DOCSLIB.ORG

Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report Shoreline Master Program Update La Conner, Washington

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report Shoreline Master Program Update La Conner, Washington Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report Shoreline Master Program Update La Conner, Washington Ecology Grant #G1100003 Deliverable for Task 2.3 Due to Ecology: October 31, 2011 Prepared for: Town of La Conner P.O. Box 400 La Conner, Washington 98257 Attention: John Doyle Prepared by: GeoEngineers, Inc. 600 Dupont Street Bellingham, Washington 98225 360.647.1510 Town of La Conner - Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report Contents 1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Regulatory Overview ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.3. Shoreline Jurisdiction and Definitions .......................................................................................... 2 1.4. Relationship to Other Plans and Programs ................................................................................... 3 1.4.1. Town Plans and Programs ..................................................................................................... 3 1.4.2. Regional, State and Federal Programs .................................................................................. 3 2.0 Methods ............................................................................................................................................ 4 2.1. Shoreline Inventory ....................................................................................................................... 4 2.2. Characterizing Ecosystem‐wide Processes and Shoreline Functions ............................................ 4 2.3. Inventory and Characterization Approach for Shoreline Reaches ................................................ 5 3.0 Ecosystem‐wide Profile ..................................................................................................................... 6 3.1. Watershed Overview (WRIA 3 – Lower Skagit/Samish) ................................................................ 6 3.2. Padilla Bay ..................................................................................................................................... 6 3.2.1. Existing Land Use and Cover ................................................................................................. 7 3.2.2. Water Quality ........................................................................................................................ 7 3.2.3. Non‐Native Invaders ............................................................................................................. 7 3.3. The Skagit River & Skagit Bay ........................................................................................................ 8 3.3.1. Existing Land Use and Cover ................................................................................................. 8 3.3.2. Water Quality ........................................................................................................................ 9 3.3.3. Non‐Native Invaders ............................................................................................................. 9 3.4. The Swinomish Channel ................................................................................................................ 9 3.4.1. Existing Land Use and Cover ................................................................................................. 9 3.4.2. Water Quality ........................................................................................................................ 9 3.4.3. Non‐Native Invaders ........................................................................................................... 10 4.0 Physical and Biological Features in the Vicinity of the Swinomish Channel ................................... 10 4.1. Climate ........................................................................................................................................ 10 4.2. Geology ....................................................................................................................................... 10 4.3. Fish and Wildlife Habitats ........................................................................................................... 11 4.3.1. Marine Beaches and Tidal Areas ......................................................................................... 11 i Town of La Conner - Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report 4.3.2. Eelgrass and Kelp Beds ........................................................................................................ 12 4.3.3. Wetlands ............................................................................................................................. 12 4.4. Fish and Wildlife Species ............................................................................................................. 13 4.4.1. Marine Mammals ................................................................................................................ 13 4.4.2. Seabirds and Waterfowl ...................................................................................................... 13 4.4.3. Shorebirds ........................................................................................................................... 14 4.4.4. Forage Fish .......................................................................................................................... 14 4.4.5. Salmonids ............................................................................................................................ 14 4.4.6. Marine Invertebrates .......................................................................................................... 15 5.0 Ecosystem Processes ....................................................................................................................... 15 5.1. Nearshore Marine Ecosystem Processes .................................................................................... 15 5.2. Alterations to Nearshore Processes ............................................................................................ 16 5.2.1. Shoreline Armoring ............................................................................................................. 17 5.2.2. Shoreline Development ...................................................................................................... 17 5.2.3. Floodplain Development ..................................................................................................... 17 5.2.4. Dredging and Filling ............................................................................................................ 18 5.2.5. Jetties and Causeways ........................................................................................................ 18 5.2.6. Agricultural Runoff .............................................................................................................. 18 5.2.7. Marinas and Vessel Traffic .................................................................................................. 19 5.2.8. Climate Change/Sea Level Rise ........................................................................................... 19 6.0 Conditions by Reach ........................................................................................................................ 19 6.1. Reach 1 – Marine Harbors, Industrial and Commercial, North of Downtown............................ 19 6.1.1. Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 21 6.2. Reach 2 – Downtown La Conner ‐ South to Sherman Boat Launch ............................................ 21 6.2.1. Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 23 6.3. Reach 3 – Pioneer Point – South of Sherman Boat Launch ........................................................ 23 6.3.1. Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 25 7.0 Land Use within Shoreline Planning Area ....................................................................................... 25 7.1. Historic Land Use ........................................................................................................................ 25 7.2. Current Land Use ........................................................................................................................ 26 7.3. Transportation ............................................................................................................................ 28 7.4. Wastewater and Stormwater Utilities ........................................................................................ 28 ii Town of La Conner - Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report 8.0 Natural Resource Lands and Critical Areas within Shoreline Planning Area .................................. 28 8.1. Wetlands ..................................................................................................................................... 29 8.2. Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas .................................................................................................. 29 8.3. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Swinomish Phase II Environmental
    Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Tribal Economic Zone Area 1 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment SQAP – Revision 2 LaConner, WA Prepared for: United States Environmental Protection Agency Contract Number EP-W-07-096, Task Order Number 0002 July 1, 2009 Submitted By: Environment International Government Ltd. 5505 34th Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98105 Phone: (206)525‐3362 Fax: (206)525‐0869 [email protected] EIGOV SITC TEZ Area 1 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment – SQAP TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronym List ................................................................................................................................................. 1 1. APPROVAL PAGE ....................................................................................................................................... 3 2. PROJECT ORGANIZATION .......................................................................................................................... 4 3. SCOPE OF WORK ....................................................................................................................................... 7 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 7 3.2 Purpose and Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 8 3.3 Project Tasks ......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Laconner Bike Maps
    LaConner Bike Maps On andLaConner off-road bike routes Bike in LaConner,Maps West Skagit County, and with Regional Bike Trails June 2011 fireplaces, and private decks or balconies, The Channel continental breakfast, located blocks from the Lodge historic downtown. Ranked #1 Bed and Waterfront Breakfast in LaConner by TripAdvisor Members. boutique hotel 121 Maple Avenue, LaConner, WA 98257 with 24 rooms 800-477-1400, 360-466-1400 featuring www.wildiris.com private [email protected] balconies, gas fireplaces, Jacuzzi bathtubs, spa services, The Heron continental breakfast, business center, Inn & Day Spa conference room, and evening music and wine Elegant French bar in the lobby. Transient boat dock adjoins Country style the waterfront landing for hotel guests and dog-friendly, visitors. bed and PO Box 573, LaConner, WA 98257 breakfast inn 888-466-4113, 360-466-3101 with Craftsman www.laconnerlodging.com Style furnishings, fireplaces, Jacuzzi, full [email protected] service day spa staffed with massage therapists and estheticians, continental breakfast, located LaConner blocks from the historic downtown. Country Inn 117 Maple Avenue, LaConner, WA 98257 Downtown 360-399-1074 boutique hotel www.theheroninn.com with 28 rooms [email protected] providing gas fireplaces, Katy’s Inn Jacuzzi Historic building bathtubs, converted into cozy continental 4 room bed and breakfast, spa services, business center, breakfast with conference and 40-70 person meeting room private baths, wrap- facilities including breakout rooms, and around porch with adjoining bar and restaurant (Nell Thorne). views, patio, hot PO Box 573, LaConner, WA 98257 tub, continental 888-466-4113, 360-466-3101 breakfast, and cookies and milk at bedtime, www.laconnerlodging.com located a block from the historic downtown.
    [Show full text]
  • Development of a Hydrodynamic Model of Puget Sound and Northwest Straits
    PNNL-17161 Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 Development of a Hydrodynamic Model of Puget Sound and Northwest Straits Z Yang TP Khangaonkar December 2007 DISCLAIMER This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor Battelle Memorial Institute, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof, or Battelle Memorial Institute. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY operated by BATTELLE for the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 Printed in the United States of America Available to DOE and DOE contractors from the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062; ph: (865) 576-8401 fax: (865) 576-5728 email: [email protected] Available to the public from the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161 ph: (800) 553-6847 fax: (703) 605-6900 email: [email protected] online ordering: http://www.ntis.gov/ordering.htm This document was printed on recycled paper.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 13 -- Puget Sound, Washington
    514 Puget Sound, Washington Volume 7 WK50/2011 123° 122°30' 18428 SKAGIT BAY STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA S A R A T O 18423 G A D A M DUNGENESS BAY I P 18464 R A A L S T S Y A G Port Townsend I E N L E T 18443 SEQUIM BAY 18473 DISCOVERY BAY 48° 48° 18471 D Everett N U O S 18444 N O I S S E S S O P 18458 18446 Y 18477 A 18447 B B L O A B K A Seattle W E D W A S H I N ELLIOTT BAY G 18445 T O L Bremerton Port Orchard N A N 18450 A 18452 C 47° 47° 30' 18449 30' D O O E A H S 18476 T P 18474 A S S A G E T E L N 18453 I E S C COMMENCEMENT BAY A A C R R I N L E Shelton T Tacoma 18457 Puyallup BUDD INLET Olympia 47° 18456 47° General Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 13 (see catalog for complete coverage) 123° 122°30' WK50/2011 Chapter 13 Puget Sound, Washington 515 Puget Sound, Washington (1) This chapter describes Puget Sound and its nu- (6) Other services offered by the Marine Exchange in- merous inlets, bays, and passages, and the waters of clude a daily newsletter about future marine traffic in Hood Canal, Lake Union, and Lake Washington. Also the Puget Sound area, communication services, and a discussed are the ports of Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and variety of coordinative and statistical information.
    [Show full text]
  • Sediment Transport Into the Swinomish Navigation Channel, Puget Sound—Habitat Restoration Versus Navigation Maintenance Needs
    Journal of Marine Science and Engineering Article Sediment Transport into the Swinomish Navigation Channel, Puget Sound—Habitat Restoration versus Navigation Maintenance Needs Tarang Khangaonkar 1,*, Adi Nugraha 1, Steve Hinton 2, David Michalsen 3 and Scott Brown 3 1 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; [email protected] 2 Skagit River System Cooperative, La Conner, WA 98257, USA; [email protected] 3 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, P.O. Box 3755, Seattle, WA 98124, USA; [email protected] (D.M.); [email protected] (S.B.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-206-528-3053 Academic Editor: Zeki Demirbilek Received: 26 February 2017; Accepted: 12 April 2017; Published: 21 April 2017 Abstract: The 11 mile (1.6 km) Swinomish Federal Navigation Channel provides a safe and short passage to fishing and recreational craft in and out of Northern Puget Sound by connecting Skagit and Padilla Bays, US State abbrev., USA. A network of dikes and jetties were constructed through the Swinomish corridor between 1893 and 1936 to improve navigation functionality. Over the years, these river training dikes and jetties designed to minimize sedimentation in the channel have deteriorated, resulting in reduced protection of the channel. The need to repair or modify dikes/jetties for channel maintenance, however, may conflict with salmon habitat restoration goals aimed at improving access, connectivity and brackish water habitat. Several restoration projects have been proposed in the Skagit delta involving breaching, lowering, or removal of dikes. To assess relative merits of the available alternatives, a hydrodynamic model of the Skagit River estuary was developed using the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM).
    [Show full text]
  • Time Travels on the Swinomish Channel
    LA CONNER: TIME TRAVELS ON THE SWINOMISH CHANNEL This tiny Skagit County town is uniquely located in the middle of a narrow channel and blends maritime history with charming modern activities PHOTOS BY JOHN LUND BY JOHN LUND & MARIANNE VAN TOOR OLLOWING A STOPOVER AT ANACORTES and on our way to southern Puget Sound, we cross Padilla Bay to the entrance of narrow Swinomish Channel. The 11-mile journey through the channel makes us feel like we are headed into a bygone era, a time when boat travel was the only way to get to the historic town of La Conner. Boating writers often describe the Swinomish Channel (pronounced SWIN-o-mish), separating the mainland from Fidalgo Island, as a “short cut” or the “chicken route” to La Conner—rather than going around Fidalgo Island and through Deception Pass—as if navigating this slim waterway is a piece of cake. FToday, siltation coupled with a lack of funds for dredging means boaters must pay full attention when navigating the channel, but the rewards of exploring the Swinomish far out- weigh the risks. Rainbow Bridge in the background frames a scenic view from a sunny La Conner patio. Along the way, boaters are treated to sweeping views of Skagit Valley farmlands with the Cascade mountains as a backdrop. The greatest reward comes when you pull into La Conner—a postcard-perfect historic town that pre-dates highways, trucks and automobiles; a time when Puget Sound’s Mosquito Fleet provided the only NAVIGATING THE connection to the outside world. La Conner is the oldest community in Skagit Coun- SWINOMISH
    [Show full text]
  • Waste Oil Recycling Facility Phase I
    1 LAKE LOUISE DRIVE UNIT 42 BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON 98229 (360) 734-4955 email: [email protected] ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT Phase I SWINOMISH WASTE OIL RECYCLING FACILITY 11454 MOORAGE WAY LaCONNER, WA 98257 Prepared For KEVIN ANDERSON, Environmental Specialist Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection SWINOMISH INDIAN TRIBAL COMMUNITY 11430 MOORAGE WAY LaCONNER, WA 98257 PN 2K1706 JUNE 27, 2017 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT PHASE I FOR THE SWINOMISH TRIBE: WASTE OIL RECYCLING FACILITY 11454 MOORAGE WAY LaCONNER, WA 98257 Prepared For Mr Kevin Anderson, Environmental Specialist Swinomish Department of Environmental Protection Swinomish Indian Tribal Community 11430 Moorage Way La Conner, WA 98257 September 5, 2018 Project Number 2K1706 Page -i- TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. ii INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND. 1 Purpose of Current ESA I. 1 Scope of Services. 1 Significant Assumptions. 2 Limitation and Exceptions. 3 Special Terms and Conditions. 3 User Reliance. 3 SITE DESCRIPTION. 4 Location of Subject Site.. 4 Site and Vicinity General Characteristics. 4 Current User(s) of the Property.. 5 Structures, Roads, Other Improvements on the Site. 5 Current Uses of Adjoining Properties. 5 INTERVIEWS, CONTACTS, USER PROVIDED INFORMATION AND OTHER RESOURCES.. 6 Interviews, Contacts and User Provided Information. 6 Additional Information Provided by the Client. 7 Other Resources. 7 Previous Work at the Site. 7 Chain of Title documents. 7 GEOLOGIC AND HYDROGEOLOGIC CONDITIONS OF THE SITE. 8 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION GATHERED FOR THIS REPORT. 9 Interpretation of Historic Aerial Photographs of the Local Area. 9 Certified Sanborn Maps of the Area. 11 RECORDS REVIEW. 11 Background Information. 11 Purpose and Scope.. 12 Standard Environmental Records from State and Federal Data Bases.
    [Show full text]
  • 1. Skagit Basin Overview
    1. Skagit Basin Overview Abstract Since the 1850s, the Skagit River basin has been altered by human activities such as logging, diking, and the construction of dams, roads, levees, and tide gates. Logging and construction of levees and dikes converted coniferous forest and wetlands to farmland, industrial, and urban/suburban residential development. Dams constructed in the Skagit River not only generate hydropower but also provide flood control, recreation opportunities, and diverse ecosystem services. Major highways constructed through Skagit County promoted both economic and population growth in Skagit County. These human developments have dramatically impacted the hydrology and geomorphology of the basin and have impacted or reduced habitat for a wide range of species, including multiple species of native anadromous fish historically reliant on Skagit River Basin tributaries. Low-lying farms, urban development, and other lands in the floodplain are currently vulnerable to river flooding and sea level rise. The economy of the Skagit River basin in the 19th and early 20th centuries was focused primarily on logging, mining, and agriculture, but has diversified through the second half of the 20th century. Rapid increases in population in the 21st century are projected for Skagit Co., which, under the Growth Management Act and the Skagit County Comprehensive Plan, will direct future growth primarily in urban areas. 1.1 Overview of the Skagit River Basin The Skagit River basin is located in southwestern British Columbia in Canada and northwestern Washington in the United States (Figure 1.1) and drains an area of 3,115 square miles (Pacific International Engineering, 2008). Major tributaries in the basin are the Baker River, Cascade River, and Sauk River.
    [Show full text]
  • Phase I Brownfields Environmental Assessment
    Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Brownfields Phase I Environmental Assessment McGlinn Island and Causeway Prepared by SITC Environmental Management Department Office of Planning and Community Development Swinomish Indian Tribal Community LaConner, Washington Reviewed by Environment International, Ltd. Seattle, Washington November 2008 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 4 1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Qualifications of Authors and Reviewers as Environmental Professionals.............. 5 1.2 Purpose...................................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Scope of Work .......................................................................................................... 6 1.4 Limitations and Exceptions of Assessment .............................................................. 6 2.0 Site Background and Description.............................................................................. 7 2.1 Location .................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Swinomish Indian Reservation ................................................................................. 7 2.3 Physical Setting......................................................................................................... 8 2.4
    [Show full text]
  • Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Modeling Study: Development of an Intermediate-Scale Hydrodynamic Model
    PNNL-18484 Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Modeling Study: Development of an Intermediate-Scale Hydrodynamic Model Z Yang T Khangaonkar R Labiosa T Kim November 2010 DISCLAIMER This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor Battelle Memorial Institute, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof, or Battelle Memorial Institute. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY operated by BATTELLE for the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 Printed in the United States of America Available to DOE and DOE contractors from the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, P.O. Box 62, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062; ph: (865) 576-8401 fax: (865) 576-5728 email: [email protected] Available to the public from the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161 ph: (800) 553-6847 fax: (703) 605-6900 email: [email protected] online ordering: http://www.ntis.gov/ordering.htm This document was printed on recycled paper.
    [Show full text]
  • Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Modeling Study: Development of an Intermediate-Scale Hydrodynamic Model
    PNNL-18484 Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Modeling Study: Development of an Intermediate-Scale Hydrodynamic Model Z Yang T Khangaonkar R Labiosa T Kim November 2010 LEGAL NOTICE This report was prepared by Battelle Memorial Institute (Battelle) as an account of sponsored research activities. Neither Client nor Battelle nor any person acting on behalf of either: MAKES ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in this report, or that the use of any information, apparatus, process, or composition disclosed in this report may not infringe privately owned rights; or Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, process, or composition disclosed in this report. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Battelle. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Battelle. PNNL-18484 Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Modeling Study: Development of an Intermediate-Scale Hydrodynamic Model Z Yang T Khangaonkar R Labiosa T Kim November 2010 Prepared for The Washington State Department of Ecology Battelle—Pacific Northwest Division Richland, Washington 99352 Executive Summary Puget Sound is a large estuarine system bounded by 2,597 miles of complex shorelines and consists of several subbasins and many large estuaries with distinct properties. Pacific Ocean water enters Puget Sound and the Georgia Strait through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
    [Show full text]
  • Mcglinn Island Causeway Feasibility Study” by Tarang Khangaonkar and Zhaoqing Yang
    Page 1 2/7/2008 McGlinn Island Causeway & Jetty Habitat Restoration Feasibility Phase 1: Establishing the Viability of Hydraulic Connectivity between Skagit & Padilla Bays Puget Sound, Washington January 2008 Contributing authors: Steve R. Hinton W. Gregory Hood Nora E. Kammer Eric Mickelson Skagit River System Cooperative Zhaoqing Yang Tarang Khangaonkar Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Eric E. Grossman Andrew Stevens Guy Gelfenbaum U.S. Geological Survey Photo Courtesy of Washington State Department of Ecology, 1994 Oblique Photo Series 1 Page 2 2/7/2008 Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Goals & Objectives ................................................................................................................................. 7 Problem Statement ............................................................................................................................ 7 Problem [1]: Salinity Gradient ........................................................................................................... 7 Problem [2]: Salmonid Rearing Capacity .......................................................................................... 8 Goal Statement .................................................................................................................................. 8 Objectives ..........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]