Puget Trough coastal wetlands a summary report of biologically significant sites

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Puget Trough
Coastal Wetlands

A SUMMARY REPORT OF BIOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT SITES

odgftul- Avow

by
QH Washington Natural Heritage Program
0 76.5 Washington Department of Natural Resources
w2
K85
1984

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Brian Boyle
Commissioner of Public Lands

James A. Stearns
Supervisor

Cleveland F. Pinnix
Deputy Supervisor-Governmental

Division of Private Forestry and Recreation

Arden Olson
Division Manager

John Edwards
Assistant Manager-Recreation

Washington Natural Heritage Program

Mark Sheehan
Program Manager/Botanist

Reid Schuller
Plant Ecologist

Linda Kunze
Plant Ecologist

Elise Augenstein
Data Manager/Botanist

Charlotte Nelson
Program Secretary

Nancy Sprague
Environmental Intern

Puget Trough
Coastal Wetlands

A SUMMARY REPORT OF BIOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT SITES

by
Linda M. Kunze
Plant Ecologist

WASHINGTON NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Olympia, WA

for

WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY

Olympia, WA

CONTRACT NO. C-83061

Property of CSC Library DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENIER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413

January 1984

STA

JOHN SPELLMAN
DONALD W. MOOS
Governor Director

STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
Mail Stop PV-11 o Olympia, Washington 98504 o (206) 459-6000

Shorelands Division
June 1984

To The Reader:

Puget Trough Coastal Wetlands, A Summary of Biologically Significant Sites was
prepared for the Department of Ecology by the Department of Natural Resources'
Natural Heritage Program with federal Coastal Zone Management funds.

The report provides information on "remnant" natural wetlands along Washington's
inland marine waters. Nineteen wetland sites are identified and described. The report
is intended for general use by those involved in wetlands and shoreline management
including local, state and federal resource agencies, as well as shoreline users,
development interests, conservation and citizen groups.

The Heritage Program, responsible for inventorying natural areas and implementing
the Natural Area Preserve Act (chapter 79.70 RCW), was selected to conduct the
project because of experience and staff expertise.

Heritage Program staff surveyed more than 2,000 miles of coastline in the Puget
Trough to identify relatively undisturbed coastal wetland sites. Site selection was
based on diversity of biological and physical features within the sites, rarity of the
features, relative absence of introduced plant species, and quality of the site in terms
of lack of human disturbance, water quality, size, and buffering from development.

Sites were found in both private and public ownership. The report makes no recom-
mendations for their acquisition or management. Further, it should be kept in mind
that recommended sites were evaluated primarily for their botanical condition. The
value of these and other sites for geological, recreational, wildlife, archaeological, or
other purposes were not evaluated as part of this project.

Significantly, the report found that no pristine coastal wetland system remains in the
Puget Trough. It further concludes, however, that the Puget Sound region, unlike many
regions in the world, is fortunate to still have wetlands resembling native systems. It
is hoped that the information provided here will give these remnant sites the
recognition and management attention they need.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to identify coastal wetlands throughout the Puget
Trough region that might be appropriate candidates for inclusion within a
statewide system of estuarine sanctuaries. The study was conducted employing a
botanical and ecological perspective, supplemented with secondary source data on
wildlife and land use history. The sites'were evaluated in terms of the
quality, representation and the diversity of physical and biotic features
present. Nineteen sites were recommended as being appropriate for possible
inclusion within an estuarine sanctuary system. Individual reports are provided
for each site.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A great many people contributed to this study.

I would like to thank the numerous private and public landowners who granted
access to their property and especially those who spent time sharing related
information.

I am indebted to the researchers who shared their data and experiences.
I would particularly like to thank Dr. Robert Frenkel who freely gave of his
time and expertise on coastal wetlands. Ron Hirschi, Ron Vanbianci and William
Nelson shared biological and ecological information collected during their field
work for the production of the Coastal Zone Atlas and individual research pro-
jects. Dr. Kern Ewing generously shared his data for the Skagit Bay intertidal
marsh. Lynn Cornelius provided information from his research.project at
Foulweather Bluff Preserve.

0 A number of federal and state agencies provided assistance in the course of the
study. I would like to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwest
Regional Office, photogrammetry section for access to their aerial photographic
coverage of the Puget Trough region. I appreciated information provided by the
National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for sites within their
0 jurisdiction. Personnel of the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission
supplied information on areas and transportation to field survey sites. The
staff of the Photos, Maps and Reports section, of the Washington Department of
Natural Resources, provided invaluable service throughout the project.

I would also like to thank all those who assisted in the preparation of this
report: Cathy Rucker for the design of the cover; Nancy Sprague for her
49 gracious assistance in compiling data and in producing the site location naps;
Reid Schuller and Elise Augenstein for their editing and comments; Mark Sheehan
for his advisory and editorial role; and particularly, Charlotte Nelson for her
excellent humor, skill and diligence in typing this report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I

STUDY AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

USE OF ESTUARIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Past Use . . . . . . . . . . . . I
Current Use . . . . . . . . . . 3

METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Initial Site Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Field Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Evaluation Criteria for Site Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . 5

SITE RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Systems Represented in Recommended Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Recommended Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

APPENDIX I: REPORTS ON RECOMMENDED SITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
American Camp Lagoons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Dungeness Spit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Foulweather Bluff Preserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Foulweather Salt Marsh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Gull Harbor . * 43
Hamma Hamma Rive; 6elt; 47
Henry Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Kennedy Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Lake Hancock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lynch Cove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Nisqually River Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Perego's Lagoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Salt Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Skagit River Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Skookum Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Stavis Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Tarboo Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Thorndyke Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Westcott Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

APPENDIX II: SITES SURVEYED BUT NOT RECOMMENDED . . .. . . . . . . . . 145

GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

Figure 1 Study Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Figure 2. Recommended Sites in the Pugei T*rou*h*R;gion* . . . . . . 9
9
Figure 3. American Camp Lagoons Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 4. American Camp Lagoons Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure, 5. Dungeness Spit Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Figure 6. Dungeness Spit Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 7. Foulweather Bluff Preserve Locational Map . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 8. Foulweather Bluff Preserve Features Map . . . . . . . . . 35
Figure 9. Foulweather Salt Marsh Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . 36
Figure 10. Foulweather Salt Marsh Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Figure 11. Gull Harbor Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Figure 12. Gull Harbor Features Map . . . . . 45
Figure 13. Hamma Hamma River Delta Locational @ap- 46
Figure 14. Hamma Hamma River Delta Features Map . . . . . . . . . . 53
Figure 15. Henry Island Locational Map. . i . . . . . . . . . . 54
Figure 16. Henry Island Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Figure 17. Kennedy Creek Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Figure 18. Kennedy Creek Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Figure 19. Lake Hancock Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Figure 20. Lake Hancock Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Figure 21. Lynch Cove Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Figure 22. Lynch Cove Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Figure 23. Nisqually River Delta Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . 82
Figure 24. Nisqually River Delta Features Map . .. Pocket on Back Cover
Figure 25. Perego's Lagoon Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Figure 26. Perego's Lagoon Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Figure 27. Salt Creek Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Figure 28. Salt Creek Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Figure 29. Skagit River Delta Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Figure 30. Skagit River Delta Features Map . . . . . Pocket on Back Cover
Figure 31. Skookum Inlet Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Figure 32. Skookum Inlet Features Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Figure 33. Stavis Bay Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Figure 34. Stavis Bay Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Figure 35. Tarboo Bay Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Figure 36. Tarboo Bay Features Map. 129
Figure 37. Thorndyke Bay Locational @ap- 130
Figure 38. Thorndyke Bay Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Figure 39. Westcott Bay Locational Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Figure 40. Westcott Bay Features Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Vii

INTRODUCTION

Until recently, intertidal wetlands were considered wastelands. This attitude,
plus their typical location in bays and at river mouths, made these wetlands
prime areas for conversion to more "useable" land. The areas often became sites
0 for port, industrial, agricultural and urban development.
Today there is a growing public appreciation for the natural values of inter-
tidal wetlands. They are unique and complex systems supporting a high diversity
of plant and animal species. Intertidal salt marshes rank among the most pro-
ductive ecological systems in the world.

An Estuarine Sanctuary System Project was developed by the Washington State
Department of Ecology as a companion to the National Estuarine Sanctuary
Program. The project was designed to assess the need and potential for develop-
ment of a statewide system of estuarine sanctuaries. As part of this project,
0 the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program was
contracted to identify Puget Trough intertidal wetlands which, based upon biolo-
gical and ecological criteria would be appropriate candidates for inclusion
within an estuarine sanctuary system.

0 STUDY AREA

The study area includes the shoreline of the Puget Trough physiographic region,
including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound, Hood
0 Canal and the San Juan Archipelago (Fig. 1).

USE OF ESTUARIES
0

PAST USE

Settlers first arrived in the Puget Trough region about 150 years ago. Bays and
river mouths, the primary locations of coastal wetlands, were the centers of
their settlement. Agriculture was one of the first uses of the coastal
wetlands. The marshlands were used as pasture or were diked and ditched to pro-
duce arable lands. In many areas, such as the Snohomish estuary, the conversion
was nearly total. Between 1880 and 1940, 9,000 of its pre-settlment 10,000
acres had been diked (Boule', Olmsted and Miller, 1983). Diking of the Skagit
River delta left only a narrow outer band of tidal marsh of what was once an
extensive marsh and surge plain system.

CANADA
01, UNITED STATES

Dfs

SAN JUAN
ARCHI.PELAGO
STRA. Or IAIAN DE rUCA

PUGET SOUND

HOOD CANAL

Figure 1. STUDY AREA

The readily available timber along the shorelines was among the first forestland
to be cut. Trees were felled or dragged onto tidelands and rafted and stored
there for later transport. Some areas were filled to create log storage yards
and to allow the placement of mill facilities. Adjacent tidal areas became the
repositories of mill wastes.

River mouths and bays became centers of port, industrial and urban growth.
River and slough channels were dredged and diked to accommodate boat traffic and
spoils were deposited as fill on adjacent tideflats. Port and moorage facili-
ties were developed. Piers were built out to channels that could accommodate
deep draft vessels. Intertidal wetlands and adjacent uplands were developed for
industrial, business, transportation and housing. Coastal wetlands frequently
became the repository of urban and industrial wastes and runoff. In
Commencement Bay, of the approximately 1,700 acres of nonvegetated tideflats
which occurred in 1880, 1,500 acres were dredged or filled by 1920 and 1,600
acres by 1980 (Boule', et al. 1983). Virtually all of the 1,900 acres of tidal
marsh which occurred in 1880 were filled by 1940.

Along with these physical alterations, the intentional and accidental introduction
of exotic plant and animal species occurred with the development of the Puget
Trough area.

CURRENT USE

A growing public awareness of the importance of native coastal wetland systems
has led to recent federal, state and local policies to help protect these
natural resources. However, historical uses of wetlands continue, though the
rate of habitat conversion through ditching, diking and filling have slowed.
Recently, there have been some additional or substantially increased uses.

Agricultural, industrial and urban point and nonpoint source pollution of marine
and estuarine systems is becoming a serious problem in the Puget Trough
region (Puget Sound Water Quality Conference, 1983). New organic and inorganic
chemicals are being introduced to the system, while the volume of more conven-
tional wastes has greatly increased.

Recreational and residential development is occurring at an accelerated rate
along the shoreline. . Wetlands and buffers are being altered or destroyed
through development of recreational facilities, residences and intensive and
widespread public use.

The net result of past and current land and water uses has been the virtual
elimination of pristine coastal wetlands in the Puget Trough region.

METHODOLOGY

INITIAL SITE SELECTION

A number of criteria were employed in the initial selection of potential field
survey sites. Most of these criteria focused on human-related disturbance.
These criteria were:

1. The degree of human-related physical disruption of a wetland. This
included alteration or destruction of the intertidal area through
diking, ditching, filling, draining, cultivating, grazing or other
development;

2. The presence and quality of an upland buffer. Assessment of quality
was based on the degree of development, width of the buffer, vegetation
and age of forested stands;

3. Domina,nce of the site by any of the three introduced species of
Spartina resulted in the elimination of the site from further
consideration;

4. 'An arbitrary minimum size limit for potential sites was set at 10
acres; and

5. Severe water quality problems resulted in the elimination of the site
from consideration.

Using these criteria, a limited number of all the coastal wetlands in the Puget
Trough region were identified for potential field survey. This initial
evaluation was accomplished through a review of the Washington Coastal Zone
Atlas (Youngmann, 1978) and a survey of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers large
scale, 1982 aerial photographic coverage for the Puget Trough coastline.

A review of related scientific literature, the Washington Natural Heritage data
base, and interviews with researchers further helped to eliminate sites which
were highly disturbed and helped to identify sites of relatively high ecological
and biological value which had not been previously considered for field survey.

FIELD SURVEYS

Field surveys were conducted between April and September, 1983. Upon visiting a
site, an initial determination was made to include or eliminate the site from
further consideration based on the cover and frequency values of non-native
plant species as well as the criteria for initial site selection outlined above.

For all survey sites, data were collected on human-related disturbance, physical
and biotic features, hydrology, salinity, topography, soil texture and quality
of the adjacent upland. Physical and biotic features include geologic features
(e.g., berms, spits, coastal embayments and lagoon ponds), rare plant and animal
species in Washington State (W.D.N.R., 1983) and intertidal marsh types.

Marsh types are subdivided into their component natural communities. The
natural communities described are part of a classification system developed by
the Washington Natural Heritage Program. Plant species nomenclature follows
Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973). Salinity measures were taken using a method
developed by Mitchell (1981). An American Optical, hand field refractometer was
used. Samples for interstitial soil salinity measurements were taken at a depth
of 3cm.

Aerial photographs on a scale of 1:12,000 were used as field maps with the
exception of a few which were on a scale of 1:24,000. A map illustrating the
site features was produced on a mylar overlay on the aerial photograph(s) for
each site. All data are on file at the Washington Natural Heritage Program,
Olympia.

EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR SITE RECOMMENDATIONS
In addition to criteria used in initial selection of survey -sites, potential
recommendations were further evaluated using the following ecological and biolo-
0 gical criteria:

1. introduced species had to occur relatively infrequently and with low
cover values for the natural communities, features and site as a whole
to be considered for recommendation;

16 2. sites were generally chosen which contained a diversity of physical and
biological features;

3. rarity of features occurring at the site affected the sites relative
importance;

0' 4. quality of features, e.g., the size, degree of development and diver-
sity of the features occurring at the site, was key in determining the
overall site importance.

SITE RECOMMENDATIONS

Nineteen sites are recommended which represent different kinds of coastal
wetland systems and include a variety of features (Fig. 2). The kinds of
systems and range of variability are defined below. Sites recommended within
each kind of system are described in detail in Appendix I. Sites surveyed but
not recommended are listed in Appendix II.

SYSTEMS REPRESENTED IN RECOMMENDED SITES

1. Coastal Lagoon

A coastal lagoon is a body of water or tidelands with limited access to the
open ocean or estuarine waters. Tidal influence may be continuous or
limited to extreme high tides. Ocean derived salts exceed 0.5 ppt and may
reach hyperhaline levels due to evaporation. Salinities show wide seasonal
and even daily fluctuations. Horizontal stratification of salinities is
typical. Berms, spits, salt marshes and brackish marshes associated with a
lagoon are considered part of the system.

2. Coastal Embayment

A coastal embayment is a body of water or tidelands partially enclosed by
land but with an unimpaired connection with open marine or estuarine waters.
Ocean derived salts exceed 0.5 ppt and may reach euhaline levels.

3. Tidal River

Tidal river sites are e stuarine systems occurring along the tidal reaches
and mouths of streams and rivers. These areas typically have considerable
freshwater influence. Ocean derived salts measure 0.5 ppt or greater, at
least periodically. There may be vertical, as well as horizontal, stratifi-
cation of ocean derived salts. Typically, only portions of these system are
still in relatively pristine condition.

4. Bay Shore

Bay shore sites are wetlands with limited channeled freshwater influence and
with no restrictions to mari-ne influence. These are typically euhaline
systems, but may reach hyperhaline conditions through evaporation.

5. Coastal Spit

Coastal spits are ridges or embankments of sediment which may or may not be
attached to the land at one or both ends.

RECOMMENDED SITES

American Camp Lagoons (coastal lagoon)
Dungeness Spit (coastal spit, coastal lagoon and coastal embayment)
Foulweather Bluff Preserve (coastal lagoon)
Foulweather Salt Marsh (coastal lagoon)
Gull Harbor (coastal embayment)

Hamma Hamma River Delta (tidal river)
Henry Island (bay shore)
Lake Hancock (coastal lagoon)
Lynch Cove (bay shore and tidal river)
Nisqually River Delta (tidal river)
Perego's Lagoon (coastal lagoon)
Salt Creek (tidal river)
Skagit River Delta (coastal bay and tidal river)
Skookum Inlet (bay shore and tidal river)
Stavis Bay (coastal lagoon)
Tarboo Bay (coastal spit, bay shore)
Thorndyke Bay (coastal lagoon)
Westcott Bay (coastal lagoon)

.SUMMARY

No pristine coastal wetland systems still exist in the Puget Trough region.
However, we are fortunate in having coastal wetlands that still resemble the
native systems, which is not the case in many parts of the world. Those rem-
nants which are located in Washington's coastal wetlands continue to be
threatened by human-related alteration and destruction and by the spread of
introduced species. Through a coastwide system of sanctuaries, we have the
opportunity to protect these fragile, diminished systems and to provide
research and educational opportunities. This in turn may lead to a greater
understanding of their importance and a fuller appreciation of their value.

RECOMMENDED SITES IN THE PUGET TROUGH REGION

1. American Camp Lagoons

2. Dungeness Spit

3. Foulweather Bluff Preserve

4. Foulweather Salt Marsh

5. Gull Harbor

6. Hama Hamma River Delta

7. Henry Island

8. Kennedy Creek

9. Lake Hancock

10. Lynch Cove

11. Nisqually River Delta

12. Perego's Lagoon

13. Salt Creek

14. Skagit River Delta

15. Skookum Inlet

16. Stavis Bay

17. Tarboo Bay

18. Thorndyke Bay

19. Westcott Bay

1 2

1 7

1 5

8 5

Figure 2. RECOMMENDED SITES IN THE PUGET TROUGH REGION

APPENDIX I

'o REPORTS ON RECOMMENDED SITES

-6

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AMERICAN CAMP LAGOONS

SAN JUAN ISLAND NAT 'L HISTORIC PARK

CATTLE POINT

Figure 3. AMERICAN CAMP LAGOONS LOCATIONAL MAP

AMERICAN CAMP LAGOONS

LOCATION:

San Juan County; T34N, R2W, portions of sections 7 and 8. The area consists
of the middle Wakle's) and easternmost ("Third") lagoons in a series of
three coastal lagoons located at the south end of Griffin Bay, San Juan
Island (Fig. 3).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Jakle's and "Third" Lagoons are high quality coastal lagoons with intact
uplands.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 0
Jakle's Lagoon

Figure 4 illustrates the distribution of features at Jakle's Lagoon. The
features are:

1. a permanent lagoon pond;
2. a sandy, euhaline, low intertidal salt marsh; and
3. an associated bald eagle nest.

Jakle,'s Lagoon is. approximately 12.4 acres. A berm, composed of sand, gravel
and cobbles, restricts flow of marine waters between the lagoon and Griffin
Bay. At present, a channel. exists through the west end of the berm, allowing
the flow of marine waters into the lagoon at high tides. Berm configuration,
and the existence of an old delta midway along its length, suggests the past
existence of a.second or alternative channel.

Salinities were euhaline at time of survey. The lagoon is subject to
freshwater surface run-off.. Substrates found throughout the lagoon are
sandy-gravels with some cobbles. A large, dynamic accumulation of drift-
wood exists along the berm and eastern side of the lagoon pond.

The lagoon occ urs at the base of a steep drainage basin. Upland soils are
Vashon recessional sands and gravels. The upland slopes are covered by
second growth forest dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir).

Third Lagoon

Figure 4 illustrates the distribution of features at "Third" Lagoon. The
features are:

1. a lagoon pond;
2. a low vegetated berm; and
3. a sandy, euhaline, intertidal salt marsh.

"Third" Lagoon is approximately 7.3 acres. A channel, located midway along
the berm, connects the lagoon pond with Griffin Bay. The lagoon pond is
centrally located, with salt marsh development at the west and east ends.
Salinities in the lagoon are euhaline. Freshwater influence appears to be
restricted to surface run-off. Substrates within the lagoon are primarily
sandy-gravels with some cobbles. There is considerable driftwood acculflula-
tion, particularly along the berm and at the west side of the lagoon.

"Third" Lagoon occurs at the base of a drainage basin, which is steep to the
west and gradual to the east. Upland soils are Vashon recessional sands
and gravels. The upland is covered by second growth forest dominated by
Douglas fir. An ecotonal region containing both salt marsh and upland
species occurs along the margins of the lagoon. Picea sitchensis (Sitka
spruce) dominates this zone, with Festuca rubra (red fescue)'and Juncus
balticus (Baltic rush) as dominanf understory plant species.

FEATURES:

Jakle's Lagoon

1. Lagoon Pond

The lagoon pond is a permanent pond of about 6.5 acres. Salinity
ranges from 25 to 35 ppt (Landry, 1978). The pond is a study site for
researchers from Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington.
It is also a feeding and resting area for shorebirds and waterfowl.

II. Sandy,'Euhaline, Low Intertidal Salt Marsh

Interstitial soil salinities in the salt marsh at Jakle's Lagoon
measured 30 ppt. Jakle's Lagoon is sparsely vegetated. Salt marsh
vegetation is dominated by 5alicornia virginica along the lagoon pond
margins, grading to an area dominated by Distichlis spicata at
slightly higher elevations. The greatest area of salt marsh develop-
ment is on a rise towards the center of the lagoon, where S. virginica
and D. spicata codominate.

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol .1)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Polypogon monospeliensis (rabbitfoot polypogon)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Spergularia cf canadensis (winged sandspurry

I.I I. Bald Eagles

.Federal Status: Threatened in Washington State

State Status: Threatened

A nesting site is located near Jakle's Lagoon. Young were success-
fully fledged through 1977, beyond wh.ich time the nest was abandoned.
However, in 1983, a pair of eagles reoccupied the nest and success-
fully f,ledged young (Nongame Data Systems).

Third La.goon

I. Lagoon Pond

The lagoon pond is a shallow, approximately I acre, permanent.pond.

II. Berm

The berm is in relatively good condition with no apparent human
alteration and few weedy plant species. It is sparsely vegetated by
a combination of typically salt marsh and coastal dune species.

Berm Vegetation (mapping symbol 3)

General Vegetation

Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (.saltbush)
Distichis spicata. (saltgrass)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Polypogon monospeliensis (rabbitfoot polypogon)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

III. Sandy, Euhaline, Low Intertidal Salt Marsh

Euhaline salt marsh occurs at the west and east ends of the lagoon. The
marsh at the west end has developed over sandy-gravels and is codomi-
nated by Distichlis spicata and Salicornia virginica. The east end
of the lagoon has greater soil development and is highly dissected by
tidal channels. It is dominated by Salicornia virginica.

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass) (locally subdominant)
Spergularia cf canadensis (winged sandspurry)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Spergularia cf canadensis (winged sandspurry)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The uplands adjacent to both Jakle's and "Third" Lagoons have been logged at
least once. Old logging roads and skid trails lead down to the east end of
Jakle's Lagoon. Remnant logging cable, topographic irregularities and
frequency of weedy plant species on the east end of the berm, also indicate
past logging activities.

Jakle's Lagoon was named for the family which homesteaded the immediate area.
No remnant of that homestead exists.

In 1860, during the border dispute between the United States and Great
Britain, American forces established a camp in the general vicinity. It is
not clear whatimpact the establishment of the American Camp had on the
lagoons.

In 1966, American Camp National Historic Park was designated to commemorate
that dispute. With management by the National Park Service, much of the
previous land use ended. A well was dug at the east side of Jakle's Lagoon
to provide water for a proposed campground, but was capped when it was
decided not to develop the campground. The lagoons are-accessible by foot
or boat for recreational day use. Prior to the establishment of the Park,
a boy scout camp operated at the east end of Ja.kle's Lagoon.

GRIFFIN BAY

BEACH
JA14f'S LAGOON
THIRD LAGOON

BEACH
WEEDY 3
BERM
2
2
DRIFTWOOD
LAGOON POND LAGOON POND

0 AMERICAN CAMP
NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

1:12000

Figure 4. AMERICAN CAMP LAGOONS FEATURES MAP

DUNGENESS SPIT

NEW DUNGEN s @,-,@Whouse
LIGHTHOUSE RESERVA I
P it
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8 es
e

Old wn ess
17

DUNGENESS
RECREATION
3
37 40
31 32
CD Jamestown
3-7
h e
Green Point 5 a:

6
L
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Figure 5. DUNGENESS SPIT LOCATIONAL MAP

0 0 0 0

DUNGENESS SPIT

LOCATION:

Clallam County; T31N, R3W, portions of section 18 and T31N, R4W, portions of
sections 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26. The area of interest includes
Graveyard Spit, a portion of Dungeness Bay and a portion of Dungeness Spit
(Fig. 5).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Relative to other coastal spits in Washington State, Dungeness and Graveyard
Spits are of high quality. The spits are vegetationally diverse and have
relatively few non-native species. A high quality, sandy, high salinity, low
intertidal salt marsh is well-developed at the site. Dungeness Bay is well
known for its use by shorebirds, waterfowl, fish and marine mammals.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 6 illustrates the distribution of features at Dungeness Spit. The
features of the recommended site are:

1. coastal sand spits
2. a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh; and
3. a shallow bay and tide flats

Dungeness Spit is a narrow, high energy spit which extends northeasterly
approximately 5.5 miles from the mainland into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Graveyard Spit is a broad, somewhat sheltered spit which extends 1.4 miles
south from Dungeness Spit towards the mainland. Dungeness Bay, a shallow
marine to estuarine bay, lies between the two spits. Deep marine waters abut
Dungeness Spit on the northwest side.

Substrates are primarily sands.

FEATURES:

I. Coastal Sand Spits:

Dungeness and Graveyard Spits are formed by the deposition of eroded
sands and gravels. They are dynamic systems, variously eroding or
accreting. Dungeness Spit has been breached by storms. This happened
in 1871, 1971 and 1982. Currently, Dungeness Spit is growing at a rate
of 25 to 40 feet per year (Vern Wray, pers. com.).

On the northwest side of Dungeness Spit, the sand and gravel beach grades
sharply to a high ridge, on which there is considerable driftwood accumu-
lation. This side of the spit is subject to the full force of 'prevailing
winds and wave action. The southeast or leeward side of the spit has
a more gradual grade. Substrates on the southwest side 'are sands and
gravels with some cobbles. There is considerable driftwood accumulation,
but also a line of dune vegetation. Near the top of the spit ridge is a
zone of depauperate dune vegetation dominated by Elymus mollis. Midway
between the dune ridge and tide flats of Dungeness Bay, occurs a line of
relatively species-rich vegetation. Along the spit-tideland ecotone on
the southeast side@ small areas of salt marsh have developed@

Graveyard Spit is broader, has greater relief and is much more complex
vegetationally than is Dungeness Spit. The spit has 'received extensive
past human use (see land use history). It cannot be considered
pristine, yet native vegetation dominates. The spit is a series of
shallow dune ridges and troughs. A few vegetational patterns are
apparently related to topography. Much of the outer boundary of
Graveyard Spit is dominated by Elymus mollis, with Festuca.rubra as a
co- or subdominant. One small dune in the salt marsh is dominated by
Festuca rubra. Dune troughs are sparsely vegetated (20 to 40% cover) 41
and are dominated by Carex macrocephala. The predominant plant
assemblage occurs on 5-ne ri'-dges. It is species rich, dominated by
Arte.mesia campestris and Lomatium nu.dicaule and has 50% plant cover.

Elymus mollis community (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)

Subdominant Species

Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)

Minor Species

Abronia latifolia (yellow sandverbena)
Achill'ea millefolium (yarrow)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Cakile edentula (American searocket)
Galium aparine (catchweed bedstraw)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Vicia gigantea (giant vetch)

Leeward Side of Dungeness spit (mapping symbol 2)

General Vegetation

Abronia la-tifolia (yellow sandverbena)
Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Aira praecox (early hairgrass) (non-native)
41 Carex macrocephala (large headed sedge)
Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Glehnia leiocarpa (glehnia)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hypericum radicata (spotted catsear) (non-native)
Lepidium virginicum var. menziesii (tall pepperweed)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Poa sp. (bluegrass sp.)
Poa macrantha (seashore bluegrass)
Polygonum paronychia (nailwort knotweed)
Vicia gigantea (giant vetch)

Elymus mollis-Festuca rubra community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Cakile edentula (American searocket)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed) (locally subdominant)

Festuca rubra comm!j@ (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)

Carex macrocephala community (mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Carex macrocephala (large headed sedge)

Minor Species

Abronia latifolia (yellow sandverbena)
Convolvulus soldanella (beach morning-glory)

Artemisia campestris-Lomatium nudicaule assemblage (mapping symbol 6)

Dominant Species

Artemisia campestris cf ssp. caudata (wormwood)
Lomatium nudicaule (barestem lomatium)

Minor Species

Abronia latifolia (yellow sandverbena)
Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Aira praecox (early hairgrass) (non-native)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)
Armeria maritima var. californica (thrift)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) (non-native)
Carex macrocephala (large headed sedge)
Convolvulus soldanella (beach morning-glory)
Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Grindelia integrifolia (gurmeed)
Lepidium virginicum var. menziesii (tall pepperweed)
Linaria dalmatica (Dalmatian toadflax)
Poa sp. (bluegrass sp.)
Poa macrantha (seashore bluegrass)
Polygonum paronychia (nailwort knotweed) (locally codominant)
Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose)

II. Sandy, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Salt Marsh:

A high quality, sandy, high salinity, low intertidal salt marsh occurs
at the junction of Graveyard and Dungeness Spits. Slightly over half of
the marsh has developed in a lagoon, the rest occurs along the west edge
of Graveyard Spit and on the leeward side of a narrow spit extending
north from Graveyard Spit into Dungeness Bay. The marsh grades from
areas of pure Salicornia virginica to areas with Distichlis spicata as a
sub- or codominant. Driftwood has accumulated in the lagoon marsh, par-
ticularly at the northeast end.

On Graveyard Spit are located dune troughs periodically inundated by
mari ne waters. These troughs are dominated by Plantago maritima, with
Salicornia virginica co- to subdominant.

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed) monospecific community
Tm-apping symbol 7)

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 8)

Dominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass) (locally codominant)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush) (locally subdominant)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandspurry) (locally subdominant)

Plantago maritima-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 9)

Dominant Species

Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandspurry)

III. Shallow Bay

Dungeness Bay is a large marine to estuarine embayment. It is influenced
by fresh water from small streams draining into the bay and from the
Dungeness River, which enters the Strait of Juan de Fuca just outside the
bay mouth. The bay floor consists of mud and sand flats. The bay has
extensive eelgrass beds, providing an important food resource, par-
ticularly for wintering brant. The area is used by shorebirds, water
fowl, anadromous fish and marine mammals.

LAND USE HISTORY:

The Dungeness Spit area has had a long history of human use. Clallam Indians
apparently used the spits and bay prior to the arrival of white settlers. In
1857, the first lighthouse was erected at the end of Dungeness Spit. In
1914, the area was set aside as a wildlife sanctuary by presidential
proclamation.- Since 1946, the area has been managed by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge, although it was not given
official status until 1953.

Graveyard Spit was the site of gun emplacements during World War II. A "Voice
of America" radio site was located on the uplands above the spit at the same
time. The sites were abandoned and many of the structures dismantled by
1945. Remnants of the gun emplacements, building foundations, walkways
and cisterns still exist. Old fence posts near the salt marsh may also be
remnants from that facility. Topographic and vegetational disturbance are
still clearly apparent.

The area is accessible by foot, horseback or boat. The area is used for non-
destructive recreation and seasonal hunting. Overnight camping was once
allowed on Graveyard Spit. Camp fires are the primary cause of fires which
have swept the spit. The last fire occurred in 1977 and involved all of
Graveyard Spit. Evidence of the fire is still visible and the low plant cover
values observed may indicate that the vegetation is still recovering.

The U.S. Coast Guard maintains the lighthouse at the end of Du.ngeness
Spit. A road has been graded the length of the spit to service the light-
house. Grading of the road alters the spit and disturbs the vegetation. This
has resulted in the establishment of non-native plant species.

STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA
43 DRIFTWOOD

1/2 7 3
BEACH 3 GUN
3 EMPLACEMENT
7

7x/ 6
DUNGENESS SPIT 8x

BEACH

9 GRAVEYARD SPIT
3

DUNGENESS BAY
5/6 6 BEACH

5/9

3/5/ 5
6/9 N
6 1:12000
3

Figure 6. DUNGENESS SPIT FEATURES MAP

eather-BI 16'ff-6-
Fou I W'

176-

12. 71

FOULWEATHER BLUFF PRESERVE

.. .........

Figure 7. FOULWEATHER BLUFF PRESERVE LOCATIONAL MAP

FOULWEATHER BLUFF PRESERVE

LOCATION:

Kitsap County; T28N, R2E, portions of section 18. The site is part of The
Nature Conservancy's Foulweather Bluff Preserve located on the south side of
Foulweather Bluff, at the north end of Hood Canal (Fig. 7).

SIGNIFICANCE:

The site includes one of the highest quality, most diverse, brackish lagoons
in the Puget Trough region.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 8 illustrates the distribution of features at Foulweather Bluff
Preserve. The features are:

1. a lagoon wetland;
2. berm; and
3. intertidal area.

The lagoon system is approximately 22 acres. A brackish wetland has developed
behind the berm. The berm was breached during a storm in December 1982.
Prior to that time, marine waters apparently entered the wetland when tide
levels exceeded the berm height and possibly through ground water intrusion.
It is assumed that salt water intrusion through the breaches has subsequently
increased the salinity of the system.

In 1983 a baseline study was conducted to characterize the berm, lagoon
pond,and vegetation (Cornelius, 1983). In that study, a previously assumed
salinity gradient was documented. Salinities range from 14.5 to 21.0 ppt
near the berm and 0.5 to 4.5 ppt at the north end of the lagoon near Twin
Spits Road. Freshwater drains into.the wetland from adjacent uplands, and by
a seasonal stream which enters at the north end of the lagoon. Substrates of
the north half of the lagoon are Tacoma silt loams (SCS, 1980). Soil cores
indicate the existence of organic peat overlaying gravel in the south half
(Thompson, 1977). There is considerable accumulation of driftwood in the
northern half of the lagoon and along the berm. Approximately one-half of the
lagoon is vegetated with typically brackish to freshwater species. Another
one-third to one-half is open water. A large sand and gravel beach and inter-
tidal area extends south from the berm. The site provides feeding, resting
and nesting habitats for a large number of birds including bald eagles and
osprey.

Uplands adjacent to the lagoon are covered by second growth forests of
varying age classes. Upland soils on the west side of the lagoon are Ragner
fine sandy loam and those on the north and east sides are Poulsbo gravelly
sandy loam (SCS, 1980). East and west of the berm are eroding bluffs composed
of glacial outwash.

FEATURES:

I. Lagoon Wetland

The lagoon wetland is shallow, having a maximum water depth of 7.4 dm,
excludi,ng human-built ditches (Cornelius, 1983). It is permanently
flooded, with seasonal and some tidal variation in water depth.
Acreages of open water, driftwood accumulation and emergent vegetation
are variable. Currently, marine waters enter the lagoon at tidal levels
of 12.5 feet or greater.

Four vascular plant species occur within the lagoon waters, each forming
pure colonies. Adjacent to the berm, in the area with the highest
salinity values, occur Scirpus maritimus and Eleocharis palustris
communities. Scirpus maritimus is distributed most nsively in this
area with small areas of E. palustris along the southeast and southwest
lagoon edges. Scirpus ac7u-tus and Typ .ha latifolia are concentrated in
the lower salinity, northern half where they form a mosaic of dense
ma.rsh vegetation. Cornelius (1983) noted a reduction in productivity
and reproduction of E. palustris, S. acutus and T. latifolia, presumably
as a result of increased salinity following the 1982 storms. Along the
northwest lagoon margin is a low area with mesic to saturated soils.
Vegetation is dominated by Alnus rubra and Rubus spectabilis.

Eleocharis palustris (spikerush) monospecific community (mapping symbol 1)

Scirpus maritimus (seacoast bulrush) community (mapping symbol 2)

Scirpus acutus (hardstem bulrush) community (mapping symbol 3)

Typha latifolia (cattail) monospecific communi@y (mapping symbol 4)

Alnus rubra/Rubus spectabilis community (mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Alnus rubra (red alder)
Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry)

Subdominant Species

Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry)

Minor Species

Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf maple)
Athyrium filix-femina (ladyfern)
Galium sp. (bedstraw)
Gaultheria shallon (salal)
Oenanthe sarmentosa (water parsley)
Polysticum munitum (swordfern)
Rubus ursinus (Pacific blackberry)
Salix sp. (willow)
Spiraea douglasii (spirea)
Thalictrum sp. (meadowrue)
Thuia plicata (western red cedar)
Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock)

II. Berm

The berm runs east-west across the lagoon mouth. During the storm of
December 1982, the berm was breached in two places. The lowest breach
occured at the west end of the berm and is equivalent in height to a
12.5 foot tide. The breach at the east end is slightly higher, at the
13.0 foot tidal level. The intact portions of the berm at the west and
east ends are at the 14.7 and 14.3 foot tidal levels respectively
(Cornelius, 1983). A comparison of photos taken in August 1982, prior
to breaching of the berm and those taken in 1983, indicate a general
decrease in berm height, driftwood accumulation and vegetation.

The berm is composed of sand and gravel which were probably eroded from
coastal bluffs and deposited by wave action. Driftwood is embedded in
the berm. The driftwood is thought to be an important element in the
strengthening and development of the berm (Thompson, 1977 and Cornelius,
1983). Layers of organic peat are also found within the berm, possibly
indicating a northern shift of the berm over wetland deposited organic
matter (Cornelius, 1983). There are portions of the berm which appear
to have breached at one time, but then were healed.

The leeward side of the berm is vegetated. Generally the vegetation
grades from dune species, typified by 'Elymus mollis and Festuca rubra
on the berm ridge to salt marsh vegetation, 6-odominated by Potentilla
pacifica and Agrostis alba, adjacent to the lagoon wetland.

Elymus mollis-Festuca rubra community (mapping symbol 6)

Dominant Species

Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)
Angelica lucida (seawatch)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Cakile edentula (American searocket)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Lathyrus japonicus (beach pea)
Rubus ursinus (Pacific blackberry)
Rumex cf occidentalis (western dock)
Vicia gigantea (giant vetch)

Potentilla pacifica-Agrostis alba community (mapping symbol 7)

Dominant Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Subdominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

111. Intertidal Area

Thompson (1977) provides a physical and biotic description of the beach
and intertidal areas at Foulweather Bluff Preserve. Substrates consist
of sands and gravels. Zo'stera marina (eelgrass) and at least 74 species
of marine invertabrates occur in the intertidal region, making this a
rich feeding area for shorebirds and waterfowl.

LAND USE HISTORY:

Logging of uplands adjacent to the lagoon occurred prior to 1940. During
this time, upland buffers around the wetland were not maintained and the
lagoon was probably used for log storage. Channels were developed
through the lagoon and berm at the southeast and southwest ends. These
channels were used to skid logs into Hood Canal. Over time, the channels
through the berm healed over. However, these points coincide with the
breaches caused by storm driven tide waters in December' 1982.

In the 1950s, a cabin was built on the adjacent uplands southwest of the
lagoon. The cabin was taken down in the 1970s leaving remnants of the
foundation and fireplace.

Foulweather Bluff Preserve is currently managed as a natural area preserve,
and provides protection for plants, animals and the native ecosystem. It
receives day use which has little apparent impact on the area.

S10K
JWIN SPITS ROAD BAY

3/4 F

DRIFTWOOD

4
3
LAGOON POND

2
BEACH
..3

6 7

HOOD CMAL N
1:6000

Figure 8. FOULWEATHER BLUFF PRESERVE FEATURES MAP
S"
BA
Y
MK

60"

0 U I w e a t h e r- B I -u

1@11917
176--

do
2'

FOULWEATHER SALT MARSH

60 1

r.0

!YO
it
10 \11 \-
@V-U 1\
119

.. - - - - - - -

. ... ..... . .

Figure 9. FOULWEATHER SALT MARSH LOCATIONAL MAP
36

FOULWEATHER SALT MARSH

LOCATION:

Kitsap County; T28N, RIE, portions of sections 12 and 13. The site is
located at the base of a steep bluff on the west side of Foulweather
Bluff at the northern end of the Kitsap Peninsula (Fig. 9).

SIGNIFICANCE:

The site contains a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal salt marsh of
relatively high quality and large size.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 10 illustrates the distribution of features at Foulweather Salt
Marsh. The features are:

1. a berm; and
2. a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh.

The area of interest is approximately 33 acres. The berm bounds the salt
marsh on the south and northwest sides. It is relatively high, composed
primarily of sands and gravels deposited by wave action. A tidal channel
enters between the southeast end of the berm and the adjacent uplands and
winds through the salt marsh. The salt marsh occurs on low terraces
adjacent to the tidal channel. Soils are primarily sands. The salt marsh
is bounded to the west by a steep forested bluff. Soils of the bluff are
dystric xerorthents; deep, moderately well drained soils probably formed in
glacial till (SCS, 1980).

FEATURES:

I. Berm

The berm is unusual in shape, forming a triangle with the adjacent
upland bluff. On the canal side, the berm has a steep sand, gravel and
cobble beach. There is some driftwood accumulation on this side of the
berm, along the berm ridge. The leeward side of the berm is vegetated
with a varying assemblage of species. The berm vegetation is a mosaic
dominated by Elymus mollis, particularly along the ridge. A number of
exotic plant species 5ccur along the berm suggesting human disturbance.

Berm Vegetation (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Allium sp. (wild onion)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (sliver bursage)
Angelica lucida (seawatch)
Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) (non-native)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Galium sp. (bedstraw sp.)
Gri.ndelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Honkenya peploides (honkenya)
Lathyrus japoaicus (beach pea)
Lomatium sp.. (biscuit-root)
Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) (non-native)
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) (non-native)
Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose)
Rumex occidentalis (western dock)
Stellaria sp. (starwort)

II. Sandy, High Salinity, Low Interti dal Salt Marsh 40
The salt marsh has developed on the leeward side of the berm. A sing.le
tidal channel winds through the marsh carrying marine waters throughout
the area with each high tide. Salt pannes occur throughout the marsh.
The salt marsh is fairly uniform. Vegetational patterns are apparent,
although on a scale too small to map. Salicornia virginica forms a
monoculture at the lowest marsh elevations-, along the tidal channels and
around salt pannes. At slightly higher elevations, Jaumea carnosa
becomes a minor to subdominant component. At slightly higher elevations
yet, Distichlis spicata is found as well. Infrequently, soils shift
from sands to silty-sands. In these areas, Triglochin maritimum occurs
as a minor to subdominant species. Along the leeward side of the berm,
a berm-salt marsh ecotone occurs, The ecotonal area is dominated by
Plantago maritima. Along the base of the bluff there is a slight eleva-
tional gain where a few high intertidal marsh species intergrade with
the low intertidal species. This grades into a narrow strip of Juncus
balticus adjacent to the upland.

Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush) (locally dominant)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain) (locally dominant)
Spergularia sp. (sandspurry)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

LAND USE HISTORY

Not much is known about the human use history for this site. The salt
marsh area and adjacent upland bluffs are all privately owned, with
limited access down to the marsh. A tower with a spit marker stands at
the western tip of the berm. A small house and trailer are located at
the northern end of the berm, adjacent to the upland. It is possible that
the house was built on fill. Two or three private roads come down over
the bluff near the house. The major landowner of the salt marsh and
adjacent uplands is in the process of clearing land on the bluff for a
small housing development. The landowner has graded a road down over the
bluff to provide access to the salt marsh below. Two to three years ago,
a commercial clam harvester was reported to have dredged the clams out of
the tidal channel in the salt marsh.

HOOD CANAL

FOULWEATHER BLUFF

EDY BERM

..,TIDAL CHANNEL
2
SPIT
MARKER

N NOT TO SCALE

Figure 10. FOULWEATHER SALT MARSH FEATURES MAP
FUD

@41

Ln
a (p q
Is U:k 1419-S
J-11and
S 10
int 3 36 Johnson
3 QIJAXIN N z Point
Hfunter'@p STAIE RK 01
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nsal
int Point Dickenson
Brisco Point
Point 0
5

ell ig Fi,hrroj,
0 liff
erson Dover int
Harbor OoPsr Point
215 8 Point C:
Dofflemyer a
T_
Point ton bor -
Charman -16

Wo.dam

Lw
STA!
Frye
Cove
k GU L HARBOR
oint'

Yo ig
50, ykie Cove
Cove Cove

S
'a
WOZI
r
Butle,
Cove
Sou ay
T
riest Point
aik
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Point

fAC

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11 -7 12

f
qT
sit" Imn CN,
ak
J+

246 (1 it .1 Ch mit ers
L ke
Su la':

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vc,
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CA e I

Figure 11. GULL HARBOR LOCATIONAL MAP

GULL HARBOR

LOCATION:

Thurston County; T19N, R2W, portions of sections 25, 26, 41 and 45. Gull
Harbor is a small embayment on the west side of Budd Inlet in southern
Puget Sound (Fig. 11).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Gull Harbor is a shallow, relatively undeveloped embayment around which
an upland buffer has been maintained. Although coastal embayments are
common in the,,Puget Trough region, it is rare to find one which is as
undisturbed as Gull Harbor. A Washington State sensitive plant species,
Woodwardia fimbriata, occurs in the area.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 12 illustrates the coastal embayment at Gull Harbor. It is approxi-
mately 27 acres with an additional 7 acres of delta located west of the harbor
mouth. Three streams feed into the shallow harbor, one into each of the three
arms. At low tide, most of the harbor floor is exposed. Substrates are com-
posed of sand, gravel and cobbles, all overlain with a thin layer of alluvial
sediments and organic matter. The spit and delta at the harbor mouth are
sands and gravels. There is virtually no salt marsh development.

The uplands rise abruptly from the tidelands of Gull Harbor. The upland
buffer consists of a mixed Alnus rubra (red alder) and Pseudotsuga menziesii
(Douglas fir) forest. Most -of the-upland soils in the buffer zone are
Alderwood sandy gravelly loam which has developed out of glacial till (SCS,
1958). Uplands along the southwest portion of the harbor are Kitsap silt
loams. These soils have no gravel and have developed from stratified glacial
lake deposited sediments. Steep coastal bluffs flank the mouth of Gull Harbor
to the north and south. To the north, the bluffs consist of Kitsap silt loams
overlaying glacial lake sediments. To the south, soils are Alderwood gravelly
sandy loam underlain by variously cemented unsorted till. The area is used by
a number of species of shorebirds and waterfowl.

FEATURES:

1. Coastal Embayment

The mouth of Gull Harbor is partially occluded by a spit. However, the
channel entrance to the harbor is deep enough to prevent isolation of
the harbor from Budd Inlet at low tides. Hence, the area is considered
an "embayment" rather than a "lagoon". The lower reaches of three

,43

streams draining into Gull Harbor provide spawning grounds for native
populations of coho and chum salmon and cut-throat trout. Access to
upper reaches of at least two of the streams is blocked by culverts.
The harbor and delta region are feeding for juvenile marine and anadro-
mous fish, particularly chum and coho salmon. Surf smelt spawn in the
region are feeding areas for juvenile marine and anadromous fish,
particularly chum and coho salmon. Surf smelt spawn in the sands and
gravels of the delta area (Frasier, pers. comm.). Consequently, the
area is a feeding ground for a number of species which prey on the smelt
and juvenile fish.

II. Woodwardia fimbriata Sm. in Rees (chain-fern)

Family: Polypodiaceae

Federal Status: None

State Status: Sensitive (W.N.H.P., 1982).

General Description: Large, nearly erect ferns, 5-20 dm tall. Fronds
are evergreen, divided into alternate pinnae (leaflets) which in turn
are divided into opposite or sub-opposite segments (pinnules). Sori
(reproductive structures) are oblong, occurring on the back side of
the fronds, forming rows on either side of the pinnule and midveins.
A technical key is needed for positive identification.

Habitat: Streambanks and other moist or wet (seep) areas in Washington,
mostly near saltwater, often on unstable slopes.

Range: Scattered in the Puget Trough region, primarily along the coast
in Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce and Thurston Counties. Its range
extends from southern British Columbia, Canada, to southern
California and irregularly inland to Arizona and southern Nevada.

LAND USE HISTORY:

The human use history of the area is not well-known. Some logging has
taken place on the uplands immediately adjacent to the harbor. It is
probable that logs from the area were stored in the embayment. Three
'houses have been built within the buffer zone. One occurs on a bluff south
of the harbor mouth. The degree of impact of this residence on Gull Harbor
and the spit was not determined. The other two residences are located on
the bluff on the east side of the southern arm of Gull Harbor. A small
boat dock is located in the south arm as well. Gull Harbor currently has
the designation of to conservancy 11 area under the Shoreline Management Act
(Chapter 173-16 WAC).

BUDD INLET

SPIT

1:12000

.Figure 12. GULL HARBOR FEATURES MAP

m'hs

17, 11

W
vjl
@
W_

HAMMA HAMMA RIVER DELTA
41
Of, m
U

f A

w
X

ell

32
3f t p
A

q'i
v.

Ayoz
11me Y

WIt
OP

f igure 13. HAMMA HAMMA RIVER DELTA LOCATIONAL MAP

HAMMA HAMMA RIVER DELTA

LOCATION:

Mason County; T24N, R3W, portions of section 26 and 27. The area is
located on the west side of Hood Canal, 28 miles north of Shelton
(Fig. 13).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Relative to similar tidal river wetlands in the Puget Trough region, the
Hamma Hamma is diverse and in good condition.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 14 illustrates the distribution of features in the Hamma Hamma tidal
river area. The features are:

1. a mixed fine, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
2. a silty, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
3. a silty, low salinity, low intertidal marsh,;
4. a silty, low salinity, high intertidal marsh;, and
5. a transition zone forest.

The area of interest is approximately 50 acres, lying between the two main
distributary channels. Substrates are alluvium. The eastern portion of
the delta (bare tideflats and outer marsh edge) are sands and gravels.
Substrates throughout the remaining area are mixed sand, silt and clay.
The area contains numerous braided channels. This area, particularly the
nonvegetated tideflats, is used as a feeding area by waterfowl and shore-
birds (Hirschi, pers. com.).

FEATURES:

I. Mixed-Fine, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh:

Mixed-fine, high salinity, low intertidal marsh occurs at the eastern-
most marsh edge. It is represented by a single community dominated by
Glaux maritima. This community appears restricted in its range in
Washington State to sandy-gravel river deltas along Hood Canal and in
southern Puget Sound (Kunze, field observation).

Glaux maritima community (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Glaux maritima (saltwort)

Minor Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed) (locally codominant)
Spergularia sp. (sandspurry)

II. Silty, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh:

This marsh type occurs at slightly higher elevations than the bare
tidefla,ts or Glaux maritima dominated community. Substrates are firm
s.ilty sands vii@thv@-rying clay content. Salt pannes, tida 'I channels
and bra-i-ded river channels occur throughout the. marsh area. The pl.a,,nt
commun-ity occurring at the easternmost edge of this marsh type is
codominated by Salicornia virginica and Triglochin maritimum., The
substrate is hummocky, with vegetation occurring on.the hummocks. A
second community, codominated by Distichlis spicata and Salicornia
virginica, occurs inland (west) from the previous. community. Along the
main river channel is a depressional area bounded to the southwest by
a dike and to the southeast, east and northeast by fill. This
depressional area is codominated by Distichlis spicata and Jaumea
carnosa.

Salicornia virginica-Triglochin,maritimum community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Minor Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Spergularia sp. (sandspurry)
Triglochin concinneum (graceful arrowgrass)

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mappi.ng symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Spergularia sp. (sandspurry)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnosa community (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)

Subdominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Minor Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain) (locally subdominant)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed) (local)

III. Silty, Low Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh:

This marsh type occurs on low terraces or in depressions where there
is considerable freshwater influence. It is primarily found on the west
side of Highway 101. The major community is composed entirely of Carex
lyngbyei, and occurs along fresh water channels. A minor community
occurs in an old river channel meander and is codominated by Carex
lyngbyei, Distichlis spicata and Potentilla pacifica.

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge) monospecific community (mapping
symbol 5)

Carex lyngbyei-Distichlis spicata-Potentilla pacifica community
(mapping symbol 6)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Minor Species

Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

IV. Silty, Low Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh:

This marsh type primarily occurs west of the highway, with a narrow
strip occurring along the highway fill to the east. The latter may be
the result of a slight elevational gain caused by the roadfill. The
single high intertidal marsh community in this area is codominated
by Carex lyngbyei and Potentilla pacifica.

Carex lyngbyei-Potentilla pa@cifica community (mapping symbol 7)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Subdominant Species

Juncus balticus (Baltic rush) (locally dominant)

Minor Species

Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Heracleum lanatum (cow-parsnip)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

V. Transition Zone Forest

The transition zone forest occurs along the upper tidal river
reach between the two main distributary channels. It is an area
infrequently flooded by tidal water. The occurrence of some
typically upland species suggest that even when this area is
inundated, freshwater influence is high enough that typically salt
intolerant species are not killed. The vegetational mosaic is
dominated by Picea sitchensis and contains numerous snags (Non-
game Data SystemsT.

Picea sitchensis mosaic (mapping symbol 8)

General Vegetation

Abies grandis (grand fir)
Adiantum pedatum (northern maidenhair)
Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Asparagus officinalis (asparagus) (non-native)
Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)

Athyrium filix-femina (ladyfern)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Berberis aquifolium (shining Oregongrape)
Carex obnupta (slough sedge)
Equisetum telmateia (giant horsetail)
Gaulthera shallon (salal)
Hordeum sp. (barley)
Juncus effusus var. pacificus (common rush)
Lonicera involucrata (black twinberry)
Maianthemum dilatatum (beadruby)
Montia sp. (montia)
Oemleria cerasiformis (Indian plum)
Oenanthe sarmentosa (water-parsley)
Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce)
Polystichum munitum (swordfern)
Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern)
Pyrus fusca (western crabapple)
Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry)
Rubus ursinus (Pacific blackberry)
Rumex occidentalis (western dock)
Sambucus sp. (elderberry)
Symphoricarpos albus (snowberry)
Taxus brevifolia (western yew)
Thuia plicata (western red cedar)
Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock)
Vaccinium ovatum (evergreen huckleberry)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The area has a long history of use. The town of Eldon was founded to
the south of the Hamma Hamma River. Tidelands and adjacent uplands north
and south of the river channels have been used for housing, farming and
pasture. The area lying between the two main river channels has little
evidence of housing or agricultural use. Highway 101 crosses the two main
river channels on piling supported bridges, and the tidelands on fill. The
marsh to either side of the highway has been altered by the fill. Weedy
and typically upland plant species occur along the fill, and a short
distance down into the marsh. The main river channel has been dredged and
diked. Filling, dredging and diking have probably altered freshwater drainage
and tidal influence. The primary landowner allows hunting on tile tide lands
east of the highway, but completely restricts human access to the area west of
the highway. The landowner is trying to maintain the latter area as a
wildlife sanctuary.

DISTURBED TIDELAND

5x
5

5
8x
/7 2
3 FM CUL
7 15 4

F
UPLAND/
DISTURBED IDE ND 4 FILL

"DI KE

HIGHWAY 101

1:12000

Figure 14. HAMMA HAMMA RIVER DELTA FEATURES MAP

rrena
clan

'06 McCr ck n u' 0 %
N
p i t*

6
oche

Island
2@1

R 0 C H E

Kef H A R B 0 R

x 0
'.47 (6
87

Bazalgotte
58 . t',
Poin

MARSH
HENRY ISLAND
nry

.305
mc
2,60

Is
+ fill"
60
q) esho
al
B e n Delac e
p i t
26
o 27 a
S el
R (10

ven
ro

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,600- 03

Figure 15. HENRY ISLAND LOCATIONAL MAP

HENRYISLAND

LOCATION:

San Juan County; T36N, R4W, portions of sections 22 and 27. The site lies
between Open Bay, Nelson Bay and Mosquito Pass at the south end of Henry
Island (Fig. 15).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Henry Island bay shore marsh is a good example of a high'salinity salt
marsh and represents some of the highest quality Festuca rubra community
development known in the Puget Trough region.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 16 illustrates the distribution of the two features which occur at
the Henry Island site. These features are:

1. berm ridges; and
2. a sandy, polyhaline to euhaline, low intertidal marsh.

The area of interest is approximately 29 acres. It is located at the hub of
three bays and three rocky upland areas. Substrates are comprised
of beach derived sands. A series of berms have formed between Open Bay and
Nelson Bay. The berms grade steeply to the south forming a beach at the
head of Open Bay. To the north, the berms grade gradually down to a salt
marsh and the shallow embayment of Nelson Bay. This area is bounded to the
east by a berm running north and south along Mosquito Pass. Although
Nelson Bay is not included in this recommendation, the dense eelgrass beds
which occur there are noteworthy.

FEATURES:

I. Berm

A series of east-west oriented berm ridges between Open Bay and Nelson
Bay are formed by sand and gravel deposition that appears to be
progressing southward, with the most recently deposited ridges at the
head of Open Bay. Festuca rubra dominates on the ridges, indicative of
the low level of disturbance.

Festuca rubra community (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) (local) (non-native)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Holcus lanatus (velvet grass)
Lepidium virginicum var. menziesii (tall pepperweed)
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) (non-native)
Poa sp. (bluegrass)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed) (local)

II. Sandy, Polyhaline to Euhaline, Low Intertidal Marsh.

The marsh has a north aspect grading down from the series of berm ridges
to the sandy gravelly beach of Open Bay. The marsh appears to be
eroding. There is an abrupt elevational gain from the beach to the
marsh surface. Tidal channels wind through the marsh, leaving marsh
vegetation suspended on small plateaus. Salt pannes occur throughout
the marsh. Interstitial soil salinities measured at low tide were
32 ppt. The primary plant community is dominated by Salicornia
virginica, with Jaumea carnosa varying between a co- and subdominant.
Tt sl.ightly higher elevations, and between berm ridges, Distichlis
spicata and Salicornia virginica codominate.

Salicornia virginica-Jaumea carnosa community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Jaumea carnosa (jaumea) (locally codominant)

Minor Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Puccinellia cusickii (Cusick's alkaligrass)
Pucctnellia lucida (shining alkali-grass)
Puccinellia nuttalliana (Alaska alkaligrass)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandspurry)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Lepidium virginicum var. menziesii (tall pepperweed)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Spergularia macrotheca (beach sandspurry)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The berm and a portion of the marsh near Mosquito Pass, to the east, have
been excluded from this recommendation because of past use as pasture. A
portion of that area has been ditched and old fence posts occur throughout it.
Houses occur at a low density on the uplands adjacent to the marsh and berm
area, with one house located on the berm near Mosquito Pass. Vehicle
tracks follow the berm ridges between Open Bay and Nelson Bay. Vehicle use
has caused some compaction of the soil and may be partially responsible for
the occurrence of weedy plant species. Animals pastured near Mosquito Pass
or on adjacent uplands may have had access to other portions of the marsh
and berm. However, there were no signs of grazing or trampling elsewhere.
The area probably receives some recreational use from local residents.

57
0

HENRY ISLU
BEACH

NELSON BAY

BEACH
2

BEACH

GRAZED
UPLAND
MOSQUITO PASS

BEACH
OPEN BAY

1:12000

Figure 16. HENRY ISLAND FEATURES MAP

SQUAXIN ISL@ ND
j INDIAN RES 510c
6-9 0100E

20
Z,
50
BM

6T)

rrV@ /f,
co,
/0

Road Swin
84

KENNEDY CREEK
(9

-n@ sl neider
9
2

50
-,--aorrow

V
MASON C
HURSTON--
EO,

Fiqure 17. KENNEDY CREEK LOCATIONAL MAP

KENNEDY CREEK

LOCATION:

Mason County; T19N, R3W, portions of sections 29, 31 and 32. The area of
interest occurs east and north of U.S. Highway 101 at the southwest end of
Oyster Bay (Fig. 17).

SIGNIFICANCE:

The Kennedy Creek Marsh is a diverse, relatively high quality remnant of a
larger tidal river marsh.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 18 illustrates the distribution of features at Kennedy Creek. The
features are:

1. a clay, low salinity, low intertidal marsh;
2. a clay, high salinity, low intertidal marsh; and
3. a clay, high intertidal marsh.

The area of interest is approximately 32 acres. The marsh has developed
on a peninsula between Kennedy and Schneider Creeks. Substrates are
alluvial sand, silt and clays. The site is bounded to the south and west
by second growth Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) dominated forest and
Highway 101.

FEATURES:

1. Clay, Low Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

Clay, low salinity, low intertidal marsh occurs primarily in the upper
Kennedy Creek tidal drainage on flats or low terraces. This marsh type
occurs here as pure stands of Carex lyngbyei.

Carex lyn@byei (Lyngby Is sedge) monospecific community (mapping
symbol 1)

Il. Clay, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

This is the most extensive marsh type at the Kennedy Creek site. It
occurs at the lowest marsh elevations at the northeast end of the
peninsula. The marsh is dissected by tidal channels and salt pannes
occur throughout. A single community, dominated by Distichlis spicata,
Jaumea carnosa and Salicorni-a virginica, comprises this marsh type.

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnosa-Salicornia virginica community
(mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Jau-mea carn-osa (jaumea)
Sal:icornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside'arrowgra'ss)

III. Clay, High Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh:

This marsh type occurs between the low intertidal marsh and upland
vegetation. Two primary communities occur here, frequently inter-
grading with each other and with low intertidal marsh. One community
is do-minated by Juncus qerardii; the second is codominated by
Deschampsi,a caes a.nd Potentilla pacifica.

Juncus gerardii community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Juncus gerardii (mud rush)

Minor Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)

Deschampia caespi-tosa-Potentilla pacifica community (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Subdominant Species

Jaumea carnosa (jaumea) (locally codominant)

Minor Species

Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The upland forest adjacent to the site has been logged in the past. Old
barbed wire can be found near the upland forest suggesting past use of some
areas of the marsh as pasture. An upland knoll in the marsh peninsula has a
number of weedy species which suggests past use. U.S. Highway 101 crosses
the upper tidal reach of Kennedy Creek on a bridge and roadfill, and a
second small stream drainage on fill. A second road occurs on fill along a
small area of shoreline west of Kennedy Creek and east of Highway 101. It
crosses Highway 101 and curves southeast to cross Kennedy Creek. The lower
freshwater reach of Kennedy Creek has been logged, partially converted to
agricultural land and most recently, an area has been graded for a
recreational vehicle park.

U.S. HIGHWAY 101 \<IROAJ@
OYSTB BAY

2
UPLAND
oe 3 :e
2
2
3/
4
ROAD

3
2
G

EIDEe c.REE K

1:12000

Figure 18. KENNEDY CREEK FEATURES MAP

L ---,I -L_ Lenzer

Woodland@
e s r iirie Beach
mit Prairie

HIDB ISLAND
Landing
N IR STATION
Onamac Poin
C) camano. x
FORT CASEY,
STATEPARK Lake 20 j
&.Ckelt L@-k D 0 In Jian
4- 525 Beach
Admiralty AdrnirOff Y
Head,,-'

Cama Beach

CAMANO ISLAt
STATE PA

Pram
B/Uff
LAKE HANCOCK

8 Marrows tone
Point cl
F RT FLA Rocky Point
BaA)y
$T EP K C) Heights
17

Dines t-
L Point
o
n t
'nt rn

Beverly
Beac
WHIDBEY
STATE Bny
N land PARK
> D Ch- >
t
0

T,
Nodule
Point Bush Point

P,
28 Liplio oint
Qt

Figure 19. LAKE HANCOCK LOCATIONAL MAP
66

LAKE HANCOCK

LOCATION:

Island County; T30N, R2E, portions of sections 5, 6, 7 and 8. This site is
located south of Admiralty Bay on the west side of Whidbey Island
(Fig. 19).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Lake Hancock is an exceptionally large and diverse coastal lagoon system.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 20 illustrates the distribution of features at Lake Hancock. The
features are:

1. a lagoon pond;
2. a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
3. a sandy, high intertidal marsh;
4. a transition zone marsh; and
5. a freshwater wetland.

The area of interest is approximately 207 acres. Marine influence is
restricted by the deposition of sands and gravels that form a berm across the
bay mouth. A channel through the berm allows for marine influence. Sub-
strates appear to be silty-sands throughout. Saliniti'es range from fresh-
water to hyperhaline. There is considerable driftwood accumulation along the
north and northeast wetland margin.

FEATURES:

I. Lagoon Pond

The lagoon pond is a shallow, permanent pond of approximately 37 acres.
It is currently connected with marine waters of Puget Sound by a single
channel. However, the berm topography indicates variability in channel
location and numbers.

II. Sandy, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

This is the predominant marsh type at Lake Hancock. The lagoon system
has little topographic relief and contains an extensive network of
tidal channels which carry tidal waters throughout most of the marsh.
Interstitial soil salinities in this area ranged from 27 to 46 ppt.

0 67

Salt pannes occur throughout this marsh type. The vegetation is a
mosaic, primarily composed of a community codominated by Distichlis
spicata and Salicornia virginica. Jaumea carnosa, Plantago martima 0
and Triglochin maritimum may be codominants with D. spicata and
S. virginica. In slightly lower areas, particula7rly around salt pannes
and tidal channels, pure stands of Salicornia virginica occur.

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 1) 0
Dominant Species

Distichlis �picata (sal,tgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Jaumea carnosa (jaumea) (locally codominant)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside plantain), (locally codominant)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Plantago maritima: (seaside plantain) (locall,y codominant)
Puccinellia cf cusickii (Cusick's alkaligrass)
Puccinellia cf pumila (dwarf alkaligrass)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandsp urry)

III. Sandy, High Intertidal Marsh.

Alo.ng the south side of the lagoon system, the vegetation grades
gradually from low intertidal marsh to a high intertidal marsh and
transition zone wetland before shifting to purely upland vegetation.
The sandy, high intertidal marsh has a wide range of salinities,
ranging from polyhaline to brackish.. The lowest elevation community is
codominated by Agrostis alba and Distichlis spicata. Agrostis alba is
a non-native species indicative of past disturbance. This community
may be considered transitional between low and high intertidal marsh..
The highest elevational community of the marsh type is codominated by
Juncus balticus and Potentilla pacifica.

Agrostis alba-Distichlis spicata community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Agrostis a.lba (redtop) (non-native)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandspurry)

Juncus balticus-Potentilla pacifica community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native) (locally subdominant)
Scirpus validus (softstem bulrush)
Typha latifolia (cattail)

IV. Transition Zone Marsh

A transition zone marsh occurs in the southeast portion of the lagoon
system. While salinity measurements were not taken, plant species
composition and the occurrence of driftwood indicate occasional marine
influence. The community is codominated by Typha latifolia and
Potentilla pacifica. The soil surface is composed of black, slightly
anoxic organic matter.

Typha latifolia-Potentilla pacifica community (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Typha latifolia (cattail)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Polypogon monospeliensis (rabbitfoot polypogon)
Rumex occidentalis (western dock)
Scirpus validus (softstem bulrush) (locally dominant)

69
0

V. Freshwater Wetland

In one area, high intertidal and transition zone marshes grade into a
freshwater wetland. The species composition suggests that martne
influence is minor. The wetland shifts from an outer shrub margin
dominated by Myrica californica to a community codominat6d by Alnus
rubra, Myrica californica and Carex obn,upta.

Myrica californica community (mapping symbol 5) 40

Dominant Species

Myrica calif6rnica (Pacific wax-Myrtle)
Minor Species 0

Typha latifolia (cattail) (locally subdominant)

Alnus rubra/Myrica calif ornia/Carex_obnup_ta community (mapping symbol 6) 9
Dominant Species

Alnus rubra (red alder)
Carex obnupta ('slough sedge)
Myrica californica (Pacific wax-myrtle)

Subdominant

Gaultheria shallon (salal)
Ledum groenlandicum (bog laurel)

Minor Species

Galium sp. (bedstraw)
Lonicera involucrata (black twinberry)
Lysichitum americanum (skunk cabbage)
Oenanthe sarmentosa (water parsley) 4k
Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce)
Pinus contorta (16dgepole pine)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Pteridium aquilinum Oracken fern)
Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose)
Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry) 0
Rubus ursinus (Pacific blackberry)
Spiraea douglasii (spirea)
Typha latifolia (cattail)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The Lake Hancock site is owned by the U.S. Navy. For many years the area
has been used as a target range. During World War II, live ammunition was
used. The marsh surface has been altered by this use. The large number of
salt pannes may be due to impact and explosion of munitions. Some channels
in the marsh are artificially straight. A small building and fence are
located on the low intertidal marsh. The upland has been logged. Roads
have been graded along the south, east and north upland margins of the
lagoon system. Alnus rubra is invading portions of this upland region.

'DRIFTWOOD
HIGHWAY 525

BEACH

SPIT

BEACH
LAGOON
I POND

SPIT
2 3
4 4
3

5/6

@GGLERS
COVE ROAD

1:12000

Figure 20. LAKE HANCOCK FEATURES MAP

B Ngi
3481

LYNC

Par i
A

. .... .................
if
L4

m 2 @q

lp 0 0

Figure 21. LYNCH COVE LOCATIONAL MAP

LYNCH COVE

LOCATION:

Mason County; T22N, R1W, portions of sections 5 and 6 and T23N, R1W, portions
0 of sections 31 and 32. The site is located at the south end of Hood Canal
southwest of Belfair (Fig. 21).

SIGNIFICANCE:

The site is a large, relatively high quality fragment of a bayshore marsh.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION*

Figure 22 illustrates the distribution of features at Lynch Cove. The
features are:

1. a silty, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
2. a silty, high salinity, high intertidal marsh;
3. a silty, low salinity, high intertidal marsh; and
4. a transition zone marsh.

The area of interest is approximate ly 22 acres. The marsh has developed on
clay terraces elevated about 1 to 1.5 meters above the tideflats. The marsh
is highly dissected by tidal channels and several freshwater creeks.

The marsh is bounded to the north (northwest) by an old dike, ditch and
fence system. To the northeast and east, it is bounded by young Alnus
rubra (red alder) dominated woodlands. To the south, southeast ;;n--d south-
west, it is bounded by Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) forests.

FEATURES:

1. Silty, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

A silty, high salinity, low intertidal marsh occurs on the seaward
marsh edges and along the margins of some tidal channels. A few sal t
pannes occur in this portion of marsh. There are two distinguishable
communities within this marsh type at Lynch Cove. The first is a
community with variable species composition, codominated by Distichlis
spicata, Jaumea carnosa and Salicornia virginica. In areas with some
.freshwater influenc@'_,Carex-lyngbyi is also codominant. In other
areas, Plantago maritima may be codominant. The second community is
domina by Distichlis spicata.

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnosa-Salicornia virginica community
(mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgr.ass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge) (locally codominant,)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain) (locally codominant)
Pu.ccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Spergularia cf canadensis (winged sandspurry)

Distichlis spicata community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Itgrass)
Distichlis spicata (sa.

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Atriplex patula -var. hastata (saltbush)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Salicornia virgini.ca (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

II. Silty, High Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh 40

The silty, high salinity, high intertidal marsh is intermediate between
high intertidal and low intertidal marsh. It occurs on relatively
high, seaward terrace edges or adjacent to, and inland of, low inter-
tidal marsh. A single community, codominated by Distichlis spicata and
Juncus gerardii, makes up this marsh type.

Distichlis spicata-Juncus gerardii community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)

Subdominant Species

Glaux maritima (saltwort)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

III. Silty, Low Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh

A silty, low salinity, high intertidal marsh occurs along the upland
marsh edge and in one area of lower elevation which has freshwater
seepage. The primary community within this marsh type is codominated
by Aster subspicatus, Juncus balticus and Potentilla pacifica. A
variant of this community is dominated by Carex lyngbyei with Aster
subspicatus, Juncus balticus and Potentilla pacifica as subdominants.
It occurs in a freshwater seep and creek drainage. A few low salinity,
high intertidal areas are dominated or codominated by a non-native
species, Agrostis alba, and are not described here.

Aster subspicatus-Juncus balticus-Potentilla pacifica community
Tmapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native) (locally codominant)
Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Triglochin maritimuM (seaside arrowgrasO

Carex lyngbyei community (mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)

Subdominant

Agrostis al'ba (redtop) (non-native)
Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Minor Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Scirpus acutus (hardstem bulrush)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)
Typha latifolia (cattail)

IV. Transition Marsh

Transition marsh occurs in the same freshwater seepage and creek area
as the Carex lyngbyei dominated, low salinity, high intertidal marsh
previously described. There is one marsh assemblage described here.
It is a mosaic of Scirpus acutu,s and Typha latifolia.

Scirpus acutus (hardstem bulrush)-Typha latifolia (cattail) mosaic
Fmapping symbol 6)

LAND USE HISTORY:

This area is not pristine, but, relative to similar marsh systems in tile
Puget Trough region, is in good condition. The upland has been logged at
least once. Large milled timbers along one stream channel in the marsh
suggest past logging activities. An old road built on either a barge or
bridge is still evident crossing the stream channel and tidelands at the far
southwest end of the marsh. Past grazing was likely at the southwest and
northeast ends of the marsh. Old fencing occurs at both ends. A home and
pasture land abut the marsh on the northeast end. A fenced area and
building abut the marsh near the transition zone marsh. An overgrown
gravel road leading from a parking lot, approaches the marsh on the
southeast side. The area may be used by hunters.

ALTERED TIDELANDS

NORTH SHORE
RQAD

.4--DIKE

DIKED TIDELANDS

LYWH COVE 3 4
",6

1/3
3

N
D I KED ROAD
1:12000
HIGHWAY 3

HIGHWAY 106

Figure 22. LYNCH COVE FEATURES MAP

EAGLE PC,
Otso Point SLAN" ssa@e
gle Larding
8m,

,hnson
,int C@ illa Beach Stei lac
oman Point -------
0 Gordon
Ba ... I Point
Devils 2
Hea
A.iterdam
BO

K an
Treble Sandy
Point Point
uget p (f, \
Cole
Point
Soto
ro Bay Tatsolo Point
.i7t-

D,,glish
Bight Sandy Point Thowipsor, ko'ient
Cave
01-MIE 'B.g Slo.gh
STAT' PARK

chcre t C, La
isqually Head I ak,
48 NISQUALLY U
C

'01 d,
31
W L
32

REFUGE

NISQUALLY RIVER DELTA
Heaton
LZ Hill

Starr 4
Hill

/A@O

r,ngs NiSqU 11
L

> FL R
of

6 510

Figure 23. NISQUALLY RIVER DELTA LOCATIONAL MAP
82

NISQUALLY RIVER DELTA

LOCATION:

Pierce and Thurston Counties; T18N, RIE, portions of sections 6, 38 and 39
and T19N, RIE, portions of sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33. The site
includes the undiked lower tidal reaches and deltas of McAllister Creek
and the Nisqually River (Fig. 23).

SIGNIFICANCE:

The Nisqually River Delta is a large diverse tidal marsh system grading from
high salinity, low intertidal lands to a forested surge plain. The area is
also significant for its use by wildlife.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 24 illustrates the distribution of features at Nisqually Delta. The
features are:

1. a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
2. a sandy, low salinity, low intertidal marsh;
3. a sand , high intertidal marsh; and
y
4. a surge plain forest.

The area of interest lies seaward of extensive dike and ditch systems along
the lower tidal reach of McAllister Creek and Nisqually River. It is
developed on alluvium, primarily sands and silty-sands. Salinities were not
measured, but based on the differing salt tolerances and distributions of
plant species found in the area, salt and freshwater influences are variable,
with salinities ranging from freshwater to euhaline.

Burg, Tripp and Rosenberg (1980) conducted a vegetation study of the Nisqually
River Delta. The vegetation map and plant community descriptions in this
report are based upon their work. Surveys were conducted throughout the area
to calibrate their work with this study and to obtain additional data.

FEATURES:

I. Sandy, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh:

Most of the delta has been diked, leaving an outer fringe of relatively
unaltered tidal wetlands. This outer fringe of marsh is dominated by
sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh. The area typically has
numerous tidal channels and salt pannes. Substrates are sands to

si 1 ty-sands. A number of plant communities occur within this marsh
type. The first is an infrequently occurring community composed solely
of Salicornia virginica. This community is typically found on sands,
particularly in depressions. The second community is dominated by
Distichlis spicata. The third community is codominated by Distichlis
spicata and Salicornia virginica.

Three additional communities were described by Burg, Tripp and
Rosenberg (1980). One is a monospecific community composed of a non-
native annual, Spergularia marina (saltmarsh sandspurry). The second is
a community codominated by DistiE-hlis spicata and Jaumea carnosa. Burg,
et al. (1980) describe this community as occurring in depressional
'@T@-as. In this study it was observed to occur in old tidal channels
and on sandy road grades. The third community is an ecotone codominated
by Carex lyngbyei, Distichlis spicata, Potentilla pacifica and
Tri@-lochi@-maritimum.

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed) monospecific community
(mapping symbol 1)

Distichlis spicata. community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)

Minor Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Subdominant Species'

Trig1ochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Minor Species

Glaux maritima (saltwort) (locally codominant)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnosa community (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)

Subdominant Species

Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata, (saltbush)
Deschampsia caespitosa Ctufted hairgrass)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Carex lyngbyei-Distichlis spicata-Potentilla pacifica-Triglochin
maritimum community (mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Distichlis spicata (saltgras,s)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Stellaria humifusa (low starwort)

Sandy, Low Salinity, Low Int&,tidal Marsh

This marsh type occurs on low terraces along river And stream channels.
It is represented by a single plant community which is often composed
solely of Carex lyngbyei.

Carex.lyngbyei community (mapping symbol 6)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei Kyngby's sedge)

Minor Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Eleocharis palustris (common spikerush)
Equisetum sp. (scouring rush)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Lilaeopsis occidentalis (lilaeopsis)

III. Sandy, High Intertidal Marsh

This marsh type occurs on high terraces primarily along the main
channel of the Ni�qually River. Some deep tidal channels are found
through these areas, but salinities are typically brackish. The
marsh in these areas shows signs of disturbance. Vegetational patterns
are somewhat obscure. Nonetheless, four plant communities are
described. The first is dominated by Festuca rubra. The second is
dominated by Juncus balticus. The third is dominated by Deschampsia
caespitosa. The fourth community is dominated by a short growth form
of Carex lyngbyei which occurs in slight depressions.

Festuca rubra communi.ty (mapping symbol 7)

Dominant Species

Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native) (locally codominant)
Angelica lucida (seawatch)
Carex lyngbyei Kyngby's sedge)
Deschampsia. caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Equis6tum sp. (scouring rush)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)

Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) (non-native)
Rumex occidentalis (western dock)
Trifolium wormskjoldii (spring bank clover)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Juncus balticus community (mapping symbol 8)

Dominant Species

Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)

Minor Species

Angelica lucida (seawatch)
Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Lilaeopsis occidentalis Oilaeopsis)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Deschampsia caespitosa community (mapping symbol 9)
0 Dominant Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Carex lyngbyei community (mapping symbol 10)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Eleocharis palustris (common spike-rush) (locally subdominant)
Lilaeopsis occidentalis Oilaeopsis)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

IV. Surge Plain Wetland

The surge plain wetland is a forested riparian region along the
Nisqually River which is infrequently influenced by tidal waters.
Soils are sands and silty-sands. The overstory is relatively
homogeneous, codominated by Populus trichocarpa and Alnus rubra. Two
major communities can be distinguished, based on undersUTr_ydominance.
The first is dominated by Symphoricarpos albus, the second by Rubus
spectabilis.

Populus trichocarpa-Alnus rubra/Symphoricarpos albus community
Tmapping symbol 11)

Dominant Species

Alnus rubra (red alder)
Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood)
Symphoricarpos albus (snowberry)

Minor Species

Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf maple)
Equisetum hyemale (Dutch rush) (locally subdominant)
Oemleria cerasiformis (Indian plum)
Ribes cf divaricatum (gooseberry)
Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry)

Populus trichocarpa-Alnus rubra/Rubus spectabilis community
(mapping symbol 12)

Dominant Species

Alnus rubra (red alder)
Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood)
Rubus spectabilis (salmonberry)

Subdomi,nant Species

Urtica sp. (nettle)

Minor Species

Acer circinatum (vine maple)
Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf maple)
Berberis aquifolium (shining Oregongrape)
Carex sp. (sedge)
Clematis vitalba (travelers-joy)
Cornus stolonifera (red-osier dogwood)
Corydalis scouleri (Scouler's corydalis)

Dicentra formosa (Pacific bleedingheart)
Galium sp. (bedstraw)
Glecoma hederacea (creeping Charlie) (non-native)
Montia sibirica (western springbeauty)
Oemleria cerasiformis (Indian plum)
Polystichum munitum (swordfern)
Ribes cf.divaricatum (gooseberry)
Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The Nisqually River Delta has had a long history of use by Indians. Since the
late 1800s, white settlers have converted the tidelands and flood plains along
the lower reaches of McAllister Creek and the Nisqually River into pasture
and agricultural lands. In 1904, Alson L. Brown bought a large area of the
delta and began building an extensive dike and ditch system, which make up
what is currently known as the Brown Farm. Ditches, dikes and fence remnants
on the tidelands seaward of the main dike indicate past use of some marsh
areas. Old pilings and cable in the surge plain forest suggest past logging
activities. In 1974, the Brown Farm area was acquired by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. The area, including adjacent State Game Department lands,
is managed as a wildlife refuge. It is open to the public for restricted day
use, and to hunters during hunting season.*

FIGURE 24 is located in the map pocket on the back cover.

ID
Swantown
S NAV7

cresce

i1or Point

Blowers
aluff

Penn Cove
Coveland San De Fuca Park
Kennedys COVE
Lagoon Long
Pt Partridge Lovejoy Pr Point
R r EBEY Mueller 91 1
A PARK Park ille B F16

HamiNto
z Praj

PEREGO'S LA60ON e S iirie
tnit Prairie

Eb@ys L-"ng HIDI3 ISLAND
N IR STATION

FORT CASEY 4
STATE PARK COckeLtI- :IeD 20

4 (@2.5
Admiralty Admiralty
Head

Point Wilson

FORT WORDEN
STATEPARK

M
Port,"rownsend
Poh?'t Hudson
LAKE HANCOCK
TARGET RANGE

Figure 25. PEREGO'S LAGOON LOCATIONAL MAP
90

PEREGO'S LAGOON

LOCATION:

Island County; T31N, RlE, portions of section 6. The site is located on
the west side of Whidbey Island between Admiralty Head and Point Partridge
(Fig. 25).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Perego's Lagoon is a high quality berm and lagoon system.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 26 illustrates the distribution of features of Perego's Lagoon.
The features are:

1. a berm;
2. a lagoon pond; and
3. a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh.

The area is approximately 52 acres. The lagoon is behind a berm which
extends along the base of a steep grassy bluff. Substrates of the lagoon
system are primarily sandy gravels. At the southeast end of the lagoon pond,
the substrate is overlain by black, sometimes anoxic organic matter. Drift-
wood has accumulated along the berm and at the southeast end of the lagoon.

The berm was breached at its northwest end by storm tides in December,
1982. A 1981 aerial photograph shows the berm intact, without a channel
between the lagoon and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A 1978 aerial photo
also shows a series of small berms, lagoon ponds, lines of driftwood and
salt marshes within and at the southeast end of Perego's Lagoon. This
pattern indicates the predominance of northwest winds and waves which carry
driftwood and debris into the lagoon.

Perego's Lagoon appears to receive heavy shorebird and waterfowl use.

FEATURES:

I. Berm

The berm forms an unvegetated, sand and gravel beach on the southwest
side. Driftwood has accumulated along the top and leeward side of the
berm. The leeward or lagoon side of the berm is vegetated with

typical sand dune species. The vegetation 'is diverse and apparently
varies with substrate and the degree of natural, di.sturbance.., However,
vegetational patterns are not distinct enough ;to define communities.
The berm exhibits little evidence of *human disturbance and non-native
species have low cover values and frequency.

Berm vegetation (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Festuca ru6ra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Abronia latifolia (yellow sandverbena)
Achille'a millefolium (y4rrow)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnati'secta (silver bursage)
Armeria maritima (thrift)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Ca,rex macrocephala (large headed sedge)
Convo'lvulus soldanella (beach morning-glory)
Grindelia integrifolia (gunweed)
Lepidium virginicum var. menziesji.@tall pepperweed)
Lomatium nudicaule (barestem lomatium)
Lupinus,littoralis (shore lupine)
Orobanche californica (California broomrape),
Plantajo lanceolata (English 'Plantain) (non-!-native)
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) (non-native)
Polygonum paronychia (nailwort knotweed)
Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose)
Sdmbucus sp. (elderberry)
Vicia gigantea (giant vetch)

II. Lagoon Pond

.Prior to December, 1982, the lagoon pond was completely enclosed by the
berm and adjacent upland bluffs. Jt had been described by Cook (1973)
as a brackish lake. From vegetation presently occurring around the
pond's margins, it is probable that the lagoon, prior to breaching, was
at least polyhaline and may have reached hyperhaline le 'vels. Since the
breaching, marine waters flood the lagoon with each.high tide. Fresh-
water influence is limited to runoff from adjacent uplands. Salinities
within the lagoon pond are now probably euhaline.

III. Sandy, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

Marsh development is primarily at the southeast end of the lagoon and
along the southern lagoon margin. Areas of the marsh, particularly
at the southeast end of the lagoon appear naturally disturbed or
abraided, probably by driftwood. There is a large driftwood accumula-
tion at the southeast end of the lagoon, but aerial photographs indicate
this to have been* more extensive in the past. Substrates are composed
of sands overlain by organic matter. Two plant communities are present
here. One is pure Salicornia v irginica; the other is codominated by
Distichlis spicata and Salicornia virginica.

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed) monospecific community
(mapping symbol 2)

Distichlis spicata-Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandspurry)

LAND USE HISTORY:

Perego's Lagoon is named after its first landowner, George W.S.H. Perego,
who claimed the land about 1876. The lagoon appears to have received very
little use since that time. The adjacent uplands have been heavily grazed
in the past. Washington State Parks acquired the northern half of Perego's
Lagoon in 1982. The National Park Service is in the process of buying the
uplands adjacent to that portion of the lagoon newly acquired by State
Parks. This area is to be managed as part of Fort Ebey State Park and
Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve. The remainder of the lagoon
and adjacent uplands are privately owned with no apparent threat of
development. Currently, day use is made of the site, though this appears
somewhat limited by restricted access.

BEACH

GRAZED SLOPE

BEACH BLUFF
LAGOON
POND
3

STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA

DRIF

1:12000

Figure 26. PEREGO'S LAGOON FEATURES MAP

,?28

,/74

0
126
IZ6 J122

1/4
0 roo 126 168 193
30
54,
48

48 104
25.
30

RESCENT
3

6 15
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sale
SALT CREEK

-436
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300.,

350
p>5,

J21

297 311
f

?so

Figure 27. SALT CREEK LOCATIONAL MAP

SALT CREEK

LOCATION:

Clallam County; T31N, R8W, portions of sections 21 and 28. The site is
located along the tidal reach of. Salt Creek west of Salt Creek County Park
(Fig. 27).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Salt Creek tidal river marsh is the highest quality, silty, high salinity,
high intertidal ' Deschampsia caespitosa-Salicornia virginica marsh known
for the Puget Trough region. This is an unusual marsh type for the region.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 28 illustrates the distribution of features at Salt Creek. The
features are:

1. a silty, polyhaline, low intertidal marsh; and
2.1 a silty, polyhaline, high intertidal marsh.

The marsh area of interest is approximately 23 acres. The marsh occurs on
high terraces along the tidal reach of Salt Creek. Substrates are alluvial
sand, silt and clay. Salinities range from 26 to 30 ppt in the two
featured marsh types, but range from 36 to 0.5 ppt throughout the tidal
area. The creek surface salinity is 6 ppt. The area of interest also
includes low terraces along the creek channel dominated by Carex lyngbyei
(Lyngby's sedge). A few high ridges along the creek are doiRi-nate7d by high
intertidal plant species.

The area of interest is bounded to the north by fill, on which are built
a campground and the Hayden Camp Road. To the northwest, it is bounded
by a driveway built on fill. The rest of the marsh area is bordered by
upland of second growth forest and rural, low density housing.

FEATURES:

1. Silty, Polyhaline, Low Intertidal Marsh

The silty, polyhaline, low intertidal marsh occurs in depressional
areas and along tidal channels at Salt Creek. The marsh type is repre-
sented by a variable community which is dominated by Distichlis spicata
with Jaumea carnosa and Salicornia virginica as sub- to codominants. In
one area, S. virginica occurs as a pure stand.

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnos-Salicornia virginica community
(mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Subdominant Species

Jaumea carnosa (jaumea) (locally codominant)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed) (locally codominant)

Minor Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Stellaria humifusa (low starwort)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed) monospecific community
(mapping symbol 2)

II. Silty, Polyhaline, High Intertidal Marsh

This silty, polyhaline, high intertidal marsh type is intermediate
between a high and low intertidal marsh and could be placed in either
category. This marsh type frequently occurs in Grays Harbor and
Willapa Bay, but is rare in the Puget Trough region. At Salt Creek
it occurs on high river terraces which contain a few tidal channels,
yet which have salinities of about 26 ppt. Three communities comprise
this marsh type. The first is codominated by Deschampsia caespitosa and
Distichlis spicata. The second is codominated by Deschampsia
caespitosa and Salicornia virginica. The third is dominated by
Distichlis spicata. In places, the marsh shifts to nearly pure
Deschampsia caespitosa.

Deschampsia caespitosa-Distichlis spicata community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Subdominant Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native) (locally codominant)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Deschampsia caespitosa-Salicornia virginica community
(mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Distichlis spicata community (mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Subdominant Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
cf Festuca arundinacea (alta fescue) (non-native)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Poa sp. (bluegrass)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The Salt Creek tidal river marsh is located near the site of the old Camp
Hayden. It apparently was not affected by the military reserve development.
Camp Hayden Road crosses the mouth of Salt Creek on a piling-supported
bridge. The seaward marsh edge was filled to accommodate the road, and
later to provide space for a roadside campground. A private driveway
was built on fill through the marsh. The driveway runs approximately
north and south to the west of Salt Creek. The marsh area to the west of
this driveway has been extensively altered and is not included in this
site recommendation. Grazing apparently has been minimal throughout the
recommended portion of the marsh. The creek channel in the upper tidal
reach appears to have been channeled at some time with dredge spoils piled
along the creek banks.

100

STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA

BEACH
CRESCENT BAY
SPIT CAMP HAYDEN
ROAD
%ILL

4
ILL
3
D I KE/11-@
4 Ll
R -ERP
0 DIKED TIDELANDS 3

ALTERED
0 TIDELANDS

1:12000
0

Figure 28. SALT CREEK FEATURES MAP

101
0

'dgew ouhtl
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on

1,1c rest
_j

1a n r

kagi
Cit

Hawk Point
-101 @1 L
000 Fish
ei Cedan ale
Ike Island 3 SKAGIT RIVER DELTA

slu FIR SL
534

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Straw berry
Point SKAGIT CO.
"q4@V6 6011r OHOMISH CO

Arrowhead
Brown Pt Beach

English Boom

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CAar"e
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f tanw
532 anw, A

Figure 29. SKAGIT RIVER DELTA LOCATIONAL MAP
102

SKAGIT RIVER DELTA

LOCATION:

Skagit and Snohomish Counties, T32N, R3E, portions of section 1; T33N, R3E,
portions of sections 7, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 35 and 36 and
T33N, R4E, "portions of sections 30 and 31. The site includes the undiked
tidal marsh and surge plain on Fir Island. It is located on the Skagit
River Delta between the North Fork Skagit River to the north and Tom Moore
Slough to the south (Fig. 29).

SIGNIFICANCE:

This is the largest, relatively high quality brackish marsh of this type
known in the Puget Trough Region. Included in the site is a bald eagle
nest.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 30 illustrates the distribution of features of the Skagit Bay site.
The features are:

1. a bald eagle nest;
2. a sandy, low salinity, low intertidal marsh;
3. a silty, low salinity, low intertidal marsh;
4. a low salinity, high intertidal marsh;
5. a transition marsh; and
6. a. surge plain wetland.

The site extends for approximately 10 miles along the diked shoreline of
Skagit Bay, between Tom Moore Slough to the south and the North Fork
Skagit River to the north. Most of the Skagit Bay vegetated tidelands and
Skagit River delta have been diked, ditched and filled. However, a narrow
band of primarily brackish, low intertidal marsh occurs bayward of the
dikes. Areas of undiked surge plain wetland occur along the distributaries
of the South Fork Skagit River. Substrates are alluvial sands, silts and
clays. Anoxic organic matter has accumulated in areas.

Ewing (1982) conducted a detailed ecophysiological study of the tidal marsh
between Freshwater and Hall Sloughs. In his study, Ewing reported that water
surface salinities ranged from 0 to 22 ppt. and soil salinities ranged between
0 and 15 ppt. Vegetational patterns suggest that similar salinities occur
throughout the marsh.

103

FEATURES:

I. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Federal Status: Threatened in Washington State

State Status: Threatened

A nesting territory is located within the site. Several.nests have
been built within the territory. However, since 1975, young have been
successfully fledged from only one of the nests (Nongame Data Systems).

Il. Sandy, Low Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

A sandy, low salinity, low intertidal marsh has developed over well
aerated sandy soils. The primary community making up this marsh type is
dominated by and frequently solely composed of Scirpus americanus. It
occurs mostly onthe outer marsh flats. Carex lyngbyei forms nearly
pure colonies along freshwater creek cha6-nels.

Scirpus americanus community (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Scirpus.americanus (American bulrush)

Minor Species

Cotula coronopifolia (brass buttons) (non-native)
Eleocharis aciculari.s (needle spike-rush)
Spergularia marina (s.altmarsh sandspurry) (non-native)

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedQe) monospecific community (mapping
symbol 2)

III. Silty, Low Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

A number of communities fall within this marsh type on the Skagit River
delta. The first is dominated by Scirpus maritimus. It typically
occurs on anoxic silts, frequently forming monospecific communities,
either on outer marsh flats or in mosaic with other communities. The
second community occurs on pedestals. It is species rich and variable,
but is typically codominated by Triglochin maritimum and Scirpus
americanus. The ScLnE!Ls maritimus community frequently occurs in the
interpedestal areas. A third community is dominated by Carex lyngbyei.
It may occur on soils ranging from silty-sands to clays. The fourth
community is usually entirely composed of Scirpus validus. It appears
most frequently on silts.

104

Scirpus maritimus community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Scirpus maritimus (seacoast bulrush)

Minor Species

Cotula coronopifolia brass buttons) (non-native)
Eleocharis acicularis (needle spike-rush)
Lilaeopsis occidentalis Oilaeopsis)
Spergularia marina (saltmarsh sandspurry) (non-native)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

40
Triglochin maritimum-Scirpus americanus community (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Scirpus americanus (American bulrush)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Subdominant Species

Plantago maritima (seaside plantain) (locally codominant)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Cotula coronopifolia (brass buttons) (non-native)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Eleocharis acicularis (needle spike-rush)
Eleocharis parvula (small spike-rush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Lilaeopsis occidentalis Oilaeopsis)
40 Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Ranunculus cymbalaria (shore buttercup)
Spergularia marina (saltmarsh sandspurry) (non-native)

Carex lyngbyei community (mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)

105

Minor Species
Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native) -native)
Cotula coronopifolia (brass buttons) (non
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Eleocharis palustris (common spike-rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Ranunculus cymbalaria (shore buttercup)
Scirpus americanus (American bulrush)
Siurn suave (hemlock waterparsnip)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Scirpus validus (softstem bulrush) monospecific community (mapping
symbol 6)

Low Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh

Very little low salinity, high intertidal marsh still occurs in this
area. The areas surveyed had a high frequency of non-native plant
species and show signs of trampling and grazing. An area south of the
mouth of the North Fork Skagit River has an assemblage which is in
relatively good condition. It is codominated by Aster subspicatus,
Juncus balticus and Potentilla pacifica.

Aster subspicatus-Juncus balticus-Potentilla pacifica assemblage 0
Imapping symbol 7)

Dominant Species

Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native) (locally codominant)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Festuca arundinacea (alta fescue) (non-native)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Heracleum lanatum (cow parsnip)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Lathyrus palustris (marsh pea vine)
Rumex occidentalis (western dock)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)
Vicia gigantea (giant vetch)

106

IV. Transition Marsh

Transition marsh may occur al ong the dike edge or the upper tidal reach
of a freshwater drainage system. Soils are silts or sands with over-
laying organic matter. A single community, usually composed entirely of
Typha latifolia, makes up this community.

Typha latifolia (cattail) monospecific community (mapping symbol 8)

V. Surge Plain Wetland

Surge plain wetlands occur along the upper tidally influenced reaches
of the South Fork Skagit River and its distributaries. During high
tides, saltwater wedges form in the channels causing freshwater to
flood out of the banks and onto the wetland (Ewing, 1982). Beyond a
certain level, saltwater also flows out of the channel. This surge
plain wetland is dominated by woody plant species. There appears to be
a gradual shift from those tolerant of occasional brackish water
influence to typically freshwater wetland species. A thorough vegeta-
tion survey was not possible; however, a partial species list follows.

Surge Plain Wetland (mapping symbol 9)
0 General Vegetation

Alnus rubra (red alder)
Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern)
Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
0 Cornus stolonifera (red-osier dogwood)
Epilobium sp. (fireweed)
Heracleum lanatum (cow parsnip)
Lonicera involurata (black twinberry)
Lysichitum americanum (skunk cabbage)
Myrica cf gale (wax-myrtle)
0 Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce)
Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood)
Rosa cf nutkana (Nootka rose)
Rumex cf occidentalis (dock)
Salix sp. (willow)
Salix hookeriana (Hooker willow)
0 Salix lasiandra (Pacific willow)
Scirpus validus (softstem bulrush)
Spiraea douglasii (spirea)
Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock)
Typha latifolia (cattail)

107

LAND USE HISTORY:

Diking, ditching and filling of the tidelands began in the mid to late 1800s.
Most of the vegetated tidelands associated with Skagit Bay and the Skagit
River delta have been converted to agricultural and pasture land since that
time.. this diking.and ditching hat Also altered drainage patterns and silt
deposition in the remainihg tidelands. Logging 'and log milling were once
local activities; thriving mill towns were located along.Tom Moore Slo7ugh. A
jetty was built parallel to and northwest of Tom Moore Slo'ugh, probably in an 0
attempt to keep the slough open for boat traffic. Pilings are found ihfre`@
quently in the tideflats and marshes seaward of the dike system. Currently,
most of the marsh and tidelands are owned and managed for wildlife by the
Was'hington Department of Game. The area receives recreational day use and use
by hunters. In some areasi cattle have access to the tidelands as well.
Human and cattle use cause localized disturbance of soil structure and ve'geta-@-
v 'i6s ar@ probably respontible fo@ the introduction and
tion; These acti*it
establishment of some 6on-native plant species.

A 'non-native species of cordgrass, Spartina tow.nsendiii is beginning to spread
into Skagit Bay@. At presenti it is only found in the vicinity of
West Pass near Stanwood. However, this species is .aggr essive and poses a
threat to the integrity of the native ecosystem.

108

FIGURE 30 is located in the map pocket on the back cover.

0 109

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Figure 31. SKOOKUM INLET LOCATIONAL MAP
F

SKOOKUM INLET

LOCATION:

Mason County; T19N, R3W, portions of section 17. The site is located along
the northern shore at the head of Skookum Inlet (Fig. 31).

SIGNIFICANCE:

The site is an isolated, high quality, marsh fragment which grades from a
high salinity, low intertidal marsh to an old second growth forest.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 32 illustrates the distribution of features at Skookum Inlet. The
features are:

1. a silty, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
2. a silty, high salinity, high intertidal marsh; and
3. a silty, low salinity, high intertidal marsh.

The marsh fragment is approximately 15 acres. Marsh vegetation has developed
on silty clay terraces and islands above the tideflats. The terraces are
highly dissected by tidal and frequent freshwater channels.

The upland is mature old second growth forest dominated by Pseudotsuga
menzeisii (Douglas fir) with a fringe along the marsh edge -do-m-15-ated by
Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce).

FEATURES:

I. Silty, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

Silty, high salinity, low intertidal marsh occurs along terrace edges,
tidal channels and on low marsh islands. Salt pannes occur frequently.
Two communities comprise this marsh type. The first occurs at the
lowest marsh elevations and is codominated by Distichlis spicata,
Jaumea carnosa, Plantago maritima and Salicornia virginica. The
second community is intermediate between high and low intertidal salt
marsh. It occurs at slightly higher elevations than the first com-
munity and is codominated by Distichlis spicata, Juncus gerardii and
Salicornia virginica.

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnosa-Plantago maritima-Salicornia
virginica community (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Subdominant Species 40

Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)

Distichlis spicata-Juncus gerardii-Salicornica virginica community
Tmapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass) (locally subdominant)

II. Silty, High Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh

A silty, high salinity, high intertidal marsh occurs between the
high salinity, high intertidal marsh and the high salinity, low inter-
tidal marsh. Salt pannes occur within the area. One community makes up
this marsh type. It is codominated by Deschampsia caespitosa and
Distichlis spicata.

112

Deschampsia caespitosa-Distichlis spicata-Juncus gerardii community
(mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Distichlis,spicata (saitgrass)

Subdominant Species

Juncus gerardii (mud rush)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

III. Silty, Low Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh

Silty, low salinity, high intertidal marsh occurs along the upland
marsh margin. It reaches its greatest extent on the high terraces
nearest the mouth of Skookum Creek. Freshwater channels may occur
through these areas of marsh., Two communities compose this marsh type.
The first community is dominated by Deschampsia caespitosa and the
second by Festuca rubra.

Deschampsia caespitosa community (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)

Subdominant Species

Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)

Minor Species

Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Potentilla pacific (Pacific silverweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

113

Festuca rubra community (mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)
Typha latifolia (cattail) (upland margin)

LAND USE HISTORY

This portion of marsh is quite isolated and receives only occasional use by
hunters. The forests were selectively logged at least once, but now are old
second growth.

114

N
5
1:12000

'Y
3
0

Sl(00nfl INLET

A
RED
LTE
TIDELANDS
'KAMILCHE POINT ROAD

Figure 32. SKOOKUM INLET FEATURES MAP

115

95-
Maple .4
BeachJ

.1@i@klllll

f
NL
STAVIS BAY

All,

t4p-
44 25-'

4
//0
CT
Z5 30

Figure 33. STAVIS BAY LOCATIONAL MAP

STAVIS BAY

LOCATION:

Kitsap County; T25N, R2W, portions of section 25. The area is located on
the west side of the Kitsap Peninsula, approximately 2 miles southwest of
the town of Seabeck (Fig. 33).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Stavis Bay is an open lagoon system of exceptionally high quality.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 34 illustrates the distribution of features at Stavis Bay. The
features are:

1. tideflats;
2. coastal spits;
3. a sandy, low salinity, low intertidal marsh; and
4. a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh.

Stavis Bay is approximately 61 acres. It is considered a lagoon system in
this report because of the tidal restriction caused by the two offset spits at
the lagoon mouth. Stavis Creek enters the Bay at its south end. The lagoon
completely flushes with each tidal cycle, exposing sand, silt and clay tide-
flats at low tides. Marsh vegetation has developed primarily on the lower
edges of the bay side of the spits and along the south end of the lagoon.
Substrates are mostly sand, with some areas of silt and clay.

The uplands are covered by second growth forest dominated by Pseudotsuga
menziesii (Douglas fir). Substrates are primarily an Indian itsap
complex7S.C.S., 1980). Indianola loamy sand has developed over sandy gla-
cial outwash on the upper slopes. Kitsap silty loam has developed over
glacial lake sediments on the lower, steeper slopes. Soils along the south
end of Stavis Bay and Stavis Creek channel are Norma fine sandy loams,
which occur in mixed glacial alluvium.

FEATURES:

I. Tideflats

Stavis Bay flushes completely with each tidal cycle and contains no
permanently ponded water. The tideflats are primarily sand overlain
in areas by silts. The channel of Stavis Creek winds through the

117

ti def l a ts. Near the spits at the lagoon mouth, the substrate of the
channel is a-mixture of sand, gravel and cobble. The lagoon margins are
clay with areas of sand and gravel. Eelgrass occurs within the lagoon.

II. 'Coastal Spits

Two spits are located at the mouth of Stavis Bay. The first spit is
"Y" shaped. It is connected to the western bay shore and is genera Ily
oriented east and west across the bay mouth. An arm of this spit
extends southeast into the lagoon. The second spit is an extension of
the Hood Canal shoreline to the northeast of Stavis Bay,. It extends
southwest towards the first spit. Both spits are composed of sands,
deposited primarily by wave and tidal action. Cobbles and gravel
make up the beaches facing Hood Canal. The spit ridges have driftwood
accumulated on the Hood Ca:nal side and dune vegetation on the leeward
side. Dune vegetation on the first spit has been heavily disturbed..
Vegetation on the second spit is in relatively good condition.

Dune vegetation (mapping symbol 1)

General, Vegetation

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Agropyron repens (quackgrass) (non@native)
Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Aira praecox (early hairgrass) (non-native)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)
Asparagus officinalis (asparagus) (non-native)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Bromus mollis (soft brome) (non-native)
Bromus sterilis (barren brome) (non-native)
Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) (non-native)
Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Elymus moll.is (dune wildrye)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Galium aparine (catchweed bedstraw)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)
Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) (non-native)
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) (non-native)
Polygonum paronychia (nailwort knotweed)
Rumex cf occidentalis (western dock)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

118

III. Sandy, Brackish, Low Intertidal Marsh

At the south end and along the margins of Stavis Bay are localized
areas that receive freshwater influence. These areas have vegetation
typical of brackish conditions and are dominated by Carex lyngbyei.

Carex lyngbyei community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge) (frequently monospecific)

Minor Species

Lilaeopsis occidentalis Oilaeopsis)

IV. Sandy, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

A sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh occurs along the leeward
si'de of each spit. It also occurs to a limited extent at the south
end and along the margins of the lagoon. Three primary communities
compose this marsh type. The first is dominated by Distichlis spicata
and occurs at the south end of the lagoon. This community is inter-
mediate between a brackish and high salinity marsh. The second com-
munity is codominated by, and solely composed of, Jaumea carnosa and
Salicornia virginica. This community occurs along the lowest vegetated
margins of the spits. The third community is codominated by Grindelia
integrifolia, Jaumea carnosa and Salicornia virginica. It occurs on
the spits, intermediate in elevafl"o-nbetween the Jaumea carnosa-
Salicornia virginica community and dune vegetation.

Distichlis spicata community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Subdominant Species

Glaux maritima (saltwort)

Minor Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Jaumea carnosa-(jaumea) -Sal icornia virginica (pickleweed) community
(mapping symbol 4)

119

Grindelia integrifolia-Jaumea carnosa-Salicornia virginica community
(mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Salipornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)

Minor Species

At 'riplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)
Spergularia cf marina (saltmarsh sandspurry) (non-native)

LANVUSE HISTORY

The uplands adjacent to Stavis Bay have been logged at least once. A number
of old logging and access roads occur through the upland forest to the east
of Stavis Bay. The access roads are used for hiking and parties. Remnants of
two old homesteads were found on the east side of the lagoon. The first is
located at the far south end and the second on the bluff overlooking the
northernmost spit '. There is a permanent residence on the bluff west of the
bay mouth. A driveway to the residence runs near and parallel to the west
shore of Stavis Bay. A powerline crosses the mouth of Stavis Bay. The power-
line and an access road run the length of the western spit. Stavis Bay Road
crosses the southernmost end of Stavis Bay on a piling supported bridge.

120

HOOD CANAL

BEACH
-BEACH

WEEDY SPIT

1:12000 t

STAV I S BAY
ROAD

Figure 34. STAVIS BAY FEATURES MAP

121

LU
UIVW LUXV

161,

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Horsesha e
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Son Share-
Lake

36 34

00h

55 D.bb-
L ke I TARBOO BAY

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spit 4 13a
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Tabook Pf

C
ackson
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reen o'

Figure 35. TARBOO BAY LOCATIONAL MAP
122

TARBOO BAY

LOCATION:

Jefferson County; T27N, R1W, portions of sections 4, 9 and 16. The site is
located at the north end of Dabob Bay (Fig. 35).

SIGNIFICANCE:

The Tarboo Bay site contains high quality, sandy, high salinity, low
intertidal marsh and coastal spits.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 36 illustrates the distribution of features at Tarboo Bay. The
features are:

1. coastal spits;
2. sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
3. sandy, low salinity, low intertidal marsh;
4. sandy, high salinity, high intertidal marsh; and
5. sandy, low salinity, high intertidal marsh.

The marsh and spits of interest are approximately 74 acres. A series of
spits extend into the bay from the western shore. A single spit, named
Long Spit, extends northward from the east side of the bay. Long Spit and
the two largest spits of the western bay shore have dune vegetation along
their ridges. Salt marsh vegetation has developed along the bay margins
north of the spits. Substrates are primarily sands. Some tideflats and
marsh substrate along the shore and leeward side of Long Spit are silts and
black anoxic organic matter. Uplands near the spits are second growth
forest.

FEATURES:

I. Coastal Spits

Six spits of various sizes occur in the area. Three have developed
coastal dune vegetation. The largest of the spits is Long Spit, which
is approximately 0.75 miles long. Long Spit and the southernmost spit
on the west side of the bay have steep sand and gravel beaches on the
south sides with a line of driftwood along the spit ridges. A dune
assemblage typified by Elymus mollis occurs on the spit ridge and lee-
ward side of Long Spit. A second community, dominated by Festuca rubra,
is found on all three spits.

123

Elymus mollis assemblage (mapping symbol 1)

General Vegetation

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Aira Praecox (early hairgrass) (non-native)
Alnus rubra (red alder)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Lonicera involucrata (black twinberry)
Orobanche californica (California broomrape)
Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce)
Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) (non-native)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Polygonum spergulariaeforme (fall knotweed)
Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose)
Vicia gigantea (giant vetch)

Festuca rubra community (mapping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Subdominant Species

Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Agropyron repens (quackgrass) (non-native)
Aira praecox (early hairgrass) (non-native)
Ambroisa chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage)
Asparagus cf officinalis (asparagus) (non-native)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush) (locally subdominant)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)
Elymus mollis (dune wildrye)
Lepidium virginicum var. menziesii (tall pepperweed)
Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) (non-native)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) (non-native)
Polygonum spergulariaeforme (fall knotweed)
Pyrus fusca (wild crabapple)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

124

Sandy, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

A sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh is the predominant marsh
type at this site. Tidal waters flooding the marsh at time of survey
measured 28 ppt. The marsh has developed primarily on sands and, in
a few cases, silty-sands. Four communities make up this marsh type at
Tarboo Bay. The lowest elevational community is codominated by, and
solely composed of, Distichlis spicata and Salicornia virginica. The
second community occurs at slightly higher elevations and is codomi-
nated by Distichlis spicata, Jaumea carnosa and Salicornia virginica.
The third communify- -ic-curs on' slightly higher marsh terracesbn the
leeward side of Long Spit. It is dominated by Distichlis spicata. The
fourth community occurs in low areas adjacent to the spit ridge. It is
codominated by Salicornia virginica and Grindelia integrifolia.

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)-Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
To-mmunity.(mapping symbol 3)

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnosa-Salicornia virginica community
Tm-apping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Puccinellia lucida (shining alkaligrass)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandspurry)
Stellaria humifusa (low starwort)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Distichlis spi cata community (mapping symbol.5)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)

125

Subdominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)

Salicornia virginica-Grindelia integrifolia community (mapping
symbol 6)

Dominant Species

Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Spergularia canadensis (winged sandspurry)

III. Sandy, Low Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

A sandy, low salinity, low intertidal marsh is represented by pure
stands of Carex lyngbyeri. It occurs in and along freshwater channels
entering the tidelands.

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge) monospecific community (mapping
symbol 7)

IV. Sandy, High Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh

The sandy, high salinity, high intertidal marsh at this site is inter-
mediate between high salinity, low intertidal marsh and dune
vegetation and occurs on old, low spit ridges. The community present
is codominated by Salicornia virginica and Plantago maritima.

126

Salicornia virginica-Plantago maritima community (mapping symbol 8)

Dominant Species

Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)

V. Sandy, Low Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh

A sandy, low salinity, high intertidal marsh occurs as a narrow band
along the upland marsh edge. It is represented by a single community
which is codominated by Carex lyngbyei and Potentilla pacifica. The
Carex lyngbyei indicates fr-eshwater seepage or run-off.

Carex lyngbyei-Potentilla pacifica community (mapping symbol 9)

Dominant Species

Carex lyngbyei (Lyngby's sedge)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Subdominant Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Minor Species

Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

127

LAND USE HISTORY:

The uplands have been logged at least once. The forest on the west side of
Tarboo Bay is old second growth. The three largest spits all have vehicle
tracks along their ridges. A small house, probably built on fill, is
located at the base (south end) of Long Spit. Two fairly new houses have
been built on the upland adjacent to the spit. An unusual platform, tent
and trail complex, perhaps a seasonal residence, is located along the
upland shore in the lee of Long Spit. The oyster industry is important in
Tarboo Bay. Several large oyster rafts are located in the bay. Some of
these rafts are at the ends of two of the spits. Access to the rafts is by
boat or via the spits.

128

4 5

7
5

5
2/3/6
6/9
6
4/5
8 6

DRIFTWOOD

4/5

BEACH
2/3

BEACH

5R
LONG SPIT
4
9
5 5
4

TAM BAY 2
M4
3

.5:! N

1:12000
ILL
.v,

Figure 36. TARBOO BAY FEATURES MAP

129

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Mud La -e
@ieasont Lake
Los
Dabob L.ke

R
East. 1,3
Quilcene

Cain
:11 Discov
0 Broad
Spit
4
Cu
Z 1, Ra io
w Fa lity
U 26 THORNDYKE BAY
7Z

Silen
Q3 Indsays Beach
v
hermans
Poin ad Bluff
Frenchman
Point

10 in ar

A.
Whitney Pt
LQ 1-.;

Camp <
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Poin 143 cc -TAII

L
yj F_

Tskutsko Pt Hazel d)jympic
ishe n Point View

Oak Head

Fipre 37. THORNDYKE BAY LOCATIONAL MAP

130

THORNDYKE BAY,

LOCATION:

Jefferson County; T27N, RlE, portions of section 19 and T27N, RIW,
portions of sections 24 and 25. The site is located on the northeast
side of the Toandos Peninsula on Hood Canal (Fig@ 37).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Thorndyke Bay is a large, diverse and relatively high quality lagoon system.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 38 illustrates the distribution of features at Thorndyke Bay. The
features are:

1. lagoon tideflats;
2. a berm;
3. a sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh;
4. a sandy, high salinity, high intertidal marsh; and
5. a transition zone marsh.

Thorndyke Bay is approximately 85 acres. It is a shallow lagoon system in
which tidal influence is restricted by the elevation of the system, the par-
tial berm across the lagoon mouth and a sill where the channel breaches the
berm. The.channel passes through the west end of the berm, connecting the
tidelands of Thorndyke Bay with Hood Canal. Tidal and freshwater creek
channels cut through the tideflats and marsh. Tidal marsh has developed on
clay terraces above the tideflats. The marsh primarily occurs on the leeward
side of the berm and at the north end of the lagoon system. Narrow terraces
of marsh occur along the east and west sides. Salinities ranged from 26 ppt
to freshwater. The tidelands are bounded by second growth forest and fresh-
water wetlands.

Thorndyke Bay has been the focus of a number of studies. Vegetation studies
have been conducted by Frenkel, Boss and Schuller (1978) and Northwest
Environmental Consultants (1975). A team of biologists from the
Washington Department of Game also studied this site and included it in their.
recommendations for salt marsh preservation (Hirschi, Vanbianchi and Albright,
1978).

131

FEATURES:

1. Lagoon Tideflats 0

There is no permanently ponded water in the lagoon. Substrates vary
from firm sands, primarily in Thorndyke Creek channel, to deep anoxic
silts. The flats appear to provide feeding areas for shorebirds and
wate r f owl
0

II. Berm

The berm extends nearly the full width of the lagoon mouth.
It is composed of sand, gravel and cobble deposited by wave and tidal
action. It slopes steeply to a beach and tideflats to the south. To 0
the north, it grades from dune vegetation to a sandy, -high salinity,
low intertidal marsh. Two communities make up the dune vegetation.
The first occurs on the spit ridge and is codominated by Elymus mq1lis
and Festuca rubra. The second occurs on the leeward side or_th6-s`p1r_t
and is codominated by Festuca rubra and Grindelia integrifolia.

Elymus mollis-restuca.rubra community (mapping symbol 1)

Dominant Spectes
Elymus mollis (dune wildrye) 0
Festuca rubra (red fescue)

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage) 0
Amsinckia spectabilis (seaside amsinckia)
Angelica sp. (seawatch)
Galium aparine (catchweed bedstraw)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Lepidi.um virginicum var. menziesii (tall pepperweed)
Lonicera involucrata (black twinberry) 0
Plantago lanceolata (English plantain) (non-native)
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) (non-native)
Rumex occidentalis (western dock)
Vicia gigantea (giant vetch)
Festuca rubra-Grindelia integrifolia community (mapping symbol 2) 0

Dominant Species

Festuca rubra (red fescue)
Grindelia integrifolia (gunweed) 0

132

Minor Species

A.chillea millefolium (yarrow)
Ambrosia chamissonis var. bipinnatisecta (silver bursage) (locally
subdominant)
Armeria maritima (thrift)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) (non-native)
Polygonum spergulariaeforme (fall knotweed)

III. Sandy, High Salinity, Low Intertidal Marsh

Sandy, high salinity, low intertidal marsh occurs on terraces leeward
of the berm, on marsh islands in the tideflats and along the leading
marsh edge of the north end of the lagoon. This marsh type is composed
of three communities. The first is dominated by Salicornia virginica
and occurs at the lowest marsh elevations. The second is codominated
by Jaumea carnosa and Salicornia virginica. The third community is co-
dominated by Distichlis spicata, Jaumea carnosa and Salicornia
virginica.

Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Spergularia marina (saltmarsh sandspurry) (non-native)

Jaumea carnosa-Salicorn ia virginica community (mapping symbol 4)

Dominant Species

Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Subdominant Species

Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush) (locally subdominant)
Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

133

Distichlis spidata-Jaumea carnosa-Salicornia virginica community
7mapping symbol 5)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Glaux maritima (saltwort)
Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed) (locally subdominant)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)

IV. Sandy, High Salinity, High Intertidal Marsh

Sandy, high salinity, high intertidal marsh is an.intermediate marsh
type between high and low intertidal marshes. There are two com-
munities which compose this marsh type. The first community is codomi-
nated by Distichlis spicata. and Juncus gerardii. The second community
occurs along creek channels and is codominated by Deschampsia.caespi-
tosa and Distichlis spicata.

Distichlis spicata-Juncus gerardii community (mapping symbol 6)

Dominant Spectes

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush) (locally subdominant)
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Deschampsia caespitosa-Distichlis spicata community (mapping symbol 7)

Dominant Species

Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass)
Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)

134

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)

V. Brackish, High Intertidal Marsh

Most of the brackish, high intertidal marsh is dominated by a non-
native grass, Agrostis alba. Only one of the,four communities com-
posing this marsh type @i_tThorndyke Bay is not dominated or codominated
by Agrostis alba. This community is codominated by Juncus balticus and
Pofe'ntilla

Juncus balticus-Potentilla pacifica community (mapping symbol 8)

Dominant Species

Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Minor Species

Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Aster subspicatus (Douglas' aster)
Juncus gerardii (mud rush)
Scirpus acutus (hardstem bulrush)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

VI. Transition Marsh

Typha latifolia and Scirpus acutus occur in the ecotone between tidal
.marsh and freshwater marsh or upland. The two species occur as a
mosaic, forming a narrow zone on the east side of Thorndyke Bay and a
much larger area at the north end of the tidelands..

Scirpus acutus (hardstem bulrush)-Typha latifolia (cattail) mosaic
(mapping symbol 9)

135

LAND USE HISTORY

The Thorndyke Bay area has a long history of logging activity and grazing.
The abandoned logging town of Thorndyke was located on the upland at the
southwest end of the lagoon. The upland around the lagoon has been logged
at least once, with areas currently receiving a second cutting. The lagoon
was apparently used in the transportation and storage of logs. An old
homestead is located on the upland at the southeast end of the lagoon.
Fences and other signs of grazing occur in the eastern and northern portion
of the tidal marsh. Currently the area receives use for duck hunting, day
use recreation and bird watching. Reportedly, in an effort to improve duck
habitat, a number of plant species were introduced into the marsh.
Spartina alterniflora, an east coast species of cordgrass, became established
in this way. Spartina alterniflora poses a threat to the quality and
integrity of the Thorndyke Bay system.

136

ag:
1-12000
/8
9
Agrostis alba
1W
dominated

4
.7
5 5

6
3 SPARTINA
5 4 4/ 5

-3

4
6 2
BEACH

BEACH

HOOD CANAL

0
Figure 38. THORNDYKE BAY FEATURES MAP

137
0

SPIEDEN CHANNEA
T77
rrema
Ian Da a ri' Head:
60
08
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0

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che
0 6

14
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13

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138

WESCOTT BAY

LOCATION:

San Juan County; T36N, R4W, portions of sections 13 and 24. The site occurs
at the north end of Westcott Bay, just southeast of Roche Harbor, on San Juan
Island (Fig. 39).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Westcott Bay marsh is a relatively high quality coastal lagoon system which
reaches hyperhaline levels.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 40 illustrates the distribution of features at Westcott Bay. The
features are:

1. lagoon tideflats;
2. a hyperhaline, low intertidal marsh;
3. a euhaline, low intertidal marsh;
4. a silty, brackish, low intertidal marsh; and
5. a brackish, high intertidal marsh.

The lagoon system is approximately 11 acres. There is a single centrally
located channel between the lagoon and Wescott Bay. The channel is.flanked
by sand and gravel bars. Marsh vegetation has developed on clay terraces
on the leeward side of the bars and along the east and northeast end of the
lagoon. Two small freshwater streams flow into the the north and east ends
of the lagoon. Substrates are primarily clay. Salinities range from fresh-'
water to 56 ppt.

The uplands surrounding the lagoon are a combination of second growth
forest, agricultural land and pasture.

FEATURES:

I. Lagoon Tideflats

Westcott Bay is a small shallow lagoon system with no permanently
ponded water. The tideflats are clay, with an intricate network of
creek and tidal channels. Salicornia virginica forms patches on some
of the raised interchannel areas.

139

WESTCOTT BAY

LOCATION:

San Juan County; T36N, R4W, portions of sections 13 and 24. The site occurs
at the north end of Westcott Bay, just southeast of Roche Harbor, on San Juan
41 Island (Fig. 39).

SIGNIFICANCE:

Westcott Bay marsh is a relatively high quality coastal lagoon system which
reaches hyperhaline levels.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Figure 40 illustrates the distribution of features at Westcott Bay. The
features are:

1. lagoon tideflats;
2. a hyperhaline, low intertidal marsh;
3. a euhaline, low intertidal marsh;
4. a silty, brackish, low intertidal marsh; and.
5. a brackish, high intertidal marsh.

The lagoon system-is approximately 11 acres. There is a single centrally
located channel between the lagoon and Westcott Bay. The channel is flanked
by sand and gravel bars. Marsh vegetation has developed on clay terraces
on the leeward side of the bars and along the east and northeast end of the
lagoon. Two small freshwater streams flow into the the north and east ends
of the lagoon. Substrates are primarily clay. Salinities range from fresh-
water to 56 ppt.

The uplands surrounding the lagoon are a combination of second growth
forest, agricultural land and pasture.

FEATURES:

I. Lagoon Tideflats

139

0 11. Hyperhaline, Low Intertidal Marsh
The hyperhaline, low intertidal marsh occurs in depressions and along
..tidal channels.on the low intertidal marsh terraces. Salinities ranged
from 44 to 56 ppt. Substrates are probably clay. Salicornia virginica
is dominant and commonly forms monospecific coloni6's,.Particularly at
0 the higher salinities.

Salicornia virginica community (mapping symbol'l)

Dominant Species
40 Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata. (saltbush)
40 Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Puccinellia cusickii (Cusick's alkaligrass)
Spergularia marina (saltmarsh sandspurry) (non-native)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

III. Euhaline, Low Intertidal Marsh

The euhaline, low intertidal marsh occurs on low tidal terraces. The
terraces are probably composed of clay. Salinities measure 38 ppt.
Distichlis spicata, Jaumea carnosa and Salicornia virginica are
generally codominant. In one small area, Distichlis spicata is dominant
and in a second, Jaumea carnosa forms a pure colony.

Distichlis spicata-Jaumea carnosa-Salicornia virginica community
Tm-apping symbol 2)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Plantago maritima (seaside plantain)
Puccinellia sp. (alkaligrass)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside plantain)

140

Distichlis spicata community (mapping symbol 3)

Dominant Species

Distichlis spicata (saltgrass)

Minor Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)
Jaumea carnosa (jaumea)
Salicornia virginica (pickleweed)
Triglochin maritimum (seaside arrowgrass)

Jaumea carnosa (jaumea) monospecific community (mapping symbol 4)

IV. Silty, Brackish, Low Intertidal Marsh

Silty, brackish, low intertidal marsh occurs where each of two fresh-
water streams enter the lagoon. Only the brackish marsh at the north-
west end. of the lagoon is large enough, and of sufficient quality, to
be included inthis survey. This brackish marsh is a narrow margin of
pure Scirpus acutus. The tideflats in this area are clay, with
relaf'i'-v-ely de-epsilt accumulation.

Scirpus acutus (hardstem bulrush) monospecific comm@@ (mapping
symbol 5)

V. Brackish, High Intertidal Marsh

A brackish high intertidal marsh forms the upper wetland margin on the
east side of the lagoon. The upland margin of the brackish, high
intertidal marsh on the southeast side is marked by a fence and
adjacent agricultural lands. To the northeast, the marsh grades into a
Salix sp. (willow) and Rosa nutkana (Nootka rose) thicket. The marsh
is codominated by Junct@s balficus and Potentilla pacifica.

Juncus balticus-Potentilla pacifica community (mapping symbol 6)

Dominant Species

Juncus balticus (Baltic rush)
Potentilla pacifica (Pacific silverweed)

Subdominant Species

Atriplex patula var. hastata (saltbush)

141

Minor Species

Achillea millefolium (yarrow)
Agrostis alba (redtop) (non-native)
Distichlis spicata (saitgrass)
Hordeum brachyantherum (northern meadow barley)
Plantago major (common plantain)
Rumex cf occidentalis (western dock)
0 Triglochin maritimum .(seaside arrowgrass)

LAND USE HISTORY:

The uplands adjacent to the lagoon were logged in the past. S ome of the
uplands are used as agricultural land and pasture. Old and newer fence
lines bound the lagoon and occur within portions of the marsh. Grazing
may also have occurred in portions of the marsh. The freshwater stream at
the northwest end of the lagoon originates from an artificial reservoir.
The second stream at the eastern end of the lagoon drains agricultural and
pasture lands and is partially dammed to provide water for livestock.

142

ROCHE HARBOR ROAD

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WESTCOTT BAY

Figure 40. WESTCOTT BAY FEATURES MAP

143

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APPENDIX 11

SITES SURVEYED BUT NOT RECOMMENDED

0 1

APPENDIX 11

SITES SURVEYED BUT NOT RECOMMENDED

CLALLAM COUNTY:

Agate Bay - T31N, R8W', S20
Dungeness-Jamestown Marsh - T30N, R3W, S6; T31N, R3W, S30, 31, 32, 36, 37
and 38
Elwha River Delta " T31N, R7W, S27 and 34
Gibson Spit and Lagoon - T29N, R3W, S15 and 22
Grays Marsh - T29N, R3W, S4, 9 and 10
Pitship Point Marsh - T29N, R3W, S27 and 34
Pysht River Delta - T31N, R11W, S3, 4, 9 and 10
Travis Spit - T29N, R3W, S22 and 23

ISLAND COUNTY:

Cultus Bay - T28N, R3E, S11
Deer Lagoon - T29N, R2E, S13 and 24; T29N, R3E, S18 and 19
Dugualla Bay - T33N, R2E, S7 and 18
Elger Bay - T31N, R3E, S31
Livingston Bay - T32N, R3E, S32
North Bluff Marsh - T31N, R2E, S21 and 28
Race Lagoon - T31N, R2E, S37
Triangle Cove - T31N, R3E, S6 and 7

JEFFERSON COUNTY:

Dosewallips River Delta - T25N, R2W, S2; T26N, R2W, S35
Duckabush River Delta - T25N, R2W, S16 and 21
Kala Point - T30N, RIW, S26
Oak Bay - T29N, RlE, S7
Port Discovery T29N, R2W, S23 and 38
Port Townsend T29N, RIW, S1 and 12
Quilcene Bay T29N, R1V1, S18 and 19; T27N, R2W, S24 and 25
Scow Bay - T29N, RlE, S8

KING COUNTY:

None

KITSAP COUNTY:

Anderson Cove - T24N, R2W, S17 and 18
Anderson Creek - T25N, RIW, S11, 12, 13 and 14
Appletree Cove - T27N, R2E, S26 and 35
Big Beef Harbor - T25N, RIW, S15
Burley Lagoon - T22N, RlE, S11 and 12

147

Chico Bay - T24N, RlE, S5
Curley Creek/Yukon Harbor - T23N, R2E, S4; T24N, R2E, S33
Little Clam Bay - T24N, R2E, S15, 16, 21 and 22
Misery Point T25N, R1W, S17
Port Gamble T27N, R2E, S20
Seabeck Bay T25N, R1W, S20
Silverdale Marsh - T25N RlE, S21
Unnamed lagoon northeasi of Stavis Bay - T25N, R1W, S30

MASON COUNTY:

Chapman Bay - T20N, R3W, S14 and 15
North Bay - T22N, R1W, S8, 9, 16 and 17
Oakland Bay - T21N, R3W, S36
Skokomish River Delta - T21N, R3W, S6; T21N, R4W, S1 and 2; T22N, R4W, S35

PIERCE COUNTY:

Camp Wakoma Marsh - R20N, RIW, S36
Dutcher Cove - T21N, R1W, S15
Minter Creek Bay - T22N, RlE, S28, 29 and 32
Unnamed lagoon between Taylor Bay and Devils Head T20N, R1W, S35.

SAN JUAN COUNTY:

Alec Bay - T34N, R1W, S19; T34N, R2W, S24
Crescent Bay - T37N, R2W, S13
Davison Head - T36N, R4W, S13 and 14
Fisherman Bay - T35N, R2W, S22 and 28
Flat Point - T35N, R2W, SIO
Garrison Bay (South end) - T36N, R4W, S26 and 35
Reid Harbor - T36N, R4W, S28
Shoal Bight/Mud Bay - T34N, R1W, S8 and 9
Spencer Spit - T35N, R1W, S7 and 18
Watmough Bay - T34N, R1W, S21
White Point - T36N, R4W, S23

SKAGIT COUNTY:

LaConner - T33N, R2E, Sl; T33N, R3E, S6 and 7

SNOHOMISH COUNTY:

Hat Slough - T31N, R3E, S1 and 12; T31N, R4E, S7
South Pass - T31N, R3E, Sl; T32N, R3E, S26, 27, 35 and 36
West Pass - T32N, R3E, S1, 11, 12, 14, 16, 22 and 23

148

THURSTON COUNTY:

Big Fishtrap T19N, RIW, S6 and 7; T19N, R2W, SI
Butterball Cove - T19N, R1W, S23
Mill Bight - T19N, R1W, S10
Unnamed site east of Beach Crest - T19N, RIW, S25

WHATCOM COUNTY:

Tongue Point T40N, R1W, S2

149

GLOSSARY

ANOXIC: Lacking oxygen.

BRACKISH: Concentration of marine derived salts greater than or equal to 0.5
ppt and less than 18.0 ppt.

CF* Compared with or similar to; used with uncertain plant identifi-
cations.

DISTRIBUTARY: A stream or river branch flowing away from a main stream or river
channel and not rejoining.

DOMINANT SPECIES: A plant species which has a cover value of greater than or
equal to 20% of the total area covered by the plant community of
which it is a component.

ECOTONE: Vegetation or an area which consists of the overlap of two or more
distinct plant communities or ecological areas.

ESTUARINE SYSTEM: The area (and all its biotic and abiotic features) in which
seawater is measurably diluted by fresh water. The system extends
upstream and landward to the limit of tidal influence, e.g. to mean
higher high water (MHHW) or to a point at which ocean-derived salts
measure less than 0.5 ppt. Seaward limits are defined by a line
closing the mouth of a bay or river, including "off-shore" areas of
continuously diluted seawater (Cowardin, et al., 1979). The degree
of enclosure is widely variable, from nea7ii-open coastal areas to
lands periodically occluded from oceanic influence. Salinity may
increase above that.of open coastal water by evaporation.

ESTUARY: "A semi-enclosied coastal body of water which has free connection with
the open sea and within which seawater is measurably diluted with
freshwater derived from land drainage" (Pritchard, 1967).

EUHALINE: Concentration of marine derived salts greater than Or equal to 20.0
ppt and less than 40.0 ppt.

HIGH INTERTIDAL: Intertidal lands between low high water (LHW) and mean high
water (MHW). The upper limit is also defined by 5% cover or greater
of typically fresh water marsh or upland plant species.

HIGH SALINITY: A non-technical term indicating concentration of marine derived
salts ranging from polyhaline through hyperline levels.

HYPERHALINE: Concentration of marine derived salts greater than or equal to
40 ppt. Hyperhaline'salinities are reached through evaporation of
closed or semi-enclosed marine or estuarine systems.

INTERTIDAL: Tidelands between extreme low water (ELW) and mean higher high
water (MHHW).

151

LOW INTERTIDAL: Intertidal lands between extreme low water (ELW) and low high
water (LHW).

LOW SALINITY: A non-technical term indicating concentration of marine derived
salts greater than or equal to 0.5 ppt and less than 18.0 ppt. The
term is analogous to "brackish".

MINOR SPECIES: A plant species which has a cover value of less than or equal to
5% of the total area covered by the plant community of which it is a
component.

PEDESTALS: Microtopographic features formed by the erosion of adjacent lands.

POLYHALINE: Concentration of marine derived salts greater than or equal to
18.0 ppt and less than 30.0 ppt.

PPT: An acronym for parts per thousand.

SALT MARSH: Intertidal lands vegetated by herbaceous (non-woody) plant species.
Plant species are typically halophytic, adapted to growth in saline
environments. 0

SALT PANNES- Depressional areas, of varied origin, within salt marshes. Marine
derived salts typically become highly concentrated and inhibit
vascular plant growth.

SUBDOMINANT SPECIES: A plant species which has a cover value greater than 5%
and less than 20% of the total area covered by the plant community of
which it is a component.

SURGE PLAIN: The flood plain of the upper tidal reaches of stream and river
systems where freshwater is backed up by incoming tidal water.
Freshwater and at times saltwater, spill out of the stream and river
channels and inundate the flood plain vegetation.

TRANSITION ZONE: Intertidal lands between approximately mean high water (MHW)
and mean higher high water (MHHW). The lower tidal limit is also
defined by 5% cover of typically freshwater or upland species.

WETLAND: "Lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the
water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered
by shallow water. For purposes of this classification wetlands must
have one or more of the following three attributes: (1) at least
periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes; (2) the
substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; and (3) the
substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by
shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year."
(Cowardin et. al., 197�).

152

REFERENCES

Boule, M.E., N. Olmsted and T. Miller. 1983. Inventory of wetland resources and
evaluation of wetland management in western Washington. Prepared for
Washington State Department of Ecology. 102p.

Burg, M.E., D.R. Tripp and E.S. Rosenberg. 1980. Plant associations and primary
productivity of the Nisqually salt marsh on southern Puget Sound,
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Cook, J.J. 1974. "A particular friend, Penn's Cove" : A history of the settlers,
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Cornelius, L.C. 1983. Baseline inventory of a brackish wetland and berm at
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Cowardin, L.M.., V. Carter, F.C. Golet and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of
wetland and deepwater habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
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Ewing, K. 1982. Plant response to environmental variation in the Skagit marsh.
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Frasier, J. Personal communication. Fisheries biologist. Wash. Dept. of
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Frenkel, R.E.', T. Boss and S.R. Schuller. .1978. Transition zone vegetation
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pared for U.S. Envir. Protection Agency, Grant No. R804963-01), Dept. of
Geog., Oregon State Univ., Corvallis. 320p.

Hirschi, R. Personal communication. Wildlife biologist.

R. Vanbianchi and R. Albright. 1978. Recommendations for salt marsh
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Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. Univ. of
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153

14C

Nongame Data Systems, Washington Department of Gamej Nbngame Program@

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Soil Conservation Service. 1958. Soil survey of Thurston County areaj
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Washington Department of Natural Resources. 1983. State of Washington Natural
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Washington Natural Heritage Programi 1982. Endangered, threatened and sensitive
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Wray, V. Personal communication. Refuge Manager of Dungeness Spit National
Wildlife Refuge.

Youngmann, C. (ed). 1978. Coastal zone atlas of Washington. State of Washington,
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154

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