06 22719230700_MPG Report (1)Parcel Number: 22719230700
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Subject: Results of 2021 Mazama Pocket Gopher Study
Report Date: July 21, 2021
Landowner: South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity (contact: Ben Fransua)
Address: 407 Longmire Street NW, Yelm, WA
Consultant: West Fork Environmental (Heidy Barnett)
Study Purpose
A Mazama pocket gopher (MPG) study was requested to support permitting for housing as part
of a South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity project . On June 18 and July 19, 2021, West Fork
Environmental conducted a survey to detect activity of MPG on parcel 22719230700 (2.3 acres)
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 type on the
parcel was Spanaway gravelly sandy loam 0 to 3% slopes (more 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 parcel has a single-family home and detached garage in the northeastern corner. A fence
yard surrounds the home, and some scattered trees are in that corner of the parcel. The
remainder of the parcel is unmaintained and contained some prairie grasse s as well as pasture
grasses. Surrounding parcels have single-family homes.
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).
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Results
Mazama Pocket Gopher
During the surveys, no MPG mounds were identified on the parcel (see datasheets). Three
weathered mounds were identified as likely mole mounds on the first survey. Likely mole
mounds were identified by circular shape and a linear pattern following the driveway.
Habitat
No mima mounds and no oak trees (Quercus garryana) were observed. Several of the CAO
target prairie plant species identified in the Thurston County CAO were observed scattered on
the parcel – common camas, California oatgrass, prairie lupine, and Roemer’s fescue. Garden
beds and routinely mowed lawn surround the home. Other species observed included:
Table 1. Plant species observed on the parcel.
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii Ribwort Plantago lanceolata
St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum Red clover Trifolium pratense
Yarrow Achillea millefolium Sheep sorel Rumex acetosella
Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Catsear Hypochaeris radicata
Queen Anne’s Lace Daucus carota White clover Trifolium repens
Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus Velvet grass Holcus lanatus
English ivy Hedera helix Colonial bentgrass Agrostis capillaris
English holly Ilex aquifolium Quackgrass Elymus repens
Scots broom Cytisus scoparius Red fescue Festuca rubra
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 (Thurston County MPG
datasheet)
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Site Photos
Single family home and detached garage.
Representative habitat.
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Left – prairie lupine (a few scattered). Right – common camas seed pods (scattered in SW and under
fruit trees) .
Left – Roemer’s fescue (scattered in west). Right – California oatgrass (in SW corner).
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Figure 1. Parcel location and soil types.
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Figure 2. Survey tracks from June 18, 2021.
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Figure 3. Survey tracks from July 19, 2021.
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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).
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Datasheets
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