WA Apartments - Gopher Study ResultsParcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
Mazama Pocket Gopher Study
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Subject: Results of 2021 Mazama Pocket Gopher Study
Report Date: September 17, 2021
Landowner: West Coast Holding Group LLC
Address: no site address (corner of Rice St/Washington Avenue), Yelm, WA
Consultant: West Fork Environmental (Heidy Barnett)
Study Purpose
A Mazama pocket gopher (MPG) study was requested to support permitting. On August 18 and
September 17, 2021, West Fork Environmental conducted a survey to detect activity of MPG on
parcel 75300901400 & 75300901200 (0.41 and 0.28 acres, respectively) in Yelm, Washington
(Figure 1).
Methods and Site Conditions
Survey methods followed the Thurston County MPG detection protocol and survey guidance
provided by United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS April 2018). The soil types on the
parcel were Spanaway gravelly sandy loam 0 to 3% slopes (more preferred by MPG) and
Spanaway stony sandy loam 0 to 3% slopes (less preferred by MPG) based on the data obtained
from Thurston County GeoData (Figure 1). The WDFW PHS database did not show MPG
detections within 600 feet of the parcel (Figure 4). The City of Yelm required two site visits for
permitting purposes. The USFWS survey guidance recommended three site visits be performed
on this parcel due to the presence of more preferred MPG soils, but only two were conducted
to satisfy requirements for the gopher study.
The parcels are undeveloped. They are in the City of Yelm in an area with similarly sized lots
that have single-family homes or small businesses. Three sides of the parcels are bordered by
streets. A parking area was observed in the NE corner of parcel 75300901400 behind the
businesses. Black locust trees with shrubs were observed covering most of the area on both
parcels.
MPG Survey Methods
During the survey West Fork Environmental staff surveyed the parcel following the methods
described under the USFWS recommended MPG survey protocol (Figure 2 and 3).
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Results
Mazama Pocket Gopher
During the surveys, no MPG mounds were identified on the parcel (see datasheets). No mole
mounds were observed either.
Habitat
No mima mounds and no oak trees (Quercus garryana) were observed. None of the CAO target
prairie plant species identified in the Thurston County CAO were observed. Other species
observed on the parcels included:
Table 1. Plant species observed on the parcel.
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Indian plum Oemleria cerasiformis
Black locust Robinia pseudoacacia Oregon grape Mahonia aquifolium
Bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum Serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia
St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum Catsear Hypochaeris radicata
Queen Anne’s Lace Daucus carota Curled dock Rumex crispus
Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus Velvet grass Holcus lanatus
Scots broom Cytisus scoparius Colonial bentgrass Agrostis capillaris
Tall oatgrass Arrhenatherum elatius Quackgrass Elymus repens
Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis Orchard grass Dactylis glomerata
Conclusions
No MPG mounds were observed on the parcel on either site visit. The results of this survey are
based on standardized methodologies and follow guidance provided by the USFWS and the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife provided during June 2018 training. The 2021 City
of Yelm Inspection Protocol and Procedures required two site visits for permitting purposes.
While USFWS guidance suggested three site visits due to the presence of more preferred MPG
soils, only two were performed to satisfy permitting requirements and are summarized in this
report. All findings presented within this report are subject to the final review and approval of
City of Yelm gopher review. If you have any questions regarding the information provided
within this document, please contact our office at (360) 753-0485.
Sincerely,
Heidy Barnett
Biologist
Attachments: Representative site photos, survey transects, datasheets (MPG datasheet)
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Site Photos
Looking SW from “parking area” off alley (left) into parcel and fenceline along eastern edge of
75300901200 (right).
Habitat on parcels – trees sprinkled throughout with shrubs and some grass openings.
Habitat on parcels – trees sprinkled throughout with shrubs and some grass openings.
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Parking area off alley (left) and habitat on parcel (right).
Street along southern edge of parcel.
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Figure 1. Parcel location and soil types.
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Figure 2. Survey tracks from August 18, 2021.
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Figure 3. Survey tracks from September 19, 2021.
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Figure 4. Results of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Prioirty Habitats and Species database
report (areas withing 600 feet of the parcel).
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Datasheets
Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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Parcel Number: 75300901400 & 75300901200
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