BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP (VSP) PROGRAM
ADAMS KITTITAS Agricultural Lands Map Colum b ia GRANT R iv e r Watershed Boundaries Agricultural Lands Rivers and Streams Aqueducts, Canals, and Siphons Waterbodies City Limits Alkali - Squilchuck Urban Growth Areas FRANKLIN County Boundaries Hanford Site Federal Government Lands C o ld State Government Lands C re ek
YAKIMA
Lower Yakima West Richland
S p r Richland i ng Benton C re City ek r i v e a R m ki Ya
Kennewick 0 5 10 Prosser WALLA WALLA ¯ Miles
k e re C e d Rock - Glade la G h c n a r B t s a E
River bia KLICKITAT m lu o C
Date: 12/8/2016. Source: Benton County; BCD; BERK; DNR; ECY; NHD; WSDA; Microsoft Bing (Aerial). BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP (VSP) PROGRAM
ADAMS KITTITAS Agricultural Lands Map Colum b ia GRANT R iv e r Watershed Boundaries Dryland Agriculture Irrigated Agriculture Rangelands Aqueducts, Canals, and Siphons Waterbodies Alkali - Squilchuck City Limits FRANKLIN Urban Growth Areas Hanford Site County Boundaries C o ld Federal Government Lands C re ek State Government Lands
YAKIMA
Lower Yakima West Richland
S p r Richland i ng Benton C re City ek r i v e a R m ki Ya
Kennewick 0 5 10 Prosser WALLA WALLA ¯ Miles
k e re C e d Rock - Glade la G h c n a r B t s a E
River bia KLICKITAT m lu o C
Date: 12/8/2016. Source: Benton County; BCD; BERK; DNR; ECY; NHD; WSDA; Microsoft Bing (Aerial). Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas on Agricultural Lands
ADAMS
Mattawa (!
GRANT
er iv R ia b m C ol u
Mesa (!
Alkali - Squilchuck
FRANKLIN
Cold Cree
k
Lower Yakima
YAKIMA
West Richland S pr Richland in g C re ek er iv Benton City a R kim Grandview Ya (! C o lum bia Pasco Ri (! ver
Kennewick Prosser
WALLA WALLA
k e e r C e d Rock - Glade a l G h c n a r B t s a E
G l ad e C re e k KLICKITAT WRIA Boundaries Co lum Dryland Agriculture bia River Irrigated Agriculture Rangelands Streams Aqueducts, Canals, and Siphons Waterbodies Federal Lands State Lands City Limits UGA CARAs on New Irrigated Agriculture (2011-2015) Potential Wellhead Protection Zone (1,000 Ft) Wellhead Protection Zone (10 Yr Time of Travel) Combined Hydrologic Soil Group A & Alluvial Parent Material 01.53 Source: Benton County, 2016; BCD, 2016; DNR, 2009; DOE, 2012; USGS, 2015; WSDA, 2015 ¯ Miles Geological Hazards on Agricultural Lands
ADAMS
Mattawa (!
GRANT
er iv R ia b m C ol u
Mesa (!
Alkali - Squilchuck
FRANKLIN
Cold Cree
k
Lower Yakima
YAKIMA
West Richland S pr Richland in g C re ek er iv Benton City a R kim Grandview Ya (! C o lum bia Pasco Ri (! ver
Kennewick Prosser
WALLA WALLA
k e e r C e d Rock - Glade a l G h c n a r B t s a E
G l ad e C re e KLICKITAT k C olu mb WRIA Boundaries ia R iver Dryland Agriculture Irrigated Agriculture Rangelands Streams Aqueducts, Canals, and Siphons Waterbodies Federal Lands State Lands City Limits UGA Geological Hazards on New Irrigated Ag Land (2011-2015) Channel Migration Zone Moderate Soil Erosion Potential Severe Soil Erosion Potential 01.53 Source: Benton County, 2016; BCD, 2016; DNR, 2009; DOE, 2012; USGS, 2015; WSDA, 2015 ¯ Miles Hydrological Features on Agricultural Lands
ADAMS
Mattawa !(
GRANT
er iv R ia b m C ol u
Mesa !(
Alkali - Squilchuck
FRANKLIN
Cold Cree k
Lower Yakima
YAKIMA
West Ric hland
Sp ri Richland ng Cr ee r k ve R i Benton City ma Ya ki Grandview !( Co lumb ia R Pasco iver !(
Kennewick Prosser
WALLA WALLA
k e e r C e d Rock - Glade a l G h c n a r B t s a E
G l ad e C re e KLICKITAT k C WRIA Boundaries olu mb Dryland Agriculture ia R iver Irrigated Agriculture Rangelands Streams Aqueducts, Canals, and Siphons Waterbodies Federal Lands State Lands City Limits UGA Streams on New Irrigated Agriculture (2011-2015) Hydrology Features on New Irrigated Agriculture (2011-2015) One Hundred Year Floodplain Floodway Wetlands 01.53 Source: Benton County, 2016; BCD, 2016; DNR, 2009; DOE, 2012; USGS, 2015; WSDA, 2015 ¯ Miles Priority Habitat and Species on Agricultural Lands
ADAMS
Mattawa !(
GRANT
er iv R ia b m C ol u
Mesa !(
Alkali - Squilchuck
FRANKLIN
Cold Cree k
Lower Yakima
YAKIMA
West Ric hland
Sp ri Richland ng Cr ee r k ve R i Benton City ma Ya ki Grandview !( Co lumb ia R Pasco iver !(
Kennewick Prosser
WALLA WALLA
k e e r C e d Rock - Glade a l G h c n a r B t s a E
G l ad e C re e KLICKITAT k Co lum bia River WRIA Boundaries Dryland Agriculture Irrigated Agriculture Rangelands Streams Aqueducts, Canals, and Siphons Waterbodies Federal Lands State Lands City Limits UGA Priority Habitat and Species (PHS ) and WNHP Plant Communities New Irrigated Ag in PHS Areas (2011-2015) 01.53 Source: Benton County, 2016; BCD, 2016; DNR, 2009; DOE, 2012; USGS, 2015; WSDA, 2015 ¯ Miles July 2016
Appendix B. Mapping Approach The combined agricultural dataset uses Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) field data as well as BCD data, and removes rangeland on Hanford, and agricultural land in city limits. Where the data overlap, WSDA field level data serves as the primary dataset; areas not covered by WSDA would represent the BCD dataset; followed by other federal and state rangeland datasets. Under GMA, critical areas include fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, wetlands, frequently flooded areas, geologically hazardous areas, and critical aquifer recharge areas used for potable water. Consistent with GMA, the Benton County regulates critical areas. General definitions are provided below. See the matrix below summarizing critical area designation and classification criteria in State laws and rules as well as the Benton County Code. Map sets and individual layers are available at the following map link: Benton County VSP Online Map: http://arcg.is/293MetO Login: BERK_MapReader Password: MapReader<2016>
Matrix of Mapping Definitions and Sources
State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes Aquifers WAC 365-190-030 (3) "Critical aquifer recharge areas" Adopted: Wellhead Protection Areas: are areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers State Department of Health 15.25.020 DEFINITIONS. (5) "Critical Aquifer used for potable water, including areas where an aquifer dataset; downloaded 6-24- Recharge/Interchange Areas" means those aquifer that is a source of drinking water is vulnerable to 2016. Five feature classes recharge/interchange areas that have an effect on, or contamination that would affect the potability of the showing wellhead protection are associated with, aquifers used for potable water in water, or is susceptible to reduced recharge. areas and derived migration. community water systems. WAC 365-190-100 (3) Counties and cities must classify Well Locations: Ecology dataset Proposed: (same) recharge areas for aquifers according to the aquifer from April 2016; downloaded vulnerability. Vulnerability is the combined effect of 6-24-2016. hydrogeological susceptibility to contamination and the contamination loading potential. High vulnerability is
1
State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes indicated by land uses that contribute directly or Alluvial Geology: Derived from indirectly to contamination that may degrade NRCS Soil Geodatabase. groundwater, and hydrogeologic conditions that facilitate degradation. Low vulnerability is indicated by land uses that do not contribute contaminants that will degrade groundwater, and by hydrogeologic conditions that do not facilitate degradation. Hydrological conditions may include those induced by limited recharge of an aquifer. Reduced aquifer recharge from effective impervious surfaces may result in higher concentrations of contaminants than would otherwise occur. *** (4) A classification strategy for aquifer recharge areas should be to maintain the quality, and if needed, the quantity of the groundwater, with particular attention to recharge areas of high susceptibility. (a) In recharge areas that are highly vulnerable, studies should be initiated to determine if groundwater contamination has occurred. Classification of these areas should include consideration of the degree to which the aquifer is used as a potable water source, feasibility of protective measures to preclude further degradation, availability of treatment measures to maintain potability, and availability of alternative potable water sources. (b) Examples of areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water may include: (i) Recharge areas for sole source aquifers designated pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act; (ii) Areas established for special protection pursuant to a groundwater management program, chapters 90.44, 90.48, and 90.54 RCW, and chapters 173-100 and 173-200 WAC; (iii) Areas designated for wellhead protection pursuant to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act; (iv) Areas near marine waters where aquifers may be subject to saltwater intrusion; and
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State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes (v) Other areas meeting the definition of "areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water" in these guidelines. (c) Some aquifers may also have critical recharging effects on streams, lakes, and wetlands that provide critical fish and wildlife habitat. Protecting adequate recharge of these aquifers may provide additional benefits in maintaining fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas WAC 365-190-030 (6)(a) "Fish and wildlife habitat Adopted: 15.40.020 (2) "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Federally-identified Critical conservation areas" are areas that serve a critical role in Areas" refer to the following: Habitat: USFWS dataset. sustaining needed habitats and species for the functional (a) Outside of the Hanford Site, those areas shown on State-identified Priority integrity of the ecosystem, and which, if altered, may Map 13 of the 1985 Benton County Comprehensive Plan; Habitats and Species: WDFW reduce the likelihood that the species will persist over the detailed PHS data obtained long term. These areas may include, but are not limited to, (b) Areas identified on the Washington State Department June 15, 2016. rare or vulnerable ecological systems, communities, and of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats (PHS) habitat or habitat elements including seasonal ranges, Maps within which a Priority Species is known to have a State-identified Priority breeding habitat, winter range, and movement corridors; Primary Association; Habitats and Species: WDFW and areas with high relative population density or species publicly facing PHS data (c) naturally occurring ponds under twenty acres and their richness. Counties and cities may also designate locally obtained June 15, 2016 submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife important habitats and species. habitat. These do not include ponds deliberately designed Natural Heritage Program Rare (b) "Habitats of local importance" designated as fish and and created from dry sites such as canals, detention Plants: Data will be developed wildlife habitat conservation areas include those areas facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, with state Department of found to be locally important by counties and cities. temporary construction ponds (of less than three years Natural Resources information, duration) and landscape amenities. However, naturally but cannot be shared in map (c) "Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas" does not occurring ponds may include those artificial ponds form publicly. include such artificial features or constructs as irrigation intentionally created from dry areas in order to mitigate delivery systems, irrigation infrastructure, irrigation canals, Hydrology datasets intend to conversion of ponds, if permitted by a regulatory or drainage ditches that lie within the boundaries of, and distinguish natural and artificial authority; are maintained by, a port district or an irrigation district features. or company. (d) Lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers planted with native fish populations, including fish planted under the auspices Streams and lakes (USGS NHD WAC 365-190-130, Fish and wildlife habitat of federal, state, local or tribal programs or which data set, Ecology, 2016) conservation areas. supports priority fish species as identified by the Artificial drainage features (1) "Fish and wildlife habitat conservation" means land Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife; and management for maintaining populations of species in
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State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes suitable habitats within their natural geographic (e) Washington State Natural Area Preserves and Natural Aqueducts (USGS NHD and distribution so that the habitat available is sufficient to Resource Conservation Areas as identified on Washington State Depatment of Natural support viable populations over the long term and Department of Natural Resources maps. Resources) isolated subpopulations are not created. This does not mean maintaining all individuals of all species at all times, Proposed: but it does mean not degrading or reducing populations Similar but modified from above (33) "Fish and Wildlife or habitats so that they are no longer viable over the long Conservation Areas" refer to the following. term. Counties and cities should engage in cooperative planning and coordination to help assure long term (a) Those areas shown on the Fish and Wildlife population viability. Conservation Areas Map in the Benton County Comprehensive Plan; Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas contribute to the state's biodiversity and occur on both publicly and (b) Areas identified on the Washington State Department privately owned lands. Designating these areas is an of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and important part of land use planning for appropriate Species (PHS) Map within which a Priority Species is development densities, urban growth area boundaries, known to have a Primary Association; open space corridors, and incentive-based land (c) Naturally occurring ponds under twenty acres and their conservation and stewardship programs. submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife (2) Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas that must habitat. These do not include ponds deliberately designed be considered for classification and designation include: and created from dry sites such as canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, (a) Areas where endangered, threatened, and sensitive temporary construction ponds (of less than three years species have a primary association; duration) and landscape amenities. However, naturally (b) Habitats and species of local importance, as occurring ponds may include those artificial ponds determined locally; intentionally created from dry areas in order to mitigate conversion of ponds, if permitted by a regulatory (c) Commercial and recreational shellfish areas; authority; (d) Kelp and eelgrass beds; herring, smelt, and other (d) Lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers planted with native forage fish spawning areas; fish populations, including fish planted under the auspices (e) Naturally occurring ponds under twenty acres and of federal, state, local or tribal programs or which their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife supports priority fish species as identified by the habitat; Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife; (f) Waters of the state; (e) Washington State Wildlife Areas as identified on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maps; and (g) Lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers planted with game fish by a governmental or tribal entity; and (f) Washington State Natural Area Preserves and Natural Resource Conservation Areas as identified on Washington (h) State natural area preserves, natural resource Department of Natural Resources maps. conservation areas, and state wildlife areas.
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State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes (3) When classifying and designating these areas, Fish and wildlife conservation areas does not include such counties and cities must include the best available science, artificial features or constructs as irrigation delivery as described in chapter 365-195 WAC. systems, irrigation infrastructure, irrigation canals, or drainage ditches that lie within the boundaries of, and are maintained by, a port district or an irrigation district or company. Frequently Flooded Areas WAC 365-190-030 (8) "Frequently flooded areas" are Adopted: FEMA; downloaded 3-5-2012 lands in the flood plain subject to at least a one percent from Ecology (3) "Frequently Flooded Areas" means those areas of or greater chance of flooding in any given year, or within Benton County subject to inundation by a base flood areas subject to flooding due to high groundwater. These (100-Year Flood) and other flood hazard areas such as areas include, but are not limited to, streams, rivers, lakes, creeks, wasteways, wetlands, canyons, and closed coastal areas, wetlands, and areas where high depressions which are shown on the County's Geologic groundwater forms ponds on the ground surface. Hazards Maps. WAC 365-190-110 Frequently flooded areas. Proposed (same) Frequently flooded areas. Flood plains and other areas subject to flooding perform important hydrologic functions and may present a risk to persons and property. (1) Classifications of frequently flooded areas should include, at a minimum, the 100-year flood plain designations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Flood Insurance Program. (2) Counties and cities should consider the following when designating and classifying frequently flooded areas: (a) Effects of flooding on human health and safety, and to public facilities and services; (b) Available documentation including federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and programs, local studies and maps, and federal flood insurance programs, including the provisions for urban growth areas in RCW 36.70A.110; (c) The future flow flood plain, defined as the channel of the stream and that portion of the adjoining flood plain that is necessary to contain and discharge the base flood flow at build out; (d) The potential effects of tsunami, high tides with strong winds, sea level rise, and extreme weather events, including those potentially resulting from global climate
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State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes change; (e) Greater surface runoff caused by increasing impervious surfaces. Geologic Hazards WAC 365-190-030 (9) "Geologically hazardous areas" Adopted: Slopes > 15%: DEM for Eastern are areas that because of their susceptibility to erosion, Washington, downloaded from 15.35.020 DEFINITIONS. (1) "Geologically Hazardous sliding, earthquake, or other geological events, are not University of Washington in Areas" are areas which pose potential threats to life or suited to siting commercial, residential, or industrial 2013 property because of unstable soil, geologic or hydrologic development consistent with public health or safety conditions, or steep slopes. Geologically Hazardous Ares Documented Landslides: DNR concerns. shall include, but are not limited to, all land slide and Geology Division datasets (5) "Erosion hazard areas" are those areas containing seismic hazard areas. Documented Earthquakes: DNR soils which, according to the United States Department of (3) "Landslide Hazard Area" refers to those areas of Geology Division datasets, 6- Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Benton County subject to a severe risk of landslide which 24-2016 (not included in Survey Program, may experience significant erosion. include the following: overlay maps since less Erosion hazard areas also include coastal erosion-prone applicable to VSP) areas and channel migration zones. (a) Any areas with a combination of: Liquefaction: DNR Geology (10) "Landslide hazard areas" are areas at risk of mass 1. Slopes greater than fifteen (15) percent; Division datasets, 6-24-2016 movement due to a combination of geologic, topographic, 2. Impermeable soils (typically silt and clay) frequently and hydrologic factors. Seismic Design Site Class: DNR inter-bedded with granular soils (predominately sand and Geology Division datasets, 6- (18) "Seismic hazard areas" are areas subject to severe gravel); or, 24-2016 (not included in risk of damage as a result of earthquake induced ground 3. Springs or ground water seepage. overlay maps since less shaking, slope failure, settlement, soil liquefaction, debris applicable to VSP) flows, lahars, or tsunamis. (b) Any area which has shown movement during the Holocene Potential Land Hazards: DNR (21) "Volcanic hazard areas" shall include areas subject Geology Division datasets, 6- to pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and inundation by debris epoch (from ten thousand 10,000 years ago to present) 24-2016 flows, lahars, mudflows, or related flooding resulting from or which is underlain by mass wastage debris of that volcanic activity. epoch; Erodible Soils: NRCS Soil Geodatabase WAC 365-190-120 (3) Areas that are susceptible to one (c) Any area potentially unstable as a result of rapid or more of the following types of hazards shall be stream incision, stream bank erosion or undercutting by Channel Migration Zone: classified as a geologically hazardous area: water action, or surcharge by upslope irrigation district Derived by TWC and Al Wald canals or waterworks; (a) Erosion hazard; during Benton Co 2012 SMP (d) Any area located on an alluvial fan, presently subject (b) Landslide hazard; to or potentially subject to inundation by debris flows or (c) Seismic hazard; or deposition of stream-transported sediments.
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State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes (d) Areas subject to other geological events such as coal (5) "Seismic Hazard Areas" mean those areas of Benton mine hazards and volcanic hazards including: Mass County that are potentially subject to severe risk of wasting, debris flows, rock falls, and differential earthquake damage as a result of seismically induced settlement. ground shaking, slope failure, settlement, soil liquefaction or surface faulting.
Proposed: (same as above) (6) Landslide hazard areas include areas subject to landslides based on a combination of geologic, topographic, and hydrologic factors. They include any areas susceptible to landslide because of any combination of bedrock, soil, slope (gradient), slope aspect, structure, hydrology, or other factors, and include, at a minimum, the following: (a) Areas of historic failures, such as: (i) Those areas delineated by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service as having a significant limitation for building site development; (ii) Those coastal areas mapped as class u (unstable), uos (unstable old slides), and urs (unstable recent slides) in the department of ecology Washington coastal atlas; or (iii) Areas designated as quaternary slumps, earthflows, mudflows, lahars, or landslides on maps published by the United States Geological Survey or Washington department of natural resources. (b) Areas with all three of the following characteristics: (i) Slopes steeper than fifteen percent; (ii) Hillsides intersecting geologic contacts with a relatively permeable sediment overlying a relatively impermeable sediment or bedrock; and (iii) Springs or groundwater seepage. (c) Areas that have shown movement during the holocene epoch (from ten thousand years ago to the present) or which are underlain or covered by mass wastage debris of this epoch;
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State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes (d) Slopes that are parallel or subparallel to planes of weakness (such as bedding planes, joint systems, and fault planes) in subsurface materials; (e) Slopes having gradients steeper than eighty percent subject to rockfall during seismic shaking; (f) Areas potentially unstable as a result of rapid stream incision, stream bank erosion, and undercutting by wave action, including stream channel migration zones; (g) Areas that show evidence of, or are at risk from snow avalanches; (h) Areas located in a canyon or on an active alluvial fan, presently or potentially subject to inundation by debris flows or catastrophic flooding; and (i) Any area with a slope of forty percent or steeper and with a vertical relief of ten or more feet except areas composed of bedrock. A slope is delineated by establishing its toe and top and measured by averaging the inclination over at least ten feet of vertical relief. Wetlands RCW 36.70A.030 (21) "Wetland" or "wetlands" means Adopted: National Wetland Inventory, areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water USFWS-documented wetlands; 15.15.020 DEFINITIONS. (3) "Wetlands" mean those or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to downloaded 05-24-2016. areas of Benton County that are inundated or saturated support, and that under normal circumstances do support, by ground or surface water at a frequency and duration Though recently downloaded a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances generally represents older saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted data. swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. (Army from nonwetland sites, including, but not limited to, Corps of Engineers Regulation 33 CFR 328.3 (1988). irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, Where the vegetation has been removed or substantially canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, altered, a wetland shall be determined by the presence farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands or evidence hydric or organic soil, as well as other created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally documentation of the previous existence of wetland created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or vegetation such as aerial photographs. For the purposes highway. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands of BCC 15.15.020, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of
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State Definitions and Classification County Definitions and Classification Mapping Sources and Notes intentionally created from nonwetland areas created to the United States, FWS/OBS-79/31 (Cowardin et al., mitigate conversion of wetlands. 1979) contains the descriptions of wetland classes and subclasses. Proposed: 15.50.030 DEFINITIONS (79) "Wetland" or "wetlands" means that area inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. However, wetlands may include those artificial wetlands specifically intentionally created from non- wetland areas to mitigate conversion of wetlands.
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Benton County Voluntary Stewardship Program
Appendix‐ Background Information, Other Plans, and Regulations | November 2016
INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE
The work plan must include several items, including applicable existing water quality, watershed management, farmland protection, and species recovery data and plans. These plans are a source of potential objectives and strategies that can be incorporated into the VSP Plan and the individual VSP “stewardship checklists” to be produced. This document provides a high‐level summary of issues and strategies, intending to focus on those relevant to critical areas, agriculture, and general watershed issues. For complete context and details on the strategies, each plan should be consulted. This document is intended as a working document, which will benefit from review and contributions of the VSP working group. Benton County includes portions of three Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs), Rock‐Glade (WRIA 31), Lower Yakima (WRIA 37), and Alkali‐Squilchuck (WRIA 40). Agricultural uses are mapped as occurring in each of those WRIAs; however, agricultural activities in WRIA 40 occur primarily within the City of Richland. Those agricultural activities in unincorporated Benton County in WRIA 40 are located in the far northwestern portion of the county, near Priest Rapids Dam.
The key functions associated with critical areas can be broken into four primary categories. These include: water quantity, including flow and storage; water quality, which is defined by factors including sediment, nutrients, temperature, bacteria, and other contaminants such as metals and chemicals; habitat; and physical safety. Table 1 identifies which functions relate to each type of critical area. Critical areas that may occur in the county, but which do not intersect with agriculture are not included in the table below. In the subsequent tables of related plans (Tables 2 through 5), the relationship between actions and key critical area functions are identified.
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 1
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS Table 1. Relationship between critical areas that intersect agriculture and key functions. Shaded areas represent functions associated with each critical area.
Water Physical Water Quality Habitat Quantity Safety
Flow Storage Bacteria Nutrients Sediment Temperature Contaminants Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Streams 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 . Bald eagle Shrub Steppe Habitat . Greater sage grouse 1 . Ferruginous hawk Wetlands 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Geohazards 1 1
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas 1 1 1 1
Frequently Flooded Areas 1 1 1
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BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS WRIA 31‐ ROCK/GLADE WATERSHED
WATERSHED PLANS AND ASSOCIATED REPORTS
Lower Mid‐Columbia Sub‐Basin Plan (2004) Rock/Glade Water Resource Inventory Area Watershed Management Plan (2008) Level 1 Watershed Assessment WRIA 31 (2004) Columbia River Shoreline Project Identification: Mainstem Columbia River‐ Klickitat Lead Entity Area, WA (2013) Middle Columbia River Steelhead Distinct Population Segment ESA Recovery Plan (2009) Klickitat Lead Entity Region Salmon Recovery Strategy (2012)
Table 2. Watershed Plans for WRIA 31 Rock/Glade
Issue Actions Monitoring Implementation Status Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety Water Quantity
SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER . Water Storage‐ Identify current and future water demands (both instream and out‐of‐stream) . Ecology monitors water levels and assess the feasibility of prospective storage projects to meet those demands X X in wells . Water Rights‐ Educate water rights holders X X . Reactivate flow gauges on Glade Creek . Water Rights‐ Evaluate and establish water exchange X X . Monitor groundwater levels in . Conservation‐ Develop voluntary regional agreements and/or water trusts X X coordination with Ecology Reliable Water Supply . Conservation‐ Develop incentives for water conservation X X . Conservation‐ Work with agencies to evaluate and develop policies that facilitate shifting existing water rights to new areas that would support production of high value crops X X
. Groundwater‐ Investigate potential alternative groundwater sources to the Wanapum Aquifer
. Groundwater‐ Expand well monitoring program X X
. Consider designation as a groundwater management area under RCW 90.44.400 X X . Inventory nitrate . Public water systems test for concentrations in all drinking nitrate regularly Groundwater and Surface water sources . Pesticide contamination Water Quality . Develop a GIS database to evaluation (1992‐93) manage available groundwater . Groundwater quality X X quality data characterization (1995)
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BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS
Issue Actions Monitoring Implementation Status Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety Water Quantity
Columbia River . Creation of shallow water habitat X . Enhancement of shoreline complexity and vegetation X X . Assess potential habitat use Instream habitat . Improved fish passage and hydrologic connectivity to backwaters X and productivity in Columbia . Enhancement of backwater form and function X River tributaries . Improved tributary fish passage and hydrologic connectivity X X . Restoration of tributary delta form and function X WILDLIFE HABITAT
SHRUB STEPPE/INTERIOR GRASSLANDS
. Limit expansion of invasive non‐native plants and reduce occurrence X Displacement of Native . Restore native plant communities X Vegetation with Non‐Native Vegetation . Reduce sources of introduction of nonnative seed X . Continue and enhance shrub steppe/grassland weed control programs X . Restore more natural fire cycles to increase mean age class of shrub steppe and restore areas
Reduction in Age Class, or of complete shrub loss where it has been altered by fire X Complete Loss, of Shrub . Inventory existing and . Suppress fire by fighting wildfires Steppe Vegetation X potential habitat for priority . Reduce amounts of cheatgrass X species . In areas of inappropriate grazing, improve vegetation and microbiotic crusts X . Encourage and support Coordinated Resource Management Programs (e.g., CRP; BiOp RMS) X X Loss of Habitat Quality . Avoid inappropriate grazing of livestock through rotational grazing regimes X X . Use proper grazing to reduce sagebrush cover to natural levels X X . Inventory historical and current . Maintain current ephemeral wetlands in natural condition and where possible restore X X X locations of ephemeral Loss of Ephemeral Wetlands disturbed areas to natural function wetlands . Augment or support conservation oriented farm programs X X X X Loss of Grassland Habitat . Create habitats that provide the functional attributes of grasslands Quality X
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 4
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS WRIA 37‐ LOWER YAKIMA WATERSHED
WATERSHED PLANS AND ASSOCIATED REPORTS REVIEWED
Assessment of the Lower Yakima River in Benton County, Washington (2011) Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan‐ Final programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, Benton, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Yakima Counties (2012) Detailed Implementation Plan Yakima River Basin (2007) Yakima River Basin Study Mainstem Floodplain Restoration Technical Memorandum (2011) Yakima Steelhead Recovery (2009) Yakima Subbasin Plan (Northwest Power and Conservation Council 2004) Yakima Bull Trout Action Plan (2012) Lower Yakima River Suspended Sediment TMDL (1998) Lower Yakima River Suspended Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load: Effectiveness Monitoring Report (2006) Yakima River Pesticides and PCBs Total Maximum Daily Load: Volume 1. Water Quality Study Findings (2010)
Table 3. Watershed Plans for Lower Yakima (WRIA 37)
Issue Monitoring Implementation Status
Actions Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety
Water Quantity SURFACE WATER
Altered Flow Conditions and . Structural and operational changes to reservoirs X . Model tradeoffs between Irrigation efficiencies Need for Reliable Water Source . New surface water storage X improvements in . Conservation‐ Increase irrigation efficiency X X distribution system . Conservation‐ Increase irrigation water delivery efficiency X X efficiency, on‐farm management, and . Purchase land and/or water rights from willing sellers X management of diversions . Utilize Trust Water Rights Program to improve instream flows X X themselves to reduce flow . Investigate feasibility of and facilitate water transfers X X fluctuations . Move irrigation diversions downstream where feasible X X . Conduct feasibility study . Use fish‐friendly water level control structures (grade control devices, spillways, etc.) to mimic for Columbia River transfer normative conditions in regulated streams X and periodically evaluate . Construct re‐regulation reservoirs in irrigation distribution systems to reduce spill and rapid need for additional supplies changes in diversion rates X . Shallow aquifer recharge in late winter/early spring to reduce dry season withdrawals X X . Improve flows below Parker through irrigation system improvements X X . Improve hydrograph through artificial storage and/or Columbia River water transfer X X . Construct pilot projects to evaluate recharging shallow aquifers via groundwater infiltration; full‐ scale implementation may follow. X X
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 5
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS Issue Monitoring Implementation Status
Actions Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety
Water Quantity Intact Habitat Subject to . Purchase, easement, and land‐use agreements to protect intact floodplain habitats and to secure . Monitoring of protection Development Pressure lands for restoration X X X areas to ensure that habitat
benefits are maintained . Monitor population productivity, abundance, and life history and habitat restoration
. Degraded Watershed, Install in‐channel LWD and pass wood captured at the Prosser Dam downstream X . Management and . Instream, and Riparian Restore riparian vegetation X X monitoring activities on Conditions . restoration areas to ensure Road closure, relocation, and revegetation in forested and riparian areas X X . Altered sediment transport . Improve road drainage structures, inslope and/or outslope roads to reduce energy and sediment that the ecological functions and habitat and bed/bank stability routing. Close or relocate key roads. Provide technical assistance to private landowners. X X benefits are maintained . Habitat conditions support . Manage streamside grazing to reduce impacts on riparian vegetation; may include constructing . Monitor streambed predation on salmonids off channel watering structures and/or fencing X X X sediment composition . Construct crossing structures for cattle X X X . Monitor cattle exclusion . Improve sediment transport capacity by modifying, replacing, and/or removing irrigation dams fencing and compliance and consolidating diversions at upstream diversion points X . Redesign bypass outfalls and/or alter pool structure to reduce predation susceptibility X . Protect and restore mainstem and floodplain habitats below Sunnyside Dam X . Disconnected Floodplain Restore beaver populations X . Function and Simplified Improve recruitment of cottonwoods X X . Channels Reduce constrictions through road relocation. Locate new roads away from streams. X X . Where hydrology of riparian zones and wetlands is altered by irrigation conveyance or return, separate the irrigation system from the watercourse X . Maximize natural retention of flow in basin by restoring hydrologic/hyporheic connectivity and increasing floodplain area where it has been artificially reduced X X . Restore and protect side channels through water stargrass removal or scouring with large woody debris (LWD) X . Enhance flow to off‐channel habits and promote scour X . Protect island and floodplain habitats through easements or acquisitions X
. Fish Passage Barriers and Improve fish screening at intake structures to minimize potential entrainment. X . Monitor effectiveness of . Screening of agricultural Entrainment . Improve efficiency of irrigation distribution systems and on farm use to reduce false attraction screening diversions flows X X X . Irrigation efficiencies . Continue long‐term restoration and removal of obstructions to spawning habitat, side channels, and lower ends of tributaries. X
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 6
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS Issue Monitoring Implementation Status
Actions Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety
Water Quantity
. Culvert and bridge replacement (multiple sites) X . Design irrigation diversions that will remain stable and functioning over long periods X X . Subordinate power at the Chandler Power Plant to support salmon outmigration X X . Reconfigure the Chandler bypass outfall to be more diffuse, and/or install bird deterrents or other form of recovery areas for juvenile salmonids. Other potential bypass reaches and predation hotspots that should be assessed include Wanawish (Horn Rapids) Dam.
. Water Quality Impairments Reduce nutrients in areas of eutrophication X . Benton Conservation . BCD has worked on . Continue efforts to remove water stargrass, particularly in historic Chinook spawning areas and District (BCD) thermal projects to remove water . Eutrophication and invasive side channels X X X profile study of the Lower stargrass since 2007 aquatic vegetation . Yakima in 2008 and 2009 . Increase nutrient source control and management X Lower Yakima Total . Elevated instream . Continue on‐farm irrigation and soil erosion BMPs to reduce sediment input to the drain . Ecology monitored water Maximum Daily Load temperatures quality in 2007 and 2008 (TMDL) network; install sediment traps and grade controls; and manage spill X X . Elevated Fine Sediment . Improve quality of irrigation return flows X . Identify thermal refugia . Water quality policy, water Load (cooler locations) within quality monitoring . Provide technical assistance and incentives to irrigation districts and growers X X X . Other contaminants the Lower Yakima River, in program, and financing on‐ which to focus restoration farm irrigation upgrades . Explore the possibility of significantly reduced installing a continuous suspended sediment and turbidity monitor in the DDT loading to the Yakima Yakima River at Kiona River . Periodically monitor lower Yakima River fish for DDE, dieldrin, chlordane, toxaphene, PCBs, and dioxin WILDLIFE HABITAT SHRUB STEPPE/ INTERIOR GRASSLANDS
Habitat Loss/Fragmentation . Purchase easements or fee title from interested landowners to maintain and enhance landscape . Conduct/complete habitat connectivity between large shrub steppe lands X suitability assessments for . Provide economic and other incentives to maintain and enhance landscape connectivity between sage grouse large shrub steppe lands X X . Protect key locations of intact microbiotic crust through fencing and protection from off‐road vehicle use X Invasive Species . Implement restoration techniques to control existing and prevent future invasive species encroachment X X
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 7
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS Issue Monitoring Implementation Status
Actions Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety
Water Quantity Incompatible livestock grazing . Provide economic and other incentives to implement livestock management strategies X X practices Limited spatial and genetic . Translocate sage grouse individuals from healthy populations into areas where suitable habitat has been identified X diversity of sage grouse populations
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 8
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS WRIA 40‐ ALKALI SQUILCHUCK WATERSHED
WATERSHED PLANS AND ASSOCIATED REPORTS REVIEWED
Hanford Reach National Monument Comprehensive Conservation Plan (2008) Lower Mid‐Columbia Sub‐Basin Plan (2004)
Table 4. Watershed Plans for Alkali‐Squilchuck (WRIA 40)
Issue Monitoring Implementation Status
Actions Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety
Water Quantity SHRUB STEPPE/ INTERIOR GRASSLANDS
Reduction in Age Class, or . Protect high‐quality/sensitive shrub‐steppe plant communities . Inventory/ monitor federally X Complete Loss, of Shrub listed species . Minimize ground disturbing and management activities that disturb the soil surface. Steppe Vegetation X . Revegetate with native plant species materials in disturbed areas. X . Protect Dense Sagebrush Areas, native perennial shortgrasses, native short grasslands, rare and unique habitats, rare plant populations, microbiotic crusts X . In areas of inappropriate grazing, improve vegetation and microbiotic crusts X
. Encourage and support Coordinated Resource Management Programs (e.g., CRP; BiOp RMS) X
. Avoid inappropriate grazing of livestock through rotational grazing regimes X
. Use proper grazing to reduce sagebrush cover to natural levels X
Displacement of Native . Limit expansion of invasive non‐native plants and reduce occurrence . Inventory/ monitor invasive X Vegetation with Non‐Native species . Restore native plant communities Vegetation X . Reduce sources of introduction of nonnative seed X
. Continue and enhance shrub steppe/grassland weed control programs X
Impacts of Fire . Restore more natural fire cycles to increase mean age class of shrub steppe and restore areas . Inventory existing and of complete shrub loss where it has been altered by fire potential habitat for priority X species . Suppress fire by fighting wildfires X . Reduce amounts of cheatgrass X
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 9
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS Issue Monitoring Implementation Status
Actions Habitat Ag Viability Water Quality Physical Safety
Water Quantity WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN HABITATS
Habitat Loss/Fragmentation . Maintain current ephemeral wetlands in natural condition and where possible restore . Inventory rare plants and Management activities on disturbed areas to natural function X X X mature trees Hanford Site . Augment or support conservation oriented farm programs X X X X . Inventory historical and . Protect and enhance natural springs and seeps. current locations of X X X ephemeral wetlands . Protect and restore riparian habitat along the Columbia River. X X . In riparian zones highly affected by non‐native species, treat non‐natives and then restore/re‐ vegetate the area using native species characteristic of the Columbia River system. X
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 10
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS
UPLAND HABITATS THROUGHOUT BENTON COUNTY
ADDITIONAL REPORTS REVIEWED
Arid Lands Initiative (2014) Washington Connected Landscapes (2010, 2012, 2013) Greater Sage Grouse Recovery Plan (2004) Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (2011)
Table 5. Wildlife Habitat Plans in Benton County
Issues Actions Monitoring Implementation Status Water Quantity Water Quality Habitat Physical Safety Ag Viability HABITAT CONNECTIVITY Habitat Maintain and restore the integrity of existing large blocks of native habitat and the linkages that connect them X Loss/Fragmentation Restore and expand the complex linkages that transform bands of connected habitat into a comprehensive network spanning the X in Columbia Plateau Columbia Plateau in Washington and beyond Restore and expand key linkages that may be degraded or unlikely to be resilient to environmental change X Test innovative approaches to simultaneously achieve production and conservation objectives, based on increased understanding X X of the connectivity value of agricultural lands Integrate conservation of connectivity for terrestrial vertebrates with conservation of aquatic systems X GREATER SAGE GROUSE
Limited spatial and Translocate sage grouse individuals from healthy populations into areas where suitable habitat has been identified X Conduct annual lek genetic diversity of counts for greater sage grouse sage grouse populations (WDFW) Disturbance during Avoid persistent disturbance activities within 2 km of leks between the hours of 1800 and 0900 during February‐April X Conduct surveys key life history Protect nesting and brood rearing areas from disturbance between 1 March and 15 June X for new leks periods (WDFW) Habitat alterations Minimize proliferation of perch sites for avian predators (i.e. poles and fences) except where needed to maintain livestock X X Collect and and incompatible Minimize or eliminate exposure of sage‐grouse to organophosphate insecticides X maintain data to land use practices Ensure compatibility of grazing management on public lands managed for sage‐grouse (i.e. light grazing pressure, seasonally X estimate sage rotated, periodically deferred, and responsive to drought) grouse population Work with interested landowners to protect the most important sage‐grouse habitat on private land through easements and X X size and trends acquisitions (WDFW) Facilitate and promote the use of incentives, such as Farm Bill conservation programs, to benefit sage‐grouse X X Conduct/complete habitat suitability Facilitate management of agricultural and range lands that is compatible with the conservation of sage‐grouse X o Promote the protection of remnant areas of native shrub‐steppe
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BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS Issues Actions Monitoring Implementation Status Water Quantity Water Quality Habitat Physical Safety Ag Viability o Work with interested range managers to retain residual perennial grass cover and associated forb and shrub communities; assessments for discourage additional wells for livestock unless it will benefit sage grouse, discourage removal of sage brush within 3 km of leks, sage grouse and establish grass banks for alternative range during droughts Monitor changes o Promote agricultural practices that use fewer chemicals in sage‐grouse habitat through remote sensing and mapping. FERRUGINOUS HAWK
Habitat and species Establish spatial and temporal buffers around ferruginous hawk nests Monitor disturbance Provide natural and artificial structures for nesting and perching populations and Minimize and mitigate effects of converting land to agriculture nest usage GRAY WOLF
Wolf‐livestock Develop and implement a comprehensive program to manage wolf‐livestock conflicts in cooperation with livestock producers X X Monitor interactions Maintain and restore habitat connectivity for wolves in Washington depredation actions
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 12
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS FARMLAND PRESERVATION
A 2004 Department of Community Trade and Economic Development Report reviewed threats and alternatives for agricultural preservation. It evaluated conditions in Chelan, Lewis, King, and Yakima Counties. Although the report pre‐dates the development of VSP, the issues and many of the potential solutions remain relevant to farmland preservation today. Issues, recommendations, and implementation status (where known) that may be applicable to Benton County are included in Table 4, below. Table 4. Issues and actions associated with agricultural viability
Issue Actions Implementation Status
. Conversion of Agriculture . Develop Program for Land Banking, Selling, and Leasing Farmland Growth Management Act promotes Land to Other Uses . Enact or Continue Purchase of Development Rights Programs on County development intensity . Speculative Buying, Taking or State Basis in UGAs Land Out of Production . Use Transfer of Development Rights, Density Bonuses, and Clustering . Fragmentation of . Promote Development Within UGA Benton County Code Agricultural Land Base . Downzone Agricultural Lands 11‐18 establishes . Allow Accessory or Commercial Uses on Farms minimum lot sizes and allows accessory and . Provide Funding for Agriculture Infrastructure commercial uses in . Fund Endowment to Support Research Grants GMA agricultural . Create or Support Training Programs for New Farmers district . Support WSU Extension Service Programs Financially
. Incompatible Adjacent . Adapt and Update Right‐to‐Farm Laws (protection from nuisance lawsuits) Benton County Code 11‐18 establishes Uses . Transitional space between development adjacent to agriculture agricultural setbacks for . Lawsuits livestock facilities to limit use conflicts
. Regulations . Employ alternatives to local regulations VSP under development . Provide regulatory certainty
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 13
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX‐ BACKGROUND INFORMATION, OTHER PLANS, AND REGULATIONS Issue Actions Implementation Status
. Water Rights and . See Tables 2 and 3 irrigation
. Operation costs . Address Appraisal Practices Agricultural Current Use Taxation o Taxes . Expand Open Space Tax Incentive Programs to Agriculture Structures and o Financing Improvements; Provide Other Tax Incentives Federal loan program o Seasonal worker . Fund Farm Ombudsman Position to assist in housing . Address Need for Temporary Housing for Farm Workers infrastructure o Wages o Transportation
. Global Economy . Develop Coordinated Statewide Agriculture Economic Development Policy . Changing International . Encourage Consumer Support of Local Agriculture Markets . Develop Demonstration Farms for Testing New Products . Consolidation of Buyers . Access to Markets
November 2016 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 14
REFERENCES
Anchor QEA. 2011. Yakima River Basin Study Mainstem Floodplain Restoration Technical Memorandum. Prepared for the US Bureau of Reclamation. Aspect Consulting. 2004. Level 1 Watershed Assessment WRIA 31 (Rock‐Glade Watershed). Prepared for WRIA 31 Planning Unit. Coffin, C., R. Plotnikoff, and R. Anderson. 2006. Lower Yakima River Suspended Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load: Effectiveness Monitoring Report. Creech, J. 2012. Project Update for the Lower Yakima River Suspended Sediment TMDL. Prepared for Washington Department of Ecology. Johnson, A., K. Carmack, B. Era‐Miller, B. Lubliner, S. Golding, and R. Coots. 2010. Yakima River Pesticides and PCBs Total Maximum Daily Load: Volume 1. Water Quality Study Findings. Prepared for Washington Department of Ecology. Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 2004. Lower Mid‐Columbia Mainstem Sub‐Basin Plan Including Rock Creek. Reiss, K.Y, J. Thomas, E. Anderson, and J. Commins. 2012. Yakima Bull Trout Action Plan. US Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation and Washington Department of Ecology. 2012. Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan‐ Final programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, Benton, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Yakima Counties.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2008. Hanford Reach National Monument Comprehensive Conservation Plan.
Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development. 2004. Designation of Agricultural Lands in Chelan, King, Lewis, and Yakima Counties. Washington Department of Ecology. 1998. Lower Yakima River Suspended Sediment TMDL. Water Resources Advisory Committee and Yakima Basin Water Resources Agency. 2007. Detailed Implementation Plan Yakima River Basin. WRIA 31 Planning Unit. 2008. Watershed Management Plan Rock‐Glade Watershed (WRIA 31). Yakima Basin Fish and Wildlife Recovery Board. 2009. 2009 Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan, Extracted from the 2005 Yakima Subbasin Salmon Recovery Plan with Updates. Yakima Subbasin Fish and Wildlife Planning Board. 2004. Yakima Subbasin Plan. Prepared for Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
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Benton County Voluntary Stewardship Program
Appendix- Existing Regulations and Voluntary Programs | November 2016April 2017
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA) Section 303: Water Quality Standards and Implementation Plan Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act established a process to identify and clean up polluted waters. Under the authority of Section 303 of the Clean Water Act, states establish water quality standards, identify impaired waters, and develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). TMDLs can be used to address water quality impairments through regulatory (for point source) or non-regulatory (for non- point source) mechanisms. Section 402: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) NPDES Permits are required to authorize point-source discharges of pollutants into a receiving body. Ecology is authorized by EPA to administer NPDES permits. NPDES permits are not required for most agricultural activities, as they are non-point sources of pollutants. Agricultural stormwater discharges and return flows from irrigated agriculture are specifically exempted from NPDES permit requirements. NPDES permits are required for concentrated animal feed operations (CAFOs). NPDES permits assure discharges comply with state water quality, sediment quality, and resource protection standards. A 2011 federal general NPDES permit restricts pesticide application near waterbodies; a draft 2016 general permit for pesticide applications is under review. A general NPDES permit for CAFOs was issued in 2006 and expired in 2011. A draft general NPDES permit for CAFOs is under development. Section 404: Discharge of Dredged and Fill Material Normal farming, silviculture, and ranching practices such as plowing, cultivating, minor drainage, and harvesting for the production of food, fiber, and forest products, or upland soil and water conservation practices are generally exempt from Section 404. Activities that convert a wetland that has not been used for farming or forestry into such uses are not considered part of an established operation, and are not exempt. Additionally, activities that result in a "reduction in reach/impairment of flow or circulation" of waters of the United States are not exempt. Where direct impacts occur to wetlands from these non-exempt activities, compensatory mitigation is required. BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX- EXISTING REGULATIONS AND VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS
Section 401- Water Quality Certification Where a federal permit is required, a Section 401 water quality certification from Washington Department of Ecology is also required. Issuance of a 401 Certification means that Ecology has reasonable assurance that the applicant's project will comply with state water quality standards and other aquatic resources protection requirements under Ecology's authority. Other provisions of the CWA Other provisions of the Clean Water Act apply to the following, which may apply to some agricultural activities in Benton County:
Underground injection Small Drinking Water Systems Oil Pollution Prevention Spill Prevention Control and countermeasures Facility response plan
RIVERS AND HARBORS ACT SECTION 10 Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act requires that regulated activities conducted below the Ordinary High Water (OHW) elevation of navigable waters of the United States be permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Regulated activities include the placement/removal of structures, work involving dredging, disposal of dredged material, filling, excavation, or any other disturbance of soils/sediments or modification of a navigable waterway. In Benton County, the Columbia and Yakima Rivers are considered navigable waters.
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) SECTION 9 AND SECTION 7 ESA prohibits the “take” of species listed as threatened or endangered. For projects involving federal funding, action, or approval, consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and/or US Fish and Wildlife Service is required for projects with the potential to affect listed species.
FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT (FIFRA) FIFRA regulates pesticide usage, storage, and disposal in accordance with label use restrictions and registration requirements to prevent unreasonable risks to human health and the environment. Under the authorization of this act, the EPA has banned the use of certain pesticides and limited the use of others. The EPA is currently studying the effects of the organophosphates chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion on federally listed species. The EPA recently proposed a plan to prohibit the use of pesticides that are toxic to bees when crops are in bloom and bees are under contract for pollination services. Risk assessments of three other neonicotinoid pesticides are due by the end of 2016. The plan also recommends that states and tribes develop pollinator protection plans and best management practices.
November April 20162017 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 2 BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX- EXISTING REGULATIONS AND VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) FARM BILL (SWAMPBUSTER) Per the 2014 Farm Bill, in order to maintain eligibility for US Department of Agriculture funding programs, participants must certify that they have not produced crops on converted wetlands after December 23, 1985, and did not convert a wetland after November 28, 1990, to make agricultural production possible. Additionally, producers must certify that they will not Plant or produce an agricultural commodity on highly erodible land without following an NRCS approved conservation plan or system.
MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT This act makes it illegal for anyone to “take” any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird, except under the terms of a valid permit.
WASHINGTON STATE REGULATIONS
AGRICULTURE AND MARKETING- RCW TITLE 15 Washington Pesticide Control Act (15.58.020 RCW) Regulates the formulation, distribution, storage, transportation, and disposal of any pesticide and the dissemination of accurate scientific information as to the proper use, or nonuse, of any pesticide in the interest of maintaining a high level of public health and welfare both immediate and future. Fertilizer Bulk Storage and Operational Area Containment Rules (16‐201 WAC) Regulates the primary and secondary containment of liquid bulk fertilizers; operational area containment of liquid bulk fertilizers; dry bulk fertilizer storage and handling; backflow prevention; fertilizer spills; maintenance, inspection and recordkeeping requirements; and spill response plan.
ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK- RCW TITLE 16 Range areas (16.24) Establishes rules for range areas, including county authority to establish restricted range areas. Fences (16.60 RCW) Regulates the type of fence, erection, removal, value, damages to and from fences.
WEEDS, RODENTS, AND PESTS- RCW TITLE 17 Noxious weeds- Control Boards (17.10 RCW) Establishes state and regional noxious weed control board. Establishes owner’s duty to eradicate all class A noxious weeds and to control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds.
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Washington Pesticide Application Act (17.21 RCW) Regulates the use and application of pesticides for protection of public health and welfare. Chemigation and fertigation rules are found under WAC 16-202.
FISH AND WILDLIFE- RCW TITLE 77 Prevention and Suppression of Disease and Pests (77.12.455 RCW) The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission can prohibit any activity which may result in the transmission of a disease or pest that might affect fish. Wildlife Damage (77.36 RCW) Allows landowners and their representatives to trap or kill wildlife that is threatening human safety or causing property damage on that property subject to specific standards. This provision is implemented under 232-36 WAC. Hydraulic Code (77.55 RCW) The Hydraulic Code gives the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) the authority to review, condition, and approve or deny “any construction activity that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the bed or flow of any of the salt or fresh waters of the State.” These activities may include stream alteration, culvert installation or replacement, pier and bulkhead repair or construction, among others. In a permit called a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA), WDFW can condition projects to avoid, minimize, restore, and compensate for adverse impacts. 77.55 RCW does not apply to wholly artificial waterways, so long as they were not historically constructed from natural wetlands or streams.
FLOOD CONTROL- RCW TITLE 86 Floodplain Management (86.16 RCW) Statewide floodplain management regulation shall be exercised through: (1) Local governments' administration of the national flood insurance program (NFIP), (2) the establishment of minimum state requirements for floodplain management that equal the minimum federal requirements for the NFIP, and (3) the issuance of regulatory orders.
IRRIGATION- RCW TITLE 87 Establishes and regulates irrigation and districts.
WATER RIGHTS – ENVIRONMENT- RCW TITLE 90 Water Code (90.03 RCW) Establishes water rights appropriation standards and procedures. Water use is subject to the "first in time, first in right" clause.
November April 20162017 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 4 BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM APPENDIX- EXISTING REGULATIONS AND VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS
Water resources in the Yakima Basin are fully appropriated. The Yakima River Basin is in the final stages of a 40-year process of basin-wide surface water adjudication. This general adjudication establishes the extent, validity, and priority of existing water rights, including minimum instream flow.
No general adjudication of water rights has occurred in the Columbia River. Nevertheless, waters of the Columbia River in the Lake Umatilla and Wallula reaches are legally used for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power production, navigation, fish passage, wildlife, recreation, industrial, and municipal uses. Minimum instream flows are established based on the time of year in Lakes Umatilla and Wallula per WAC 173-563-040.
Regulation of Public Groundwaters (90.44 RCW) The groundwater permit exemption allows the users of small quantities of groundwater to construct wells and develop their water supplies without first obtaining a water right permit from Ecology. Agricultural exceptions to the permit requirement for withdrawals of groundwater apply to:
Providing water for livestock (no gallon per day limit). Providing water for industrial purposes, including irrigation (limited to 5,000 gallons per day but no acre limit).
A recent Washington State Supreme Court Ruling (Whatcom County, Hirst v: Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board 2016) clarified that local government is responsible to ensure that the cumulative effect of exempt wells does not reduce flows below established minimum instream flow. Dairy Nutrient Management (90.64 RCW) Requires all dairy producers, regardless of size to prepare and implement a dairy nutrient management plan, register with WSDA, and participate in a program of regular inspections and compliance. The Department of Ecology is responsible for developing and maintaining a standard protocol for water quality monitoring of the waters of the state within the vicinity of dairies and CAFOs. Family Farm Water Act (90.66 RCW) This act gives priority water right status to irrigation of family farms.
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ACT (SMA) (RCW 90.58 AND WAC 173‐18 THROUGH 173‐ 27) The SMA requires cities and counties to prepare Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs). Ongoing agricultural activities are not subject to the provisions of the SMP. SMP regulations apply to new or expanded agricultural activities on non-agricultural land; conversion of agricultural land to other uses; and non-agricultural activities on agricultural land. The SMP does not need to incorporate the VSP work plan. The SMP cannot limit or modify agricultural activities as defined in the SMA (essentially existing, ongoing agriculture). The VSP should apply wherever agriculture and critical areas exist inside or outside of shoreline jurisdiction.
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LIVESTOCK- BCC 2.16 Establishes stock restricted areas in Benton County.
FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION- BCC 3.26 This Section regulates building within the 100-year floodplain and the floodway. Fill within the floodway that would increase the base flood elevation is prohibited.
ZONING- TITLE 11 BCC Title 11 provides zoning standards that direct uses, building bulk, scale, and location, and other design considerations.
RIGHT TO FARM- BCC 14.05 Consistent with 7.48 RCW, this provision protects agricultural activities conducted consistent with good agricultural practices and established prior to surrounding nonagricultural activities from nuisance lawsuits.
VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS
Agricultural producers participate in numerous voluntary industry programs that may contribute to the protection or enhancement of critical areas. It is important to note that these programs are dynamic and influenced by changing federal regulations, industry norms, and market conditions.
GLOBAL G.A.P. is a voluntary certification program for agricultural producers around the world. The program encourages use of safe and sustainable agricultural practices. Specific certification requirements include waste management protocols and the development of wildlife and habitat conservation plans, though the measures are broadly stated.
SAFE QUALITY FOOD INSTITUTE (SQF‐I) provides certification in food safety and quality. The code includes requirements for several relevant good agricultural and livestock practices including water management, the storage of hazardous chemicals, soil management and use of fertilizers, and waste disposal. PRIMUSLABS GAP provides tools and audit programs (checklists) to support good agricultural practices relating to site selection, adjacent land use, fertilizer usage, water sourcing and usage, pest control and pesticide monitoring, and harvesting practices. USDA HARMONIZED PRODUCE GAPS consist of audit checklists to ensure food safety standards. Relevant topics include water quality and chemical use.
November April 20162017 Prepared by The Watershed Company in assoc. with BERK Consulting 6 BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (VSP) MAP DATA SOURCES
SOURCE DATA ACRONYMS SOURCE DATA ACRONYMS SOURCE DATA ACRONYMS ACRONYM ORGANIZATION ACRONYM ORGANIZATION ACRONYM ORGANIZATION BCD Benton Conservation District FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency USFWS US Fish and Wildlife Service BLM Bureau of Land Management NHD USGS National Hydrography Dataset USGS United States Geological Survey DOH Department of Health NWI USFWS National Wetlands Inventory WDFW Department of Fish and Wildlife DNR Department of Natural Resources PHS Priority Habitat and Species WSDA Department of Agriculture ECY Department of Ecology TWC The Watershed Company
CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA INTENDED # FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS GROUP USE 1 Agricultu VSP 1. Agricultural_Lands_Benton_2016_07_11 (polygon) Merge of WSDA_2015_Benton and re and Agricultu 2. Agricultural_Lands_Benton_2016_07_11_Excluding_Cities BCD_Agriculture_Additional datasets. Reflects Rangelan ral Lands comprehensive mapping of agricultural lands ds within and adjacent to Benton County. Dataset produced on July 11, 2016 and may be updated per feedback and guidance from client (e.g. BCD_Rural_Other records may be identified as agricultural and added). WSDA 3. WSDACrop_2015_Benton (polygon) WSDA dataset (Publication 2016); downloaded 4- http://agr.wa.gov/PestFert/NatResources/docs/2015CropSectionsFeatureClassMetadata.pdf Agricultur 7-2016; Clipped to One Mile buffer for Benton al Lands County; already in WA State Plane South (2015) WSDA 4. WSDACrop_2011_Benton (polygon) WSDA dataset (Publication 2012); downloaded 7- Agricultur 11-2016; Clipped to One Mile buffer for Benton al Lands County; already in WA State Plane South (2011) BCD 5. BCD_Dryland (polygon) Benton Conservation District dataset mapping of http://www.bentoncd.org/ Dryland drylands (considered agricultural). Parcel based data. (Publication 2016) BCD 6. BCD_Irrigated (polygon) Benton Conservation District dataset mapping of http://www.bentoncd.org/ Irrigated irrigated lands (considered agricultural). Parcel based data. (Publication 2016) BCD 7. BCD_Rural_Other (polygon) Benton Conservation District dataset mapping of http://www.bentoncd.org/ Rural other rural lands. This dataset may include Other additional agricultural lands – as of July 11, 2016 no additional agricultural lands identified. Parcel based data. (Publication 2016) BCD 8. BCD_Agriculture_Additional (polygon) Represents additional agricultural lands Additiona identified by the Benton Conservation District l that were not mapped as part of the Agricultur WSDACrop_2015 dataset. BCD_Dryland and al Lands BCD_Irrigated datasets merged and then WSDACrop_2015_Benton erased from merged dataset. CalcAcres field added. Page 1/7 Benton County VSP – Map Data Sources – 4-17-2017 CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA INTENDED # FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS GROUP USE VSP 9. Rangelands_Benton_2016_07_11 (polygon) Merge of Assessor_Rangelands_Parcels, Rangelan 10. Rangelands_Benton_2016_07_11_Excluding_Cities BCD_Rangeland, BLM_Grazing_Allotments, and ds ECY_Rangelands datasets. Merged rangelands dataset then dissolved and overlapping areas with Agricultural_Lands_Benton_2016_07_11 were removed. Additionally, any rangelands mapped within Hanford Site were removed. Benton 11. Assessor_Rangelands_Parcels (polygon) Selection of Benton County parcels based upon https://www.mediafire.com/folder/28z055ueommxk/Metadata_Files (see ParcelsandAccess.html) County pcdesc = “101 Rangeland.” (Publication 2016; Rangelan Data downloaded June, 14, 2016). d Parcels BCD 12. BCD_Rangeland (polygon) Benton Conservation District dataset mapping of http://www.bentoncd.org/ Rangelan rangelands. Parcel based data. (Publication 2016) d BLM 13. BLM_Grazing_Allotments (polygon) BLM mapped livestock grazing allotments. http://www.blm.gov/or/gis/data-details.php?id=31 Grazing (Publication May, 2016; Downloaded July 11, Allotmen 2016). ts ECY 14. ECY_Rangelands (polygon) Derived from ECY 2010 Land Use Dataset where http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/data/planningCadastre/landuse.htm Rangelan LANDUSE_CD field has value of “94 – Open https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/adminsa/gisdata/metadata/ndmpl.htm ds Space.” Further refined per direction from Ecology to exclude DNR identified Major Public Lands that overlay the ECY 2010 open space selection. 2011 to 15. WSDACrop_2011_2015_Union_noslivers_nopastures_changes_ Changes in classification of dryland, irrigated, Data 3 and 4 above 2015 SS_NoCities (polygon) and other (NA) from 2011 to 2015 WSDA layer. Change in Does not include changes to areas with Calc Area Ag less than one acre or areas that show a shift to n/a with less than 15 acres Calc Area (these seemed to represent changes in WSDA mapping rather than on-the-ground differences). Based on input from the working group on 11/28/16, only changes to irrigated agriculture represent real changes, the other changes represent data noise.
2 Overvie County 1. CountyBoundary (polygon) Benton County dataset; downloaded 6-14-2016 http://www.co.benton.wa.us/pView.aspx?id=6002&catid=45 w Boundary Incorpora 2. CityLimits (polygon) Benton County dataset; downloaded 6-14-2016 ted City Boundari es
Page 2/7 Benton County VSP – Map Data Sources – 4-17-2017 CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA INTENDED # FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS GROUP USE Urban 3. UGA (polygon) Benton County data; downloaded 6-14-2016 Growth Area Boundari es Hanford 4. Hanford _Site (polygon) Benton County data; downloaded 7-11-2016 http://www.mediafire.com/download/hacww3rgbccc7t4/HanfordSite.zip Site 3 Hydrolog Wetlands 1. NWI_WA_Wetlands_BentonVicinity (polygon) USFWS-documented wetlands; downloaded 05- https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Data-Download.html y 24-2016; clipped and reprojected 2. twc_wetlands_NWI_minus_NHDWaterbodiesMajorAreas New wetland layer used for intersect; shows only NWI wetlands outside of NHD Major Areas and NHD Major Waterbodies; overlap removed by Union of layers of interest and deletion of records from NHD Major Areas and Major Waterbodies; derived by TWC 8/31/2016 Drainage 3. NHD_Flowlines_BentonVicinity (polyline) USGS NHD data set components, downloaded 6- http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/data/data.htm features- 15-2016; clipped and reprojected includes unverifie d features Streams 4. NHD_Waterbody_BentonVicinity (polygon) and lakes 5. NHD_Areas_BentonVicinity (polygon) Artificial 6. NHD_FlowlinesArtificial_BentonVicinity (polyline) Derived by TWC from above USGS NHD feature See above drainage 7. NHD_AreasArtificial_BentonVicinity (polygon) classes to include only manipulated features watercourses (e.g. canals, ditches, pipes, etc.) Streams 8. twc_NHDFlowlines_3up_ver2_countyclip_removeditch Derived from NHD dataset by ECY; downloaded http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/data/data.htm and lakes (polyline) 6/14/2016; clipped and reprojected. – main 9. NHD_MajorWaterbodies_BentonVicinity (polygon) verified 10. NHD_MajorAreas_BentonVicinity (polygon) 1. Streams features (twc_NHDFlowlines_3up_ver2_countycli p_removeditch) The stream layer is based of streams 3rd order and higher. Additional manual editing and deletion of NHD segments occurred as follows:
For areas of irrigated agriculture (Yakima Valley streams and Lower Glade Creek)- Named streams 3rd order and higher, including unnamed areas of Amon Creek
For areas of non-irrigated agriculture (Upper Cold Creek, Upper Glade Creek, Sulphur Creek, Spring Creek, and Dry Creek)- Named streams 7th order and higher
Page 3/7 Benton County VSP – Map Data Sources – 4-17-2017 CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA INTENDED # FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS GROUP USE Floodplai 2. FEMA_Q3_Benton (polygon) Q3 map generated by FEMA; downloaded 3-5- http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/data/inlandWaters/flood/flood.htm n and 2012 from ECY, not updated recently; includes Floodway only Benton County, not the surrounding vicinity. WRIA 3. WRIA_Benton (polygon) ECY dataset (2011 publication); Clipped to http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/data/inlandWaters/wria.htm County Boundary, slivers merged, and reprojected. Aqueduct 4. Aqueducts_Canals_Siphons_DNR_Hydro (polyline) Derived from DNR watercourse dataset for https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/adminsa/gisdata/metadata/WA_Hydro_Data_Dic.htm s (DNR) Benton County. WB_CART_FTR_CD = Ditch/canal, Aqueduct, or Siphon. Aqueduct 5. Aqueducts_NHD (polyline) Derived from NHD_Flowlines_BentonVicinity http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/data/data.htm s (NHD) dataset where FCode = 33601; 42801; 42803; 42804; 42816. Note: Refinement of NHD Aqueduct dataset needed. Hydrologi 6. twc_HSA_20161005 (polygon) Derived by TWC: 100ft buffer applied to the new TWC c Study stream layer, the NHD major water bodies, and Area the NWI wetlands; merged dissolved and clipped to Benton County boundary.
Updated HSA layer based on 100ft buffer around and including twc_NWI_minus_NHDWaterbodiesMajorAreas; NHD_MajorWaterbodies_BentonVicinity; NHD_MajorAreas_proj; and twc_NHDFlowlines_3up_ver2_removeditch; merged, dissolved and clipped to county boundary 4 Critical Wellhead 1. DOH_WHPA_Assigned_BentonVicinity (polygon) DOH dataset; downloaded 6-24-2016. Five http://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/DataSystems/GeographicInformationSystem/ Aquifer Protectio 2. DOH_WHPA_6mo_BentonVicinity (polygon) feature classes showing wellhead protection DownloadableDataSets Recharge n Areas 3. DOH_WHPA_1yr_BentonVicinity (polygon) areas and derived migration. Unclear from Areas 4. DOH_WHPA_5yr_BentonVicinity (polygon) metadata as to the year the ‘Assigned’ feature 5. DOH_WHPA_10yr_BentonVicinity (polygon) class was made. Each is clipped and reprojected. Well 6. ECY_WellLog_BentonVicinity (point) ECY dataset from April 2016; downloaded 6-24- http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/gis/data/data.htm Locations 2016; clipped and reprojected.
Page 4/7 Benton County VSP – Map Data Sources – 4-17-2017 CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA INTENDED # FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS GROUP USE Alluvial 7. NRCS_ParentMaterial_Alluvial_Benton (polygon) Derived from NRCS Soil Geodatabase. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm Geology / Downloaded by TWC 6-24-2016 Hydrologi 8. NRCS_HSG_wa605_proj (polygon) c Soil Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG) layer isolated from Group A NRCS data 9. twc_NRCS_Parent_Material_Alluvial_IrrigatedOnly_NoCitiesNoH anford (polygon) Alluvial layer with only Irrigated Areas outside of city and Hanford boundaries; derived by TWC 8/31/2016
10. twc_NRCS_HydroSoilGrpA_IrrigatedOnly_NoCitiesNoHanford
HSG layer with only Soil Group A within irrigated areas and outside of city and Hanford 11. twc_NRCS_HydroSoilGrpA_ParentMaterialAlluvial_IrrigOnly_No boundaries; derived by TWC 8/31/2016 CNoH_merge The above two layers merged. 20161006
CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA # DATA GROUP INTENDED USE FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS MAP? TABLE?
Page 5/7 Benton County VSP – Map Data Sources – 4-17-2017 CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA # DATA GROUP INTENDED USE FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS MAP? TABLE? 5 Geologic Slopes > 15% 1. uw_ewa_slope_clip (raster) Derived by TWC from a DEM for Eastern Washington, Link not currently available Yes Yes Hazards downloaded from University of Washington in 2013. The DEM was reprojected, clipped, then run through the Spatial Analyst Slope tool. To symbolize, categorize with 2 manual breaks (0- <15, 15+). This raster is located within the main geodatabase, but not grouped in the Geologic Hazard feature class group since it’s not vector format.
2. twc_slope_RasterToPolygon2 Derived from raster using raster calculator tool such that 1 >= (polygon) 15% slope and 0 < 15% slope; gridcode=0 then deleted to leave only areas with 15% slope or greater. Documented 3. DNR_Landslide_Benton_Vicinity DNR Geology Division datasets; downloaded 6-24-2016. http://www.dnr.wa.gov/GIS Yes Yes Landslides (polygon) Reprojected and clipped. Documented 4. DNR_EarthquakesPNSN_BentonVicini No No Earthquakes ty (point) 5. DNR_EarthquakesRelocated_Benton Vicinity (point) Liquefaction 6. DNR_Liquefaction_BentonVicinity Yes Yes (polygon) Seismic Design 7. DNR_SeismicDesignSiteClass_Benton No No Site Class Vicinity (polygon) Potential Land 8. DNR_Fault_BentonVicinity (polyline) Yes Yes Hazards 9. DNR_Fold_BentonVicinity (polyline) Erodible Soils 10. NRCS_ErosionHazard_proj (polygon) Derived from NRCS Soil Geodatabase. Downloaded by TWC 6- http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm 24-2016 Channel 11. twc_CMZ_poly_proj (polygon) Derived by TWC and Al Wald during Benton Co 2012 SMP; TWC Migration Zone TWC enhanced original polyline featureclass by connecting lines using a combination of NHDArea and a 100ft NHDStream Buffer to follow. Then, converting the closed polyline into a polygon. 6 Threatened, Federally- 12. USFWS_CritHabLIne_BentonVicinity USFWS dataset downloaded 6-24-2016; clipped and https://www.fws.gov/GIS/Data/national/index.html Yes Yes Endangered, identified (polyline) reprojected. and Sensitive Critical Habitat 13. USFWS_CritHabPoly_BentonVicinity Species (polygon) 7 Priority State-identified See wdfw_phs folder WDFW detailed PHS data obtained June 15, 2016. To be used http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/ No Yes Habitats and Priority Habitats for data table creation and analysis. Species and Species State-identified See phspluspublic folder WDFW publicly facing PHS data obtained June 15, 2016. To be http://wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/phs/ Yes No Priority Habitats used for mapping purposes. and Species 8 Rare Plants Natural Heritage Dataset not provided. Per metadata, dataset is not to be No Yes Program Rare shared publically and may only be used internally. TWC will Plants incorporate as part of analysis but will not share for mapping purposes.
Page 6/7 Benton County VSP – Map Data Sources – 4-17-2017 CURRENT PROPOSED MAPS AND DATA SOURCES DATA # DATA GROUP INTENDED USE FEATURECLASS DESCRIPTION/NOTES SOURCE DOWNLOAD AND METADATA LINKS MAP? TABLE? 9 Intersect Base Layers 14. twc_AgIntersectAll_revised Merged and dissolved Agriculture and Rangeland datasets, See associated parent layers above; TWC prepared by TWC for intersect analysis
15. twc_Barker_Umatilla_Hover_merge Merged layer of the following, prepared by TWC for sub- intersect analysis: Barker Ranch LTD, isolated from all BCD datasets; Umatilla Wildlife Refuge, isolated from USFWS Cadastral geodtabase; Hover Park and North subarea created by TWC for additional analysis of HSA/Wetland intersection cluster FWCHA and 16. twc_WetlandIntersect_08312016 All associated Intersect and SubIntersect layers were derived See associated parent layers above; TWC Wetlands a. twc_Wetlands_subIntersect_2 by TWC by intersecting appropriate “parent” base layers 0160902 with the intersect base layers and dissolving. 17. twc_HSAintersect__20161005 twc_HSAsubintersect_201610 *subject to revision; may change after final consensus 05 regarding alluvial parent material vs hydrologic soil group A 18. twc_streams_Intersect 19. twc_ws_occurpoint_Intersect 20. twc_ws_occurpolygon_Intersect 21. twc_phsregion_Intersect 22. twc_swifd_Intersect
Frequently 23. twc_100yrflood_Intersect flooded areas 24. twc_floodway_Intersect Geologically 25. twc_SlopeErosion_Intersect hazardous areas 26. twc_CMZpoly_Intersect Critical aquifer 27. twc_DOH_WHPA_Assigned_Intersect recharge areas 28. twc_DOH_10yrWHPA_Intersect 29. twc_HydroSoilGrpA_PMAlluvial_inters ect
Page 7/7 Benton County VSP – Map Data Sources – 4-17-2017
Appendix Table. Intersect of Agricultural Activities and Priority Habitats and Species in 2011
BENTON (ALL) ALKALI-SQUILCHUCK LOWER YAKIMA ROCK-GLADE COUNTYWIDE WRIA 40 WRIA 37 WRIA 31 UNITS DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND TOTAL DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND Total Area of Agricultural Activities 323,548 279,371 92,271 695,190 776 289 860 93,202 72,229 63,313 229,570 206,853 28,099 Upland Priority Species Regions (Ac)
American White Pelican acres 173 173 173
Bald Eagle acres 825 825 825
Burrowing Owl acres 122 16 139 122 16
Chukar acres 446 55 624 1,126125 445 55 624 <1 0
Elk acres 57,982 6,288 44,144 108,413 40 14 57,942 6,288 44,130
Loggerhead Shrike acres 19 19 19
Long-billed Curlew acres
Mule Deer acres 678 514 6,692 7,884 1,127 678 514 5,565
Sage Grouse acres 5,162 45 784 5,991 5,162 45 784
Sage Sparrow acres 19 19 19
Waterfowl Concentrations acres 3,479 1,736 5,216 2,151 68 1,328 1,668 Priority Habitat Regions (Ac)
Cliffs/bluffs acres 545 107 1,345 1,997 445 57 624 <1 69 98 50 651
Islands acres 43 43 43
Sand Dunes acres 31 9 40 31 9
Shrub-steppe acres 18,229 3,910 38,516 60,655 330 104 15,327 2,123 32,545 2,572 1,787 5,867
Talus Slopes acres 32 32 32
Wetlands acres 205 76 282 205 27 50 Upland Priority Species Occurrence (Ac)
Black-crowned night-heron acres <1 <1 <1
Great blue heron acres 2 2 2
Townsend's Ground Squirrel - nancyae acres 11 270 3 284 11 270 3
Townsend's Ground Squirrel - townsendii acres 43 62 120 225 22 52 70 21 10 50 Natural Heritage Program Species and Communities
Big Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue acres 226 226 226
Columbia milk-vetch acres 1,322 584 1,942 3,849 318 181 546 1,004 404 1,396
Columbian bryoerythrophyllum moss acres 20 1 21 20 1 BENTON (ALL) ALKALI-SQUILCHUCK LOWER YAKIMA ROCK-GLADE COUNTYWIDE WRIA 40 WRIA 37 WRIA 31 UNITS DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND TOTAL DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND
Douglas' Buckwheat / Sandberg's Bluegrass acres 167 87 255 167 87 gray cryptantha acres 30 2 32 30 2 halfchaff awned sedge acres 13 13 13
Hoover's desert-parsley acres 105 132 249 486 105 132 249
Piper's daisy acres 213 86 1,084 1,382 148 164 65 11 864 75 56
Rock Buckwheat / Sandberg's Bluegrass acres 10 10 10
Snake River cryptantha acres 2 2 2
Spiny Hopsage / Sandberg's Bluegrass acres 12 12 12
Threetip Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass acres 36 22 58 36 22
Threetip Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue acres 267 10 277 131 10 136
Thyme Buckwheat / Sandberg's Bluegrass acres 2 2 2
Winter-fat / Sandberg's Bluegrass acres 34 25 59 34 25 woven-spore lichen acres 23 526 549 23 526
Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass acres 1,837 142 5,179 7,158 316 39 1,152 142 4,743 369 397
Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Sandberg's Bluegrass acres 108 112 220 108 112 Upland Priority Species Occurrence
American Badger occur 1 1 1
Big brown bat occur 1 1 1
Black-tailed jackrabbit occur 2 7 6 15 1 6 5 1 1 1
Burrowing owl occur 8 26 5 39 11 5 8 15
California myotis occur 1 1 1
Canyon Bat occur 1 1 1
Desert Nightsnake occur 1 1 1
Ferruginous hawk occur 21 2 37 60 17 34 4 2 3
Greater Sage-grouse occur 5 1 6 5 1
Jackrabbit occur 2 2 2
Loggerhead shrike occur 4 4 3 1
Long-billed curlew occur 3 1 4 2 1 1
Northern goshawk occur 1 1 1
Peregrine falcon occur 1 1 1
Prairie falcon occur 7 23 30 4 6 12 1 7 BENTON (ALL) ALKALI-SQUILCHUCK LOWER YAKIMA ROCK-GLADE COUNTYWIDE WRIA 40 WRIA 37 WRIA 31 UNITS DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND TOTAL DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND DRYLAND IRRIGATED RANGELAND
Racer occur 1 1 1
Sagebrush Sparrow occur 3 3 6 2 1 1 2
Swainson's hawk occur 10 7 3 20 2 5 1 8 2 2
Townsend's Ground Squirrel - townsendii occur 2 1 2 5 1 1 2 1
Western small-footed myotis occur 1 1 1
Woodhouse's toad occur 9 9 9 Priority Habitat Fish Species (Ft)
Brown Trout feet 340 357 697 340 357
Bull Trout feet 42,172 13,095 55,267 41,835 9,984 337 3,111
Chinook Salmon feet 18,520 4,082 22,602 18,520 4,082
Coho Salmon feet 27,462 6,837 34,298 15,705 3,725 11,756 3,111
Largemouth Bass feet 379 357 736 379 357
Mountain Whitefish feet 340 357 697 340 357
Rainbow Trout feet 44,026 5,118 49,145 44,026 5,118
Smallmouth Bass feet 379 357 736 379 357
Steelhead Trout feet 57,168 16,394 73,562 44,053 5,118 13,115 11,276
Walleye feet 340 357 697 340 357
Appendix Table. Change in Intersect of Agricultural Activities and Priority Habitats and Species from 2011 to 2015
BENTON (ALL) ALKALI-SQUILCHUCK LOWER YAKIMA ROCK-GLADE COUNTYWIDE WRIA 40 WRIA 37 WRIA 31 Units Dryland To Not Dryland To Not Dryland To Not Dryland To Not Irrigated Classified Irrigated Classified Irrigated Classified Irrigated Classified To To To To Irrigated Irrigated Irrigated Irrigated Upland Priority Species Regions (Ac) Burrowing Owl acres 28 28 Chukar acres 2 2 Elk acres 267 267 Mule Deer acres 42 42 Waterfowl Concentrations acres 62 59 3 Priority Habitat Regions (Ac) Shrub-steppe acres 1,057 647 410 Wetlands acres 3 Upland Priority Species Occurrence (Ac)
Townsend's Ground Squirrel - nancyae acres 3 1 3 1
Townsend's Ground Squirrel - townsendii acres 9 8 1
Natural Heritage Program Species and Communities Columbia milk-vetch acres 47 39 8 Hoover's desert-parsley acres 7 7 Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Bluebunch acres 91 91 Wheatgrass Wyoming Big Sagebrush / Sandberg's acres 91 91 Bluegrass Upland Priority Species Occurrence Black-tailed jackrabbit occur 2 2 Burrowing owl occur 5 1 4 Swainson's hawk occur 2 2
Benton Stewardship Checklist BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM Technical Provider Stewardship Checklist Promoting Agriculture Viability and Protecting Critical Areas The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is an optional, incentive-based approach to protecting critical areas while promoting agriculture. This checklist serves as an individual stewardship plan referenced in the VSP law to help each producer contribute to the goals and benchmarks of the Benton County VSP work plan. See www.co.benton.wa.us/ pview.aspx?id=10933&catid=0 for more information.
Step 1: General Information Provide Location Information Instructions: Review critical area and agriculture 1. What basin is your agricultural property located within? maps at: www.co.benton.wa.us/pview.aspx? a. Lower Yakima b. Rock Glade id=10933&catid=0 for potential critical areas on c. Alkali-Squilchuck or near your property, such as ponds, streams, wetlands, steep slopes, etc. 2. Identify potential critical areas intersecting with agriculture on, or near, property: Note: Checking one or more critical areas that may potentially be located on or adjacent to the a. fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas property does not constitute an official determi- b. wetlands c. frequently flooded areas nation of such a feature. It is helpful in filling out d. geologically hazardous areas the rest of the checklist. e. critical aquifer recharge areas
Do you participate in any of the following conservation plans? a. Global Gap: www.scsglobalservices.com/globalgap-certification e. Safe Quality Food Institute: www.sqfi.com b. WSDA Organic System Plan: http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Organic/ f. Vinewise: http://www.vinewise.org/eval/ c. NRCS Conservation Plan: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ g. Other: ______ d. LIVE Certification: https://livecertified.org/standards Note: Federal and state laws regarding the use and storage of pesticides and standards for water quality continue to apply. Consult Technical Providers Contact Technical Advisors for Lead Technical Assistance Provider: Benton Conservation District, http://www.bentoncd.org/ general advice, or to apply for Supporting Technical Assistance Providers: funding to establish . USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome conservation practices. . Washington State University Extension http://extension.wsu.edu/benton-franklin/agriculture/ . Washington Department of Ecology: http://www.ecy.wa.gov Benton County: http://www.co.benton.wa.us/ (VSP Program Administration) PRELIMINARY DRAFT 1 2/21/2017 Benton Stewardship Checklist Background: Critical Areas Definitions 1 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Land management for maintaining populations of species in suitable habitats within their natural geographic distribution so that the habitat available is sufficient to support viable populations over the long term and isolated subpopulations are not created. This does not mean maintaining all indi- viduals of all species at all times, but it does mean not degrading or reducing populations or habitats so that they are no longer viable over the long term. (WAC 365-190-130(1)) Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas that must be considered for classification and designa- tion include: Areas where endangered, threatened, and sensitive species have a primary associa- tion; Habitats and species of local importance, as determined locally; Naturally occurring ponds un- der twenty acres and their submerged aquatic beds that provide fish or wildlife habitat; Waters of the state; Lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers planted with game fish by a governmental or tribal enti- ty; and State natural area preserves, natural resource conservation areas, and state wildlife areas. 1 2 (WAC 365-190-130 (2)) 2 Wetlands Areas inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration suffi- cient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from non-wetland sites, in- cluding, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention fa- cilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. However, wetlands may include those artificial wetlands specifically inten- tionally created from non-wetland areas to mitigate conversion of wetlands. (RCW 36.70A.030(21))
3 Geologically Hazardous Areas 3 4 Areas susceptible to erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geological events, where development is not suitable due to public health or safety concerns. (RCW 36.70A.030 (9)) According to BCC 15.55.030, geologically hazardous areas are characterized by steep slopes over 15 percent. 4 Frequently Flooded Areas 5 Lands in the flood plain subject to at least a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, or within areas subject to flooding due to high groundwater. These areas include, but are not "Critical areas" include the following areas and ecosystems: (a) limited to, streams, rivers, lakes, coastal areas, wetlands, and areas where high groundwater forms Wetlands; (b) areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers ponds on the ground surface. (WAC 365-190-030 (8)) used for potable water; (c) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; (d) frequently flooded areas; and (e) geologically hazardous areas. "Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas" does not 5 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas include such artificial features or constructs as irrigation delivery Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water, including areas where an systems, irrigation infrastructure, irrigation canals, or drainage ditches that lie within the boundaries of and are maintained by a aquifer that is a source of drinking water is vulnerable to contamination that would affect the port district or an irrigation district or company. RCW 36.70A.030(5) potability of the water, or is susceptible to reduced recharge. (WAC 365-190-030(3))
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 2 2/21/2017 Benton Stewardship Checklist Background: Critical Area & Agricultural Viability Goals & Example Conservation Practices Agricultural Viability Aims Critical Area Goals associated with critical area protection and enhancement . Consistent with the Yakima Basin Integrated . Maintain and increase reliability and availa- Water Resource Management Plan, ensure bility of irrigation water flows necessary to protect salmonids 1 2 . Protect surface water quality in streams, . Support actions that benefit both stream wetlands, and agricultural drains in hydro- functions and agricultural viability
. Protect shrub-steppe habitat and connectiv- . Support measures that provide incentives ity without restricting ongoing agricultural for conservation of key habitats activities . Protect native plant community diversity 3 4 . Protect the functions and values of wet- lands . Manage shrub-steppe habitat to improve . Protect agriculture from unmanaged fire
. Protect groundwater recharge in areas of . Maintain and increase reliability and availa- declining water tables or where recharge bility of irrigation water can help maintain base flows for rivers and 5 6 streams
. Protect groundwater quality in areas of agri- 1. CREP: protect highly erodible soils along salm- cultural intersect on-bearing streams 2. Fish screen . Protect natural floodplain functions . Recognize agricultural activities and tech- 3. Irrigation efficiencies niques that are compatible with flooding . Maintain or reduce hazards to physical safe- 4. Grazing management ty associated with flooding 5. Field borders 6. Nutrient Management . Protect the integrity of steep slopes associ- . Improve soil health and reduce erosion
Photos: BCD.org
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 3 2/21/2017 Benton Stewardship Checklist
Step 2: Voluntary Practices to Enhance Agriculture Viability and Protect Critical Areas
In this section, examine the conservation practice examples. For each practice, check off if you already do it, are interested in the practice, or it doesn’t apply. Practices are listed in three categories: A) Water Efficiencies/Management, B) Habitat, and C) Soil Health and Erosion Control.
Amount I’m Global LIVE Vine- Farm I do Does not Conservation Practice Examples NRCS # SQF Priority implemented interested Gap Cert. Wise Type* this apply since 2011 in this
A) Water Efficiencies and Management Code # Section Module Ch. Topic
Irrigation Canal or Lateral 320 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (ft) o o
Irrigation Pipeline 430 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (ft) o o Irrigation System, Microirrigation 441 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (ac) o o Irrigation System, Sprinkler 442 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (ac) o o
Irrigation Water Management 449 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (ac) o o
Pond Lining - Irrigation 521 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (no) o o
Pumping Plant—Variable Frequency Drive 533 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (no) o o
Water Quantity Enhancements: Center Pivot WQT CB 5 7, 8 7 Water Irr o (no) o o low energy precise application (LEPA) 11 Water Well for livestock, fire control, wildlife, 642 CB 5 7, 8 7 Water All o (no) o o and other agricultural uses Well Water Testing 355 CB 5 7, 8 Water All o (no) o o Water trust agreement or other water ex- — All amt change or transfer CB 5 7, 8 Water o o o
My idea to meet the goal o Amt o o Are there other Water Efficiencies and Management practices you are using? Please describe your practice(s) including whether you've implemented it since 2011 and the amount you've implemented.
The VSP is intended to promote agricultural viability while protecting critical areas. Water Efficiencies and Management help maintain Agricultural Viability for producers through cost savings achieved by water reductions, lower energy use, potential increases in crop yield, as well as helping to improve stream functions. *Farm Type: Irr=Irrigated; Dry = Dryland; Range=Rangeland; All=All Farm Types PRELIMINARY DRAFT 4 2/21/2017 Benton Stewardship Checklist
Amount I’m Does Global Vine- Farm I do implement- Conservation Practice Examples NRCS # SQF LIVE Priority interested not Gap this Wise Type* ed since in this apply 2011 B) Land Management & Habitat Code # Section Module Ch. Topic
Access Control to exclude animals, people, ve- Whole- 472 5, 7 11 All hicles, and/or equipment from an area AF 7.1 farm o o o Access Road: position away from water bodies AF 7.1, and water courses; locate and build to control 560 All o (ft) o o or reduce erosion CB 3 Brush Management to manage or remove All woody plants that are invasive or noxious 314 AF 7.1 7 2 Soil o (ac) o o Conservation Cover to provide vegetative cov- AF 7.2, 327 2 Soil All o (ac) o o er, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation CB 3 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program BCD AF 7.2 2 Soil All o (ac) o o Fence (management of browsing animals or Whole- 382 AF 7.1 5, 6, 9 11 All o (ft) o o management of wildlife movement) farm Field Border to provide wildlife food and cover, Whole- 386 AF 7.2 11 All o (ft) o o protect soil and water quality. farm Fish Screen to protect fish from injury 700 AF 7.1 6 2 Water Irr o (no) o o Integrated Pest Management to control nox- Whole- 595 AF 7.1 3-14 8 All o (ac) o o ious weeds and invasive plants farm Livestock Pipeline to convey water for livestock Whole- 516 CB 5 5 11 All o (ft) o o or wildlife farm Prescribed Grazing, including to reduce noxious weeds or invasive plants, manage fuel loads, 528 AF 7.1 5, 7 11 All o (ac) o o and address erosion Restoration and Management of Rare and De- Whole- 643 AF 7.2 2 All o (ac) o o clining Habitats farm Riparian Herbaceous Cover 390 AF 7.2 6 Irr o (ac) o o
B) is continued on following page. *Farm Type: Irr=Irrigated; Dry = Dryland; Range=Rangeland; All=All Farm Types
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 5 2/21/2017 Benton Stewardship Checklist
Amount I’m Global LIVE Farm I do Does not Conservation Practice Examples NRCS # SQF Vine-Wise Priority implemented interested Gap Cert. Type* this apply since 2011 in this
B) Land Management Code # Section Module Ch. Topic
Riparian Forest Buffer 391 AF7.2 6 o (ac) o o Seasonal high tunnel system for crops 798 CB 3 Water Irr o (ft2) o o Spring Development 574 CB 3 Water All o (no) o o Streambank and Shoreline Irr Protection 580 AF 7.1 2 Whole-farm o (ft) o o Structures for wildlife: Raptor and bat All nesting box for predator patrol 649 AF 7.1 2 Whole-farm o (no) o o Tree/Shrub Site Preparation 490 AF 7.1 2, 5 Whole-farm All o (ac) o o Upland Wildlife Habitat Management 645 AF 7.1 2 Whole-farm All o (ac) o o
Watering Facility for livestock or wild- 614 AF 7.1 11 Whole-farm All o (no) o o life Wetland Creation 658 AF 7.2 2 Whole-farm Irr o (ac) o o Wetland Enhancement 659 AF 7.1 2 Whole-farm All o (ac) o o
Wetland Restoration 657 AF 7.2 2 Whole-farm Irr o (ac) o o Wetland Wildlife Habitat Manage- 644 AF 7.1 2 Whole-farm All o (ac) o o ment Wildlife and pollinator habitat 422 AF 7.2 2 Whole-farm All o (ft) o o planting Windbreak 380/ AF 7.1 Whole-farm All o (ft) o o 650 My idea to meet the goal o amt o o Are there other Land Management and Habitat practices you are using? Please describe your practice(s) including whether you've implemented it since 2011 and the amount you've implemented.
The VSP is intended to promote agricultural viability while protecting critical areas. Land Management and Habitat practices can promote crop pollination, breakdown of or- ganic matter to provide nutrients for crops, provide contaminant degradation, allow for agricultural pest control, reduce invasive species, improve stream bank stability and wildlife habitats, and reduce erosion.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 6 2/21/2017 Benton Stewardship Checklist
Amount I’m Global LIVE Vince- Farm Prior- I do Does not Conservation Practice Examples NRCS SQF implemented interest- Gap Cert. Wise Type* ity this apply since 2011 ed in this C) Soil Health and Erosion Control Code # Section Module Ch. Topic
Access Road: position away from water bodies and water courses; locate and build to control or 560 AF 7.1 3, 7 4 Soil All o (ft) o o reduce erosion Conservation Cover to provide permanent vegeta- AF 7.2, tive cover, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation 327 3, 7 2 Soil All o (ac) o o CB 3 Cover Crop for seasonal cover and other purposes. 340 AF 7.1 7 Water Irr, Dry o (ac) o o Fire wise: wildfire protection to maintain cover/ Dry, BCD AF 7.1 3, 5, 7 Soil o o o reduce soil loss Range Heavy use area protection to stabilize ground 561 CB 3 3, 5, 7 Soil All o (ac) o o surface Irrigation Water Management 449 CB 5 7 7 Water Irr o (ac) o o Nutrient Management to conserve nutrients, All minimize pollution 590 CB 4 5, 6 Soil o (ac) o o Mulching to control erosion and conserve Irr, Dry (ac) soil moisture 484 CB 3 4 Soil o o o Prescribed Grazing, including to reduce erosion and manage fuel loads 528 AF 7.1 5 4 Soil All o (ac) o o Residue and Tillage Management 329, CB 3 Soil Dry o (ac) o o 345 Seasonal High Tunnel System for crops and soil moisture 798 CB 3 7 Water Irr o (ft) o o Vegetative Barrier along contour of slopes or AF 7.1, 601 Soil All o (ft) o o concentrated flow areas CB 3 Windbreak to reduce soil erosion, protect plants 380/ Whole- CB 3 All o (ft) o o 650 farm My idea to meet the goal o amt o o Are there other Soil Health and Erosion Control practices you are using? Please describe your practice(s) including whether you've implemented it since 2011 and the amount you've implemented.
The VSP is intended to promote agricultural viability while protecting critical areas. Soil Health and Erosion Control help maintain agricultural viability for producers through improving soil health and water quality; avoiding soil loss, crusting, high summer temperatures, and moisture loss; and maintaining the land base for agricultural purposes. *Farm Type: Irr=Irrigated; Dry = Dryland; Range=Rangeland; All=All Farm Types PRELIMINARY DRAFT 7 2/21/2017 Benton Stewardship Checklist Step 3: Monitoring A technical assistance provider, coordinated by the Benton Conservation District, will contact you annually about the conservation practices installed. To as- sist with monitoring, you may be asked to provide additional information. You may request a field visit to obtain advice on improving the effectiveness of the conservation practices.
Ideas for Agriculture Viability Incentives and Outcomes The VSP is designed to promote the viability of agriculture over the long term and to avoid unnecessary local critical area regulations due to the prevalence of conservation practices undertaken by willing producers. Producers may find cost-matching programs with technical providers (see contact information on page 1). What incentives could help you achieve your goals for your farm?
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 8 2/21/2017 DRAFT VSP INVITATION LETTER Dear Producer, The Benton Conservation District invites your participation in a new voluntary program that protects critical environmental areas while promoting agriculture. It’s called the Voluntary Stewardship Program, or VSP. The VSP is a program under the Growth Management Act to avoid unnecessary regulation. Benton County has “opted in” to VSP and developed a VSP Work Plan. The Work Plan has been locally prepared and is monitored by local agricultural and environmental stakeholders. The VSP is voluntarily implemented by individual agricultural producers to protect critical areas and improve agricultural viability through conservation practices. Participating in the Benton VSP could benefit you in several ways:
Work together with other farmers to promote volunteerism versus additional regulatory controls. This means more certainty and less regulations.
Be recognized for the conservation and stewardship you already do.
Find out about practices that make efficient use of natural resources and support greater yields and produce quality.
Enhance the marketability of agricultural products. The VSP recognizes other market-based programs you may already participate in such as GlobalGAP, and does not increase requirements. The purpose of the VSP is to maintain critical area functions and values as they were as of July 2011. The success of our VSP program depends on recognizing the good work you are doing now to steward your land and improve your productivity. Tell us a little about you:
What kind of farm or ranch do you have? What is working well? What could be working better?
What kinds of water efficiencies/management practices have you been implementing?
What kind of livestock management practices have you implemented?
What about land management and habitat practices?
Have you had to address soil erosion or soil health measures? As a technical service provider, we are here to meet your needs, including cost-sharing for implementation of conservation practices on your property. Please let us know if you would like to have an individual meeting with us. You can contact us at [phone, email]. We will be following up with a phone call within the next month. Please fill out the short form included to help identify potential or existing conservation practices. [if included] Sincerely, Name, Benton Conservation District, http://www.bentoncd.org/
March 21, 2017
DRAFT Benton County March 2017 VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM An alternative approach to protect critical areas and promote agriculture Frequently Asked Questions WHAT IS THE VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM? The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is an optional, incentive-based approach to protecting critical areas while promoting agriculture. It is an alternative to traditional approaches to critical areas protection, such as “no touch” buffers. Benton County is one of 27 counties that has “opted in” to VSP, and has received funding to develop a VSP Work Plan. The VSP Work Plan is locally prepared and monitored by agricultural and environmental stakeholders in the VSP Work Group. The Work Plan identifies conservation practices that are voluntarily implemented by individual agricultural producers. Unnecessary regulations are avoided. Participation is voluntary and you can join or leave the program when you choose.
Wheat field, Benton County
WHAT AREAS DOES THE VSP PROTECT? Examples of Conservation Practices The VSP protects environmentally critical areas in agricultural lands that are unincorporated. Critical areas include: (1) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, (2) wetlands, (3) frequently flooded areas, 4( ) geologically hazardous areas, and (5) critical aquifer recharge areas used for potable water. Note: See RCW 36.70A and WAC 365-190 WHAT HAVE PRODUCERS DONE TO Fish Screening Field Border STEWARD THEIR LANDS? VSP recognizes that many producers already implement conservation practices that maintain their land, such as: • Water Efficiencies and Management • Land Management and Habitat Protection Nutrient Management Irrigation Management • Soil Health and Erosion Control Picture Sources: BCD HOW DOES THE VSP SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS? The VSP provides technical assistance to landowners to complete projects on their lands. Producer lands remain agriculturally viable and profitable. Landowners are recognized for the work they already do to steward their lands. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CRITICAL AREA REGULATIONS AND VSP? VSP is voluntary, and designed to be monitored at a watershed scale, not a parcel scale. Key differences between the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) approach and the VSP approach are highlighted in the table below.
Feature Critical Areas Ordinance VSP Alternative Approach • Regulatory provisions, e.g. buffers, and enforcement • Voluntary participation in individual stewardship plans Scale • Site-by-site basis • Collective, watershed basis Monitoring • Both watershed review and site-by-site enforcement • Watershed scale monitoring Responsible Party • Benton County • VSP Work Group, Washington Conservation Commission DRAFT
WHAT ARE SOME WORK PLAN GOALS? The Draft Work Plan identifies goals and benchmarks for critical area protection and aims for agricultural viability. Monitoring is reported at the areawide watershed scale and not the parcel scale. If benchmarks are not met over time, the Work Group would identify other potential conservation practices and seek additional VSP participants to achieve the benchmarks.See example goals and aims below. Example Critical Area Goals Example Agricultural Viability Aims Why Participate • Protect surface water quality in streams, • Maintain existing agricultural areas and wetlands, and agricultural drains accommodate expansion of agriculture in VSP? • Protect shrub-steppe habitat and • Maintain and increase reliability and connectivity without restricting ongoing availability of irrigation water • Work together with other farmers to promote agricultural activities • Support actions that benefit both stream volunteerism versus additional • Protect native plant community diversity functions and agricultural viability, e.g. off- regulatory controls. in shrub-steppe habitats in areas of channel watering • Be recognized for the agricultural intersect • Support measures that provide incentives conservation and stewardship • Protect groundwater quality in areas of for conservation of key habitats you already do. agricultural intersect • Protect agriculture from unmanaged fire • Protect the integrity of steep slopes • Support actions that protect and enhance • Find out about practices that make efficient use of natural associated with agricultural production soil health and land productivity resources and support greater yields and produce quality. I WANT TO PARTICIPATE. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? • Enhance the marketability of agricultural products. Landowners who volunteer for the program will fill out a stewardship checklist that establishes a baseline of environmental conditions and conservation practices on your land. Technical assistance providers will help producers fill out the checklist. Stewardship checklists are confidential. See contact information below.
BENTONAgriculture COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP ( VSinP) PRO GBentonRAM County ADAMS KITTITAS Agricultural Lands Map Colum b ia GRANT R iv e r Over $920 million inWat ecropsrshed Bound aandries livestock products were sold Agricultural Lands in Benton County inRiv e2012,rs and Stream sthird highest in Washington State. The top value commoditiesAqueducts, Canals, aarend Siph opotatoes,ns apples, and grapes. Waterbodies In 2013, Benton CountyCity Limits produced $617 million from food Alkali - Squilchuck Urban Growth Areas FRANKLIN processing, ninth placeCounty Bou ndinarie sthe state. Hanford Site Federal Government Lands C o ld State Government Lands C re ek Benton County producers also have a strong ethic of land and environmental stewardship. Continuing to balance YAKIMA
Lower Yakima West agricultural viability and critical area protection will be Richland
S p important to Benton County producers into the future. r Richland i ng Benton C ree City k r i v e a R m ki Ya
Kennewick 0 5 10 Prosser WALLA WALLA ¯ FOR MORE INFORMATIONMiles Benton Conservation District - Lead Technical Assistance Provider: http://www.bentoncd.org/
k e re C e d Rock - Glade la G h [Insert contact name, address, phone number for BCD] c n a r B t s a E State website: http://scc.wa.gov/vsp/
River bia m KLICKITAT lu o C County website: http://benton.municipalcms.com/pview. aspx?id=10933&catID=45
• Benton County Farm Bureau • WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Date: 12/8/20VSP16. Source: Benton CoWorkunty; BCD; BERK; DNR; ECY; NGroupHD; WSDA; Microsoft Bing (Aer ialMembers). • Benton County Wheat Growers • WA Dept. of Ecology • Ag Association Management (14 associations) • Hogue Ranches • WA Dept. of Agriculture • AgriNorthwest • Kennewick Irrigation District • WA Farm Bureau • Barker Ranch • Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society • WSU Extension • Benton Conservation District • Olson Brothers Ranches • Yakama Nation • Benton County Cattlemen’s Association • Tapteal Greenway Association • Zirkle Fruit Company • Tapteil Vineyard Winery
Prepared by BERK Consulting
BENTON VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
Voluntary Participation & Practices Checklist
The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) is an optional, incentive-based approach to protecting critical areas while promoting agriculture. This checklist serves as [(1) an introduction to conservation practices – you will be invited to discuss conservation practices with a technical provider who can describe practices and offer cost-share agreements OR 2) a self-certification VSP stewardship plan for producers with additional resources and experience] referenced in the VSP law to help each producer contribute to the goals and benchmarks of the Benton County VSP Work Plan. See WWW. XXX.XXX for more information. 1. Provide Location Information
1. What basin is your agricultural property located within? a. Lower Yakima b. Rock Glade c. Alkali-Squilchuck 2. Identify potential critical areas on, or near, property: a. fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas b. wetlands c. frequently flooded areas d. geologically hazardous areas e. critical aquifer recharge areas
Review critical area and agriculture maps at: www. XXX.XXX for potential critical areas on or near your property, such as ponds, streams, wetlands, steep slopes, etc.
2. Do you participate in any of the following conservation programs? a. Global Gap: www.scsglobalservices.com/globalgap- e. Safe Quality Food Institute: www.sqfi.com certification b. WSDA Organic System Plan: f. Vinewise: http://www.vinewise.org/eval/ http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/Organic/ c. NRCS Conservation Plan: g. Other: ______ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ d. LIVE Certification: https://livecertified.org/standards
If you checked any of the above conservation programs, please describe what kinds of activities you may have implemented since July 2011 that are related to conservation and protection of critical areas.
1 VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP DRAFT PARTICIPATION AND PRACTICES CHECKLIST
Conservation Practices Conservation practices are practical methods of agricultural land management or improvements designed to protect or enhance natural resources – soils, water, air, energy, habitat – while allowing efficient and productive use of the land. Listed in 1 2 following pages (and illustrated at right) are types of conservation practices you may have implemented or may be interested in applying to your operation. These are just a few ideas – some may be applicable and others not. We are interested in the 3 4 types of conservation measures you have applied and your thoughts on how they are working for you. There is no right or wrong answer. Each operation is unique and changes over time. The VSP statute identifies a baseline 5 6 year of July 22, 2011. Some of the questions ask how much of the 1. CREP: protect highly erodible soils along measures you’ve implemented since salmon-bearing streams 2011. Please fill that in if you know 2. Fish screen those amounts. In addition, for any 3. Irrigation efficiencies 4. Grazing management conservation practices you put in place 5. Field borders prior to 2011, please let us know if you 6. Nutrient Management do more or less of the practice today. Photos: BCD.org We would like to ensure that our Work Plan continues to show positive results across our watersheds and that we are credited for all the good things producers do to have a viable agricultural operation, protect critical areas, and steward their land. VSP offers technical assistance and incentives for willing producers for conservation practices that protect and enhance critical areas. The conservation practices also are intended to improve agricultural viability by reducing producer costs and increasing yields and quality in many cases. See contact information for Technical Providers to get assistance, including cost-sharing for conservation practices on your property:
Lead Technical Assistance Providers: Benton Conservation District http://www.bentoncd.org/
2 VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP DRAFT PARTICIPATION AND PRACTICES CHECKLIST
3. Water Efficiencies/Management Practices Water Efficiencies and Management practices can help enhance on farm irrigation efficiency and distribution, conserve water, save energy, decrease producer’s costs, and may improve crop yield and production. If implemented Amount I’m Does I do before 2011 do you Conservation Practice Examples Implemented interested not this do more or less of it (since 2011) in this apply now? Irrigation water management or improvements such as micro-irrigation, more drip, sprinkler, moisture monitoring, pond (ac) less lining, center pivot low energy precise application, etc. Soil and plant moisture monitoring more (ac) less Water trust agreement or other water more (amt) exchange or transfer less more Water Well for livestock, fire control, (no) wildlife, and other agricultural uses less more (no) Well Water Testing less
Are there other Water Efficiencies/Management practices you are implementing? What are they?
Why did you implement these practices?
Have you seen changes from these practices?
Are you doing more or less Water Efficiencies/Management measures since 2011?
3 VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP DRAFT PARTICIPATION AND PRACTICES CHECKLIST
4. Land Management and Habitat Land Management and Habitat practices can promote crop pollination, breakdown of organic matter to provide nutrients for crops, provide contaminant degradation, allow for agricultural pest control, reduce invasive species, and reduce the risk of wildfire. Additionally, practices can reduce erosion and improve water quality. For example, by fencing off streams and providing off-stream watering, producers can increase drinking water quality, pasture quality, stream bank stability, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats, while reducing disease incidents, water pollution, and erosion. Amount If implemented before I’m Does I do Conservation Practice Examples Implemented 2011 do you do more or interested not this (since 2011) less of it now? in this apply Fish and fish habitat protection such as more (no) fish screens or fencing less Vegetation management, such as more herbaceous weed control or integrated (ac) less pest management Prescribed grazing, including to reduce more noxious weeds or invasive plants, manage (ac) less fuel loads, and address erosion Riparian protection and enhancement, more such as herbaceous cover, riparian forest (ac / ft) less buffer, streambank protection Structures for wildlife: Raptor and bat more (ac) nesting box for predator patrol less Tree and shrub establishment more (ac / ft) less Watering facility for livestock or wildlife more (no) less Wildlife and pollinator habitat planting more (ac) less
Are there other Land Management and Habitat practices you are implementing?
Why did you implement these practices?
Have you seen changes from these practices?
Are you doing more or less Land Management and Habitat measures since 2011?
4 VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP DRAFT PARTICIPATION AND PRACTICES CHECKLIST
5. Soil Health and Erosion Control Soil Health and Erosion Control practices help maintain agricultural viability for producers through improving soil health and water quality; avoiding soil loss, crusting, high summer temperatures, and moisture loss; and maintaining the land base for agricultural purposes. Amount If implemented before 2011 I’m Does I do Conservation Practice Examples Implemented do you do more or less of it interested not this (since 2011) now? in this apply Conservation cover or cover crop, for (ac) more permanent or seasonal cover, and to less reduce soil erosion Fire wise: wildfire protection to more maintain cover/ reduce soil loss less Nutrient management to conserve (ac) more nutrients, minimize pollution less Mulching to control erosion and (ac) more conserve soil moisture less Prescribed grazing, including to reduce (ac) more erosion and manage fuel loads less Residue and tillage management (ac) more less Vegetative barrier or windbreak, to (ft) more reduce erosion less
Are there other Soil Health and Erosion Control practices you are implementing?
Why did you implement these practices?
Have you seen changes from these practices?
Are you doing more or less Soil Health and Erosion Control measures since 2011?
5
See Chapter 8 for a description of this chart and its use in implementation. Benton County VSP Adaptive Management Matrix | January 2017
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action High level goal of project. There Specific environmental conditions desired Protection (P) What will be measured to The measured effect of How the performance metric Project result that, if Action that will be Person or When Person or Organization with are just a handful. from project or know if benchmark is actions on critical will be measured achieved, must be taken if threshold is organization monitoring Organization funding available Enhancement achieved areas addressed with an reached responsible for will occur responsible for to assist technical (E) action (A No Action benchmark implementing provider or Alternative is implied monitoring adaptive agricultural owner as an option) management action (contracting and fiscal responsibility) if threshold is reached. Irrigation efficiencies Tracking tool: The X% reduction of Seek willing 1. Benchmark‐A. Maintain flow in P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD Yakima River during critical periods (both on‐farm and in number and extent of conservation landowners in areas except delivery) practices conservation practices that practices in areas of of intersect to XXX Type B mapping maintained promote irrigation intersect. reestablish or add XXX Type C efficiencies as of the baseline new irrigation Type 2 Number of water X% reduction in XXX Type D exchanges, storage, Tracking tool: Water water agreements efficiency transfers, voluntary resource agreements related to conservation regional agreements, maintained or increased as agricultural use practices. and/or water trusts of the baseline important for Reestablish or maintained related to Mapped area of minimum flows. increase water agricultural use Area of connected floodplain in X% reduction in agreements with Goal‐I. Consistent connected areas of intersect is areas of connected willing landowners. with the Yakima floodplain for maintained or increased floodplain. Evaluate if changed floodplain Basin Integrated recharge (acres) in Ecology River and Stream X% reduction in areas of agricultural Flow Monitoring or minimum flow mapping is due to Water Resource intersect YBIWRMP monitoring attributable to quality of mapping Management Plan Minimum flows results show maintenance or agricultural data or due to on‐ (YBIWRMP), at designated increases in minimum flows at activities since the‐ground loss of ensure flows locations (related to river locations intersecting baseline. critical area due to necessary to with agriculture agriculture. Benchmark‐B. Increase flow in E Irrigation efficiencies agricultural No increase in BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 2. protect salmonids. intersect) in critical Increase Yakima River during critical periods (both on‐farm and in conservation except delivery) practices low flow periods practices in areas of floodplain XXX Type B mapping installed (acre feet intersect. connection projects XXX Type C conserved, with willing Type 2 No increase in XXX Type D instantaneous flow) water agreements landowners. Number of water related to exchanges, storage, agricultural use transfers, voluntary important for regional agreements, minimum flows. and/or water trusts No increase in established related to areas of connected agricultural use floodplain.
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 1 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action Maintenance of Compliance with Tracking tool: The X% reduction of Seek willing 3. Benchmark‐C. Avoid runoff and P BCD Type A Type 1 TBD TBD erosion associated with agricultural conservation practices water quality number and extent of conservation landowners in areas to limit runoff and regulations related conservation practices that practices addressing of intersect to XXX Type B activities erosion due to to agricultural address runoff and erosion, runoff, erosion, increase XXX Type D agricultural activities activities irrigation and water irrigation, livestock conservation management management practices. Tracking tool: The X% increase number and extent of above water quality conservation practice parameters addressing livestock Improve surface E Increased Progress toward No improvement Seek willing BCD Type A Type 1 TBD TBD 4. Benchmark‐D. management or exclusion water quality conditions related to implementation of meeting Total in progress to meet landowners in areas irrigation practices and Maximum Daily Ecology water quality TMDL parameters of intersect to XXX Type B runoff and erosion associated with irrigation water Load (TMDL) monitoring results increase irrigation XXX Type D agricultural activities management to reduce standards for Ecology TMDL monitoring and water erosion of soil suspended results management Implementation of sediments and practices. conservation practices toxics where related that manage or exclude to agricultural activities Goal‐II. Protect livestock from streams and wetlands surface water quality in streams, Benchmark‐E. Investigate E Floodplain Area of Mapped area of No increase in Seek willing XXX Type C Type 2 TBD TBD 5. connectivity projects connected connected floodplain in areas of connected landowners in areas wetlands, and opportunities to recharge implemented floodplain for areas of intersect is floodplain. of intersect to groundwater by flooding fields agricultural drains recharge (acres) in maintained or increased implement in hydrologic study during high flows to create cool areas of agricultural floodplain areas water refugia intersect enhancement. Maintain Ecology River and Stream X% increase Seek willing 6. Benchmark‐F. Maintain shading P BCD Type A Type 1 TBD TBD of streams/ wetland areas by native conservation practices Flow Monitoring or above stream landowners in areas to exclude livestock YBIWRMP monitoring temperature of intersect to XXX Type B trees from streams and results parameters increase XXX Type D wetlands conservation practices. Benchmark‐G. Enhance shading E Implementation of Stream Tracking tool: The No increase in Seek willing BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 7. temperatures of streams/ wetland areas by native conservation practices number and extent of conservation landowners in areas except to exclude livestock suitable for priority conservation practice practices addressing of intersect to XXX Type B trees survey from streams and fish attributable to addressing livestock livestock increase XXX Type D wetlands agricultural management or exclusion management conservation Type 2 XXX Type E Riparian activities Sample areas using aerial No increase in practices. planting/protection photography or site visits by riparian planting or Seek willing projects (acres and technical assistance protection projects landowners in linear feet) providers priority locations to implement riparian planting or protection projects.
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 2 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action Sample areas using site X% increase in Seek willing 8. Benchmark‐H. Control water P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD stargrass abundance and prevent visits by technical assistance stargrass landowners in areas except providers attributable to of intersect to XXX Type B new populations survey agricultural increase XXX Type E activities conservation Type 2 Conservation Stargrass practices. practices implemented abundance to address stargrass Number and extent of No stargrass Seek willing 9. Benchmark‐I. Reduce water E BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD stargrass abundance stargrass removal projects reduction landowners in except priority locations to XXX Type B survey implement stargrass XXX Type E Type 2 removal projects. Agricultural area Tracking tool: Shrub‐ X% reduction in Seek willing 10. Benchmark‐J. Protect blocks of P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD intact shrub steppe habitat and managed to minimize steppe management shrub‐steppe landowners in areas except impacts to shrub‐steppe practices habitat due to of intersect to alter XXX Type B currently utilized connectivity mapping (acres) Mapped area of shrub‐ agricultural management XXX Type C corridors and survey Area of shrub‐steppe steppe habitat conversion practices to allow XXX Type D Type 2 linkage or pinch point Mapped area of habitat X% reduction in shrub‐steppe to protected (acres) connectivity corridors habitat connectivity reestablish XXX Type E Area of high quality including linkages and pinch corridors including Seek willing shrub‐steppe protected points linkages and pinch landowners to Goal‐III. Protect through easements, Sample areas using aerial points enhance or restore habitat in high value shrub‐steppe acquisition, CRP/CREP, Area of intact photography and site visits and other strategies shrub steppe blocks or habitat and by technical assistance (acres) habitat providers connectivity connectivity corridors in Benchmark‐K. Enhance shrub E Area of high quality Extent of X% increase in BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 11. without restricting connectivity exchange for lower steppe habitat blocks and shrub shrub‐steppe enhanced shrub‐steppe except ongoing agricultural or restored (acres) corridors habitat protected, value shrub‐steppe XXX Type B activities steppe corridors with the first conversion mapping Area of shrub‐steppe enhanced, or XXX Type C priority as current blocks and restored and survey linkage or pinch point XXX Type D currently utilized connectivity enhanced or restored X% increase in Type 2 corridors and the second priority as (acres) protected, XXX Type E historical or likely suitable enhanced, or connectivity corridors that could be restored habitat established or renewed through connectivity voluntary landowner cooperation corridors including linkages and pinch points
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 3 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action Conservation Reduced Tracking tool: The X% increase in Seek willing 12. Goal‐IV. Manage Benchmark‐L. Encourage E BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD shrub‐steppe diversity of native grasses in place practices implemented cheatgrass and number and extent of cheatgrass landowners in areas except to control cheat grass increased native conservation practices that of intersect to XXX Type B habitat to improve of cheatgrass to promote resiliency X% decrease in survey and plant native grasses grasses address cheatgrass or other native grasses increase XXX Type E resiliency to fire Type 2 (acres); practices may Reduced invasive species conservation include prescribed frequency and Sample areas using site practices. grazing, Integrated Pest intensity of fire over visits by technical assistance Promote Management to , time (long‐term providers implementation of establishing desired trend) native grass planting vegetation, or other through measures enhancement or restoration Continuation of X% increase in Seek willing 13. Benchmark‐M. Control invasive P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD species on agricultural lands, and practices to maintain invasive species landowners in areas except botanical diversity such of intersect to XXX Type B protect native species diversity X% decrease in survey as prescribed grazing, Tracking tool: The native plants increase XXX Type E Integrated Pest conservation Type 2 Goal‐V. Protect number and extent of Management or other conservation practices that practices. native plant Increased native measures address native species community species diversity Benchmark‐N. Reduce invasive E Implementation of Sample areas using site X% increase in Promote BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 14. diversity visits by technical assistance species on agricultural lands, and measures to control native plants implementation of except invasive species and providers including for native plant XXX Type B enhance native species diversity survey enhance native species pollinators enhancement or XXX Type E Type 2 diversity, including host restoration plants for pollinators On‐farm irrigation Tracking tool: The X% decrease in Seek willing 15. Goal‐VI. Protect Benchmark‐O. Maintain on‐farm P BCD Type A Type 1 TBD TBD groundwater water conservation practices, such efficiencies are number and extent of irrigation practice landowners in areas maintained (acre feet conservation practices that implementation of intersect to XXX Type B recharge in areas of as irrigation water management conserved) address address irrigation declining water and efficient irrigation systems Groundwater practices tables or where Benchmark‐P. Increase on‐farm E On‐farm irrigation levels at specified Mapped area of No increase in Seek willing XXX Type C Type 2 TBD TBD 16. recharge can help locations associated water conservation practices, such efficiencies installed connected floodplain in areas of connected landowners in areas maintain base flows (acre feet conserved) with agriculture areas of intersect is floodplain of intersect to as irrigation water management for rivers and are increased maintained or increased implement and efficient irrigation systems streams Floodplain floodplain connectivity projects enhancement. implemented
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 4 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action X% reduction of Seek willing 17. Benchmark‐Q. Maintain on‐farm P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD water conservation practices, such conservation landowners in areas except practices in areas of of intersect to XXX Type B as irrigation water management mapping intersect. reestablish or add Tracking tool: The XXX Type C and efficient irrigation systems new irrigation Type 2 number and extent of X% reduction in XXX Type D efficiency conservation practices that areas of connected conservation promote irrigation floodplain. practices. efficiencies as of the baseline X% reduction in On‐farm irrigation Evaluate if Groundwater Mapped area of minimum flow efficiencies installed changed floodplain levels at specified connected floodplain in attributable to (acre feet conserved) mapping is due to locations associated areas of intersect is agricultural Floodplain quality of mapping with agriculture maintained or increased activities since connectivity projects baseline. data or due to on‐ Groundwater information the‐ground loss of Benchmark‐R. Increase on‐farm E from Ecology’s No increase in BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 18. conservation critical area due to water conservation practices, such Environmental Assessment agriculture. XXX Type B except Program's groundwater‐ practices in areas of as irrigation water management Increase mapping focused projects intersect. XXX Type C and efficient irrigation systems floodplain Type 2 No increase in XXX Type D areas of connected connection projects floodplain. with willing landowners. Implementation of Groundwater Groundwater well X% decrease in Evaluate if 19. Benchmark‐S. Avoid increases in P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD leaching of nitrogen and other conservation practices quality in areas of monitoring from XXX groundwater changed wetlands except to limit runoff agricultural quality based on mapping is due to XXX Type B contaminants into groundwater mapping intersect federal or state quality of mapping XXX Type C standards data or due to on‐ Type 2 XXX Type D the‐ground loss of Benchmark‐T. Reduce leaching of E On‐farm irrigation Groundwater Tracking tool: The No increase in natural wetlands BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 20. efficiencies installed conserved due to number and extent of conservation Goal‐VII. Protect nitrogen and other contaminants due to agriculture. except (acre feet conserved) to irrigation conservation practices that practices in areas of XXX Type B groundwater into groundwater Seek willing mapping limit agricultural runoff efficiencies promote water efficiencies intersect. landowners in areas XXX Type C quality in areas of from recharging Type 2 Wetlands Mapped area of wetlands No increase in of intersect to test XXX Type D agricultural groundwater functions and values in areas of agricultural areas of wetlands for nitrates and intersect Wetland protected or protected in areas intersect protection or reduce nitrates with restored (acres) of agricultural restoration appropriate intersect practices Increase floodplain connection projects with willing landowners.
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 5 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action Floodplain wetland Area of wetlands X% reduction of Evaluate if 21. Benchmark‐U. Maintain wetland P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD functions and values, with a priority area protected in adjacent to the conservation changed wetlands except CRP/CREP, conservation Yakima and practices in areas of mapping is due to XXX Type B for protecting wetlands with high mapping easement, or in‐lieu fee Columbia Rivers intersect. quality of mapping XXX Type C habitat functions and floodplain (acres) data or due to on‐ and survey Tracking tool: The X% reduction in XXX Type E wetlands along the Yakima and the‐ground loss of Type 2 number and extent of areas of floodplain Columbia Rivers floodplain wetlands conservation practices that wetlands in areas of due to agriculture. protect floodplain wetlands intersect. Seek willing Enhance natural E Wetland restoration, Functions and Mapped area of No increase in BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 22. Benchmark‐V. landowners in areas wetlands in the county, with a enhancement, and values of wetlands floodplain wetlands in areas conservation except creation projects in in areas of practices in areas of of intersect to XXX Type B priority towards floodplain wetland of agricultural intersect mapping areas of intersect with a agricultural intersect. implement wetland XXX Type C functions along the Yakima and Sample areas using aerial and survey priority implemented intersect No increase in conservation Columbia Rivers photography or site visits by practices XXX Type E Type 2 along the Yakima and technical assistance provider areas of wetlands Columbia Rivers (acres) protection or Increase wetland restoration enhancement or restoration projects with willing landowners. Goal‐VIII. Protect Benchmark‐W. Avoid increases in P Implementation of X% reduction of Evaluate if BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 23. integrated pest conservation changed wetlands the functions and the presence of invasive species in except management practices, practices in areas of mapping is due to XXX Type B values of wetlands and around wetlands, and protect mapping prescribed grazing, or intersect. quality of mapping XXX Type C native species diversity other measures data or due to on‐ and survey X% reduction in XXX Type E areas of natural the‐ground loss of Type 2 wetlands in areas of natural wetlands intersect. due to agriculture. Tracking tool: The Distribution and Seek willing number and extent of abundance of landowners in areas conservation practices that invasive species of intersect to promote removal of invasive implement wetland Distribution, species abundance, and conservation Sample areas using aerial composition of practices photography or site visits by Reduce the presence native species No increase in Seek willing 24. Benchmark‐X. Reduce the E technical assistance provider BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD presence of invasive species in and of invasive species in conservation landowners in areas except and around wetlands, practices in areas of of intersect to XXX Type B around wetlands, and enhance mapping and enhance native intersect. implement invasive XXX Type C native species diversity species diversity species removal and and survey No decrease in XXX Type E invasive species or native species Type 2 increase in native enhancement species conservation practices
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 6 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action Floodplain protection Area of X% reduction in Evaluate if 25. Benchmark‐Y. Maintain P TBD (Benton Type 2 TBD TBD floodplain connectivity projects connected areas of connected changed floodplain County floodplain for floodplain due to connectivity Emergency recharge (acres) in agricultural mapping is due to Services?) areas of agricultural activities. quality of mapping intersect data or due to on‐ the‐ground loss of Enhance floodplain E Floodplain Area of No increase in TBD (Benton Type 2 TBD TBD 26. Benchmark‐Z. floodplain connectivity enhancement projects floodplain restored Mapped area of areas of connected County Goal‐IX. Protect natural (acres) in areas of floodplain due to connectivity due to connected floodplain in Emergency floodplain functions agricultural agricultural agricultural areas of intersect Services?) intersect activities. activities. Seek willing landowners in areas of intersect to implement floodplain connection restoration projects Continued 27. Goal‐X. Maintain or reduce Intersect areas are protected by the P Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. County Not Not applicable. Not applicable. hazards to physical safety regulatory backstop including flood application of flood implementation applicable. hazard regulations. associated with flooding hazard management regulations and of flood hazard pesticide regulations. No benchmarks regulations in or measurement required. Critical Areas Ordinance. Vegetation retained Wind erosion and Tracking tool: The Net loss of more Implement 28. Goal‐XI. Protect the integrity Benchmark‐AA. Maintain integrity P BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD of steep slopes associated of steep slopes along steep slopes sheet and rill number and extent of than X% vegetation conservation except adjacent to agricultural erosion in areas of conservation practices in areas of intersect practices to XXX Type B with agricultural mapping activities (acres) intersect where addressing slope stability and steep slopes reestablish lost XXX Type C production basinwide tracking and erosion vegetation with and survey Implementation of Measurable XXX Type D conservation practices is available through Sample areas subject to decrease in water current and added Type 2 for slope stability (e.g. NRCS tools erosion for vegetative cover quality below State VSP Participants. XXX Type E contour planting, Transport of using aerial photography and standards where Where retaining native sediment in areas of site visits by technical results can be appropriate, conduct vegetation, irrigation intersect as assistance providers. attributed to water quality Benchmark‐BB. Improve integrity E efficiencies) measured in Ecology Surrogates for monitoring agricultural assessments and BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD 29. water quality results include conservation activities. identify control of steep slopes Irrigation efficiencies except employed at the top of Water infiltration practice implementation programs or XXX Type B mapping slopes as measured with tracking and aerial improvement XXX Type C groundwater quality photography for indirect projects. and survey XXX Type D results participation. Type 2 Evaluate water quality XXX Type E monitoring of sediments in hydrologic study areas, where such results can be
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 7 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action attributed to agricultural activities
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 8 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action X annual outreach Not applicable Indicators of active Increase outreach 30. Benchmark‐A. Sufficient X% reduction in BCD Type A Type 1, TBD TBD participation by commercial events held or education participation include: participation in VSP and education Except opportunities provided events. XXX Type B and non‐commercial o Number of outreach program, by WRIA survey reported each biennium. events Identify who XXX Type E agricultural operators that basin Type 2 X minimum Number/percentage of drops out and why achieves the protection of o XXX Type G landowners contacted landowners contacted to modify outreach. critical area functions and within 1 year of plan o Number of event values across WRIA basins. approval. Annually, attendees County Assessor mailer o Number of VSP to current use tax participation signs and participants. Annually marketing materials information is provided distributed to past and current VSP o Education opportunities participants by Technical provided Providers. Technical assistance Goal‐XII. Promote o Technical assistance sought by producers (as volunteerism and sought by cumulative tracked through stewardship of agricultural number of calls, meetings, calls, land and critical areas. meetings, applications, applications, and and contracts is contracts with technical maintained or increased. assistance providers) VSP participants in o Self‐certification: See each WRIA basin by Appendix X for a each biennium is checklist. maintained or increased. X% of agricultural acreage in each basin based on self‐ certification entries by VSP Participants as of first biennium, which is maintained or increased each biennium thereafter.
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 9 BENTON COUNTY VSP ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Row Critical Area Goals Critical Area Benchmark Benchmark Performance Metric Performance Metric Monitoring Method Adaptive Adaptive Who Monitors When Party Funding source Type (Implementation) (Resource Management Management Action Responsible for for Adaptive # Measurement) Action Threshold An Action Management Action Acres of collective Not applicable Passive participation in Seek willing 31. Benchmark‐B. Passive X% reduction in XXX Type C Type 2 TBD TBD participation by commercial conservation practices is common stewardship acres where landowners in areas unchanged or increased. practices may be tracked of intersect to XXX Type E and non‐commercial conservation Survey demonstrates and reported using one or reestablish agricultural operators in VSP practices are an increase in more methods: conservation conservation practices is applied. understanding of VSP in o Mapping and aerial practices maintained or increased agricultural households. photo evaluation of X% reduction in Increase outreach over 10 years on agricultural practices in place, and awareness of VSP and education land. o Random sampling of program events. farmers and ranchers in the field by technical assistance providers with willing landowners, or o Phone, mail, or online surveys, or o Census of agriculture or other broadly gathered and published information (only available periodically).
PRIORITY GOALS & BENCHMARKS Receive priority when determining available resources. MONITORING ACTIVITY & RESPONSIBILITY BCD Type A: Educate, facilitate, and/or implement conservation practices with willing landowners XXX Type B: Tracking Tool / Database Management and Review XXX Type C: Mapping XXX Type D: Collect and Review Outside Monitoring Information: Ecology River and Stream Gauges, YBIWRMP Implementation Reports, Water Trusts, Other XXX Type E: Producer Survey (Field Sample, Phone, or Online) XXX Type F: Convene expert panel XXX Type G: Annual Summary of VSP Activities WHEN Type 1: Annual, e.g. Tracking Tool Output | Type 2: Complete by September 1 of each biennium prior to required periodic evaluations and December 31 prior to each 5‐year reporting period, with review time by Work Group.
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 10
BENTON COUNTY VOLUNTARY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM Outreach Plan | DRAFT March 21, 2017
INTRODUCTION Outreach for the Benton County Voluntary Stewardship Plan has three primary phases: 1. Outreach to stakeholders in establishing the VSP Workgroup (completed during 2016). 2. Outreach to interested stakeholders and the public that a VSP work plan is being prepared (through June, 2017). 3. Outreach during plan implementation (after June of 2017). Descriptions of each outreach phase, along with relevant goals, tactics, and metrics (if relevant) are described below.
PHASE 1: ESTABLISHING THE WORKGROUP The legislation establishing the Voluntary Stewardship Program provides the following direction for appointing the VSP Watershed Workgroup: “RCW 36.70A.715 (3) The watershed group must include broad representation of key watershed stakeholders and, at a minimum, representatives of agricultural and environmental groups and tribes that agree to participate. The county should encourage existing lead entities, watershed planning units, or other integrating organizations to serve as the watershed group.”
Phase 1 Outreach Goals Seek early participation by growers/producers in developing a work plan
Seek participation in, and understanding of, work plan development by other stakeholders
Gain responsibility and ownership of the Voluntary Stewardship Plan by the agricultural community
Bridge the gap between agricultural producers and resource agencies
Phase 1 Outreach Tactics Benton County staff established a list of potential participants and contacted them. The lists were inclusive of the major sectors of agriculture and other stakeholder groups operating in the County. Formal letters were sent inviting each person to be a workgroup member. For agricultural groups, several agricultural organizations agreed to participate and are shown in the list of members. Invitations were also extended to: 1. Easterday Farms - Called and left message 3/4/16; emailed 3/10/16 2. Kiona Vineyards –Called and left message on 3/4/16 3. Roza Irrigation District– declined invitation and suggested Kennewick Irrigation District
March 21, 2017 Prepared by Aaland Planning Services and BERK Consulting 1 PARTICIPATION OBJECTIVES AND STEWARDSHIP CHECKLISTS
4. Boushey Vineyards – Discussed on 3/8/16 and declined information due to lack of staff to do this 5. Wyckoff Farms contacted on 2/29/16 and 3/4/16, called back to decline invitation. For tribal government, an invitation was extended to the Yakama Nation and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla The Yakama Nation accepted the invitation; the Umatilla Tribe did not respond. The Umatilla Tribe was contacted by on 3/4/16, and by e-mail on 3/10/16. For environmental organizations, invitations were extended to several organizations. Participants are shown in the list of members. Organizations invited but declining to participate were Ducks Unlimited on 3/4/16 (declined the invitation due to staff resources) and Futurewise (returned call on 3/16/16 to decline invitation due to their staff resources). If an e-mail address was available, they were included on the distribution list to receive materials so they could track if they desired. Specific state agencies with interest in VSP and expertise in related issues were asked to be part of the workgroup. This includes the Departments of Ecology, Agriculture, and Fish and Wildlife. The Department of Natural Resources said they were not able to participate in the work group but would like to be kept in the loop if issues which may affect DNR land arise. The final list of members (listed at the end of this appendix) shows the representatives of the stakeholder groups who are members of the watershed workgroup.
PHASE 2: OUTREACH DURING WORK PLAN PREPARATION RCW 36.70A.720 sets out the general considerations for outreach during the development of the VSP work plan. Section 1 (b) requires the work group to “seek input from tribes, agencies, and stakeholders.”
Phase 2 Outreach Goals Seek early participation bygrowers/producers in developing a work plan
Seek participation in, and understanding of, work plan development by other stakeholders
Gain responsibility and ownership of the Voluntary Stewardship Plan by the agricultural community
Ensure that growers/producers know about the VSP work plan as we near adoption
Bridge the gap between agricultural producers and resource agencies
Phase 2 Outreach Tactics The county hired a consulting team (Berk Team) to facilitate the workgroup and to prepare the draft Work Plan. The team established e-mail distribution lists for both workgroup members and those persons wanting to track the VSPWork Plan development effort. The county also established a website containing information about the VSP process: http://www.co.benton.wa.us/pview.aspx?id=10933&catid=0 The workgroup had several discussions about specific stakeholders and outreach required to reach them. The following table lists proposed outreach activities, as discussed by workgroup members. This will be a living document, and added to as outreach activities occur:
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Table 1. Phase 2 Outreach Tactics Tactic Audience Relevant Outreach Goals Performance Metrics Timeline Who Write article on Benton VSP for Producers Seek early participation Article is Spring 2017 Consultants and workgroup members to use with Stakeholders by growers/producers in distributed to Workgroup their constituents developing a work plan workgroup Seek participation in, and members understanding of, work Number of article plan development by placements with other stakeholders organizations
Create Frequently Asked Questions Producers Seek early participation by Number of FAQs Draft: March Consultants and (FAQ) handout for workgroup Stakeholders growers/producers in handed out 2017 Workgroup members. developing a work plan Workgroup General meeting Public Seek participation in, and understanding of, work plan development by other stakeholders Attend meeting of Audubon Society Stakeholders Seek participation in, and Anytime Audubon and brief them on the Work Plan understanding of, work representatives, plus plan development by other workgroup other stakeholders members, Michelle Outreach to growers/producers Producers Seek early participation by Number of calls, Ongoing Relevant (which specific growers/producers in meetings, etc. with representatives on groups/organizations? developing the Work Plan producers, prior to workgroup, BCD staff Work Plan approval Yakima Basin Fish and Wildlife Stakeholders Seek participation in, and ASAP WDFW representative Recovery Board understanding of, Work (Mike Ritter) and Plan development by others? Sarah other stakeholders
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Tactic Audience Relevant Outreach Goals Performance Metrics Timeline Who General public workshops Producers Seek early participation by Number of people Ongoing March – get Stakeholders growers/producers in who attend timeframe from WG - developing a Work Plan workshops All General Public Seek participation in, and understanding of, Work Plan development by other stakeholders Presentation to Yakima Basin Stakeholders Seek participation in, and Presentation June Perhaps Neil, Seth, Integrated Plan Workgroup at understanding of, Work completed meeting? Benton County and/or quarterly meeting, perhaps in Plan development by Yakama Nation conjunction with VSP groups in other stakeholders representatives? Yakima and Kittitas counties Write a press release Producers Seek early participation by Number of media Consultants Stakeholders growers/producers in stories about the VSP developing the Work Plan General Public Seek participation in, and understanding of, work plan development by other stakeholders Attend annual meetings for Farm Stakeholders Seek early participation by Number of meetings Dec – mid- organizations e.g. WA State Hort growers/producers in attended January Association for tree fruit; Northwest developing a work plan Horticulture Council; WSU Extension Seek participation in, and for wine grape growers. understanding of, work plan development by other stakeholders Good Fruit Grower Magazine article Producers Seek early participation by Article is placed Consultants growers/producers in developing a work plan
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Tactic Audience Relevant Outreach Goals Performance Metrics Timeline Who Benton County Farm Bureau, Producers Seek early participation by Number of meetings Michelle went with Cattleman’s Association growers/producers in attended Fred in Feb and again developing a work plan Number of producers in March in attendance WA Dairy Federation (or meet Producers Seek early participation by Number of meetings directly with about 4 producers – growers/producers in attended main ones) developing a work plan Number of producers in attendance Native Plant Society; Friends of Stakeholders Seek participation in, and Number of Monthly Michelle? Maybe Badger Mountain understanding of, work organizational meetings Sarah? plan development by meetings attended other stakeholders WA State Potato Commission Producers Seek early participation by Number of producers Meet with growers/producers in in attendance Chris Vogt developing a work plan
Global Effectiveness Measure:
Determine public awareness through tools such as measuring unique visitors to VSP website (Google Analytics).
Other?
March 21, 2017 Prepared by Aaland Planning Services and BERK Consulting 5 PHASE 3: OUTREACH DURING VSP IMPLEMENTATION The draft Benton County VSP Work Plan is expected to be complete by July 2017. For the purposes of this Outreach Plan, implementation outreach activities will be assumed to be begin at that time. Some outreach activities from Phase 2 may extend into Phase 3. Because the VSP will be implemented through the voluntary participation of private agricultural producers, an important outreach goal is a high level of participation from producers located in areas of critical area intersect.Producer participation includesfilling out checklists with technical providers and implementing new practices; participation will likely be measured through the number of cost-shares with the Conservation District. A specific metric for producer participation is part of the March 2017 Workgroup meeting agenda. In addition, RCW 36.70A.720(1)(d) requires the work group to “ensure outreach and technical assistance is provided to agricultural operators in the watershed” once a work plan is approved.
Phase 3 Outreach Goals Seek wide awareness of VSP work plan by producers
Gain participation in VSP activities by producers in target areas
Provide technical assistance to participating producers in target areas
Gain responsibility and ownership of the VSP by the agricultural community
Bridge the gap between agricultural producers and resource agencies
Seek understanding of the work plan and its implementation among stakeholders and the general public
Audiences Primary Audience: Agricultural producers in areas of critical area intersect
Secondary Audiences: o Interested stakeholders, including environmental organizations and tribes o The general public
Messaging To Producers: What the VSP is (non-regulatory, voluntary), how it can benefit you, and how to participate. To stakeholders and the general public: How the VSP protects the environment and agricultural viability. Program oversight, schedule, and goals.
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Table 2. Implementation: Potential Outreach Tactics Tactic Audience Relevant Outreach Performance Timeline Who Goals Metrics
Each Conservation District sends a letter to Producers in Seek wide awareness Number of Letter Letter content: agricultural producers in areas of critical area target areas of VSP work plan by producers in prepared: Consultant intersect, introducing them to VSP and inviting producers target areas Spring Develop list of them to participate. Gain participation in contacted by 2017 producer names & VSP activities by BCD Letter addresses: _____ agricultural sent: Mail letters: BCD producers after Provide technical June assistance to 2017 participating producers in target areas Producer fills out the short checklist. Producers in Gain participation in Number of After BCD/ Producer Details: Prior to interfacing with the target areas VSP activities by checklists June Conservation District, the District could provide agricultural filled out by 2017 the short form to the producer to get some producers producers information ahead of a walk through. Or the Provide technical short-form could serve as a self-certification form assistance to for larger producers where there are more staff participating resources and less need to interface with producers in target technical providers. areas
Producer meets with Technical Service Provider. Producers in Gain participation in Number of After BCD Technical providers fill in form based on a one- target areas VSP activities by meetings June on-one discussion with the producer. agricultural between 2017 producers BCD and
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Tactic Audience Relevant Outreach Performance Timeline Who Goals Metrics
Provide technical producers in assistance to target areas participating producers in target areas Producer and Technical Service Provider develop Producers in Gain participation in After June BCD and producers cost-share agreement for relevant new target areas VSP activities by 2017 conservation practices. agricultural producers Provide technical assistance to participating producers in target areas Informal work session for Board of County General public Seek participation in, After June Neil, Lisa, Sarah, Commissioners and understanding 2017 county staff, BCD staff, of, work plan others? development by other stakeholders Prepare a newsletter discussing the draft work Stakeholders Seek wide awareness Newsletter Spring Consultant plan and its contents and general of VSP work plan by article 2017 public producers completed Seek early Number of participation by article growers/producers placements in developing a work plan Seek participation in, and understanding of, work plan
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Tactic Audience Relevant Outreach Performance Timeline Who Goals Metrics
development by other stakeholders Yakima Valley Fair in Grandview – second Producers Seek wide awareness Second weekend of August Stakeholders of VSP work plan by weekend of producers August General Public Seek participation in, and understanding of, work plan development by other stakeholders Benton-Franklin Fair – first weekend in Producers Seek wide awareness September September Stakeholders of VSP work plan by 2017 producers General Public Seek participation in, and understanding of, work plan development by other stakeholders
Global Effectiveness Metric:
Determine public awareness through tools such as measuring unique visitors to VSP website (Google Analytics) and periodic survey of participants (phone survey is ideal; online is secondary method).
March 21, 2017 Prepared by Aaland Planning Services and BERK Consulting 9 OUTREACH CHAPTER APPENDIX A: WORK GROUP INFORMATION
Watershed Work Group Meetings The work group held its first meeting on June 2, 2016. Following meetings were held monthly, generally on the fourth Monday of each month in Prosser.
Watershed Work Group Members/Alternates Perry Beale, WA State Dept. of Agriculture John Marvin, Yakama Nation Nicole Berg, Benton County Wheat Growers Zach Meyer, WA Dept. of Ecology Debbie Berkowitz, Lower Columbia Basin Fred Muller, Benton County Cattlemen’s Audubon Society Association Stuart Crane, Yakama Nation Lori Nelson, Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society Michael Crower, Barker Ranch Mark Nielson, Benton Conservation District Seth Defoe, Kennewick Irrigation District Larry Pearson, Tapteil Winery Robin French, Benton County Farm Bureau John Raap, Olson Brothers Ranches Inc. Ron Harle, Hogue Ranches Mike Ritter, WDFW Gwen Hoheisel, WSU Extension Evan Sheffels, WA State Farm Bureau Phil Hull, Zirkle Fruit Karen Sowers, Tapteal Greenway Shane Johnson, Ag Association Association Management (represents 14 associations) Matt Vickery, AgriNorthwest Tom Mackay, AgriNorthwest
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OUTREACH CHAPTER APPENDIX B: DRAFT VSP INVITATION LETTER Dear Producer, The Benton Conservation District invites your participation in a new voluntary program that protects critical environmental areas while promoting agriculture. It’s called the Voluntary Stewardship Program, or VSP. The VSP is a program under the Growth Management Act to avoid unnecessary regulation. Benton County has “opted in” to VSP and developed a VSP Work Plan. The Work Plan has been locally prepared and is monitored by local agricultural and environmental stakeholders. The VSP is voluntarily implemented by individual agricultural producers to protect critical areas and improve agricultural viability through conservation practices. Participating in the Benton VSP could benefit you in several ways:
Work together with other farmers to promote volunteerism versus additional regulatory controls. This means more certainty and less regulations.
Be recognized for the conservation and stewardship you already do.
Find out about practices that make efficient use of natural resources and support greater yields and produce quality.
Enhance the marketability of agricultural products. The VSP recognizes other market-based programs you may already participate in such as GlobalGAP, and does not increase requirements. The purpose of the VSP is to maintain critical area functions and values as they were as of July 2011. The success of our VSP program depends on recognizing the good work you are doing now to steward your land and improve your productivity. Tell us a little about you:
What kind of farm or ranch do you have? What is working well? What could be working better?
What kinds of water efficiencies/management practices have you been implementing?
What kind of livestock management practices have you implemented?
What about land management and habitat practices?
Have you had to address soil erosion or soil health measures? As a technical service provider, we are here to meet your needs, including cost-sharing for implementation of conservation practices on your property. Please let us know if you would like to have an individual meeting with us. You can contact us at [phone, email]. We will be following up with a phone call within the next month. Please fill out the short form included to help identify potential or existing conservation practices. [if included] Sincerely, Name, Benton Conservation District, http://www.bentoncd.org/
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