2021-09-27-minutes-public-works-study-session

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shrubs, tree bark and twigs during the winter, especially aspen (RMEF 2013). Closed canopy forests are used for forage in late summer, shelter, and as hiding cover from predators (Source: "Managing for Deer and Elk on Small Woodlands" WDFW). Thinning of the forest will promote growth of grasses and (orbs for elk forage, but dense forest vegetation is important in winter range for protection from predators. "...Reducing or eliminating disturbance from humans may be the most important way to help elk through winter months" (Source: "Managing for Deer and Elk on Small Woodlands" WDFW). "Hiding cover is very important on arid summer ranges especially if road density is high. In heavily roaded areas we should retain at least 50% cover on summer range" (Source: "Managing for Deer and Elk on Small Woodlands" WDFW). Access to springs and other water sources, such as the Cle Elum River, should be protected within 100' of scattered forage areas within the forest. Wolves Wolves have returned to Washington and there is a pack in the Teanaway river drainage. Their habitat area does not include the project area, but may be found in the vicinity on occasion. Wolves will use trails and roads that allow them access to prey, such as elk calving areas and winter range. Wolves are not much of a concern for recreation planning in the project area. "Cle Elum ridge is a high use area for cougars. To the extent possible, we should try to direct trails to several well used areas rather than many dispersed trails so we won't have people everywhere on the landscape that might push the cougars and their prey (deer) around too much" (Source: Scott Downes, DFW). Fish Rivers and streams in the region are home to Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus), Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus), Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscho) and Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Habitat protection measures include preventing sedimentation within fish -bearing water bodies, protecting highly erodible soils (particularly those of sandstone origin), and controlling drainage with rolling dips or drain dips with rock spillways. Spotted Owl The Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) makes its home in the region's old growth forests. A threatened species as per the Endangered Species Act, the project can support the Spotted Owl by avoiding any trail construction and maintenance during the owl's nesting season (March -June). "There is an old spotted owl circle up on Cle Elum ridge, it is not believed to be currently occupied but might be in future years if we can recover populations. If the area were occupied, we'd want to reduce or eliminate noise from trail maintenance and construction from March -August. Similarly, we'd want to be careful about motorized recreation locations in the future if this area was found to be occupied in the future. Habitat wise, we wouldn't want to remove owl habitat for trail or road construction, so we'd need to microsite those areas" (Source: Scott Downes, DFW). Wildlife Management Recommendations Management of wildlife at the Cle Elum Ridge area will consist of protecting or enhancing forest and riparian habitat for fish and wildlife. Protect native forage, cover, nesting, and Benning vegetation and structure (cavity trees, down logs, etc.) for fish and wildlife species. Travel, dispersal, and migration corridors for wildlife will be protected to maintain habitat connectivity. "In general, we'd want to see well planned trails that minimized habitat disturbance and overall fewer trails, so less dispersed and more trails that were well planned and connected recreation in good spots" (Source: Scott Downes, DFW). Towns to Teanaway Corridor Master Plan p 16 of 26 Prepared for: Economic Development Group of Kittitas Co. & Kittitas Co. Parks and Recreation District No. 1 Prepared by: J.A. Brennan Associates, Landscape Architects & Planners