HOH RIVER TRUST PROPERTIES CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN MONITORING REPORT

Transcription

1 HOH RIVER TRUST PROPERTIES CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN MONITORING REPORT (BIG LEAF MAPLE AT CONFLUENCE UNIT, SEPT. 15, 2008) MONITORING REPORT FOR FALL 2008 LEAD MONITOR: ERIK KINGFISHER JEFFERSON LAND TRUST 1033 LAWRENCE STREET PORT TOWNSEND, WA (360) DATE OF EASEMENT: Recorded 02/01/05, AFN , USFWS Grant Number's E-14- HL-3 & E-19-HL-2; Recorded 05/26/06, AFN , USFWS Grant Number's E-23-HL- 1 & E-10-HL-4 both recorded in Jefferson County, Washington - held by the State of Washington through the WA DNR DATE OF MONITORING VISIT: September 15, 2008; November 22, 2008

2 INTRODUCTION As part of the Jefferson Land Trust (JLT) agreement to monitor and document the implementation of the management plan, as well as make observations in relation to the conservation easement terms and conditions, JLT made a site visits to the Hoh River Trust (HRT) properties on September 15, 2008 and November 22, During the September visit, three forest units demonstrating the active restoration activities undertaken during the summer months were visited, representing approximately 6% of the total ownership area of HRT. The November visit was part of a JLT members property tour, and consisted of an overview of property conditions and visits to Spruce Creek and Schmidt Bar units. This report documents conditions observed during these site visits. MONITORING OBJECTIVES With a primary purpose of making observations in relation to the active management projects that have been undertaken thus far in 2008, as well in relation to the management of areas experiencing the highest public use, this monitoring report provides evidence that helps determine if the land is being managed according to the stated Management Objectives and Strategies in the HRT Land Management Plan. EVIDENCE OF MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION OBSERVED: SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 OIL CITY 1 The Oil City 1 Unit main access road was the site of a significant restoration project, involving the removal and restoration of a former logging road, as well as the removal of two culverts that were fish passage barriers. Approximately 1,200 feet of the main access logging road was observed in a permanently retired and restored condition. Woody debris was observed scattered across the road liberally, providing stability, habitat and a nutrient base for establishing future forest species, as well as preventing any further use. The road was not recontoured to the original topographical gradient, except at culvert removal sites. Two stream crossings were dramatically restored along the restored access road on this site. Two culverts observed by JLT during the Spring 2008 site visit were removed, and the natural stream gradient was restored to the channel. Stream banks at the former road crossing were recontoured to approximately 20-30% slopes and layered with woody debris. CONFLUENCE Traffic barriers were constructed at the Confluence forest unit access road, in an effort to prevent trespass, illegal dumping, and other threats to the conservation values of the site that were occurring there. One water-bar and berm was constructed approximately 150ft from the Brandeberry Road junction, followed by a very large tank-trap intended to prevent off-road capable vehicles from entering the property. The traffic barriers were commissioned by HRT, but were not constructed according to HRT desires, and occur on Jefferson Land Trust Fall

3 neighboring DNR property. These traffic barriers are to be improved by the end of the year to meet HRT standards. An old gas logging donkey was hauled off-site from the confluence unit by heavy equipment. Access to the old logging donkey was achieved following an old logging road most of the distance, as evidenced by the tracks and compaction from the equipment. The impacted area from the equipment is scheduled to be planted with native trees, and a majority of the road removed from future use. The logging donkey was donated to nearby residents for the purpose of restoration and eventual display at the Forks Logging Museum. NOLAN BAR A stream channel enhancement project was observed that involves approximately 700ft of new channel. The project appears to have been implemented with the intention of providing refugia for salmonids during high flow events, and to potentially encourage the establishment of a river meander channel flowing from an upstream unsuccessful habitat enhancement project by the previous owner success of this project area appears to be contingent on high river flows and eventual displacement of a log-jam upstream preventing flow through both the old and new project areas. GENERAL The element of the HRT Land Management Plan specifically supported by the observed restoration sites is Management Objective 3 Protect and Preserve Endangered Species. HRT also hosted an internship for a college student from Humboldt State University, and incorporated him in several planning and mapping projects, partly satisfying Management Objective 5: Community Outreach and Education EVIDENCE OF CHANGES RELEVANT TO CONSERVATION EASEMENT TERMS: SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 JLT also monitored the property specifically in relation to the conservation easement provisions. Restricted Activities as stated in the conservation easements include: Construction of residential or commercial structures Subdivision of the Property Excavation of sand, stone, gravel or other minerals Road or pipeline construction or granting of easements for rights-of-ways for roads, power lines, pipelines, or electronic sites, not permitted above, unless such activities are implemented in conjunction with a condemnation action Clear cutting of timber Cattle grazing There were no observed conditions of the property indicating significant change from the conditions described in the Baseline Inventory Report, or from the Spring 2008 Jefferson Land Trust Fall

4 monitoring report. Current management appears to be in compliance with the terms of the conservation easements. EVIDENCE OF MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION OBSERVED: NOVEMBER 22, 2008 SCHMIDT BAR Several blue flag markings of planned new interpretive trails were observed throughout the property which will provide increased public access and low-impact recreation opportunities. A boot path created by local fishing enthusiasts was observed beginning near the gate entering the forest towards the creek and out to the river. The site visit included several members of the public (JLT members, staff, and board), further evidencing the active current use of the property for low-impact recreation. Management Objective 4: Recreational and Stewardship Opportunities is particularly relevant to this type of use. Also, Management Objective 5: Community Outreach and Education is partly satisfied by the planned interpretive trail. The management of the Schmidt Bar unit also supports Management Objective 2: Develop and Maintain Late Seral Forest Stands, as it hosts several large trees and a mixed age forest which benefits several local rare and endangered species. SPRUCE CREEK The well used and maintained main south access road of Spruce Creek (accessing Dismal Bar, etc.) provided evidence of permitting regular public use. Active management observed on the Spruce Creek unit included a large pre-commercial thinning project on the north side of the Hoh Road in a dense Spruce stand. The thinning project was observed briefly, but evidence observed indicated efforts were made to diversify the stand by cutting only spruce and leaving other species, and that all trees cut were left on site. This thinning project is particularly supportive of Management Objective 2: Develop and Maintain Late Seral Forest Stands. Well used trails and parking areas were also observed, in combination with the use by the visiting JLT members, and provided evidence of the active permitting of access for lowimpact recreation. EVIDENCE OF CHANGES RELEVANT TO CONSERVATION EASEMENT TERMS: NOVEMBER 15, 2008 JLT also monitored the property specifically in relation to the conservation easement provisions. Restricted Activities as stated in the conservation easements include: Construction of residential or commercial structures Subdivision of the Property Excavation of sand, stone, gravel or other minerals Road or pipeline construction or granting of easements for rights-of-ways for roads, power lines, pipelines, or electronic sites, not permitted above, unless such activities are implemented in conjunction with a condemnation action Jefferson Land Trust Fall

5 Clear cutting of timber Cattle grazing There were no observed conditions of the property indicating significant change from the conditions described in the Baseline Inventory Report, or from the Spring 2008 monitoring report. Current management appears to be in compliance with the terms of the conservation easements. SPRING 2008 MONITORING REPORT CLARIFICATION: The Nolan Creek 2 wetland photographed (photo #6) in the Spring 2008 monitoring report is the site of a failed culvert removal project planned by HRT. The wetland was created by the failed culvert on a tributary to Nolan Creek, and will have a reduced water table after the restoration is implemented. CONCLUSIONS The activities and sites monitored appear to be in full compliance with the conservation easement terms as well as the HRT Land management Plan. No significant changes were observed other than those identified in this report. Jefferson Land Trust Fall

6 Appendix I 1. Photo Description Form 2. Report Photo Location Map 3. Photos 1-8 PHOTO DESCRIPTION FORM Page 1 of 1 Project Name: Hoh River Trust Report: Monitoring Fall 2008 Date: Sept. 15, 2008; Nov. 22, 2008 Photographer: Erik Kingfisher Camera ID: Nikon D60 Lens (mm):18mm DIGITAL - prefix: DSC_ Compass: True North Photo taken at a Frame # Photopoint? Project feature? South Culvert Removal 459 Site North Culvert Removal 468 Site Road Retirement Site Confluenc e Road Closure Residence near Confluenc e Unit Nolan Bar Meander Project Site Schmidt Bar Spruce Creek Location: Facing: * Oil City 1, Downstream on West Bank of Culvert Removal Site (9/15/2008) SSW L Oil City 1, Downstream of Culvert Removal Site (9/15/2008) SSW L Oil City 1, Approximately 500 ft South from Oil City Rd (9/15/2008) S L Confluence Unit, Approximately 150ft from Brandeberry Road Junction (9/15/2008) E L Approx. 3/4 mile W on Brandeberry Rd from Confluence Unit, at Residence (9/15/2008) W L Nolan Bar, Standing on River Bank Approx. 1,000ft upriver from access road end. (9/15/2008) NW L Approx. 1/2 mile from SW from Gate (11/22/2008) W L Approx.25 miles E from main south access road (11/22/2008) N L P or L Report Photo Number and Scene Description: 1. Oil City 1, southern culvert removal and road decommission project area 2. Oil City 1, north culvert removal and road decommission project area 3. Oil City 1, representative road retirement and restoration project area conditions 4. Confluence, road closure work in progress 5. Confluence, old steel donkey removed from HRT property 6. Nolan Bar, river meander channel enhancement project 7. Schmidt Bar, Property Tour with public on planned hiking trail 8. Spruce Creek, Pre-Commercial thinning project site enter # given by camera enter PP###, if applicable enter #, if applicable Describe where the photographer was standing if photo is not taken from a photopoint OR provide additional relocation information. N/W/S/E, AZ, UPS, DNS, LB, RB, etc. portrait or landscape "Looking at" - describe feature or subject, position of subject (cntr, top, btm, side), notable landmarks, points of special interest, etc. as applicable. Jefferson Land Trust 1 of 6

7 Schmidt Bar Photo 7 Oil City 1 Photo 3 Photo 2 Photo 6 Photo 1 Nolan Bar Spruce Creek Photo 4 Photo 8 Legend PhotoLocations_ PhotoLocations_ WA_WC_Watercourse_JeffCo HohRiverTrust_Ownership_Parcels Photo 5 Cover Photo Confluence Fall 2008 Monitoring - Hoh River Trust Properties 0 2,500 5,000. Feet 10, Aerial Photo (NAIP) Jefferson Land Trust Sept. 15, 2008; Nov. 22, 2008 Hoh River Trust Properties Fall 2008 Monitoring Report - Appendix I

8 Oil City 1, South Culvert May 5, Oil City 1, southern culvert removal and road decommission project area Oil City 1, North Culvert May 5, Oil City 1, north culvert removal and road decommission project area Jefferson Land Trust 3 of 6

9 3. Oil City 1, representative road retirement and restoration project area conditions 4. Confluence, road closure work in progress Jefferson Land Trust 4 of 6

10 5. Confluence, old steel donkey removed from HRT property 6. Nolan Bar, river meander channel enhancement project Jefferson Land Trust 5 of 6

11 Planned hiking trail marked by blue flagging 7. Schmidt Bar, Property Tour with public on planned hiking trail 8. Spruce Creek, Pre-Commercial thinning project site Jefferson Land Trust 6 of 6