Tidal_PAD_V1_Sec4.pdf - Snohomish County PUD

Snohomish County PUD –Pre-Application Document
4 – Existing Environment
Table 4-49. Site-specific description of the presence of the coastal Puget Sound bull trout
Site
Admiralty Inlet
Species Present:
Yes
Spieden Channel
Species Present:
Uncertain
San Juan Channel
Species Present:
Uncertain
Guemes Channel
Species Present:
Yes
Deception Pass
Species Present:
Yes
Agate Passage
Species Present:
Uncertain
Rich Passage
Species Present:
Uncertain
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) - Status: Threatened
Description
Freshwater stream habitat does not occur within the project area but is
proximally located to the west along the Strait of Juan de Fuca (USFWS 2004).
The project area's large size and favorable nearshore habitat (Rieman and
McIntyre 1993) likely provides rearing and foraging areas for juvenile and adult
bull trout.
Species were not identified within the project area. However, adults are known
to forage in pelagic waters and to follow available nekton (Rieman and McIntyre
1993). There is, consequently, the potential for larger juveniles and adults to
forage near or within the project area, but documented confirmation of such
activity was not found.
Species were not identified within the project area. However, adults are known
to forage in pelagic waters and follow available nekton (Rieman and McIntyre
1993). Consequently, there is a potential for larger juveniles and adults to forage
near or within the project area, but documented confirmation of such activity
was not found.
Documented habitat use exists for the eastern outer perimeter of the project area,
and the persistent presence of juveniles and adults is likely (USFWS 2004). The
Channel is likely used by trout for both rearing and foraging. Padilla Bay is
located to the east of the project area and there is northerly access to Bellingham
Bay without passing through Guemes Channel. The Channel does provide
westerly migratory access to Rosario Strait.
There are numerous areas within and around the Pass that are used by bull trout
(USFWS 2004). In addition, the project area serves as a migratory corridor to
Rosario Strait for trout populations from the Skagit River. The project area is of
notable importance due to its relatively small size and its documented high usage
by bull trout (USFWS 2004).
Freshwater spawning habitat does not occur within the stream systems
surrounding Port Orchard, but does occur east of the project area within Lake
Washington (USFWS 2004). It is likely that larger juveniles and adults may be
found within the project area foraging, but the Passage does not serve as a
primary migratory corridor.
Freshwater spawning habitat does not occur within stream systems surrounding
Port Orchard, but does occur northeast of the project area within Lake
Washington (USFWS 2004). It is likely that larger juveniles and adults may be
found within the project area foraging, but the Passage does not serve as a
primary migratory corridor.
4-135 January 31, 2008