7533 LOWER RIDGE RD 2019-01-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS TO COMPLETE THIS HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND CRITICAL AREAS EVALUATION: Per the City of Everett requirements when conducting a Habitat Assessment in the City's jurisdiction,the following provides a brief overview of my experience and credentials to conduct this on-site review. I am the Founder, Owner, and Principal Wetland and Wildlife Ecologist of Wetlands & Wildlife, Inc. I attended the University of Montana where I graduated cum laude with a degree in Wildlife Biology. As of 2011, I have 10 years of direct experience as a professional Biologist/Ecologist in western Washington and 14 years of overall experience completing natural resource assessments among many different ecosystems across the western United States. I have worked as a professional Biologist/Ecologist for federal, state, and county environmental agencies, as well as several private environmental consulting firms with specialties in wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and wildlife habitat. In my 14 years of experience, I have specialized in review of proposed land use and building development permit applications as they pertain to Critical Areas (wetlands, rivers, streams, lakes, and habitats of protected fish and wildlife species). Much of that experience came as a Senior Ecologist for King County DDES and a Regulatory Biologist for Snohomish County PDS. I received certifications from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for terrestrial wildlife habitat assessments and wildlife surveys of special status wildlife species in Washington. I have many years of experience conducting surveys of special status wildlife species in the western U.S. In addition to the wildlife certifications, I am highly experienced with the required U.S.Army Corps of Engineers and Washington state wetland delineation methods. In addition to the wetland delineation certification, I am trained by the Washington Department of Ecology and have 6 years of experience in the use of the required Wetland Rating Form for western Washington. I am certified through the Washington Department of Ecology to determine Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) locations for rivers, streams, and lakes. I am listed on many Preferred / Qualified Consultant Rosters throughout western Washington. I have been selected as the technical expert by several local city jurisdictions to provide 3`d-party reviews of the recently adopted (2010) FEMA Floodplain Habitat Assessments and applicable mitigation plans. Over the past 14 years, I have conducted literally over 1,000 different biological / ecological assessments on properties with many habitat types and zoning designations, from small, urban properties(0.25 acres)to large,rural properties(up to 600 acres in size). METHODOLOGY OF THE ON-SITE HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND CRITICAL AREAS EVALUATION: The routine methodology described in the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (Washington State Department of Ecology Publication#96-94, March 1997)was used during the subject site reconnaissance to make a determination regarding wetlands,as required by the City of Everett and other jurisdictions in the state of Washington. In addition, Wetlands& Wildlife,Inc.evaluated the site using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region produced in April 2008 (hereinafter referred to as "the Corps Regional Supplement"). The Corps Regional Supplement provides technical guidance and procedures for identifying and delineating wetlands that may be subject to regulatory jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Wetlands & Wildlife, Inc. reviewed the City of Everett City of Everett Critical Areas Map 1 and the Snohomish County Permit, Planning, and Zoning Map system for aerial photographs as part of the background research associated with this parcel. Wetlands & Wildlife, Inc. conducted transects among the entire site to evaluate potential habitat for special status wildlife species. Existing vegetation and habitat types were examined and approximate measurements were taken using a rag tape and compass. Wetlands& Wildlife,Inc. (located in Everett,Washington) January 11, 20 Brief Habitat Assessment Report for Parcel#00392000001801(City of Everett jurisdiction) ' age J' '`