Technical Review and Analysis

Date: December 21, 2020

Subject: Technical Review and Analysis of Proposed Revision to Shoreline Jurisdiction City of Vancouver Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review

From: Brian Carrico, WSP USA

To: Rebecca Kennedy, City of Vancouver

Route To: Matt Harding, Port of Vancouver USA

INTRODUCTION The City of Vancouver (City) is undertaking a periodic review of the City’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) as required by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA).1 The purpose of periodic review is to ensure the SMP (1) stays current with changes in laws and rules, (2) remains consistent with other city plans and development regulations, and (3) is responsive to changed circumstances, new information, and improved data. For amendments proposed under (3), the City must complete a review and analysis of the changed circumstances, new information, and/or improved data to support the amendments.2

As part of their review, the City is considering a modification to the definition of “shorelands” in Section 2.1 of the SMP in order to address one of the primary issues that emerged from ongoing stakeholder coordination with the Port of Vancouver. Outside of certain shorelines along the Columbia River where the standard shoreline jurisdiction3 already applies, the proposed revision would change the jurisdiction for High and Medium Intensity shoreline environment designations (SEDs), which are intended to support some level of development, to the standard jurisdiction. The revisions would maintain shoreline jurisdiction as the full extent of the 100-year floodplain within the SEDs that are intended for conservancy. The modification is described in the following section and is intended to strike a balance between accommodating primarily

1 The Shoreline Management Act of 1971, Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 90.58, and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 173-26, as amended. 2 WAC 173-26-090(3)(b)(iii) 3 RCW 90.58.0303(2)(d) "Shorelands" or "shoreland areas" means those lands extending landward for two hundred feet in all directions as measured on a horizontal plane from the ordinary high water mark; floodways and contiguous floodplain areas landward two hundred feet from such floodways; and all wetlands and river deltas associated with the streams, lakes, and tidal waters which are subject to the provisions of this chapter; the same to be designated as to location by the department of ecology.

WSP USA Suite 300 210 East 13th Street Vancouver, WA 98660-3231 +1 360-823-6100 WSP.com MEMO: Revisions to Shoreline Jurisdiction December 14, 2020 Page 2

developed shorelines (and the reasonable use of those properties) with the protection of natural resources and large expanses of relatively undeveloped floodplain.

This memorandum summarizes the technical review and analysis conducted to evaluate the City’s proposed amendment to the definition and applicability of “shorelands” against the foundational documents of the 2012 comprehensive update in order to verify they are not in conflict and to identify any implications.

APPROACH AND APPLICABLE REGULATIONS The SMA applies to “shorelands” or “shoreland areas” which are defined as including lands extending 200 feet from the ordinary highway water mark, floodways and contiguous floodplain areas 200 feet from floodways as well as associated wetlands.4 The definition further allows counties and cities to expand the definition to include the full extent of the 100-year floodplain. Through the adoption of its current SMP, the City elected to include this expanded jurisdiction with the exception of lands along the Columbia River from Wintler Park downstream to the eastern boundary of the Port of Vancouver (Port) Parcel 3 property.

Under the current proposal, the shoreline jurisdiction for SEDs that are intended for conservation of the shoreline (Natural, Urban Conservancy, Rural Conservancy Residential, and Rural Conservancy Resource Lands) would not change from the full extent of the 100-year floodplain. For SEDs intended to support higher levels of development (High Intensity and Medium Intensity) and on those parcels along the Columbia River from the eastern boundary of Wintler Park to the Vancouver Lake Flushing Channel, the standard shoreline jurisdiction would apply.

This approach is supported by the Washington Department of Ecology’s guidance for shoreline jurisdiction, as identified in the Shoreline Master Programs Handbook.5 Per the handbook, local governments may opt to include all or part of the floodplain in shoreline jurisdiction and should consider the larger context when making this decision (for example, existing floodplain protections in the critical areas ordinance (VMC 20.740), how far the floodplains extend from the shoreline, etc.).

The proposed revision would require a text amendment to SMP Section 2.1(1)6 where the shoreline jurisdiction is specified and corresponding changes to the Shoreline Designation Map. The text and map changes for this proposed amendment can be reviewed on the City’s SMP Periodic Review project website.

4 RCW 90.58.030(2)(d) 5 Washington Department of Ecology. Shoreline Master Programs Handbook. August 2009. Publication No. 11-06- 010. Accessed on February 17, 2020 at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/1106010.html 6 City of Vancouver SMP at page 2-1 MEMO: Revisions to Shoreline Jurisdiction December 14, 2020 Page 3

Applicable Regulations According to WAC 173-26-090, local governments conducting periodic review should consider whether to incorporate any amendments needed to reflect changed circumstances, new information, or improved data. Local governments should also consider whether the significance of these items warrants amendments.7 RCW 90.58.030(2)(d) defines the extent of shoreline jurisdiction. By the nature of its construction, the definition leaves it fully up to the local jurisdiction to expand the extent of shoreline jurisdiction to include some or all of the 100-year floodplain so long as the minimum jurisdiction is met, and does not have criteria to include these areas (or remove them).

WAC 173-26-110 identifies the submittal requirements for SMP updates. These include amended SED map(s), showing both existing and proposed designations, together with corresponding boundaries described in text for each change of SED. A jurisdiction must also provide written justification for the proposed changes in SED based on existing development patterns, the biophysical capabilities and limitations of the shoreline being considered, and the goals and aspirations of the local citizenry as reflected in the locally adopted comprehensive land use plan. The City’s proposed amendment applies only to the definition of “shorelands” and where shoreline jurisdiction is applied, and does not propose to change any existing shoreline environment designations (e.g. from one designation to another).

AFFECTED AREAS The proposed modifications would only take place within city limits and would not apply to shoreline areas in the Urban Growth Area (UGA). The approximate shoreline areas where these changes would occur are shown on the attached figures (Attachment A). As shown, the jurisdiction changes would occur to shorelines of the state associated with the Columbia River and Burnt Bridge Creek. While changes would occur to shoreline areas south of Vancouver Lake, these areas are associated with the Columbia River and not the lake. Consistent with Section 2.1.2 of the SMP, the actual extent of shoreline jurisdiction on a given site will be based on site specific survey information.

Approximately 682 acres (35 acres Medium Intensity, 647 acres High Intensity) would be removed from shoreline jurisdiction, spread across 895 parcels. The vast majority of the lands affected by this are located at the Port of Vancouver or along Fruit Valley Road and are designated and zoned as Heavy Industrial and Light Industrial. The remaining areas along Burnt Bridge Creek include lands designated as Urban Medium Residential and zoned Higher-Density Residential District and Light Industrial. For any areas removed from shoreline jurisdiction, future development activities would still be subject to applicable critical areas requirements (including those applicable to floodplains) and the development regulations of the underlying zoning designation.

7 WAC 173-26-090 section (3)(b)(iii) MEMO: Revisions to Shoreline Jurisdiction December 14, 2020 Page 4

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Several foundational documents were prepared to support the 2012 comprehensive update of the SMP including the Inventory & Characterization Report (ESA Adolfson et al., 2010) and the Restoration Plan (ESA Adolfson et al., 2011). These reports were prepared by the Clark County Coalition, which included the City of Vancouver and several other cities in southwest Washington.

These documents were reviewed to understand how the proposed changes to shoreline jurisdiction would align with their findings. The evaluation determined that the proposed changes would not conflict with these foundational documents.

Inventory and Characterization Report The purpose of an Inventory and Characterization Report is to establish the baseline against which the standard “no net loss of shoreline ecological functions” is measured. The previously prepared Inventory and Characterization Report was reviewed to determine if there are any changes to shoreline conditions that should be considered in light of the proposed revisions.

The Inventory and Characterization Report divided shoreline waterbodies into reaches and subreaches. The reaches are intended to capture the ecological form and function of different sections of the waterbodies, including hydrogeomorphic conditions and biophysical criteria. The reach breaks provide a mechanism for identifying and applying the appropriate SED. A map of the reach breaks used in the Inventory and Characterization Report8 and the complete physical and biological characterizations of the affected waterbodies9 are provided as attachments.

If any restoration opportunities have been identified for these reaches, they are discussed in the following section.

8 Inventory and Characterization Report, Volume 2 – Vancouver MapFolio, Map 2 - SMP Update Reach Breaks 9 Inventory & Characterization Report, Volume 2, Chapter 5, Tables 5-42 to 5-45 MEMO: Revisions to Shoreline Jurisdiction December 14, 2020 Page 5

Lower Columbia River – Reach Assessment The lower Columbia River has been divided into five reaches, with the Vancouver city limits under Reach 2 (sub-reach 2e) and Reach 3 (sub-reach 3a). Most of the areas removed from shoreline jurisdiction are port properties. Reach 2 includes the shoreline areas south of Vancouver Lake. Table 1 shows the results of the reach assessment for these sections of the lower Columbia River.

Table 1 – 2012 Reach Assessment for the Lower Columbia River Reach Number, Use Descriptions Modifications Riparian Zones Restoration Location, and Opportunities Length COLU_RV_02e Mobile home – 21 mapped Poor quality. Pasture Proposed mitigation From northern 30% docks/piers or impervious bank site on property city limits to Vacant – 41% Conversion to surfaces owned by the Port of Vancouver. MTC Railroad Single-family agricultural and spur residential – 9% industrial lands Stormwater upgrades. 5.7 miles Roadways and Remediate railways contaminated sites. Hard armoring Install vegetation conservation strips. Soft shore armoring. Wetland enhancements. Removal of invasives. Develop BMPs for agricultural uses. Upgrade docks to decrease shade impacts. COLU_RV_03a Multi-family 6 bridges cross the Poor quality. Wetland enhancements. From MTC Residential – 52% river Vegetation sparse Soft shore armoring. Railroad spur to Public Facility – Roadway and except at parks Install vegetation eastern city 10% railway parallel conservation strips. limits majority of Vacant – 8% Remove invasives. 11.7 miles shoreline Stormwater upgrades. 51 mapped docks/piers Remediate contaminated sites. Steamboat Landing Marina has 153 Upgrade docks to slips (uncovered decrease shade impacts. moorage) Hard armoring MEMO: Revisions to Shoreline Jurisdiction December 14, 2020 Page 6

Burnt Bridge Creek – Reach Assessment Areas removed from shoreline jurisdiction would be located along Reach 1 (sub-reach 1e) and Reach 2. Changes to sub-reach 1e and Reach 2 would occur in areas designated Medium Intensity. Table 3 shows the results of the reach assessment for sub-reach 1d and Reach 2 of Burnt Bridge Creek.

Table 3 – 2012 Reach Assessment for Burnt Bridge Creek Reach Number, Use Modifications Riparian Zones Restoration Opportunities Location, and Descriptions Length BURN_CR_01e Mobile home 79% mapped Moderate to Invasive species control and SR-500 to 18th – 94% impervious surface poor quality. removal. Restore forested Street Bridges cross the Trees and shrubs riparian zone. along stream. 1.3 miles stream at SR 500. Require LID standards to Stream passes Narrow strip of reduce stormwater runoff. vegetation in through culvert at Upgrade culver/bridge some places. NE 4th Plain Blvd crossings where needed BURN_CR_02 Multi-family 58% mapped Poor quality. Implement appropriate 18th Street to residential – impervious surface Limited trees and stormwater pond maintenance 20cfs point 19% Channelized shrubs, mostly procedures. grass. generally at Vacant – 55% Stormwater pond Upgrade culvert/bridge Andresen crossings where needed Commercial – Three roadways 1.1 miles 8% cross stream. Wetland enhancements Require LID standards to reduce stormwater runoff. Restore forested riparian zone. MEMO: Revisions to Shoreline Jurisdiction December 14, 2020 Page 7

Restoration Plan The purpose of a Restoration Plan is to identify and prioritize shoreline restoration opportunities that may be undertaken independently or in conjunction with mitigation for development impacts to improve shoreline ecological functions over time.10 The previously prepared Restoration Plan was reviewed to determine if the proposed change to shoreline jurisdiction would align with the Restoration Plan.

It should be noted that the Restoration Plan uses the minimum definition of shorelands (RCW Chapter 90.58), limiting floodplain inclusion to “contiguous floodplain areas landward 200 feet from such floodways” as opposed to the full extent of the floodplain.11 In general, the revised jurisdiction would not affect restoration goals or opportunities as floodplains, wetlands, and riparian areas would still be protected under the City’s critical areas ordinance.

The Restoration Plan identifies seven “restoration priorities” for the entire county, which include “Protect floodplains from modification that would impair hydrologic functions or habitat” and “Restore floodplain functions that have been degraded or damaged, where feasible, to improve hydrologic functions or habitat.”12 The revised jurisdiction would not impact these priorities as floodplains and riparian habitat would still be protected under the critical areas ordinance.

Another restoration priority is to “Protect and restore important habitats for key salmonid species and support regional efforts for salmonid recovery. This includes protection and restoration for Tier 1 and 2 streams as identified by EDT modeling.” None of the jurisdiction changes would occur along a waterbody reach identified as Tier 1 or 2 by the EDT modeling.13

Appendix D - WRIA 28 Restoration Opportunities was reviewed to identify whether the revised jurisdiction would impact any of the “programmatic” or “site-specific” restoration opportunities identified in the Restoration Plan. The plan includes a list of general programmatic goals that apply to multiple reaches, two of which are specific to floodplains: “Restore stream connectivity to off-channel and floodplain habitats” (Measure ID H-1) and “Protect remaining floodplains” (Measure ID H-6).14 The revised jurisdiction would not affect these measures as floodplains would still be protected under the critical areas ordinance and there would be no changes to the SEDs intended for conservancy. Restoration opportunities along the affected waterbodies are discussed below.

Columbia River Restoration Opportunities Programmatic restoration opportunities identified for the lower Columbia River include general restoration goals, such as protecting off-channel habitat, riparian areas, and water quality. The

10 WAC 173-26-201 section (2)(f) 11 Restoration Plan, p 10-4 12 Restoration Plan, p. 4-7 13 Restoration Plan, Figure 4-2 Ecology Watershed Characterization Results with EDT Reach Tier Results, p. 4-5 14 Restoration Plan, Appendix D - WRIA 28 Restoration Opportunities, Table D-1 MEMO: Revisions to Shoreline Jurisdiction December 14, 2020 Page 8

only site-specific restoration opportunity that relates to floodplains is “Protect floodplain areas and associated wetlands”. The proposed revisions to jurisdiction would not contradict the restoration goals and opportunities for the Columbia River as floodplains would remain under the protection of the critical areas ordinance.

Burnt Bridge Creek Restoration Opportunities Programmatic restoration opportunities related to floodplains along Burnt Bridge Creek include measures H-1 and H-6, which would not be affected as floodplains will remain under the protections of the critical areas ordinance. Site-specific opportunities along Reach 1 and Reach 2 occur in shoreline areas designated Urban Conservancy and would not be affected by the proposed changes. SUMMARY AND NEXT STEPS This memorandum summarizes the technical analysis of the proposed changes to shoreline jurisdiction in the High Intensity and Medium Intensity designations. The technical analysis was done in compliance with WAC 173-26-090(3), which requires the City to complete a review and analysis to determine the need for any proposed amendments during periodic review of their SMP.

The analysis found that the proposed changes would not conflict with the foundational documents prepared for the 2012 SMP (Restoration Plan and Inventory and Characterization Report). The modifications are consistent with the SMA as they would strike a balance between accommodating development on shorelines designated for medium or high intensity uses with the protection of natural shorelines. No adverse impacts were identified during the technical analysis.

The City’s proposed changes and supporting technical analysis will be reviewed by stakeholders (including shoreline property owners, community-based organizations, and state agencies) during the public review period. Comments, suggestions, and revisions will be incorporated or responded to in supporting documentation required as part of the periodic review process. The legislative approval process will also include review and approval by the Planning Commission, City Council, and Ecology.

Attachments

Attachment A: Figures of Proposed SMP Map Changes (East and West) Attachment B: SMP Reach Breaks Attachment C: Physical and Biological Characterization ATTACHMENT A: FIGURES OF PROPOSED SMP MAP CHANGES (EAST AND WEST) NW 209th St

Campbell Lake NW 199th St NE 199th St NW Krieger Rd NW 196th St

NE Delfel Rd

NW 192nd St

NE 10th Ave Whipple

Creek Whipple Creek

Guiles NE 50th Ave Lake NW 179th St Mill

NW 41st Ave NE 179th St Post Creek Office Lake

Green Lake Ave11th NW Lake River NE 29th Ave NE 15th Ave

NE Union Rd Mill Creek NE 159th St

Round NW Seward Rd NW 151st St Lake Curtis Lake NE Salmon Creek St NW 149th St NE 149th St NE 64th Ave

NW Bliss Rd 72ndNE Ave Salmon Creek Lake River

NW 21st Ave

NE 20th Ave

NE 10th Ave NW 139th St NE 139th St NE Tenney Rd NE 139th St NE Salmon Creek Ave Salmon Creek NE 134th St

NW 36th Ave Salmon Creek

NW 119th St Klineline NE 119th St NE 117th St Pond

NE 50th Ave

I-205

NW Lakeshore Ave NW 16th Ave Vancouver UGA

I-5

Matthews Slough Ave11th NW Buckmire NW 99th St Slough NW 21st Ave NE 99th St

NW 93rd St NW 94th St

NE 88th St NE Highway 99

Valley Rd NW Fruit

NW 9thAve

Washington NE 25th Ave

NE Padden Pkwy Vancouver NW 78th St NW Sluman Rd NE 13th Ave

Lake NE 78th St NE Hazel Dell Ave Dell Hazel NE

Ave NE Saint Johns Rd

NW Anderson NW NW 68th St NE 68th St

NEAndresen Rd

Flushing NE 58th Ave NE 63rd St NE Minnehaha St

Ave

Channel NE 17th NE 63rd St

NE 58th St NE 72nd Ave

NE 56th St Ave

NE Saint James Rd NE 54th St NE 57th NE Ross St

NW Fruit Valley Rd Valley Fruit NW NE Vancouver Mall Dr

NE 56th Ave NE 47th St

NE 40th Ave

Oregon NE 66th Ave NE 44th St

NE 15th Ave Burnt Bridge Creek NE 42nd St W 39th St E 39th St NE 40th St

NE 42nd Ave

Willamette NE 54th Ave River SR-500 E 33rd St

Mall Dr NE Auto

FruitValley Rd Falk Rd W Fourth Plain Blvd W Fourth Plain Blvd NE Fourth Plain Blvd Saint Johns Blvd NE 25th St W 26thAve Main St E Fourth Plain Blvd

E 20th St Stapleton NE Rd E McLoughlin Blvd NE 18th St

Columbia St Ave W 16th St E 18th St

Thompson

Grand Blvd

Broadway St

Franklin St

C St

Port Way W 8th St Washington St E Mill Plain Blvd W 6th St E Evergreen Blvd

Grant St Vancouver MacArthur Blvd AndresenN Rd Bybee Lake SE Columbia Way N Blandford Dr Columbia Columbia House Blvd SE Shorewood Dr House Blvd SR-14

SE Evergreen S Andresen Rd Smith Lake Hwy Columbia Slough Force Lake Columbia Mud Slough River

Legend County Boundary 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles City Limits Proposed Changes to Shoreline Map (West) Urban Growth Areas City of Vancouver, Washington High Intensity Areas Removed This¯ product and information shown is provided "AS IS" and for informational purposes and the City of Vancouver (COV) makes no January 2021 Draft Medium Intensity Areas Removed warranties regarding the accuracy of such data. This product and Data Sources: Clark County, 2009, 2011; DNR, 2007; information is not prepared, nor is suitable, for legal, engineering, or City of Vancouver, 2020 surveying purposes. Any sale, reproduction or distribution of this Areas with no Change information, or products derived therefrom, in any format is expressly prohibited. Data provided by multiple sources. Data are subject to USFWS National Wildlife Refuges** change without notice. ©2020 COV

M:\GIS\Departments\Public Works\Storm\SMP Mapping Update\Maps\SMPProposedChangesEW.mxd NE Baker Creek Rd NE 169th St NE 169th St Mill

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NE Caples Rd NE 164th St

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NE 99th St NE Saint Johns Rd NE 99th St NE Ward Rd

NE 88th St NE 88th St Vancouver UGA NE 88th St Fifth Plain Creek NE Padden Pkwy NE 94th Ave NE Padden Pkwy

To 55th 130thNE Ave NE 83rd St Ave NB NE 78th St NE 78th St NE 76th St NE Meadows Dr NE 107th Ave NE 182ndNE Ave

NE Covington Rd NE Ward Rd

NE Fourth Plain Blvd NE 217th Ave

NE 137th Ave NE 58th Ave NE 65th St NE 68th St NE 63rd St

NE 72nd Ave NE Rosewood Ave NE 58th St NE Gher Rd

Ave

NE 102nd Ave

NE 57th Ave

NE 121st Ave Lacamas Creek NE 82nd NE NE Vancouver NE 122nd

NE AndresenNE Rd Mall Dr NE Thurston Way

Ave

NE 56th Ave NE 47th St NE 49th St SR-500 I-205 NE 49th St NE 48th St

NE Poplar St NE 199th Ave

NE 66th Ave NE 42nd St

NE Vancouver NE 137th NE 40th St Plaza Dr

Ave NE 39th St NE 54th Ave NE Ingle Rd

NE 137th Ave Tug Lake Mall Dr NE Auto

NE 162nd Ave

Ave

NE 138th NE 28th St NE 25th St Warman NE 28th St NE Burton Rd Lake

NE 86th Ave

NE 112th AveNE 112th

NE Stapleton NE Rd NE 18th St E 18th St Ave

NE 98th NE 138th Ave NE 18th St Burnt Bridge Creek NE GoodwinLacamas Rd Creek

Vancouver NE 172nd Ave NE 13th St

E Mill Plain Blvd

NAndresen Rd

NE 87thNE Ave

MacArthur Blvd 97thNE Ave

NE 164th NE Chkalov Dr

Ave NE 192nd Ave

NE 136th Ave

SE 98th Ave SE 2nd St

NW Friberg-Strunk St SE Chkalov Dr SE 1st St

N Lieser Rd NW Lake Rd E Evergreen Blvd SE Mill Plain Blvd Saint Helens Ave

SE 10th St SE 172nd Ave

S LieserS Rd

SE 136th Ave136th SE

SE McGillivray Blvd SE Bybee Rd

Ave SE 15th St

SE 88th

SE Ellsworth Rd

SE 20th St NW 38th Ave

NW Parker St SE Village Loop

SR-14

SE 164th Ave Biddle Lake SE 192nd Ave SE Evergreen Hwy Washington SE 34th St NW Pacific Rim Blvd Oregon

SE Columbia Columbia Palisades Dr River

SE Brady Rd NW Brady Rd NW McIntosh Rd

SW 6th Ave

Legend County Boundary 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles City Limits Proposed Changes to Shoreline Map (East) Urban Growth Areas City of Vancouver, Washington High Intensity Areas Removed This¯ product and information shown is provided "AS IS" and for informational purposes and the City of Vancouver (COV) makes no January 2021 Draft Medium Intensity Areas Removed warranties regarding the accuracy of such data. This product and Data Sources: Clark County, 2009, 2011; DNR, 2007; information is not prepared, nor is suitable, for legal, engineering, or City of Vancouver, 2020 surveying purposes. Any sale, reproduction or distribution of this Areas with no Change information, or products derived therefrom, in any format is expressly prohibited. Data provided by multiple sources. Data are subject to USFWS National Wildlife Refuges** change without notice. ©2020 COV

M:\GIS\Departments\Public Works\Storm\SMP Mapping Update\Maps\SMPProposedChangesEW.mxd ATTACHMENT B: SMP REACH BREAKS

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N VANC_LK_02 E NE 88TH ST UNNA_LK_02c N VANC_LK_01 COLU_RV_02d KW N P NW DE 78TH ST PAD NE UNNA_LK_02a UNNA_LK_02 VANC_LK_01a BURN_CR_01

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I E MCLOUGHLIN BLV

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M E MILL PLAIN BLV R D D Legend: SMP Update Reach Breaks R O F D City Limits N Burnt Bridge Creek Mill Creek Unnamed Lake A E L EV Urban Growth Areas B E BURN_CR_01 MILL_CR_01 UNNA_LK_02 COLU_RV_03 N RG RE BURN_CR_02 Salmon Creek Vancouver Lake County Boundary EN COLU_RV_03a ?£ B LV Major Roads Ha Columbia River SALM_CR_01 VANC_LK_01 yd en I COLU_RV_02 SALM_CR_02 VANC_LK_02 sla nd COLU_RV_03 This map is intended for planning purposes only. The map illustrates the areas under study and discussion for inclusion In each jurisdiction’s update of their Shoreline Master Lake River Program. The SMP Update Study Area depicts the approximate location and extent of "shorelines of the state" and includes the following elements: the ordinary high water LAKE_RV_02 mark (OHWM), a 200' buffer of the OHWM, the existing and proposed regulated FEMA floodplain and associated wetlands. The actual extent of the shoreline jurisdiction will require a site-specific evaluation to identify the OHWM and any associated wetlands.

SMA Grant Agreement No. G1000058 Task 2.10 Map 2 Coordinate System: State Plane NAD1983 (ft) City of Vancouver (West) - Washington South FIPS 4602 ¯ Proposed SMP Study Area NOTE: Map data shown here are the property of the sources listed below. Inaccuracies 0 0.50.25 may exist, and ESA Adolfson implies no warranties or guarantees regarding any aspect of data depiction. Miles SOURCE: Clark County, 2008; DNR, 2007.

G:\ENVIR IMPACTS\2009 Projects\209275_ClarkCoSMP\05_Graphics_GIS_Modeling\GIS\Working Maps\Vancouver\02W_Vancouver_Proposed.mxd (DLP; 05/14/2010) E

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D D PA N FIPL_CR_01d NE NE 78TH ST D N R 2

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bi E a VER Riv GR S er EEN HW Y CAMAS SE 34TH ST

Legend: SMP Update Reach Breaks Burnt Bridge Creek Lacamas Lake Salmon Creek County Boundary ?£ BURN_CR_01 LACA_CR_02 SALM_CR_01 Major Roads BURN_CR_02 LACA_CR_03 SALM_CR_02 Stream Columbia River Mill Creek City Limits COLU_RV_03 COLU_RV_03 MILL_CR_01 Urban Growth Areas Curtin Creek Gov This map is intended for planning purposes only. The map illustrates the areas under study ernm COLU_RV_03b and discussion for inclusion In each jurisdiction’s update of their Shoreline Master ent CURT_CR_01 Islan Program. The SMP Update Study Area depicts the approximate location and extent of d Sta COLU_RV_03c "shorelines of the state" and includes the following elements: the ordinary high water te Pa Fifth Plain Creek mark (OHWM), a 200' buffer of the OHWM, the existing and proposed regulated FEMA rk floodplain and associated wetlands. The actual extent of the shoreline jurisdiction will FIPL_CR_01 require a site-specific evaluation to identify the OHWM and any associated wetlands.

SMA Grant Agreement No. G1000058 Map 2 Task 2.10 Coordinate System: State Plane NAD1983 (ft) City of Vancouver (East) - Washington South FIPS 4602 ¯ Proposed SMP Study Area NOTE: Map data shown here are the property of the sources listed below. Inaccuracies 0 0.50.25 may exist, and ESA Adolfson implies no warranties or guarantees SOURCE: Clark County, 2008; DNR, 2007. regarding any aspect of data depiction. Miles

G:\ENVIR IMPACTS\2009 Projects\209275_ClarkCoSMP\05_Graphics_GIS_Modeling\GIS\Working Maps\Vancouver\Vancouver_Proposed.mxd (DLP; 06/22/2010) ATTACHMENT C: PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION

Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

5.1 Physical and Biological Characterization

5.1.1 Columbia River

5.1.1.1 Drainage Basin, Tributary Streams and Associated Wetlands

The Columbia River is the fourth-largest river by volume in North America. It flows approximately 1,200 miles from its headwaters at Columbia Lake in British Columbia to its mouth on the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon (USGS, 2009; NWPCC, undated). The river forms most of the boundary between Washington and Oregon. Despite its distance from the Pacific Ocean, the portion of the river within Clark County still experiences tidal influence. During tidal cycles, the level of the Columbia River at Vancouver fluctuates by up to three feet (Wade, 2001). Lake River and Salmon Creek are two of several major tributaries that join the Columbia River. Vancouver is the largest city located along the Washington shorelines of the Columbia River.

The size of the Columbia River shoreline planning area within Vancouver and its UGA is 6,468 acres (including the river itself). Six sub-reaches along the Columbia River are located within Vancouver; these sub-reaches are shown on Map 2.

Wetland areas within the Vancouver sub-reaches that have been mapped by Clark County are shown in Table 5-2 below and on Map 4.

Table 5-2. Wetland Areas within Columbia River Sub-reaches

Sub-reach Wetland Area (ac)

COLU_RV_02b 127

COLU_RV_02c 55

COLU_RV_02d 11

COLU_RV_02e 1,048

COLU_RV_03a 127

COLU_RV_03b 5

5.1.1.2 Process and Channel Modifications

The lower Columbia River within WRIA 28 has been extensively modified. Some of the process and channel modifications include:

• Numerous dams along the Columbia River and its tributaries that affect flow and flooding; • Levees that reduce historical floodplain width and channel migration; • Bridges and marinas that require bank stabilization;

5-2 June 2010 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

• Fill and bank armoring; • Pilings, artificial jetties, and dikes; • Conversion of forested land to impervious surfaces for urban development and agriculture; and • Sediment removal to maintain deep shipping channels.

Since the 1930s, the natural flow regime of the Columbia River has been modified by numerous hydroelectric dams on the mainstem of the river and its tributaries. River flows have been altered substantially by the 21 dams built on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, as well as numerous dams built on tributaries to these rivers (Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, 2004).

5.1.1.3 Geologic and Flood Hazard Areas

Historically, extensive flooding and channel migration occurred along the lower Columbia River. Flooding is now controlled partially by the Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day dams, as well as levees along the Columbia River. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has prepared Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that include the floodplain associated with the one percent chance flood event along the Columbia River (FEMA, 2007).

The Columbia River flows over a wide range of terrain. Seismic and flood hazards (Map 6c) exist for much of the length of the lower Columbia River. Areas of soil erosion (Map 6b) and landslide hazard (Map 6a) are mapped within portions of the shoreline planning area of the Columbia River. Earthquake hazard areas are mapped throughout the Columbia River shoreline planning area.

5.1.1.4 Critical or Priority Habitat and Species Use

The lower Columbia River supports a number of anadromous salmonids as shown in Table 5-3.

June 2010 5-3 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

Table 5-3. Listed Fish Species Documented for the Lower Columbia River

Designated Critical Common Scientific Federal Habitat Population * Habitat in Name Name Status Use the Study Area? Salvelinus Bull trout Lower Columbia River T No Migratory confluentus Migratory / Lower Columbia River T Yes rearing Upper Columbia River, Migratory / E Yes spring-run rearing Chinook Oncorhynchus Migratory / salmon tshawytscha Upper Willamette River T Yes rearing Snake River, Migratory / spring/summer and fall T Yes rearing runs Oncorhynchus Migratory / Chum salmon Columbia River T Yes keta rearing Oncorhynchus Migratory / Coho salmon Lower Columbia River T No kistuch rearing Sockeye Oncorhynchus Migratory / Snake River E Yes salmon nerka rearing Migratory / Lower Columbia River T Yes rearing Migratory / Middle Columbia River T Yes rearing Oncorhynchus Migratory / Steelhead Upper Columbia River E Yes mykiss rearing Migratory / Upper Willamette River T Yes rearing Migratory / Snake River Basin T Yes rearing * Evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) or distinct population segment (DPS).

Anadromous salmonids that use the lower Columbia River include: summer and winter steelhead; summer, fall, and spring-run Chinook; coho salmon; fall chum salmon; and sockeye salmon (Map 5). As shown in Table 5-3, several of these salmonid populations are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (70 FR 52630).

The primary use of the lower Columbia River by anadromous salmonids is for migration and rearing; however, chum salmon are known to spawn in the reach of the Columbia River near the I-205 Bridge (WDFW, 2009a; WDFW, 2009b).

The Columbia River within Clark County is designated critical habitat for all of the listed anadromous salmonid populations identified above (70 FR 52630: Table 5-3). The Columbia

5-4 June 2010 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

River contains no designated critical habitat for bull trout (70 FR 56211). Critical habitat for the Lower Columbia River (LCR) coho salmon evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) has not been designated at this time and is currently under review.

Other priority habitats and species associated with the Columbia River include waterfowl wintering areas, wetlands, oak woodlands, urban natural open spaces, blue heron and sandhill crane nesting areas, concentrations of purple martins, and waterfowl concentrations (Map 5).

The WDNR Natural Heritage Program has identified western ladies-tresses (State Sensitive) within the City of Vancouver Columbia River shoreline planning area (WDNR, 2008).

5.1.1.5 Instream and Riparian Habitats

The construction of upstream hydropower dams has reduced the variability of flow and delivery of sediments, which has dramatically changed the nature of the lower Columbia River and estuary (LCFRB, 2004). In addition, the channelization, dredging, jetties, removal of wetlands, and isolation of wetlands from the former floodplain have altered the character of the lower Columbia River and estuary, reducing the ability of the river to support the biological systems the lower river and estuary historically sustained (LCFRB, 2004). The introduction of non-native and invasive species, as well as the continued degradation of water quality, has also adversely impacted the aquatic ecosystem and biota of the lower Columbia River and estuary. The overall changes in flow and sediment delivery have reduced the availability of shallow, low velocity habitats with increasing flow. This combined with the decreased floodplain connectivity has reduced the availability of shallow water habitats that are important for juvenile salmonids and likely contributed to increased juvenile mortality during high flow events (NMFS, 2000).

5.1.1.6 Water Quality

The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) lists the status of water quality for streams, rivers and lakes in one of five different categories recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Category 5 waters are considered to be “impaired.” The Water Quality Assessment represents the integrated report required by Sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. The 303(d) list reports on Category 5 waters. “Total Maximum Daily Loads” or TMDLs are a key tool in the work to remediate polluted or impaired waters once they are identified. The latest water quality assessment conducted by Ecology was published in 2008.

According to the 2008 Washington State Water Quality Assessment, the lower Columbia River within the jurisdiction of Vancouver and its UGA has two 303(d) listings (Category 5) for impaired water quality: dissolved oxygen and temperature (Ecology, 2008). There is also one Category 5 listing for impaired sediment including PCBs and sediment bioassay.

The Columbia River has three Category 2 listings for pH, temperature, and arsenic and one Category 1 listing for pH within the Clark County portions of the Columbia River. Category 2 indicates a water of concern for that parameter. Category 1 listings indicate that the stream meets tested criteria for that parameter; therefore, the Columbia River meets clean water standards for pH.

June 2010 5-5 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

5.1.2 Vancouver Lake

5.1.2.1 Drainage Basin, Tributary Streams and Associated Wetlands

Vancouver Lake is a shallow lake located in the Columbia River floodplain. The lake was likely formed by a series of Missoula Floods and interactions with the Columbia River during periods of inundation (Clark County, 2006). The lake is 2,287 acres in size and has a shoreline length of 12.44 miles. The lake is within the Vancouver Lake sub-basin, which drains an area of approximately 6,244 acres. The Burnt Bridge Creek sub-basin also contributes to the hydrology of the lake, draining a watershed of 28 square miles (Clark County, 2006). Vancouver Lake is bounded by the City of Vancouver to the west, southwest and southeast; by the City of Vancouver UGA to the northeast; and by rural Clark County to the northwest.

In the 1980s, the lake was dredged and a “Flushing Channel” was created to allow water from the Columbia River to enter Vancouver Lake during high flows. The Flushing Channel is equipped with culverts and tide gates that prevent flow back out of the lake (Clark County Public Works Clean Water Program, 2009b). Materials dredged from the lake were placed along the shoreline and used to create an island within the lake (Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership, 2008).

Major tributaries to Vancouver Lake include Burnt Bridge Creek, small tributaries along the eastern shore, and Lake River to the north. Lake River can flow in or out of the lake depending upon the water levels in the lake relative to the Columbia River; therefore, the flow into or out of Vancouver Lake by Lake River can be intermittent (Clark County, 2006). The Flushing Channel on the southwest side of the lake acts as an intermittent tributary from the Columbia River, providing significant amounts of water depending upon the water levels in the Columbia River. Vancouver Lake has a mean depth of three to five feet (Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership, 2008). Water levels in Vancouver Lake and Lake River are affected by tidal influence (Clark County Public Works Clean Water Program, 2009b). A tidal change of two feet in the Columbia River causes the water level in Vancouver Lake to change by one to two inches (Wade, 2001).

The size of the Vancouver Lake shoreline planning area within Vancouver and its UGA is 3,347 acres (including the lake itself). There are six sub-reaches along Vancouver Lake and these are identified on Map 2.

Large wetland areas are mapped within forests and agricultural fields surrounding much of the lake. Wetland areas mapped by the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) are identified mainly as palustrine emergent with some palustrine scrub-shrub and forested areas. Wetland areas within the Vancouver sub-reaches that have been mapped by Clark County are shown in Table 5-4 and on Map 4.

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Table 5-4. Wetland Areas within Vancouver Lake Sub-reaches

Sub-reach Wetland Area (ac)

VANC_LK_01a 207 VANC_LK_01b 12 VANC_LK_01c 46 VANC_LK_01d 442 VANC_LK_01e 43 VANC_LK_02 94

5.1.2.2 Process and Channel Modifications

Vancouver Lake has been modified directly and indirectly by development in the area. Some of the modifications to the lake include:

• Development of the floodplain along tributary streams; • Filling of Mulligan Slough; • Increased sediment loading; • Building of dikes; and • Decreased tidal flushing.

Historically, Vancouver Lake was connected to the Columbia River through Mulligan Slough to the south (Clark County, 2004a). Seasonal flooding would occur through Mulligan Slough and would flush sediment into the Columbia River and cool the water within the lake. Diking and filling along the south and west shoreline and the Columbia River’s shoreline led to the separation of the lake from Mulligan Slough and the river. These hydromodifications have resulted in decreased tidal flushing and higher water temperatures within the lake.

5.1.2.3 Geologic and Flood Hazard Areas

Seismic, landslide, and flood hazards are mapped around Vancouver Lake. The majority of Vancouver Lake is surrounded by alluvial deposits that are unconsolidated and prone to seismic hazards (Map 6c). The severe erosion and landslide hazards are primarily on the east side of the lake (Map 6a and 6b). The flood hazards, as mapped on FEMA FIRMs, include flooding in areas adjacent to the lake, as well as low lying areas that extend approximately one mile to the south of the lake (Map 4) (FEMA, 2007).

5.1.2.4 Critical or Priority Habitat and Species Use

Vancouver Lake is a migration corridor for coho salmon and is presumed to contain winter steelhead moving upstream to Burnt Bridge Creek (Map 5). There is also potential use by fall Chinook salmon (Table 5-5) (WDFW, 2009a; WDFW, 2009b). The lower Columbia River populations of all three of these fish species are federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

June 2010 5-7 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

Table 5-5. Listed Fish Species in Vancouver Lake

Designated Critical Common Name and Scientific Federal Habitat in Habitat Use Population * Name Status the Study Area? Chinook salmon, Lower Oncorhynchus Potential T No Columbia River tshawytscha migratory Coho salmon, Lower Oncorhynchus T No Migratory Columbia River kistuch Steelhead, Lower Oncorhynchus T No Migratory Columbia River mykiss * Evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) or distinct population segment (DPS).

Other priority habitats and species, as identified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), occurring in or around Vancouver Lake include Taverner’s, dusky, and cackling Canada geese; concentrations of other waterfowl including tundra swans, white-fronted geese, sandhill cranes, dabbling and diving ducks; multiple bald eagle perch trees; bald eagles and bald eagle foraging habitat; and oak woodlands (WDFW, 2009a).

The WDNR Natural Heritage Program has identified no priority plant species or vegetation communities in the Vancouver Lake shoreline planning area within the city of Vancouver (WDNR, 2008).

5.1.2.5 Instream and Riparian Habitats

Vancouver Lake has a mean depth of three to five feet (Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership, 2008). Depths are greatest near the east and west shorelines and at the mouth of the Flushing Channel. The remainder of the open water portion of the lake is relatively shallow throughout much of the year (Clark County, 2006).

In addition to the native salmonid species discussed above, invasive and introduced fish species are documented within Vancouver Lake including brown bullhead, black crappie, white crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, largemouth bass, common carp, American shad, largescale sucker, channel catfish, mosquito fish, and northern pikeminnow (Caromille et. al, 2000).

The shoreline of Vancouver Lake is fairly uniform with few backwaters or bays. While much of the lake is surrounded by low-impact uses, tributary streams that contribute flow to Vancouver Lake, including Burnt Bridge Creek, flow through urban, suburban, and rural areas that contribute sediments and contaminants from upstream areas, creating degraded water quality conditions within the lake. Habitat availability is recognized as the overall limiting factor for aquatic species due to lack of vegetation and habitat structure (Clark County, 2006).

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5.1.2.6 Water Quality

According to the 2008 Washington State Water Quality Assessment (Ecology, 2008), Vancouver Lake has seven 303(d) listings (Category 5 listing) for impaired water quality including total phosphorous, fecal coliform bacteria, 4,4-DDE (in tissue), toxaphene (in tissue), 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD (in tissue), PCBs (in tissue), and dieldrin. Vancouver Lake also has 12 Category 1 listings for mercury, chlordane, endosulfan I and II, endrin, gamma-BHC (lindane), alpha-BHC, beta BHC, 4, 4-DDD, hexa-chlorobenzene, heptachlor epoxide, and heptachlor in tissue samples. Category 1 listings indicate the contaminant meets tested standards for clean water.

The very poor water quality is attributed to high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen, high water temperatures and high turbidity, which increase the occurrence of nuisance blue-green algae blooms. The shallow depth of the lake combined with wind-induced mixing, fish disturbance of sediments, and algal blooms limit light penetration into the lake and limit plant growth (Clark County, 2006).

5.1.3 Burnt Bridge Creek

5.1.3.1 Drainage Basin, Tributary Streams and Associated Wetlands

Burnt Bridge Creek flows through the city of Vancouver and is a direct tributary to Vancouver Lake. The Burnt Bridge Creek watershed covers 27 square miles. The stream flows approximately 13 miles through the city of Vancouver and its UGA. The lower 6.6 miles meets the criteria for being considered a shoreline of the state. The headwaters of Burnt Bridge Creek are in agricultural land, while the lower reaches flow through urbanized areas until the stream discharges to Vancouver Lake. The lower Burnt Bridge Creek floodplain was filled during construction of I-5 to create an elevated grade for the freeway. The main tributary of Burnt Bridge Creek is Cold Creek, which joins Burnt Bridge Creek approximately two miles upstream of Vancouver Lake (Clark County Public Works Clean Water Program, 2009a).

The size of the Burnt Bridge Creek shoreline planning area within Vancouver and its UGA is 429 acres (including the stream itself). Six sub-reaches along Burnt Bridge Creek lie within Vancouver and its UGA; these are illustrated on Map 2. Most of the planning area contains a narrow floodplain with scattered wetlands. However, a large palustrine emergent and open water wetland is mapped where the stream enters Vancouver Lake. A second large palustrine emergent wetland area is mapped at the upper end of the shoreline planning area in Vancouver. Wetland areas within the Burnt Bridge Creek sub-reaches that have been mapped by Clark County are shown in Table 5-6 below and on Map 4.

June 2010 5-9 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

Table 5-6. Wetland Areas within Burnt Bridge Creek Sub-reaches

Sub-reach Wetland Area (ac)

BURN_CR_01a 48 BURN_CR_01b 3 BURN_CR_01c 0 BURN_CR_01d 10 BURN_CR_01e 5 BURN_CR_02 85

5.1.3.2 Process and Channel Modifications

Primary process and channel modifications in the Burnt Bridge Creek sub-basin include:

• Stream flows in a deep, narrow, man-made ditch; • Portions of the stream that are not within the ditch are partially channelized; • Land conversion from forest to pasture, lawn, or impervious surfaces; • Fish passage barriers; • Dredging, draining, and rerouting flows; and • Disconnected floodplains due to diking and building roads adjacent to streams.

The Burnt Bridge Creek sub-basin has been heavily impacted by disconnecting of floodplains, dredging, draining, and rerouting of flows (HDR and EES, 2006). This sub-basin is one of the most heavily urbanized in Clark County. Historically, the upper portion of Burnt Bridge Creek was a series of interconnected wetlands that flowed westerly to Vancouver Lake (HDR and EES, 2006). Currently, the stream flows for a little more than half of its length in a narrow man-made ditch; however, the majority of the section of the stream designated as a shoreline of the state lies within a natural stream channel and wide floodplain.

5.1.3.3 Geologic and Flood Hazard Areas

The flood hazards in the Burnt Bridge Creek shoreline planning area are identified on the FEMA FIRMs and shown in Map 4 (FEMA, 2007). Burnt Bridge Creek is classified as having a potential for channel migration (Olson, 2010; Map 4). Severe erosion hazards have been identified in the lower reach of Burnt Bridge Creek (Map 6b). The lower reach consists of unconsolidated sediment and is adjacent to semi-consolidated sediments (Map 6c). Therefore, there are some seismic hazards along Burnt Bridge Creek. The lower reach includes landslide hazards due to areas of potential instability and slopes greater than 25 percent (Map 6a).

5.1.3.4 Critical or Priority Habitat and Species Use

While Burnt Bridge Creek flows through urbanized areas of central Vancouver, it is known to support anadromous salmonids including coho salmon (Map 5). Winter steelhead are presumed to use Burnt Bridge Creek and fall-run Chinook salmon are potentially present in the lowermost

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reach just upstream of the confluence with Vancouver Lake (WDFW, 2009a; WDFW, 2009b). The lower Columbia River populations of all three of these fish species are federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Other priority fish species identified as occurring within Burnt Bridge Creek include resident coastal cutthroat trout (WDFW, 2009a; WDFW, 2009b).

Other priority habitats in the vicinity of Burnt Bridge Creek, as identified by WDFW, include: urban natural open space; waterfowl wintering areas that support concentrations of Canada geese, sandhill cranes, tundra swans, white-fronted geese, and a variety of dabbling and nesting ducks; and oak woodlands (Map 5).

The WDNR Natural Heritage Program has identified tall bugbane (Federal Species of Concern and State Sensitive species) within the City of Vancouver Burnt Bridge Creek shoreline planning area (WDNR, 2008).

5.1.3.5 Instream and Riparian Habitats

The upper reaches of Burnt Bridge Creek historically were a series of associated wetlands and marshes (Mai and Cummings, 1999). These were filled, ditched, and drained, creating deep and narrow ditches and eliminating the stream’s connection to the historical floodplain (Gaddis, 2004). In addition, most of the tributary streams have been channelized or placed in ditches (Gaddis, 1994).

Large woody debris (LWD) plays a major role in sediment storage and pool formation. Burnt Bridge Creek flows through a highly developed urban environment. The vast majority of riparian vegetation has been removed, and what does exist is primarily limited to that around parks and other open spaces. In general, the Burnt Bridge Creek watershed is lacking in LWD and LWD recruitment potential (Gaddis, 1994; Mai and Cummings, 1999; Harvester and Wille, 1989).

Streambank stability is generally good due to the excessive channelization and the additional stability provided by invasive vegetation (reed canarygrass and Himalayan blackberry). Some erosion has been noted in areas where the public has access to the streambank, such as in Leverich Park (Mai and Cummings, 1999; Correy, 1999).

The dominant habitat type in Burnt Bridge Creek is pool and glide habitat. Pools are infrequent and generally of poor quality due to channelization of most reaches, lack of adequate cover, and loss of pool volume through sediment deposition (Gaddis, 1994; Wade, 2001). The dominant substrate is sand and silt with some small patches of heavily embedded spawning gravel in the upper reaches near the Meadowbrook Marsh, Royal Oaks golf course, and between SR 500 and NE 4th Plain Boulevard (Mai and Cummings, 1999). Sedimentation within Burnt Bridge Creek is an acute problem and is a major limiting factor for salmonid production within the stream.

Riparian conditions are not properly functioning due to the lack of mature riparian vegetation and the location of the stream within a heavily urbanized area. Nutria, non-native semi-aquatic rodents, have been cited as a problem in Burnt Bridge Creek, decimating riparian vegetation and increasing the potential for erosion and sedimentation of the stream (City of Vancouver, 2009).

June 2010 5-11 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

Water quantity within Burnt Bridge Creek is considered poor due to groundwater withdrawals from the shallow Troutdale gravel and regional aquifers. In recent years the aquifers have witnessed some rebound due to an increasing trend in precipitation (Pacific Groundwater Group, 2000). Several industries in the area remove water from deeper aquifers that are not associated with the stream and contribute flow to the system during the low flow summer months. However, it is also possible that this may contribute to excessive peak flows and increase sedimentation of downstream areas, including Vancouver Lake.

5.1.3.6 Water Quality

Burnt Bridge Creek is water quality limited for fecal coliform, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature (Ecology, 2008). In response to these listings, the City of Vancouver has created several programs with the aim of improving water quality in Burnt Bridge Creek. These programs include the following: Water Quality Monitoring Program, Water Resource Protection (WRP) program, Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway Improvement Project, Urban Forestry Plan, Erosion Prevention Program, Sewer Connection Incentive Program, and Public Outreach and Education (City of Vancouver, 2007). The City’s Water Quality Monitoring Program will monitor the following parameters: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, fecal coliform, nitrate-nitrites, total nitrogen, ammonia, orthophosphate phosphorous, total phosphorous, total suspended solids, and turbidity (City of Vancouver, 2007).

5.1.4 Salmon Creek

5.1.4.1 Drainage Basin, Tributary Streams and Associated Wetlands

The Salmon Creek watershed drains 90 square miles in urban and rural Clark County (Schabel, 2004). Salmon Creek originates in the Cascade foothills in eastern Clark County and flows westerly for approximately 25 river miles until its confluence with Lake River, north of Vancouver Lake just outside of Vancouver’s UGA. Lake River, in turn, flows north for 10 miles until its confluence with the Columbia River. Mill Creek and Glenwood Creek (Curtin Creek) are two of several major tributaries that join Salmon Creek.

In general, the Salmon Creek shoreline downstream of I-205 in Vancouver’s UGA is the most heavily urbanized, with residential, commercial, and industrial uses and several road and railroad crossings. Upstream of I-205, the areas along the stream are generally rural, with low-density residential, agriculture, and forested or timber production areas being dominant.

Salmon Creek is located within Vancouver’s UGA. The size of the Salmon Creek shoreline planning area is 786 acres (including the stream itself). There are two sub-reaches along Salmon Creek, which are illustrated on Map 2

Large palustrine scrub-shrub and palustrine emergent wetlands are mapped in the floodplain along the lower portion of the stream (reach SALM_CR_01). Other scattered wetlands are mapped along much of Salmon Creek within agricultural and forested areas. Wetland areas within the Vancouver sub-reaches that have been mapped by Clark County are shown in Table 5- 7 below and on Map 4.

5-12 June 2010 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

Table 5-7. Wetland Areas within Salmon Creek Sub-reaches

Sub-reach Wetland Area (ac)

SALM_CR_01b 409

SALM_CR_02b 14

5.1.4.2 Process and Channel Modifications

Ecological process and channel modifications exist throughout the Salmon Creek subwatershed. Primary process modifications include:

• Land conversion from pervious to impervious surfaces; • Streambank hardening, channelization, and channel incision; • Fish passage barriers; and • Disconnected floodplains due to diking and building roads and railroads adjacent to streams.

The upper part of the Salmon Creek watershed includes forested areas and large residential parcels. The lower part of the Salmon Creek watershed is highly urbanized and significantly altered from historical conditions (R2 Resource Consultants, 2004b). The Salmon Creek watershed is 29 percent forested land, 33 percent developed land or recently cleared forest, and 38 percent pasture and fields (Clark County, 2004a). The decrease in forested land has resulted in an increase in stormwater runoff to the stream.

5.1.4.3 Geologic and Flood Hazard Areas

The Salmon Creek watershed includes both geologic and flood hazards. Flooding associated with high riverine streamflow in Salmon Creek is identified in FEMA FIRMs and shown in Map 4 (FEMA, 2007). The existing floodplain in the lower reach of Salmon Creek ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 miles wide. Salmon Creek is classified as having a high potential for channel migration (Olson, 2010; Map 4).

Soil erosion and landslide hazard areas are mapped along Salmon Creek (Maps 6a and 6b). Earthquake hazard areas are mapped throughout the shoreline planning areas in the city and the UGA. Much of the stream and adjacent floodplain consists of unconsolidated sediment and has associated seismic hazards (Map 6c).

5.1.4.4 Critical or Priority Habitat and Species Use

Salmon Creek is known to provide migration, rearing, and spawning habitat for winter steelhead (see Map 5; StreamNet, 2008; VanderPloeg, 2008). However, there are no recent spawning survey data to confirm the presence of steelhead salmon redds in the upper reaches (VanderPloeg, personal communication, 2008). Steelhead typically spawn from February into early June, and juveniles may rear year-round in Salmon Creek. Rearing and migration habitat is mapped from the mouth up to Salmon Falls (river mile [RM] 24.3), upstream of the Cedars Golf

June 2010 5-13 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

Course. Winter steelhead runs in Salmon Creek were never historically large, and current steelhead spawners likely number less than 1,000 individuals (VanderPloeg, personal communication, 2008).

Salmon Creek should be considered potential suitable rearing, migration, and spawning habitat for coho salmon (Table 5-8) (StreamNet, 2008; VanderPloeg, personal communication, 2008). No critical habitat has been designated for LCR coho salmon. Salmon Creek was historically known for large coho salmon runs, and a coho salmon population still occurs throughout a majority of the Salmon Creek watershed (see Map 5; VanderPloeg, personal communication, 2008). Approximately 160,000 coho salmon smolt are released to Salmon Creek each year through a non-profit, interagency cooperative project.

The chum salmon population in Salmon Creek is considered functionally extinct due to habitat degradation (NOAA, 2008a). Chum that do return to the Salmon Creek basin are likely strays from healthier runs of other Washington tributaries of the lower Columbia River. Despite the low use of Salmon Creek by chum, the stream up to the I-5 crossing is mapped as critical habitat for chum salmon (70 FR 52630).

Fall Chinook salmon historically occurred in Salmon Creek, but this species has not been documented in the stream for the past 15 to 20 years (VanderPloeg, personal communication, 2008). The last known records of Chinook salmon presence in Salmon Creek are from a 1989 smolt trap study conducted in the lower reach (west of the I-5 crossing).

Table 5-8. Listed Fish Species in Salmon Creek

Designated Critical Common Name and Scientific Federal Habitat in Habitat Use Population * Name Status the Study Area? Chum salmon, Columbia Oncorhynchus T Yes Occasional strays River keta Coho salmon, Lower Oncorhynchus Migratory / rearing T No Columbia River kistuch / spawning Steelhead, Lower Oncorhynchus Migratory / rearing T No Columbia River mykiss / spawning * Evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) or distinct population segment (DPS).

Resident coastal cutthroat trout is a priority fish species identified as occurring within Salmon Creek (WDFW, 2009a). There are several priority habitats, as identified by WDFW, along Salmon Creek (see Map 5). Oak woodlands occur east of the I-205 crossing of Salmon Creek and near the confluence of Salmon Creek with Lake River. Waterfowl concentrations are also documented (WDFW, 2009a).

The WDNR Natural Heritage Program has identified no priority plant species or vegetation communities within the City of Vancouver Salmon Creek shoreline planning area (WDNR, 2008).

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5.1.4.5 Instream and Riparian Habitats

The Salmon Creek watershed, associated habitats, and natural processes have been altered by human activities including urbanization, agriculture, forest practices, and rural residential development. The following is a discussion of instream habitats and how they have been altered by these activities.

Floodplain connectivity has been altered by transportation corridors, diking, bank stabilization projects, stream crossings, and agricultural uses (Wade, 2001). An avulsion of the stream into abandoned gravel pits below Highway 99 has increased the downstream gradient. There are four- foot-high falls below the Highway 99 crossing of Salmon Creek that may present a partial barrier to upstream migration during some flow conditions. The falls were created by the avulsion of the stream, which resulted in a severe headcut in the channel bed. Riprap armoring of the lower reaches also limits floodplain connectivity in addition to creating bank instability (Wade, 2001).

Streambank stability has also been moderately altered on Salmon Creek. In 1989, 56 percent of the stream’s banks were considered moderately to significantly altered (Harvester and Wille, 1989). The ability of riparian vegetation to stabilize streambanks has also been rated for Salmon Creek. Harvester and Wille (1989) found that 56 percent of the stream vegetation has an excellent stability rating, 35 percent has a good stability rating, and 6 percent has a fair stability rating.

LWD is minimal within Salmon Creek and its tributaries (Mai and Cummings, 1999; Gaddis, 1994; Harvester and Wille, 1989). LWD has been removed for flood control, navigation, and for firewood. In some instances, LWD has mistakenly been removed to improve fish passage (Wade, 2001). What riparian vegetation does exist generally consists of young forest, minimizing the potential for future recruitment of LWD.

One of the primary limiting factors for salmonid production within Salmon Creek is the low pool frequency and lack of diverse pools and riffles (Wade, 2001.) The general lack of LWD reduces the abundance of pool habitat and overall habitat complexity (Harvester and Wille, 1989). Another factor contributing to reduced pool frequency is the amount of development within the basin. An increase in impervious surface can alter peak and base flows and increase sediment loads into the stream, thus filling pools with fine sediment (Booth, 2000; Chamberlin et al., 1991). Lower Salmon Creek between Cougar Creek and 182nd Avenue contains 15 percent pool habitat, 60 percent glide habitat, and 15 percent riffle habitat (Harvester and Wille, 1989).

Recent stream restoration activities have occurred to improve instream habitats within Salmon Creek at the Highway 99 crossing. Reconstruction of the Klineline Bridge was paired with major stream channel modifications and bank restoration both upstream and downstream of the bridge crossing (Clark County Public Works, 2008). This improved access and habitat conditions for salmonids.

Sedimentation and compaction of spawning gravels is also a primary concern within the Salmon Creek watershed (Harvester and Wille, 1989; Gaddis, 1994). Fine sediments cover 45 to 61 percent of pool habitats, 10 to 14 percent of glides habitat, and 2 to 6 percent of riffle habitats in

June 2010 5-15 Shoreline Inventory and Characterization

Salmon Creek (Harvester and Wille, 1989). In general, only 34 to 48 percent of available riffle habitat contains suitable spawning substrate (Harvester and Wille, 1989).

Riparian conditions have been degraded by extensive diking, fill, roads, agriculture, and residential and commercial development, which have eliminated most of the mature riparian vegetation (Harvester and Wille, 1989). Approximately 59 percent of the riparian zone is vegetated by young, immature trees and shrubs, and 31 percent is considered in poor condition.

Water quantity is also an issue within Salmon Creek. Salmon Creek derives most of its water from rainfall and groundwater. There are no permanent snowpack contributions, reservoirs, or impoundments in Salmon Creek that may contribute flow to the system (Wade, 2001). The majority of the base flow comes from shallow alluvial deposits and, to a lesser extent, the Troutdale aquifer (Pacific Groundwater Group, 2000). The increase in impervious surface within the basin has altered the magnitude, duration, and frequency of peak flows and reduced summer base flows (Booth, 2000; Richter et al., 1996; Chamberlin et al., 1991).

5.1.4.6 Water Quality

According to the 2008 Washington State Water Quality Assessment (Ecology, 2008), Salmon Creek has three 303(d) listings (Category 5) for impaired water quality: pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. The Category 5 listings are located along the lower section of Salmon Creek near Lake River. There are two Category 4A listings for fecal coliform bacteria and turbidity, which requires the implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for each constituent. Salmon Creek has one Category 2 listing for temperature. Category 2 indicates that it is a water of concern for that parameter.

In 1995, Ecology completed a TMDL study of Salmon Creek and four of its tributaries. The study found water quality in Salmon Creek to be degraded, with violations of Washington State water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. In 2001, a temperature and turbidity TMDL was approved for the Salmon Creek watershed. Since the TMDL study, several pollution reduction actions have been implemented by a number of stakeholders.

An evaluation completed in 2009 shows that fecal coliform concentrations in Salmon Creek and its tributaries have improved significantly. However, water quality criteria have not been met at some sampling stations. All of the sites met TMDL target limits for turbidity (Collyard, 2009).

5.1.5 Mill Creek

5.1.5.1 Drainage Basin, Tributary Streams and Associated Wetlands

Mill Creek, a tributary of Salmon Creek, originates in the city of Battle Ground and flows generally south to its confluence with Salmon Creek located in the Vancouver UGA. The Mill Creek sub-basin drains an area of 7,601 acres (11.9 square miles) and contains five small unnamed tributaries. Mill Creek is eight miles long (West Consultants, 2008).

5-16 June 2010