Appendix I: Observed Wildlife Species List
Breeding Season Censuses
Plant Assemblage
Appendix II: PHS Data
Appendix III: USFW Data
Appendix IV: DNR Letter
Appendix V: NOAA ESA List
References
INTRODUCTION
This report documents the occurrence of fish and wildlife species and habitat types (Section 1.) within the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community as well as impacts and mitigation
recommendations (Section 2.) This site is proposed for phased development of an approximately 1,240-acre mixed-use Master Planned Community within the city limits of Yelm.
Section 1. All relevant State and Federal databases for listed wildlife and plant species were reviewed for this site. The occurrence of only two potential species of concern resulted
from this review: the western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) and waterfowl concentrations. The Western bluebird no longer occurs on the property (records from 1988), and waterfowl concentrations
would only occur within a potential bog wetland that will be preserved with large buffers. There are no other listed species or habitat records for this property, nor would they be expected
given the generally poor, replanted fir forest habitat that dominates Thurston Highlands.
Specific censusing for wildlife was conducted in June-July 2006 (primarily birds) and April-May 2007 (singing amphibians only). A total of 66 species, including 53 birds, 9 mammals
and 4 reptiles/amphibians were recorded within this property between September 2005 and May 2007. Passerine species dominated avian wildlife, with those adapted to mixed forest and
shrub habitats the most common of these. Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are common within Thurston Highlands, but only three records of elk (Cervus canadensis) occurrence were
noted. The site is the potential home range of a cougar (Puma concolor).
Ten individual Habitat Areas have been identified for Thurston Highlands based on similarities in plant community structure. Of these ten, four units that had habitat structures of
open grassland, shrubs or non-monotypic Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest displayed the highest wildlife use, while the replanted, monotypic fir forest most prevalent on the
property had very low wildlife use. All open meadow areas were reviewed for potential prairie habitat conditions; none were found.
Section 2 of this report evaluates full build-out of the development over a 10- to 30-year period, and a Phase 1 development scenario. Three conceptual land use alternatives and No Action
are evaluated for overall development of the site. The conceptual land use alternatives include: the Preferred Alternative (a hybrid of the less dense and more intensive “bookend” alternatives),
Traditional Development, and an Urban Village concept. The Phase 1 conceptual land use plan includes approximately 1,008 homes (single-family detached and multi-family), associated roads
and utilities infrastructure. The first phase of development would occur in the northeast corner of the site, as a westward extension of urban residential development within the adjacent
Tahoma Terra neighborhood. It is projected that Phase 1 would be constructed between approximately 2008 and 2011, and to be occupied between approximately 2009 and 2012. Beyond a probable
first subdivision application, the timing and number of dwelling units to be
developed within the Master Planned Community is less certain, subject to market demand. A Phase 1 conceptual land use plan was developed to assist public service providers with quantitative
planning for early stages of development within Thurston Highlands, and to provide a basis for more specific, representative impact analysis of proposed development. The Phase 1 site
plan, like the three conceptual land use alternatives, however, is still hypothetical at the time of this writing.
METHODS
General Field Review
Wildlife occurrences were noted during all field review activities, including wetland delineation and habitat evaluations. Records were made of sightings of unique species, and a list
was compiled of all species observed on site.
Breeding Season Censuses (Appendix I)
Timed censuses were performed in June and early July 2006 to record general species occurrence throughout the property and within individual habitat areas. Censuses involved slowly
walking a transect of approximately 1,000 feet over a 20-minute period and recording all animals seen, heard or that had left some type of sign (tracks; scat; nests). All censuses were
conducted during morning hours on calm, mostly clear days.
Amphibian Census
Censusing for singing frogs/toads was performed in April-May 2007. Censuses were conducted in the evenings, beginning at sunset, when temperatures were at or above 60°F. All property
wetlands were censused for a minimum of 10 minutes listening at each system. Large systems were generally checked by listening along one side only.
Designated Habitat Areas (Figure 1)
Individual habitat areas were designated based on similarities in plant community characteristics. Polygons of each habitat area were traced on aerial photographs following ground-truthing
of the landscape conditions.
WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Review (Appendix II)
A data search of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species Polygon and Wildlife Heritage, Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet Point Databases (PHS)
was performed in January 2006.
USFWS Endangered Species (Appendix III)
A comprehensive query of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) website was made for documentation of any Listed or Proposed Endangered and Threatened Species and Critical
Habitat, Candidate Species and Species of Concern occurring within a 1.5-mile radius of the project area.
WDNR Natural Heritage Program (Appendix IV)
A data request was made February 2006 to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Natural Heritage Program for documentation of any sensitive plants or rare plant
communities occurring within a 1.5-mile radius of the project area.
Federally-listed species (Appendix V)
A thorough search of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service) Northwest Regional office, Office of Protected Resources web pages was conducted.
SECTION 1. RESULTS
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Yelm City Limits
The Thurston Highlands property is situated within the city limits of Yelm, Washington, in eastern Thurston County. It is located west of the developed area of the city, and occurs
between the Fort Lewis Military Reservation to the west, SR-507 to the south, and SR-510 to the north. Rural Thurston County land with 1 unit/5acre zoning occurs in some of the landscape
between the two highways and the actual boundaries of Thurston Highlands.
Large, Single Unit
The Thurston Highlands property covers almost two square miles of landscape in a single, connected unit. Property dimensions are generally wide, with the largest north-south dimension
totaling one mile, and the largest east-west dimension totally three-quarters of a mile.
Undeveloped Timber Land
The entire property consists of undeveloped timber land managed by Weyerhaeuser for clear-cut forestry for decades. Almost all areas of the property support replanted, even-aged, monotypic,
Douglas fir forest of varying ages. A network of dirt logging roads accesses all major areas of the property. There are no buildings. Two recently-installed well heads in the southwest
corner and an electrical power transmission line corridor crossing the western portion of the property represent the only “developed” land uses at the present time.
Urban Zoning
The entire property was annexed to the City of Yelm in July 1994, and is zoned for a Master Planned Community. Current plans call for developing the site in phases over 10 to 30 years
to an eventual build-out of approximately 5,000 homes, a retail/ commercial/office area, a Regional Sports Complex, neighborhood parks, schools, trails, and several large areas of natural
open space.
SPECIES DATABASES
WDFW PHS Database ( Western Bluebird
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitats and Species database reports only two occurrences of one species, western bluebird (Sialia mexicana), within the Thurston
Highlands property. Both data points were recorded as “bluebirds nesting in boxes” from 1988. Defunct bird boxes that have not been used for several years were observed at both point
locations indicated on the PHS maps. One occurs in an open meadow that could still be viable bluebird habitat, while the other now occurs within a young, dense, fir forest that has
grown since the box was first installed. Bluebirds were not observed during any of the 2006 field reviews or censuses conducted within the Thurston Highlands property. It is assumed
that this species no longer occurs on the site.
WDFW PHS Database ( Oregon White Oak
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Priority Habitats and Species database shows oak stands to the east and south of the Thurston Highlands property, beyond perimeter boundaries.
Field review of the Thurston Highlands site found only a handful of scattered, young oak in the southeast area close to the identified, off-property stands. No regulated oak habitat
conditions occur within the Thurston Highlands property.
DNR Natural Heritage Program ( Wetlands
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) identifies two significant wetland systems within the Thurston Highlands property, one
of which is a Sphagnum Bog. These two systems are part of the Wetland A complex described in the Wetlands Inventory for the Thurston Highlands Property (Shanewise, 2007) The Master
Planned Community proposal includes preserving the Wetland A complex within a large, designated open space area with buffers of 240 feet or more. All other DNR NHIS listings for the
general vicinity of Thurston Highlands occur off-property.
Federal Threatened and Endangered Species
No federally-listed Threatened or Endangered wildlife species were observed within Thurston Highlands, and none would be expected given the habitats that occur. There are no aquatic
systems capable of supporting any listed anadromous fish. Thompson Creek, the outfall drainage route for all Thurston Highlands surface water flow, has an anadromous barrier 0.3 miles
upstream form its connection to the Nisqually River. (Watershed Co. Nov 2005). The prevalence of low diversity, replanted, mostly young fir forest does not afford preferred habitat
conditions for listed species that could potentially occur, such as spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) or bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Furthermore, the absence of prairie habitat
conditions within Thurston Highlands eliminates the potential for listed plant and animal species associated with this habitat type to occur. The only potential federally listed species
that might occur within Thurston Highlands is an aquatic plant, Water Howellia (Howellia aquatilis), that may occur within the sphagnum bog habitat associated with the Wetland A complex.
The proposal includes preserving and protecting this wetland complex with minimum 240-foot buffers.
OBSERVED WILDLIFE
Observed Wildlife List
A total of 66 wildlife species were identified during field surveys of Thurston Highlands, including 53 birds, 9 mammals and 4 reptiles/amphibians. Birds were predominantly passerines
(28 species), with most of these representing species associated with forest and shrub habitats. Other bird species groups observed included 6 raptors, 4 woodpeckers, and 4 corvids,
plus an additional 11 miscellaneous species. All mammals were large or mid-sized species, although no specific searching for small mammals was performed.
Breeding Season Censuses
Breeding season censuses focusing on avian use were conducted throughout the Thurston Highlands property. Seventeen individual 20-minute surveys were conducted over a 4-week period
in June and early July 2006 that identified 48 bird species, 3 mammals and two reptiles. Transects were combined for the more significant individual Habitat Areas described below (Observed
Habitats) to present a relative picture of wildlife use by habitat type.
Minor Elk Use
Minor occurrence of elk (Cervus canadensis) was recorded for Thurston Highlands. Three cows were observed from a helicopter on June 13, 2006, bedded down just south of the property
line in the southeast corner. In addition, fresh tracks indicating a small group of 3-5 animals were observed in June in an open meadow and adjacent forest in the SW ¼ of Section 23,
and along the west property line road in the southwest corner.
Heavy Deer Use
Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are common to abundant on the Thurston Highlands property. Scat, tracks, trails and sightings occur throughout the property. Deer hunting has
been a common activity within the property over the years. Although common throughout the site, heaviest use seemed associated with the large Wetland A complex where animals can almost
always be observed during a field review.
Cougar Occurrence
At least one cougar (Puma concolor) displayed potential regular occurrence within the Thurston Highlands property. Two recently-used scratch-post trees were observed in mid-winter,
one close to Wetland A2 and another at the south end of Wetland H1. In addition, a lone adult cougar was observed running down one of the dirt roads on the site in June 2006, near the
middle-east side of Section 27 (close to the Wetland A2 scratch post). Given the large size and undeveloped condition of the Thurston Highlands property, and the fact that fresh sign
was observed in winter and a direct sighting was made in summer, it is likely that the cougar includes this area within its home range.
Spring Amphibian Census
Only two species of frogs were recorded during the spring 2007 amphibian censuses; Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla) and red-legged frog (Rana draytonii). The chorus frog was
by far the most common, occurring in 14 of the property’s 35 wetlands, while red-legged frogs were only heard in 5 wetlands. A total of 21 wetlands had no singing frogs. In general,
the small, isolated wetlands had no singing frogs, while all of the large systems did. No western toads (Bufo boreas), a target species specifically searched for, were recorded.
Table 1. Amphibian Occurrence
No Recordings
Chorus Frogs
Chorus Frogs and Red-Legged Frogs
Wetland System #
(See: Wetlands Inventory, Wetland Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations (Shanewise, June 2007.)
A4
A1, A2, A3
A5, A6, A7, A8
C2
B
H1
C3
C1
All D wetlands
F
E1, E2, E3
G1
G2
H2, H3
OBSERVED HABITATS
Designated Habitat Areas (Figure 1)
Ten individual habitat areas were defined for the Thurston Highlands property. Four of the primary habitat areas, grasslands, shrubs, forest and mixed shrub-forest, comprise the majority
of the site. Two habitat areas were associated with developed site features of a powerline corridor and a small gravel pit. The remaining four habitat areas are generally small in size,
with unique vegetation communities including a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forest, a wetland meadow, and deciduous and mature forests. A summary description of each designated habitat
area is provided below.
Area #1: Grassland Meadows
This habitat area is prominent within Thurston Highlands, totaling 20 individual polygons covering a combined area of approximately 100.8 acres. This habitat condition is always associated
with depressional topography, and usually has an abrupt edge with surrounding forest that correlates with a constant elevation level around the entire perimeter. Although trees were
generally uncommon within this unit, localized growth of various shrub species were common, lending a good degree of structural diversity to the environment. Bird use of these open
areas was generally high during the breeding season. None of these meadow areas had any prairie plant community associations.
Area #2: Shrub Meadows
This habitat area has 9 individual polygons, totaling 72.7 acres of land. As with the Grassland Meadows, this habitat area was often associated with depressional topography. Shrub
meadows often have some localized trees, and minor open grass areas; however, a dense shrub canopy was the dominant condition. This habitat area displayed moderate bird use during the
breeding season.
Area #3: Mixed Shrub-Forest
This habitat area has 7 individual polygons, totaling 298.9 acres of land. This habitat area incorporates the largest polygons within the property, and generally represents areas that
appear to have had poor survival with replanted fir trees, but excellent volunteer regrowth of native shrubs and trees. Deer use was especially heavy within this habitat type, and bird
use was moderate to high during the breeding season.
Area #4: Mature Conifer Forest
This habitat area has 3 individual polygons, totaling 44.8 acres of land. The northeast polygon associated with the Wetland H complex represents a separate parcel of land that was not
part of the clear-cut timber harvest activities of the last decade or so. The other Mature Conifer Forest habitat area is associated with Wetland A8, and represents an area that may
have been left unharvested during the last round of clear cutting due to difficulties with access across and within the soft, if not flooded, wetland ground. Some large trees within
this unit may be 80 to 100 years old. The tall tree canopy also supports a well-developed shrub layer with good structural diversity that generally supports high numbers of wildlife.
Area #5: Lodgepole Forest
Two polygons, totaling 10.7 acres, represents a unique community of nearly monotypic tree growth of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). It is difficult to understand why this community
occurs as it does, because the landscape that supports it is the same as the surrounding area that supports the Monotypic Fir Forest habitat. It seems illogical that this lodgepole
forest would have been planted, especially because it has a very irregular polygon shape. Wildlife use was generally low within this habitat area, probably due to the scarcity of shrubs
and the resulting low structural diversity of the environment.
Area #6: Deciduous Forest
There are two individual polygons of this habitat type, totaling 6.7 acres of land. One polygon occurs in the extreme southwest corner of the property adjacent to Wetland B, and may
have been an area that was missed during past replanting activities; red alder (Alnus rubra) dominates this area. The other polygon is associated with Wetland F-1, and is dominated
by Willow (Salix sp.) and Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia). Wildlife use of these two deciduous-dominated forest communities was moderate to high.
Area #7: Gravel Pit
This single, small polygon represents 1.1 acres of land. It is located in the northwest portion of the southern half of the property, along an existing dirt road. The pit has not been
active for at least several years.
Area #8: Powerline Corridor
This single polygon, totaling 15.2 acres, represents a small powerline corridor that crosses through the west half of the Thurston Highlands property at a slight NE to SW angle. This
habitat area differs from other conditions within the property because it is periodically cleared of trees and tall shrubs. This maintenance regime has resulted in a high density of
Scot’s broom (Cytisus scoparius), an invasive species volunteering within this linear habitat area.
Area #9: Wetland Meadow
This single polygon is associated with a drained wetland and covers 5.2 acres of ground. It is a unique feature within the Thurston Highlands landscape, and supports a high diversity
of both plant and bird life.
Area #10: Monotypic Fir Forest
This habitat type is predominant on the Thurston Highlands property, totaling 683.7 acres of land (approximately 55% of the total site). This unit is basically the “background” habitat
condition from which all the other habitat area polygons are carved out. It represents replanted Douglas fir forests of varying age where the trees are spaced on 8 to 10-foot centers
in generally straight rows. This dense condition creates a closed tree canopy, which in turns shades the ground from direct sunlight, resulting in little to no shrub or herbaceous understory.
Large areas of landscape where this habitat area occurs are characterized by nothing more than soil and dried fir needles at ground level. As would be expected in such a low diversity
environment, wildlife use of this habitat area was observed to be very low.
Summary of Censuses by Habitat Area
Breeding season censuses were combined for the primary individual Habitat Areas to present a relative picture of wildlife occurrence in each (Table 1). This analysis shows that the
Grassland Meadows had the highest number of individuals and species recorded for a single area, while the Monotypic Fir Forest had by far the least of both. The Deciduous forest had
a large number of species, but only a moderate number of individuals. The Mixed Shrub-Forest and Shrub Meadow areas had moderate numbers of both species and individuals. The largest
numbers of species and individuals occurred in transects that crossed two Habitat Areas associated with the Wetland H complex in the northeast corner of the property; this transect was
included only to portray the wildlife significance of this area as a whole.
Table 2. Summary of Breeding Season Transects
Habitat Area
# Species
#Individuals
Wet Meadow/Mature Forest
n=2
20
45
Grassland
n=4
16.5
46
Deciduous Forest
n=1
16
28
Mixed Shrub Forest
n=4
14
30
Shrub Meadow
n=3
11.7
27.7
Monotypic Fir Forest
n=3
7.7
12
No Prairie Habitat
No prairie habitats occur within the Thurston Highlands project. Representative areas of the site were reviewed with WDFW habitat biologists on June 13, 2006, who concurred with the
absence of a prairie plant assemblage. All potential meadow areas were field-reviewed by The Coot Company for prairie plant assemblages, and no such communities were found.
SECTION 2. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
Seasonal Clearing Impacts
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: All areas to be developed under any conceptual land use plan would be cleared of existing vegetation prior to construction work.
The seasonal timing of this activity could affect wildlife survival. If performed during the general “breeding” season (1 March through 1 July), significant potential would exist for
the loss of wildlife reproductive efforts because nest sites with eggs or young would be destroyed as the habitat is cleared. If clearing activities were to be avoided during the non-breeding
season, this loss of reproductive effort would largely be avoided, thereby minimizing the impacts to existing wildlife by affording them at least some opportunity to try to relocate
to other, undeveloped areas within the landscape. Minimizing the area of land cleared in any one year would also minimize the impact to wildlife from habitat loss, because fewer numbers
of organisms would be searching out new areas to live in any given year.
Phase 1: The seasonal clearing impacts described above for overall development of the Master Planned Community would also apply to the Phase 1 development area.
Mass Grading Impacts
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: Development of the Master Planned Community under any of the conceptual land use plans would require mass-grading the site to specified
construction elevations after vegetation clearing has been performed. Because this construction activity would only occur after all woody vegetation has been removed from areas undergoing
development, little if any wildlife would still be present in these areas of the site. Once mass grading was completed, there would be essentially no existing wildlife or wildlife habitat
left within these areas. At this point, all existing wildlife will have either relocated elsewhere within the landscape, or will have perished.
Phase 1: Similar to the effects described above that would be associated with mass-grading the overall site, the Phase 1 grading proposal would have little, if any, impact on wildlife,
due to their departure at the time of vegetation removal (i.e., clearing).
Light/Noise Impacts
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: Nocturnal construction (if any) involving artificial lighting could temporarily disrupt wildlife use of adjacent, undeveloped property,
particularly large mammals. Artificial lighting functionally changes the structural component of nocturnal habitat by reducing, if not eliminating darkness. Noise associated with construction
should have minimal impact on wildlife
occurring within the surrounding, undeveloped environment. The common, primarily forest species that occur within the undeveloped landscape should habituate to the sounds of constant,
daily construction activity in a relatively short period of time. (Fletcher, 1978.)
Phase 1: The effects of nocturnal construction (if any) during Phase 1 development would be similar to those described above for overall development of the Master Planned Community.
Limited High-Value Habitat
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: The Thurston Highlands site has very little high-value wildlife habitat. The majority of the site supports low-value, monotypic,
replanted upland Douglas fir forest with very poor structural diversity and low wildlife species richness. The two areas of high value upland habitat, the Mature Forest communities,
will be almost completely avoided by all potential development scenarios as they will be either within a protected wetland buffer, or directly saved as valuable upland habitat.
Phase 1: The Phase 1 development area has one high-value upland wildlife habitat the Mature Conifer Forest (see Figure xx). Site development should preserve as much of this existing
habitat as possible, due to the decades it would take to restore similar conditions. Furthermore, this habitat is adjacent to the only significant wetland complex within this project
phase, thus enhancing its value as both wildlife habitat and wetland buffer.
No Listed Species
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: There are no federal- or state-listed wildlife species that occur within the Thurston Highlands landscape, nor are there any habitats
that could potentially support such species. No anadromous fish occur anywhere on-site or within adjacent lands. Therefore, development of the Master Planned Community under any conceptual
land use alternative would result in no impacts to listed species or anadromous fish.
Phase 1: Similar to the no-effect conclusion re: overall development of the site, Phase 1 development of the Master Planned Community would result in no impacts to listed species or
anadromous fish.
No Protected Habitats
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: There are no protected habitats that occur within the Thurston Highlands landscape. Open grassland landscapes were determined during
a 6/13/07 site visit with WDFW staff to not support “prairie” conditions. There are no Garry oak tree stands (Quercus garryana) within Thurston Highlands, although such habitat occurs
adjacent to the southeast portion of the site.
Therefore, there would be no impacts to protected habitats as a result of the proposed Master Planned Community development.
Phase 1: Similarly, there are no protected habitats within the Phase 1 development area, and thus there would be no adverse impacts to protected habitat during this phase of construction.
MITIGATION FOR CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
Seasonal Clearing Constraints
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: It is recommended for consideration by City decision makers that vegetation clearing activities be confined to periods outside of
the common breeding season for wildlife (1 March to 1 July). Grading activities would not require any seasonal constraints for wildlife consideration, because most wildlife would have
left the construction area during the initial vegetation clearing.
Limits on Annual Clearing
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: It is recommended that the area to be cleared for development in any one year be limited to the minimum necessary to allow continued
project development until more clearing is necessary to provide more developable land. The proposal as described by the applicant is to clear approximately 100 acres for each 250-lot
subdivision application. As these lots are sold and construction is underway, the next ( 100 acres would be cleared for development. In this manner, only approximately 100 to 300 acres
would be cleared, undergoing development, and/or awaiting landscaping at any one time (personal communication with Doug Bloom, Thurston Highlands, L.L.C., May 29, 2007).
Phase 1: It is recommended that limits on annual clearing described above for overall development of the site also be imposed during Phase 1.
Diurnal Construction
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: Normal construction activities should be limited to diurnal hours to prevent possible disturbance of wildlife within adjacent, undeveloped
landscapes. If special circumstances would require nocturnal work with bright, artificial lighting, shields should be provided to prevent fixed lighting from shining into non-construction
areas.
Phase 1: Avoidance and/or mitigation recommendations for nighttime construction (if any) during Phase 1 would be the same as those described above for overall development of the Master
Planned Community.
Artificial Nest Boxes
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: To partially compensate for the loss of wildlife habitat due to clearing and grading activities, a variety of artificial nest boxes
could be placed within undeveloped open spaces to be preserved. Targeted species would include most avian cavity nesters (swallows, chickadees, wrens, bluebirds, woodpeckers, and ducks),
and bats.
Phase 1: Installation of artificial nest boxes is also recommended in the Phase 1 development area. The most desirable location for nest boxes would be within and around Wetland H1.
Promote Native Landscape
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: To partially compensate for the loss of native wildlife habitat under any conceptual land use alternative, landscape plantings within
developed areas should encourage the use of native vegetation. Target species for the Phase 1 development should include serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), cascara (Rhamnus purshiana),
and native roses (Rosa pisocarpa; R. nutka; R. gymnocarpa). At the same time, certain potentially invasive, exotic vegetation should not be allowed, including, but not limited to Enlish
ivy (Hedera helix). In addition, control (eradication) of invasive, exotic species should be undertaken in all preserved, undeveloped open spaces. Targeted species present on site
include Scot’s broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor).
DEVELOPED CONDITION IMPACTS
Wildlife Corridor Disruption
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: When constructed and occupied, the Master Planned Community would block potential terrestrial wildlife movements across the site.
The long-term implications of this may be minimized if surrounding lands eventually also build-out to an urban density, as indicated in the City of Yelm Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
When this occurs, the southwest area of the City will be significantly degraded for potential terrestrial wildlife use. Because the western boundary of Thurston Highlands will represent
the boundary between City and rural landscapes (i.e., the edge of the UGA), preventing large terrestrial mammal access into the City would be recommended. Allowing animals like deer,
elk, bear or cougar to integrate with humans and their homes almost always has an undesirable and potentially dangerous outcome. If wildlife corridors were to be provided through the
Master Planned Community, this would create the potential for unwanted species to wander into the City from the large, mostly undeveloped landscape of the Ft. Lewis Military Reservation
to the west.
Fort Lewis provides habitat for numerous wildlife species, including listed species, candidates for listing, and other special status species. Wildlife management on the military reservation
is directed by the Fort Lewis Fish and Wildlife Management Plan (
An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Sustainability (Department of the Army 2005). Forest management practices focus on maintaining a variety of forest habitats utilized by wildlife, and on
enhancing the habitat for certain species by means such as placing nest boxes in key areas. General wildlife management practices in oak woodlands on the military reservation focus on
increasing the size and openness of oak habitats, increasing connectivity and reducing catastrophic fire risks. Prairie management practices focus on developing, maintaining, and restoring
structural elements that support native species. Management of fish and wildlife habitat in wetlands and aquatic habitats and their associated buffers focuses on enforcing regulations
that protect wetlands and enhancing wetland and aquatic habitats for native fish and wildlife species. Vegetation management is the primary wetland habitat enhancement strategy on the
military reservation (Department of the Army, August 2006).
During the EIS Scoping period for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community EIS, Fort Lewis submitted a letter of comment that requested two issues to be addressed with respect
to potential fish and wildlife impacts: the potential to affect Northern spotted owl, and the possibility of reducing the habitat of other non-listed species. There is no documented
occurrence of Northern spotted owl on the Fort Lewis Military Reservation (Department of the Army, August 2006), nor on the Thurston Highlands site. The only special status species observed
by the project wildlife biologist within Thurston Highlands was pileated woodpecker, identified as a candidate species in Washington State. The Master Plan proposal includes preserving
Mature Forest habitats on the site, which is the habitat preferred by pileated woodpecker and Northern spotted owl, should the owls appear in the area in the future. As described above,
there is limited high-value habitat on the Thurston Highlands site, no protected habitats, and no listed species that occur within this landscape. For this reason, no adverse impacts
are anticipated to species and habitats managed by Fort Lewis on the adjoining military reservation. The Wetlands Inventory, Impact Analysis and Mitigation Recommendations (Coot Company,
July 2007) describes options for how on-site wetlands and buffers may be addressed by City decision makers during Thurston Highlands development review. If small kettle basin wetlands
are filled, the proposal would include providing up to 7 acres of compensatory mitigation in the form of enlarging and enhancing the higher-value wetland complexes on the site. This
would seem to be compatible with Fort Lewis wetland management practices on adjoining lands.
Phase 1: Similar to the description of wildlife corridor disruption impacts that would result from the Master Planned Community as a whole, the Phase 1 development would block potential
terrestrial wildlife movements across the northeast portion of the site. High-value habitats within the Phase 1 development area (Mature Forest and the Wetland H complex) would be preserved
to the maximum extent practicable, subject to unavoidable road crossing impacts described in the Wetlands Inventory, Impact Analysis and Mitigation Recommendations (Coot Company, July
2007).
Human-Related Disturbances
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: Human presence can disturb wildlife, some species more than others. In particular, random human occurrence where people might just
appear any place, unexpectedly, can be especially disruptive to wildlife. However, most wildlife will habituate to persistent, non-threatening human presence, and eventually, functionally
ignore it. Non-threatening situations that would allow wildlife to habituate basically entail repeated human occurrence in the same location, performing the same activity.
Human-related disturbance to wildlife may be slightly less with the Urban Village Alternative, due to the larger amount of open space to be retained around more intensive, more centralized
development of the site.
Phase 1: Wildlife disturbance due to the introduction of a resident human population in Phase 1 would be similar to that described above for overall development of the Master Planned
Community.
Partial Loss of Mature Forest Habitat (this may no longer occur; decision pending)
Approximately __ acres of the Mature Forest habitat in the northeast area of the site would be lost due to the extension of Tahoma Boulevard in a north/south direction through Phase
1. In addition, approximately __ acres of the Mature Forest habitat would be isolated from the main area of this habitat as a result of boulevard construction. The isolated area would
be unavoidable due to alignment constraints relative to roadway connections and turn radii. The impact to wildlife from this unavoidable loss and isolation of Mature Forest habitat
would be minimized by the fact that the vast majority of this habitat would be preserved in the northeast corner of the Phase 1 development area.
MITIGATION FOR DEVELOPED CONDITION IMPACTS
Perimeter Wildlife Fence
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: If City decision makers determine that it would be preferable to prevent the intrusion of large terrestrial mammals from undeveloped
lands west of Thurston Highlands into the developed urban environment that would result from the Master Planned Community, it is recommended that a perimeter fence should be constructed
along the Thurston Highlands west and south property boundaries, sufficient to deter, at a minimum, access by deer, elk, bear and cougar. An alternative location for the fence would
be interior to the site, along the boundary between proposed urban development and permanent open space to be retained under the selected conceptual land use alternative (see Figure
__).
[Steve: Please have Bob or Alan develop a figure for you that shows the two options discussed above for where to construct a fence on the Thurston Highlands property. This
could be a representative area of the site; e.g., the southeast corner, to best show the distinction between a fence along the perimeter of the site, and a fence that follows the border
between urban development and open space to be preserved. Vicki: do we still need this?]
Phase 1: Fencing options for the Phase 1 development area would be the same (or similar) to those described above for overall development of the site.
Controlled Access
Overall Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community: All human access into undeveloped open space should be restricted to defined trails. Thurston Highlands, L.L.C. should be encouraged
to consider making it a condition of the CC&Rs of the development that no uncontrolled wandering through the landscape should be allowed. In addition, dogs (or any other domestic pets)
should only be allowed on trails if on a leash.
Phase 1: The controlled access recommendations described above for overall development of the site as a Master Planned Community are also suggested here for City decision maker consideration
in relation to the Phase 1 development proposal.
APPENDIX I: WILDLIFE AND PLANT SPECIES LISTS
FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES AND
HABITATS REPORT
FOR THE
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
S23, 26, 27 T17N R1E
Thurston County, City of Yelm
JULY 2007
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
Observed Wildlife Species List
Wildlife observations on the Thurston Highlands site, September 2005 through June 2007 (Shanewise, June 2007).
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
BIRD
Cathartes aura
Turkey Vulture
Anas platyrhynchos
Mallard
Circus cyaneus
Northern Harrier
Accipiter striatus
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Cooper's Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed Hawk
Bonasa umbellus
Ruffed Grouse
Callipepla californica
California Quail
Charadrius vociferus
Killdeer
Columba fasciata
Band-tailed Pigeon
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
Bubo virginianus
Great Horned Owl
Aegolius acadius
*Northern Saw-whet Owl
Selasphorus rufus
Rufous Hummingbird
Sphyrapicus varius
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Picoides villosus
Hairy Woodpecker
Colaptes auratus
Northern Flicker
Dryocopus pileatus
Pileated Woodpecker
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
Cyanocitta stelleri
Steller's Jay
Aphelocoma coerulescens
Western Scrub Jay
Corvus brachyrhynchos
American Crow
Corvus corax
Common Raven
Tachycineta thalassina
Violet-green Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallow
Parus atricapillus
Black-capped Chickadee
Parus rufescens
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Certhia americana
Brown Creeper
Thryomanes bewickii
Bewick's Wren
Troglodytes troglodytes
Winter Wren
Regulus Sp.
Kinglet sp.
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
Sturnus vulgaris
European Starling
Bombycilla cedorum
Cedar Waxwing
Vireo solitarius
Solitary Vireo
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Oporornis tolmiei
MacGillivray's Warbler
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
Wilsonia pusilla
Wilson's Warbler
Piranga ludoviciana
Western Tanager
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
Spizella passerina
Chipping Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
Junco hyemalis
Dark-eyed Junco
Molothrus ater
Brown-headed Cowbird
Carpodacus purpureus
Purple Finch
Carduelis pinus
Pine Siskin
Carduelis tristis
American Goldfinch
MAMMAL
Puma concolor
*Cougar
Canis latrans
Coyote
Cervus canadensis
Elk
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
Mephitis mephitis
*Skunk sp. (Striped Skunk)
Sylvilagus floridanus
Cottontail sp,
Tamiasciurus douglasii
Douglas squirrel
Procyon lotor
*Raccoon
Didelphis virginiana
*Opossum
REPTILE
Thamnophis sirtalis
Garter Snake
Gerrhonotus sp.
*Alligator Lizard
Pseudacris regilla
*Pacific Chorus Frog
Rana draytonii
*Red-legged Frog
*Not seen on wildlife transects
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
Breeding Season Censuses
AREA 1. Grassland Meadows (Transect 2) 20 June 2006
0800(0820
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed Hawk
2
Columba fasciata
Band-tailed Pigeon
1
Selasphorus rufus
Rufous Hummingbird
1
3
Dryocopus pileatus
Pileated Woodpecker
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
6
3
Tachycineta thalassina
Violet-green Swallow
2
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
5
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
2
Oporornis tolmiei
MacGillivray's Warbler
2
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
1
Piranga ludoviciana
Western Tanager
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
3
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
4
Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
6
2
1
Junco hyemalis
Dark-eyed Junco
2
Unknown
Unknown
3
MAMMAL
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
5
TOTAL
16 species, 56 individual
32
8
11
5
AREA 1. Grassland Meadows (Transect 6) 22 June 2006
0850(0910
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
1
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
7
Aphelocoma coerulescens
Western Scrub Jay
2
Tachycineta thalassina
Violet-green Swallow
1
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
11
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
1
Bombycilla cedorum
Cedar Waxwing
6
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
2
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
2
Wilsonia pusilla
Wilson's Warbler
2
Pipilo maculates
Spotted Towhee
2
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
2
1
Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
4
1
Junco hyemalis
Dark-eyed Junco
4
Molothrus ater
Brown-headed Cowbird
1
unknown
2
MAMMAL
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
tr,sc
Canis latrans
Coyote
scat
TOTAL
17 species, 56 individual
37
5
11
3
AREA 1. Grassland Meadows (Transect 14) 30 June 2006
0810(0830
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Trochilidae sp.
Hummingbird
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
3
1
Cyanocitta stelleri
Steller's Jay
1
Corvus brachyrhynchos
American Crow
1
Psaltriparus minimus
Bushtit
8
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
1
Bombycilla cedorum
Cedar Waxwing
5
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
1
Oporornis tolmiei
MacGillivray’s Warbler
1
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
1
3
Piranga ludoviciana
Western Tanager
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
1
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
1
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
3
1
Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
3
Molothrus ater
Brown-headed Cowbird
1
Unknown
2
TOTAL
16 species, 40 individual
15
1
24
-
AREA 2. Shrub Meadows (Transect 7) 22 June 2006
0950(
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
1
Colaptes auratus
Northern Flicker
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
1
1
2
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
2
2
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
4
1
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
1
Wilsonia pusilla
Wilson's Warbler
3
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
1
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
2
1
1
unknown
3
MAMMAL
Canis latrans
Coyote
sc
TOTAL
11 species, 29 individual
16
4
8
1
AREA 2. Shrub Meadows (Transect 12) 27 June 2006
0800(0820
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Trochilidae sp.
Hummingbird
1
Colaptes auratus
Northern Flicker
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
3
1
1
Cyanocitta stelleri
Steller’s Jay
1
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson’s Thrush
3
2
Bombycilla cedorum
Cedar Waxwing
2
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
2
Wilsonia pusilla
Wilson’s Warbler
2
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
2
Carduelis tristis
American Goldfinch
3
Unknown
-
-
-
-
MAMMALS
Sylvilagus floridanus
Cottontail Rabbit
1
TOTAL
11species, 25 individual
12
4
9
0
AREA 2. Shrub Meadows (Transect 13) 27 June 2006
0835(0855
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
3
Parus rufescens
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
2
4
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
4
Vireo solitarius
Solitary Vireo
1
1
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
1
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
1
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
3
Pipilo maculates
Spotted Towhee
1
1
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
1
Unknown
2
REPTILES
Gerrhonotus sp.
Alligator lizard
1
Thamnophis sirtalis
Garter snake
1
TOTAL
13 species, 29 individual
16
4
9
-
AREA 3. Mixed Shrub Forest (Transect 3) 20 June 2006
0845(0905
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Circus cyaneus
Northern Harrier
1
Accipiter striatus
Sharp-shinned Hawk
1
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
2
1
Selasphorus rufus
Rufous Hummingbird
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
5
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
5
1
Bombycilla cedorum
Cedar Waxwing
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
1
Oporornis tolmiei
MacGillivray's Warbler
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
2
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
2
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
1
Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
1
Junco hyemalis
Dark-eyed Junco
1
Carduelis tristis
American Goldfinch
1
1
Unknown
2
MAMMAL
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
1
3
REPTILE
Thamnophis sirtalis
Garter Snake
1
TOTAL
17species, 36 individual
20
2
11
3
AREA 3. Mixed Shrub Forest (Transect 10) 24 June 2006
0840(
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
1
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
2
3
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
2
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
2
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
1
Unknown
2
TOTAL
6species, 14 individual
8
4
2
-
AREA 3. Mixed Shrub Forest (Transect 15) 30 June 2006
0845(
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
2
1
Selasphorus rufus
Rufous Hummingbird
1
Picoides villosus
Hairy Woodpecker
1
Dryocopus pileatus
Pileated Woodpecker
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
3
2
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
3
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
1
Bombycilla cedorum
Cedar Waxwing
5
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
1
Oporornis tolmiei
MacGillivray’s Warbler
1
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
1
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
1
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
2
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
2
Carduelis tristis
American Goldfinch
1
Unknown
3
MAMMAL
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
sct
REPTILE
Thamnophis sirtalis
Garter snake
1
TOTAL
17species, 35 individual
17
2
15
1
AREA 3. Mixed Shrub Forest (Transect 16) 4 July 2006
0840(0900
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
2
Corvus corax
Common Raven.
2
1
Certhia americana
Brown Creeper
1
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
2
Turdus migrato rius
American Robin
2
1
1
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
2
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
1
Wilsonia pusilla
Wilson’s Warbler
2
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
2
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
3
Spizella passerina
Chipping Sparrow
1
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
2
Carpodacus purpureus
Purple Finch
2
2
Unknown
2
MAMMAL
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
1
REPTILE
Thamnophis sirtalis
Garter snake
1
TOTAL
16species, 34 individual
23
3
8
-
AREA 4 and 9.
Mature Conifer Forest and Wetland Meadow (Transect 4) 22 June 2006
0730(0750
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Trochilidae sp.
Hummingbird
2
Colaptes auratus
Northern Flicker
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
5
Aphelocoma coerulescens
Western Scrub Jay
3
Tachycineta thalassina
Violet-green Swallow
1
Parus rufescens
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
2
Thryomanes bewickii
Bewick's Wren
1
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
1
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
1
4
1
Bombycilla cedorum
Cedar Waxwing
1
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
2
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat.
4
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
1
Pipilo maculates
Spotted Towhee
1
1
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
1
Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
1
Junco hyemalis
Dark-eyed Junco
1
Carduelis pinus
Pine Siskin
6
Unknown
2
MAMMAL
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
tr
TOTAL
20species, 45 individual
19
9
16
1
AREA 4 and 9.
Wetland Meadow and Mature Conifer Forest (Transect 11) 27 June 2006
0725(0745
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed Hawk
1
Callipepla californica
California Quail
1
Charadrius vociferus
Killdeer
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
4
1
Cyanocitta stelleri
Steller's Jay
1
Tachycineta thalassina
Violet-green Swallow
2
Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallow
1
Parus atricapillus
Black-capped Chickadee
10
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
2
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
1
2
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
1
Geothlypis trichas
Common Yellowthroat
3
Wilsonia pusilla
Wilson's Warbler
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
1
1
Pipilo maculates
Spotted Towhee
1
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
1
Zonotrichia leucophrys
White-crowned Sparrow
1
Unknown
2
TOTAL
18 species, 40 individual
24
3
13
-
AREA 6. Deciduous Forest (Transect 9) 24 June 2006
0740(0800
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Columba fasciata
Band-tailed Pigeon
1
Bubo virginianus
Great Horned Owl
1
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
1
Certhia americana
Brown Creeper
3
Thryomanes bewickii
Bewick's Wren
2
Troglodytes troglodytes
Winter Wren
2
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
2
2
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
1
1
Vireo solitarius
Solitary Vireo
1
Dendroica? Sp
Warbler sp.
1
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
3
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
1
Unknown
1
2
MAMMAL
Cervus canadensis
Elk
trk
TOTAL
16species, 28 individual
15
9
3
1
AREA 10. Monotypic Fir Forest (Transect 17) 4 July 2006
0915(
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
3
3
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
1
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler.
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
2
Oporornis tolmiei
MacGillivray's Warbler
1
Piranga ludoviciana
Western Tanager
1
1
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
1
Carpodacus purpureus
Purple Finch
1
MAMMAL
Tamiasciurus douglasii
Douglas squirrel
1
Canis latrans
Coyote
sct
TOTAL
10species, 17 individual
10
4
2
1
AREA 10. Monotypic Fir Forest (Transect 1) 20 June 2006
0730(0750
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Empidonax traillii
Willow Flycatcher
1
Corvus brachyrhynchos
American Crow
4
Troglodytes troglodytes
Winter Wren
2
Regulus
Kinglet sp.
2
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
1
Dendroica coronata
Yellow-rumped Warbler
1
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
1
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow
2
Junco hyemalis
Dark-eyed Junco
1
MAMMAL
Odocoileus hemionus
Black Tail Deer
1
TOTAL
10species, 16 individual
9
6
-
1
AREA 10. Monotypic Fir Forest (Transect 5) 22 June 2006
0805(0825
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Certhia americana
Brown Creeper
1
Regulu
Kinglet sp.
4
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
1
Turdus migratorius
American Robin
1
Vermivora celata
Orange-crowned Warbler
1
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
1
Piranga ludoviciana
Western Tanager
1
Pipilo maculatus
Spotted Towhee
2
TOTAL
8 species, 12 individual
5
7
AREA 10. Monotypic Fir Forest (Transect 8) 24 June 2006
0710(0740
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
S
C
S
Sn
BIRD
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
1
Troglodytes troglodytes
Winter Wren
1
Catharus ustulatus
Swainson's Thrush
2
2
Dendroica nigrescens
Black-throated Gray Warbler
2
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Black-headed Grosbeak
1
MAMMALS
Sylvilagus floridanus
Cottontail Rabbit
car
TOTAL
6 species, 10 individual
7
2
-
1
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
Plant Assemblage
Upland vegetation only. Wetland species not included.
AREA 1. Grassland Meadows
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet vernal grass
Poa pratensis
Kentucky bluegrass
Elymus glauca
Wildrye
Holcus lanatus
Common velvet grass
Festuca arundinacea
Tall fescue
Pteridium aquilinum
Bracken fern
Dactylis glomerata
Orchard grass
Solidago canadensis
Canada goldenrod
Carex pensylvanica
Yellow sedge
SHRUB
Rhamnus purshiana
Cascara
Cytisus scoparius
Scot’s broom
Salix scouleriana
Scouler willow
Corylus cornuta
Hazelnut
Symphoricarpos albus
Snowberry
TREE
AREA 2: Shrub Meadows
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Pteridium aquilinum
Bracken fern
Holcus lanatus
Common velvet grass
Solidago canadensis
Canada goldenrod
Elymus glauca
Wildrye
Rubus laciniatus
Trailing blackberry
SHRUB
Cytisus scoparius
Scot's broom
Symphoricarpos albus
Snowberry
Corylus cornuta
Hazelnut
Rubus parviflorus
Thimbleberry
Salix scouleriana
Scouler willow
Spiraea douglasii
Douglas' spiraea
Berberis nervosa
Oregon grape
Rhamnus purshiana
Cascara
Amelanchier alnifolia
Service berry
Lonicera involucrate
Black twinberry
TREE
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas' fir
Populus trichocarpa
Black cottonwood
AREA 3. Mixed Shrub Forest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Pteridium aquilinum
Bracken Fern
Rubus discolor
Himalayan blackberry
Holcus lanatus
Common velvet grass
Agrostis tenuis
Colonial bentgrass
Solidago canadensis
Canada goldenrod
Rubus laciniatus
Trailing blackberry
Elymus glauca
Wildrye
SHRUB
Cytisus scoparius
Scot's broom
Holodiscus discolor
Ocean spray
Corylus cornuta
Hazelnut
Gaultheria shallon
Salal
Rhamnus purshiana
Cascara
Oemlaria cerasiformis
Indian plum
Rubus parviflorus
Thimbleberry
Polystichum munitum
Sword fern
TREE
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas' fir
Populus trichocarpa
black cottonwood
Pinus contorta
lodgepole pine
Prunus avium
Wild cherry
Salix scouleriana
Scouler willow
AREA 4. Mature Conifer Forest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Stachys spp.
Nettles
SHRUB
Gaultheria shallon
Salal
Berberis nervosa
Low Oregon grape
Holodiscus discolor
Ocean spray
Oemlaria cerasiformis
Indian plum
Polystichum munitum
sword fern
TREE
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas' fir
Thuja plicata
Western red cedar
Acer macrophyllum
Big-leaf maple
Populus trichocarpa
Black cottonwood
Fraxinus latifolia
Oregon ash
Rhamnus purshiana
Cascara
AREA 5. Lodgepole Forest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Agrostis tenuis
Colonial bentgrass
Leucanthemum vulgare
Oxeye daisy
Hypericum perforatum
St. John’s Wort
Pteridium aquilinum
Bracken fern
SHRUB
TREE
Pinus contorta
Lodgepole pine
AREA 6. Deciduous Forest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
SHRUB
Oemlaria cerasiformis
Indian Plum
TREE
Alnus rubra
Red alder
Fraxinus latifolia
Oregon ash
Populus trichocarpa
Black cottonwood
AREA 7. Gravel Pit
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
SHRUB
Cytisus scoparius
Scot's broom
TREE
AREA 8. Powerline Corridor
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Holcus lanatus
Common velvet grass
Agrostis tenuis
Colonial bentgrass
Poa pratensis
Kentucky bluegrass
Elymus glauca
Wildrye
SHRUB
Cytisus scoparius
Scot's broom
Holodiscus discolor
Ocean spray
TREE
AREA 9. Wetland Meadow
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Phleum pretense
Timothy
Festuca arundinacea
Tall fescue
Poa pratensis
Kentucky bluegrass
Juncus effusus
Soft rush
Solidago canadensis
Canada goldenrod
Juncus bufonius
Toad rush
Juncus acuminatus
Taper-tip rush
Lycopus Americana
Water hore-hound
Carex obnupta
Slough sedge
Phalaris arundinacea
Rreed canarygrass
Agrostis tenuis
Colonial bentgrass
Lotus corniculatus
Birdsfoot-trefoil
SHRUB
Spiraea douglasii
Douglas' spiraea
Rosa pisocarpa
Clustered wild rose
Salix lucida
Shining willow
Salix sitchensis
Sitka willow
TREE
AREA 10. Monotypic Fir Forest
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
HERBACEOUS
Stachys spp.
Nettles
SHRUB
Polystichum munitum
Sword fern
TREE
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglas' fir
APPENDIX II: WDFW PHS DATA
FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES AND
HABITATS REPORT
FOR THE
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
S23, 26, 27 T17N R1E
Thurston County, City of Yelm
JULY 2007
APPENDIX III: USFW LETTER
FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES AND
HABITATS REPORT
FOR THE
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
S23, 26, 27 T17N R1E
Thurston County, City of Yelm
JULY 2007
APPENDIX IV: DNR LETTER
FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES AND
HABITATS REPORT
FOR THE
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
S23, 26, 27 T17N R1E
Thurston County, City of Yelm
JULY 2007
APPENDIX V: NOAA ESA LIST
FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES AND
HABITATS REPORT
FOR THE
THURSTON HIGHLANDS
MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
S23, 26, 27 T17N R1E
Thurston County, City of Yelm
JULY 2007
REFERENCES
Bloom, Doug. Partner, Thurston Highlands, L.L.C. May 29, 2007. Personal communication with Vicki Morris, Vicki Morris Consultant Services (EIS author), re: the phased clearing and grading
proposal for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community site.
Cooke, Sarah Spear. Editor. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington & Northwestern Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, WA.
Department of the Army. August 2006. Draft Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, 2006 to 2010. Fort Lewis, Washington.
Department of the Army. May 26, 2006. Letter of comment on the scope of the EIS for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community, addressed to Vicki Morris Consulting Services. Fort
Lewis, Washington
Department of the Army. 2005. Fort Lewis Fish and Wildlife Management Plan (An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Sustainability). Fort Lewis, Washington.
Fletcher, J.L. and R.G. Busnel. 1978. Effects of Noise on Wildlife. Academic Press, New York, New York.
National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service) Northwest Regional Office, Office of Protected Resources. < www.nmfs.noaa.gov> Accessed 2006 October 4.
Shanewise, Steve. July 2007. Wetlands Inventory, wetland Impacts and Mitigation Recommendations for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. <www.fws.gov> . The Endangered Species Program. Accessed October 4, 2006.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Priority Habitats and Species Polygon and Wildlife Heritage, Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet Point Databases. January 23, 2006.
Washington Department of Fisheries. 1975. A Catalog of Washington Streams and Salmon Utilization, Volume 1 and Volume 2.
Washington Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program database. February 17, 2006.
Watershed Company. November 2005. Biological Evaluation for Sensitive Fish and Wildlife Species in the Vicinity of Tahoma Terra.