Berk Consulting Inc. 1/5/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT EVALUATION FOR AGENCY USE ONLY b.What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? In the existing site condition,dense native vegetation occurs in most wetland areas outside of an existing pedestrian crossing location; however, much of the upland areas are already impacted by pedestrian use since there are no defined trail routes.The wetland is classified by vegetation as a palustrine forested wetland (Category II).The wetland tree canopy is dominated by western red cedar, red alder and Pacific willow.The wetland shrub layer contains salmonberry,vine maple, hardhack and willow saplings.The herbaceous layer consists of reed canarygrass,slough sedge,water parsley,and lady fern. Upland vegetation adjacent to the wetland consists of Douglas fir,western hemlock,western red cedar,vine maple,salal,dull Oregon grape,trailing blackberry,sword fern,and deer fern. Invasive species in this upland forest include some areas of Himalayan blackberry,ivy, holly,and yellow archangel.There are also bare soil areas that occur over much of the upland area due to pedestrian use and disturbance and opportunities exist for vegetation enhancement and restoration. In the proposed project condition, Himalayan blackberry will be removed at the new trailhead and kiosk location. Some minor removal of forest understory vegetation (e.g.fern and salal)will be necessary for trail construction.The majority of the trail has been sited to occur in existing areas and along existing informal trail routes where vegetation has been impacted by prior use. Some trees may also need minor pruning along the trail routes to maintain a clear canopy of approximately 7 feet.The vast majority of trees have high canopies and will not require pruning. c.List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site. No endangered or threatened plant species are on or near the site. d.Proposed landscaping,use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any: Areas of existing disturbed wetland and buffer areas will be enhanced through future restoration efforts funded by grants and through volunteer stewardship programs to remove invasive ivy and blackberries and plant native shrubs to restore the understory vegetation. Plants selected for restoration will be suitable for the understory shade conditions and hydrologic regimes within and near the wetland and will be species native to the Puget Sound Lowlands. Candidate plans for restoration include native wild roses,willows,elderberry,ferns, huckleberry, and Oregon grape.A Conceptual Restoration Plan has been prepared as Figure 4 of the Master Plan. 5.Animals a. Circle any birds and animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site: Birds: hawk,heron,eagle,songbirds,other: City of Everett Parks and Recreation:South Everett Forest Preserve Page 9 SEPA Checklist June 19,2015