ESA Adolfson - Plants and Animals Technical Memorandum 111408.pdf5309 Shilshole Avenue NW www.adofon.com
r ES 1 A d o I f J o n Suite 200
SeatUe, WA 98107
206.789.9658 phone
206.789.9664 fax
November 14, 2008
Albert Dykes, Managing General Partner
ESC Associates
2850 SW Yancy Street PMB-M221
Seattle, WA 98126-2582
RE: Edmonds Shopping Center Project — Plants and Animals Technical Memorandum
Dear Mr. Dykes:
ESA Adolfson has submitted this letter outlining the results of a background information review and field survey
conducted for the Edmonds Shopping Center Project. The project area is located north of West Dayton Street,
south of James Street, west of Highway 104/Edmonds Way, and east of the Amtrak Railway Station in the City of
Edmonds, Washington (Section 23, Township 27 North, Range 3 East) (Parcel 27032300104500). The purpose
of the field survey was to identify plants or animals located on the approximately 4.3 -acre parcel as defined by
Figure 1, attached. This information was prepared to support an environmental checklist for the Edmonds
Shopping Center development project.
Existing Information
A preliminary review of existing information was conducted to identify potential sensitive plants or animals in
the parcel vicinity. According to the Natural Heritage Plants Database (2008), there are no historic or current
occurrences of sensitive or rare plants located in the parcel vicinity. In addition, the Natural Heritage Program
(2008) does not report any Natural Heritage Features in the area.
A review of 2008 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and Species (PHS)
data indicates several sensitive animals are located in the parcel vicinity, primarily within Puget Sound.
According to the PHS data, no sensitive animals are located within the parcel or within approximately 500 feet of
the parcel. Geoduck (Panopea aburpta) and Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) are mapped north, south, and
west of the parcel, within Puget Sound. Sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) is documented north and south of
the Edmonds Ferry Terminal, which is located north of the parcel. Purple martin (Progne subis) nests, a seabird
colony, and a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) and harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) haul -out are also
located near the ferry terminal.
Great blue heron (Andes herodias) rookeries are located south of the parcel, in the vicinity of the Edmonds
marsh. The marsh is located approximately 0.1 -mile south of the parcel and the closest rookery is approximately
0.3 -mile south of the parcel.
Field Investigation
ESA Adolfson biologists Cathie Conolly and Scott Olmsted conducted a field survey of the parcel on November
7, 2008. The parcel was defined by the project proponent as shown in Figure 1 at the Edmonds Shopping Center,
in Edmonds, Washington. The topography of the area is relatively flat and an asphalt parking lot and a
ESA Adolfson
Albert Dykes
Edmonds Shopping Center Project
Page 2
commercial building currently occupy the site (Photo 1). The parking lot contains several planting islands (Photo
2) and the parcel is bounded by approximately 3 -feet wide planting strips on the north, south, and east sides
(Photos 3 & 4). The western parcel boundary contains a damaged cyclone fence and a variety of trees and shrubs
at the southern end (Photo 5), and a tall hedge at the central and northern extents (Photo 6).
Landscaped planting islands and planting strips are composed of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), red maple
(Acer rubrum), English ivy (Hedera helix), and an unknown ornamental shrub. Bare ground is common in
landscaped areas.
The southwestern parcel boundary is bordered by trees and shrubs that are located off-site on the adjacent
property (Photo 5). Species include: immature red alder (Alnus rubra), Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis),
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), cut -leaf blackberry (Rubus laciniatus), rose spirea (Spiraea
douglasir),.yellow-flagged iris (Iris pseudacorus), common rush (Juncus effusus), field bindweed (Convolvulus
arvensis), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), and colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis). Standing water was
present in several locations on the adjacent property along the southwestern boundary.
The northwestern parcel boundary (Photo 6) is dominated by blue spruce (Picea pungens), English ivy, English
holly (Ilex aquifolium), and rhododendron (Rhododendron sp.).
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) was the only wildlife observed on the parcel during the field survey.
Wildlife species observed adjacent to the parcel included European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and glaucous -
winged Gull x Western Gull hybrid (Larus glaucescens x Larus occidentalis). Other avian species that may use
the parcel include song sparrow (Melospiaa melodia) and white crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys).
Great blue heron were observed at the Edmonds marsh, but were not observed on the parcel. No habitat for heron
exists in the parcel.
Summary of Findings
Based on the background information review and a field survey, we have concluded that no documented sensitive
plant or animal species are located in the parcel. The nearest documented PHS species is Purple martin that lies
approximately 500 feet away from the parcel boundaries to the northwest on the Puget Sound shoreline. Habitats
on the parcel are urban and degraded, composed primarily of ornamental trees and shrubs. Wildlife species
observed in the parcel were limited to American crow. No habitat exists in the parcel for priority species as
observed during our field survey.
Limitations
Within the limitations of schedule, budget, and scope -of -work, we warrant that this study was conducted in
accordance with generally accepted environmental science practices, including the technical guidelines and
criteria in effect at the time that this study was performed. This study was conducted during the fall of 2008 and
reflects our interpretation of the parcel characteristics at that time. The results and conclusions expressed herein
Albert Dykes
Edmonds Shopping Center Project
Page 3
represent our best professional judgment, based upon information provided by the project proponent, in addition
to that obtained during the course of this survey. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call myself or Cathie Conolly at (206) 789-9658.
Sincerely,
ESA Adolfson
DRAFT
Cathie Conolly Scott Olmsted
Wetland Program Manager Associate Scientist
AMN
Enclosures: Figure 1
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Figure 1
Vicinity Map �,,,
Photo 1. View north, taken from southern -central portion of the property,
November 7, 200K
Photo 2. View south, taken from the north end of the commercial complex.
November 7, 2009.
Photographs Page I
November 2008
A-40 Center Project
Photo 3. View cast, taken From the northwestun portion of the property, eastern
planting strip in background. November 7, 20W
Moto 4. View cast, taken Erom the south-central portion of the property; eastern
planting strip in background. November 7, 2008,
ESA Ado�1,4)a Phougraphs 114'ige 2
prove-mlyer 2008
Draft E'thnonds Shopping Center Project
Photo 5. View south, taken fi-om southwest portion ol'properly.
November 7, 2008.
Photo 6. View south, taken from the northwest portion of the propeny;
Novembcr 7, 2008.
ESA Ath)llfivon Photographs Page 3
NOvember 2008