Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Don Hoch Director

WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

1111 Israel Road SW  P.O. Box 42650  Olympia, Washington 98504-2650 (360) 902-8500  Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at (800) 833-6388 www.parks.wa.gov

DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE

Description of proposal: Agency Director consideration of a technical rock climbing management plan for Beacon Rock State Park pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 352-32-085. The climbing management plan identifies measures intended to safeguard natural and cultural resources for portions of Beacon Rock State Park that are open to the public for recreational climbing and bouldering. This State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist analyzes the non-project impacts associated with this proposal. Any future proposals that are associated with this plan will undergo additional review under SEPA as appropriate.

Proponent: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Location of proposal, including street address, if any: Beacon Rock State Park, 34841 State Highway 14, Skamania, Washington approximately 35 miles east of Vancouver. The majority of the climbing activities described in this plan will be located at Beacon Rock just south of State Highway 14.

Lead agency: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on request.

There is no comment period for this DNS.

Please note that although there is no formal comment period for this proposal, all comments are welcome and will be thoroughly considered. Please direct your comments to Jessica Logan, Environmental Program Manager, at the address below so they are received by May 17, 2017.

Responsible Official: Jessica Logan Position/Title: Environmental Program Manager Phone: (360) 902-8679 FAX: (360) 586-0204

Address: 1111 Israel Rd SW P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504

Date: May 03, 2017 Signature:

"All Washington State Parks are developed and maintained for the enjoyment of all persons regardless of age, sex, creed, ethnic origin, or physical limitations." There is no agency SEPA appeal; however all comments are welcome and will be thoroughly considered.

SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

A. Background

1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Agency Director consideration of a technical rock climbing management plan for Beacon Rock State Park pursuant to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 352- 32-085. The climbing management plan identifies measures intended to safeguard natural and cultural resources for portions of Beacon Rock State Park that are open to the public for recreational climbing and bouldering. This State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist analyzes the non-project impacts associated with this proposal. Any future proposals that are associated with this plan will undergo additional review under SEPA as appropriate.

2. Name of applicant: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Randy Kline, Parks Planner Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 1111 Israel Road Olympia, WA Phone: (360)902-8632 E-mail: [email protected]

4. Date checklist prepared: April 2017

5. Agency requesting checklist: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Approval by the Director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is required for the Beacon Rock Climbing Management Plan. The Director will consider this proposal following the completion of SEPA review. This checklist contains non-project SEPA analysis.

7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain Yes. This SEPA checklist analyzes the foreseeable impacts associated with the Director’s adoption of the proposed staff recommendations for climbing management at Beacon Rock State Park. The Director’s decision will provide policy direction to staff and the public.

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The draft climbing plan is available to any interested parties on the project website at: http://parks.state.wa.us/914/Beacon-Rock-Management-Plan-Update. Additional background information can also be found on the website.

Any future project actions are dependent upon securing adequate funding and regulatory approvals. Additional SEPA documentation will be prepared for any specific project actions at such time developments are proposed.

8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. Aside from this checklist no environmental information directly relating to this proposal has been prepared. However, a key part of management planning is to identify the environmental information necessary for plan implementation.

Generally available environmental information includes: · Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Maps · Washington Department of Natural Resources. 2017. State of Washington Natural Heritage Program database. · Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2017. · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2017. Priority Habitat and Species Program database. · Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. 1998. Cultural Resources Management Policy. · Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. 2011. 73-04-1 Protecting Washington State Parks Natural Resources. · Washington Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program. 1993. Natural Forest Inventory for Beacon Rock State Park. · Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. 1996. SEPA checklist for 1996 Climbing Management Plan. · Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. 2000. SEPA Checklist for Beacon Rock State Park Management Plan. · Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. 2001. Beacon Rock State Park Management Plan.

9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain. State Parks is not currently undertaking any capital projects in the area covered by the climbing management plan. However, on-going operational activities such as noxious weed control, forest health, trail maintenance and other measures may be occurring within the park.

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10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Approval by the Director of Washington State Parks is required for the climbing management plan. Consideration by the Director will occur following SEPA review.

Any development projects that are an outcome of this management plan will be subject to additional SEPA review and subject to all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.) This proposal is a non-project action involving the adoption of a technical rock climbing management plan by the Director of Washington State Parks pursuant to Washington Admin- istrative Code (WAC) 352-32-085. The plan is intended to balance recreational rock climbing with protection of natural and cultural resources.

The review for this proposal will be phased. “Phased review” means the coverage of general matters in broader analysis (WAC 197-11-776). Phased review allows State Parks to focus on the decision regarding the proposed management plan. This is the first phase of environmental analysis. Subsequent phases will include environmental analysis for specific project actions at such time developments or other actions are proposed. Further phases may include capital projects, implementation of management plan objectives, and other facility improvements.

12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this checklist.

Beacon Rock State Park, 34841 State Highway 14, Skamania, Washington approximately 35 miles east of Vancouver. The majority of the climbing activities described in this plan will be located at Beacon Rock just south of State Highway 14.

There are two areas where technical rock climbing occurs: · On Beacon Rock itself · At the Hamilton Boulders located in the talus fields above the Equestrian Trail- head/Day Use Area.

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B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

1. Earth a. General description of the site: Beacon Rock is over 840 feet tall and is characterized by rock cliffs and vertical rock walls. There is a one mile long pedestrian trail that leads from the base of the rock to its summit. The Hamilton Boulders area is comprised of talus fields.

b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? Slopes on Beacon Rock exceed 500% and, in some areas, are vertical.

c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils. Basalt, Beacon Rock itself is the core of an ancient volcano. d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe. No e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. No fill or grading activities are proposed for this non-project action. Other future project actions may result in filling or grading. Future project actions will be analyzed to ensure minimization of environmental impacts and implementation of best management practices. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. The proposed non-project action will not result in erosive activities and is intended to minimize these types of impacts. In addition, management planning considers sensitive geological hazard areas to prevent future project actions within such areas. Future project actions will include appropriate location, sustainable design, and implementation of Washington Depart- ment of Ecology’s Best Management Practices to prevent and reduce erosion and landslide activities. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? None for this non-project action. Other future activities may result in an increase of impervious surfaces. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: As stated above, staff considered sensitive geological hazard areas during this management

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planning process. No further measures to reduce or control erosion are included in this non- project proposal. Future project actions will be in appropriate locations to avoid geologic hazards, incorporate sustainable design, and implement the Washington Department of Ecol- ogy’s Best Management Practices to prevent and reduce erosion and landslide activity.

2. Air

a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known. None for this non-project action. A minor increase in exhaust and fugitive dust emissions (particulate matter) associated with vehicle use by park users may occur.

b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe. None known.

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: No measures to reduce or control emissions are included within this non-project action. Future project actions will include measures to reduce emissions, such as using dust control during dry weather.

3. Water a. Surface Water:

1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. The Columbia River is located approximately 500 feet south of Beacon Rock.

2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. No work over, in, or adjacent to the described waters is required for this non-project action.

3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material. No fill or dredge material is required for this non-project action.

4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No surface water withdrawal or diversion is required for this non-project action

5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan. Yes. Portions of the park are located within a 100-year floodplain but this is a non-project

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action with no associated construction.

6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. No discharges of waste materials to surface waters will result from this non-project action.

b. Ground Water:

1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No groundwater will be withdrawn or discharged as a result of this non-project action.

2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. None for this non-project action.

c. Water runoff (including stormwater):

1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. No surface water runoff will be generated by this non-project action. In the event of future development of State Parks property, stormwater would be collected, treated and disposed, in a manner that emphasizes the agency’s commitment to stewardship and sustainability and in accordance with local governmental stormwater regulations and best management practices.

2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No. Waste material will not enter ground or surface waters as a result of this non-project action.

3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe. This non-project action proposal will not alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns.

d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts, if any: None for this non-project action.

4. Plants

a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:

X deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other X evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other

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X shrubs X grass Pasture crop or grain Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops. ____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other ____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other X other types of vegetation

b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? None for this non-project action. Climbing as a recreational activity may involve the remov- al of some moss, lichens, poison oak, etc. This is necessary for climber safety. Any new routes (as opposed to existing, historic routes) will be reviewed and surveyed for the pres- ence of known threatened plants on site.

c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. There are two potential populations of rare plant species located on the east face of Beacon Rock. The east face is currently closed to climbing. These plant species are:

· Gorge Daisy (Erigeron oreganus), State status: Threatened. Located on east face of Beacon Rock only. Elevation 50 ft. and up. Beneath overhangs and on the face of the cliff in small cracks in the rock. · Oregon Sullivantia (Sullivantia oregana 003), State status: Threatened. Confined to small seep on the east face of Beacon Rock.

d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Climbing routes will be designed to avoid sensitive plant species. Any activities associated with this non-project action will occur consistent with Natural Resource Management Policy #73-04-1 Protecting Washington State Parks Natural Resources. Pursuant to WAC 352-32- 085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.

e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. Based on reference to the Skamania County Noxious Weed Control Board website invasive plant species occurring in proximity to Beacon Rock include Garlic mustard, Knotweed and Scotch broom.

5. Animals

a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site.

Examples include:

birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ______

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A wide variety of birds and other animals occur within the planning area that is the subject of this non-project action. There is a seasonal Peregrine Falcon nest site located on the south face of Beacon Rock. b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. Species known to be near the site include the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) which is a Federal Species of Concern and a State Endangered species. The Western Pond Turtle does not occur in the area where climbing takes place. Bald eagles use the area for foraging but there is no known nest site in the near vicinity. Herons use the general area and have an established rookery on Pierce Island approximately ½ mile away. There is potential Larch Mountain Salamander (a threatened speicies) habitat within the park. c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. Yes. The planning area is within the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory bird route. d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: The non-project management planning process considered existing data on known fish and wildlife resources. Using information such as this, State Parks will balance the needs of the recreating public with wildlife habitat conservation by locating recreational use out of sensitive areas wherever possible. Pursuant to WAC 352-32- 085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources. e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. No invasive animal species were identified as part of this planning process. State Parks is not aware of any invasive animal species located on or near the planning area.

6. Energy and Natural Resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc. None for this non-project action. b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe. No. c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: No energy conservation features are included in this non-project action.

7. Environmental Health

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 8 of 17 a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe. None for this non-project action.

1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. There is no known contamination within planning area although no on-site contamination analysis has been completed as a part of this non-project action.

2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity. None known. No site surveys for hazardous chemicals or conditions were completed for this non-project action.

3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project. This is a non-project action. Currently, no plans exist that will include toxic or hazardous chemicals.

4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. No additional or special emergency services are needed for this action. Future project actions may require additional police, fire, or medical services. Park staff has training in providing certain levels of these types of services.

5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: This is a non-project action. Future developments would be subject to appropriate regulatory controls to abate health hazards. b. Noise

1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Active railroad tracks are located approximately 100 feet south of Beacon Rock.

2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. No changes in type or level of noise are anticipated as a result of this non-project action.

3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: No measures to reduce or control noise are proposed as part of this non-project action.

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8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. The planning area is within Beacon Rock State Park and is open to the public and used for recreation including day-use, camping and hiking in addition to climbing. Adjacent properties include ownerships by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, the Forest Service and multi- ple large lot residential home sites.

In 2001, State Parks went through a Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) effort which resulted in land classifications for the park consistent with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 352-16. Beacon Rock itself is classified as “Natural” and climbing is permitted as a conditional use. The Hamilton Boulders area is classified as “Resource Recreation” and climbing is a permitted use. b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? No.

1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: No impacts to working farm or forest lands are anticipated from this non-project action. c. Describe any structures on the site. Facilities: 33 campsites, 71 picnic sites, 5 comfort stations, 5 kitchen shelters, 2 Adirondack shelters in group camp, 2 primitive campsites, 2 boat launch ramps, dock, 2 residences, shop/service buildings, informal group camp area, 1-mile trail to the summit of Beacon Rock, and 8 2 -mile loop trail to Hamilton Mountain. 13 miles of primitive roadways open to hiking, cycling, and equestrian use. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? No structures will be demolished as part this non-project action. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? The Skamania county zoning classification is Open space/public recreation. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? The Skamania county comprehensive plan classification is Open space/public recreation. g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not applicable.

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) Page 10 of 17 h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify. Yes, while critical areas occur within the park in general there are not critical area where climbing areas are proposed. Beacon Rock is designated as “Open space” in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area guidelines. i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? None for this non-project action. j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None for this non-project action. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: No measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts are proposed as part of this non- project action.

L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: There are no known conflicts with existing plans. Local governments will receive a copy of this checklist and have the opportunity to offer further comment on consistency with existing and projected land use plans. m. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: No measures to ensure compatibility with agricultural and forest lands are included in this non-project action.

9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. No housing units will be provided as a result of this non-project action. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. No housing units will be eliminated as a result of this non-project action. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: No measures to reduce or control housing impacts are proposed for this non-project action.

10. Aesthetics a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? No structures are proposed as part of this non-project action.

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b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? No views would be altered or obstructed as part of this non-project action. Climbers may be seen climbing on Beacon Rock although climbing typically occurs on the south side away from the parking lot serving the Beacon Rock hiking trail. Many park users enjoy watching the climbers.

b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: None for this non-project action.

11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? No light or glare will be produced as part of this non-project action.

b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No light or glare is proposed as part of this non-project action.

c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None known.

d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: None are proposed as part of this non-project action.

12. Recreation

a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? Current recreational opportunities include trail hiking, biking, bird watching, rock climbing and camping.

b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No existing recreational uses would be displaced by this non-project action.

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: None for this non-project action. The purpose of the climbing management plan is to allow for and enhance appropriate recreational opportunities in balance with natural and cultural stewardship responsibilities.

13. Historic and cultural preservation

a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers located on or near the site? If so, specifically describe. The park office located north of the planning area is over 45 years old.

b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the

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site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources. Iron spikes believed to be remnants of the first ascent of Beacon Rock in 1901 are known to exist on the northwest face of Beacon Rock.

The Wahclella Indian Village archaeological site noted in Lewis and Clark’s journals is located on state park property approximately 3/4/ miles west of Beacon Rock itself.

The hiking trail to the summit of Beacon Rock, constructed in 1915 to 1918 by Henry Biddle, is of historical importance.

A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was located near the base of the west side of Beacon Rock.

Remenants of a fish wheel are located on the banks of the Columbia River approximately ½ mile west of Beacon Rock. c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc. Cultural resource surveys and consultation with the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and with affected Tribes. d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. Recreational climbing will not occur in areas or in ways that could impact historical or cultural resources. Pursuant to WAC 352-32-085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.

14. Transportation a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any. Beacon Rock is accessed via State Highway 14. b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop? The site is seasonally served by Skamania County transit via the Gorge West End Transit bus. c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? This non-project action will not add or eliminate parking spaces.

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d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private). No road improvements are required for this non-project action. Transportation systems already serve the site. e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe. This non-project action will not use water, rail or air transportation. However, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad transport is located immediately south of Beacon Rock, the Columbia River is used for boat transport, and State Highway 14 provides vehicular transportation. f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates? This non-project action is not likely to generate new vehicle trips. g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. This non-project action will not interfere with, affect, or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets. Park users driving to the park may encounter trucks transporting agricultural or forest products. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: No measures to reduce or control transportation impacts are proposed as part of this non-project action.

15. Public Services a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. Not for this non-project action. The park is currently served by local law enforcement, fire departments and Emergency Management Services (EMS). It is not anticpated that this non- project action will increase the need for public services. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None for this non-project action. Park staff will continue to coordinate emergency response with local fire, police and EMS. Park rangers will provide active enforcement and patrol activities.

16. Utilities

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classification and the climbing management plan to minimize impacts and guide climbing use within the park based on policies adopted by the Commission. Pursuant to WAC 352-32- 085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.

2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? This non-project action will likely have no direct effect on plants, animals or fish. Finding the optimum balance between the protection of natural systems and public recreational access to those natural systems is the basis for developing land classifications and conducting management planning. The application of land classification and management planning confirms State Parks mission to protect the natural systems of state park areas while accommodating increased demand for parks and open space.

Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: All recreational activities associated with this non-project action will occur consistent with Natural Resource Management Policy #73-04-1 Protecting Washington State Parks Natural Resources. The climbing management plan acknowledges the importance of preserving the quality of the natural resources within the park while allowing for appropriate levels of human use. Efforts will be made to minimize habitat loss by locating use in areas previously disturbed or in areas with low habitat value. Consultation with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Area Habitat Biologists and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Heritage Program staff will reduce site-specific impacts to wildlife and plant species as management recommendations are implemented. Pursuant to WAC 352-32- 085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.

3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? This non-project action is unlikely to have a direct affect on the depletion of energy or natural resources. Existing activities will include energy conservation measures consistent with Washington State Parks Sustainability Policy.

Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: Recreational use associated with this non-project action will occur consistent with Natural Resource Management Policy #73-04-1 Protecting Washington State Parks Natural Re- sources. The management plan acknowledges the importance of preserving the quality of the natural resources within the park while allowing for appropriate levels of human use. Pursu- ant to WAC 352-32-085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.

4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? Affects to sensitive areas are expected to be minimal. While management planning does not authorize a particular use for a given area, it does specify where and how those uses should

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be allowed. Management planning allows for proactive protection for uses which may have the potential for causing negative impacts to a sensitive species and environmentally sensitive areas; such as, habitat loss, disturbances, increased competition, loss of forage or prey resources, etc.

Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: This proposal seeks to achieve a balance between providing adequate recreational opportunities and providing adequate protection of important natural and cultural resources. The management plan restricts more intensive climbing use in sensitive areas. The management plan has been drafted to identify management issues and identify appropriate measures to minimize impacts and protect sensitive resources. As needed, pursuant to WAC 352-32- 085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.

5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? The management planning process strives to promote compatible uses and resource protection. State Parks is not aware of any incompatibility that would occur as part of this proposal. As a non-project action this proposal will not be likely to affect land and shoreline use although the direction provided in the plan provides guidance for climbing activities in proximity to land and shoreline uses.

Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: State Parks will work closely with federal, state and local government agencies to assure compatible management objectives. Management planning incorporates the consideration of sensitive shoreline environments.

6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? The climbing management plan provides direction for existing recreational use patterns. No increase in these services is directly contemplated by this proposal. All elements will be examined and thoroughly analyzed prior to approval.

Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: Any proposed use activity or development requiring additional transportation, utilities, and/or public services must be consistent with Washington State Parks Sustainability Policy. Park staff will continue to coordinate emergency response and law enforcement when in the area.

7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. The proposal does not appear to be in conflict with any known local, state or federal laws or requirements for protection of the environment.

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