407 e Yelm Ave _ 22719342700_MPG ReportParcel Number: 22719342700
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Subject: Results of 2023 Mazama Pocket Gopher Study
Report Date: August 17, 2023
Landowner: Yelm Carlson LLC
Site Address: 407 E Yelm Avenue, Yelm, WA
Consultant: West Fork Environmental (Heidy Barnett)
1.0 Study Purpose
A Mazama pocket gopher (MPG) study was requested to support permitting. On June 16, July 17, and
August 17, 2023, West Fork Environmental conducted a survey to detect activity of MPG on parcel
22719342700 (1.32 acres) in Yelm, Washington (Figure 1).
2.0 Methods
2.1 MPG Method and Soil Type
Survey methods followed the City of Yelm MPG detection protocol and survey guidance provided by
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS April 2018). The soil types on the parcel was Nisqually
loamy fine sand, 3 to 15% slopes (more preferred by MPG) based on the data obtained from Thurston
County GeoData (Figure 1, Table 2). The WDFW PHS database did not show MPG detections within 600
feet of the parcel (Figure 4). The USFWS survey guidance recommended three site visits be performed
on this parcel due to presence of more preferred MPG soils.
The parcel is an undeveloped lot along East
Yelm Avenue. There is a carwash to the west
and a bank on the property to the east. The
front portion of the parcel is highly disturbed
and was a home site until about 2015. The
remainder of the property is grassland that
was likely used as pasture.
During the survey West Fork Environmental
staff surveyed the entire parcel following the
methods described under the USFWS
recommended MPG survey protocol (Figure
2 and 3).
3.0 Results
3.1 Mazama Pocket Gopher
During the surveys, no MPG mounds were identified on the parcel (see datasheets). No mole mounds
were observed either. A few indeterminant mounds were tallied on the second survey but appear to
have been caused by mowing.
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3.2 Vegetation Review
The parcel contains disturbed vegetative conditions. The home foundation was removed and weedy
species have recolonized the area. Plant species observed on the property include:
Table 1. Plant species observed on the parcel.
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Bitter cherry Prunus emarginata Common dandelion Taraxacum officinale
Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare
Indian plum Oemleria cerasiformis Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare
Oregon grape Mahonia nervosa Herb Robert Geranium robertum
Serviceberry Amelanchier alnifolia Canada goldenrod Solidago canadensis
Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Scots broom Cytisus scoparius Morning glory Convolvulus arvensis
Queen Anne’s Lace Daucus carota Catsear Hypochaeris radicata
Orchard grass Dactylis glomerata Red clover Trifolium pratense
Tall oatgrass Arrhenatherum elatius Ribwort Plantago lanceolata
Velvet grass Holcus lanatus Canada thistle Cirsium arvense
Colonial bentgrass Agrostis capillaris
Sweet vernal grass Anthoxanthum odoratum
4.0 Conclusions
No MPG mounds were observed on the parcel during the study. 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. 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, MPG datasheets
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Site Photos
Representative conditions on the property.
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Table 2. Pocket gopher and prairie soil list requiring survey. A study is required if the parcel is within 300
feet of these soil types. Soils within 300 feet of the subject parcel are highlighted below.
SCS_Code Soil Type Gopher Review Prairie Review
1 Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3% slopes Less preferred
2 Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes Less preferred
5 Baldhill very stony sandy loam, 0 to 3% slopes X
6 Baldhill very stony sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes X
7 Baldhill very stony sandy loam, 15 to 30% slopes X
8 Baldhill very stony sandy loam, 30 to 50% slopes X
20 Cagey loamy sand More preferred X
32 Everett very gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3% slopes Less preferred X
33 Everett very gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes Less preferred X
42 Grove very gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes X
46 Indianola loamy sand, 0 to 3% slopes More preferred X
47 Indianola loamy sand, 3 to 15% slopes Less preferred X
51 Kapowsin silt loam, 3 to 15% slopes Less preferred
65 McKenna gravelly silt loam, 0 to 5% slopes Less preferred
73 Nisqually loamy fine sand, 0 to 3% slopes More preferred X
74 Nisqually loamy fine sand, 3 to 15% slopes More preferred X
75 Norma fine sandy loam Less preferred
76 Norma silt loam Less preferred
109 Spana gravelly loam Less preferred X
114 Spanaway-Nisqually complex, 2 to 10% slopes More preferred X
110 Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3% slopes More preferred X
111 Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes More preferred X
112 Spanaway stony sandy loam, 0 to 3% slopes Less preferred X
113 Spanaway stony sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes Less preferred X
126 Yelm fine sandy loam, 0 to 3% slopes Less preferred
127 Yelm fine sandy loam, 3 to 15% slopes Less preferred
117 Tenino gravelly loam, 3 to 15% slopes X
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Figure 1. Parcel location and soil types with June 16, 2023 survey tracks.
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Figure 2. Survey tracks from July 17, 2023.
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Figure 3. Survey tracks from August 17, 2023.
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Figure 4. Results of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitats and Species database
report (areas withing 600 feet of the parcel).
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Datasheets
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