2015

Commencement Bay Stewardship

Collaborative: Ecosystem Management Plan

NRDA Trust Resources, Stewardship Framework and General

Management Approach

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative: Ecosystem Management Plan NRDA Trust Resources, Stewardship Framework and General Management Approach

May 12, 2015

Prepared by: EarthCorps 6310 NE 74th St, Suite 201E Seattle, WA 98115

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Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 5 Chapter One: Stewardship Collaborative Framework...... 7 1. NRDA Trust Species in the Commencement Bay Ecosystem ………………………………..7

1.1 Pacific salmonids ...... 7 1.2 Ground fish habitat requirements ...... 11 1.3 Bird assemblages and habitat requirements ...... 12 2. Target Functional Habitat Types in the Commencement Bay Ecosystem...... 13 2.1 Freshwater Functional Habitat Types ...... 13 2.2 Nearshore Functional Habitat Types- ...... 15 3. Commencement Bay NRDA Site Descriptions...... 19 3.1 Freshwater off-channel/floodplain habitat sites ...... 25 3.2 Freshwater tributary stream habitat site ...... 26 3.3 Nearshore sites- Intertidal emergent marsh/tidally influenced off-channel ...... 27 3.4 Nearshore sites- Bluff-backed beaches, Intertidal gravel beaches and associated subtidal habitat sites ...... 30 Chapter Two: Stewardship and Management Approach ...... 33 4. Monitoring Approach ...... 33 4.1 Qualitative Monitoring ...... 34 4.2 Quantitative Monitoring ...... 36 4.3 Additional monitoring ...... 42 5. Adaptive Management ...... 42 5.1 Maintenance ...... 42 5.2 Stewardship ...... 44 6. Site Management Plans ...... 44 Hauff ...... 46 Jordan ...... 55 Middle Waterway – City of Tacoma ...... 68 Middle Waterway - Simpson...... 76 Mowitch...... 84 Occidental ...... 92 Old Soldiers Home ...... 97

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Olympic View Resource Area Restoration ...... 105 Olympic View Triangle ...... 112 Sha Dadx...... 123 Skookum Wulge ...... 131 Squally Beach...... 139 Swan Creek ...... 149 Tahoma Salt Marsh ...... 159 Yowkwala ...... 167 7. Literature Cited ...... 174 8. Appendix A – Qualitative Field Form (Example) ...... 177 9. Appendix B – Qualitative Monitoring Benchmarks ...... 179 10. Appendix C – Qualitative Greenline and LWD Monitoring Benchmarks ...... 180 11. Appendix D – Invasive Species BMP’s ...... 181 12. Appendix E – Communications Plan and Talking Points ...... 189 13. Appendix F – Financial Dashboard (May 2015) ...... 192

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Introduction

The Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Framework and Management Plan incorporates watershed level objectives and planning for the long-term stewardship of the 17 Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) restoration sites in the Commencement Bay area, including the Puyallup River, the Hylebos watershed and the nearshore of Commencement Bay (collectively referred to as “the watershed”). This document provides the framework and basis for ongoing stewardship of all incorporated NRDA restoration sites and includes overarching long-term project goals and objectives, as well as describing EarthCorps’ approach to site monitoring and management ensuring that these areas continue to provide the ecological services they were intended to into the future. The information in this document is presented in two chapters. The first chapter, Stewardship Collaborative Framework, provides background information on:

1. NRDA Trust Species in the Commencement Bay Ecosystem • This section describes the animal species identified by the NRDA Trustees as primary target species that would benefit from restoration efforts and describes the life history and functional habitat requirements of these species. This information will establish the basis for tracking and measuring the long-term effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts at the 17 NRDA restoration sites.

2. Target Functional Habitat Types • This section describes the Functional Habitat Types that have been determined to be key to the survival of the NRDA Trust species listed in the previous section. This information provides the framework and context for ongoing habitat restoration, stewardship and monitoring efforts.

3. Commencement Bay NRDA Site Descriptions • This section describes each of the 17 NRDA restoration sites by the primary Functional Habitat Type that was the principal intent of restoration efforts at that location. This information will frame the ongoing restoration efforts at each site and guide monitoring efforts to ensure that the sites continue to provide their intended functional habitat requirements.

The second chapter of the document, Ecosystem Management Plan, provides the information necessary to conduct monitoring, maintenance and long-term stewardship of the sites, organized in the following order:

4. Monitoring Approach • This section describes EarthCorps’ approach to long-term site monitoring based on the information presented in the previous section and includes

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both qualitative and quantitative approaches that can be used to assess the overall functionality of the different Functional Habitat Types.

5. Adaptive Management • This section describes EarthCorps’ approach to adaptive management of the NRDA restoration sites, including general Best Management Practices for maintenance activities and stewardship actions for long-term success.

6. Site Management Plans • This section provides individual site plans for each of the 17 NRDA restoration sites, including detailed site maps showing location and acreage of each Functional Habitat Type present at each site.

The Stewardship Collaborative Framework chapter is intended to be updated only when additional sites are added or removed from the collaborative and/or when new science becomes available that would significantly change the overarching approach to the recovery of the Trust species and their functional habitats. The Ecosystem Management Plan is focused on adaptive management and is therefore intended to be updated more frequently, approximately every five years, as Best Management Practices and monitoring approaches are developed and refined, and community stewardship and engagement is further established.

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Section One: Stewardship Chapter One: StewardCollaborativeship Collaborative Framework Framework

1. NRDA Trust Species in the Commencement Bay Ecosystem

The NRDA Trustees, in the Commencement Bay Phase 1 Damage Assessment (CB/NRT, 1995), identified key natural resources and injury to these resources under broad functional categories of “salmonids, flatfish, benethic infauna, epibenthic invertebrates, larger invertebrates, and birds”. While thousands of species reside in Commencement Bay and its surrounding watershed, it is common practice to select a subset of species whose life history addresses needs similar to a wide diversity of species.

Specifically, juvenile Chinook salmon and English sole were selected as representative fish species in both the Commencement Bay NRDA Restoration Plan (CB/NRT, 1997) and the Hylebos Waterway NRDA Settlement Proposal Report Appendix C: Determining Habitat Value and Time to Sustained Function (Iadanza, 2001). Coho salmon are a representative species for salmon spawning habitat since Chinook salmon do not spawn at any of the restoration sites included in this management plan, with potentially the exception of the Puyallup mainstem at the Old Soldiers Home site (see Section 3 for NRDA Site Descriptions). Lastly, specific bird assemblages, as opposed to individual species, are used to reflect additional habitat requirements for birds.

The functional habitat requirements for each of these broader groups of representative species is described below by life history stage anticipated to be present within each habitat type for this watershed. The habitat types present within the 17 Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites are described in Section 2 and descriptions of each of the 17 NRDA restoration sites and their intended conservation values are provided below in Section 3 of this document.

1.1 Pacific salmonids Historically, the Puyallup River supported runs of Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) (spring and fall), pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), chum (Oncorhynchus keta), winter steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki). There is some evidence that sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) historically spawned in the Puyallup, but there is no report of juvenile sockeye being caught in the watershed. Current populations of all salmonids

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are depressed in the Puyallup, with the exception of pink salmon (Kerwin, 1999). In 1999, Puget Sound Chinook were listed threatened on the Endangered Species List, elevating their status for recovery in the Sound above other species.

Chinook, particularly Puyallup River fall Chinook, and steelhead are identified by the WRIA 10 Salmon Recovery Strategy as priority salmonids for recovery based on ESA threatened status of those two species (Pierce County, 2012). While Chinook are considered a priority for restoration throughout Puget Sound, the inclusion of steelhead as a priority is of regional importance to WRIA 10 based on the historic abundance of steelhead in the Puyallup River in particular, and the current depressed status of these fish stocks. Steelhead are more dependent on stream habitat due to their extended (1-7 years) residence in freshwater. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are also listed as threatened under the ESA, and while recovery of these fish has not been made a priority in the watershed, it is also generally assumed that restoration efforts, especially in the nearshore, will also support recovery of bull trout stocks.

Due to the diverse life history stages of Chinook salmon and therefore the need for multiple habitat types, protection and restoration of habitat targeted at Chinook recovery is beneficial for all salmonid species, as well as other wildlife species (Fresh, 2006). This approach is also supported by the NRDA Trustees based on this excerpt from the Hylebos Waterway NRDA Settlement Proposal Report Appendix C: Determining Habitat Value and Time to Sustained Function: “Although the various fish and wildlife species in the Hylebos Waterway display a variety of life history requirements, juvenile Chinook salmon and juvenile English sole have feeding modes, behavioral characteristics, and habitat requirements that sufficiently overlap those of similar sympatric species to consider them appropriate surrogates.” Therefore, the information below on habitat requirements is generally specific to Chinook salmon, but also includes information on other salmonid habitat needs in the watershed.

1.1.1 Chinook rearing life history stage habitat requirements- Rearing of juvenile salmon means the time it takes for a newly emerged fry to transition into an osmoregulating juvenile fish dwelling in a saltwater environment (Kerwin, 1999). Research has shown that in undamaged ecosystems, the duration and types of habitats used by juvenile salmon for rearing can vary greatly. For example, juvenile Chinook may spend anywhere from several days to over a year in freshwater habitats before migrating out to an estuary, whereas coho may only spend a few days in freshwater before migrating to the estuary (Healey, 1991). In general, juveniles can be divided into two life history types depending on time spent rearing in fresh water versus rearing in salt water. “Stream-type” juveniles usually rear longer, up to three years, in fresh water. “Ocean-type” juveniles may enter salt water within a few days or months of hatching and are of a

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much smaller size. Research in the Puget Sound region has found sockeye, coho and some Chinook populations are generally stream-type, while other Chinook, chum and pink are generally ocean-type (Haas et al., 2002). The difference between stream-type and ocean-type Chinook is often correlated with whether their parents were spring or fall spawners, respectively (Haas et al., 2002). Also, in the Puget Sound, osmoregulating juvenile salmon may remain in the greater Puget Sound estuary for several more months before migrating into open ocean habitat (Fresh, 2006; Simenstad et al., 1982). Therefore, rearing in the Puyallup watershed occurs in freshwater, estuarine and marine shoreline (nearshore) habitats.

Rearing in freshwater: Newly emerged juvenile salmon move immediately to low velocity areas in the stream, such as backchannel and off-channel habitat. Primary prey during this stage is insects that fall into the water from the surrounding riparian environment (Fresh et al., 1979; Healey, 1982, Kerwin, 1999; Simenstad et al., 1980). Important habitat features necessary for successful rearing in the freshwater environment include frequency and size of pools (low velocity habitat), habitat complexity (provides refuge, such as large woody debris), water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and quality of riparian habitat (provides shade and food resources). Juvenile salmon will rear in freshwater from a few days (pink, chum) to over a year (Chinook) (Fresh, 2006; Haas et al., 2002).

Rearing in the nearshore: In recent years, research throughout the Puget Sound confirms that juvenile salmon, chum and ocean-type Chinook in particular, extensively use nearshore habitats once they have migrated beyond their natal freshwater stream (Healey, 1980; Healey, 1982; Simenstad et al., 1982). These habitats include dendritic tidal channels, saltmarshes, intertidal sand/gravel beaches and subtidal habitats, especially those that support vegetation such as eelgrass and kelp beds. Nearshore habitat protection and restoration is a priority in the WRIA 10 Salmon Recovery Strategy due to the extensive use of the nearshore by outmigrating Puyallup and Nisqually River Chinook and other regional salmon stock. Increasing habitat diversity in the nearshore is the primary target for restoration that would benefit Chinook recovery (Pierce County, 2012).

Very young salmon fry including young ocean-type Chinook, are present in tidally influenced freshwater habitats, dendritic tidal channels and low velocity margins of the nearshore, such as saltmarsh habitat (Fresh, 2006). Juveniles will move back and forth from fresh to brackish habitats in the nearshore as they are going through the physiological changes that will allow them to osmoregulate and live exclusively in saline environments until

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adulthood (Kerwin, 1999). Fry (<45 to 55mm fork length) in the nearshore will continue to feed on larval and adult insects, making riparian buffers an important feature of nearshore habitats. Emergent plants found in saltmarshes also provide insect prey resources for smaller juveniles. In addition to insects, fry in the nearshore will also feed on epibenthic zooplankton and crustaceans (harpacticoid copepods, gammarid amphipods, and cumaceans) found in nearshore tidal flats (Feller and Kaczynski, 1975; Healey, 1979; Healy, 1980; Simenstad et al., 1980). Fingerlings (juveniles reaching 55-70mm fork length) begin to shift their feeding behavior and prey mostly on epibenthic crustaceans (gammarid amphipods, mysids, and cumaceans), only taking insects opportunistically (Kerwin, 1999; Iadanza, 2001). It has been noted that growth in these two size classes of juveniles (fry and fingerlings) tend to be faster in estuarine conditions than in freshwater (Healey, 1991).

Chinook subyearlings (70mm fork length and larger) are fully capable of osmoregulating and tend to migrate further from river mouths and begin venturing into offshore habitats. These fish are primarily rearing in tidal flats, gravel-cobble shorelines, and other shallow water habitats and feeding primarily on planktonic organisms and epibenthic crustaceans (Duffy et al., 2010). As juvenile Chinook approach one year of age they are occupying primarily subtidal habitat and are large enough to feed on larval and juvenile fish, small nekton, insects, mysids, and pelagic crustaceans (Iadanza, 2001). Important habitat features for successful rearing in these habitats support a healthy prey resource, such as substrate appropriate for epibenthic invertebrates (silts and gravels) and forage fish spawning (pea gravels) and rearing. Subtidal refuge from predators is very important for successful rearing of larger subyearlings and yearlings, such as macroalgae, eelgrass and kelp beds. These habitats also serve as rearing habitats for small fish prey, such as forage fish species. Although these larger fish are targeting larger, planktonic prey, low velocity habitat, structure such as large wood, and migration corridors between habitats are still important features for successful rearing as they provide refuge from predators (Gregory and Levings, 1996; Gregory and Levings, 1998; Orth et al., 1984; Simenstad et al., 1982).

Table 1 provides a snapshot of when various size classes of juvenile Chinook are found in Commencement Bay (Source: Kerwin, 1999). However, it has been suggested that rearing strategies may change as additional habitat restoration actions provide more diversity and size of rearing habitat in the nearshore (Pierce County, 2012). This table was based on sampling data

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from the 1980’s and 1990’s, prior to many of the habitat restoration actions that occurred in Commencement Bay during the late 1990’s and 2000’s.

Table 1. Puyallup River basin rearing trajectories for naturally spawning and hatchery Chinook (WRIA 10).

Chinook Abundance Freshwater Freshwater Estuarine Estuarine Bay Bay Rearing in the Rearing Rearing Rearing Rearing Rearing Rearing Trajectory Puyallup Duration Season (4) Duration Season Duration Season (1) River (2) (3) (3) (4) (3) (4) Emergent Uncommon Days Late Months March to Several May and Fry (<40- February late May weeks to June (5) 45mm) thru March months Fry/Finge Present Days to Late Several Early Several May and rling (45- months February days to April to weeks to June (5) 70mm) thru April months late May months Fingerling Abundant Months Late Several Late April Several May and (>70mm) February days to two to mid days to June (5) thru June weeks June two weeks Yearling Present ~14 months Year-round Brief ______

Source: Salmon Habitat Limiting Factors Report for the Puyallup River Basin (Water Resource Inventory Area 10), Prepared by John Kerwin, Washington Conservation Commission, Olympia WA, July 1999 (1) Defined based upon timing of entrance to estuary (2) Based on sampling conducted in Commencement Bay estuary during the 1980’s and 1990’s (3) Individual residence (4) Population residence (5) Chinook may be present in small numbers through July

1.1.2 Coho spawning life history stage habitat requirements- Functional habitat requirements for spawning adults include passable migration corridors to spawning areas, properly sized spawning gravels, and other physical features such as water temperature, velocity and habitat complexity. Prior to spawning, adults will often hold in large, deep, low velocity pools with an abundance of large woody debris and other cover features, which serve as refuge from high water temperatures, predators, or a refuge to reduce metabolic demands and reserve energy until spawning commences. Spawning densities of Chinook and coho have been correlated with a number of factors, including large woody debris and pool frequency (Montgomery et al., 1999).

1.2 Ground fish habitat requirements English sole (Parophrys vetulus) are a member of the family of flatfish prevalent in Puget Sound that spend their entire life histories in saltwater habitats. Within the nearshore, intertidal, subtidal, and deep water habitats are used by sole at different life stages (CB/NRT, 1995; McCain et al., 2005). Eggs and larval English sole are

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pelagic and occur in shallow water areas. Pelagic juveniles primarily feed on copepods and other small planktonic organisms. Once juveniles settle and metamorphose (transition from pelagic to demersal), they are most often found in intertidal and shallow subtidal areas, such as mudflats, sandflats and eelgrass beds. This stage of juveniles feed primarily on small epibenthic crustaceans found in these shallow soft-bottomed habitats, such as harpacticoid copepods, gammarid amphipods, cumaceans, mysids, and small bivalves. As English sole mature, they move into deeper water, still seeking out soft-bottomed habitats. At this point, their prey items shift to polychaetes, mollusks, crustaceans and other infaunal organisms. Adults return to shallower waters to spawn. Spawning generally occurs in subtidal soft-bottom habitats at depths of 50-70m.

1.3 Bird assemblages and habitat requirements The bird assemblages selected by the Commencement Bay NRDA Trustees are grouped into four categories based on their foraging behaviors, as defined by Simenstad (1983). The assemblages include migratory and resident species that are found in the Commencement Bay area: • Shallow-probing and surface searching shorebirds (e.g. sandpiper, dunlin, plover) - obligate benthivores that feed on benthic infauna and epibenthic zooplankton. Habitat types utilized: nearshore only- tidally-influenced off- channel habitat and associated emergent wetlands, saltmarshes, mudflats, and soft-bottomed shallow habitat during low tide.

• Waders- includes species foraging for deeper benthic organisms (e.g. greater yellowlegs) and those that prey predate on fishes and motile epifaunal invertebrates (e.g. great blue heron). Habitat types utilized: channels of both fresh and intertidal off-channel habitat and saltmarshes, gravel beaches at high tide and soft-bottomed shallow habitat at mid to low tides.

• Surface and diving water bird assemblage- includes several feeding types: benthivores (e.g. lesser scaup, Barrow’s goldeneye), piscivores (e.g. Western grebe, common merganser), and omnivores (e.g. mallard). Habitat types utilized: this broad assemblage includes multiple feeding strategies that combined utilize every habitat type included in this Plan.

• Aerial searchers- includes higher level carnivores (e.g. bald eagle), piscivores (e,g, belted kingfisher, osprey) and benthivores (e.g. glaucous-winged gull). Habitat types utilized: this broad assemblage includes multiple feeding strategies that combined utilize every habitat type included in this Plan.

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Appendix A of the Commencement Bay NRDA Restoration Plan (CB/NRT, 1997) provides extensive tables of bird assemblages that utilize each riverine and nearshore habitat for both feeding and resting.

2. Target Functional Habitat Types in the Commencement Bay Ecosystem

The Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (CB/NRT, 1997) focuses on restoration of habitats that have been determined to be key to the survival of NRDA Trust resource species. These are known as Functional Habitat Types (FHTs). FHTs are defined by the ecologic function they provide to wildlife. Many of these FHTs have been significantly altered, damaged and lost from Commencement Bay and the greater Puyallup watershed. The Commencement Bay NRDA Restoration Plan specifically calls out the importance of restoration of several freshwater and nearshore habitat types, including emergent marshes, vegetated shallow intertidal, mudflats, gravel beaches, riverine systems, riparian systems and migration corridors.

In addition, the Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Strategy for the Puyallup (WRIA 10) and Chambers/Clover Creek (WRIA 12) (Pierce County, 2012) highlights the importance of additional freshwater FHTs that provide ecological function necessary to support juvenile salmon survival, but also support the needs of many fish, bird, and invertebrate species. These additional FHTs include riverine off-channel and floodplain habitat on both the mainstem of the Puyallup River and associated tributaries, such as the Hylebos. The Hylebos watershed is called out in the Commencement Bay NRDA Restoration Plan as a tributary of significance to the survival and recovery of NRDA Trust species present in this area.

The sections below describe each of the Functional Habitat Types (FHT) that pertain to this Ecosystem Management Plan as described by the Commencement Bay NRDA Restoration Plan (CB/NRT, 1997) and the Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Strategy (Pierce County, 2012). They are divided by freshwater and nearshore habitats. In each section, the FHT is defined and the primary physical conditions that support functionality of the FHT for juvenile salmon are then described. Recommendations for monitoring the physical and functional characteristics of each FHT can be found in Section 4.

2.1 Freshwater Functional Habitat Types 2.1.1 Mainstem off-channel and floodplain habitat- Mainstem side-channel, backwater and off-channel habitat provides essential habitat for juvenile salmon for rearing, feeding, acclimation, and protection from flood events. Off-channel habitat also provides resting areas for spawning adults, and nesting areas for migratory birds and

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waterfowl. The riparian corridors associated with this habitat provide a continuous source of large woody debris input to the system, as well as inputs of primary detritus that form the base of the food web.

Loss of floodplain habitat is limiting the performance and survival of Puyallup Chinook due to the channelization and confinement of the river’s mainstem within an extensive system of revetments and levees. The 2012 Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Strategy (Pierce County, 2012) identifies reconnecting mainstem rivers with floodplains as the most important action for salmon recovery in the Puyallup/White watershed. The lower 26 miles of the Puyallup River is contained within a revetment and levee system (Kerwin, 1999), which has significantly reduced both spawning and rearing habitats inherent in these systems. Reconnections of oxbow off-channel habitat can provide similar benefits by providing water and fish access to existing, but disconnected, habitat.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in mainstem side-channel, backwater and off- channel habitat are adequate pool frequency that are well shaded and with complex edges, adequate channel width/depth ratio and stable, complex channel edges, good aerial coverage and species composition of both riparian vegetation and wetlands vegetation, frequency and complexity of large woody debris throughout the system, and an abundance and diversity of surface water and epibenthic prey species. In addition, appropriate water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and water velocity are important elements for juvenile salmon rearing.

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon rearing will also support the use of this habitat type for spawning adults (resting areas) and migratory birds and waterfowl (foraging and nesting).

2.1.2 Tributary stream habitat- Tributary stream habitat, including side-channel, backwater and off-channel habitat, provides essential habitat for juvenile salmon rearing, feeding, acclimation, and protection from flood events, adult spawning habitat and resting areas for spawning adults, and migratory and waterfowl foraging and nesting. The riparian corridors associated with this habitat also provide a continuous source of large woody debris input to the system, as well as inputs of primary detritus that forms the base of the food web.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in tributary steam habitat include a diversity of side- channel and backwater habitat, adequate pool frequency that are well

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shaded and with complex edges, adequate channel width/depth ratio and stable, complex channel edges, good aerial coverage and species composition of both riparian vegetation and wetlands vegetation, frequency and complexity of large woody debris throughout the system, and an abundance and diversity of surface water and epibenthic prey species. Appropriate water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and water velocity are also important elements for juvenile salmon rearing. Additional habitat elements required for adult coho spawning habitat requirements are substrate composition and level of substrate embeddedness (% of fine sediments).

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon rearing will also support the use of this habitat type for spawning adults (resting areas) and migratory birds and waterfowl (foraging and nesting).

2.2 Nearshore Functional Habitat Types- For the purposes of this plan, nearshore is defined by the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (http://www.pugetsoundnearshore.org/) as “the ribbon of land and shallow water that rings Puget Sound. It includes the shoreline bluffs, the tidal portions of streams and rivers, and shallow water areas out to a depth where sunlight no longer supports marine vegetation.” Any habitat above the tidally- influenced portions of streams and rivers are considered to be freshwater habitats. In the Puyallup River, for example, the nearshore zone extends from Commencement Bay upriver to the extent of tidal influence at about river mile (RM) 6.0, near Clarks Creek.

2.2.1 Tidally influenced off channel/floodplain habitat- Tidally-influenced side-channel, backwater and off-channel habitat provides essential habitat for juvenile salmon for rearing, feeding, acclimation, and protection from flood events. In addition, this is important habitat for juvenile salmon going through the smoltification process which involves physiological changes that transform smolts into osmoregulating juveniles. Tidally influenced off-channel habitat is also important for foraging and nesting areas for many species of shore birds, migratory birds and waterfowl. The riparian corridors associated with this habitat type provide a source of large woody debris input to the system, as well as inputs of primary detritus that form the base of the food web.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in tidally-influenced off channel/floodplain habitat are frequency, length and complexity of side and blind channels, complex channel edges, good aerial coverage and species composition of both

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riparian vegetation and wetlands vegetation, frequency and complexity of large woody debris throughout the system, and an abundance and diversity of surface water and epibenthic prey species. Appropriate water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen (DO) are also important elements for juvenile salmon rearing.

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon rearing will also support the use of this habitat type for spawning adults (resting areas), juvenile English sole (rearing), and migratory birds and waterfowl (foraging and nesting).

2.2.2 Saltmarsh habitat- Saltmarshes provide essential habitat for juvenile salmon for rearing, feeding, and acclimation. In addition, this is important habitat for juvenile salmon going through the smoltification process involving physiological changes that lead to osmoregulating juveniles. Juvenile groundfish often use saltmarshes for refuge and foraging. Saltmarsh habitat is also important for foraging and nesting areas for many species of shore birds, migratory birds and waterfowl. Organic detritus material from the annual growth and breakdown of marsh vegetation provides a large organic pulse of detritus into the intertidal marine food web. Detritus is a primary food resource for intertidal and subtidal marine invertebrates, which are a huge food resource for a variety of fish, birds and other wildlife, including juvenile salmon.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in saltmarsh habitat are frequency, length and complexity of internal channel system, aerial coverage and species composition of marsh vegetation and surrounding riparian vegetation, frequency and complexity of large woody debris throughout the system, and an abundance and diversity of surface water and epibenthic prey species. Appropriate water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen (DO) are also important elements for juvenile salmon rearing.

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon rearing will also support the use of this habitat type for shorebirds, migratory birds and waterfowl (foraging and nesting).

2.2.3 Mudflat habitat- Mudflats are low gradient, intertidal areas composed of very fine, highly organic sediments (silts and clays) and generally do not support any associated vegetation, other than filamentous algae. Mudflats provide

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essential habitat for nearshore juvenile salmon rearing, groundfish rearing, and shorebird and waterfowl foraging and resting.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in mudflat habitat are frequency, length and complexity of internal channel system, frequency and complexity of large woody debris throughout the system, and an abundance and diversity of epibenthic prey species.

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon rearing will also support the use of this habitat type for juvenile English sole (rearing and foraging) and shorebirds and waterfowl (foraging).

2.2.4 Bluff-backed intertidal habitat- Bluffs deposit sediments on beaches that build intertidal habitat required by forage fish for spawning and nearshore juvenile salmon rearing. Sediments from bluffs that are deposited into the lower intertidal and subtidal zones support eelgrass and kelp bed formation which support important habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife, including forage fish, ground fish and juvenile salmon rearing. Many bluff habitats have associated riparian areas and vegetated backshore areas. These habitats provide an organic pulse of organic detritus and terrestrial derived prey resources (insects) into the intertidal marine food web.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in bluff-backed intertidal habitat are size and frequency of landslide events (affects deposition of sediments on beach), good aerial coverage and species composition of both riparian vegetation and backshore vegetation, frequency and complexity of large woody debris throughout the system, and an abundance and diversity of epibenthic and embedded prey species.

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon rearing will also support the use of this habitat type for shorebirds, migratory birds and waterfowl (foraging and nesting).

2.2.5 Intertidal gravel-cobble beaches- Gravel/cobble beaches provide foraging habitat for nearshore juvenile salmon and juvenile English sole, and forage fish spawning habitat. These habitats also support diverse communities of benthic and epibenthic invertebrates, and macro-invertebrates such as embedded (clams) and non- embedded (crabs) species. The lower reaches of gravel/cobble beaches

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will often blend into soft-bottomed shallow habitat that supports eelgrass and macroalgae beds.

Gravel/cobble beaches are a primary habitat type of the Puget Sound nearshore. These beaches are continually evolving in response to the physical processes of the nearshore environment, such as wind and wave energy, tidal energy and landslides.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in gravel/cobble beach habitat are good aerial coverage and species composition of riparian vegetation and backshore vegetation, frequency and complexity of large woody debris throughout the system, and an abundance and diversity of embedded prey species.

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon foraging will also support the use of this habitat type for juvenile English sole foraging and shorebird and waterfowl foraging.

2.2.6 Soft-bottomed shallow subtidal habitat- Soft-bottomed shallow subtidal habitat supports nearshore rearing of juvenile salmon, forage fish, and juvenile and adult English sole. These habitats also support the feeding strategies of many waterfowl and seabirds. Soft-bottomed shallow habitats are often vegetated with eelgrass and macroalgae beds that support a rich array of marine invertebrates and fish species. These habitats support shorebird foraging during low tides as well as piscivorous (fish eating) waterfowl and raptors, such as ospreys and bald eagles.

The primary structural and physical elements that support functionality of juvenile salmon rearing in soft-bottomed shallow subtidal habitat are an abundance and diversity of benthic, epibenthic and embedded prey species, and aerial coverage and species composition of submerged aquatic vegetation.

Ensuring functionality of these elements for successful juvenile salmon and juvenile English sole foraging will also support the use of this habitat type for shorebirds and waterfowl foraging and feeding habits of piscivorous bird species and adult English sole.

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3. Commencement Bay NRDA Restoration Site Descriptions

In creating a suite of restoration projects throughout Commencement Bay, the Commencement Bay Trustees envisioned a group of areas that could function together as part of a larger ecosystem in order to fulfill trust species’ habitat requirements. The primary advantage of the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative is the collective integration of these 17 NRDA restoration sites into an ecosystem-based management approach that manages each site in relation to all other sites in the collaborative. Figure 1 below provides an overall site map showing the location of each site in relation to others in Commencement Bay. Following that, Table 2 provides basic information for each site, including a snapshot of the primary FHTs, overall sites goals, and NRDA Trust species by site. Figure 2 shows the total percentages of each FHT across all sites.

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Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative NRDA Restoration Sites

Yowkwala Legend Locator Map NRDA Skookum Restoration Sites Commencement Wulge Bay Squally Beach

Occidental

Tahoma Salt Marsh Olympic View (Triangle & RA) Karileen NRDA Partners • National Oceanic and Mowitch Atmospheric Administration Parsons • U.S. Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Bureau of Indian Affairs Hauff • Washington State Department Middle Waterway of Ecology (City &Simpson) • Washington State Department of Natural Resources Jordan • Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Puyallup Tribe of Indians Puyallup River Old Soldiers • Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Home (Orting) • EarthCorps; and • Citizens for a Healthy Bay

Swan Creek º Sha Dadx 1 0.5 0 1 1:38,845 2 Miles This Page Left Intentionally Blank

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Table 2. Commencement Bay NRDA site information including primary Functional Habitat Types (FHT), overall site goals, and affected NRDA Trust species for each site.

NRDA Trust Species affected2 Site Size Year constructed Site Goals1 Primary FHT1 Primary Function (in priority order3) Create estuarine salt Juvenile salmon, adult marsh & channels salmon, bird assemblages: with vegetated Tidally influenced Juvenile salmon shorebirds, wading Hauff 6.51 acres 2009 buffer off-channel rearing birds/waterfowl

Enhanced intertidal/off channel Juvenile salmon, adult for juvenile salmon Tidally influenced Juvenile salmon salmon, shorebirds, Jordan 15.75 acres 2005 migration and rearing off-channel rearing wading birds/waterfowl

Restore freshwater wetland and riparian Adult salmon habitat for salmon Tributary spawning/Juvenile Adult salmon, juvenile Karileen 10.09 acres 2010 spawn and rearing mainstem salmon rearing salmon Created estuarine wetland/shoreline w/intertidal/salt marsh/riparian Juvenile salmon, adult Middle Waterway- buffer, preserve rare Juvenile salmon salmon, flatfish, benthic City 1.96 acres 2000 mudflat Saltmarsh rearing communities

Created estuarine wetland/shoreline Juvenile salmon, adult Middle Waterway- w/riparian buffer, Saltmarsh, Juvenile salmon salmon, flatfish, benthic Simpson 3.59 acres 1996 preserve rare mudflat mudflat rearing communities

Created intertidal habitat and channel sinuosity, added Juvenile salmon, adult upland and wetland Tidally influenced Juvenile salmon salmon, wading birds, Mowitch 2.70 acres 2000 plants off-channel rearing benthic communities

Eliminate log rafting, remove log debris Juvenile salmon, adult and other debris to Intertidal mudflat/ salmon, benthic create shallow water soft-bottom Juvenile salmon communities, shorebirds, Occidental 20.70 2009 and mudflat habitat shallow subtidal rearing wading birds

Levee setback from Puyallup; naturally Old Soldiers meandering river for Off-channel/ Juvenile salmon Adult salmon, juvenile Home 93.53 acres 2007 juvenile salmon floodplain rearing salmon, aerial searchers

Softening of shoreline to enhance intertidal habitat, one Intertidal gravel Juvenile salmon, adult of few remaining beach/ soft- salmon, benthic eelgrass beds in bottom shallow Juvenile salmon communities, flatfish, Olympic View 11.25 acres 2002 Commencement Bay subtidal rearing diving water birds M a y 2015 Page 22 EarthCorps

NRDA Trust Species affected2 Site Size Year constructed Site Goals1 Primary FHT1 Primary Function (in priority order3)

High salt marsh and riparian at head of Olympic View Thea Foss to benefit Juvenile salmon Juvenile salmon, wading Triangle 1.09 acre 2007 juvenile salmonids Saltmarsh rearing birds Create intertidal, riparian buffer w/forest stand, Juvenile salmon, adult freshwater marsh, Tidally influenced Juvenile salmon salmon, aerial searchers, Parsons 13.00 acres 2010 upland forest off-channel rearing wading birds

Off-channel oxbow habitat, riparian Juvenile salmon, adult buffer to Puyallup for Off-channel/ Juvenile salmon salmon, wading Sha Dadx 18.52 acres 2009 juvenile salmon floodplain rearing birds/waterfowl No habitat constructed, captures freshwater runoff, intertidal Bluff-backed Juvenile salmon, adult areas, upper riparian intertidal gravel Juvenile salmon salmon, flatfish, wading Skookum Wulge 1.35 acre 1999 planted beach rearing birds

Restored intertidal habitat, captures runoff, seeps from hill above contribute to Juvenile salmon juvenile salmon, adult Squally Beach 0.84 acre 2000 brackish marsh Saltmarsh rearing salmon, flatfish

Stream restoration establishing freshwater, in- channel and off- Juvenile salmon, adult channel habitat, salmon, wading refuge for juvenile Off-channel/ Juvenile salmon birds/waterfowl, aerial Swan Creek 11.69 acres 2000 salmon floodplain rearing searchers

Salt marsh Juvenile salmon, adult Tahoma restoration w/tidal Juvenile salmon salmon, aerial searchers, Saltmarsh 1.73 acres 2004 channel and mudflat Saltmarsh rearing wading birds

Enhanced nearshore Bluff-backed Juvenile salmon, adult and intertidal intertidal gravel Juvenile salmon salmon, flatfish, aerial Yowkwala 20.5 acres 2000 habitats beach rearing searchers, shorebirds

1 Source: Commencement Bay Natural Resource Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, June 1997

Source: Iadanza, NE. 2001. Appendix C: Determining Habitat Value and Time to Sustained Function. An appendix to the Commencement Bay 2 Accelerated Settlement Proposal. Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees

Source of prioritization of species provided by "Floberg, J. Commencement Bay Site Goals and Original Service Replacement Intent spreadsheet, June 26th, 3 2012. This prioritization information was fully vetted by the Commencement Bay Trustees in 2012."

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Figure 2. Cumulative sum of acres for functional habitat types from all 17 NRDA restoration sites out of a total of 234.8 acres. “Other” category includes: gravel roads, paved roads, riprap, and landscaped grass.

Active Channel Margin Acres by Pecent 6% Backshore 1% Emergent Marsh (235 Acres) 5% Subtidal 7% Stream Channel Side Channel 14% 3% Forested Riparian Shrubland 23% 6% Scrub-Shrub 8% Forested Upland Mudflat 12% 11%

Other 1% Open Water Gravel Beach 1% 2%

The Commencement Bay NRDA Trustees adopted the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement in 1997. This became their guiding document for the selection, coordination and implementation of restoration activities under the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment.

Using an alternatives analysis process, the Commencement Bay NRDA Trustees used an integrated approach to selecting and implementing habitat restoration projects. Specific elements of the integrated approach requiring long-term stewardship include: • Creating or enhancing feeding, rearing, or spawning habitat for selected fish and wildlife species that have been injured (e.g.- removing barriers and obstructions, placing spawning gravel, stabilizing and fencing stream banks) • Modifying the substrate, at locations in the Bay where appropriate habitat and water quality conditions exist, to make it more conducive to shellfish and demersal fish needs, and possibly seeding for clams and oysters • Erecting nest boxes or perches • Purchasing property for preservation • Facilitating cultural services such as subsistence and ceremonial practices

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• Creating habitats away from discharge sites to provide equivalent services within the defined service area for fish and wildlife production • Creating public access/viewing areas that are compatible with habitat objectives and the continued flow of ecological services

Included in this Commencement Bay Ecosystem Management Plan are 17 restoration sites selected and implemented by the Commencement Bay NRDA Trustees using the selected integrated restoration approach. The next section describes each site’s characteristics and restoration goals, including primary Functional Habitat Types that form the basis of the management program. Included in each description below are general information (size and location), the primary NRDA goals regarding habitat functionality for the site, all existing Functional Habitat Types at each site, and the NRDA Trust species anticipated to use each site by life history stage. These descriptions are intended to be a summary and general introduction to the 17 restoration sites. Additionally, in-depth information on each site forms the background of individual Site Plans found in section three of Chapter Two: Ecosystem Management Plan of this document.

3.1 Freshwater off-channel/floodplain habitat sites

3.1.1 Old Soldiers Home - Old Soldiers Home is a 93.53 acre off-channel floodplain restoration site off the mainstem in the lowland reach of the Puyallup River. Construction was completed in 2007 by Pierce County. The project consists of a new 5,000-foot levee which has been set back 900 feet from the main channel of the Puyallup River. A levee structure was removed to allow the river to naturally meander in the opened floodplain area. The new setback levee transformed 67 acres of dry floodplain into a complex of braided channels. The area of the setback lets the river migrate more naturally, allowing flood waters to spread out and create off-channel habitat.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Provide mainstem off-channel habitat for juvenile salmon rearing and adult resting areas. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- freshwater mainstem off- channel/floodplain habitat and associated riparian forest habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile Chinook rearing, adult coho resting, bird assemblages- waders, surface water birds, aerial searchers.

3.1.2 Sha Dadx- Sha Dadx is an 18.52 acre oxbow restoration site constructed in 2009 on the north bank of the Puyallup River at approximately RM 4.5, in Fife, Pierce County, Washington. The site is a relict channel of the Puyallup River and is isolated from the river by a levee. The project created off-

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channel habitat and riparian buffers with connection to the Puyallup River. Installation of a culvert under the adjacent levee road re-connected the Puyallup River to constructed pools and channels in an abandoned oxbow system. A ring levee was constructed around the site to contain floodwater within the off-channel habitat area and to protect properties adjacent to the site. The off-channel habitat consists of approximately 12 acres inside the ring levee.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Support juvenile salmon rearing by create freshwater mainstem off-channel habitat with riparian buffers. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- Freshwater off-channel habitat, associated emergent wetland, associated riparian forest. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), adult salmonids (resting), bird assemblages- waders, surface water birds (waterfowl) and aerial searchers.

3.1.3 Swan Creek- Swan Creek is an 11.69 acre restoration site located just south of the City of Tacoma limits along Pioneer Way. The project was constructed by the City of Tacoma in 2000. The nearly 12 acres include Swan Creek, the Haire wetland and associated riparian areas. The created off-channel habitat provides an improved surface water connection that allows easier passage for fish into the wetland complex.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Restore and enhance habitat for juvenile salmonid rearing, provide increased and enhanced wetland habitat for wetland-dependent species, eliminate fish passage impediments in the lower reaches of Swan Creek. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- freshwater off-channel habitat, freshwater emergent wetlands, tributary mainstem habitat, associated riparian forested habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), adult salmonids (migration and resting), bird assemblages- waders, surface water birds (waterfowl) and aerial searchers.

3.2 Freshwater tributary stream habitat site Karileen- Karileen is a 10.09 acre restoration on the west branch of Hylebos Creek. The project was constructed in 2009-10 under a settlement with General Metals of Tacoma. The restoration lengthened and increased the sinuosity of the stream channel, added large woody debris to increase habitat complexity, increased the inundation of adjacent floodplain to create off- channel habitat, created additional wetland habitat, and reduced human and cattle disturbances on the site.

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• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Enhance stream habitat for juvenile salmonid rearing and adult migration and spawning. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- mainstem tributary habitat, freshwater off-channel/floodplain habitat, freshwater emergent wetlands, and associated riparian forested habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), adult salmonids (migration, spawning and resting), bird assemblages- waders, surface water birds (waterfowl), and aerial searchers.

3.3 Nearshore sites- Intertidal emergent marsh/tidally influenced off-channel 3.3.1 Jordan- The Jordan/Lower Hylebos Marsh site is a 15.75 acre site located along Hylebos Creek in Fife, just downstream of the 4th Street bridge. Construction at this site was completed by the Commencement Bay NRDA Trustees in 2005. The site provides tidally-influenced, freshwater off channel habitat for fish migration, rearing, foraging, and refuge. The site consists of a steep, wooded hillslope, a public walking trail, planted riparian areas, marsh areas, and islands.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Enhancing intertidal area for juvenile salmonid migration, establishing off-channel habitat for juvenile salmonid rearing, and protecting the site for natural resources. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- tidally influenced off- channel habitat, tributary stream habitat, associated emergent freshwater wetlands, associated riparian forest. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids, adult coho/chum, bird assemblages: waders, surface water birds (waterfowl) and aerial searchers.

3.3.2 Parsons- Parsons is a 13.0 acre restoration/preservation site acres east of Marina View Drive on the north bank of Hylebos Creek, near the head of the Hylebos Waterway. Construction was completed in 2009-10.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Construct new aquatic habitat suitable for juvenile salmonids and other wetland dependent species. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- Tidally-influenced off- channel and side channel habitat associated emergent wetland habitat, associated mudflat habitat, associated riparian buffer, and associated riparian forest. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- rearing juvenile Chinook, juvenile English sole, shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds, and aerial searchers.

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3.3.3 Hauff- Hauff is a 6.51 acre restoration site located in the City of Tacoma along the lower, tidal section of Hylebos Creek, adjacent to the Parsons site. Construction of this site was completed in 2009. Restoration actions enhanced estuarine salt marsh complexes by creating intertidal channels and a vegetated riparian buffer.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Construct new aquatic habitat suitable for juvenile salmonids and other wetland dependent species. • Functional Habitat Types present at the site- Tidally-influenced off- channel and side channel habitat associated emergent wetland habitat, associated mudflat habitat, and associated riparian buffer. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated being present at site- rearing juvenile Chinook, juvenile English sole, shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds, and aerial searchers.

3.3.4 Mowitch- Mowitch is a 2.70 acre site located at the head of the Hylebos Waterway. Construction of the site was completed 2000. The project was designed to increase the channel sinuosity of the lower Hylebos waterway and increase the area and quality of intertidal habitat. The site consists of one island marsh area near the mouth of the waterway and three other marsh areas separated by backchannel areas. An upland riparian buffer separates the habitat area from an adjacent industrial site.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Support juvenile salmon migration and rearing by increasing habitat complexity at the mouth of the Hylebos waterway by providing tidally influenced off-channel habitat and saltmarsh habitat. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- tidally influenced off- channel habitat, saltmarsh habitat, associated mudflat habitat, associated riparian buffer habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), juvenile English sole (rearing), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds (foraging and resting), and aerial searchers.

3.3.5 Middle Waterway (City of Tacoma)- The Middle Waterway City of Tacoma site is a 1.96 acre site located at the head of the Middle Waterway near 11th Street. This site was constructed in 2000. Restoration actions included excavation and re-grading of a vacant upland property to create new intertidal marsh and mudflat habitat.

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• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Enhance juvenile salmon rearing by improving mudflat and emergent marsh habitat. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- saltmarsh habitat, mudflat habitat, associated riparian buffer habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), English sole (rearing and foraging), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds (foraging and resting), aerial searchers.

3.3.6 Middle Waterway (Simpson)- The Middle Waterway, Simpson site is a 3.59 acre site located at the head of the Middle Waterway near 11th Street, and adjacent to the Middle Waterway, City site. This site was constructed in 1996. Formerly filled uplands were excavated and contoured to create a natural shoreline and saltmarsh habitat. Large woody debris was placed at the site to increase habitat complexity.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Enhance juvenile salmon rearing by improving mudflat and emergent marsh habitat. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- Saltmarsh habitat, intertidal backshore habitat, mudflat habitat, associated riparian buffer habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), English sole (rearing and foraging), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface and diving birds (foraging and resting), and aerial searchers.

3.3.7 Tahoma Saltmarsh- The Tahoma Saltmarsh is a 1.73 acre site located along the Ruston Way shoreline near the Jack Hyde and Chinese Reconciliation Parks. The project was constructed in 2004. The restoration actions included excavation and re-grading of an upland site to support a saltmarsh system, excavation of a tidal channel to connect the marsh area with the restored beach area and allow tidal inundation of the marsh, and replanting of the marsh habitat and associated riparian buffer.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Support juvenile salmon rearing in the nearshore by establishing saltmarsh and mudflat habitat. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- saltmarsh habitat, mudflat habitat, associated backshore habitat, associated riparian buffer habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), juvenile English sole (rearing), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface water birds (waterfowl).

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3.3.8 Squally Beach- The Squally Beach site is a 0.84 acre site located on the northeast shore of Commencement Bay just north of the 11th Street Bridge. Development of this site was completed in 2000. Restoration actions included intercepting and rerouting freshwater seeps from an adjacent hillside through the site creating dendritic channels through the existing saltmarsh fringe. Excavation of material and grading increased the saltmarsh habitat. Redirecting the freshwater into the site reduced the salinity on the site, increasing saltmarsh plant diversity.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Increase saltmarsh habitat to improve intertidal conditions and support juvenile salmon rearing and a diversity of wildlife. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- saltmarsh habitat, mudflat habitat, associated riparian buffer. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), juvenile English sole (rearing), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface water birds (waterfowl foraging).

3.3.9 Olympic View Triangle- Olympic View Triangle is a 1.09 acre site located adjacent to the Olympic View Resource Area Restoration Project. The project was constructed in 2007 by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Restoration actions included removal of contaminated soils and excavation to create the high saltmarsh and riparian buffer.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Increase saltmarsh habitat to improve intertidal conditions for juvenile salmon rearing and support a diversity of wildlife. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- high saltmarsh habitat, mudflat habitat, associated riparian buffer. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), juvenile English sole (rearing), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface water birds (waterfowl).

3.4 Nearshore sites- Bluff-backed beaches, Intertidal gravel beaches and associated subtidal habitat sites 3.4.1 Skookum Wulge- Skookum Wulge is a 1.35 acre site located on the northeast shore of Commencement Bay near the mouth of the Hylebos Waterway. This site was set aside by the Trustees for protection in 1999. No active restoration of the site happened initially. The site was set aside for preservation of the shoreline’s intertidal habitat areas and native vegetation. The site consists of a natural erosional deposit on the beach face from the bluff behind the site from a landslide that occurred in 1938.

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This deposit is stable and has been revegetated to provide a riparian buffer and detritus input to the intertidal gravel beach face, while it continues to naturally erode and provide sediment to the beach further down the littoral drift cell. There is a small backshore embayment immediately north of the erosional deposit.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Enhance the nearshore and intertidal habitats of the site for salmonid and benthic resources and to provide an unobstructed corridor along the shoreline extending subtidally to a depth of -10 ft. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- bluff-backed intertidal habitat, riparian buffer habitat, backshore habitat, gravel intertidal beach habitat, shallow subtidal habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing and foraging), forage fish (spawning and foraging), English sole (juvenile and adult foraging), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds, aerial searchers.

3.4.2 Yowkwala- Yowkwala is a 20.50 acre site located on the northeast shore of Commencement Bay near the mouth of the Hylebos Waterway. This site was set aside by the Trustees for preservation of intertidal gravel beach habitat, native vegetation backshore and an associated bluff. A beach cleanup including the removal of two derelict barges, a drydock and wooden debris was completed in 2000. Large woody debris was placed on the beach to add habitat complexity and encourage growth of backshore vegetation.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- enhancing the intertidal habitat for salmonid and benthic resources and providing an unobstructed corridor along the shoreline that extends into the subtidal area to a depth of -10 feet. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- bluff-backed intertidal habitat (vegetated), backshore habitat, gravel intertidal beach habitat, shallow subtidal habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing and foraging), forage fish (spawning and rearing), English sole (juvenile and adult foraging), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds, aerial searchers.

3.4.3 Olympic View Resource Area- Olympic View Resource Area is an 11.25 acre site located at the tip of the peninsula between the Thea Foss and Middle Waterways. Construction of the site, including both cleanup and

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restoration, was completed in 2002. Restoration activities included removal of a portion of a building that extended out over the intertidal and reestablishment of a vegetated backshore community. The low intertidal and subtidal zones of this site are soft-bottomed and support one of the few remaining eelgrass beds in Commencement Bay.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Protect and enhance nearshore eelgrass and intertidal habitat for juvenile salmon migration and rearing and support a diversity of aquatic species. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- intertidal gravel beach, backshore habitat, soft-bottomed subtidal habitat (supports eelgrass beds). • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing and foraging), forage fish (spawning and rearing), English sole (juvenile and adult foraging), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds, aerial searchers.

3.4.4 Occidental- Occidental a 20.70 acre site owned by the Port of Tacoma. In a settlement between the NRDA Trustees and Occidental Chemical Company in 2009, the site was set aside for restoration. Restoration activities included elimination of log rafting on the site, removal of wood debris in log rafting areas, removal of exposed portions of three grounded barges on the site, removal of trash including pipes, chains, cable and other discarded debris, and placement of a clean sand/silt cap throughout the soft- bottomed habitat area of the site. Following cleanup, a boom was placed around the water-side of the site to prevent future log rafting or drifting in of derelict vessels.

• Primary NRDA restoration goal- Improve mudflat and subtidal habitat conditions in the intertidal area for juvenile salmon rearing and migration. • Functional Habitat Types included in site- mudflat habitat, subtidal soft-bottomed habitat, backshore habitat and riparian buffer habitat. • NRDA Trust Species anticipated- juvenile salmonids (rearing), juvenile English sole (rearing and foraging), bird assemblages- shorebirds, waders, surface and diving water birds, aerial searchers.

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Section Two: Ecosystem Chapter Two: ManagementStewardship and Plan Management Approach

The Commencement Bay NRDA Ecosystem Management Plan is an overarching document that describes the approach to long-term adaptive management of the 17 Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites using the methodologies of monitoring, maintenance and stewardship. Each approach is described below including how the three approaches work together.

4. Monitoring Approach

The overarching goal of monitoring for the Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites is to develop and maintain, in perpetuity, a consistent, cost effective approach across all sites that provides the data necessary to ensure the sites are meeting or at the least on trajectory for achieving the specific sites objectives for the Trust resource species. In addition, the monitoring approach focuses on data that, whenever possible, will directly inform action-oriented management activities that can be effectively implemented. Based on this goal, monitoring will focus primarily on assessing the structural and other physical characteristics of the sites that support the functional attributes necessary for rearing juvenile salmon. All monitoring approaches fall into one of these broad categories:

1. Structural habitat complexity, composition and function 2. Prey richness and abundance

This monitoring approach was developed with consideration to acquiring relevant data that can lead to direct management action or provide pertinent information regarding the function of the collective habitats, with specific regards to the trust species. Important considerations for this approach included concerns of cost effectiveness and utility. Other existing monitoring data will be examined and utilized from the greater Puyallup and Hylebos watersheds and the Commencement Bay nearshore as appropriate. The section below on Additional Monitoring describes other sources of information that may be available and pertinent to understanding the overall health and functionality of these 17 restoration sites.

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4.1 Qualitative Monitoring Qualitative monitoring will utilize standardized field forms to collect on-site information of habitat complexity and overall health of the site, focusing on vegetation communities, site conditions, anthropogenic disturbances, and wildlife sightings.

Direct adaptive management actions associated with monitoring the health and complexity of the habitat include planting additional species to improve diversity at a site, planting canopy cover species to improve percent canopy cover at a site, and adding large woody debris to a site.

Three methods will be used to collect this information each year:

1. Biannual site visits: The primary method of evaluating the condition and functionality of each site will be accomplished by on-the-ground qualitative monitoring by trained technicians. EarthCorps staff will conduct formal bi- annual visits at all sites that are in the program using standardized field forms designed to objectively collect pertinent information regarding the structure and composition of the native and non-native vegetation present on each site.

Late winter/early spring site visits will be conducted to assess any changes caused by winter storm events and/or early spring flood events. These site visits will also assist in revising any specific maintenance tasks for the year that were developed the previous fall during the planning process.

Late summer/early fall site visits will be conducted to focus primarily on assessing vegetation complexity by conducting systematic site walk-throughs to visibly assess plant health, composition, and structure. In lieu of a more rigorous plot or transect-based vegetation monitoring, this method of qualitative monitoring with standardized forms will be cost effective and provide the necessary data to determine appropriate management actions to meet site goals. Data will be recorded for each individual habitat management unit designed to evaluate metrics based on simplified “benchmarks” for each criteria. Criteria will be specific to individual habitat types and the qualitative benchmark ranges will be adjusted depending on desired conditions for each type. Over time, scores can be aggregated for each site to create an overall view of habitat function. An example of the standardized field form is provided in Appendix A. Appendix B contains a summary of the qualitative vegetation monitoring benchmarks that will be used to assess the vegetation at each habitat management unit.

Though bi-annual site visits are recommended due to the urban context of most of these sites, annual visits may suffice for more mature and stable sites. EarthCorps will make recommendations to the Trustees regarding sites that

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require less frequent site visits and can change monitoring frequency subject to their approval. Table 3 provides initial frequency of qualitative site visits by site. Initially, staff will be conducting bi-annual site visits. Over time, we anticipate that site visits could be conducted by trained stewards and/or crew leaders. See the Additional Monitoring section below for more information.

2. Photo monitoring: Repeat photography will be taken every year at specific photo points at each site. Photos may also be taken following major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to capture substantial changes in the landscape. Photo monitoring will be used to visually assess change at the sites over time, particularly changing vegetation conditions. For example, photos can be used to show maturation of riparian or emergent marsh habitat at a site by visually assessing differences in the repeat photos taken from the same location over several years.

Photo point locations and repeat photography exist for several of the sites, particularly the 10 sites monitored by City of Tacoma and Citizens for a Healthy Bay from 2009 through 2013. Existing photo points will be evaluated at each site to ensure usefulness and efficiency and some photo points or number of directional photos per point may be discontinued. Existing historic photo point data will be assessed at two to three sites per year until all sites can be brought under a consistent and practicable photo monitoring process. In addition, photo points will be established for Hauff, Occidental, and Old Soldiers Home in the first two years and eventually at Parsons and Karileen in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Existing site photographs, as available, will be used wherever possible to assist in establishing repeat photo points for these sites. New photo points will be established using the University of Washington Wetland Ecosystem Team protocol as appropriate (https://sites.google.com/a/uw.edu/toolbox/protocols/photo-points).

Frequency: Repeat photography will be taken every year at each site, following a three year period for re-evaluating the locations and efficacy of existing photo-point data as described above. Table 3 provides an initial frequency of photo monitoring by site. Annual repeat photography will be occurring at all 17 restoration sites by year three.

3. Modified greenline condition, bank stability and large woody debris (LWD) composition: Habitat for rearing juvenile salmonids species is considered a primary goal for the majority of the Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites. This approach will collect repeatable measurements of the health and complexity of the habitat along the immediate edge of the stream mainstem and off-channel reaches at pertinent sites. Data will be collected at riverine site habitats to qualitatively measure the structure and condition of the “greenline”

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where the riparian vegetation interfaces with the stream or side channel. In addition to evaluating overhanging vegetation and relative bank stability, LWD will be measured and enumerated within stream and side channels in order to monitor and track recruitment or loss over time. LWD will also be assessed in estuary habitats where it has been anchored or currently exists. Significant pieces of large woody debris or other in-stream structures will be located using GPS and/or aerial photo interpretation and mapped to allow for structural channel complexity and stream habitat composition and function. This information can be referenced following a large flood or other significant event to track and evaluate the amount of LWD present at these sites. Appendix C provides a summary of the greenline, bank stability, and LWD benchmarks that will be used to assess the vegetation at each applicable location.

Recommended sites: This data will be collected at sites that have mainstem, tributary or nearshore off-channel and side channel habitat. These include Jordan, Karileen, Old Soldiers Home and Swan Creek. In addition, LWD will be inventoried at all estuary sites with anchored wood.

Frequency: Recommended frequency every five years based on maturity of the sites; or after any catastrophic events. Table 3 provides initial monitoring frequency for the recommended sites.

4.2 Quantitative Monitoring Quantitative monitoring will directly measure prey richness and abundance. Macroinvertebrate communities at a site are an indicator of prey resources for juvenile salmon and an indicator of overall site health. Macroinvertebrate prey species will be collected and analyzed at sites by habitat type using the three approaches described below based on prey type being targeted by the juvenile salmon size class predominately foraging at the site.

1. Riparian fall out traps- this approach will be used at freshwater stream and off- channel habitat sites. The predominate juvenile salmon size class foraging at these sites are newly emerging and young fry whose diet is primarily terrestrial insects falling from riparian vegetation along the streambanks (Fresh et al., 1979; Healey, 1982; Kerwin, 1999; Simenstad et al., 1980). Passive fall out traps capture insects that would have fallen into the water as potential salmon prey.

Protocol: Riparian fall out traps use a simple and low cost design to catch insects along the water’s edge. A description of the protocol is available through the University of Washington Wetland Ecosystem Team (https://sites.google.com/a/uw.edu/toolbox/protocols/insects) and has been utilized in Puget Sound to assess impacts of shoreline armoring on supratidal

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macroinvertebrates outfall from riparian vegetation (Sobocinski et al., 2010; Toft and Cordell, 2006).

Analysis: Analysis of the data will focus on identification of insects into broad categories (salmon prey and non-salmon prey) and counting individual insects that are known to be targeted by salmon as prey items. This approach will reduce the level of effort required in the lab, thus keeping costs low while gaining a good understanding of prey resources available by site. Results may be comparable to similar monitoring being conducted in the lower Duwamish River.

Recommended sites: Riparian fall out trap data will be collected at freshwater sites that have mainstem, tributary or off-channel and side channel habitat- Old Soldiers Home, Karileen, Sha Dadx, Jordan, and Swan Creek.

Frequency: Use of these sites by foraging juvenile salmon peak from early spring through early summer (Healey, 1991). Replicate fall out traps (per protocol instructions) will be set once a month during this peak foraging time to reduce discrepancies in prey abundance due to variation in prey hatch times. Recurring sampling at an individual site could occur as infrequently as every five to ten years, or more frequently (every year or every other year) if monitoring results indicate a lack of available prey resources that would raise concerns regarding the functionality of the site to support juvenile salmon rearing. Table 3 provides initial frequency of monitoring prey for recommended sites.

2. Emergent marsh fall out traps- this approach will be used at salt marsh sites where predominate juvenile salmon size classes foraging at the site are young fry and fingerling targeting insects that fall out of the emergent marsh vegetation and the associated riparian vegetation at the site (Simenstad et al., 1982).

Protocol: Emergent marsh fall out traps also use a simple and low cost design to catch fall out insects, but are adapted to rise and fall with the tide. A description of the protocol is available through the University of Washington Wetland Ecosystem Team (https://sites.google.com/a/uw.edu/toolbox/protocols/insects) and has been utilized in Puget Sound to assess invertebrate fall out assemblages in restoring marshes in the Nisqually estuary (http://nisquallydeltarestoration.org/science_invertebrates.php).

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Analysis: Analysis of the data will focus on identification of insects into broad categories (salmon prey and non-salmon prey) and counting individual insects that are known to be targeted by salmon as prey items. This approach will reduce the level of effort required in the lab, thus keeping costs low while gaining a good understanding of prey resources available by site. Results may be comparable to similar monitoring being conducted in the Nisqually River estuary.

Recommended sites: Emergent marsh fall out trap data will be collected at saltmarsh sites that predominately support juvenile salmon targeting insects as prey- Parsons, Hauff, Mowitch, Squally Beach, and Tahoma Saltmarsh.

Frequency: Use of these sites by foraging juvenile salmon peak from early summer through late summer (Haas, 2002; Healey, 1979; Healey, 1980; Simenstad et al., 1980). Replicate fall out traps (per protocol instructions) will be set once a month during this peak foraging time to reduce discrepancies in prey abundance due to variations in prey hatch times. Recurring sampling at an individual site could occur as infrequently as every five to ten years, or more frequently (every year or every other year) if monitoring results indicate a lack of available prey resources that would raise concerns regarding the functionality of the site to support juvenile salmon rearing. Table 3 provides initial frequency of monitoring prey for recommended sites.

3. Epibenthic macroinvertebrate sampling- this approach will be used at nearshore sites where predominate juvenile salmon size classes foraging at the site are larger fingerlings and yearlings targeting epibenthic prey (Healey, 1982, Healey, 1991, Simenstad et al., 1980).

Protocol: Epibenthic sampling collects prey resources dwelling on the surface of the substrate. Sampling occurs with a simple pump system during a mid to high tide. A description of the protocol is available through the University of Washington Wetland Ecosystem Team (https://sites.google.com/a/uw.edu/toolbox/protocols/epibenthic- invertebrates) and has been utilized in Puget Sound by the UW School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences (Toft, et al., 2013).

Analysis: Analysis of the data will focus on identification of macroinvertebrates into broad categories (salmon prey and non-salmon prey) and counting individual insects that are known to be targeted by salmon as prey items. This approach will reduce the level of effort required in the lab, thus keeping costs low while gaining a good understanding of prey resources available by site.

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Recommended sites: Epibenthic invertebrate core sampling will take place at sites with mudflat habitat that predominately support juvenile salmon targeting epibenthic macroinvertebrates as prey- Occidental, Middle Waterway sites, and Skookum Wulge.

Frequency: Use of these sites by foraging juvenile salmon peak from mid to late summer (Healey, 1991). Replicate samples (per protocol instructions) will be taken once a month during this peak foraging time to reduce discrepancies in prey abundance due to variations in prey hatch times. Recurring sampling at an individual site could occur as infrequently as every five to ten years, or more frequently (every year or every other year) if monitoring results indicate a lack of available prey resources that would raise concerns regarding the functionality of the site to support juvenile salmon rearing.

Table 3 below provides an initial recommendation for qualitative and quantitative monitoring frequency by site. Additional information on monitoring frequency can be found in individual Site Plans in Section 6 of this Plan.

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Table 3. Recommended qualitative and quantitative monitoring frequency by site.

YEAR ONE YEAR TWO YEAR THREE YEAR FOUR YEAR FIVE SITE Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Hauff Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Jordan Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X X Greenline survey X Prey Rich & Abund X Karileen Qual site visit Photo monitoring Greenline survey Prey Rich & Abund Middle Waterway City Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Middle Waterway Simpson Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Mowitch Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Occidental Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Old Soldiers Home Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X X Greenline survey X Prey Rich & Abund X Olympic View RA Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X Olympic View Triangle Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X Parsons Qual site visit Photo monitoring Prey Rich & Abund Sha Dadx Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X X Prey Rich & Abund X

M ay 2015 EarthCorps

YEAR ONE YEAR TWO YEAR THREE YEAR FOUR YEAR FIVE SITE Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Skookum Wulge Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Squally Beach Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Swan Creek Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X Greenline survey X Prey Rich & Abund X Tahoma Salt Marsh Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X X X X Prey Rich & Abund X Yowkwala Qual site visit X XX XX XX XX X Photo monitoring X

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4.3 Additional monitoring

In addition to the formal qualitative and quantitative monitoring approaches described above, EarthCorps crews will be trained to assess site conditions as part of their scheduled maintenance duties throughout the year. Crews will complete work logs that include site assessment data using standardized forms. Furthermore, as funds are available, volunteers will be trained as part of the Puget Sound Steward Program (http://www.earthcorps.org/pugetsoundsteward.php) currently in place along the Duwamish River and in the Everett nearshore to establish a network of community members to oversee and care for the Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites.

It is recognized that additional monitoring data may be available from other sources within the Commencement Bay watershed that could inform the overall health of the NRDA restoration sites. This data may include but is not limited to; watershed scale land use data (USFS, WSDOT, Cities of Tacoma, Federal Way, and Fife), salmon absence/presence and abundance data collected by others at or nearby the NRDA sites (NOAA, WDFW, Puyallup Tribe, Muckleshoot Tribe, WRIA 10), and water quality data such as dissolved oxygen, heavy metals, pollutants, etc. (EPA, PSP, PSAMP). Although this knowledge may not lead directly to maintenance or stewardship actions, having this type of data could help explain potential changes in the sites and their use by NRDA target species over time.

5. Adaptive Management

Adaptive management is a systematic approach for improving resource conditions and management by taking actions and learning from management outcomes. In practice this approach will include annual site maintenance and monitoring, and as needed, exploring and implementing alternatives that may be used to update Best Management Practices.

5.1 Maintenance The primary adaptive management approach currently and for the foreseeable future at these sites is vegetation management. Invasive and/or non-native vegetation management is the principal maintenance need for the majority of these sites. Table 4 shows dominant invasive plant species present on each site with their legal designations and anticipated level of management effort. Appendix D provides a table of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) based on invasive and non-native species encountered at the NRDA sites.

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Table 4. Distribution of invasive plant species across all sites by management priority and/or undertaking. Red indicates most substantial, orange indicates somewhat substantial, and green indicates least substantial.

Invasive Species* Tahoma Salt Marsh Yowkwala Hauff Jordan Karaleen (Online in 2020) City Waterway Middle Middle Simpson Waterway Mowich Occidental (Online in 2015) Home Soldiers Old Area Resource View Olympic Triangle View Olympic (OnlineParsons in 2021) Sha Dadx Skookum Wulge Squally Beach Creek Swan bittersweet nightshade black locust bull thistle (C) butterflybush Canada thistle (C) common tansy (C) creeping buttercup English hawthorn English holly English ivy (C) evergreen blackberry (C) evergreen clematis (C) fennel, common (B) hedge false bindweed herb Robert (B-NE) Himalayan blackberry (C) Japanese knotweed (B-NE) Japanese rambler rose oneseed hawthorn pampass grass perrenial pepperweed (B) poison hemlock (B) policeman's helmet (B) purple loosestrife (B) reed canarygrass (C) scotch broom (C) Spurge laurel (B-NE) St. John's wort (C) tansy ragwort (B) Wild carrot (C) yellow archangel (B-NE) yellow flag iris (C) 1 1 1 1

* Species denoted in bold have been given a legal designation by the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board. (B) indicates Class B weeds that are required for control. (B-NE) indicates Class B weeds where control is not enforced. (C) indicates Class C weeds that do not require legal control.

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This BMP list was adapted from King County’s Noxious Weed Board and is the culmination of several years of regional experts adaptively managing weeds throughout the State. The list will be updated as new research and information becomes available on weed control in our area. Dominant vascular plant lists (including native and non-native species) are provided by site within each Site Management Plan found in Section 6 below.

5.2 Stewardship Long-term success of habitat restoration sites is dependent upon long-term stewardship and community commitment to preservation. To ensure this, EarthCorps will develop a community steward program similar to the Puget Sound Steward Program (http://www.earthcorps.org/pugetsoundsteward.php). This program trains local volunteers to monitor and maintain nearshore sites, lead restoration events, educate community volunteers, and provide a consistent presence on assigned sites.

5.3 Partnerships Long-term success of habitat restoration at these sites is also dependent upon building partnerships with local and regional organizations. An initial outreach plan to potential partners includes Green Tacoma Partnership, WRIA 10, Pierce County Noxious Weeds, Pierce Conservation District, Puyallup Watershed Council, UW Restoration Program in Tacoma (UREN), Citizens for a Healthy Bay, and Surfrider-South Sound Chapter. In addition, we will continue to develop communications with land managers, tribes and neighbors surrounding the 17 Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites.

5.4 Communications Communications between EarthCorps, the Trustees, landowners, partners, neighbors and the community is vital to the success of the Collaborative. The purpose of the Communication Plan is to capture how communications will be managed between EarthCorps and the NRDA Trustees as it relates to the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative. The Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Communications plan is provided in Appendix E.

6. Site Management Plans

Site Management Plans describe the individual sites in the context of the larger ecosystem. The plans describe the current conditions and the future trajectory for each site using the Ecosystem Management Plan as a guiding document. Site Management Plans are intended to be updated every three to five years as a site matures and the management approach adapts to meet current site needs.

Each Site Plan describes site history/background, restoration actions and associated construction of the site, current site conditions. The plans then describe specific

M a y 2015 Page 44 EarthCorps management issues at the site, and sets short, mid and long term objectives for the site to be reached through adaptive management- monitoring and maintenance.

Short, mid and long term objectives outline over time the trajectory of restoration for meeting the overarching NRDA restoration goal for the site. Short term objectives are generally outlined to be met during the course of the next 1-2 years and are elaborated upon in the Annual Work Plan for each year (separate document that is updated annually). Mid-term objectives are generally anticipated to be met within the next five years. Long-term objectives are broader and are expected to be met over one or more decades.

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Hauff 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Hauff

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Site Description

The Hauff site is a 6.51 acre site located in the City of Tacoma along the lower, tidal section of Hylebos Creek. Hauff is adjacent to the Parsons site. Construction of this site was completed in 2009. Restoration actions at the site enhanced estuarine salt marsh complexes by creating intertidal off-channel habitat and a vegetated riparian buffer. The site is owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Site background and construction

Site background and restoration construction information is not available at this time (need info from NOAA and/or WildLands, Inc).

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is in good condition. The saltmarsh is establishing and thriving. The riparian areas are establishing more slowly, as is expected. As a new site, vegetation maintenance at Hauff is critical to ensure plant survival. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants.

Conditions by FHT:

Tidally influenced off channel- There are currently 0.92 acres that make up the off- channel habitat at Hauff. This area includes the tidally-influenced portion of the Hylebos creek, the created side channels, and the active channel margins.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There are remnant wooden stakes noted in the active channel margin, possibly left from construction or for monitoring.

Saltmarsh- There are currently 2.66 acres of saltmarsh habitat at the Hauff site. Native vegetation cover, diversity, health and structure are moderate. Native plantings are doing well and spreading/self-seeding throughout the FHT. Lyngbye’s sedge (Carex lyngbyei) is the dominant species in the emergent marsh forming a solid fringe around the off-channel habitat area. A diversity of emergent saltmarsh plants are beginning to populate the lower reaches of the saltmarsh zone, including dwarf spikerush (Eleocharis parvula), glasswort (Lilaeopsis occidentalis) and fleshy jaumea (Jaumea carnosa). In addition, tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), saltbush (Atriplex spp.) and silverweed (Potentilla anserina) are beginning to show up in smaller patches in areas where Lyngbye’s sedge has not colonized.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

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Human disturbance: There is what appears to be remnant goose exclusion fencing in this FHT.

Forested riparian- There are currently 2.57 acres of early successional forested riparian habitat at Hauff. This FHT encompasses the upland riparian area that was replanted following initial restoration. Over time, this area is anticipated to mature into a riparian forested system. This habitat also includes patches of remnant habitat (existed prior to initial restoration construction) comprised of mature trees and understory. Native vegetation cover, health and structure are high within these areas. However, native vegetation diversity and structure throughout the younger planted areas is moderate. Native vegetation cover and health are low throughout the majority of the habitat and there is concern over widespread disease affecting the majority of the red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), willow (Salix spp.), young red alder (Alnus rubra) and hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) species throughout this habitat. The disease appears to cause stem and leaf deformities and eventual mortality with the dogwoods and alders more prominently affected.

Invasive species: Invasive and non-native species of greatest concern are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), black locust (Robinia pseudocacia), English hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), holly (Ilex aquifolium) and tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea).

Human disturbances: The remnant paved road is located in this FHT. A brush cut social trail was noted winding through this FHT, and is likely used for monitoring access by the consultant. Other general brush cutting of grass around plantings has also occurred in some areas. Some minor damage to the bark of some tree trunks was noted.

Backshore- There are currently 0.23 acres of intertidal backshore habitat at Hauff. The backshore is comprised of a relatively thin strip of brackish vegetation marking the transition from the saltmarsh to the riparian forest habitat. Native vegetation cover, health and structure are high. Native vegetation diversity is moderate.

Invasive species: Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea).

Human disturbances: None noted in this FHT.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined within the first year of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or

M a y 2015 Page 48 EarthCorps anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using fall out trap collections in the saltmarsh area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: In-fill plant select shrubs in the riparian scrub-shrub to increase native vegetation cover. Limit diversity of in-fill planting at this time until we can determine cause of widespread disease and mortality affecting several species on the site.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other: Continue to work with WildLands, Inc. and regional botanists to determine cause of widespread disease and mortality affecting several species at the site.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year one. Conduct greenline survey in year one.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year one.

Community Engagement:

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Host one or more volunteer maintenance work parties each year to build awareness of the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative and provide additional volunteer opportunities to the region.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: In-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other: Monitor and develop an adaptive management plan for native vegetation loss to disease widely affecting several species on site.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended schedule for greenline surveys for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Quantitative: Implement recommended monitoring schedule for prey richness and abundance. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

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Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended monitoring schedule for greenline surveys on site.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

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Hauff - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 6.51 Acres Active Channel Margin (0.38 Ac)

Backshore (0.23 Ac)

Emergent Marsh (2.66 Ac)

Riparian Forest (2.32 Ac)

Paved Road (0.13 Ac)

Side Channel - Intertidal (0.26 Ac)

Stream Channel -Intertidal (0.28 Ac)

Active Channel Margin

Emergent Marsh

Stream Channel

Backshore

Side Channel

Paved Road

Riparian Forest

57TH AV E

55THAV E

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 160 80 0 160 Site Boundary Feet 1:1,420 º Table 1. Hauff Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple Yes Achillea millefolium yarrow Yes Alnus rubra red alder Yes Atriplex sp. saltbush X Bolboschoenus maritimus salt-marsh bulrush Yes Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Carex lyngbyei Lyngbye's sedge Yes Centaurium erythraea European centaury No Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Cirsium vulgare bull thistle No Conyza canadensis Canadian horseweed Yes Cornus sericea red-osier dogwood Yes Crataegus monogyna oneseed hawthorn No Cytisus scoparius scotch broom No Deschampsia cespitosa tufted hairgrass Yes Distichlis spicata inland saltgrass Yes Eleocharis parvula dwarf spikerush Yes Holcus lanatus velvetgrass No Ilex aquifolium English holly No Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris No Jaumea carnosa fleshy jaumea Yes Juncus effusus soft rush Yes Lilaeopsis occidentalis western grasswort Yes Lonicera involucrata twinberry Yes Lotus corniculatus garden bird's-foot trefoil No Lupinus polyphyllus bigleaf lupine Yes Melilotus albus sweet clover No Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Physocarpus capitatus Pacific ninebark Yes Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce Yes Plantago major broad-leaved plantain No Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Potentilla anserina ssp. pacifica Pacific silverweed Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Ranunculus cymbalaria seaside buttercup Yes Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup No Robinia pseudoacacia black locust No Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No

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Rubus ursinus creeping blackberry Yes Rumex crispus curly dock No Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Sonchus asper spiny sow-thistle No Thuja plicata western red cedar Yes Trifolium pratense red clover No Tsuga heterophylla western hemlock Yes

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Jordan 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Jordan

M a y 2015 Page 55 EarthCorps

Site Description

The Jordan (Lower Hylebos Marsh) site is a 15.75 acre site located along Hylebos Creek in Fife, just downstream of the 4th Street Bridge. Construction at this site was completed by the Commencement Bay NRDA Trustees in 2005. The site is owned by City of Fife. The site provides tidally-influenced, freshwater off channel habitat for fish migration, rearing, foraging, and refuge. The site consists of a steep, wooded hill slope, a public walking trail, planted riparian areas, marsh areas, and islands.

Site background and construction

The Jordan site is located in the lower, tidally-influenced portion of Hylebos Creek. Historically, the site was used for a gravel mining operation, dairy farming, and storage of scrap metal (Ridolfi, 2003).

Environmental assessment, field surveying and wetland delineation of the site occurred in 2002 and 2003, and the project was constructed in 2005. A portion of the site along Hylebos creek was excavated and regraded to create an off-channel habitat complex of channels and pools. Existing wetland habitat was reconnected to the creek and enhanced, as well. The project also included a new walking path and three viewing platforms through the site. Initial replanting of the newly created wetlands and associated riparian areas occurred in 2006.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site. Secondary challenges include vegetation management on the steep slopes and bluffs bordering the eastern extent of the site, and human impacts from improper park use. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Tidally influenced off channel- There are currently 1.07 acres that make up the off- channel habitat at Jordan. This area includes the tidally-influenced portion of Hylebos creek and the created side channels and pools.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There are remnant wooden pilings in the main channel of Hylebos creek.

Emergent freshwater marsh- There is currently 0.50 acres of tidally-influenced freshwater marsh habitat at the Jordan site. Native vegetation diversity, structure and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate due to the presence of large areas of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) in portions of this FHT. In general,

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emergent marsh forms a lush band around the off-channel areas and extends into larger marsh areas in the lower elevation portion of the off-channel area in the south end of the site.

Invasive species: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There are social trails diverging from the main path through the riparian areas and into this FHT. Some plant and soil disturbances are occurring due to this, but there is no evidence of major activity or disruption.

Forested riparian- There are currently 5.34 acres of forested riparian and scrub-shrub habitat at Jordan. This FHT encompasses the upland riparian area of the site that was replanted following initial restoration. Native vegetation cover, diversity, health and structure are high. Over time, this area has matured into a dense forested riparian area with pockets of scrub-shrub abutting the emergent wetlands. This FHT is comprised of a diversity of native trees and shrubs that were installed in 2006. Overall, this FHT is doing well. The primary maintenance needs are invasive plant removal, though that has been found to be minimal. Of potential concern was the presence of several young red alder trees that were affected with an apparent bark or stem disease. This condition will continue to be monitored and mitigated as necessary.

Invasive species: Invasive and non-native species of greatest concern are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), hedge false bindweed (Calystegia sepium), English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and English ivy (Hedera helix).

Human disturbances: There are several social trails leading from the main path through this FHT to the off-channel habitat. Some plant and soil disturbances are occurring due to this, but there is no evidence of major activity or disruption.

Forested upland- There are currently 8.07 acres of forested upland habitat at Jordan. The majority of this FHT occurs on steep slope and bluff areas on the site. Native vegetation diversity, structure and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate due to the presence of large areas of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) in this FHT. Much of these slopes and bluffs are thickly vegetated, with the exception of near vertical bluffs at the south end of the site and areas where social trails create erosion, limiting establishment of plants. Efforts have been made in the past to control Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) in steep sloped sections of this FHT. In one case, removal was also followed up with replanting. However, due to lack of maintenance of the original control efforts, the blackberry is rapidly regrowing.

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Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and English ivy (Hedera helix).

Human disturbances: There are social trails leading up the steep slopes from the main path. These are limited to only two or three trails and other than localized erosion of the slope they do not seem regularly used. Remnants of an encampment were found near the top of one of these trails, however, it was located on the adjacent property.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined within the first year of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Mainstem/off-channel edge habitat complexity: This approach obtains a qualitative measurement of the health and complexity of the habitat along the immediate edge of the stream mainstem and off-channel reaches (the “greenline”). In addition to data collection and interpretation, significant pieces of large woody debris or other in-stream structures will be located using GPS and/or aerial photo interpretation and mapped in order to monitor and track recruitment or loss over time. Frequency: every five years.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using fall out trap collections in greenline riparian area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain vegetation around trail overlook platforms to preserve sitelines where appropriate. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

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Planting: In-fill planting where necessary to ensure adequate mid and overstory shrub and tree cover as appropriate.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other:

• Establish communication with the City of Fife to coordinate stewardship and management activities. • Monitor for disease noted on red alder trees and mitigate as necessary.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year one. Conduct greenline survey in year one.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year one.

Community Engagement:

• Continue to engage and follow up with local park users to establish relationships that can provide additional informal site monitoring and/or volunteer maintenance opportunities. • Host one or more volunteer maintenance work parties each year to build awareness of the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative and provide additional volunteer opportunities to the region.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site. • Expand existing invasive blackberry and other invasive species control east of the access trail in the forested uplands.

Planting: In-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature, as necessary.

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Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances, including encampments, on site and address accordingly.

Other: Monitor and develop an adaptive management plan (as necessary) for native vegetation loss from disease.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended schedule for greenline surveys for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring plan for the site.Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended schedule for greenline surveys for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

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Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

Ridolfi, Inc. 2003. Biological Assessment for Jordan Site Hylebos Creek Off-channel Habitat Restoration Project, Fife, Washington. Prepared for the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Trustees. May 9, 2003.

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Select Site Photos

Figure 1- February 2006 following initial riparian planting. Photo courtesy G. Siani, NOAA.

Figure 2- December 2011 following five years of riparian growth and maturation. Photo courtesy EarthCorps.

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Figure 3- April 2009 looking south from kiosk. Photo courtesy Friends of the Hylebos.

Figure 4- May 2014 looking south from kiosk. Photo courtesy EarthCorps.

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Figure 5- November 2006 looking west from platform 1. Photo courtesy G. Siani, NOAA.

Figure 6- October 2014 looking west from platform 1. Photo courtesy EarthCorps.

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Jordan - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 16.76 Acres 62ND AV E Emergent Marsh (0.50 Ac)

4TH ST E Riparian Forest (5.34 Ac)

Upland Forest (8.07 Ac) 4TH ST E

Gravel Road (0.42 Ac)

Scrub-Shrub (0.35 Ac)

Side Channel - Tidal Freshwater (0.66 Ac)

Gravel Road Stream Channel - Tidal Freshwater (0.40 Ac)

Side Channel

Upland Forest

Scrub-Shrub

Riparian Forest

Stream Channel Emergent Marsh

8TH ST E

62NDAV E Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200 100 0 200 Site Boundary Feet 1:2,270 º Table 1. Jordan Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Abies grandis grand fir Yes Acer circinatum vine maple Yes Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple Yes Alnus rubra red alder Yes Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone Yes Aruncus dioicus goatsbeard Yes Athyrium filix-femina ladyfern Yes Buddleja davidii butterflybush No Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Carex obnupta slough sedge Yes Cornus sericea red-osier dogwood Yes Crataegus monogyna oneseed hawthorn No Cytisus scoparius scotch broom No Epilobium ciliatum fringed willowherb Yes Equisetum telmateia giant horsetail rush Yes Galium aparine stickywilly Yes Geranium robertianum herb Robert No Hedera helix English ivy No Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Ilex aquifolium English holly No Impatiens capensis jewelweed No Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris No Lamiastrum galeobdolon yellow archangel No Lonicera involucrata twinberry Yes Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife No Oemleria cerasiformis indian plum Yes Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Physocarpus capitatus Pacific ninebark Yes Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce Yes Polygonum bohemicum hybrid japanese knotweed No Polystichum munitum sword fern Yes Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup No Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Rubus laciniatus evergreen blackberry No Rubus leucodermis blackcap raspberry Yes

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Rubus spectabilis salmonberry Yes Rubus ursinus creeping blackberry Yes Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra Pacific willow Yes Salix sitchensis Sitka willow Yes Scirpus microcarpus small-seeded bulrush Yes Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Spiraea douglasii hardhack Yes Symphoricarpos albus snowberry Yes Symphytum officinale common comfrey No Thuja plicata western red cedar Yes Typha latifolia cattail Yes Veronica americana American Speedwell Yes

M a y 2015 Page 67 EarthCorps

Middle Waterway – City of Tacoma 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Middle

Waterway- City of Tacoma

M a y 2015 Page 68 EarthCorps

Site Description

The Middle Waterway- City of Tacoma site is a 1.96 acre site located at the head of the Middle Waterway near 11th Street. This site was constructed in 2000. Restoration actions included excavation and re-grading of a vacant upland property to create new intertidal marsh and mudflat habitat.

Site background and construction

Prior to the 1880’s, the Middle Waterway area of Commencement Bay was a productive mudflat area of the Puyallup River estuary. The St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company began transforming the area starting in 1888 with the development of the area’s largest lumber mill. Large sections of the estuary were dredged, diked and filled for development, which created the artificial Middle Waterway extending from 11th St out to deep water (City of Tacoma, 1997). Middle Waterway was actively dredged from 1907 to 1913 for navigation. Major developments continued on both sides of Middle Waterway in the 1920’s and 1930’s, including a steel, brass and aluminum foundries. Four wharves were built and used for lumber and berthing between 1927 and 1941. Tideflats began to reestablish in the upper half of the waterway in the 1940’s and continued to present day.

Restoration construction at the site involved excavation of 13,000 cu yards (1.85 acres) of contaminated material from a vacant upland area. The area was then backfilled with clean material where needed and regraded to elevations and contours to support emergent saltmarsh and backshore habitat. The site was then replanted with appropriate riparian vegetation in November 2000 and emergent marsh vegetation in May 2001 (City of Tacoma, 2001). Irrigation was also installed on site and used in summer months following the riparian planting. Goose exclusion fencing was installed in the saltmarsh areas following emergent planting.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary concern is the threat from invasive plants and stress caused by drought. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Mudflat- There are currently 0.52 acres of mudflat habitat at Middle Waterway- City. This FHT appears to be stable and functional. Mats of filamentous algae form in the summer months, providing habitat and primary food resources for aquatic species.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: No human disturbance has been noted in this FHT.

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Saltmarsh- There are currently 0.45 acres of saltmarsh habitat at Middle Waterway- City. Native vegetation cover, structure, diversity and health are high. Emergent marsh vegetation continues to spread each year and is filling in all space available for saltmarsh habitat based on elevation.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: Trash washing in or deposited on site are the only human disturbances noted in this FHT.

Backshore- There are currently 0.38 acres of backshore habitat at Middle Waterway- City. Native vegetation structure, diversity and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate, due to a large section of backshore where very little vegetation thrives. Grasses and forbes are beginning to establish in this area, along with non- native white sweet clover (Melilotus albus).

Invasive species: There is minimal invasive species cover in this FHT. Invasive species and/or non-native noted are St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), white sweet clover (Melilotus albus), and Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons).

Human disturbances: Trash washing in or deposited on site are the only human disturbances noted in this FHT.

Riparian forested- There are currently 0.61 acres of riparian buffer at Middle Waterway- City. Native vegetation health and diversity are high. Native vegetation cover and structure are moderate, due in part to an area alongside the transformer station that lacks canopy forming vegetation. The property manager of the transformer station appears to use herbicide around their fenceline with an appreciable amount of drift onto the NRDA site. The area available for riparian buffer is very narrow at this site, exacerbating drought stress and limiting self-propagation.

Invasive species: Main invasive species concerns in this FHT include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), thistle (Cirsium spp.), common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), and spurge laurel (Daphne laureola).

Human disturbances: Trash accumulation is the primary human disturbance in this FHT. There is some anecdotal evidence that larger riparian vegetation may have been cut down in an attempt to maintain views from the street, however, this has not been confirmed. Herbicide use on adjacent properties is affecting establishment of riparian habitat on site.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

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Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using epibenthic collections in mudflat area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional planting is recommended in the short-term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other: Transplant dunegrass (Leymus mollis) seed from Middle Waterway- Simpson site to this site to encourage increased diversity and establishment of backshore vegetation on site.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year three.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year one.

Community Engagement:

Continue to work closely with City of Tacoma to manage site. Support relocation of site sign for improved public use.

Mid-term objectives:

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Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: In-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature. Target areas where past attempts to establish cover have been unsuccessful, such as the bare area in the higher backshore in the northwest near East F Street.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

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Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 1997. Middle Waterway Estuarine Natural Resources Restoration Project Concept Plan Sampling and Analysis Plan. Appendix A to the City of Tacoma Natural Resource Damages Consent Decree. Prepared by City of Tacoma Public Works Department, Utility Services Engineering Division and the Utility Services Laboratory. March 1997.

City of Tacoma. 2001. Habitat Monitoring Report: Year 0 City of Tacoma Middle Waterway Restoration Project. October 2001.

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Middle Waterway City - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 1.96 Acres Backshore ( 0.38 Ac)

Emergent Marsh (0.45 Ac)

Riparian Forest (0.61 Ac)

Mudflat (0.52 Ac)

MIDDLE WATERWAY

Emergent Marsh

Backshore Mudflat

E F ST

Riparian Forest

E BUSTI ST

E 11TH ST

MINNEAPOLIS ST

ST PAUL AV

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 150 75 0 150 Site Boundary Feet 1:1,330 º Table 1. Middle Waterway City Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Alnus rubra red alder Yes Artemisia vulgaris common wormwood No Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Daphne laureola Spurge laurel No Deschampsia cespitosa tufted hairgrass Yes Distichlis spicata inland saltgrass Yes Eleocharis parvula dwarf spikerush Yes Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Jaumea carnosa fleshy jaumea Yes Leymus mollis dune grass Yes Melilotus albus sweet clover No Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Plantago maritima salt marsh plantain Yes Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Rumex crispus curly dock No Sarcocornia perennis woody glasswort Yes Spergularia salina saltmarsh sandspurry Yes Tanacetum vulgare common tansy No

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Middle Waterway - Simpson 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Middle

Waterway- Simpson

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Site Description

The Middle Waterway- Simpson site is a 3.59 acre site located at the head of the Middle Waterway near 11th Street. This site is adjacent to the Middle Waterway- City site. This site was constructed in 1996. Formally filled uplands were excavated and contoured to create a natural shoreline and saltmarsh habitat. Large woody debris was placed at the site to increase habitat complexity.

Site background and construction

Prior to the 1880’s, the Middle Waterway area of Commencement Bay was a productive mudflat area of the Puyallup River estuary. The St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company began transforming the area starting in 1888 with the development of the area’s largest lumber mill. Large sections of the estuary were dredged, diked and filled for development, which created the artificial Middle Waterway extending from 11th St out to deep water (City of Tacoma, 1997). Middle Waterway was actively dredged from 1907 to 1913 for navigation. Major developments continued on both sides of Middle Waterway in the 1920’s and 1930’s, including a steel, brass and aluminum foundries. Four wharves were built and used for lumber and berthing between 1927 and 1941. Tideflats began to reestablish in the upper half of the waterway in the 1940’s and continued to present day.

Restoration construction involved converting a formal industrial upland are by removing 1.5 acres of fill material and regarding the site to proper elevation to support intertidal mudflat and saltmarsh habitats (Parametrix, 1997). Initial native plants were installed in both the riparian buffer and the saltmarsh areas in 1995. It was noted that the saltmarsh plantings did not survive. Additional saltmarsh plantings were installed in 1996, which also did not thrive. An adaptive management plan for this area of the site was developed and further restoration actions in 2001 involved removal of an additional 2 ft. of sandy substrate at portions of the site that were top dressed with amended soil to promote vascular saltmarsh plant recruitment. Additional native emergent plants were installed in these areas and protected with goose excluder fencing. Large logs were anchored at specific locations to reduce erosion and increase habitat complexity (NOAA- Supplemental EA and FONSI, 2000).

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary concern is the threat from invasive plants and stress caused by drought. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Mudflat- There are currently 1.41 acres of mudflat habitat at Middle Waterway- Simpson. This FHT appears to be stable and functional. Mats of filamentous algae

M a y 2015 Page 77 EarthCorps

form in the summer months, providing habitat and primary food resources for aquatic species.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: No human disturbance has been noted in this FHT.

Saltmarsh- There are currently 0.73 acres of saltmarsh habitat at Middle Waterway- Simpson. Overall, native emergent plant cover, structure, health and diversity are moderate. Emergent marsh vegetation continues to spread each year and is filling in elevational space available for saltmarsh habitat.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There is a social trail through the site that encroaches into the emergent marsh. However, we feel the site receives very little foot traffic and this is not a concern at this time.

Backshore- There are currently 0.42 acres of backshore habitat at Middle Waterway- Simpson. Native vegetation structure, diversity and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate. However, field surveys have noted that several species are self-propagating, such as dunegrass (Leymus mollis) and big-headed sedge (Carex macrocephala).

Invasive species: There is minimal invasive species cover in this FHT. Invasive species and/or non-native noted are St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), hedge false bindweed (Calystegia sepium), and Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons).

Human disturbances: There is a social trail through the site through this FHT. However, we feel the site receives very little foot traffic and this is not a concern at this time. Beach fires and associated garbage have been noted occurring in the backshore area. This use has also led to moving of large woody debris around the site and trampling of native vegetation.

Riparian forested- There are currently 1.03 acres of riparian buffer at Middle Waterway- Simpson. Native vegetation health and diversity are high. Native vegetation cover and structure are moderate. There are areas where social trails through the riparian area have led to trampling and a loss of native cover. However, several species have been observed self-propagating, primarily kinnikinick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus).

Invasive species: Main invasive species concerns in this FHT include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) and ivy (Hedera helix).

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Human disturbances: Primary human disturbances are social trails that cause trampling and encampments. At this time, encampments are a persistent occurrence at the site and generate large amounts of garbage, human waste and trampling.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using epibenthic collections in mudflat area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain appropriate riparian plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional in-fill planting is recommended at this time.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year three.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year one.

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Community Engagement:

Contact property owner to discuss Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative and EarthCorps role as project manager.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: The need for re-planting at the site will be determined over time based on site functionality as determined through monitoring. Any replanting effort would likely focus on native plantings that have been thriving at the site, as well as other drought tolerant species.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey species richness and abundance monitoring for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

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Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 1997. Middle Waterway Estuarine Natural Resources Restoration Project Concept Plan Sampling and Analysis Plan. Appendix A to the City of Tacoma Natural Resource Damages Consent Decree. Prepared by City of Tacoma Public Works Department, Utility Services Engineering Division and the Utility Services Laboratory. March 1997.

NOAA. 2000. Middle Waterway Shore Restoration Project- Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Prepared for United States Department of Commerce. Office of the Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere.

Parametrix. 1997. Middle Waterway Shore Restoration Project Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan Data Report: Post-construction (Year 0-1). Prepared for Simpson Tacoma Kraft Company and Champion International.

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Middle Waterway Simpson - Functional Habitat Types

Functional Habitats 3.59 Acres Backshore ( 0.42 Ac)

Emergent Marsh (0.73 Ac)

Riparian Forest (1.03 Ac)

Mudflat (1.41 Ac)

Emergent Marsh

Backshore

Mudflat

MIDDLE WATERWAY

E F ST Riparian Forest

E BUSTI ST

© EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14 Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200 100 0 200 Site Boundary Feet 1:1,850 º Table 1. Middle Waterway Simpson Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Alnus rubra red alder Yes Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone Yes Arctostaphylos uva-ursi bearberry, kinnickinnick Yes Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Carex macrocephala bighead sedge Yes Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Cornus sericea red-osier dogwood Yes Deschampsia cespitosa tufted hairgrass Yes Distichlis spicata inland saltgrass Yes Eleocharis parvula dwarf spikerush Yes Hedera helix English ivy No Holodiscus discolor oceanspray Yes Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Jaumea carnosa fleshy jaumea Yes Lathyrus latifolius everlasting pea No Lepidium campestre field pepperweed No Leymus mollis dune grass Yes Mahonia aquifolium tall Oregon grape Yes Melilotus albus sweet clover No Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Plantago maritima salt marsh plantain Yes Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Ribes sanguineum red-flowering currant Yes Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Rumex crispus curly dock No Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Symphoricarpos albus snowberry Yes Tanacetum vulgare common tansy No

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Mowitch 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Mowitch

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Site Description

Mowitch is a 2.70 acre site located at the head of the Hylebos Waterway at the terminus of the Hylebos Creek. Construction of the site was directed by the NRDA Trustees and completed in 2000. The project was designed to increase the channel sinuosity of the lower Hylebos waterway and increase the area and quality of intertidal habitat at the creek mouth. The site consists of three backchannel pools separated by elevated saltmarsh areas. An upland riparian buffer separates the habitat area from an adjacent industrial site.

Site background and construction

The Mowitch site is located at the mouth of the Hylebos Creek where it enters into the Hylebos Waterway and into Commencement Bay. The property is owned by Port of Tacoma. This site was formally known as the Wasser/Winter site and the Hylebos Estuary site. The entire lower reach of the Hylebos Creek was filled, straightened and channelized in the early 1960’s. The site was used for various industrial purposes from the 1960’s through the 1980’s, mainly log storage and sorting. The mouth of the Hylebos was regularly dredged during this time, as well. The site was found to have elevated levels of arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc in the soils and stormwater.

Design of the restoration project was completed in 1999 and addressed both sediment cleanup and improving the habitat value of the site (Ridolfi, 2000). The project increased sinuosity of the Hylebos channel by creating three backwater pools and off- channel habitat. The project removed sediment and regraded the site to proper elevations that would support a diversity of mudflat biota, intertidal saltmarsh vegetation and an upland riparian buffer.

Key restoration elements that occurred at Mowitch were clearing and debris removal, excavation and grading, then construction of the pools and off channel habitat areas and installation of large woody debris. The area was then hydroseeded with a grass/forb mix and straw for erosion control.

Initial native plantings occurred in October 2001. We were not able to locate a planting plan or plant list, however, documentation indicates both the saltmarsh benches and the riparian buffer were planted. Table 1 provides a list of native and invasive species present at the site currently. Goose exclusion fencing also appears in site photos in 2003, noted in site photos in 2008 and reported to be removed by WCC crews in 2009 through the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Stewardship Project (City of Tacoma, 2010). An irrigation system was installed and said to be used following the initial planting of the site. It was reported that the irrigation system was removed in May of 2012 (City of Tacoma, 2012). Reports noted that additional infill plantings were added to this site in 2010, 2012 and 2013 (City of Tacoma, 2014).

Current Site Conditions

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Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary concern is the threat from invasive plants and stress caused by drought. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Tidally influenced off-channel habitat- There are currently 0.86 acres that make up the off channel habitat at Mowitch. This area includes the tidally-influenced portion of the Hylebos creek mouth where it enters into the Hylebos waterway made up of the three backwater pools, the second creek mouth to the Waterway (formed by the north island) and associated active channel margins.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There is remnant netting material noted in the active channel margin, possibly left from construction.

Saltmarsh- There are currently 0.98 acres of saltmarsh habitat at Mowitch. Native vegetation structure, diversity, and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate. Emergent marsh vegetation is slowly spreading onto the ‘fingers’ of the off channel hummocks.

Invasive species: Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is present at the site, but minimal.

Human disturbance: There is a social trail through the site that encroaches into the emergent marsh. However, we feel the site receives very little foot traffic and this is not a concern.

Backshore- There are currently 0.13 acres of backshore habitat at Mowitch. Native vegetation structure, diversity, and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate.

Invasive species: Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is present at the site, but minimal.

Human disturbance: There is a social trail through the site that encroaches into the backshore. However, we feel the site receives very little foot traffic and this is not a concern.

Riparian forested- There are currently 0.73 acres of riparian buffer at Mowitch. Native vegetation diversity is high. Native vegetation cover, structure, and health are moderate. This is a very drought prone site, which may be limiting native vegetation cover, structure and health. Drought stress has been observed on alders (Alnus rubris), roses (Rosa nutkana), and other species.

M a y 2015 Page 86 EarthCorps

Invasive species: Main invasive species concerns in this FHT include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), thistle (Cirsium spp.), common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), common fennel, (Foeniculum vulgare) and tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). Previous monitoring efforts also noted Phragmites australis on site, though we did not observe any in 2013 or 2014 site visits.

Human disturbances: There is a social trail through the site, although it appears to get little use and is not concerning. The adjacent property is a scrap metal recycling facility. There is no buffer between the Mowitch site and this industrial site, which is likely exacerbating the drought problems at the site. Some of the native plantings near the fence line to the adjacent site exhibit more drought stress than others further away.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using invertebrate fall out traps in the saltmarsh area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional in-fill planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

M a y 2015 Page 87 EarthCorps

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year three.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year four.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: The need for re-planting at the site will be determined over time based on site functionality as determined through monitoring. Any replanting effort would likely focus on native plantings that have been thriving at the site, as well as other drought tolerant species.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site.. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

M a y 2015 Page 88 EarthCorps

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 2010. Environmental Stewardship Project Year 2 Annual Report. October 2010. Prepared for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Prepared by City of Tacoma.

City of Tacoma. 2012. Environmental Stewardship Project Year 4 Annual Report. October 2012. Prepared for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Prepared by City of Tacoma.

City of Tacoma. 2014. Environmental Stewardship Project Completion Report. May 2014. Prepared for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Prepared by City of Tacoma.

Ridolfi. 2000. Engineer’s Post-Restoration Report Mowitch and Squally Beach Projects Commencement Bay. Prepared for the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Trustees. Prepared by Ridolfi Engineers, Inc. December 2000.

M a y 2015 Page 89 EarthCorps

Mowitch - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 2.7 Acres Backshore (0.13 Ac)

Emergent Marsh (0.98 Ac)

Riparian Forest (0.73 Ac)

Mudflat (0.86 Ac)

Backshore

Mudflat

Emergent Marsh

Riparian Forest

MARINE VIEW DR

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 160 80 0 160 Site Boundary Feet 1:1,450 º Table 1. Mowitch Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Abies sp. fir No Alnus rubra red alder Yes Atriplex sp. saltbush X Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Deschampsia cespitosa tufted hairgrass Yes Distichlis spicata inland saltgrass Yes Eleocharis parvula dwarf spikerush Yes Foeniculum vulgare fennel No Holodiscus discolor oceanspray Yes Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Lepidium latifolium perrenial pepperweed No Lotus corniculatus garden bird's-foot trefoil No Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce Yes Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Plantago maritima salt marsh plantain Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Symphyotrichum subspicatum var. subspicatum Douglas aster Yes Tanacetum vulgare common tansy No

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Occidental 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Occidental

M a y 2015 Page 92 EarthCorps

Site Description

Occidental is a 20.70 acre site owned by the Port of Tacoma. In a settlement between the NRDA Trustees and Occidental Chemical Company in 2009, the site was set aside for restoration. Restoration activities included elimination of log rafting on the site, removal of wood debris in log rafting areas, removal of exposed portions of three grounded barges on the site, removal of trash including pipes, chains, cable and other discarded debris, and placement of a clean sand/silt cap throughout the soft-bottomed habitat area of the site. Following cleanup, a boom was placed around the water-side of the site to prevent future log rafting or drifting in of derelict vessels.

Site background and construction

Restoration involved elimination of log rafting within the project site, removal of any remnant woody debris in the former log rafting area, removal of the exposed portions of three grounded barges at the site, removal of all other debris within the mudflat habitat of the site, and backfill the site, where appropriate, with clean sand/silt material. A boom was also erected across the water opening of the site to prevent future log rafting and discourage derelict vessels washing in or being abandoned on the site.

Current Site Conditions

Note: This site does not come under the current Stewardship agreement until 2015. No site visits have been conducted to date and current site conditions are unknown.

Conditions by FHT:

Shrubland- There are currently 0.33 acres of riparian buffer habitat at Occidental.

Invasive species:

Human disturbance:

Backshore - There are currently 0.35 acres of backshore habitat at Occidental.

Invasive species:

Human disturbance:

Mudflat- There are currently 19.34 acres of intertidal mudflat habitat at Occidental.

Invasive species:

Human disturbance:

Soft-bottomed subtidal- There are currently 0.68 acres of soft-bottomed subtidal habitat at Occidental.

M a y 2015 Page 93 EarthCorps

Invasive species:

Human disturbances:

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using epibenthic sampling in the mudflat area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

Planting:

Addressing human disturbances:

Monitoring:

Qualitative:

Community Engagement:

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

Planting:

Addressing human disturbances:

Monitoring:

Qualitative:

Quantitative:

M a y 2015 Page 94 EarthCorps

Community Engagement:

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

Planting:

Addressing human disturbances:

Monitoring:

Qualitative:

Quantitative:

Community Engagement:

M a y 2015 Page 95 EarthCorps

Occidental - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 20.7 Acres Backshore (0.35 Ac)

Mudflat (19.34 Ac)

Shrubland (0.33 Ac)

Subtidal (0.68 Ac)MCMURRAY RD NE

MARINE VIEW DR

E 11TH ST

Backshore Shrubland Backshore

Backshore

Shrubland

Backshore Mudflat

Subtidal

Backshore

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200 100 0 200 400 Site Boundary Feet 1:3,070 º

2014 Old Soldiers Home

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Old Soldiers

Home

M a y 2015 Page 97 EarthCorps

Site Description

Old Soldiers- Old Soldiers is an 93.53 acre off-channel floodplain restoration off the mainstem in the lowland reach of the Puyallup River. Construction was completed in 2007 by Pierce County. The project consists of a new 5,000-foot levee which has been set back 900 feet from the main channel of the Puyallup River. A levee structure was removed to allow the river to naturally meander in the opened floodplain area. The new setback levee transformed 67 acres of dry floodplain into a complex of braided channels. The area of the setback lets the river migrate more naturally, allowing flood waters to spread out and create off-channel habitat.

Site background and construction

The entire Puyallup River valley has changed dramatically since major flood control actions were taken along the White and Puyallup rivers beginning in 1914 (City of Tacoma, 1997). From 1914 to 1919 the majority of the Puyallup River was straightened and diked from the confluence with the White River to the City of Tacoma. This straightening reduced and in many cases removed floodplain habitat.

Significant restoration actions have occurred on the Puyallup River mainstem. A right- bank setback levee was constructed from RM 23.2 to 24.8 in 1997-98. A left-bank setback levee from RM 21.5 to 22.2 was constructed in 2004. Also, the levee system from RM 24.8 to 28.4 was severely damaged in 1996-97 and is no longer maintained. Levee setbacks result in re-connecting large areas of floodplain to the main river and allow natural processes to create side-channel and off-channel habitat areas.

The Old Soldiers Home project constructed 5,000 linear feet of new setback levee and the existing levee structure removed. This reconnected the hydrology of 67 acres of dry floodplain and allowed the area to convert back to off-channel and floodplain habitat. Some excavation of off-channel habitat occurred during construction to induce river flows through the site during low-water conditions.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is established and mature. Since the project reconnected to a remnant floodplain, mature riparian forest already existed over most of the site. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Freshwater off channel- There are currently 14.37 acres that make up the off-channel habitat at Old Soldiers Home. This acreage includes the meandering channel and active channel margins throughout the site.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

M a y 2015 Page 98 EarthCorps

Human disturbance: ATV usage was noted in this FHT, particularly along the active channel margin of the main river channel and an ATV trail through the mature forest from the levee to the river channel.

Riparian scrub-shrub- There is currently 12.14 acres of riparian scrub-shrub habitat at Old Soldiers Home, generally located along either side of the off-channel watercourse. Native vegetation diversity, structure and health are all high. Native vegetation cover is moderate to high.

Invasive species: Primary species of concern are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea).

Human disturbance: Some social trails were noted in this FHT.

Forested riparian- There are currently 27.20 acres of forested riparian habitat at Old Soldiers Home. This FHT encompasses the existing mature riparian mixed conifer deciduous habitat at the site, as well as younger deciduous dominated riparian forests within the active floodplain. This FHT is comprised of a diversity of native trees and shrubs that already existed at the site prior to restoration. Overall, this FHT is doing well. The primary maintenance needs are invasive plant control.

Invasive species: Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbances: Social trails, including an ATV trail, were noted in this FHT.

Shrubland- There are currently 7.14 acres of generally upland shrubland habitat at Old Soldiers Home. This habitat is located along the setback levee and includes some pockets of scrub-shrub and forested wetland habitats interspersed. Native vegetation diversity, structure and health are generally low in this area and a significant portion is heavily invaded with Himalayan blackberry. Native vegetation cover is low to moderate.

Invasive species: Primary species of concern are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea).

Human disturbance: Some social trails been noted in this FHT, but do not appear to get regular use. The setback levee is a well-known walking area for the adjacent neighborhood.

M a y 2015 Page 99 EarthCorps

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined within the first year of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Mainstem/off-channel edge habitat complexity: This approach obtains a qualitative measurement of the health and complexity of the habitat along the immediate edge of the stream mainstem and off-channel reaches (the “greenline”). In addition to data collection and interpretation, significant pieces of large woody debris or other in-stream structures will be located using GPS and/or aerial photo interpretation and mapped in order to monitor and track recruitment or loss over time. Frequency: every five years.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using fall out trap collections in greenline riparian area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site.

Planting: No in-fill planting is recommended at this time.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year one. Conduct greenline survey in year three.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year three.

M a y 2015 Page 100 EarthCorps

Community Engagement:

No community engagement is planned for the short term at this site.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: The need for in-fill planting at this site will be low. If large areas of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) are controlled, planting may be required to ensure native plants reestablish quickly in the area.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended schedule for greenline surveys for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

M a y 2015 Page 101 EarthCorps

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 1997. Swan Creek Stream Restoration Project Concept Plan. Appendix B to the City of Tacoma Natural Resource Damage Consent Decree. Prepared by City of Tacoma Public Works Department, Utilities Services Engineering Division. March 1997.

M a y 2015 Page 102 EarthCorps

Old Soldiers Home - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/27/14

Functional Habitats 93.53 Acres SR162 E Active Channel Margin (12.13 Ac)

Riparian Forest (27.20 Ac)

NOBLE LNSW Scrub-Shrub (12.14 Ac) OAK ST SW

GRINNELL SWAV ShrublandMAPLE LNSW (7.14 Ac)

Side Channel (2.24 Ac)

NOBLE LNE

Stream Channel BECKETT LN SW Stream Channel (32.68 Ac)

PHOENIX AV SW

HAWK AV SW

EAGLEAV SW

ORTING KAPOWSINHWY E Shrubland

ROBIN ST SW

Scrub-Shrub STARLING ST SW Active Channel Margin SASAKI LN SW

Side Channel

Scrub-Shrub

Riparian Forest 162NDAV E

ALBERT BELL RD E

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200100 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 Site Boundary Feet 1:7,520 º Table 1. Old Soldiers Home Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Acer circinatum vine maple Yes Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple Yes Alnus rubra red alder Yes Buddleja davidii butterflybush No Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Corylus cornuta beaked hazelnut Yes Cytisus scoparius scotch broom No Galium aparine stickywilly Yes Geranium robertianum herb Robert No Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce Yes Polygonum bohemicum hybrid japanese knotweed No Polystichum munitum sword fern Yes Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Rubus parviflorus thimbleberry Yes Rubus spectabilis salmonberry Yes Salix sp. willow X Symphoricarpos albus snowberry Yes Thuja plicata western red cedar Yes Tsuga heterophylla western hemlock Yes

M a y 2015 Page 104 EarthCorps

Olympic View Resource Area Restoration 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Olympic View

Resource Area Restoration

M a y 2015 Page 105 EarthCorps

Site Description

Olympic View Resource Area Restoration project is an 11.25 acre site located at the tip of the peninsula between the Thea Foss and Middle Waterways. Construction of the site, including both cleanup and restoration, was completed in 2002. Restoration activities included removal of a portion of a building that extended out over the intertidal and reestablishment of a vegetated backshore community. The low intertidal and subtidal zones of this site are soft-bottomed and support one of the few remaining eelgrass beds in Commencement Bay.

Site background and construction

The site is located in the industrial waterfront of Commencement Bay at the northern tip of the peninsula separating the Thea Foss waterway and Middle Waterway. Prior to the 1880’s, this area of Commencement Bay was productive intertidal mudflats of the Puyallup River estuary. The St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company began transforming the area starting in 1888 with the development of the area’s largest lumber mill. Large sections of the estuary were dredged, diked and filled for development. The Puget Sound Plywood mill was built on the site in the early 1940’s and operated until the early 1980’s. Approximately one acre of this building extended over the intertidal area supported by several hundred wooden pilings.

Restoration began with removal of a portion of the Puget Sound Plywood building that extended over the intertidal habitat (City of Tacoma, 1997). Remaining pilings were cut at the mudline and the buried portions left in place.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the backshore portion of the site and invasive seed source control from adjacent properties. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Scrub-shrub- There are currently 0.11 acres of riparian buffer habitat at Olympic View Resource Area. The native plantings are maturing and thriving. Native structure, diversity and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate. This site is prone to seasonal drought stress and some mortality has been noted in this FHT.

Invasive species: Invasive cover is moderate in this FHT. Invasive species noted include perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), thistle (Cirsium spp.), and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Human disturbance: No human disturbances have been noted in this FHT.

M a y 2015 Page 106 EarthCorps

Backshore- There are currently 0.01 acres of backshore habitat at Olympic View Resource Area, creating a narrow buffer between the gravel beach and the scrub- shrub riparian buffer.

Invasive species: Invasive species present include perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium).

Human disturbance: No human disturbances have been noted in this FHT.

Intertidal beach- There is currently 2.21 acres of intertidal gravel beach habitat at Olympic View Resource Area. The upper portion of the intertidal area is experiencing erosion, which may be locally exacerbated due to wave energy deflection and rebound off the toe of the riprap levee the runs along the west side of the site and off the remnant bulkhead.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: Remnant debris from former land uses remain in this FHT, including a section of metal and wood bulkhead, wood beams and old pilings, rebar, and brick works remnants. This debris is often buried in the beach and exposed and dislodged through erosion.

Mud flat and soft-bottomed subtidal- There are currently 4.06 acres of mudflat and 4.81 acres of soft-bottomed subtidal habitat at Olympic View Resource Area. Literature indicates this area supports one of the few remaining eelgrass habitats in Commencement Bay (City of Tacoma, 1997). Due to the subtidal nature, a current site assessment of these FHT’s is not available.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbances: No human disturbances have been note din this FHT.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

M a y 2015 Page 107 EarthCorps

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional in-fill planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other: Continue to monitor erosion on and around site, including erosion into backshore area and loss of native plantings. Work with City of Tacoma and NRDA Trustees to discuss and address erosion issues as they arise.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year four.

Community Engagement:

Support relocation of site sign to protect sign from erosion and improve public use.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: In-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive

M a y 2015 Page 108 EarthCorps

management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 1997. Olympic View Resource Area Project Concept Plan. Appendix E to the City of Tacoma Natural Resource Damages Consent Decree. Prepared by City of Tacoma Public works Department, Utility Services Engineering Division. March 1997.

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Olympic View Resource Area - Functional Habitat Types

Functional Habitats 11.25 Acres Backshore (0.01 Ac)

Boardwalk (0.04 Ac)

Gravel Beach (2.21 Ac)

Mudflat (4.06 Ac)

Scrub-Shrub (0.11 Ac)

Subtidal (4.81 Ac)

Subtidal

Mudflat

Gravel Beach Backshore

Scrub-Shrub

Boardwalk

E F ST

© EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14 Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200 100 0 200 Site Boundary Feet 1:1,900 º Table 1. Olympic View Resource Area Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Alnus rubra red alder Yes Anthriscus caucalis burr chervil No Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone Yes Brassica nigra black mustard No Buddleja davidii butterflybush No Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Cirsium vulgare bull thistle No Conium maculatum poison hemlock No Grindelia integrifolia Pacific gumweed Yes Holodiscus discolor oceanspray Yes Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Lepidium latifolium perrenial pepperweed No Physocarpus capitatus Pacific ninebark Yes Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Pseudognapahlium stramineum cotton-batting plant Yes Rubus ursinus creeping blackberry Yes Rumex crispus curly dock No Rumex obtusifolius bitter dock No Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Symphoricarpos albus snowberry Yes

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Olympic View Triangle 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Olympic View

Triangle

M a y 2015 Page 112 EarthCorps

Site Description

Olympic View Triangle is a 1.09 acre site located adjacent to the Olympic View Resource Area restoration project. The project was constructed in 2007 by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Restoration actions included removal of contaminated soils and excavation to create the high saltmarsh and riparian buffer.

Site background and construction

The site is located in the industrial waterfront of Commencement Bay at the northern tip of the peninsula separating the Thea Foss waterway and Middle Waterway. Prior to the 1880’s, this area of Commencement Bay was productive intertidal mudflats of the Puyallup River estuary. The St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company began transforming the area starting in 1888 with the development of the area’s largest lumber mill. Large sections of the estuary were dredged, diked and filled for development. There were several possible historic uses of this industrial site, but most recently it was used for staging of logs and storing of lumber (Ridolfi, 2007). The NuStar Terminal facility is an active fuel storage facility located immediately south of the restoration site.

Initial site cleanup began in 2005 with removal of contaminated soils from the site. Additional excavation occurred as part of the larger 2007 restoration to remove additional contaminated soils. The site was then regraded to elevations that would support saltmarsh habitat. A portion of the riprap berm and the metal bulkhead were removed to create a hydrologic opening for the saltmarsh lagoon. Large woody debris was installed around the saltmarsh area to increase habitat complexity. The riparian buffer and saltmarsh areas were planted with native vegetation in 2008. A drop irrigation system was installed, as well as goose exclusion fencing.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site and human disturbances. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Saltmarsh- There are currently 0.33 acres of saltmarsh habitat at the Olympic View Triangle site. Native vegetation health is high. Native vegetation diversity and structure are moderate, however that is not unexpected given the perched nature of the lagoon which creates a high saline, low tidal exchange system. Native vegetation cover is low, due to the presence of brass buttons (Cotula coronopifolia) as the primary plant in this FH, which is naturalized in this area, but is not a native species. Vegetation has self-propagated throughout the FHT, and has reached close to the maximum extent possible. Brass buttons (Cotula coronopifolia) and silverweed (Potentilla anserine ssp. pacifica) dominate the emergent saltmarsh zone. Gumweed

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(Grindelia integrifloia) and saltbush (Atriplex spp.) are appearing in the upper fringe of the marsh adjacent to the riparian buffer.

Invasive species: Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is present in this FHT.

Human disturbance: Trash has been noted to wash up in this FHT.

Riparian buffer (scrub-shrub)- There are currently 0.50 acres of scrub-shrub riparian buffer habitat at Olympic View Triangle. The native plantings are maturing and thriving. Native diversity and health are high. Native cover and structure is moderate, as this FHT is still maturing. This site is prone to seasonal drought stress and some mortality has been noted in this FHT, particularly on the outer side of the buffer where there is more exposure.

Invasive species: Invasive cover is moderate in this FHT. Invasive species noted include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), thistle (Cirsium spp.), tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Human disturbance: No human disturbances have been noted in this FHT.

Backshore- There are currently 0.03 acres of backshore habitat at Olympic View Triangle.

Invasive species: Invasive cover is moderate in this FHT. Invasive species noted include perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), thistle (Cirsium spp.), tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Human disturbance: No human disturbances have been noted in this FHT.

Mudflat- There are currently 0.08 acres of mudflat at Olympic View Triangle.

Invasive species: No invasive species present.

Human disturbance: No human disturbances have been noted in this FHT.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

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Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No in-fill planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other: Continue to visually monitor erosion on and around the site, particularly around the remnant metal bulkhead/retaining wall and the site sign.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year four.

Community Engagement:

Support relocation of site sign to protect sign from erosion and improve public use.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: In-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

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Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

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Citations:

Ridolfi, Inc. 2007. Post-restoration and Cleanup Action Report: Olympic View Triangle restoration project, Commencement Bay, Washington. Prepared for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. September 2007.

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Select Site Photos

Figure 1.- July 2009 Olympic View Triangle looking SW. Photo courtesy G. Siani, NOAA.

Figure 2.- July 2014 Olympic View Triangle looking SW. Photo credit EarthCorps.

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Figure 3.- July 2009 Olympic View Triangle looking NE. Photo courtesy G. Siani, NOAA.

Figure 4- July 2014 Olympic View Triangle looking NE. Photo credit EarthCorps.

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Figure 5.- July 2009 Olympic View Triangle looking west. Photo courtesy T. Goodman, WDNR.

Figure 6.- July 2014 Olympic View Triangle looking west. Photo credit EarthCorps.

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Olympic View Triangle - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14 Gravel Beach Functional Habitats 1.09 Acres Backshore (0.03 Ac) Scrub-Shrub Emergent Marsh (0.33 Ac)

Mudflat (0.08 Ac)

Riprap (0.16Boardwalk Ac)

Scrub-Shrub (0.50 Ac)

Scrub-Shrub Backshore Riprap

Mudflat

Emergent Marsh

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 110 55 0 110 Site Boundary Feet 1:1,000 º Table 1. Olympic View Triangle Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Alnus rubra red alder Yes Atriplex sp. saltbush X Brassica nigra black mustard No Centaurium erythraea European centaury No Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Conium maculatum poison hemlock No Cornus sericea red-osier dogwood Yes Cotula coronopifolia common brass buttons No Epilobium ciliatum fringed willowherb Yes Grindelia integrifolia Pacific gumweed Yes Holodiscus discolor oceanspray Yes Hypericum calycinum Garden St. John's-wort No Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Lepidium latifolium perrenial pepperweed No Leucanthemum vulgare oxeye daisy No Lonicera involucrata twinberry Yes Lotus corniculatus garden bird's-foot trefoil No Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Potentilla anserina ssp. pacifica Pacific silverweed Yes Pseudognapahlium stramineum cotton-batting plant Yes Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Symphoricarpos albus snowberry Yes

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Sha Dadx 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Sha Dadx

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Site Description

Sha Dadx is an 18.52 acre oxbow restoration site constructed in 2009 on the north bank of the Puyallup River at approximately RM 4.5, in Fife, Pierce County, Washington. The site is a relic channel of the Puyallup River and was isolated from the river by a levee. The project created off-channel habitat and riparian buffers with connection to the Puyallup River. Installation of a culvert under the adjacent levee road re-connected the Puyallup River to constructed pools and channels in an abandoned oxbow system. A ring levee was constructed around the site to contain floodwater within the off-channel habitat area and to protect properties adjacent to the site. The off-channel habitat consists of approximately 12 acres inside the ring levee.

Site background and construction

The area around the Sha Dadx site has changed dramatically since major flood control actions were taken along the White and Puyallup rivers beginning in 1914 (City of Tacoma, 1997). From 1914 to 1919 the majority of the Puyallup River was straightened and diked from the confluence with the White River to the City of Tacoma. This straightening created oxbows that were isolated from the main river channel by the levees. The Sha Dadx site was a relic oxbow cut off from the main river channel.

The restoration project installed a culvert under the levee road to reconnect the relic oxbow to the Puyallup River mainstem. A ring levee was constructed around the relic oxbow to protect adjacent properties from flooding. The oxbow was excavated and regraded to create pools and channels that would support wetland and riparian vegetation and function as juvenile salomonid rearing habitat. Existing mature riparian habitat was preserved on site to the extent possible.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is establishing and maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non- native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Freshwater off channel- There are currently 3.19 acres that make up the off-channel habitat at Sha Dadx.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: No human disturbance has been noted in this FHT.

Emergent freshwater marsh- There is currently 2.99 acres of freshwater emergent marsh habitat at Sha Dadx. Native vegetation diversity, structure and health are all high. Native vegetation cover is moderate. Emergent marsh forms a fringe around

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the entire off-channel habitat and includes low elevation islands within the main channel that support marsh vegetation. This habitat also includes an emergent freshwater marsh surrounded by a remnant mature riparian forest in the northern section of the site.

Invasive species: Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) has been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: No human disturbance has been noted in this FHT.

Forested riparian- There are currently 5.48 acres of forested riparian habitat at Sha Dadx. This FHT encompasses the existing mature riparian habitat at the site, as well as the new riparian habitat at the base of the levee. This FHT is comprised of a diversity of native trees and shrubs that already existed at the site prior to restoration and the newer planted riparian buffer surrounding the emergent marsh fringe. Native vegetation health, diversity and cover are high. Overall, this FHT is doing well. The primary maintenance needs are invasive plant removal.

Invasive species: Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbances: No human disturbance has been noted in this FHT.

Shrubland- There are currently 5.58 acres of upland shrub habitat at Sha Dadx. This habitat is made up of the steep slopes of the levee that was hydroseeded with native grasses, forbes and shrubby plants (such as lupine) during the final phases of construction, but was not planted with woody trees and shrubs. Native vegetation diversity and health are moderate. Native vegetation cover and structure are low. Invasive species removal remains the primary stewardship focus throughout this FHT.

Invasive species: Invasive plants of primary concern noted in this FHT are Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), thistle (Cirsium spp.), and tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea).

Human disturbances: There are a few small social trails leading down from the top of the levee through this FHT. These seem to get little use and are not of much concern at this time.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined within the first year of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or

M a y 2015 Page 125 EarthCorps anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using fall out trap collections in greenline riparian area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No in-fill planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year one. Conduct greenline survey in year three.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year three.

Community Engagement:

Host one or more volunteer events at the site to assist with weed management and provide engagement opportunities for community.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

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Planting: The need for in-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature will be determined.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended schedule for greenline surveys for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended schedule for greenline surveys for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

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Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 1997. Swan Creek Stream Restoration Project Concept Plan. Appendix B to the City of Tacoma Natural Resource Damage Consent Decree. Prepared by City of Tacoma Public Works Department, Utilities Services Engineering Division. March 1997.

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Sha Dadx - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 18.52 Acres Emergent Marsh (2.99 Ac)

Riparian Forest (2.20 Ac)

Gravel Road (1.28 Ac)

Shrubland - Ring Levee (5.58 Ac)

Side Channel - Tidal Freshwater (3.19 Ac)

Emergent Marsh

Emergent Marsh

Riparian Forest Side Channel Riparian Forest Gravel Road Shrubland

34TH ST E

52ND AVCTE

35TH ST E NORTH LEVEE RD E 35TH ST E

52NDAV E

N LEVEE RD E

RIVER RD E

GAY RD E KELSEY LN E Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200 100 0 200 400 Site Boundary Feet 1:2,750 º Table 1. Sha Dadx Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple Yes Alnus rubra red alder Yes Bidens frondosa leafy beggar-ticks Yes Buddleja davidii butterflybush No Callitriche palustris spring water-starwort Yes Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Cirsium vulgare bull thistle No Cornus sericea red-osier dogwood Yes Crataegus douglasii Pacific hawthorn Yes Cytisus scoparius scotch broom No Impatiens capensis jewelweed No Juncus effusus soft rush Yes Lonicera involucrata twinberry Yes Lotus corniculatus garden bird's-foot trefoil No Ludwigia palustris marsh seedbox Yes Lupinus polyphyllus bigleaf lupine Yes Persicaria hydropiperoides mild waterpepper Yes Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Physocarpus capitatus Pacific ninebark Yes Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce Yes Plantago major broad-leaved plantain No Polygonum bohemicum hybrid japanese knotweed No Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup No Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra Pacific willow Yes Salix sitchensis Sitka willow Yes Scirpus cyperinus brown woolly sedge Yes Scirpus microcarpus small-seeded bulrush Yes Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Solanum dulcamara bittersweet nightshade No Tanacetum vulgare common tansy No Thuja plicata western red cedar Yes Trifolium pratense red clover No Vicia villosa woolly vetch No

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Skookum Wulge 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Skookum Wulge

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Site Description

Skookum Wulge is a 1.35 acre site located on the northeast shore of Commencement Bay near the mouth of the Hylebos Waterway. This site was set aside by the Trustees for protection in 1999. No active restoration of the site happened initially. The site was set aside for preservation of the shoreline’s intertidal habitat areas and native vegetation. The site consists of a natural erosional deposit on the beach face from the bluff behind the site from a landslide that occurred in 1938. This deposit is stable and has been revegetated to provide a riparian buffer and detritus input to the intertidal gravel beach face, while it continues to naturally erode and provide sediment to the beach further down the littoral drift cell. There is a small backshore embayment immediately north of the erosional deposit.

Site background and construction

The Skookum Wulge site was created naturally in 1938 when a landslide moved glacial till materials onto the beach face (Ridolfi, 2000). Historically, the area of Commencement Bay where the site is located was heavily developed and used for various industrial and commercial purposes for many years. The Skookum Wulge site was formerly known as the Meeker Log Storage and was used for log rafting. Rafting continues today in the area, though no longer within the site. Natural erosion of the slide material moves beach building sediments northward with the net littoral drift. The site was acquired for preservation in 1999.

The NRDA Trustees reviewed possible restoration alternatives for the site, and determined the site conditions made the ‘no action’ alternative preferable. Native riparian plantings have been added to the top of the slide debris to improve riparian habitat, shading, and detritus input to the beach system.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is in good condition. The riparian area is establishing and maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Forested riparian- There are currently 0.27 acres of forested riparian buffer habitat at Skookum Wulge. Native plant cover, health and structure are moderate. Native plant diversity is high. Native plant installations are established, but young and still maturing. The site is very exposed and prone to drought. The glacial till of the riparian area is gravelly, sandy soil that is likely low in nutrients. These may be contributing to the slower rate of maturation of the native plantings. Invasive species cover in this area is moderate, which may also be causing competition with the native plants.

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Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), thistle (Cirsium spp.), English ivy (Hedera helix) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea).

Human disturbances: Dumping is known to occur along the road and right-of-way adjacent to this FHT. There is some evidence of social trails, but they do not appear to get regular use.

Backshore- There are currently 0.08 acres of backshore habitat at Skookum Wulge. Native vegetation cover, structure and health are high. Native vegetation diversity is moderate. Overall, this FHT is established and mature. Large woody debris collects naturally at the site, increasing habitat structure and complexity.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).

Human disturbances: Trash washes up into this FHT.

Intertidal gravel beach- There are currently 0.73 acres of intertidal gravel beach at Skookum Wulge. This area appears healthy and functional.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There is remnant woody debris throughout the FHT, such as old pilings.

Shallow subtidal- There are currently 0.25 acres of shallow subtidal habitat at Skookum Wulge. It was reported that this area is healthy and functional with minimal disturbance or damage from historic uses (Ridolfi, 2000).

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: No additional human disturbances have been noted in this FHT beyond known debris from historic uses.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

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Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using epibenthic collections in mudflat area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site.

• Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site.

• Maintain riparian plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to remove any debris in the backshore and intertidal areas, when possible. Continue to monitor for any new human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year four.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year two.

Community Engagement:

Maintain site sign and access.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

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Planting: Consider in-fill planting in the forested riparian area, as necessary, particularly the riparian slope from the beach up to the road on the south end of the site.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other: Develop and execute outreach plan to work with neighboring property owners to assist with site stewardship.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site.Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

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Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

Ridolfi. 2000. Engineer’s Post-restoration Report Mowitch and Squally Beach Projects Commencement Bay. Prepared for the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Trustees. December 2000.

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Skookum Wulge - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 1.35 Acres Backshore (0.08 Ac)

Riparian Forest (0.27 Ac)

Gravel Beach (0.73 Ac)

Gravel Road (0.02 Ac)

Subtidal (0.25 Ac)

Subtidal

MARINE VIEW DR

Backshore

Gravel Beach Gravel Road

Riparian Forest

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 70 35 0 70 Site Boundary Feet 1:650 º Table 1. Skookum Wulge Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple Yes Atriplex sp. saltbush X Buddleja davidii butterflybush No Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Crepis capillaris Smooth hawksbeard No Cytisus scoparius scotch broom No Distichlis spicata inland saltgrass Yes Fragaria chiloensis beach strawberry Yes Galium aparine stickywilly Yes Grindelia integrifolia Pacific gumweed Yes Hedera helix English ivy No Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Hypochaeris radicata hairy cat's-ear No Juncus effusus soft rush Yes Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce No Lathyrus latifolius everlasting pea No Lepidium latifolium perrenial pepperweed No Leymus mollis dune grass Yes Lolium multiflorum Italian ryegrass No Oemleria cerasiformis indian plum Yes Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Rosa multiflora Japanese rambler rose No Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Sonchus asper spiny sow-thistle No Symphoricarpos albus snowberry Yes Trifolium pratense red clover No Vicia hirsuta hairy vetch No

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Squally Beach 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Squally Beach

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Site Description

The Squally Beach site is a 0.84 acre site located on the northeast shore of Commencement Bay just north of the 11th Street Bridge. Development of this site was completed in 2000. Restoration actions included intercepting and rerouting freshwater seeps from an adjacent hillside through the site creating dendritic channels through the existing saltmarsh fringe. Excavation of material and grading increased the saltmarsh habitat. Redirecting the freshwater into the site reduced the salinity on the site, increasing saltmarsh plant diversity.

Site background and construction

The area of Commencement Bay where the site is located was been heavily developed and used for various industrial and commercial purposes for many years. The Squally Beach site itself was likely used for log rafting. Prior to restoration, the riparian portion of the site supported some deciduous trees and Himalayan blackberry and the intertidal area supported a 3ft wide strip of emergent marsh vegetation and associated mudflats (Adolfson, 1999). There were several pilings, logs and downed wood in the intertidal area. The upland portion of the site was being used as a dump site (Ridolfi, 2000).

Restoration construction involved re-grading of the site to enhance habitat areas by removing approximately 2,300 cubic yards of fill material and grading the area up to the existing riparian vegetation (Ridolfi, 2000). Runoff from the hillside behind the site (and across Marine View Drive) was channeled into the site in a dendritic channel pattern in an effort to lower salinities in the emergent marsh areas, increasing site complexity and plant diversity. Toe logs were installed parallel to the shoreline to reduce erosion along the bank. The upland area was hydroseeded and a straw layer applied for initial erosion control of the upland. Initial riparian planting occurred in fall of 2000. Emergent saltmarsh vegetation was installed in April 2001. Temporary irrigation was installed at the site, and goose exclusion fencing was later installed following the emergent marsh planting.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is in good condition. The saltmarsh is established and thriving. The riparian areas are established, but invasive species persist. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Mudflat- There are currently 0.16 acres of mudflat habitat at Squally Beach. This area was heavily impacted by historic uses, such as log rafting and upland industry. There is an abundance of debris, both buried or partially buried and washing up. The soil appears stable with minimal erosion.

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Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There is considerable remnant debris throughout the FHT.

Saltmarsh- There are currently 0.17 acres of saltmarsh habitat at the Squally Beach site. Native vegetation cover, diversity, health and structure are high. Native plantings have spread/self-propagated throughout the FHT.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT. Spartina anglica had been noted in this FHT in previous years.

Human disturbance: Washed in trash is common in this FHT.

Backshore- There are currently 0.08 acres of backshore habitat at Squally Beach. Native vegetation cover, diversity, structure and health are all high. Overall, this FHT is established and mature, though invasive species are persistent, particularly perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), which has been noted continuously along the shoreline within the vicinity of this site. Minimal erosion is occurring along the western edge (water side) of the backshore hummocks.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), sweet white clover (Melilotus albus), and bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).

Human disturbances: Some erosion has occurred along the western edge (water side) of the backshore hummocks, which has exposed remnant debris from historic land uses.

Forested riparian- There are currently 0.42 acres of forested riparian buffer habitat at Squally Beach. Native plant health and structure are high. Native plant cover and diversity are moderate. Aggressive invasive species are persistent, particularly Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), reducing native plant cover.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).

Human disturbances: Dumping is known to occur along the road and right-of-way adjacent to this FHT. There is some evidence of social trails, but they do not appear to get regular use.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

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Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using invertebrate fall out traps in the saltmarsh area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site.

• Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site.

• Maintain riparian plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to remove any remnant goose excluder fencing and debris in the mudflat and backshore areas as they become exposed. Continue to monitor for any new human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year three.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year two.

Community Engagement:

Maintain site sign and access.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

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Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: Consider in-fill planting in the forested riparian area, as necessary, following control of more aggressive and widespread invasive plants.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Other: Develop and execute outreach plan to work with neighboring property owners to address Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) and perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) infestations offsite.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

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Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

Adolfson Associates, Inc. 1999. Environmental Assessment Commencement Bay, Washington: Wasser/Winter, Nursery, and Meeker Restoration Projects. Prepared for Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees. December 1999.

Ridolfi. 2000. Engineer’s Post-restoration Report Mowitch and Squally Beach Projects Commencement Bay. Prepared for the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Trustees. December 2000.

M a y 2015 Page 144 EarthCorps

Select Site Photos

Figure 1. 1997. Pre-construction site. Photo courtesy J. Steger, NOAA.

Figure 2. 2000. Post-construction just before riparian planting installations. Photo courtesy J. Steger, NOAA.

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Figure 3. 2001. Year one following site construction. Photo courtesy T. Clancy, NOAA.

Figure 4. 2007. Year seven following construction and six years after initial riparian and emergent marsh plantings. Photo courtesy Citizens For A Healthy Bay.

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Squally Beach - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 0.84 Acres Backshore ( 0.08 Ac)

Emergent Marsh (0.17 Ac)

Riparian Forest (0.42 Ac)

Mudflat (0.16 Ac)

MARINE VIEW DR

Riparian Forest Emergent Marsh Backshore

Mudflat

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 80 40 0 80 Site Boundary Feet 1:800 º Table 1. Squally Beach Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Alnus rubra red alder Yes Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Carex lyngbyei Lyngbye's sedge Yes Cotula coronopifolia common brass buttons No Deschampsia cespitosa tufted hairgrass Yes Grindelia integrifolia Pacific gumweed Yes Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris No Jaumea carnosa fleshy jaumea Yes Lepidium latifolium perrenial pepperweed No Leymus mollis dune grass Yes Lotus corniculatus garden bird's-foot trefoil No Melilotus albus sweet clover No Plantago maritima salt marsh plantain Yes Polygonum bohemicum hybrid japanese knotweed No Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Rosa multiflora Japanese rambler rose No Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra Pacific willow Yes Sarcocornia perennis woody glasswort Yes Scirpus microcarpus small-seeded bulrush Yes Triglochin maritima seaside arrow-grass Yes

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Swan Creek 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Swan Creek

M a y 2015 Page 149 EarthCorps

Site Description

Swan Creek is a 11.69 acre restoration site located just outside the City of Tacoma limits, bordered by Pioneer Way and the railroad. The project was constructed by the City of Tacoma in 2000. The 12 acres include Swan Creek, the Haire wetland and associated riparian areas. The created off-channel habitat provides an improved surface water connection that allows easier passage for fish into the wetland complex.

Site background and construction

The Swan Creek site has changed dramatically since major flood control actions were taken along the White and Puyallup rivers beginning in 1914 (City of Tacoma, 1997). The restoration site is located very near the historical mouth of Swan Creek where it drained directly into the Puyallup River. From 1914 to 1919 the majority of the Puyallup River was straightened and diked from the confluence with the White River to the City of Tacoma. Swan Creek was then diverted to flow into Clear Creek just west of the Northern Pacific Railroad (just west of the site boundary) and Clear Creek was diverted into the old Puyallup River bed and connected with the Puyallup River at river mile 3.

Despite these flood control efforts, the majority of the four parcels that make up the Swan Creek restoration site where frequently flooded and therefore little used until the 1970’s. In the early 1970’s the southernmost parcel of the site was filled and a single family home was built along with a garage and storage sheds. The Haire property to the north remained flooded and supported the 3.0 acre Haire wetland.

The City of Tacoma purchased the filled property (Walter property) and the adjacent property (Haire property) in the mid 1990’s. The City had owned the next two adjacent properties for a number of years. The purchase of these last two properties fulfilled an effort to create a corridor of publicly owned lands along Swan Creek for protection and restoration.

The restoration involved removal of the structures on the Walter property, excavation of fill material to create a 530 ft stream channel (Channel A)connection from the upper reach of Swan Creek to the south end of the Haire wetlands complex and associated wetland and riparian habitat (Pentec, 2000). A small weir was installed on Channel A just downstream of the channel connection inlet to ensure adequate flow in Swan Creek in summer months. Large woody debris and boulders were placed in the channel to increase habitat complexity. A second channel (Channel B) was constructed from the north side of the Haire wetland back to the lower reach of Swan Creek. Log weirs were used in this 42 ft channel to create a series of step pools to maintain water depth.

In addition, two log sill structures were installed along the main channel of Swan Creek just west of the Haire wetland. These were intended to increase habitat complexity specifically for improving spawning habitat for coho and increasing aquatic invertebrate

M a y 2015 Page 150 EarthCorps abundance. Two flow constriction structures were installed at this location to improve the flushing of fine sediments that impact spawning habitat.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non- native plants found at the site. Secondary challenges include vegetation management on exposed areas where drought and possibly soil conditions have made it affected the ability of native plantings to establish and thrive. It is also unclear at this time if beaver activity on site is impacting juvenile salmon migration through the site. Beaver continue to modify the hydraulics of Channel B from original design and installation.

Conditions by FHT:

Freshwater off channel- There are currently 0.64 acres that make up the off-channel habitat at Swan Creek. This area includes the main stem of Swan Creek and the created side channels leading in and out of the Haire wetlands.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: No human disturbance has been noted in this FHT.

Emergent freshwater marsh- There is currently 3.42 acres of freshwater emergent marsh habitat at Swan Creek. This includes the 2.97 acres of the Haire wetlands complex, which is referred to as open water. Native vegetation diversity and health are high. Native vegetation cover and structure are moderate, due to the dominance of non-native species in the open water area of Haire wetlands.

Invasive species: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), policeman’s helmet (Impatiens glandulifera), yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: Minimal disturbance has been noted form the adjacent property in this FHT, such as lawn up to the streambank without a buffer.

Forested riparian- There are currently 5.85 acres of forested riparian and scrub-shrub habitat at Swan Creek. This FHT encompasses both the upland riparian area of the site that was replanted following initial restoration and the existing secondary growth forest surrounding the Haire wetlands and Swan Creek mainstem. Native vegetation structure, diversity and health are high. Native vegetation cover is moderate. Over time, this area has matured into a dense forested riparian area. This FHT is comprised of a diversity of native trees and shrubs that already existed at the site prior to restoration and native plantings installed following restoration in 2000. Overall, this FHT is doing well. The primary maintenance needs are invasive plant removal.

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Invasive species: Invasive and non-native species of greatest concern are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), English ivy (Hedera helix), tansy ragwort and poison hemlock.

Human disturbances: There are several social trails leading from the main path through this FHT to the off-channel habitat. Some plant and soil disturbances are occurring due to this, but there is no evidence of major activity or disruption.

Forested upland- There are currently 1.78 acres of forested upland habitat at Swan Creek. The majority of this FHT occurs up a steep slope rising along the western edge of the Haire wetland to the western edge of the site bordered by Pioneer Way. Native vegetation cover, structure, diversity and health are high. Much of these slopes are vegetated with mature mixed deciduous and coniferous, with an understory of native shrubs. Invasive species removal remains the primary stewardship focus.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons) and English ivy (Hedera helix).

Human disturbances: There are social trails leading down from Pioneer Way down the slope into the site and a second trail leading north to the adjacent parcel. While neither trail seems to get regularly use, an encampment has been noted in the past both on the site and on the adjacent site.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined within the first year of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Mainstem/off-channel edge habitat complexity: This approach obtains a qualitative measurement of the health and complexity of the habitat along the immediate edge of the stream mainstem and off-channel reaches (the “greenline”). In addition to data collection and interpretation, significant pieces of large woody debris or other in-stream structures will be located using GPS and/or aerial photo interpretation and mapped in order to monitor and track recruitment or loss over time. Frequency: every five years.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using fall out trap collections in greenline riparian area. Frequency: every five years.

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Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: In-fill with native vegetation to improve native cover and structure in the riparian forested FHT.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year two. Conduct greenline survey in year two.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year two.

Community Engagement:

Host one or more volunteer maintenance work parties each year to build awareness of the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative and provide additional volunteer opportunities to the region.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: In-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature.

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Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended schedule for greenline surveys for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site.Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring. Implement recommended monitoring schedule for greenline surveys on site.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

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Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 1997. Swan Creek Stream Restoration Project Concept Plan. Appendix B to the City of Tacoma Natural Resource Damage Consent Decree. Prepared by City of Tacoma Public Works Department, Utilities Services Engineering Division. March 1997.

Pentec, 2000. Design of Swan Creek Stream and Wetland Enhancement. Prepared for City of Tacoma. Prepared by Pentec Environmental. Proj No. 364-003. April 11, 2000.

M a y 2015 Page 155 EarthCorps

Swan Creek - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 11.69 Acres Emergent Marsh (0.45 Ac)

29TH AV E Riparian Forest (5.85 Ac)

Forested Upland (1.78 Ac)

Open Water - Freshwater (2.97 Ac)

Side Channel - Freshwater (0.64 Ac)

PIONEER WY

Upland Forest

BROWNING ST

E MORTON ST Side Channel

Emergent Marsh Open Water (Haire Wetland)

E FAIRBANKS ST

E GRANDVIEW AV

Riparian Forest

E SHERMAN ST

PIONEER WY E

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200 100 0 200 400 Site Boundary Feet 1:2,710 º Table 1. Swan Creek Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Acer circinatum vine maple Yes Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple Yes Alnus rubra red alder Yes Bidens frondosa leafy beggar-ticks Yes Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Cichorium intybus chicory No Conium maculatum poison hemlock No Corylus cornuta beaked hazelnut Yes Crataegus douglasii Pacific hawthorn Yes Frangula purshiana cascara Yes Galium aparine stickywilly Yes Glyceria elata tall mannagrass Yes Hedera helix English ivy No Hesperis matronalis dames rocket No Holodiscus discolor oceanspray Yes Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort No Ilex aquifolium English holly No Impatiens glandulifera policeman's helmet No Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris No Lonicera involucrata twinberry Yes Lotus corniculatus garden bird's-foot trefoil No Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife No Mahonia aquifolium tall Oregon grape Yes Marah oreganus coastal manroot Yes Nuphar lutea ssp. polysepala yellow pond-lily Yes Oemleria cerasiformis indian plum Yes Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Physocarpus capitatus Pacific ninebark Yes Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce Yes Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup No Ribes sanguineum red-flowering currant Yes Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Rubus spectabilis salmonberry Yes Rubus ursinus creeping blackberry Yes Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes

M a y 2015 Page 157 EarthCorps

Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra Pacific willow Yes Salix scouleriana Scouler's willow Yes Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Symphoricarpos albus snowberry Yes Thuja plicata western red cedar Yes Tsuga heterophylla western hemlock Yes Vicia hirsuta hairy vetch No

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Tahoma Salt Marsh 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Tahoma Marsh

M a y 2015 Page 159 EarthCorps

Site Description

The Tahoma Saltmarsh is a 1.73 acre site located along the Ruston Way shoreline near the Jack Hyde and Chinese Reconciliation Parks. The project was constructed in 2004. The site is owned by City of Tacoma. The restoration actions included excavation and regarding of an upland site to support a saltmarsh system, excavation of a tidal channel to connect the marsh area with the restored beach area and allow tidal inundation of the marsh, and replanting of the marsh habitat and associated riparian buffer.

Site background and construction

The Tahoma Saltmarsh site is located along the western shoreline of Commencement Bay in the City of Tacoma. The property is owned by the City of Tacoma. The site was formerly housed a commercial boat building facility and was used for lumber production prior to that (City of Tacoma, 1997). The property was cleaned up in 1993 by the Department of Defense and later transferred to the City to be used for restoration.

Construction of the habitat restoration of the project occurred in 2004 and involved removal of 6,000 cu yards of soil to create a saltmarsh habitat and riparian buffer. Surficial debris, mostly metallic machining waste from the “Ruston Formation”, was removed from the shoreline along the site, as well. Erosion control fabric (jute) was placed throughout the riparian area and was hydroseeded following construction. Initial planting of the saltmarsh and riparian buffer occurred in 2005 and subsequent in-fill planting occurred in the saltmarsh in 2007. Goose exclusion fencing was installed at the site following the 2005 planting. An irrigation system was installed prior to the initial planting effort. It is unknown how long that system was operated.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is well established and maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site and human disturbances. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Saltmarsh- There are currently 0.38 acres of saltmarsh habitat at the Tahoma Saltmarsh site. Native cover, structure and health are all high. Native diversity is moderate, as would be expected at this site. The structure of the habitat is not diverse enough to support a widely diverse saltmarsh community. Native plantings have spread/self-seeded throughout the FHT, and have reached close to the maximum extent possible. Pickleweed (Sarcocornia perennis) and fleshy jaumea (Jaumea carnosa) are dominant throughout the lower elevations of the marsh. Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) is abundant around the upper marsh fringe and gumweed (Grindelia integrifloia) and saltbush (Atriplex spp.) are spreading in the higher marsh adjacent to the backshore and riparian areas.

M a y 2015 Page 160 EarthCorps

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: Beach wood structures (forts) have been noted in the marsh area.

Backshore- There are currently 0.13 acres of backshore habitat at Tahoma Saltmarsh. Native cover, structure, diversity and health are high in this FHT.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) and thistle (Cirsium spp.).

Human disturbances: A small social trail is present along the backshore originating from the south from the adjacent Park and extending north to the opening of the marsh outlet channel.

Mudflat- There are currently 0.12 acres of mudflat habitat at Tahoma Saltmarsh. This area comprises the lower portion of the emergent marsh were the current elevation does not support the establishment of saltmarsh vegetation.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbances: Some minor trash has been noted washing up in this area.

Forested riparian- There are currently 0.68 acres of forested riparian habitat at Tahoma Saltmarsh. The native plantings are maturing and thriving. Native cover and health is moderate. Native structure and diversity is high. Native cover will increase as the plants continue to mature. Native health is moderate, due to some concern over mortality of several (6-10) mature alders in the SE corner of the riparian area in the last two years. They appear to have been infected with a wood borer, which damaged the bark and increased the trees susceptibility to secondary infection. Several willows (Salix spp.) on the site are also affected by what appears to be insect damage to the bark, but have not died. Black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera) and Oregon grape (Mahonia spp.) were noted to be self-seeding throughout the riparian habitat.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), thistle (Cirsium spp.), tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium).

Human disturbances: A small social trail has started through the riparian area originating at the south end of the site adjacent to the Chinese Reconciliation Park. Human waste has been found along this trail during summer site visits, likely due to adjacent Park visitors and no restroom facilities.

M a y 2015 Page 161 EarthCorps

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Prey species richness and abundance: prey abundance will be collected using invertebrate fall out traps in the saltmarsh area. Frequency: every five years.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site. • Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site. • Maintain plantings as needed to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year two.

Quantitative: Conduct prey richness and abundance surveys in year two.

Community Engagement:

Maintain site sign access for public use.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

M a y 2015 Page 162 EarthCorps

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site.

Planting: In-fill planting to improve native vegetation cover and diversity as site continues to establish and mature.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Implement recommended schedule for prey richness and abundance monitoring for the site. Refer to monitoring frequency in Table 3 of Ecosystem Management Plan.

Community Engagement:

• Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

• Outreach to neighboring property owners to engage them in stewardship of the site and expand non-native vegetation control to seed sources outside of the project boundaries.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

M a y 2015 Page 163 EarthCorps

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

City of Tacoma. 1997. Tahoma Salt Marsh Restoration Project Concept Plan. Appendix C to the City of Tacoma Natural Resource Damages Consent Decree. Prepared by City of Tacoma Public Works Department, Utility Services Engineering Division. March 1997.

M a y 2015 Page 164 EarthCorps

Tahoma Salt Marsh - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 1.73 Acres Backshore (0.13 Ac)

Emergent Marsh (0.38 Ac)

Forested Riparian (0.68 Ac)

Mudflat (0.12 Ac)

Riprap (0.42 Ac)

Riprap

Backshore

Emergent Marsh

Mudflat

Riparian Forest

N 30TH ST

N SCHUSTER PKWY

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 75 37.5 0 75 Site Boundary Feet 1:700 º Table 1. Tahoma Saltmarsh Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Alnus rubra red alder Yes Atriplex sp. saltbush X Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Cornus sericea red-osier dogwood Yes Distichlis spicata inland saltgrass Yes Grindelia integrifolia Pacific gumweed Yes Ilex aquifolium English holly No Jaumea carnosa fleshy jaumea Yes Lepidium latifolium perrenial pepperweed No Mahonia aquifolium tall Oregon grape Yes Medicago sativa alfalfa No Phalaris arundinacea reed canarygrass No Picea sitchensis Sitka spruce Yes Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa black cottonwood Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup No Ribes sanguineum red-flowering currant Yes Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Rubus laciniatus evergreen blackberry No Rubus parviflorus thimbleberry Yes Rumex crispus curly dock No Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra Pacific willow Yes Sarcocornia perennis woody glasswort Yes Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Tanacetum vulgare common tansy No Thuja plicata western red cedar Yes

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Yowkwala 2014

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative:

Site Management Plan- Yowkwala

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Site Description

Yowkwala is a 20.5 acre site located on the northeast shore of Commencement Bay. This site was set aside by the Trustees for preservation of intertidal gravel beach habitat, native vegetation backshore and an associated bluff. A beach cleanup including the removal of two derelict barges, a dry dock and wooden debris was completed in 2000. Large woody debris was placed on the beach to add habitat complexity and encourage growth of backshore vegetation. The site is held in trust by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Site background and construction

Restoration at the site involved demolition and removal of two derelict barges, a dilapidated dry dock and other wooden debris from the site (NOAA, 1999). Large woody debris was installed in the backshore area of the site to increase habitat complexity and encourage native vegetation regrowth.

Current Site Conditions

Overall, the site is in good condition. The riparian area up the bluff is mature, yet still prone to natural landslides. The backshore area is slowly maturing. The primary challenge is invasive plant control throughout the site. Table 1 provides a plant list of dominant native and non-native plants found at the site.

Conditions by FHT:

Forested upland- There are currently 8.15 acres of forested upland bluff habitat at Yowkwala. Native plant cover, health and structure are moderate. Native plant diversity is high. This FHT is on a steep bluff above the gravel beach and backshore portion of the site. Visual inspection of the bluff indicates this is a landslide prone area. This observation is based on presence of scarps and sections of less mature vegetation and the dominance of deciduous tree canopy across much of the entire bluff area. Invasive species cover in this area is moderate.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius).

Human disturbances: Social trails extend down through the FHT from the neighborhood at the top of the bluff. This has led to trampling and may possibly exacerbate erosion. Trash is also common in this area.

Backshore- There are currently 1.14 acres of backshore habitat at Yowkwala. Native vegetation cover and diversity are moderate. Native vegetation health and structure are low. Overall, native plantings in this FHT are struggling and have a high mortality rate. In general, this is simply due to installing inappropriate native plants in an

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exposed backshore area. Large woody debris collects naturally at the site, increasing habitat structure and complexity.

Invasive species: Invasive plants noted in this FHT are perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus bifrons), butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii), thistle (Cirsium spp.), and English ivy (Hedera helix).

Human disturbances: Social gatherings continue to occur at this site frequently. Trampling and trash accumulation are common due to this. Trash also washes up into this FHT.

Intertidal gravel beach- There is currently 1.61 acres of intertidal gravel beach at Yowkwala. This area appears healthy and functional.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been noted in this FHT.

Human disturbance: There are several sq. feet of exposed rebar and woody debris from remnant buried barges. More rebar and debris gets exposed, as natural erosion through this transport zone continues.

Subtidal- There is currently 0.98 acres of shallow subtidal and 8.62 acres of deep subtidal habitat at Yowkwala.

Invasive species: No invasive species have been reported in this FHT.

Human disturbance: No additional human disturbances have been noted in this FHT beyond known debris from historic uses.

Monitoring

Biannual site visits: Formal bi-annual visits will be conducted in late winter/spring and late summer/fall. Frequency: twice a year.

Photo monitoring: Photo monitoring will be conducted at photo points to be determined by year three of monitoring and taken every year and after major natural or anthropogenic events, such as flooding, landslide, or a wildfire, in order to represent change in the landscape.

Site Maintenance Objectives

Short-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding:

• Control aggressive invasive species and listed noxious weeds (Pierce County) throughout site.

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• Control invasive and non-native species with limited distribution on the site.

• Maintain appropriate backshore plantings to ensure survival and establishment.

Planting: No additional planting is recommended in the short term.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to remove any trash and debris in the backshore and intertidal areas, when possible. Continue to monitor for any new human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Establish photo points in year four.

Community Engagement:

• Host up to one volunteer event annually.

• Outreach to neighboring property owner (Tyee Marina) to discuss access and invasive weed control.

Mid-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control more widely distributed invasive and non-native species throughout the site. Initiate efforts to control invasive species on the steep slopes.

Planting: Consider in-fill planting in the forested riparian area, as necessary.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly. Outreach to property owner regarding limiting or removing access to address social gatherings and beach fires at the site.

Other: Develop and execute outreach plan to work with neighboring property owners to assist with site stewardship.

Monitoring:

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Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning to progress towards site functionality. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Community Engagement:

Execute a Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program that includes recruitment and training of one or more Stewards for this site.

Long-term objectives:

Maintenance:

Weeding: Control all potentially invasive species on site annually, as possible given steep slopes.

Planting: Long-term in-fill planting is not anticipated. Vegetation on site should be mature and self-propagating.

Addressing human disturbances: Continue to monitor for any human disturbances on site and address accordingly.

Monitoring:

Qualitative: Perform bi-annual site visits and document current site conditions by habitat zone. Use results of these site visits to inform adaptive management plan and annual work planning. Conduct annual photo monitoring.

Quantitative: Full implementation of quantitative monitoring plan for the site continues on the recommended schedule (generally once every five years).

Community Engagement:

• Continue to support Site Stewards through the Commencement Bay Sound Stewardship Program.

• Continue to work with neighbors and other adjacent property owners to integrate uses on neighboring properties into functional ecosystem processes at the site.

Citations:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1999. Environmental Assessment (Supplemental) for Oline Parcel Restoration Project, Seattle, Washington. November 22nd, 1999.

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Yowkwala - Functional Habitat Types © EarthCorps Updated: 10/21/14

Functional Habitats 20.5 Acres Backshore (1.14 Ac)

Deep Subtidal (8.62 Ac)

Upland Forest (8.15 Ac) HERON RIDGE DR NE Gravel Beach (1.61 Ac)

Shallow Subtidal (0.98 Ac)

KENNEDYRD NE MARINE VIEW DR

Upland Forest

Gravel Beach

Backshore Shallow Subtidal

Deep Subtidal

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative Legend 200 100 0 200 Site Boundary Feet 1:2,510 º Table 1. Yowkwala Plant Species List

Scientific Name Common Name Native Acer circinatum vine maple Yes Acer macrophyllum bigleaf maple Yes Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone Yes Artemisia vulgaris common wormwood No Buddleja davidii butterflybush No Calystegia sepium hedge false bindweed No Cichorium intybus chicory No Cirsium arvense Canada thistle No Cortaderia selloana pampass grass No Corylus cornuta beaked hazelnut Yes Crataegus monogyna oneseed hawthorn No Crepis capillaris Smooth hawksbeard No Cytisus scoparius scotch broom No Daucus carota Queen Anne's lace No Grindelia integrifolia Pacific gumweed Yes Hedera helix English ivy No Holodiscus discolor oceanspray Yes Lepidium latifolium perrenial pepperweed No Mahonia aquifolium tall Oregon grape Yes Malus domestica domestic apple No Philadelphus lewisii mockorange Yes Pinus contorta shore pine Yes Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Yes Ribes sanguineum red-flowering currant Yes Rosa multiflora Japanese rambler rose No Rubus bifrons Himalayan blackberry No Rubus ursinus creeping blackberry Yes Rumex crispus curly dock No Salix hookeriana Hooker's willow Yes Senecio jacobaea tansy ragwort No Solanum dulcamara bittersweet nightshade No Thuja plicata western red cedar Yes Toxicodendron diversilobum poison oak Yes

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7. Literature Cited

Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees. 1995. Commencement Bay Phase 1 Damage Assessment. Prepared by EVS Environmental Consultants for the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees and the NOAA Damage Assessment and Restoration Center, Seattle, WA.

Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees. 1997. Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration Plan and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. Prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees and Cooperating Agencies.

Commencement Bay Natural Resource Trustees. 2002. Hylebos Waterway Natural Resource Damage Settlement Proposal Report. A habitat restoration-based approach for resolving natural resource damage claims relating to the Hylebos waterway of the Commencement Bay nearshore/tideflats superfund site combined with a proposal for allocating liability for settlement purposes. Public review draft. March 14th, 2002.

Duffy, E.J., D.A. Beauchamp, R.M. Sweeting, R.J. Beamish, and J.S. Brennan. 2010. Ontogenetic Diet Shifts of Juvenile Chinook Salmon in Nearshore and Offshore Habitats in Puget Sound. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 139:803-823

Feller, R. J. and V. W. Kaczynski. 1975. Size selective predation by juvenile chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) on epibenthic prey in Puget Sound. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 32:1419-1429

Fresh, K.L. 2006. Juvenile Pacific Salmon in Puget Sound. Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership Report No. 2006-06. Published by Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Washington.

Fresh, K.L., D. Rabin, C. Simenstad, E.O. Salo, K. Garrison, and L. Matheson. 1979. Fish ecology studies in the Nisqually Reach area of southern Puget Sound, Washington. Fin. Rep. Univ. Wash., Fish. Res. Inst., FRI-UW-7904. Seattle, WA. 229 pp.

Gregory, R. S. and C. D. Levings. 1996. The effects of turbidity and vegetation on the risk of juvenile salmonids, Oncorhynchus spp., to predation by adult cutthroat trout, O. clarkii. Environmental biology of fishes. 47:279-288

Gregory, R. S. and C. D. Levings. 1998. Turbidity reduces predation on migration juvenile Pacific salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 127:275-285

Haas, M.E., C.A. Simenstad, J.R. Cordell, D.A. Beauchamp, and B.S. Miller. 2002. Effects of Large Overwater Structures on Epibenthic Juvenile Salmon Prey Assemblages in Puget Sound, Washington. Research Project Agreement T1803, Task 30 Prey Impacts on

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Salmon. Prepared by the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle Washington.

Healey, M. C. 1979. Detritus and juvenile salmon production in the Nanaimo Estuary: I. Production and feeding rates of juvenile chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 36: 488-496

Healey, M. C. 1980. Utilization of the Nanaimo River estuary by juvenile Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Fishery Bulletin 77:653-668

Healey, M. C. 1982. Juvenile Pacific salmon in estuaries: the life support system. Pp. 315- 341 in V. S. Kennedy (ed.), Estuarine Comparisons, Academic Press, New York, NY. 709 pp.

Healey, M.C. 1991. Life history of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Pages 311- 393 in C. Groot and L. Margolis, editors Pacific Salmon Life Histories. University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Iadanza, Nicholas E. 2001. Appendix C: Determining Habitat Value and Time to Sustained Function. An appendix to the Hylebos Waterway Natural Resource Damage Settlement Proposal Report. Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees. 2002.

Kerwin, 1999. Salmon Habitat Limiting Factors. Report for the Puyallup River Basin (Water Resources Inventory Area 10). Prepared by Washington Conservation Commission. Olympia, WA. July 1999.

McCain, Bruce B., Stacey D. Miller, and W. Waldo Wakefield II. 2005. Life history, geographical distribution, and habitat associations of 82 West Coast groundfish species: a literature review. Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan for the California, Oregon, and Washington groundfish fishery- Appendix B, Part 2. Pacific Fishery Management Council, Portland, OR.

Montgomery, D.R., E.M. Beamer, G.R. Pess, and T.P. Quinn. 1999. Channel type and salmonid spawning distribution and abundance. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 1999, 56(3):377-387

Orth, R.J., K. L. Heck and J. van M. 1984. Faunal communities in seagrass beds: a review of the influence of plant structure and prey characteristics on predator-prey relationships. Estuaries 7:339-350

Pierce County. 2012. WRIA 10 Puyallup and WRIA 12 Chambers/Clover Creek Watersheds Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Strategy. Pierce County Lead Entity Puyallup & Chambers-Clover Watersheds.

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Shoreline Monitoring Toolbox. Washington Sea Grant. 2014. Website: wsg.washington.edu/toolbox

Simenstad, C. A., W. J. Kinney, S. S. Parker, E. O. Salo, J. R. Cordell, and H. Buechner. 1980. Prey community structures and trophic ecology of outmigrating juvenile chum and pink salmon in Hood Canal, Washington: A synthesis of three years’ studies, 1977-1979. Final Rep., Univ. Wash., Fish. Res. Inst., FRI-UW-8026. Seattle, WA. 113 pp

Simenstad, C.A., K. L. Fresh, and E. O. Salo. 1982. The role of Puget Sound and Washington coastal estuaries in the life history of Pacific salmon: an unappreciated function. pp. 343-364 in V. S. Kennedy (ed.), Estuarine Comparisons, Academic Press, New York, N.Y. 709 pp.

Sobocinski, K.L., J.R. Cordell, C.A. Simenstad. 2010. Effects of Shoreline Modifications on Supratidal Macroinvertebrate Fauna on Puget Sound, Washington Beaches. Estuaries and Coasts (2010) 33:699-711

Toft, J. and J. R. Cordell. 2006. Olympic Sculpture Park: Results from Pre-construction Biological Monitoring of Shoreline Habitats. University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences. Prepared for Seattle Public Utilities, City of Seattle. SAFS-UW- 0601

Toft, J.D., A.S. Ogston, S.M. Heerhartz, J.R. Cordell, and E.E. Flemer. 2013. Ecological response and physical stability of habitat enhancements along an urban armored shoreline. Ecological Engineering. 57:97-108

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1992. Commencement Bay Cumulative Impact Study, volumes 1 and 2 plus appendices. Prepared by Shapiro and Associates for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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8. Appendix A – Qualitative Field Form (Example) Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative - Qualitative Site Visit Field Form Site Type: Intertidal emergent marsh/tidally influenced off-channel - Middle Waterway (City Or Simpson) Date: Time: Tide: Weather Condition: Observers:

Qualitative Observations by Habitat Zone: Backshore: Native Cover: High Moderate Low None Native Health: High Moderate Low None Native Diversity: High Moderate Low None Native Structure: High Moderate Low None Native Species Notes: Invasive Cover: High Moderate Low None Invasive Species Notes: Human impacts: trash encampments vandalism trampling other: Soil Stability: Excellent Good Fair Poor Emergent Marsh: Native Cover: High Moderate Low None Native Health: High Moderate Low None Native Diversity: High Moderate Low None Native Structure: High Moderate Low None Native Species Notes: Invasive Cover: High Moderate Low None Invasive Species Notes: Human impacts: trash encampments vandalism trampling other: Soil Stability: Excellent Good Fair Poor Forested Riparian: Native Cover: High Moderate Low None Native Health: High Moderate Low None Native Diversity: High Moderate Low None Native Structure: High Moderate Low None Native Species Notes: Invasive Cover: High Moderate Low None Invasive Species Notes: Human impacts: trash encampments vandalism trampling other: Soil Stability: Excellent Good Fair Poor Mudflat: Native Species Notes: Invasive Species Notes: Human impacts: trash encampments vandalism trampling other: Soil Stability: Excellent Good Fair Poor Fauna (List species noted or general trends):

Photo Documentation Taken: Yes No

Notes:

Maintenance Issues/Notes/or Concerns:

General Notes/Observations: 9. Appendix B – Qualitative Monitoring Benchmarks

Qualitative Vegetation Monitoring Criteria

Native Cover High Mod Low Forested (Riparian and Upland) >90% 60-90% <60% Emergent Marsh (Freshwater & Intertidal) >90% 60-90% <60% Scrub-Shrub Wetland >90% 60-90% <60% Shrubland >50% 20-50% <20% Backshore >50% 20-50% <20%

Native Richness High Mod Low Forested (Riparian & Upland) >7 3-6 <3 Emergent Marsh (Freshwater) >7 3-6 <3 Emergent Marsh(Intertidal) >5 2-5 <2 Scrub-Shrub Wetland >7 3-6 <3 Shrubland >5 2-5 <2 Backshore >5 2-5 <2

Invasive Cover High >5% Mod 1-5% Low <1%

Native Health High little to no signs of distress (<3%) Mod some signs of distress (3-20%) Low Frequent signs of distress (>20%)

Native Structure High Mod Low 3 distinct strata One or more strata Single strata or more than Forested (Riparian (tree/shrub/herb) missing or poorly one strata poorly & Upland) present developed developed One or more strata Single strata or more than 2 distinct strata missing or poorly one strata poorly Scrub-Shrub (shrub/herb) present developed developed One or more strata Single strata or more than 2 distinct strata missing or poorly one strata poorly Shrubland (shrub/herb) present developed developed

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10. Appendix C – Qualitative Greenline and LWD Monitoring Benchmarks

Greenline Condition Measured at interchange between stream/side channel and adjacent habitat. High Greater than 80% cover of overhanging native plant species. Mod 50-80% cover of native plant species. Low Less than 50% cover of native plant species.

Bank Stability Measured at interchange between stream/side channel and adjacent habitat. High Stable banks with little to no signs of erosion, undercut banks, or exposed soil (<5%) Mod Moderate signs of erosion, undercut banks, or exposed soil (5-20%) Low Erosion/undercut banks common and/or high cover of exposed soil (>20%)

LWD Measured in stream/side channel (enumerated and monitored in estuary habitats) Stream/Side channel Ideally looking for >24" dia or at least 12" dia – will measure all pieces > High >80 pieces/mi Mod >20 pieces/mi Low <20 pieces/mi

Literature Reviewed:

The Washington Natural Heritage Program - Ecological Integrity Assessment Framework Assessment Framework; www.dnr.wa.gov/ResearchScience/Topics/NaturalHeritage/Pages/amp_nh.aspx • http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/communities/pdf/eia/np_low_rip_forest.pdf • http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/communities/pdf/eia/tp_emerg_marsh.pdf • http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/communities/pdf/eia/np_intertidal_wetland.pdf • http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/communities/pdf/eia/tp_tidal_marsh.pdf

Elliott Bay/Duwamish Restoration Program: Intertidal Habitat Projects Monitoring Report; 2010 Report

WRIA 9 Habitat Limiting Factors and Reconnaissance Assessment for Salmon Habitat; Part V: Habitat Matrix

NRDA. 1997. Restoration Plan. Commencement Bay Natural Resource Restoration. Commencement Bay Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees.

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11. APPENDIX D Weed Maintenance Best Management Practices

NOTE: The following weed maintenance schedule is a summary of general guidelines to be used as part of an Intergrated Pest Management Strategy with the intent that prior to any action, current BMPs will be reviewed. Herbicide suggestions in this document should not be followed if they contradict the label on the product being used. Make sure to follow all local, state or federal regulations that apply to the particular project site.

Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S)

Butterfly Bush Buddleia davidii B Tall deciduous New leaves emerge Flowering Flower/Seed shrub Manual Dig up, do not leave plants on ground, can re-root Chemical Basal or cut stump with glyphosate

Bindweed or Calystegia sepium NA Herbaceous Emerge Flower Seed Morning Glory or Convolvulus Perennial arvensis

Mechanical >2 years Cut or pull; Cut or pull; Cut or pull; Cut or pull; Cut or pull; Cut or pull; Cut or pull; Cut or pull; Heavily mulch infested remove remove remove remove remove remove remove remove area fragments fragments fragments fragments fragments fragments fragments fragments Shade 3 to 5 years Cover infested area with landscape fabric or cardboard/woodchips - need to maintain cover so plants get no light over whole population; watch surrounding area for plants (at least 5-10 feet from infested area) Chemical >2 years Spray or wipe with glyphosate. Repeat on re-growth as needed however allow plants to Mechanical + Cut plants and spray/wipe on glyphosate when regrowth > 12 inches Chemical

Spotted Centaurea B Herbaceous Rosettes Flowers Flowering/Seed Knapweed biebersteinii Perennial Manual or Dig up; in compacted soils will need to use fork tool or digging knife; most effective when soil is moist Mechanical Chemical Aminopyralid, Aminopyralid, 2,4-D + dicamba or triclopyr Aminopyralid 2,4-D or or glyphosate triclopyr

Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense C Herbaceous most seeds rosettes bolting flower flower/seeds/ seeds/move some germination/over- Perennial germinate/ move energy energy to roots wintering rosettes new shoots to roots on existing roots (rosettes) Manual or >2 years pull/mow pull/mow every pull/mow pull/mow pull/mow pull/mow pull/mow every Mechanical every 3-4 3-4 weeks every 3-4 every 3-4 every 3-4 every 3-4 3-4 weeks weeks weeks weeks weeks weeks Cultural Cut and Sheet Mulch Cut and Sheet Mulch Chemical Foliar spot spray: 2,4-D, dicamba Foliar spot spray: glyphosate Mechanical + cut late July spray Chemical regrowth late August: glyphosate

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Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S) Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare C Herbaceous Emerge Flower Flower/Seed Seed/Emerge Biennial Manual Dig up with shovel. Flowering stems should be collected and destroyed Chemical Foliar spot 2,4-D; dicamba; Foliar glyphosate before Foliar spot spray: triclopyr; glyphosate flower glyphosate Biological Introduce bull thistle seed head gall fly to reduce

Old Man's Clematis vitalba C Climbing Emerge Flowering Seeds Beard deciduous vine Manual pull young plants up/cut mature stems at pull young plants up/cut ground; dig up roots mature stems at ground; dig up roots Chemical about 2 years cut stems and wipe on glyphosate, triclopyr or metsulfuron concentrate Mechanical+ Apply herbicide to regrowth in Foliar application after full leaf development Cut stems in fall Chemical spring and before flowering/ seed set

Poison- Conium B Herbaceous germinate rosettes bolting flowering seed set germinate hemlock maculatum Biennial Manual pull plants by hand or dig up roots when soil is moist Cut to below crown (1-3 inches) Mechanical mow or cut- mow or cut- back to 3-4 back to 3-4 inches (early in inches month) Chemical about 2 years spray before flowering (2,4-D, triclopyr, dicamba, glyphosate)

Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius B Large shrub; veg growth buds/leafing Flowers Seeds veg growth deciduous out leaves, evergreen stems Manual about 2 years pull small plants; weed wrench large plants pull small plants, weed wrench large plants Mechanical Cut mature stands with saws or other tools Chemical Foliar spray (triclopyr, 2,4-D, glyphosate) Foliar spray Basal bark and other non-foliar applications based on herbicide used

Herb Robert Geranium B Herbaceous rosettes seedlings/rosettes flowering/seedlings seedlings rosettes robertianum Annual Manual about 2 years pull plants pull plants pull plants and pull plants pull plants pull plants and pull plants and mulch and mulch mulch bare and mulch and mulch mulch bare and mulch bare areas bare areas areas bare areas bare areas areas bare areas Chemical glyphosate glyphosate glyphosate on large on large on large patches of patches of patches of seedlings seedlings small Spot spray with glyphosate to minimize damage to non target species

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Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S) English Ivy Hedera hibernica, C Evergreen woody Berry/Seed Vegetative Flower Berry/Seed H. helix vine Manual or 2 years Dig up or pull up roots of accessible plants; Cut off vines (girdle) from base of trees Dig or pull up roots of Mechanical accessible plants

Chemical (spring/ Foliar spray with glyphosate (2%), triclopyr (1%) and summer) surfactant (2%). Cut first and treat re-growth.

Hawkweed Hieracium sp. B Herbaceous Bud/Flower Flower/Seed Perennial Manual or Dig up including roots and runners Mechanical Remove and discard flowers Chemical Foliar - before flowers open (triclopyr - Garlon)

English Holly Ilex aquifolium NA Evergreen shrub New growth Flowering Berries/Seed or tree; often multi-stemmed Manual Monitor for min 2 Pull or dig up small plants; use weed wrench on large plants Pull or dig up small plants; use weed years wrench on large plants Mechanical + Monitor for min 2 EZ Ject lance larger stems with triclopyr. Cut trunk as close to the ground as possible and apply triclopyr within 20-30 Chemical years seconds. On large trunks only the outer edge needs to be cut and treated.

Policeman's Impatiens B Herbaceous Emerge Flower Flower/Seed Helmet* glandulifera Annual Manual or Monitor for min 2 Hand pull and compost onsite. If seeds present and small Mechanical years infestation, cover flower head to capture seeds and place in regular trash. Chemical If infest is too large too pull, spray young plants with glyphosate

Perennial Lepidium B Herbaceous Emerge Flower Flower/Seed pepperweed latifolium Perennial Manual Pull or dig plants growing in sand or loose soil

Mechanical + Mowing followed by applications of 2,4-D or glyphosate with appropriate Chemical surfactants to resprouts Chemical Up through Chlorsulfuron bloom stage with surfactant- (Chlorsulfuron Fall treatment with surfactant)

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Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S) Garden Lysimachia B Herbaceous Emerge Flower Flower/Seed Loosestrife* vulgaris Perennial Manual or Monitor min 2 Cut at base/dig up where possible. Caution Mechanical years not to spread seeds, Bag and dispose. Chemical Foliar: Triclopyr or glyphosate, aquatic formulation with suitable surfactant

Purple Lythrum salicaria B Herbaceous Emerges Flower Flower/Seed Seed Loosestrife Perennial Manual or over 5 years Pull small plants; Cut large plants at base. Mechanical Caution not to spread seeds. Bag and Chemical 2-3 years Foliar spray: glyphosate or triclopyr, aquatic formulation

Biocontrol Up to 5 years Release Release galerucella beetles before significant galerucella on large stands decrease in beetles on plant density large stands

Reed Canary Phalaris C Perennial grass shoots emerge from seeds or flowers start flower stage; flowers/seeds seeds; veg. growth slows down; stems Grass arundinacea rhizomes forming peak of veg. collapse (2nd vegetative growth following growth rains in September/October)

Manual at least 5 yrs hand pull/dig hand pull/dig hand pull/dig over whole over whole over whole population population population Mechanical 5 to 10 years mow mow mow mow mow Mechanical + at least 1 year mow and cover with either woven geotextile fabric or woven plastic fabric (held down with Shade spikes) or with a combination of several layers of cardboard covered with 4-6 inches woodchips (no woodchips on plastic fabrics or sheeting) Flooding 1 to 3 yrs Inundation for whole growing season Mechanical + 1 to 2 years Mow Apply two foliar treatments (glyphosate) to Chemical regrowth during summer months

Chemical 1 year for small spray foliar spray foliar spray regrowth with patches; 2 or glyphosate glyphosate glyphosate (till 2-3 weeks more years for on young (before after spray for improved large infestations shoots (less summer control) damage to dormancy) native grasses)

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Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S) Knotweed Polygonum B Tall rhizomatous plants emerge rapid growth Flower Seed Canes die cuspidatum, P. perennial back bohemicum, P. sachalinense Mechanical alone at least 5 years cut twice cut twice cut twice cut twice cut twice cut once cut once; then cover area (very small with cardboard and deep patches) mulch Chemical alone at least 2-3 inject stems >1/2 inch with glyphosate; foliar years spray or wipe on smaller plants and large upland patches (glyphosate or imazapyr)

English Laurel Prunus NA Evergreen shrub Flowers Seeds laurocerasus or small tree Manual Pull or dig up small plants; use weed wrench on large plants Pull or dig up small plants; use weed wrench on large plants Mechanical + Cut trunk as close to the ground as possible and apply concentrated triclopyr or glyphosate within 20-30 seconds Chemical Chemical EZ-Ject lance application with imazapyr

Blackberry Rubus C Cane-producing New growth Flowers Berries/Seeds (Himalayan armeniacus, R. shrub; roots at and Cutleaf) discolor, R. nodes lacinatus at least 2 yrs Cut canes/grub out crowns when soil is moist Dig or cut regrowth Grub out roots when soil is moist Manual/Mechanica l Mechanical alone > 2 years clear clear clear mechanicall mechanically mechanically y (if only once: when flowers form) Mechanical + clear mechanically foliar spray regrowth: Chemical triclopyr or glyphosate

Chemical: cut Cut large canes and spot spray glyphosate or Check area and repeat if necessary stump triclopyr immediately after cutting Chemical Foliar spray triclopyr when plants are Foliar spray glyphosate Clear dead actively growing when canes are actively canes, growing and after berries stabilize area are formed; NOTE: post to prevent sprayed areas or control possible access to sprayed bushes erosion

Page 5 REVISED 12/22/2014 11. APPENDIX D Weed Maintenance Best Management Practices

Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S) Tansy Ragwort Senecio jacobaea B Herbaceous Rosettes Bud/Flower Flower Flower/Seed Seed/ Rosettes biennial Rosettes Manual or Dig up rosettes if soil is moist pull and bag flowering stems Dig up rosettes if soil is Mechanical moist

Chemical 2,4-D on rosettes 2,4-D+dicamba or triclopyr 2,4-D or triclopyr on rosettes

Bittersweet Solanum NA Semi- woody vine Flower Seed Nightshade dulcamara Manual or Dig up plants in winter when possible to avoid Dig, cut, pull or mow several times / season Mechanical damaging other plants Chemical Information limited. Spray or wipe on, late bud to early flower (glyphosate, triclopyr or dicamba+2,4-D); plan to spray any regrowth

Perennial Sonchus arvensis C Herbaceous seedlings/rosettes Flower Seed Sowthistle Perennial Manual or Dig up including roots and runners Mechanical Remove and discard flowers Shading cover with landscape fabric or black plastic Chemical Foliar - Actively growing plants before bud stage (aminopyralid) and at bud stage before flowers open (2,4-D) . Plan to spray regrowth and beware of permit/license restrictions in coastal and wet areas

Common Tanacetum B Herbaceous Emerge Flower Flower/Seed Tansy vulgare Perennial Manual Dig up dig up, cut & bag seed head Mechanical mow/cut before cut regrowth cut regrowth cut regrowth bud stage

Chemical >1 yr Spot spray metsulfuron or wipe Wipe on glyphosate during flower/seed set 2,4-D on actively growing (not as effective as metsulfuron) - cut & bag plants flower/seed heads

Page 6 REVISED 12/22/2014 11. APPENDIX D Weed Maintenance Best Management Practices

Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S) Gorse Ulex europaeus B Single to multi- Bud Flower Seeds stemmed, spiny shrub Manual or Digging small plants Digging small plants Mechanical

Chemical Foliar or cut stump; after bloom drop (2,4-D+triclopyr; metsulfuron, glyphosae or dicamba)

Pampas grass Cortaderia Perennial grass LIFE CYCLE TBD selloana Manual or Pull or hand grub seedlings. If mechanical control, cut and bag inflorescences to Pull or hand grub mechanical prevent spreading seed. seedlings. Chemical

Oneseed Crataegus Tree LIFE CYCLE TBD hawthorn monogyna Manual or Dig up seedlings and small saplings when ground is moist mechanical Chemical Cut stump, frilling, EZ-Ject lance

Spurge laurel Daphne laureola Evergreen shrub LIFE CYCLE TBD or small tree Manual or Monitor 3-5 Dig up seedlngs and small saplings when ground is moist. Weed wrench for larger Dig up seedlngs and small saplings when mechanical years plants. Wear gloves to protect from toxins. ground is moist. Weed wrench for larger plants. Chemical Cut stump, EZ-Ject lance

St. John's-wort Hypericum Herbaceous LIFE CYCLE TBD calycinum Perennial Manual Monitor Dig up new or small infestations. Compost off site due to vegetative re-growth and seeds. Dig up new or small infestations. Chemical TBD

Biological Check with WSU Extension Intergarted Weed Control Project

Garden St. Hypericum Herbaceous TBD John's-wort performatum Perennial

Firethorn Pyracantha Shrub LIFECYCLE TBD coccinea

Page 7 REVISED 12/22/2014 11. APPENDIX D Weed Maintenance Best Management Practices

Sorted by Latin Name MINIMUM WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WEED NAME LATIN NAME Class PLANT TYPE/ TREATMENT December January February March April May June July August September October November (WA TREATMENT DURATION State) TYPE(S) Manual Dig out/ pull new seedlings when soil is moist Dig out/ pull new seedlings when soil is moist Cultural Thick layer of mulch to prevent seeds from germinating. BMP part of other practice(s)

Mechanical Mow at regular intervals to discourage vegetative growth and seed germination. Will not eradicate. Chemical Cut stump application with glyphosate or triclopyr. Basal application with triclopyr. EZ- Ject lance application.

Creeping Ranunculus NA Herbaceous Flowering/ seeds buttercup repens Perennial Manual or Dig out all runners, roots and growing points when soil is moist. Dig out all runners, roots mechnaical and growing points when soil is moist. Chemical 2-3 treatments Foliar application of glyphosate to actively growing plants before seed.Check label.

Black locust Robinia Deciduous tree LIFE CYCLE TBD pseudoacacia Chemical Cut stump method with glyphosate. Check label. EZ-Ject lance may be considered.

Japanese Rosa multiflora NA Deciduous shrub Flower Rose hips/ rambler rose seeds Manual/ Monitor Dig out individual plants Dig out individual plants mechanical Chemical Cut stump method with glyphosate, or cut and spray re-growth with glyphostae or triclopyr. Check label.

Page 8 REVISED 12/22/2014 12. Appendix E – Communications Plan and Talking Points

Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative (CBSC) Communications Plan and Talking Points

Goals • Raise awareness of the NRDA Restoration Sites to promote volunteer labor at the sites, coordination of the stewardship effort with landowners, increase the likelihood of success for site restoration grants and to expand general public support. • Communicate the Commencement Bay Trustees’ successes. • Provide clarity regarding CBSC messaging as well as clarity in roles and responsibilities for sharing messages to others.

A. Policy: 1. Message: EarthCorps will incorporate the following messages in Generic Communications (Section C) below regarding the Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites and CBSC. 2. Trustee Attribution: Earth Corps will include the agency/Tribal name and logo (or not) as specified below in Section D 3. Trustee Status Updates: For interviews or publicity opportunities involving the CBSC scheduled in advance, EarthCorps will notify the designated Trustee if possible at least one week in advance of an interview. Earth Corps in general will notify the designated Trustee on a monthly basis regarding all interviews and publicity activities that were performed in the previous month and share the name of each organization or individual requesting information. Notification will be for any audiences identified below in Section E below. 4. Securing Permission from Trustees: EarthCorps is required to seek approval for all print and web publications written by EarthCorps or in EarthCorps’ materials regarding the Commencement Bay NRDA restoration sites and the CBSC. When provided with text/graphics to be used in outreach, he Trustees will provide input within 4 weeks of receiving the draft material. 5. Conduct for Interviews: Earth Corps will use the guidelines in Section B with regard to interviews.

B. General Guidance for Interviews (adapted from US Coast Guard materials): 1. If you did it or have responsibility for it, you can talk about it – If not don’t! 2. Before you agree to an interview, ask yourself the following: a. Am I the right person? b. Are the questions in my area of expertise? c. Am I prepared to answer the why, what, where, when and how? d. What 2 or 3 points do I want to get across? 3. Avoid personal opinion/speculation. 4. Keep answers in good taste. 5. Have the courage to say, “I don’t know” 6. Ensure answer will not violate policy. 7. Keep answers short and simple. Aim for 20 seconds.

May 2015 Page 189 EarthCorps

8. Never make any comments off the record – all of your comments should be for the record.

C. Generic Communications:

1. Key Messages: The Commencement Bay Trustees which include NOAA, USFWS, Ecology, the Puyallup Tribe, and the Muckleshoot Tribe have worked diligently since 1998 to restore over 300 acres of habitat throughout the Puyallup River Watershed. Much of the habitat in the lower portion of the watershed has been injured by more than 100 years of pollution.

2. Key Messages: The Trustees developed the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative (CBSC) to ensure that the habitat they created and the salmon and birds that depend on these habitats can grow and thrive. The Trustees have entrusted the stewardship of these habitat restoration efforts to EarthCorps. Because of the CBSC, the Trustees and EarthCorps will be here to ensure these restoration sites continue to provide a healthy home for salmon and birds for future generations.

3. Statement: Through the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative (CBSC), the Trustees and Earth Corps are committed to the restoration of injured habitats to ensure that the salmon, flatfish, birds, and the habitats they depend upon in the bay and its watershed, can grow and thrive. Because of the CBSC, the Trustees and EarthCorps will be here to ensure these restoration sites continue to provide a healthy home for salmon and birds for years to come, according to the intention of the Trustees.

4. Terminology: The Commencement Bay sites are only referred to as the “Natural Resources Damage Assessment Restoration Sites”, or “NRDA Restoration Sites” in any written or oral communications. Also EarthCorps’ relationship to the Trustees is described as stewards of this effort.

5. Key Messages: In the CBSC, the Commencement Bay Trustees which include NOAA, USFWS, Ecology, the Puyallup Tribe, and the Muckleshoot Tribe have entrusted the stewardship of the sites to Earth Corps, in order to sustain the projects in perpetuity.

6. Key Messages: {Since 1988}The Trustees have worked diligently to restore hundreds of acres of habitat throughout Commencement Bay and the Puyallup River Watershed that had been polluted by hazardous chemicals. a. Supporting Fact: 25 restoration projects that have restored or protected 300 acres of habitat throughout Commencement Bay and the watersheds that flow into the Bay. These restored and protected habitats are now home to many species of salmon, birds and other wildlife. EarthCorps currently stewards 17 of these sites.

7. Key Messages: The Trustees work to restore marine and coastal habitats that have been polluted by hazardous chemicals

May 2015 Page 190 EarthCorps

D. Trustee Names to Use and Use of Trustee Logos 1. NOAA Assessment and Restoration Program and use logo 2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and use logo 3. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, no logo 4. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, no logo 5. Ecology a. The Washington Department of Ecology, no logo b. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, no logo c. The Washington Department of Natural Resources, no logo

E. Audiences the CBSC Communicates with: 1. Co-trustees 2. Researchers, field crews 3. Public/NGOs 4. Media 5. Responsible Parties 6. Remedial Agencies 7. Donors 8. Elected Officials

May 2015 Page 191 EarthCorps

Stewardship Fund Dashboard Commencement Bay Trustee Meeting May 12, 2015

Stewardship Fund Goals Portfolio Summary a/o April 30, 2015 Market and Portfolio Commentary 1 - Provide for costs of long-term stewardship services for Commencement Bay restoration projects. Closing Balance: $5,028,186 The First Quarter of 2015 reminded us why we 2 - Build contingency fund to cover unforeseen circumstances. Inception-to-date1 Withdrawals: ($10,980) diversify portfolios broadly across asset classes and Inception-to-date Performance2: 2.9% why we invest globally. Many investors reduced international exposure in 2014 once Europe 3 Stewardship Fund Indicators a/o April 30, 2015 Inception-to-date Investment Gain/loss : $139,031 appeared to be heading into another recession. By 1 Inception date is April 10, 2014. staying course with a broadly diversified portfolio, 2 including investments in International stocks and Portfolio Performance Indicators Periods greater than 12 months are annualized; past performance is not indicative of future results. bonds, the Commencement Bay Stewardship Fund Overall Portfolio Performance 3 Investment Gain = Realized gains/losses + unrealized gains/losses + benefited from having exposure to some of the best Portfolio Allocation portfolio income and dividends - investment advisory fees. performing but least popular asset classes of the Quarter - International Equities and Global Real Underlying Portfolio Investments/Managers Estate. While returns across the entire portfolio were positive, we are continuing with the plan to slowly Market Performance a/o April 30, 2015 invest the portfolio given the persistently high stock Comments: and bond valuations. It is expected that the portfolio As of April 30, 2015, the Commencement Bay Stewardship Fund is on track to Index - In order of risk Inception-to-date* meet its long-term goals. There are no areas of concern at this time. Should will be fully-invested by year-end 2015. this change, the Trustees and EarthCorps will be notified immediately. Barclay's US 1-3yr (Shrt-term US Bonds) 1.0% 2.8% Although the portfolio is still in its infancy, The Barclay's US Govt/Credit (Inter-trm US Bonds) Commencement Bay Stewardship Fund's financial Budgeted Spending Guidance Russell 3000 (US Equities) 14.7% plan was designed to weather the ups- and-downs in Year Amount YTD Withdrawals MSCI EAFE NR USD (Intl Equities) 3.9% the financial markets. It is expected that once the portfolio has been invested for a full market cycle 2015 $ 140,756.00 $0 *Inception date for above indices is April 10, 2014; Periods greater than one year are (typically defined as 7-10 years), the portfolio's annualized; past performance is not indicative of future results. 2016 $ 149,332.00 growth and income will ideally cover inflation- 2017 $ 153,812.00 adjusted spending. If the markets continue marching upward, anxiety surrounding spending will remain 2018 $ 158,426.00 low. However, if significant volatility returns, 2019 $ 163,179.00 Trustees should find comfort from the financial plan. Comments: As of April 30, 2015, the Commencement Bay Stewardship Fund is on track to meet its budgeted spending obligations for the next 5 years. Should this Notes and Questions change due to market conditions or significant Stewardship Fund balance decline, the Trustees and EarthCorps will be notified immediately.

Legend

Portfolio is on track to meet long-term goals. Portfolio is generally on track, however, increased monitoring is required. Portfolio is on not on track; course correction may be required.

Prepared by: Robyn Meyer, CFS Prepared on May 4, 2015