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SWAN LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA A proposal for an Area Meriting Special Attention (AMSA) classification under the authorities of AS 46.40.210(1) and 6 AAC 80.160(b) of the Alaska Coastal Management Program. by: Gary S. Liepits and Kimbal A. Sundberg Marine/Coastal Habitat Management Habitat Protection Section Alaska Department of Fish and Game Anchorage, Alaska 99502 January 1981 GV 191.42 .A4 L54 1981 SWM LARE REWATIONAL AO 'A proposal for an Area Meriting Special Attention (AMSA) classification under the authorities of AS 46.40.210 (1) and 6 AAC 80.160 (b) of the Alaska Coastal Management Program. Submitted by- Gary S. Liepitz and Kimbal A. Sundberg Alaska Department of Fish and Game Habitat Protection Section Marine/Coastal Habitat Management Anchorage, Alaska Principal Contact: Lance Trasky, MCHM Project Leader Alaska Department of Fish and Game Habitat Protection Section 333 Raspberry Road Anchorage, Alaska 99502 (907) 344-0541 The preparation of this report was financed in part by funds from the Alaska Coastal Management Program and the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, administered by the Division of Community and Regional Affairs. January 1981 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents .. ... I List of Tables ......................................................... 2 List of Figures ........................................................ 2 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION .............................................. 3 A. Basis for Designation .......................................... 3 B. Geographic Location ............................................ 4 C. Area Description ............................................... 4 1. Physical Characteristics ................................... 4 2. Biological Characteristics ...... : ........................... 8 D. Existing Ownership, Management Status, and Jurisdiction ........ 10 E. Existing Uses and Activities In and Adjacent to the Proposed AMSA Area .............................................. 12 F. Present and Anticipated Conflicts Among Uses and Activities Within or Adjacent to the Area ............................... 15 II. PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN .......................................... 17 A. Area Proposed for Special Management ........................... 17 B. Management Goals ............................................... 21 C. Improper Uses .................................................. 22 0. Proper Uses ..................................................... 24 E. Swan Lake Enhancement Alternative .............................. 26 III. SUMMARY AND STATEMENT OF POLICIES APPLIED TO MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA .......................................................... 31 IV. MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE AND AUTHORITIES USED TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................... 32 A. Management Guidelines .......................................... 32 B. Applicable Management Regulations ............................... 34 2 LIST OF TABLES Table @umber Ti tle Water Quality Analysis Data for Swan Lake ....... 20 Thermal Data from Swan Lake, 1979 ................ 20 3 Secchi Disc Visibility from Swan Lake, 1979 ..... 20 4 Physical Characteristics of Proposed Dredging of Swan Lake ..................................... 30 LIST OF FIGURES Fig-ure Number Title Page 1 Swan Lake AMSA Boundary ......................... 5 2 Swan Lake Land Status ............................ 14 3 Vegetation Map of the Northern End of Swan Lake Showing Wetlands and Special Management Boundary. 18 4 Swan Lake Vegetation Profile .................... 19 Proposed Swan Lake Management Alternative ....... 27 Map of Wetland Habitat Showing Approximate Location of Private Property Lines .............. 28 3 SWAN LAKE RECREATION AREA AREA MERITING SPECIAL ATTENTION I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. Basis for Designation Swan Lake, including its tributaries and the adjacent shorelands, comprise an important freshwater ecosystem i n the community of titka. The availability of freshwater lakes and productive wetland habitat in the local area is limited, warranting special management practices to insure that this valuable resource continues to sup- port healthy fish and wildlife populations as well as providi.ng aesthetic and recreational enjoyment for the residents of Sitka. Commercial and'residential development in and around the lake and feeder streams has led to unnecessary water quality degradation, loss of fish and avifauna habitat, and an acceleration of the natural lake aging or eutrophication processes. This area qualifies for designation as an Area Meriting Special Attention under AS 46.40.210 (1) and 6 AAC 80.160 (b) of theAlaska Coastal Management Act. Speci.fically, Swan Lake exhibits: (1) unique, scarce, fragile, or vulner able natural habitat; cul- tural value; historical significance; or scenic importance; 4 (2) high natural productivity or essential habitat for living resources; substantial recreational value and opportunity which includes, fishing, non-motorized boating/sailing, ice skating, bird watching, model boat/aircraft radio control use, picnicking, and limited swimming; (4) areas needed to protect, maintain, or replenish coastal land or resources; and (5) special scientific values or opportunities which could be jeopardized by development or conflicting uses and activities. This area provides excellent opportunity for in depth limno- logical and ornithological studies and is readily available to the local public schools, the Bureau.of Indian Affairs School at Mt. Edgecumbe, and both. Sheldon Jackson College and Sitka Community College in Sitka. B. Map of Geographical Location (see Figure 1) C. Area Description Physical Characteristics The area proposed for special management practices under the AMSA designation includes Swan Lake, the contiguous marshlands SWAN LAKE AND VICINITY. AMSA SITKA RY F 'BOUNDA v41Z1A CHANNEL 0 THOMSEN HARBOR LLgR MOLLER PARK le ARROWHEAD CREEK S IWA I KE A a HABB R RINKLENECK CREEK 4t -@igure Swan Lake AMSA Boundary and its two tributaries, Wrinkleneck and Arrowhead creeks (Figure 1). A.shore land special management zone of approxi- mately 50 feet in width is also included. The width of the special management zone is dependent upon local conditions of land use, topography, and hydrology. For the lake shore, the special management zone width is determined from a a line paralleli,ng the 1980 high water level and includes the wetlands found at the north end of the lake. Additionally, a riparian buffer strip originating at the creek centerline and extending outward on either si de-of the stream banks a distance of 15 linear feet, is- recommended for Arrowhead Creek. The buffer strip will extend the entire stream 'length. For Wrinkleneck Creek, the riparian buffer strip will extend outward from the creek centerline a distance of 15 linear feet measured from either stream bank to a point 70 feet upstream of Baranof Street. From this point to its headwaters, the Wrinkleneck Creek buffer strip will expand to 50 linear feet in width, measured 25 linear feet from either side of the stream bank. The entire AMSA area occurs within the City of Sitka, Alaska at 57003'50"N Latitude and 135020'10"W Longitude. Sitka is located on the western and central portion of Baranof Island. The area is situated on a f lat', low lying all-uvial fan which forms a delta near the mouth of the Indian River. Topography is. generally flat; however several glacially rounded knobs of 7 bedrock protrude through the dominant volcanic and muskeg surface deposits. Slopes in the area range from zero to 20 percent. Located near the center of the Sitka Central Business District, Swan Lake-encompasses 22.25 acres and contains approximately 101 acre-feet of freshwater. The lake depth averages 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) with a maximum depth o f three meters (9.8 feet). Two tributary streams drain muskeg bog areas which dot the alluvial fan formed at the base of the 2,000 foot Gavan Hill, located approximately 21-4 miles northeast of Sitka. Wrinkleneck Creek is the major tributary entering the lake. It originates in a muskeg area,approximately 3,000 feet dis- tance east of the lake and traverses muskeg bogs and spruce/hemlock -forests along its upper reaches. The lower 1,000 feet winds through a residential area where houses and property encroach upon the stream channel (one house is built over the creek channel). Litter, oil sheens, and septic odors are evident at several sites alo.ng the stream. Arrowhead Creek also origi- nates in a muskeg/bog area located approximately 700 feet distance from its mouth at the northeastern end of Swan Lake. Arrowhead Cree has been extensively altered by stream channel- ization, culverting, and filli.ng of adjacent wetlands for the development of residences and@roadways. The outlet of the lake which flows into Sitka Sound has been altered from its original open channel configuration and now flows through a 1,200 foot long, 36 inch. culvert pipe. 8 (2) Biological Characteristics The naturally occurring vegetation around Swan Lake, typical of a Sitka spruce - mountain hemlock forest, has been exten- sively altered by residential and Moller Park recreational development. Paved roadways parallel the shoreline along the southern half of the lake eliminating the natural marshl and/grassland transition zone. Aquatic vegetation is abundant along the shoreline with prolific blooms of yellow pond lily (Nuphar potyzepaLum) and-pondweed (Potcanogeton gr=ineus). Other common plant species in the area include mare's tail (Eippuris vuZgaris), spikerush (EZeocharis paZuetria), fivefinger (PotentiLZa paLostris), sedges (Carex spp.), skunk cabbage (Lysichiton =ex-@canum), and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensia)-. There is significant aquatic bird use of Swan Lake during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Peak use generally corre- lates with theannual spring migrations occurring during the period of March 21 through June 1. Waterfowl observed on the lake include lesser Canada goose, mallard, gadwall, pintail, green-wi.nged teal, American wigeon, canvasback, redhead, greater and lesser scaup, Barrow's goldeneye, bufflehead, hooded merganser, pied-billed grebe, horned grebe, red-throated loon, and American coot. Passerine species observed in the surroundi.ng area include Northern water thrush, red-winged blackbird, rufous hummingbird, water pipit, belted kingfisher, common raven, northwestern crow, starling, yellow-rumped warbler, violet-green swallow, tree swallow, barn swallow, 9 Savannah sparrow, Lincoln's sparrow, and song sparrow. Num- erous.gulls utilize Swan Lake for resti-ng, bathing, and feeding. Up to 29 trumpeter and whistling swans have been observed during the spring and fall migrations resting and feeding along the lake shoreline. Due to the extensive development around the lake, there are no known resident furbearers or big game utilizing the area. Sitka black-tailed deer, brown bear, river otter, mink, short- tailed weasel, and marten may make occasional use of the upper reaches of Wrinkleneck Creek. Swan Lake and its tributaries and outlet stream once hosted anadromous fish runs providing spawning habitat for coho, pink, and sockeye salmon and cutthroat trout. The culverting of the entire length of the outlet stream eliminated this anadromous fishery. A few pink salmon continue to spawn at the culvert mouth. Currently the lake contains a climax population of resident Dolly Varden char, three spine stickleback, and planted stocks of rainbow trout. Both Dolly VArden char and rainbow trout occur in the two tributary streams entering Swan Lake. 10 0. Existing Ownership, Management Status and Jurisdiction of the Area (1) Existing Ownership Lands affected by the AMSA proposal are in priv ate, City and Borough, and Federal ownership (Figure 2). Approximately 46 percent of the total AMSA area is under private ownership of wtLich approximately one third of this percentage is owned by Sitka Housing and Development Company. These properties lie alo.ng Lakeview Drive which is located on a bluff on the west side and overlooking Swan Lake. The rest of the privately owned properties lie along the east shore of the lake off Lake Street (some of which have been inundated by a rise in lake level resulting from culverting the outlet stream) and along both sides of Arrowhead Creek and the lower reaches of Wrinkle- neck Creek. The 39 percent of the AMSA area in city ownership includes the Moller Park area located on the northwest end of Swan Lake, the inundated land beneath the lakes surface exclu- sive of the private properties along the eastern shoreline, and a 125 foot segment of Arrowhead Creek which follows the First Street right-of-way. Those lands under Federal owner- ship include the area within the AMSA boundary paralleling Wrinkleneck Creek from a point 70 feet upstream from the east end of the Baranof Street culvert and extending to the creeks headwaters. This area constitutes approximately 15 percent of the lands proposed for the AMSA classification. 0 (2) Management Status and.Jurisdiction Currently lands surrounding Swan Lake are classified under three distinct land use categories in the City and Borough of Sitka's Comprehensive Plan. They include low density resi- dential, high density residential, and public-quasi public use. There are no specific management practices outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for the.management of Swan Lake. Because of its location'with in the City and Borough bound- aries, local ordinances pertaining to public health and safety apply to the lake area. Development actions within the lake or its wetlands requires a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 10/404 permit for the placement of dredged or fill materials. Recre- ational fishing within the lake and its tributaries is governed by the State of Alaska sport fishing regulations. The City and Borough has recently expressed interest in seeking Federal funds for lake rehabilitation and preservation under the newly implemented Clean'Lakes Program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency. Monies obtained through this source would be utilized to define non-point source pollution causes, initiate improvement of water quality, and provide for addItional public access to the lake. 12 E. Existing Uses and Activities In and Adjacent to the Proposed Area Swan Lake is considered.a prime recreational area by local Sitka residents. Boating, picnicking, sportfishing, ice skating, and birdwatching are primary uses of the lake and creek systems. The tributary streams- contain natural stocks of Dolly Varden char and planted stocks of rainbow trout which provide moderate angler use, mostly by children, in the middle of residential Sitka. The aes- thetic contribution of the aquatic environment is readily apparent; however, increased single family housing development has reduced the available open space area and public access available around the lake and along Wrinkleneck and Arrowhead creeks. An annual trout fishing derby for youths has been established at Swan Lake and has been well received by the local population. Fish stocks in the lake consist of naturally occurring Dolly Varden char, intro- duced rainbow trout, and large numbers of threespine stickleback. Test fishing in the lake yielded Dolly Varden ranging in size from 96 millimeters to 254 millimeters (3.8 inches-10 inches). Swimming in the lake is limited due to the thick growth of aquatic plants along the shoreline. Ice skating is a popular winter use of the lake and snowmobilers utilize this open space on an occasional basis. More than forty species of birds have been observed on and around Swan Lake by local bird enthusiasts. The lake is an impor- tant resting and feeding area for swans and waterfowl during migra- tion periods. Historically, in excess of 25 swans have been observed on-Swan Lake for periods up to several weeks in duration. Recent 13 observations (1977-79) have identified a significant reduction in use by migrating swans. Numbers now range from one to nine swans using the lake for short periods, from one to four days. The majority of the Swan Lake use occurs as a single afternoon or overnight rest stop. Blue Lake, located approximately eight miles northeast, receives much greater use by swans, and their preference for Blue Lake is attributed to the lack of development and distur- bance which occurs at Swan Lake. The primary use of lands immediately adjacent to the proposed.AMSA include single family and multi-family residential housing and the inter-connecting community road system. Lake Street and Halibut Point Road receive the vast majority of all vehicular traffic traveling along the east and west shores of Swan Lake, respectively. Moller Park cur rently provides approximately 1,175 feet of public waterfront for recreational uses along the northwest quarter of Swan Lake. The park includes a baseball diamond, a circular track, and toddler's play area. A filled gravel pad of approximately one-half acre is located at the west end of DeGroff Street adjacent to the mouth of Wrinkleneck Creek. This fill is city owned and provides public access along the southeast quarter of the lake. SWAN LAKE LAND STATUS PRIVATE LANDS .SITKA GITY LANDS CHANNEL FEDERAL LANDS .V 0 THOMSEN HARSOR ............ 0 L L E R@-. PARK ....... .. ..... .... .. ..... .... . ..... . ......... ... ....... ...... ... .... .......... .. ....... ''A-RROWHEAD CREEK L E- A K Aas It ..... ... HABS R "@\-WRlVKLEJVECK CREEK ...... ..... ....... ..... ...... ........ ..... Figure 2: Swan Lake Land Status 15 F. Present and Anticipated conflicts Among Uses and Activities Within or Adjacent to the Area Commercial and residential development in and adjacent to Swan Lake and its tributaries has resulted in the alteration of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of this freshwater system. Surface water runoff rates have increased due to creek channel straightening and the increase in impervious surface around the drainage system. The lake level has risen inundating wetlands and privately owned properties as a result of culverting the entire outlet stream. Stream and lake water temperatures have increased because of the removal of shading riparian vegetation. Organic and inorganic pollutant loading from direct discharge and subsurface seepage from past on-site sewage systems has degraded the chemical water quality and stimulated the growth of aquatic vegetation. Pollution may also have chronic effects on the fish stocks within the lake and tributaries affecting both growth and survival. Evidence of water quality degradation is contained in Tables 1-3. Specific conductance readings are the second highest recorded to date for a freshwater system in southeast Alaska. This measurement defines the total amount of ionized material within the water and reflects the volume of total dissolved solids and salinity of the water sampled. Swan Lake contains high concentrations of sulfates, chlorides, silica, nitrites, sodium, and calcium. 16 Three primary pollutant sources in the drainage basin include: leachate from old on-site sewage systems, potential seepage from the city sewage collection system, and the current city practice of disposal of waste snow on the frozen lake surface and shoreline. Biological conflicts include loss of terrestrial and aquatic habitat, alteration of complex food web organisms, total elimination of the use of this area by anadromous fish species, reduction of the viability of recreational fish species, and a continued decline in use by avifauna. Certain bird species, such as swans, are more susceptible to disturbance than others. Human encroachment around the lake has resulted in declining use by migrating trumpeter swans. Swans which still rest and feed at the lake restrict their use to the relatively undeveloped northern portion of Swan Lake. This limi.ted area offers the least noise and physical disturbance by children, dogs, boats, and motorized vehicles. The overall aesthetic beauty of the lake and creek system has been impacted by housing and road development, elimination of riparian trees and shrubs, excessive aquatic plant growth-, reduction of open water area, and the reduction in wildl.ife use. Without a coordinated and balanced plan for the utilization and conservation of the Lake, tributary streams, and shorelands, efforts to both develop the shoreline and preserve the Lake's natural resources will likely be frustrated by the current piecemeal manage- ment approach,taken at the local, State, and Federal levels. 17 II. PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN A. Area Proposed-for Special Management Practices To ensure that the aesthetic and biological quality of Swan Lake, its tributaries, and the surrounding area are maintained in a fashion which promotes the welfare of fish and wildlife, and to provide for the highest quality aesthetic and recreational environ- ment available for the benefit of both public and private lake and creek users, the following area is proposed as a special management zone: (1) An area incorporating the freshwater body known as Swan Lake including: (a) the lake proper extending from its deepest point to a continuous management perimeter up to 50 feet (measured linearly) above the 1980 high water mark of the lake; (b) the freshwater wetlands contiguous to the edge of the aquatic system continuing through the transition of marsh, wet meadow, ericaceous shrub bog, and erect shrub wetland habitat zones which adjoin the lake perimeter (,Figures 3 and 4); and (c) a riparian buffer strip centered along the existing centerline of Wrinkleneck Creek and Arrowhead Creek, and SWAN LAKE, SITKA 57003'50"N. 135020'10"W 140 0 140 FEET Scale approx. I Inch 140 feet .01 te 01 _0 9) 0 /* 46 41 '1k @7@ 4 46 46 41 7"4 .01 z3z;;- -Z- v, czSWAN LAX House :J@ 2 Tat -0 J. Lot P17 Swan Lake Special Management Area Boundary W--*7 :Gz @& A Aquatic plants Spruce-hemlock forest Marsh beciduous trees and shrubs L@A M - F-7-7-4 - Wet meadow Gravel F-1 Ericaceous shrub bog Location of vegetation tvansect I 011@lj Figure 3: Vegetation Map of the Northern End of Swan Lake Showing Wetlands and Special Managment Boundary loll 1111 om M f EFET METERS 60- SITKA SOUND VEGETATION TRANSACT -n A. -16' Swan Lake 57*03'50"N.135020'10"W Date: 16 June 80 Plant heights not drawn to scale. Relative heights Avg approximate. MLLW mean lower low water X 17- 40- to to L E -10 0 V A T30- dD I 0 N A 0: U L N Il;ArA ills to :A M M L L LEGEND W bates marjasts sun 20- gremlin patentifla polastris Sparesaimin Eleacheris Cares poufffiers Deashampsis Pisa* sitah*afls hypofb,,,,,ujn pmhosiffs fibalmlQUIUS 60,1090fisis -6 safpul Manymalbes Cs,*x 418shenals AA)f "pleas ifitallatual .1610000,pus Lysichfica Hippurms Wulgaris Leduas palust,e ametteenum T 10 20 30 40 60 60 70 60 METERS to 0 50 100 ISO 200 260 FEET DISTANCE ALONG TRANSECT 20 Table 1. Water Quality Analysis of Swan Lake, Sitka, 1979 (Source Art Schmidt, ADF&G, Sitka). Parameter, Unit Specific Conductance, umho 83.000 PH 6. 800 Hardness, mg1l 29.000 Alkalinity, mg/1 24.000 Calcium, mg/l 3.016 Magnesium, mg/l 1.760 Sodium, mg/l 5.822 Potassium,.mg/l 0.783 Iron,mg/l 2.633 Manganese, mg/l 0.085 Molybdenum, mg/l 0.020 Aluminum, mg1l 0.270 Boron, mg/1 less than 0.100 Silica, mg/l 10.000 Fluoride, mg/l less than 0.010 Chloride, mg1l 3.800 Sulfate, mg/I 13.500 Nitrate, mg/l less than 0.100 Nitrite, mg/l 0.020 Ortho-Phosphate, mg/l less than 0.010 Table 2. Thermal Data (OC) from Swan Lake, Sitka, 1979. Depth (m) May 31 July 3 July 20 Aug.9 Aug. 29 S 12.5 15.9 15.S 17.5 19.8 1.0 15.5 15.6 19.5 2.0 13.5 13.0 16.0 3.0 12.0 12.5 12.2 11.2 4.0 12.0 Table 3. Secchl Disc Visibility (m) from Swan Lake, Sitka, 1979. May 31 3.0 July 3 2.6 July 20 2.0 August 9 1.5 August 29 1.4 21 extending 15 linear feet on either side of the stream bank. From a point upstream on Wrinkleneck Creek located 70 feet northeast of the east end of Baranof Street this buffer zone will extend 25 linear feet from either stream bank effecting.a wider buffer strip from this point to the stream's point of origin or headwaters. B. Management Goal s The following are the goals developed for management of the area within the AMSA boundaries: (1) to protect, preserve, and enhance that habitat which is deemed crucial to the swan population and associated waterfowl uti- lizing Swan Lake; (2) to maintain and enhance the resident fish populations within the Swan Lake watershed for the recreational enjoyment and use of the public;. (3) to ensure a clean, aesthetically pleasing freshwater body within the City and Borough of Sitka to be enjoyed and uti- lized by the public; and (4) to provide for recreational activities and development prac- tices consistent with sound protection and management of the Lake resources and habitats as outlined in this management proposal. 22 C. Improper Uses Improper uses are those considered detrimental to the well being of the living biota found in and around the AMSA boundaries and to the overall recreational use available to Swan Lake users. For these reasons the following actions will not be permitted to occur within the defined boundaries unless 'Specifically authorized by those governing bodies charged with the management enforcement of the proposed AMSA area. They include, but are not limited to: (1) channelization or obstructions of natural water flows when such action would lead to dewatering or the inundation of wetland areas within the AMSA classification, reduction of existing water quality on other than a determinable short term basis, or unfavorable changes to aquatic, wetland, or shoreland vegetation which would decrease use of the area by desirable fish species, swans, and other waterfowl; (2) dredge or fill operations for the purpose of converting wet- lands,'waterbodies, or shorelands into fastlands solely for the purpose of private use; (3) development of permanent structures or land c-learing within the 50 foot special management zone without prior consultation and approval of the Sitka Planning Department and the receipt of applicable Corps of Engineers permits for the discharge of 23 dredge or fill material. Each proposed new construction activity or the rehabilitation/expansion of old structures occurri.ng within the AMSA boundary will be reviewed on a case- by-case basis for a determination of impact on the special management area and-identification of mitigation practices, if applicable;. (4) the operation of motorized watercraft on Swan Lake; operation of snowmachines is permitted during periods of ice cover; operation of radio-controlled model watercraft and aircraft is permitted providing no harassment of waterfowl occurs; (5) mining activities, including gravel or soils extraction, except under conditions acceptable to the Sitka Planning Department and authorized through the Corps of Engineers permitting process; (6) the cutting or eradication of natural vegetation occurring within the special management zone which would cause losses of streamside and lakeshore cover, losses of desirable wetland vegetation, erosion of soils into adjacent waterbodies, or losses of.the natural capacity of the shoreland vegetation to provide filtration and buffering to the waterbody from adja- cent land uses; 24 (7) development within the floodplain of Swan Lake or its trib- utaries that would result in the impediment of fish movement within-the stream and lake system; (8) discharges of liquified or solid wastes which would reduce water quality in Swan Lake or its tributaries below those standards listed in ADEC Water Quality Standards publication, February, 1979; (9) disposal into the lake, wetlands, streams or special management zone of snow collected from streets, thoroughfares, parking lots, or driveways from within the city; and (10) harrassment or harvest of waterfowl or other wildlife utili- zing Swan Lake and its tributaries unless in defense of life or property. 0. Proper Uses Uses which are compatible with the primary goal of habitat manage- ment and public recreational use shall be permitted within the AMSA boundaries. Activities which are considered proper uses include, but are not limited to: (1) recreational use of Swan Lake by the. general public for boating, fishi.ng, swimming, ice skating, and other compatible recrea- tional activities; 25 (2) wildlife viewing and photography which creates no unfavorable disturbance to waterfowl populations; (3) designation and maintenance of public access and use sites to Swan Lake and Arrowhead and Wrinkleneck creeks; (4) habitat enhancement projects for the purpose.of improving fish and wildlife populations within the AMSA and surrounding area; (5) scientific research and instruction where compatible with fisheries and waterfowl management goals; (6) development of small finger floats or piers for private land- owners along the periphery of Swan Lake; (7) planting of trees, shrubs, gardens and lawns; construction of small appurtenant structures; and other property improvements wKich do not create additional impermeable surfaces, destroy wetlands, nor result in runoff of polluted water into adjacent aquatic systems; and (8) other uses of the aquatic system which do not conflict with primary management goals stated.in this proposal. 26 E. Swan Lake Enhancement Alternative To faci litate public use, provide suitable overwintering habitat for fish stocks-, and promote the continued use of Swan Lake by local and migrating bird populations, a development plan for the lake is described-below and illustrated in Fi.gure 5. Of major *importance to any management proposal for Swan Lake are those areas identified as critical wetland habitat. Because of their importance to the hydrological, ecological, and aesthetic values of the lake, alteration or loss of this habitat must be evaluated carefully. With each successive development activity along the lakeshore, cummulative impacts on the aquatic system multiply. To prevent rapid increases in surface runoff, pollutant loading, erosion of shorelands, reduce water quality impacts, prevent loss of fish and wildlife usage of the area, and preserve the aesthetic contribution Swan Lake provides the community of Sitka, the following management alternative is proposed. All undeveloped wetland habitat bordering the lake shall be managed in a manner that will promote the longevity of this critical ecological unit. To achieve this goal the City of Sitka should consider obtaining.ownership of any and all remaining wetland habitat bordering Swan Lake (Figure 6). Such areas should be excluded from draining or filling and maintained in their natural state. Placement of fill material in areas immediately adjacent to this wetland habitat should be performed in a manner consistent with.the overall management. goals for the Swan Lake-system. This Figure 5. Proposed Swan Lake Management Alternative Floum a Jw... ft.46 41-4.0, 8*011,11, 6.8-1.0 &.4 &.*sow 41 ..-t t .. ..., , " . - V, W%. par f&V-V a... --------------- now- ji; ONE 14011A]EX PARK IL .It ;V Alf STATE . ............ sit. 0 %b. :moo I- to 1..1 1'" 4'.. %bib Paw of he-bb', 60.0 a'." " . Wh im of --k [email protected] " 0. 0614 of W41 ....... ............ ............. ............................. twis a #..a S. 1@. jbr.4w -........................ ...................... ........ 28 Figure 6- Map of Wetland Habitat Showing Approximate Location of Private Property Lines SWAN LAKE. SITKA 140 57*03'SO"N.a13S320'10"W --r- 7- Scale approx. I inch 140 feet 41 4 4 4, o Ak 41k. 4A 1Y, LO 40 4@ -.4 L T __8 n@ nv! @@;N M5_ X6 '*S WA NLAR-'k P .0 9 L 12. AK Aquatic plants Spruce-hemlock forest Marsh beciduous, trees and shrubs Wet meadow El Gravel ri-7 EPOI tricaceous shrub beg Location of vegetation transect 29 will allow only clean rock material for fill activities and require the development and implementation of fill pad designs which precludes the sloughage or erosion of materials into wetland habitat. Special consideration may be given to proposed development actions adjacent to wetland habitat areas which incorporate the use of driven pile foundation designs. Such considerations would be on a site-specific basis, evaluating the need for the action, continuity of structural design with area management practices, and overall impact of the proposed project. To provide for increased public recreational use and reduce the potential for winter fish kill, the lake could be deepened as depicted in Figure 5. Volumes of material to be dredged under this alternative are shown in Table 4. Dredge spoil amounting to an estimated 21,200 cubic yards could be dried and sold to local landowners for use as topsoil. Prior to the physical alteration of the existing aquatic system, a detailed limnological and hydrological survey of the Swan Lake drainage basin should be conducted to des.ign the most effective rehabilitation program and define those sites contributing unac- ceptable pollutant loads to the lake and its tributaries. Upon quantification of these sources corrective measures should be developed and implemented to preclude or reduce pollutant contri- bution to the Swan Lake system. The Clean Lakes Program, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and administered by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, has been established to provide funds to local communities for the development of such a program. 30 Table 4. Physical Characteristics of the Proposed Dredging of Swan Lake. Volume of Dredge Additional Lake Increase in Lake Depth Material Removed. Area at New Depth from 3 to 5 meters 1,500.0 cubic yards from 2 to 5 meters 10,550.0 C.Y. 5 meters - 0.81 acres from 3 to 4 meters 2,130.0 c.y. from 2 to 4 meters 2,120.0 c.y. 4 meters - 0.60 acres from 2 to 3 meters 2', 970. 0c.y. 3 meters - 0.37 acres from I to 2 meters 950.0 C.Y. 2 meters - 0.18 acres from 0 to 1 meter 970.0 c.y. 1 meter - 0.18 acres TOTALS 21,200.0 c.y. 2.14 acres 31 To facilitate public access, an area of approximately 3.9 acres located immediately adjacent to Lake Street on the southeastern shoreline of Swan Lake could be developed as a park. This development would comply with the proposed AMSA management criteria and entail the placement of a sheetpile or cement bulkhead retaining wall with backfill to prevent bank sloughing along Lake Street and provide off-street parking space. It would also entail the development of a pier structure supported on concrete or steel piling allowing for fisherman and boater access to the deeper water along the eastern shoreline while, at the same time, minimizing the loss of aquatic habitat. A finger float might be added to enhance swimming, boating, and ice skating,access. The proposed bulkhead and fill structure shall not extend beyond a point 25 linear feet from.the centerline of Lake Street. The pier structure should not extend beyond a point 50 linear feet measured from the centerline of Lake Street. This will provide adequate public access to the lake system while minimizing the loss of aquatic habitat. Pa-rking lot and street runoff should be routed through a vegetated buffer strip or other suitable filter medium before entering either the Lake or streams. III. SUMMARY AND STATEMENT OF POLICIES APPLIED TO MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA Policies to be utilized in the management of t1his area include: C11 It is- the po-licy of the Ci.ty and Borough of Sitka to manage Swan@Lake and its supporti.ng marshes, shorelands, and tribu- taries for the public benefit with the express purpose of 32 maintaining or enhancing the fisheries and waterfowl habitat and the recreational public use of the lake and its resources. (2) It is the policy of Federal and State agencies to conduct their activities consistent with the management principles expressed in this document and to assist the City and Borough of Sitka in implementing the Swan Lake AMSA plan. IV. MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE AND AUTHORITIES USED TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN A. Management Guidelines. 0 The lands and waters within the AMSA boundaries shall be defined as a special management zone for the purpose of preserving and enhancing lake and stream water quality, existing fish'and wildlife habitat, and public recreational uses. Within this zone new construction, reconstruction, expansion, or-development activities shall be reviewed for concurrence of compliance with the AMSA management goals and policies. Primary management authority over the Swan Lake AMSA shall be exerted through the existing Title 29 Powers and Authorities of the City and Borough of Sitka. Additional ordinances may be required to insure the management goals adopted by the City 33 are attained. Such ordinances shall be developed by the City as they are deemed necessary to insure compliance with the adopted AMSA management plan. Implementing authorities for development on surrounding private lands may be achieved through zoning powers, ordinances, and cooperative agreements. Where applicable, agreements between existing land owners and the City of Sitka may be entered into for the purchase of lands within the AMSA boundary through fee simple acquisition or other means. Review of proposed development activities within the AMSA boundaries shall be accomplished by the Sitka Planning Depart- ment with assistance from State and Federal resource agencies. Permits for dredge and fill activities will continue to be coordinated through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10/404 program. The general public will have the opportunity to review and comment on any decisions regarding changes to the overall management goal of the Swan Lake AMSA. Agency review of AMSA consistency determinations by the Depart- ment of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Forest Service, and other State and Federal agencies charged with resource management review authority will be coordinated through U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 10/404 permit and Department of Environmental 34 Conservation 401 Certification permit review processes. The agency review shall be accomplished in accordance with the stated man'agement practices outlined in this AMSA classification proposal. The review will be initiated through the permit requests by the person(s) proposing the development action. The Department of Fish and Game will have the lead agency role in the management of the AMSA's fish and wildlife resources. B. Applicable Management Regulations Authorities utilized for the implementation of the management criteria herein outlined include: (1) City and Borough of Sitka, Title 29 Powers and Authorities; (2) Alaska Coastal Management Act; (3) Corps of Engineers, Section 10/404 permits for the dis- charge of dredge or fill materials into waters of the United States; OY ADEC water quaTity standards (AAC Title 16, Chapter 70) and 401 certification of wate@ quality permit (AS 46.03.100 and AS 46.03.020); and (5) Public Law 92-500, The Clean Water Act, Section 314, known as '.'The Clean Lakes Program." JIMMIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 'ill i 3 6668 14101 77'33 _@ @_;-