07-0400 WDFW Comment Ltr 051208
May 12, 2008
City of Yelm
Community Development Department
Attention: Nisha Box
PO Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
Dear Ms. Box
SUBJECT: Hidden Lake State Environmental Policy Act Review Comments; Land Use Case No. SUB-07-0400-YL; Tax Parcel No. 22719210403; Thurston County, Washington, WRIA 11.0000
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) appreciates this opportunity to provide comments and suggestions regarding the Hidden Lake Project within the city limits
of Yelm, Thurston County. The legal description is NE¼ of the NW¼ Section 19, Township 17 North, Range 2 East.
Based on the Notice of Application and reviewing Thurston (County) Geodata Center, the presence of wetland / pond habitat exists on this parcel. WDFW requests that a wetland analysis
be completed for environmental review by local and state jurisdictions.
While it appears (based upon review of aerial photos and natural resource maps) that there are no streams or fish habitat concerns regarding this proposed development, WDFW encourages
the applicant to verify the potential of stream flow connection to Yelm Creek and potential of fish use within the project area.
WDFW shall need to review the storm drainage and wetland delineation reports to verify if state regulations regarding natural drainage flow deemed “waters of the state” (WAC 222-16-030,
water typing system) would apply.
WDFW wishes to comment on potential habitat impacts to the Mazama Pocket Gopher (sp. Thomomys mazama).
Mazama Pocket Gopher are considered a priority species under the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat and Species program and currently
Ms. Box, City of Yelm
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listed as State Threatened due to population declines and elimination of prairie habitat by development and other land uses.
The location of the subject property has been identified as having prairie soils indicative of Mazama Pocket Gopher habitat. Therefore, WDFW will perform a field survey of the subject
property for Mazama Pocket Gopher mounds.
Should the property in question contain these mounds a Habitat Management Plan (Plan) will be drafted and submitted to the City of Yelm for review with the development proponent. The
Plan will contain a map depicting the location of gopher mounds and the identified area proposed as set aside acreage for habitat conservation.
As the Area Habitat Biologist for Thurston County, I will be the point of contact to answer any questions or concerns regarding protection for the Mazama Pocket Gopher and the management
of their habitat.
For further consultation, I can be reached at 360-902-2579 or kunzjpk@dfw.wa.gov.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide these comments.
Sincerely,
Jason P. Kunz
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Program