Volume 2: Draft Gorst Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement

GORST PLANNED ACTION EIS | AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURESState Status: S = Sensitive, C = Candidate for listing; M = MonitoredFederal Status: SC = Species of ConcernDPS = Distinct Population Segment; ESU = Evolutionary Significant UnitSource: NOAA Fisheries 2013, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2012, WDFW 2013a, bReptiles and AmphibiansSensitive amphibians are associated with wetlands and riparian areas, and may be found in these habitats withinthe study area. Tailed frogs are associated with cold, clear, fast-flowing streams in mature forests. Northwesternpond turtles are associated with ponds and lakes, but may winter on land. Only four populations of this subspeciesare known to occur in Washington State, none of which are in the study area. The western toad occurs in a varietyof terrestrial habitats, but is often found near water bodies. Western toads typically breed in habitats with openwater, including wetlands, ponds, lakes, reservoir coves, and off-channel river areas (Washington Natural HeritageProgram 2009).The sea turtles listed in Table 3.4-3 Special Status Species that May Be Found in or Near the Gorst Creek Watershedoccur in marine waters, occasionally off the coast of Washington, and have been included because these speciescould make their way into the Puget Sound. However, these species breed in warmer waters much further south,and are unlikely to occur in the Sinclair Inlet, even occasionally.BirdsAll migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Bald and Golden eagles are also protectedby the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Numerous bird species protected by these two acts are likely to occurwithin the Gorst Watershed. Additionally, several sensitive bird species occur in the area.Bald Eagle – A bald eagle nest has been mapped just outside the watershed boundary, near the south shore ofSinclair inlet. Its associated territory, as mapped by WDFW, is located throughout the west end of the estuary.Almost the entire shoreline of the Sinclair Inlet within the watershed is mapped as bald eagle nest buffer.Marbled Murrelet – Marbled murrelets are generally found in nearshore waters (within about three miles ofshore) near their nesting sites (USFWS 2009). They feed in nearshore marine waters and use older stands near thecoastline for nesting. The Gorst Creek Watershed is located within Zone 1 of potential marbled murrelet nestinghabitat, which extends approximately 40 miles from the coast. Marbled murrelets are listed as threatened at boththe federal and state level. Critical habitat for the species has not been mapped within the Gorst Creek Watershed.Northern Goshawk – Northern goshawks occur in all forested regions of Washington, and are likely to be found inforested habitats within the watershed, but has largely been extirpated from urbanized landscapes and to somedegree moderately developed areas and areas with intensive timber management. Goshawks generally prefer tonest in mature or old forest habitats with a high density of large trees (Desimone and Hayes 2003).Peregrine Falcon – Peregrine falcons occur year-round in Washington as either nesting or migrating individuals.Within coastal areas, peregrine falcons typically nest and roost on cliffs, although in urban areas they rarely neston tall buildings, bridges, and vegetated slopes (Hayes and Buchanan 2002). There are no mapped nesting areasfor this species in the Gorst Watershed.Yellow-Billed Cuckoo – Yellow billed cuckoos are unlikely to occur in the Gorst Creek Watershed. They are officiallyconsidered extirpated in Washington, although occasional sightings occur. None of the recent sightings of thisspecies has been in Kitsap County. Historical nesting habitat in Washington State is along wooded rivers (SeattleAudubon Society 2013).Purple Martin – Purple martins nest and forage in open land near water, and can be found in developed areas,along waterfronts, and in fields, wetlands, and clearings. They are fairly common in the Puget Trough area duringMay through August (Seattle Audubon Society 2013). The Kitsap Audubon society has installed purple martinnesting boxes at various locations in Kitsap County.Draft | June 2013 3-61