WASHINGTON STATE PARKS and RECREATION COMMISSION 1111 Israel Rd S.W
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Don Hoch Director STATE OF WASHINGTON WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 1111 Israel Rd S.W. • P.O. Box 42650 • Olympia, WA 98504-2650 • (360) 902-8500 TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf): (360) 664-3133 www.parks.wa.gov STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE Date of Issuance: January 14, 2019 Project Name: Klickitat Trail Development Proponent: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Lead Agency: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Description of proposal: This Klickitat Trail Development project continues previous trail planning and improvement work completed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Washington State Parks. This is the first phase of a phased environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) that expands on the previous 2003 Environmental Assessment prepared by the USFS, and adopted by Washington State Parks in 2005 as the document used for the original Determination of Non-significance (DNS) to satisfy SEPA requirements. This phased review specifically addresses updated site information identified since the original review, and new information for project modifications or new projects not previously reviewed. Phase 1 of this project proposes to construct a trailhead at Pitt and resurface approximately 12 miles of trail through Swale Canyon. Work also includes minor structural repairs, new decking and railings on seven existing trestles, replacement of one trestle with a free span bridge, and removal of one existing damaged trestle in Swale Canyon. Additionally, a preliminary concept for a potential trailhead at Warwick will be completed. Location of Proposal: Project activities will occur along portions of the Klickitat State Park Trail right-of-way corridor in Klickitat County. The right-of-way varies from 60- to 200-feet- wide. Specifically, work will be conducted within the following Townships (T), Ranges (R) and Sections listed below. Pitt Trailhead: T4N, R13E, Section 32 Warwick Trailhead: T3N, R14E, Section 25 Swale Canyon: T4N, R14E, Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 33 T3N, R14E, Sections 4, 5, 8, 9, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 Threshold Determination: After review of the completed environmental checklist, the lead agency for this proposal has determined it does not have probable significant adverse impact to the environment nor does it need mitigation to avoid significant adverse environmental impacts. Klickitat Trail Development SEPA DNS January 14, 2019 Page 2 of 2 The project will make site improvements to an existing recreational trail along the disturbed railbed footprint and bridges. The proposed trailhead is located on a previously disturbed site and the project will make site improvements to protect waterways, native habitat and species. The project does not pose a threat to public health or safety, and is not anticipated to adversely affect cultural or historic resources. The project has been reviewed by the State Parks Historic Preservation Officer and determined to be consistent with allowable reuse of the rails-to-trails corridor. The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on request. This DNS is issued under 197-11-340(2); the lead agency will not act on this proposal for at least 14 days from the date of issuance. Comments must be submitted by January 31, 2019 or they may not be considered. Responsible Official: Jessica A. Norton Position/Title: Environmental Planner Phone: (360) 725-9755 Address: 1111 Israel Rd SW, PO Box 42650 Olympia, WA 98504-2650 Date: January 14, 2019 Signature: "All Washington State Parks are developed and maintained for the enjoyment of all persons regardless of age, sex, creed, ethnic origin, or physical limitations." There is no agency SEPA appeal; however, all comments are welcome and will be thoroughly considered. SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND [HELP] 1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: Klickitat Trail Development 2. Name of applicant: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: Brian Patnode, Eastern Region Planner Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 270 9th St NE, Suite 200 East Wenatchee, WA 98802-7674 (509) 665-4319 4. Date checklist prepared: January 2019 5. Agency requesting checklist: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): This checklist considers potential impacts associated with the Klickitat Trail Development project. This is the first phase of a phased environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) that expands on the previous 2003 Environmental Assessment prepared by the U.S. Forest Service for the Klickitat Rails-to-Trails, adopted by State Parks in 2005 as the document used for the Determination of Non-significance to satisfy SEPA requirements. This phased review specifically addresses updated site information identified since the original review, and new information for project modifications or new projects not previously reviewed. This first phase of review addresses specific actions associated with trailhead development at Pitt, approximately 12 miles of trail resurfacing through Swale Canyon, renovations to eight trestles and removal of one damaged trestle. Proposed timing for this work is as follows; however, this may change based on permit conditions (e.g., fish work windows) and weather constraints (the trail is seasonally closed due to fire danger): • Bid Awarded/Contractor Hired – 07/31/2019 • Construction Started – 09/01/2019 • Construction Complete – 05/31/2020 Subsequent phases will include additional environmental review for specific project actions at such time developments are proposed, unless they are categorically exempt. The proposed SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) February 2018 Page 1 of 31 timing or schedule of any project actions associated with future phases is dependent on securing adequate funding and all required regulatory approvals. If appropriate, future proposals may rely on this checklist to avoid duplication and excess paperwork, consistent with SEPA rules governing phased review (WAC 197-11-060(5)(f)). 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. Plans for future phases involve completing similar trailhead development at Warwick and other potential areas, trail resurfacing and trestle improvements to the remaining segments of the trail (including the segment between Pitt and Wahkiacus) and the construction of two bridges to establish full continuity for the 31-mile Klickitat Trail. A preliminary concept for a trailhead at Warwick will be completed as part of Phase 1; however, final design, engineering and construction of the trailhead will be completed as part of a future phase. To the extent practicable, this SEPA checklist considers the potential foreseeable environmental impacts associated with future project actions. Additional SEPA reviews will be conducted at the earliest possible opportunity during the planning process pursuant to WAC 197-11-055. Depending upon the nature of the proposal, some future projects may be considered categorically exempt from additional review under SEPA (WAC 197-11-305). Categorically exempt projects do not require preparation of an environmental checklist or threshold determination. Future phases may include capital projects, land use or acquisition agreements, or other facility improvements. All future projects will be in compliance with State Parks policy as well as local, state, and federal environmental regulation. 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal. Aspect Consulting. 2007. Hydrologic Information Report Supporting Water Availability Assessment: Swale Creek and Little Klickitat Subbasins, WRIA 30. Prepared for WRIA 30 Water Resource Planning and Advisory Committee. Aspect Consulting. 2009. Riparian Vegetation Assessment, Little Klickitat River and Swale Creek: Water Resource Inventory Area 30. Prepared for WRIA 30 Water Resource Planning and Advisory Committee. Bartowski, Kaci. 2016. Quality Assurance Project Plan: Little Klickitat River & Swale Creek, Water Quality, Little Klickitat and Swale Creek TMDL Implementation Project. Conley, Will. 2015. Geomorphic Assessment of Thirty Miles of Railroad Infrastructure along the Klickitat River and Swale Creek, Klickitat County, WA – Preliminary Report. Prepared for U.S. Department of Energy Bonneville Power Administration Environment, Fish and Wildlife Program and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Salmon Recovery Funding Board. Morrison, P.H. and H.M. Smith IV. 2009. Rare Plant and Vegetation Survey of Klickitat Rail Trail State Park. Pacific Biodiversity Institute, Winthrop, WA. Prepared for Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Northwest Power & Conservation Council. 2004. Klickitat Subbasin Plan. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) February 2018 Page 2 of 31 Spencer, J., H. Simmons-Rigdon, B. Sharp and J. Zendt. 2004. Klickitat Subbasin Supplement. Prepared for the