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HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2016-040WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2016 -091B Initial --FCLEARANCES Date Date Received in Council O tce Agenda Date Assigned to: MGM 9129116 Originator. M E D F EC E� 10125116 Natural Resources Council Division Head: V OCT 18 2016 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL 10/25/16 Dept. Head: MGM 9129116 Prosecutor: Purchasing /Budget: A Executive: TITLE OF DO 4 NT: Resolution approving the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park Recreational Trail Plan ATTACHMENTS: Resolution and Trails Plan SEPA review required? ( X) Yes ( ) NO Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes (X) NO SEPA review completed? ( X) Yes ( ) NO Requested Date: SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE. (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice. Be specific and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate. Be clear in explaining the intent of the action.) Request approval of the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park Recreational Trail Plan by resolution. COA1,1IITTEE ACTION.• COUNCIL ACTION.• 10/25/2016: Forwarded to Council for approval f 10/25/2016: Approved 7 -0, Res. 2016 -040 Related County Contract #. Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number: Res. 2016 -040 Please Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing and printing on the County's website at. www.co.whatcom.wa.us/counciL PROPOSED BY: INTRODUCED- RESOLUTION NO. 2016 -040 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FOREST PRESERVE AND LAKE WHATCOM PARK RECREATIONAL TRAIL PLAN WHEREAS, in January 2014 Whatcom County acquired approximately 8,800 acres of Forest Trust Lands from the Department of Natural Resources; and WHEREAS, these lands were acquired for park purposes and protection of water quality in the Lake Whatcom watershed; and WHEREAS, through a public process a non - motorized recreational trails plan for these and adjoining County lands has been developed; and WHEREAS, the recreational trail plan addresses recreational use, access and watershed protection in accordance with the Lake Whatcom Management Program objectives; and WHEREAS, the Parks Commission has provided additional citizen input and review of the proposed recreational trail plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park Recreational Trail Plan be approved and that the Parks & Recreation Department is hereby authorized to pursue funding and development to implement the plan which is attached hereto. APPROVED this 25tr, day of October _, 2016. �y Gpt,,S�i Dana frown lJ"%1,Glerk of the Council APPROVED AS.TO FORM: Elizabeth Gallery, Civil Deputy Prosecutor WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON tBa_ hanan, Council Chair UNTAI REST PRESERVE AND RECREATIONAL TRAIL PLAN CONTENTS Acknowledgments............................................... ............................... iv Introduction.......................................................... ..............................1 Background and History ........................................ ..............................2 Vision, Goals, and Objectives ................................. ..............................4 Setting................................. ............................... Other Regional Recreation Opportunities ............. ............................... 8 PlanningProcess ................................................... ..............................9 Lake Whatcom Watershed Protection ................... .............................14 Context of Recreational Trail Plan ....................... ............................... 29 Trail Design, Standards, and Best Management Practices ...................30 Trail Challenge Level ........................................... ............................... 39 TrailTypes ............................... 40 .......................................................... TrailPlan .............................................................. .............................41 Phasing.............................................................. ............................... 51 Implementation................................................... .............................56 Signage............................................................... ............................... 59 Maintenance, Monitoring, and Management ....... .............................61 Emergency Medical and Wildfire Response ........... .............................63 BackcountryCamping ......................................... ............................... 64 Summary............................................................ ............................... 65 WorksCited ........................................................ ............................... 66 Appendices......................................................... ............................... 68 Appendices: Appendix A - Map,, or Concepb4 Alternatives 1 -3 Appendix B - Geologic Background Memorandum Appendix C - Vascular Plant List for Lake Whatcorn Appendix D - Wildlife Species List Appendix E - Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Tables: Table 1 - Current and Projected Visitor Use .....— .................. 8 Table 2 - March 18, 21315 Conceptual Alternatives, ..:.. ............................... 113 Table 3 - Revised Alternative 3.,,. .............. Table 4 - Active, Abandoned, and Orphaned Road Mileage.... 21 Table 5 - Whatcom County Trail Classifications ...,..,.....- .. 38 List of Figures: Figure 1 - Project Area.. .............. ............... ....... . Figure 2 - Regional Recreation Opportunities —, _ 9 Figure 3 - Active, Abandoned, and Orphaned Road Mileage 22 Figure 4 -- Lookout 1Vlountain f=orest Preserve —Opportunities & Constraints .. 25 Figure 5 Lake Whatcom Park - Opportunities & Constraints,.. 27 Figure 5 - Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve - Conceptual Trails Proposal...,. .. _...... 42 Figure 7 - Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Trail Summary Matrix....., 43 Figure 8 - lake Whatcom Park - Conceptual Trails Proposal ,.,.: 47 Figure 9 - lake Whatcom Park - Trail Summary Matrix ....................... 48 Figure 10 Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve - Trail Phase Plan.. .............. 53 Figure 11 - Lake Whatcnm Park - Trail Phase Plan. 55 Figure 12 Trail ImpiementAtion Flow Chart ......... 56 Acknowledgments Jack Louws, Whatcom County Executive Whatcom County Council Barbara Brenner Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Todd Donovan Ken Mann Satpal Sidhu Carl Weimer Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission Paul Woodcock, Chair Jeffery Margolis, Vice Chair Janet Boyhan Kenneth Kiesner Richard C. Sturgill Theresa Sygitowicz Vern Yadon Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Staff Michael McFarlane, Director Christ Thomsen, Operations Manager Parties Consulted: Clare G. Fogelsong, Natural Resource Manager City of Bellingham Joel Ingram, Habitat Biologist Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Steve Fox, Watershed Ecologist Whatcom County Public Works Whatcom County Planning & Development Services Cathy Craver Whatcom County Public Works Chris Hankey Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Rick Foster Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Dan McShane, Engineering Geologist Sudden Valley Community Association Glenhaven Lakes Community Bellingham Trail Running Club Cascade Mountain Runners Conservation Northwest Greater Bellingham Running Club Nooksack Nordic Ski Club North Whatcom Fire & Rescue South Whatcom Fire Authority Washington Trails Association Whatcom Chapter Backcountry Horseman Whatcom Land Trust Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition Authors Rodney L. Lamb, ASLA, LEED° AP, Design & Development Supervisor Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Reid Parker, Conservation & Parks Steward Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Emily Bastow, Special Projects Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Introduction: With the visionary leadership of the Whatcom County Council, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Department (WCPR) is in the unique position of planning trail -based recreational access to newly acquired forest lands located in the backyard of more than half the County's population. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park are community jewels which will provide long -term, sustainable recreational benefits to residents and visitors to Whatcom County. The proposed vision is to develop non - motorized trail -based recreation improvements that will offer a wide variety of trail experiences for park users, creating access to scenic native landscapes and unique natural features. The trails described in this plan will grow out of the terrain and be constructed with an emphasis on protecting sensitive land and water resources. The diversity of trails proposed in this plan will provide long -term, year -round benefits including enhanced quality of life, improved community health, watershed protection, and will boost the local economy. It is envisioned that all residents, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, background, or physical ability, will have access opportunities to safely experience and connect with the natural world. This plan provides background on the history, condition, and management of Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park. It also includes technical information on trail design and Best Management Practices and the Plan outlines a long -term blueprint for recreational development within Whatcom County's watershed lands. The intent is for the Plan to be a living document, adapting to changes in watershed and wildlife science as well as user demand. Recreational use is not static, constantly evolving trail -based activities necessitate an adaptive management philosophy to keep this plan relevant in the future. In 2007, as part of Whatcom County's long -range planning process to provide recreational opportunities and connectivity between communities and existing parks and trails around Lake Whatcom, Whatcom County entered into a collaborative effort with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to undertake a transfer of forest trust lands in the Lake Whatcom watershed for park purposes. Transfer of forest trust lands to counties is accommodated through a process known as reconveyance (RCW 79.22.300). Lands transferred through this process require that they be used for park purposes. At the time, the county recognized that efforts to provide additional protection to the Lake Whatcom watershed and water quality could also be accommodated through the broad interpretation of park purposes and implementation of best management practices. In January 2014, Whatcom County took title to 8,844 acres of State Forest Trust lands from the DNR. Approximately 7,000 acres of these new park lands are located within the Lake Whatcom Watershed. When combined with the existing park properties that border these former Forest Trust Lands, the project area totals 9,389 acres. These large tracts of undeveloped land currently provide valuable wildlife habitat and watershed protection. They can also provide unique non - motorized recreation opportunities minutes from the majority of Whatcom County residents. Much of the recent history of Lake Whatcom and the surrounding watershed is a complex web of interactions between humans and their environment. For centuries prior to European settlement, Coast Salish Tribes and the Neuk -wer tribe of Stick Samish inhabited lowland areas around the lake, fishing and hunting for game. Pictographs and a ceremonial stone bowl found on Reveille Island indicate that it was a ceremonial center for local tribes. A Nooksack village named Kaw- tchaa- ha -muk was established at the southern end of Lake Whatcom. This village was an important fishing site and the beginning of a trail to the South Fork of the Nooksack River as well as south to the Skagit Valley. Mining and logging began as European settlers moved to the area in the mid 1800's. By the late 1800's, the Blue Canyon Mine, logging camps, lumber mills, and several small towns were located along the shoreline. By the early 1900's, low elevation timber was exhausted and nearly all old- growth timber was removed from the watershed by 1918. As forests matured, significant stands of second growth timber were removed in the 1980's. Public pressure following a large -scale debris torrent in the Smith Creek drainage in 1983 resulted in DNR acquiring all of the lands in the project area. Development continued in the Lake Whatcom watershed throughout the 1900's as railroads, lumber mills, mines, and residential housing expanded. From the 1930's onward, industrial use of the lake declined while residential and recreational use expanded. By 1950, mill and mine operations in the watershed had ceased. Formal water system diversion from Lake Whatcom began in the 1880's to serve the drinking water needs of downstream cities. Policy makers and local government became more active in Lake Whatcom management and water quality protection beginning in the 1960's, implementing actions such as routine lake monitoring and sanitary sewer system development. Since the early 1990's, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District have worked cooperatively within the framework of the Lake Whatcom Management Program to reduce impacts to water quality in Lake Whatcom. Trail -based recreation is a significant economic driver for Whatcom County's communities. A 2015 analysis completed by Earth Economics estimates $585 million is spent annually on outdoor recreation in Whatcom County. Additionally, there are many non - monetary benefits from parks and recreation including quality of life, habitat, and water quality. Many residents report having moved to Whatcom County for the plentiful recreation opportunities and outdoor ethic. Successful trail networks often benefit from a number of common elements including an engaged populace; proximity to population centers; a variety of trail types, length, and challenge level; and proximity to services such as food, lodging, retail, and transportation. In addition to the economic benefits derived from new recreation infrastructure, there are many community health and wellness attributes associated with parks and trails including increased physical activity, benefits to mental health, and improved overall community health. Recent studies indicate that there is a clear connection between improved overall health and access to the outdoors. Implementation of this plan will support the goals of Whatcom County Council Resolution No. 2015 -038 which provides clear direction for integrating "health planning" into Whatcom County community planning activities. The monetary, health, and social benefits of increased trail -based recreation opportunities within Lake Whatcom Park and Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve will continue to enhance local communities for generations. The County's vision for Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park includes: • Develop a broad range of year -round trail -based recreational opportunities for all residents of Whatcom County. • Enhance forest health to accelerate succession towards mature forests with old- growth characteristics to benefit water quality, minimize landslide events, and protect wildlife habitat. • Manage Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and Lake Whatcom Park to be compatible with the Lake What- com Management Program goals outlined in the Joint Resolution between Whatcom County, City of Bell- ingham, and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District. • Provide connectivity between existing public trails, parks, and communities. Achieving this vision will be accomplished through the following goals and objectives. Goal 1- Develop a safe and sustainable non - motorized trail network that includes both shared and single - use trails. Provide trail -based recreational opportunities for a wide range of use, skill, and challenge level. Develop a trail system that is sensitive to, and compatible with watershed and habitat protection. Objectives • Provide an enjoyable trail network that accommodates hiking, mountain biking, trail running, equestrian, and other non - motorized uses. • Locate trails to minimize impacts to sensitive habitats and critical areas. • Incorporate sustainable trail design and building techniques to minimize soil erosion and reduce on- going maintenance demands. • Partner with volunteer and community groups to develop and maintain the trail system. Install consistent and concise signage for the trail system that includes regulatory, wayfinding and interpretive elements. • Evaluate and consider the accessibility of new trails and facilities. Where appropriate and achievable, implement accessibility standards as outlined in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails. Goal 2 - Improve access to recreational infrastructure and amenities. Objectives • Coordinate with regional transit agencies to identify potential service routes that provide access to trailheads. • Improve existing trailhead facilities to accommodate increasing recreational demand. • Provide adequate restroom facilities to meet visitor use demands and protect water quality. • Pursue potential acquisitions to provide additional parking capacity and explore alternatives for offsite parking. • Implement appropriate innovative design and low- impact development strategies to protect water quality. • Coordinate with other agencies to encourage development of safe pedestrian and bicycle routes to trailheads. Goal 3 - Create trail connections to existing local trails, regional trails, neighborhoods and other regional recreational opportunities that promote a healthy and economically viable community. Objectives • Coordinate with adjacent neighborhood communities to locate desired trail connections. • Coordinate with adjacent public land owners to establish trail connections beyond County ownership. • Provide opportunities to accommodate low- impact, but high value tourism and other economic activities where appropriate and consistent with the environmental setting. Goal 4 - Implement a robust trail maintenance and operations program to achieve Whatcom County Parks & Recreation's (WCPR) commitment to providing safe and sustainable recreation. Objectives • Develop a monitoring plan to assess impacts from trail use on watershed resources. • Monitor trails on an ongoing basis to ensure trails meet accepted maintenance and safety standards. • Provide adequate resources to effectively maintain all interim trail development phases as well as the full build -out of trails. Goal 5 - Promote respect and awareness of environmental stewardship through education. Objectives • Coordinate with other agencies, academic institutions, advocacy, and stewardship groups to educate users on trail etiquette, stewardship, and restoration • Promote Leave -No -Trace ethics. Setting- Located in central Whatcom County and bordering the City of Bellingham, these properties are within a ten - mile radius of nearly 60 percent of the county's total population. Totaling 9,389 acres, the park lands range from low elevation forests near the shores of Lake Whatcom to the ridge lines near the top of Lookout and Stewart Mountains. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve is comprised of the 338 -acre Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and 4,251 acres of reconveyed land. Lake Whatcom Park is comprised of 207 original acres and 4,593 acres of reconveyed land. Project Area �{ i 'Lake Whatcom Park (207 acres) Lookout Mountain _ "gym r Forest Preserve (338 acres) Reconveyed DNR Lands (4,593 acres) _ I Reconveyed DNR Lands (4,251 acres) M CANADA W% USA M� Project Area O Lak - - Seattle S e a m I n Washington Legend Park Boundary Rp,�:onveyed ftd Lands �- Road Oregon 0 0.5 1 2 P,1+1 n9 l Figure 1 Elevations range from 300 feet along the lakeshore to nearly 3,000 feet along the ridges. Weather systems influenced by the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound maintain mild temperatures and produce annual rainfall of 45 inches at lower elevations to more than 60 inches at higher elevations. Most precipitation comes in the form of rain between the months of October and March, though snow is common at the highest elevations. The majority of the area is forested with stand ages varying from young plantations to small patches of intact old- growth. Significant portions of the area were managed as commercial timberland and are comprised of even -aged Douglas fir plantations. This mosaic of plantation ages and intact old- growth provide suitable hab- itat for a variety of wildlife including designated priority habitat species such as marbled murrelet and bald eagle. The park lands support populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are typically found in the western hemlock ecological zone (see Appendix D for a comprehensive list of wildlife). The landscape is characterized by steeps slopes, abundant streams, and deep drainages. The headwaters of two major creeks and associated tributaries as well as many additional unnamed creeks and streams are par- tially or wholly contained within the parks and drain into Lake Whatcom. Existing trailhead and parking areas associated with these parks will initially serve the new trails outlined in this plan. Currently, Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve (LMFP) is serviced by a 29 -car parking lot with a 2 -stall restroom facility while Lake Whatcom Park (LWP) is serviced by a single -stall vault restroom and two parking areas which accommodate 45 passenger vehicles. There are no existing trailhead facilities for equestrian users, and public transit services are currently only available at the LMFP trailhead on Lake Louise Road. Additional trailhead infrastructure needs have been identified and should be developed concurrently with trail develop- ment. Current visitation at LWP is significantly higher than LMFP despite having similar mileage of system trails. The vast majority of current LWP visitors are attracted by the easily - accessible Hertz Trail and shoreline access to Lake Whatcom. The LMFP trail system was established in 2012 and is largely used by Sudden Valley residents. The existing forest roads at LMFP get additional foot and bike use which is not captured by the visitation data as shown in Table 1. It is anticipated that use will continue to grow at LWP regardless of increased trail development due to a local shortage of publicly accessible freshwater shoreline. Additional miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails will certainly continue to draw larger visitation. New trails and connections from LMFP to Galbraith Mountain, Glenhaven Lakes, Squires Lake, and Sudden Val- ley may lead to a significant increase in use when full build -out is complete. WCPR estimates that visitation to LMFP will eventually mirror use at LWP. Projected figures shown in Table 1 are estimated based on trail count data that WCPR has recorded over the last 8 years. This data shows trail use has consistently trended upward in forest trail facilities. For comparison, current trail use in WCPR's portion of the Chuckanut Mountains, including Pine & Cedar Lakes grew 60% over 8 years from nearly 30,000 visits in 2008 to nearly 50,000 visits in 2015. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve lake Whatcom Park 2008 -2015 Average 11,352 2008 -2015 Average 44,101 2015 17,206 2015 54,888 Projected use at full 100,000 Projected use at full 100,000 ' build -out build -out Chuckanut Mountain and Pine & Cedar 2008 -2015 Average 38,732 2015 49,431 Squires lake Park 2008 -2015 Average 18,193 2015 20,624 Stimpson Family Nature Reserve 2008 -2015 Average 26,367 2015 30,270 'a L.�', (,. 1� t) •� G„ y �,. r ��'_ ��` ".'b The Chuckanut Mountains, located just south of Bellingham between Bellingham Bay and 1 -5, provide a 42- mile multi-use trail network on a combination of City, County, and State land. At the south end of Chuckanuts, Blanchard Mountain, managed by the DNR for timber harvest and recreation, provides an additional 15 miles of multi-use trails. An informal network of user -built trails and private logging roads links Blanchard Mountain to the public trail system in the northern half of the Chuckanuts. Galbraith Mountain, located adjacent to the northwest portion of LMFP, has over 50 miles of mountain bike trails largely contained within a 2500 acre parcel of private timberland,. Many recreational enthusiasts and local governments have long desired to secure permanent public access to this trail system. An existing user -built trail system on DNR land is accessed from a trailhead on the Y Road and includes approxi- mately 20 miles of trails primarily used and maintained by the equestrian community. These lands are adjacent to the north end of LWP. Efforts to formalize the trail system and permanent access agreements with DNR and private landowners are ongoing. WCPR's Squires Lake Park straddles the Whatcom /Skagit County line and shares a property corner with LMFP. Squires Lake contains 3 miles of multi-use trails including a portion of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. A formal agreement with an adjacent private landowner will be necessary to construct a multi-use trail between Squires Lake and LMFP. Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, managed by WCPR, contains 4 miles of hiking -only trails accessed by a trail - head on Lake Louise Road and a neighborhood access trail from Sudden Valley. Stimpson is located north and east of LMFP and is separated from LMFP by private land and Lake Louise Road. Regionally, there are extensive non - motorized trail opportunities on the Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park. Trails in these areas require a minimum 1 -hour drive from Belling- ham and are not accessible in winter due to substantial snowfall. Figure 2 I Regional Opportunities ' Y Rd Trail head Olsen Creek � I p Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Lake Whatcom Park Galbraith hl Mountain ` Lookout _ Chuckanut - Haner Mountain �� Mountain Mountain Park 3 Park i Larrabee State Park WHATCOM COUNTY Legend k Trailhead Parking [a Squires SKAGIT COUNTY LakePark Property Ownership Blanchard WCPR State Forest WA Dept of Natural Resources 1; r� WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife Alger' State WA State Parks Forest City of Bellingham 0 5 1 5 3 I Galbraith Mountain Miles Figure 2 Planning Process: After formally acquiring the new park lands, WCPR embarked on a process to craft a comprehensive recre- ational trail plan to set trail development into the foreseeable future. Through the process, three community meetings were held in Bellingham between April 2014 and November 2015. 1) April 29, 2014: A brief overview of the reconveyance lands and the planning process. Participants were asked to provide information on existing uses on the landscape as well as recommendations regarding rec- reation, natural resources, forest management, and administrative management. 2) March 18, 2015: Presentation of three conceptual alternatives outlining different levels of trail develop- ment. Participants were asked to comment on a range of topics including preferred level of trail develop- ment and locations of desired connections. Alternative 1 represented the low end of new trail development and trails were largely limited to areas near existing developed facilities Alternative 2 represented an incremental increase in trail development a Alternative 3 represented the highest level of trail development and included a developed drive - up viewpoint at Lake Whatcom Park Trail mileages for the three alternatives presented at this meeting were: Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Lake Whatcom Park Alternative 1 Trail Miles Alternative 1 Trail Miles Hiking only 0 Hiking only 2.5 Hiking /Mt. Bike 12.1 Hiking /Mt.Bike 3.2 Hiking /Equestrian 0 Hiking /Equestrian 0 Existing WCPR Trails 4.1 Existing WCPR Trails 4.3 Total 16.2 Total 10.0 Alternative 2 Trail Miles Alternative 2 Trail Miles Hiking only 2.8 Hiking only 6.8 Hiking /Mt. Bike 12 Hiking /Mt. Bike 3.9 Hiking /Equestrian 0 Hiking /Equestrian 7.3 Existing WCPR Trails 4.1 Existing WCPR Trails 4.3 Total 18.9 Total 22.3 Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Lake Whatcom Park Alternative 3 Trail Miles Alternative 3 Trail Miles Hiking only 3.8 Hiking only 5.8 Hiking /Mt.Bike 22.5 Hiking /Mt. Bike 12.3 Hiking /Equestrian 0 Hiking /Equestrian 11.5 Existing WCPR Trails 4.1 Existing WCPR Trails 4.3 Total 30.4 Total 33.9 Maps of the three conceptual alternatives are included as Appendix A. Following this meeting, WCPR staff used public comment, technical guidance from other agencies, stake- holder input and a variety of information on recreation, ecology, geology, and watershed management to develop the Draft Recreational Trail Plan presented at the final meeting. As part of an Environmental Analysis developed to evaluate the impacts of the proposed Trail Plan, a more thorough analysis of trail lengths was completed for Alternative 3 and the Draft Trail Plan alignments uti- lizing specialized GIS techniques which factored slope, topography, critical area buffers, and control points. This analysis determined that implementation of Alternative 3 would result in approximately 98.5 miles of trail in the project area. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Alternative 3 Hiking only Hiking /Mt. Bike Hiking /Equestrian Existing WCPR Trails Total Trail Miles 7.4 33.4 0 4.1 44.9 Lake Whatcom Park Alternative 3 Trail Miles Hiking only 9.6 Hiking /Mt. Bike 21.3 Hiking /Equestrian 18.4 Existing WCPR Trails 4.3 Total 53.6 3) November 5, 2015: Presentation of the proposed Draft Recreational Trail Plan. Comments on the Draft Plan were accepted through the end of January, 2016 and are summarized below. On February 23, 2016, staff presented the Draft Plan to County Council in work session. Council members pro- vided feedback on the direction of the Plan and asked staff to address a number of topics in the Plan including wildfire response, economic opportunities, and an implementation plan with associated costs. Trail development outlined in this document has not substantively changed from the November 5th presenta- tion to the public. Additional supporting documentation and background information is included in this final version of the Trail Plan. Public hniPut Following presentation of Alternatives 1, 2, & 3 at the March, 2015 community meeting, Whatcom County Parks and Recreation received a large volume of public comment. Common comment themes included: • The desire to protect habitat and wildlife with a particular emphasis on marbled murrelet and other spe- cies of concern; • Watershed protection including limiting impacts from erosion, sedimentation, horse and bike impacts, road -to -trail conversions and prohibition of unauthorized trail building; • Monitoring and adaptive management to correct problems as well as a method for reporting populations of invasive species; • Forest management for restoration to improve ecological function and water quality; • Support for holding special events such as trail races and organized events, including development of event facilities within the watershed as well as concern for the potential impacts associated with allowing events; • Incorporation of trail standards for all trail types to manage impacts and liability; • Desire for extensive development of single -use and shared -use trails while protecting water quality and preserving habitat; • Desire to include existing user -built trails where possible, provide a variety of skill level and length, loop trails, and designing trails to limit user conflict; • Regional -level planning with connectivity to communities, adjacent trail systems, and future opportunities on public land; • Cooperation with volunteers to design, build, and maintain trails when possible and appropriate as well as for restoration of user -built trails not included in this plan; • Concern for additional traffic generated on North Shore Road. Many comments indicate that the trail system could have a positive effect on the local economy through in- creased visitation and tourism to the area. Other comments recommended adoption of signage standards, development of primitive camping, dog -leash requirements, trailhead development, increased funding and staffing, education, and geocaching opportuni- ties. Following presentation of the Draft Trail Plan at the November, 2015 community meeting, WCPR received addi- tional public comment. In general, comments supported the direction of the Draft Trail Plan. Common comment themes included: Concern with increased traffic on Northshore Road and trailhead development in the field areas north of Smith Creek at LWP; Concern that a large volume of comments by some user groups might result in a compromise to the proj- ect's goals and objectives; Continued desire to preserve user -built trails that were not included in the Draft Plan. Lake Whatcom Watershed Protection- A primary consideration of the Recreational Trail Plan is the protection of the Lake Whatcom watershed. Lake Whatcom is the drinking water source for nearly 100,000 residents of the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County and has been threatened by declining water quality due to surrounding development. According to the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) water quality improvement study from November 2014, known as the Lake Whatcom Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), approximately 87 percent of the current de- velopment around the lake needs to be able to store and filter stormwater like a forest, and bacteria levels in the most contaminated streams need to be reduced by up to 96 percent. The primary water quality concerns stem from increased levels of phosphorous, low levels of dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria. Stormwater is the primary vehicle for phosphorous entering Lake Whatcom. Roofs, roads, driveways and lawns speed the flow of stormwater to the lake without the benefit of filtering out the phosphorous. Phosphorus enters the lake naturally, but soil disturbance and development accelerates the rate at which phosphorus enters the lake via runoff. To comply with permit requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), What- com County and the City of Bellingham must work toward reduction of pollutants from stormwater sewer systems into Lake Whatcom. In undeveloped areas, including all of the project area except for trailheads, stormwater is allowed to slowly seep into the ground where it is filtered naturally before it reaches the lake. Future trailhead development will incorporate appropriate stormwater treatment strategies to satisfy DOE and local water quality requirements. Demand for trailhead parking currently exceeds capacity at LWP and results in visitors parking along roadsides and in other areas where stormwater is not adequately treated. Development and management work items outlined in this plan are consistent with the following recre- ation- related goals of the joint City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Lake Whatcom Sewer & Water Dis- trict "2015 -2019 Lake Whatcom Management Program Work Plan ": Recreational Facilities Develop or improve recreational facilities to promote recreational opportunities while reducing impacts to lake water quality. 1. Explore options for providing recreational amenities (including parking, signage, picnic sites, shelters, infor- mation kiosks, trash and pet waste receptacles, and restrooms). 2. Create low maintenance nutrient and pesticide -free landscapes. 3. Infiltrate or treat stormwater following stormwater best management practices. Trails Develop or improve trails and roads to reduce impacts to water quality. 1. Build and maintain trails and roads to prevent erosion and ensure runoff is infiltrated before reaching a water body. Connect trails to other parks, trails, facilities and transportation networks. Provide trailhead amenities such as restrooms and information kiosks when feasible. 4. Install directional and use signs on trail. Public Access Provide low impact public access opportunities. 1. Provide public access using existing parks and trails whenever possible. 2. Improve bike lanes and transit services to recreational facilities. 3. Maintain and develop access to key viewpoints in watershed. Public Information and Stewardship Provide watershed stewardship information to recreational users. 1. Install interpretive and /or informational exhibits at trailheads when feasible. 2. Provide opportunities for community engagement in watershed stewardship activities. 3. Work with recreational user groups (e.g. mountain bikers, horseback riders, hikers, etc.) to reduce water quality impacts (e.g. erosion) resulting from improper trail use. 4. Explore options for promoting watershed - friendly recreational opportunities in the watershed including stewardship messages Development, use, and maintenance of a recreational trail system and trailhead facilities will have impacts on vegetation, water, and wildlife resources. The following section describes activities and potential associated impacts as well as methods for avoiding, minimizing, mitigating, and monitoring impacts. A comprehensive environmental analysis, Appendix E, has been completed concurrently with the Trail Plan to accompany the project's State Environmental Policy Act application (SEPA, RCW 43.21 implemented through WAC 197 -11). Activities • Trail construction activities which include vegetation clearing and soil disturbance; impacts may include erosion, sedimentation, compaction, noise; • Increased trail use and dispersal through the landscape: impacts may include erosion, sedimentation, com- paction, noise; • Minor interruption of existing trail use during trail construction and maintenance; impacts to aesthetics and user experience; • Decommissioning of unauthorized trails (drainage controls, slope stabilization, revegetation); impacts may include a temporary increase in noise and earth disturbance, but will result in a long -term reduction of erosion, sedimentation, and vegetation loss; • Decommissioning of unused forest roads including culvert removal, recontouring, revegetation; impacts may include a temporary increase in noise and earth disturbance, but will result in a long -term reduction of erosion, sedimentation, and vegetation loss; • Trail and facility maintenance activities including regrading trails and parking lots, reestablishing trail tread and drainage, pumping vault toilets; impacts may include temporary erosion and earth disturbance; • Increased auto traffic at trailheads; potential impacts include increased risk of fuel /oil spill and risk to pe- destrian safety; • Habitat restoration and protection projects including thinning, planting, riparian enhancement, invasive plant removal; impacts include vegetation removal and temporary increase in noise and earth disturbance with a resulting long -term reduction of erosion, sedimentation, and vegetation loss; • Water quality improvement projects including planting, culvert replacement, ditch armoring, low impact development enhancements at trailhead; impacts include vegetation removal and temporary increase in noise and earth disturbance with a resulting long -term reduction of erosion, sedimentation, nutrient, and bacterial impacts to water quality. In order to limit potential impacts related to the proposed Trail Plan, the following mitigation sequencing effort will be implemented: 1. Avoid (where possible) locating trails on or abutting: • Unstable slopes • Streams and wetlands • Wildlife habitat for threatened, endangered, and other locally important species 2. Minimize trail and project use impacts by: • Utilizing WCPR Trail Standards which are based on United States Forest Service (USFS) and International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) trail guidelines and best management practices (BMP's); • Selecting the most appropriate locations for trails incorporating existing utility corridors and roads into the trail network for higher impact uses; • Minimize trail width across and near unavoidable unstable slopes; • Building appropriately scaled bridges or walkways across streams and wetlands; • Limiting vegetation removal during trail construction; • Designing trails to take advantage of natural terrain features; • Phasing trail construction around seasonal weather patterns; • Constructing trail features that direct stormwater runoff from trail surface into the forest to promote infil- tration; • Incorporating adaptive management to maintain the trail system and associated infrastructure feature such as bridges, culverts, ditches, and other drainage features; • Implementing a facility maintenance and inspection protocol for stormwater treatment facilities; • Implementing a road maintenance and inspection protocol including appropriate best management prac- tices to ensure road conditions meet Forest & Fish Law requirements. 3. Mitigate by: • Decommissioning forest roads not planned for future trail use; • Restoring forest habitat where prior land uses have altered or damaged the streams, soils or vegetation. 4. Monitor: • Coordinate with Whatcom County Public Works to periodically monitor water quality; • Report activities to DNR to monitor compliance with DNR's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) per the re- quirements of the reconveyance deed; • Monitor trail conditions and take action to rehabilitate degraded trail sections; • Monitor forest roads to ensure drainage structures are clear and functional. Forest I'Vanagement Planning Although beyond the scope of this plan, forest restoration will be a critical component of ongoing management of watershed lands to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. This plan recommends that the County sup- port the development of a comprehensive forest management plan for LMFP and LWR A forest management plan will advise and direct management actions that will protect surface water quality and restore ecological function of a natural mature forest. To achieve these overall goals, a plan should provide science -based recommendations to: 1. Maximize Potential for Forest Maturity - 4,621 acres are less than 80 years old, restoration implementa- tion actions will be seek to accelerate forest stands to a mature mid to late -seral stage. 2. Stabilize Surface Water Runoff to Control Erosion - By accelerating forest stand maturity, the reestablish- ment of understory vegetation will filter surface runoff and result in less phosphorus loading in streams and Lake Whatcom. 3. Reestablish Diversity of Forest Plant and Wildlife Communities -Guiding principles and conservation measures for biodiversity conservation recommended by Lindenmayer, Franklin, and Fischer in General management principles and a checklist of strategies to guide forest biodiversity conservation ( Lindenmayer, Franklin, & Fischer, 2006). Guiding Principles: • Maintain connectivity. • Maintain the integrity of aquatic systems by sustaining hydrological and geomorphological pro- cesses. • Maintain stand structural complexity. • Maintain landscape heterogeneity. • Use knowledge of disturbance regimes in natural forests to guide forest management practices. On a stand level, conservation measures include: • Structural retention at the time of regeneration harvest (e.g. large hollow trees and associated recruit trees; understory thickets, and large fallen logs). In other cases, specifically targeted strategies may be required to add or create particular structures such as girdling trees to increase quantities of dead wood or installing nestboxes. • Management of regenerated and existing stands to create specific structural conditions. • Long rotations or cutting cycles. • Application of appropriate disturbance management regimes to reduce the risk of a high- intensity fire. 4. Enhance Wildlife Habitat Features and Connectivity - Enhancing structural diversity, down woody debris, snag retention, and protection of unique habitat types will improve habitat characteristics for wildlife. Forest Roads Forest roads area regulated under the Forest Practices Act of 1974, which also regulates activities including timber harvest and land conversion. There are a total of 58 miles of existing and former forest roads classified under DNR Forest Practice rules as active, abandoned, and orphaned within the project area. This section pro- vides information on current and historic forest road management in the project area as well as background on Forest Practices regulations related to roads. Forest Practices Rules (% - = : O '_) provides definitives for road maintenance as well as abandoned and orphaned forest roads. Maintenance work completed on existing active roads typically involves brush - cutting, grading, clearing of ditches, or other minor upkeep to the existing road prism. The road prism is the cross sec- tion of the road including the traveled surface, ditch, cutbank, and fillslope. Forest road - Ways, lanes, roads, or driveways on forest land used since 1974 for forest practices. "Forest road" does not include skid trails, highways, or local government roads except where the local governmental entity is a forest landowner. For road maintenance and abandonment planning purposes only, 'forest road" does not include forest roads used exclusively for residential access located on a small forest landowner's forest land. Abandoned road - An abandoned road is a road which the forest landowner has abandoned in accordance with procedures of (a) through (e) of this subsection. Roads are exempt from maintenance under this section only after (e) of this subsection is completed. a. Roads are outsloped, water barred, or otherwise left in a condition suitable to control erosion and maintain water movement within wetlands and natural drainages; b. Ditches are left in a suitable condition to reduce erosion; c. The road is blocked so that four wheel highway vehicles cannot pass the point of closure at the time of abandonment; d. Water crossing structures and fills on all typed waters are removed, except where the department (DNR Forest Practices) deter- mines other measures would provide adequate protection to public resources; and e. The department shall determine whether the road has been abandoned according to procedures of this subsection. If the de- partment determines the road is properly abandoned, it must notify the landowner in writing within thirty days that the road is officially abandoned. Orphaned road -An orphaned road is a road or railroad grade that the forest landowner has not used for forest practices activities since 1974. Many of these roads are overgrown or closed off, but have not satisfied the abandonment process. a. An inventory and assessment, of the risk to public resources, or public safety must be completed by the landowner in conjunction with the road maintenance and abandonment plan. b. Five years after the effective date of this rule, when the extent of any problems associated with the orphaned roads is known, the hazard - reduction statute will be evaluated to determine if it is still needed and if funds for cost- sharing are needed to effect repair or abandonment of orphan roads. See RCW 76.09.300. c. Landowners are not obligated under this rule to repair or abandon such roads before the end of the five year period, but they can voluntarily take this action. Washington law (W+AC 222 -24 -051) required that forest landowners assess all active and orphaned roads on their ownership by 2005 and that all active roads meet legal standards by 2016. As road systems were as- sessed, landowners submitted a plan for accomplishing the maintenance and abandonment work. In Forest Practice law, these plans are referred to as Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plans (RMAP). Roads no longer needed were required to be abandoned to the Forest Practice legal standards outlined above. Work was done to restore natural drainage, prevent erosion, and prevent vehicle access. Roads built prior to the 1974 Forest Practices Act were built to less stringent legal requirements and design standards. These roads may have poor drainage, inadequate surfacing, over - steepened cutbanks or fillslopes, or organic material in stream crossing fills. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Lake Whatcom Park Active 11.7 Active 7.9 with easements (7.3) with easements (6.7) without easements (4.4) without easements (1.2) Abandoned 2.4 Abandoned 2.2 Orphaned 8.3 Orphaned 25.5 Total 22.4 miles Total 35.6 miles Prior to reconveyance, DNR completed the assessment process and implemented improvements on all active and orphaned roads within the project area and attained compliance with RMAP requirements. Work'was completed to reduce sediment delivery, address instability issues, and improve stream crossings, ground water interception, and surface water delivery. Of the total 19.6 miles of active road in LMFP and LWP, approximately 14 miles of existing forest roads that service communication towers or electrical transmission lines must be maintained and may be used by the public for non - motorized use. The remainder of active forest roads within the project area will be maintained until no longer necessary for forest restoration and trail construction access; at which time the roads may be abandoned to DNR Forest Practices standards. Prior to reconveyance, DNR planned to build approximately 20 miles of additional forest roads in the project area for timber management. Eventual abandonment of active forest roads coupled with the systematic trail construction and maintenance are expected to reduce the water quality impacts from disturbance created prior to reconveyance. r amm- 0 0.25 O 05 1 I I !nt i li I Opportunities and Constraints Discurssiar-- The following opportunities and constraints discussion provides more site specific characteristics and attri- butes across the project area. This information has been utilized to analyze existing conditions to determine the best alignment of future trail corridors, viewpoints, and camping areas while avoiding sensitive habitat areas. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve • Adjacent lands owned by public and private entities which are managed for recreation and /or conservation offer the ability to connect new trails to existing trail systems on Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve, Galbraith Mountain, Squires Lake, and the current alignment of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. These local and regional trail connections provide an increase in long distance connectivity, recreational use diversity, and trail challenge for visi- tors. • New trail connections will provide direct trail access to the residents of the Glenhaven and Cain Lake areas. The prox- imity of the trail system to Sudden Valley will also improve recreation opportunities for area residents. • The existing WCPR trailhead will adequately serve increased use through the first phase of trail system expansion. Additional trailhead capacity will be required as use increases. • Steep slopes, high ridges, and abundant water sources provide opportunities for scenic views of Lake Whatcom, Bell- ingham Bay, waterfalls, cliffs and rock outcrops, and mature forests. • Remote ridgetops offer backcountry camping in areas that have both challenging trail access and proximity to local communities. Trail users have expressed the desire to have backcountry camping opportunities near their communi- ty. • Identified wetlands are located on a small portion of LMFP. Any wetlands identified during trail scouting will be avoided to the maximum extent practical. Utilizing appropriate erosion and sediment control techniques and Best Management Practices (BMPs) will limit potential impacts to wetlands. Incised stream channels and other associated landforms, some of which are located within deep- seated landslide areas, are typically found on steep slopes and are generally unstable. Where possible, trail development will avoid crossing these areas. Where trails must traverse these areas due to ownership boundary or other limitations, con- sultation with an engineering geologist will help determine the most appropriate trail corridor as well as specific construction methods and BMPs. In these areas, trails will generally be located to have the smallest footprint and length on sensitive slopes. • The proliferation of streams on LMFP will result in numerous stream and stream buffer crossings. Stream crossings are a major concern in the construction and use of trails due to the potential for sediment to enter streams. The trail system has been designed to minimize the number and extent of stream crossings in order limit impacts to streams and buffer vegetation, as well as to reduce the cost and complexity of trail development. Where stream crossings are necessary, bridges and culverts will be installed in a manner to limit impacts to natural flow and stream bank vegeta- tion. • Through habitat modeling and some field verification, DNR identified marbled murrelet habitat in small portions of LMFP. Trail development will avoid identified marbled murrelet habitat. Requirements to comply with the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that regulates DNR timber harvest and road building in marbled murrelet habitat activities were transferred to WCPR in the reconveyance process. The HCP does not regulate recreational trail development. As a BMP, habitat will be evaluated by a qualified wildlife biologist when new trails are routed through identified habitat. Presence of occupied habitat will influence the location of new trail development. • Identified bald eagle habitat is located on the southern portion of LMFP near Squires Lake. Development activity in proximity to any active bald eagle nests will follow U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines and conservation mea- sures. • Private property located adjacent to LMFP constrains the ability of WCPR to formally connect existing recreation infrastructure. A portion of existing forest road on private forest land south of the LMFP towers is part of a user -built ridgeline trail which is included in this plan. Additionally, the planned connection between LMFP and Squires Lake Park will require access through private forest land. A public trail easement will be required to formalize both of these connections. • LMFP has limited capacity to hold large numbers of single unit vehicles. Current parking capacity can accommodate 29 vehicles. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Opportunities & Constraints WHATCOM COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION I TRAIL PLAN Page 25 Lake Whatcom Park • The existing Hertz Trail and Lake Whatcom shoreline provide a unique recreational experience for attracting visitors to the park. • Adjacent lands owned by DNR offer the ability to connect new WCPR trails to the existing user -built trail system which begins at a County -owned trailhead on the Y Road. An opportunity exists to create a trail link to the south of LWP via DNR lands. Additionally, there is a desirable future connection from the Hertz trail to Blue Canyon Road along the shore of Lake Whatcom. These local and regional trail connections provide an increase in long distance connectivity, recreational use diversity, and trail challenge for users. • The existing WCPR trailhead is adequate to serve the current non -peak demand for parking, however, additional restroom facilities are currently needed. Additional facilities are proposed to address the demand for peak -use. • Steep slopes, high ridges, and abundant water sources provide opportunities for scenic views of Lake Whatcom, waterfalls, cliffs and rock outcrops, and mature forests. • Remote ridgetops offer backcountry camping in areas that have both challenging trail access and proximity to local communities. Trail users have expressed the desire to have backcountry camping opportunities near their communi- ty. • Existing forest roads on WCPR, DNR, and private forest land property provide vehicle access for construction and maintenance of trails and backcountry campsites. Administrative road use agreements and easements transferred from DNR to WCPR. These agreements and easements do not grant vehicular access to the public. • The Whatcom County Shoreline Management Program (SMP) (WCC 23.60) implements the goals and policies of the Shoreline Management Act locally. All upland areas within 200 feet of Lake Whatcom and the lower reaches of Smith Creek are within the jurisdiction of the SMP. The Lake Whatcom shoreline is designated as "shoreline of statewide significance." All new trail and facility development within 200 feet of Lake Whatcom and lower Smith Creek will require a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. • Identified wetlands are located on a small portion of LWP. Any wetlands identified during trail scouting will be avoid- ed to the maximum extent practical. Utilizing appropriate erosion and sediment control techniques and Best Man- agement Practices (BMPs) will limit potential impacts to wetlands. • Incised stream channels and other associated landforms, some of which are located within deep- seated landslide areas, are typically found on steep slopes and are generally unstable. Where possible, trail development will avoid crossing these areas. Where trails must traverse these areas due to ownership boundary or other limitations, con- sultation with an engineering geologist will help determine the most appropriate trail corridor as well as specific construction methods and BMPs. In these areas, trails will generally be located to have the smallest footprint and length on sensitive slopes. Potential impacts can be reduced by designing and constructing trails that result in mini- mal vegetation removal, have a narrow footprint, and maintain natural drainage patterns. • The proliferation of streams in LWP will result in numerous stream and stream buffer crossings. Stream crossings are a major concern in the construction and use of trails due to the potential for sediment to enter streams and sub- sequently Lake Whatcom. The trail system will minimize the number and extent of stream crossings in order limit impacts to streams and buffer vegetation, as well as to reduce the cost and complexity of trail development. Where stream crossings are necessary, bridges and culverts will be installed in a manner to limit impacts to natural flow and stream bank vegetation. ■ Through habitat modeling and some field verification, DNR identified marbled murrelet habitat in portions of LWP. Trail development will avoid identified marbled murrelet habitat. Requirements to comply with the Habitat Conser- vation Plan (HCP) that regulates DNR timber harvest and road building in marbled murrelet habitat activities were transferred to WCPR in the reconveyance process. The HCP does not regulate recreational trail development. As a BMP, habitat will be evaluated by a qualified wildlife biologist when new trails are routed through identified habitat. Lake Whatcom Park Opportunities & Constraints WHATCOM COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION I TRAIL PLAN Page 27 Presence of occupied habitat will influence the location of new trail development. • Identified bald eagle habitat is located on the southern portion of LWP. Development activity in proximity to any active bald eagle nests will follow U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines and conservation mea- sures. • Private property located adjacent to LWP constrains the ability of WCPR to formally connect existing rec- reation infrastructure. The planned connection between LWP and Blue Canyon Road will require a public access agreement or acquisition of the private land at the southern end of the existing Hertz Trail. • The high voltage electric transmission lines which run through LWP provide an aesthetic impact due to the size of the cleared corridor, the visual impact of the towers and lines, and the noise generated by the pow- er lines. • North Shore road is a two -lane road classified as a "local- access road" that primarily serves local residents and the existing trailhead for Lake Whatcom Park. The road has narrow shoulders and no outlet. • LWP has limited capacity to hold large numbers of single unit vehicles. Current parking capacity is approxi- mately 45 vehicles. Critical Area Ordioarice Whatcom County Critical Area Ordinance requires buffers of vegetated lands to be preserved adjacent to crit- ical areas. Construction may occur in critical area buffers, but may require mitigation measures such as native plant restoration or removal of noxious weeds. The County's standard critical area buffers are as follows: Wetlands • Category I wetlands are of exceptional value in terms of protecting water quality, storing flood and storm water, and /or providing habitat. These are wetland communities of infrequent occurrence that often provide documented habitat for sensitive, threatened or endangered species, and /or have other attributes that are very difficult or impossible to replace if altered. Buffer 50 -300 feet. • Category 11 wetlands have significant value based on their function. They do not meet the criteria for Category I rating but occur infrequently and have qualities that are difficult to replace if altered. Buffer 50 -275 feet. • Category III wetlands have important resource value. They occur commonly in Whatcom County. Buffer 50 -150 feet. • Category IV wetlands are of limited resource value. They typically have vegetation of similar age and class, lack of special habitat features, and /or are isolated or disconnected from other aquatic systems or high quality upland habitats. Buffer 25 -50 feet. Streams • Larger buffers for large streams and rivers with fish habitat (150 -feet) • Buffers for medium sized fish - bearing streams are smaller (100 -feet) • Still smaller buffers for non -fish bearing streams (50 -feet) • Buffers for rivers and streams with channel migration zones Wildlife Habitats • Wildlife and habitat buffers vary by species and type Geologically Hazardous Areas • Buffers restrict development in alluvial fan hazard areas • Buffers provide protections from tsunami, volcanic, and erosion hazards • Buffers for hazard areas are designed to protect property and human life from hazards associated with certain unstable geological conditions W--7+n �hed Overlay Distrlr± Whatcom County's Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District (WCC 20.51) regulates development and land use within the watershed to protect water quality. All trail development will satisfy the regulatory require- ments relating to seasonal clearing limitations, temporary erosion and sediment control, phased clearing, soil stabilization, and vegetation retention. New facility development will be designed to address stormwater man- agement through an appropriate treatment technology. Context of Recreathonal Trail Plan: It is important to understand this plan should be viewed as a landscape level recreational trail plan. Although there has been a considerable effort to anticipate actual on the ground conditions, much of the proposed trail network has not been field verified. As such, proposed corridors will most likely be modified to avoid unknown sensitive areas or re- routed to take full advantage of unique natural features that enhance the overall trail experience. Subsequent project phases will include more field work and trail route scouting that will determine final trail alignments. The trail connections and routes identified provide guidance in the final alignment by locating known unique and desirable features that enhance the trail experience as well as known environmentally sensitive areas. Some of these features include viewpoints, waterfalls, specimen mature forests, and unique geological fea- tures. Other destinations, commonly called 'control points' in a trail plan, include off -site connections to other trails, camping areas, trailhead facilities, restrooms, or overlooks. U ' gib► ., . Trail development in western Washington has traditionally been the organic result of a desire to transit to unique features by the most expeditious route. As a result, informal social trails and former logging road grades have become the backbone of the local trail system. Many times, these routes are not designed to be trails nor are they well- suited for use as trails. They are generally steep, erosion - prone, resource intensive to maintain, and lack the aesthetic appeal of well- designed natural surface trails. Current trail design fundamen- tals emphasize protecting resources and properly building trails that are enjoyable and require a lower level of maintenance into the future. Due to the generally steep and inaccessible terrain in the project area, there is a relatively low density of existing user -built trails. The area with the highest concentration of user -built trails is located between Galbraith Mountain and Sudden Valley. Well designed and constructed trails have many common elements regardless of location, vegetation, intended use, or challenge level. Trail design starts with good planning and sustainable design. The USDA Forest Service Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook (2007) defines trail sustainability as "creating and maintaining trails that are going to be here for a long time; trails with tread that won't be eroded away by water and use; trails that won't affect water quality or the natural ecosystem; trails that meet the needs of the intended users and provide a positive user experience; trails that do no harm to the environment." Sustainable fundamentals include: • Outsloped tread • Moderate grades • Frequent grade reversals • Erosion resistance • Path that traverses along the sideslope • Provision for sheet flow of runoff • Positive user experiences • Low maintenance Key elements from numerous trail resources, summarized in the following section, provide standard practices for design and construction of trails generally. Additional information regarding regional and project area -spe- cific practices are included. Trail grade or steepness is the single most important factor influencing sustainability of trails. By maintaining a 10% grade (total elevation gain and loss divided by the total length) with short, infrequent sections up to 25 %, sustainability and maintainability are greatly increased. Trails which have an average grade greater than 10% tend to channel runoff which leads to rapid deterioration of the tread, resulting in significant erosion and poor user experience. Other factors, including proximity to wetlands, cliffs, and sensitive wildlife habitat are also fac- tored into trail design. By analyzing physical and ecological site characteristics, trail design will determine the best option for the environment, the trail, and user safety while providing the highest quality experience. All trails must be constructed in a manner which minimizes the impact to resources. The majority of trail- relat- ed impacts from sustainable trails occur during the construction process rather through use. Trails constructed utilizing time- tested Best Management Practices (BMPs) result in minimal impacts to soil and vegetation fol- lowing construction. These BMPs are the standard methodologies and procedures for implementation of this plan. They describe how WCPR will generally construct trails and specific practices in areas with steep slopes, stream crossings, seeps, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Best Management Practice: Erosion and Sedimentation Surface water flow is the primary erosion and sedimentation force for trails in the Pacific Northwest due to the high annual precipitation and relatively steep terrain. Trails intercept and channel natural surface water flow, contributing to the displacement of trail tread material. The incising of the trail tread can also intercept natural seasonal subsurface flow, resulting in groundwater seeps on the trail. By laying trails out during the wet sea- son, designers are better able to understand natural drainage patterns and minimize building trails in poorly drained areas. Mitigation • Sustainable trail design will mitigate the effects of diverted surface water flow. This includes minimizing tread watersheds, minimizing segments in flat and fall line orientations, incorporating turnpikes and bridg- es near surface water, and orienting trails beneath a thick canopy to protect from direct rain impact; • To appropriately manage surface water flow, trail alignments will follow natural contours and be aligned perpendicular to any significant surface or subsurface water flow. Where water crossings occur, trails will be located at the low point of a trail watershed. Fall line sections of existing trails will be rerouted or miti- gated; • The most effective design solution to eliminate surface water from the trail tread is the grade reversal (IMBA 2004 p 67). Natural drainage, grade reversals, and outsloping will shed water from trails so that steps and waterbars are not needed; • Average and maximum trail grade will meet design specifications and WCPR trail standards for each trail section; • Trail drainage structures will shed surface water to the forest floor rather than diverting water and sedi- ment into streams; • Raised turnpike structures, consisting of imported or native material, will be used in perennially wet areas; • During construction, organic material will be removed from the trail tread but will be stored for site reha- bilitation following construction; • Trails will be built using full -bench construction to reduce potential for sloughing and downhill creep; • Rock and soil will primarily be used for cribbing and walls to ensure the longevity of structures; • Climbing turns will generally be utilized on side slopes that are 15% or less; constructed switchbacks will be necessary on slopes greater than 15 %; • Staff and volunteers will be trained to effectively implement construction BMPs. The two types of off -trail impacts are erosion resulting in soil deposition outside the trail and impacts caused by users leaving the trail. Erosion resulting in significant displacement of trail tread material leads to sedimentation adjacent to the trail. Significant off -trail erosion can also result from extreme concentrations of diverted surface water flow which creates artificial water courses. Off -trail impacts caused by users leaving the trail demand an assessment of the underlying issues causing this behavior. Users commonly leave established trails for a variety of reasons including: • Trails with poor alignment result in poor flow for users and encourage users to leave the trail. • Switchbacks that do not have a comfortable turning radius and have no physical barrier (such as a large rock) at the inside of the turn will be short -cut. • Features are too challenging and no alternative is provided. • When the trail becomes badly eroded or is muddy, the undisturbed ground to the side is more appealing to users. • Certain interesting features, such as a glacial erratic, large tree, or view point, are visible from the trail and will attract users off the trail. • Other trails and switchback trail segments are visible from the trail and will invite short- cutting. Designing for prevention and mitigation of off -trail impacts caused by dogs presents a significant challenge. An on -leash policy is the only practical option for limiting off trail impacts. Mitigation • Sustainable trail design will minimize trail tread displacement and eliminate high concentrations of diverted water flow. Improvements to existing trails will focus on reducing tread wear and water flow on the trail. • Sustainable and harmonious design, which incorporates interesting features and good flow, combined with regular maintenance will ensure that staying on the trail is more appealing than leaving it. • Following the completion of new construction or reroutes, organic material and native vegetation will be utilized to rehabilitate the cut slope and fill slope sides of the trail; • Avoid placing trails and trail segments within view of each other to discourage short - cutting. Maintain a buffer between trails where feasible and incorporate natural physical barriers such as rocks, vegetation, and logs where trails converge or intersect. • Natural physical barriers may also be used strategically throughout the trail system to corral users on the trail; however, care will be taken to ensure that barriers do not prevent the natural sheet flow of surface water from exiting the trail. • Situate more difficult mountain bike trail features in appropriate locations where there is low risk of injury from surrounding natural features • Switchbacks should have a sufficient turning radius to accommodate all trail users and incorporate a physi- cal barrier to short - cutting. • Mountain bike technical trail features will incorporate a ride - around option. • Dogs will be managed through policies including interpretive signage and enforcement of County codified leash laws. • Full bench construction with mechanical compaction will prevent horses from postholing and damaging the outside edges of trails Best Managerrient Practc;e° Critical Areas Critical areas include wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and areas of significant ecological value such as rock outcroppings or other physical features providing unique habitat. Critical areas require special consideration with respect to design, development, and maintenance of trails. Mitigation • Infrastructure development will meet the requirements of the most recent version of the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and local regula- tory requirements; Riparian Areas /Stream Buffers • The Whatcom County Critical Area Ordinance regulates development in riparian buffers; see Opportuni- ties and Constraints section of this plan. • Riparian areas should be avoided through the rerouting of trails where feasible, however total avoid- ance is impossible given the perpendicular orientation of streams to the contour. • Trails traversing through streams and associated buffers will use the lowest impact route, usually a low grade alignment where the watercourse is most narrow. • Trail segments within riparian areas should receive priority for maintenance and monitoring. • Keep trail users on the trail and minimize soil displacement. • Trail footprint (tread length and width) should be minimized. This can be achieved by rerouting where and when feasible and approaching stream crossings at right angles. • Sourcing of natural materials (soil, rock, live and dead wood) for trail construction and maintenance is not permitted in riparian areas. • Construct horse accessible bridges with appropriate height railings to prevent horses from riding through water courses. • Provide horse - watering locations that are low impact to streams. Wetlands Wetland crossings will be avoided, but trails may enter buffers to highlight unique natural features; The Whatcom County Critical Area Ordinance regulates development in wetland buffers; see Opportu- nities and Constraints section of this plan; Wetlands are inappropriate locations for trails, and should be avoided through the rerouting of trails where feasible. Otherwise, boardwalks wide enough to be used safely by all users (relative to the type of trail and trail users) are required. * Consideration should be given to areas upstream of wetlands that may provide hydraulic connectivity critical to the wetland. Dogs should be on leash on trails crossing wetlands. Stream Crossings • All stream crossings require bridges or culverts to keep users out of streams and off adjacent stream banks. • Locate bridges and culverts to minimize disturbance, on straight sections of stream, and where the banks are stable. • Bridges should be oriented perpendicular to the stream and located outside of the bank -full width. • Bridges must be high enough above the stream channel to prevent debris from becoming trapped by the bridge. • Bridges should be of low technical difficulty and horse - friendly to discourage off -trail travel into the stream and riparian area. • Bridges on trails with mountain bike use should not include sharp turns or steps. • Trails that approach a stream should be low grade and as short as possible to minimize sediment runoff into the stream. Trail approaches to bridges should be the focus of maintenance and designed to elimi- nate mud and water that may be transported by users. est iviaildgeiii nt Practice. vegeiatjoi`i Beyond the temporary impacts to vegetation during construction, the physical impact of trail users (boots and tires) on exposed roots can make trees more susceptible to a variety of diseases. Trail users leaving the trail can have a significant impact on the surrounding under -story vegetation. The loss of soil through tread wear can destabilize trees making them more susceptible to windfall. Trail users may also inadvertently transport exotic and invasive species throughout the trail network. Mitigation • Provide well- designed trails which are easily navigated and well- maintained to keep trail users on trails and minimize soil displacement, compaction in root zones, and vegetation trampling. IfAw t3 f Y � s w,. Fa7 a t y', u4 � r k1w • Locate trails away from all old growth trees at a distance of 1.5x the drip line to trunk distance. Where old growth trees present an unavoidable attraction, use boardwalks /steps to provide access for trail users to minimize adverse impacts to the root network. • Favor trails on the uphill side of trees, close to the trunk, to minimize impact to the more delicate feeder root system. • Use rock armoring techniques to protect large roots exposed on the trail tread. • Do not attach signs or structures to trees. • Remove the minimum amount of understory and overstory vegetation necessary to construct the trail and provide safe sightlines for users. • Remove only the standing dead snags that are a safety hazard. • Prune exposed secondary roots using a fine- toothed saw or equivalent. • Ensure that appropriate pruning practices are implemented to avoid tree damage. • Invasive plant species removal will be incorporated into trail maintenance under the guidance of WCPR staff to ensure proper disposal and reduce the risk for further colonization. Care should be given to prevent cross - contamination via workers boots, clothing, tools, and equipment. Best Management Practice; Wildlife Habitat fragmentation, removal of vegetation, soil compaction, loss of habitat connectivity, stream bank ero- sion, increased sedimentation, and water contamination may all potentially impact the full range of wildlife species present in the project area. Riparian areas and wetlands are particularly valuable for all species and are most sensitive to disturbance. Cliffs, rock outcrops, and talus are found infrequently but provide essential habitat for amphibians and bats. Trail maintenance, construction, and recreational use have the potential to cause adverse impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat. Large areas of intact quality habitat in the project area comprised of riparian areas and mature forests have been left trail -free to provide refuge for the full range of species present on park land. Many of the mitigation measures described in the Best Management Practice: Critical Areas also protect wild- life by preserving and minimizing impacts to habitat. Young forest stands retain forage and cover for many species prior to stem exclusion at approximately 15 years. More than half of the project area is comprised of forest stands which are less than 80 years old. In these ar- eas, habitat outside of riparian corridors is generally degraded. Future forest management in the project area will improve habitat for all wildlife by increasing stand complexity and diversity of understory vegetation. Habitat connectivity is important for large mammals. LMFP is part of the County - designated Chuckanut Wildlife Corridor which is designed to provide forested cover from the marine shoreline of Puget Sound to the bound- ary with the Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. Mitigation • Trail alignments will be evaluated using the best available population and habitat data to avoid occupied and suitable marbled murrelet habitat, identified bald eagle nest trees, and cliff and talus bat habitat. • Timing restrictions for trail construction will be employed in identified occupied or potentially occupied suitable habitat during the nesting season (April 15 to September 15), chainsaws and mechanized trail equipment will only be used two hours after sunrise through two hours before sunset. • Trail construction in proximity to bald eagle nest locations will incorporate U.S. Fish and Wildlife guidelines. • Snags will be left standing unless they pose a risk to public safety. • Tree removal will be generally avoided and only small diameter trees will be removed during construction. • Understory vegetation will only be removed as necessary for the trail corridor and to provide appropriate sightlines. • Trail routes will be initially evaluated using the most current habitat and population data available from WDFW, DNR, and Whatcom County. • A qualified wildlife biologist may evaluate suitability of habitat and determine avoidance, minimization techniques, and mitigation measures. Apply BMPs for wetlands and riparian areas. • Retain and avoid, an abundance of coarse woody debris, trees with loose bark, and areas of dense herba- ceous and /or shrub layers, and forest litter. • Trails should avoid rock outcrops where practicable. Beat Itilan geme& Pr?(-0-o: Geolop The project area is characterized by steep, unstable slopes with a history of mass - wasting events and small landslides. Most large slope failures have been associated with road infrastructure or timber harvest. Land- slides will continue to be a management issue throughout the project area, especially along roads and the Hertz Trail. Deep- seated landslides are often part of large landslide complexes that may be intermittently active for hun- dreds of years. By avoiding removing material during road construction or quarrying at the toe; overloading slopes by placing spoils on the upper or mid -scarp areas; changing subsurface hydrology by excessive soil com- paction; and directing additional water into the slide from road drainage or captured streams, human - caused re- initiation or acceleration of deep- seated landslide movement will be minimized. For more information on site - specific geology, see Appendix B. Mitigation • Trails will be built to the narrowest standard appropriate to minimize cut slopes and loading from fill. • Trails will favor ridges, low angle slopes, and convex terrain where practical. • Trails will be designed to maintain existing drainage patterns, frequently shed water to the forest floor, and prevent concentration of runoff. • Trails will not be located on mapped landslide areas or in proximity to headscarps or toes of ancient and dormant landslides. • Trails will avoid incised stream channels and inner gorges. • An engineering geologist will evaluate trail routes that traverse geologic critical areas prior to construction. • Frequent maintenance will prevent drainage problems from concentrating water in unstable areas. Trail Standards WCPR implements trail standards to construct and /or maintain new and existing trails. Through implemen- tation of department -wide standards, staff are able to make more informed management decisions, provide consistent service to the public, and sustainably build and maintain trails. The major elements of physical trail design, including width, grade, surface, and clearing limits, as well as more subtle characteristics such as obsta- cles, structure development, and signage are all included in trail standards. Whatcom County Parks and Recreation has adopted the following trail classes. Actual design parameters are dependent on designed use: hiker /pedestrian, equestrian, or bicycle. These design parameters may be found in a separate document available on the WCPR website. Trail Class A Fully Developed: Firm, stable and uniform tread. Commonly surfaced with asphalt, concrete or gravel. Developed to meet ADA accessibility stan- dards with low grades and no obstacles or barri- ers (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010). Trail Class B Highly Developed: Smooth tread with few irreg- ularities. Often gravel or other imported materi- al. Low to moderate grade with infrequent and insubstantial obstacles. Trail Class C Developed: Continuous and obvious tread of native or imported material. Obstacles may be common but not substantial. Low to steep grade. Trail Class D Moderately Developed: Continuous and discern- able tread which is narrow and rough. Steep grades and substantial obstacles are common. I Trail Width Tread Surface Average Trail Grade Maximum Trail Grade Trail Obstacles Class A Class B Class C Class D 36" -144" 24" -120" 18" -48" 12" -24" Hardened or sur- Firm and stable, Mostly stable with Widely variable, faced, uniform and native or imported some variability, native tread stable tread I native tread Less than 5% 5 3" tall unavoid- 10% or less 5 6" tall unavoid- 12% or less able obstacles 18`Yo or less 8% Smooth tread uncommon common continuous Meets ADA stan- 35% <_ 10" maximum i 15% dards 25% No Obstacles 5 3" tall unavoid- _< 3" tall unavoid- 5 6" tall unavoid- able obstacles able obstacles able obstacles Smooth tread uncommon common continuous Meets ADA stan- 5 8" maximum <_ 10" maximum 5 14" maximum dards obstacles obstacles obstacles May be paved Avoidable obsta- Avoidable obsta- Avoidable obsta- cles may be pres- cles may be pres- Iles may be pres- ent ent ent Minor tread rough- Intermittently Continuously ness rough tread rough tread N.ccesiibd ity WCPR is committed to integrating outdoor accessibility in design, development, and maintenance of recre- ation facilities and trails so that all visitors can enjoy the outdoors. All new and improved developed facilities will include features to allow equal opportunity for use. New trails will be evaluated for appropriateness/com- pliance with standards in the Forest Service's Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails. Where trails are designed for hiking, every effort will be made to meet the accessibility standards. The steep slopes common in the project area coupled with the need to meet resource protection goals may preclude many new trails from meeting accessibility standards for trail grade. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public and private entities to allow people with mobility disabilities to use other power- driven mobility devices ( OPDMD) in public spaces unless a particular activity cannot be accommodated because of legitimate safety requirements. OPDMD's include "any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines ... that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the pur- pose of locomotion." This includes golf carts, Segways, and ATVs. All new trails will be evaluated to determine which, if any, OPDMD can be accommodated. Trail- specific policies relating to OPDMD -type and speed will be set at the time of final construction. Information describing trail accessibility and OPDMD use will be posted on trailhead signage and the WCPR website. Trail Challenge Level, In order to appeal to a broad spectrum of trail users, a trail system should have a variety of challenge levels for various trail types. Trail difficulty choice is important for a number of reasons. It is important to provide opportunity for beginners to gain experience and grow individual skills as well as providing trail experiences for groups of varying skill can share a trail experience. It's also important to accommodate people with disabili- ties. And of course, more advanced trail users desire more difficult and challenging trail experiences. Evaluating the difficulty of various trail types is subjective and can be imprecise depending on the variables used to evaluate and rank trail difficulty. There are many landscape characteristics that influence trail difficulty including transient factors such as seasonal variations in trail conditions. Primary factors include the length of the trail, overall trail gradient or how much elevation is gained or lost over a given length of trail, and trail obstacles such as rocks or tree roots. In addition to individual landscape characteristics, visitor physical fitness and outdoor experience level are also vital considerations when evaluating and identifying a trail's level of challenge. A less experienced hiker might find a trail that is classified as moderate more difficult whereas individuals who have a higher level of physical fitness and outdoor experience may consider a difficult trail actually quite easy. It's probably better to under- stand challenge level as a spectrum of easy to difficult where variables in the landscape character as well as physical abilities dictate the actual challenge level for each individual. Many of the trails included in this plan are rated moderate to difficult due to challenging nature of the terrain. Traid Types- The trail types that have been identified include a variety of shared -use trails as well as single -use trails. Feed- back from the recreational community indicated a strong desire for shared -use trails, where many trails would be accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrians. And while shared -use trails were de- sired, it was also clear that single -use trails were also highly desirable. Having both shared -use and single -use trails is possible, but it's imperative that the safety of all trail users is maintained, trail uses are compatible with environmental setting, and that the trail experience isn't compro- mised. Motorized recreational use is prohibited on all proposed system trails except as accommodated by OPDMD through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Shared -Use Trails 1. Multi-Use Trail (MU) The multi-use trail classification in this plan is defined as a trail that allows hiking, bicy- cling, and equestrian use. 2. Hike, Equestrian, Bike Ascend Trail (HEBA) This multi-use trail is similar to the above designation with one important distinction in that bicyclists may only travel in the uphill or ascending direction, whereas other users may travel in both uphill and downhill directions. The directional restriction put on bicycles reduces potential conflict between the different users. 3. Hike / Bike Trail (HB) The Hike Bike trail classification, as the name implies, allows hiking and biking and prohibits equestrian use. 4. Hike / Bike Ascend Trail (HBA) The Hike / Bike Ascend trail is open to hiking and mountain biking. However in this trail class, bicycles are direction restricted, allowed only to ascend the trail section while hikers can travel in either uphill or downhill direction. Equestrians are prohibited on HBA trails. w Single -use Trails 5. Bike Descend Trail (BD) The bike descend trail designation is a single -use, single direction descending trail. Hiking and equestrian use is prohibited due to the high potential for user conflict and associated risks to trail users. The bike descend trails will incorporate guidelines established by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). IMBA classifications include difficulty levels that range from easy /beginner level to more advanced /expert level trails. Given the nature of these trails, additional informational signage will be necessary to alert hikers and equestrians of the restricted use, and also to inform mountain bikers of the trail's challenge level. 6. Bike Trail (B) Like the above trail designation, Bike trails are open only to bike traffic. This trail however doesn't restrict traffic to a single direction. 7. Hiking Trail (H) Hiking trails are restricted to hiking and trail running. Mountain biking and equestrian use is prohibited. Trail Plan: This plan has been crafted to provide a long term legacy of sustainable recreational opportunities for Whatcom County residents. Hikers, bikers and equestrians will experience mountain, lake, and bay views while traversing varied terrain that has been shaped by ancient geologic forces that folded the landscape into the unique ridges and valleys that are found today. Trail users will discover a wide range of experiences as they travel short fam- ily- friendly loops, long- distance treks, and overnight backcountry trips while passing through mature forests and beside verdant streams. Although there are many attributes that both watershed parks share, because they are not contiguous, each side is described individually. For the purposes of this trail plan, the park land on the west side will be referred to as Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve while the east side of the lake will be referred to as Lake Whatcom Park. Trails listed below include a "W" (west) prefix for Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and an "E" (east) prefix for Lake Whatcom Park. Planning Elements common to both parks include: • Concentrating the highest level of development near existing trailheads and access points • Providing a range of uses types, challenge, and trail classification appropriate for the landscape • Incorporating existing user -built trails where appropriate • Closing and restoring unsustainable existing user -built trails • Formalizing linkages to offsite trail opportunities and communities • Development and implementation of a trail signage plan including regulatory, wayfinding, and interpretive signs • Preserving large areas of mature forests near significant streams free from development to protect wildlife habitat and water quality To Bellingham Sudden Valley 5 miles o"'e • �r ♦ , W [Rf�il�L n 14yt F� li � i f .�1 �•�. a 1' u W H'Jd wrvru� WWI I Plantation Rifle Range g:sJZ i a Glenhaven °m a° um Lake I Whatcom Park 0aV Or�ye S yo' To Valley Hwy 4 Smiles Whatcom County O Camp 2 Rd Skagit County v wP 0 0,25 05 1 ': "tap ®+rer Pvtiles J i W Figure 6 L.rk. S si, aS proposed E men[ Legend Q Parking Area Viewpoint s �� aCamping ■ Waterfall ■p Road Tower mu p W Lookout Mountain •� Forest Road Forest Preserve Boundary - River /Stream Other Whatcom County Parks - Shared Use Trails Multi -Use .-- ► Hiking, Equestrian, Biking Ascend kA1 7 Hiking, Biking P Hiking, Biking Ascend Squires Single use Trails Lake Park Biking Descend Hiking - wKipr. nn�nr,..0 Glenhaven °m a° um Lake I Whatcom Park 0aV Or�ye S yo' To Valley Hwy 4 Smiles Whatcom County O Camp 2 Rd Skagit County v wP 0 0,25 05 1 ': "tap ®+rer Pvtiles J i W Figure 6 Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Frail Plan. The Trail Plan for Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve concentrates the highest use towards the north end of the park near the existing trailhead on Lake Louise Road. The Plan includes connections to existing user -built trails that link park land and adjacent City of Bellingham (COB) watershed lands to Galbraith Mountain. The Plan adds loop trails for all user types in a variety of lengths and difficulty levels. The Plan also provides an important multi-use trail connection from the existing trailhead to Squires Lake Park to the south. This trail is contingent upon acquiring two public use easements across private timber lands. Trails will also connect to Cain Lake and the community of Glenhaven Lakes. Trails on the southern portion of Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve have the potential to facilitate regional ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH TARGET SURFACE TRAIL I ID (MI) (IN) GRADE CLASS WMU1 r 1.3 48 <5% GRAVEL B WBD1 WMU2j R 3.5�� 36 7/ GRAVEL C WBD2 WMU3 N I 2.7 36-7 7% NATIVE C Wf31.i, WMU4 4.1 36 7/ NATIVE C WBU4 - -- _ - - -F- - - -- WMUS NA 6.6 36 10% NATIVE C WMU6 5 1 2.4 24 10% NATIVE -- D ID WMU7 NA 1.9 36 10% NATIVE C _ F9ike, Equestrian, Bike Ascend (HEBA) 2.9 M aaWHI ►- — *-- *-- f - - * - -• - WH2 ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH I TARGET SURFACE TRAIL (MI) (IN) A GRADE CLASS VVH3 WHEBAI M � 1..2 72 10% GRAVEL. C VVH4 WHI.hFa- Tj 7 1.7 0I T:,, GRAVEL -3 VVI-15 Hike, Bike (Ha) 7.1 We" _.._. 11 M, D DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH TARGET SURFACE TRAIL WH7 NO (IN) GRADE CLASS WHBI 6 08 36 7% NATIVE B WHB2 NA 4.1 36 71% NATIVE C WHB3 S 1.5 24 7% NATIVE C DIFFICULTY LENGTH (MI) WIDTH (IN) TARGET GRADE SURFACE TRAIL CLASS ■ 1.5 24 10% NATIVE D L7` 08 24 12% NATIVE D 7.6 µ{ i 10% NATIVE D ■ 2 24 10% NATIVE D ■ ( 2 I4 10% NATIVE D DIFFICULTY LENGTH (MI) WIDTH (IN) TARGET GRADE I SURFACE I TRAIL CLASS L7� 1 36 10% GRAVEL C L7` 1 36 10% NATIVE C 7.6 24 10% NATIVE D , to2.7 MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL KEY 24 12% NATIVE 0 !_V 1 24 12% NATIVE D Ir 0, %r 36 - - 10% - NATIVE C _ qa 0,2 :Eli 10% NATIVE C WHB4 � 0.7 q 48 Su, GRAVEL 6 SHARED USE AND HIKING TRAIL KEY � EASY MODERATE J -- - Hike, Bike Ascend '` , e-T y ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH I TARGET SURFACE I TRAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL KEY (MI) (IN) GRADE CLASS WHBA1" N 1.4 36 7% NATIVE B MODERATE ' DIFFICULT _ - .1._...._.._ ­­ 4,* DIFFICULT Figure 7 connections to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, Lake Whatcom Park trails, DNR's Blanchard Moun- tain, and the Chuckanut Mountains. This plan proposes 54.4 miles of non - motorized trail, which includes approximately 5.7 miles of existing system trails. The breakdown of various trail types is as follows: • Multi-Use Trails- 22.5 miles Hike, Equestrian- Bike Ascend Trail- 2.9 miles • Hike, Bike Trail- 7.1 miles • Hike, Bike Ascend Trail- 1.4 miles • Bike Descend Trail- 6.3 miles • Hike Trail- 14.1 • Total- 54.3 miles Other improvements associated with this trail plan: additional parking capacity, especially for horse trailers. Given the limitations of existing park trailheads, any additional parking would most likely require acquisition of a separate or satellite property that could provide a trail connection to the proposed trail system. Any new trailhead development should also include additional restrooms to accommodate increasing user demand. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Trail Descriptions U1- partially existing, 1.3 miles, class B, native /gravel, 48 ", easy- This trail provides a low - elevation connec- tion to the Galbraith Mountain access road. It also serves as a Sudden Valley Gate 9 and 13 connection via the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve trailhead. This trail will use portions of City of Bellingham land. WMUZ- new, 3.5 miles, class C, native /gravel, 36 ", moderate- This trail serves as the northern -most portion of the multi-use link over Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve. It links new ascending and descending mountain bike trails to Galbraith Mountain. WNW- new, 2.7 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This trail serves as a portion of the multi-use link over Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve. It links ascending and descending mountain bike trails WBD4 and WHEBA2. WNW- new, 4.1 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This trail serves as a portion of the multi-use link over Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve by climbing to the top of the ridge from the north. It links to the southern portion of the ridge trail near the north tower site and descending trail WBD2. U5- new, 6.6 miles, class C, native, 36 ", difficult- This trail traverses the ridge from the end of WMU4 near the north tower site south to the existing forest road that accesses Cain Lake. The southern portion of the trail will largely utilize existing user -built sections, though reroutes are necessary. A trail easement through private property will be required to complete this section. VOMW new, 2.4 miles, class D, native, 24 ", moderate- New loop trail off of WMU5 outside of the watershed. Provides access to old timber, views and backcountry campsites. 1W- new, 1.9 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This is a new connection to Squires Lake which is depen- dent on trail easements with private landowners. It provides a trail link from WMU5 to Squires Lake and the PNT. WHOM- existing, 1.2 miles, class C, gravel road bed with native, 72 ", moderate- Existing southern portion of the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Loop Trail. The majority of this trail utilizes old road grades. It will serve as a shorter but steeper access to WMU2, allowing bikes to ascend only toward WBD1. nM7( EMM- existing, 1.7 miles, road bed, class B, gravel, 96 ", moderate- Existing active road connecting the main Lookout road and the top of WMU4. It serves as an multi-use link to the ridge trail and an ascending bike route to WBD3 and WHB3. W]i[0i- new, 0.8 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- Short new connection for the ascending and descending route between Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve trailhead and the lower Galbraith connection. This trail will use portions of City of Bellingham land. `W1- existing /new, 4.1 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- Using partial alignment with existing user -built trail from Galbraith, this trail allows 2 -way hiking and biking as the connector to the multi-use ridge trail system and the descending WBD1. The existing route needs realignment to stay entirely on public land. This trail will serve as the upper Galbraith connector. '\M ]W- - new, 1.5 miles, class C, native, 24 ", moderate- This trail provides a connection between WMU4, WBD3 and the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Road. It allows users to complete laps of WBD2 and WBD3, pro- vides a "bailout" option, and adds additional hike and bike loops using the tower road. II- existing, 0.7 miles, class B, gravel 48 ", easy- Improvement of the existing Lookout Mountain Forest Pre- serve Lower Loop Trail to provide access to WMU1 and WHEBAI. W3[- existing /new, 1.4 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This is an ascending bike and 2 -way hiking trail between lower Galbraith connector (WMU1) and the upper Galbraith connector (WHB2). It may utilize por- tions of existing user -built trail that parallels WBD1. I- existing /new, 1.5 miles, class D, native, 24 ", Blue Square /Black Diamond- Descending bike trail utilizing major portions of "Cougar Ridge." Optional black diamond routes will be available where practical. 'WW2- existing /new, 0.8 miles, class D, native, 24 ", Black Diamond- Descending bike trail utilizing the upper half of "Stumpwater." Reroutes maybe needed to reduce erosion and protect water quality. Wt 3- existing /new, 2 miles, class D, native, 24 ", Blue Square- Descending bike trail utilizing the lower half of "Stumpwater." May be accessed from WBD2 or WHB3. Reroutes maybe needed to reduce erosion and protect water quality. Optional black diamond routes will be available where practical. WKW - new, 2 miles, class D, native, 24 ", Blue Square- New descending bike trail beginning near the ridge at the junction of WHEBA2 and WMU3; ending near the intersection of WHEBA2 and the Lookout Mountain For- est Preserve Road. W1- existing, 1 mile, class C, native with existing road sections, 36 ", moderate- This trail utilizes major por- tions of the northern half of the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Loop Trail. Future reroutes will be required. This trail allows shorter hiking loops from the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve trailhead and Sudden Valley gate 9 and 13. I.' a° - partially existing, 1 mile, class C, native, 36 ", easy- This trail will parallel the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Road, providing a hiking only off -road connection between the existing Waterfall trail system and the junction with WHEBA2. Provides a link to the NW portion of Sudden Valley Gate 5 homes. A bridge structure will be required to cross the creek to connect to WHEBAI. WH3 - new, 7.6 miles, class D, native, 24 ", difficult- New hiker only trail from approximately mile 2 of the Look- out Mountain Forest Preserve Road to Cain Lake. Existing terrain in this section includes deep ravines and pose difficult trail building conditions. �ffl°}- new, 2.7 miles, class D, native, 24 ", difficult- New hiker only connection between WH3 and WMU5 along the ridge. Allows hiking loops to campsites along WH5 utilizing WH3 and the multi-use ridge trail. i 5 - new, 1 mile, class D, native, 24 ", moderate- New hiker only loop providing access to backcountry camp- sites from the north or south via WH3. IS - existing, 0.6 miles, class C, native, 24 ", moderate- This existing trail accesses the lower waterfall near WMU1 and connects to the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve road. !Y17 - existing, 0.2 miles, class C, native, 24 ", moderate- This existing trail accesses the upper waterfall and links WH2 to WH6. To Bellingham 10 miles Sunnyside Landing e f a a S Legend IjParking Area » Road FIN Camping Fore, Air Viewpoint Rivei Lake Waterfall rq Park Othe ,'--' —, Bridge Cour 1 Shared Use Trails Multi -Use E r Hiking, Biking= 7.6 ... 0— Hiking, Biking Ascend Single Use Trails Biking -0-4— Biking Descend Hiking - nl.eeebi. Future Connectlon I a Hegg C.. Property "ey O To Valley Hwy 9 0 0.25 05 ` "lilies Miles Figure 8 Lake Whatcom Park Tray! Plan Similar to Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve, the Lake Whatcom Trail Plan also concentrates the highest level of trail development near the existing trailhead parking areas as well as high disturbance areas such as the existing Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) electrical transmission corridor and the Wickersham Truck Trail road. The Plan enhances the existing trail system by creating a variety of multi-use and single -use trails that offer a diversity of trail experiences, loop opportunities, and challenge levels. The highest priority connection provides a link from the south end of the Hertz Trail to Blue Canyon Road. Trails from the north end of Lake Whatcom Park will link to the existing trail system on DNR's Olsen Creek Block from the Y Road Trailhead. Future trail links to the south are also possible via DNR's Haner Block to DNR's Alger Mountain and Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve. This plan proposes 43.6 miles of non - motorized trail, which ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH DIFFICULTY LENGTH (MI) (IN) C� CLASS (IN} GRADE tMUl 1W 0,2 96 DIFFICULTY LL EMU2 GRAVEL 12 36 EMU3 J 1.5 36 EM114 _.� 1 24 E1MU5 m 0.3 96 FMU6 ID 0.1 36 EMU7 J 0.7 36 2 _J__24_ 24 5% j GRAVEL..L B 10% EMUS C 0.5 24 LMU9 C 0.7 24 FIVIII-110 25 0.8 24 11MA 0.3 FMU11 5% 0.3� 36 TARGET SURFACE TRAIL ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH GRADE C� CLASS (IN} GRADE I (MQ I (IN) C ID DIFFICULTY LL <5% ' GRAVEL A EBl INA 0.3 ' 24 10 °,b -- N-A�TIV�E —C 10% � NATIVE I C NATIVE ' C EH1 3.2 I 24 ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH (MQ WIDTH (!N) 10% NATIVE I C EBD1 2 _J__24_ 24 5% j GRAVEL..L B 10% I C EBD2 1.3 a 18 10% NATIVE C WIDTH - 1 SURFACE 10% NATIVE C� (MI) (IN} GRADE 12% NATIVE C ID DIFFICULTY LL EHB1 (MI) (IN) 12 ;t, NATIVE C B — 12 °.b NATIVE ' C EH1 3.2 3.6 24 '- --- -- - - -1EH2 EHB3 J 3.3 18 10% NATIVE C FH84 NATIVE C ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH TARGET 1 SURFACE TRAIL (MI) (IN} GRADE CLAS5 EHB1 3 96 <5% GRAVEL B EHB2 3.2 -W 6% GRAVEL B EHB3 J 1 0.5 16 46 7 °h 7% NATIVE C FH84 NATIVE C + EHB5 0.3 96 5% NATIVE B ID DIFFICULTY LENGTH WIDTH TARGET SURFACE TRAIL (MI) (IN) GRADE CLASS FHBA1 6 36 I 7% NATIVE C EHBA2 1 36 7% NATIVE C SHARED USE AND HIKING TRAIL KEY "IF EASY MODERATE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILL KEY . MODERATE DIFFICULT TARGET SURFACE ITRA GRADE CLA J% NATIVE I C TARGET SURFACE I TRAIL GRADE I CLASS 10% NATIVE C 12% NATIVE GRADE CLASS 12% a NATIVE I C 10% NATIVE D *1 DIFFICULT Figure 9 includes approximately 4 miles of existing system trails. The breakdown of various trail types is as follows: • Multi-Use Trails- 18.1 miles • Hike, Bike Trail- 8 miles • Hike, Bike Ascend Trail- 7 miles • Bike Trail- 0.3 miles • Bike Descend Trail- 3.3 miles • Hike Trail- 6.9 • Total- 43.6 miles Other improvements include new parking area (P3) and /or an expanded P2 at Lake Whatcom Park. Additional restroom facilities are needed at P1, P2, and along the Hertz Trail. It is anticipated that a picnic shelter, small administrative office space, and caretaker /host residence capacity will be required in the future to meet public need in the vicinity of existing P1. All new parking facilities will incorporate appropriate surface stormwater treatment facilities as well as low- impact development strategies in order to satisfy current Department of Ecology stormwater requirements. Improvements should also be included to upgrade existing parking areas to current stormwater standards. Lake Whatcom Park Trail Descriptions EMU1- new, 0.2 miles, class A, gravel, 96 ", easy- This trail connects the existing trailhead parking at P2 with potential future parking at P3, this trail then connects to EMU2 to access the Smith Creek and Y Road trails EMUS - new, 12 miles, class C, native, 36 ", difficult- This multi-use trail provides a long distance loop from the trailhead around the top of the Smith Creek drainage. The trail links to other multi-use and single -use trails as well as the Wickersham Truck Trail. Small trail linkages will provide access to existing user -built trails from the Y Road Trailhead as well as to existing forest roads for public and administrative access. EMU3 - new, 1.5 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This multi-use trail parallels the Wickersham Truck Trail higher on the mountain. It provides a non -road link to trails in the southern part of the park as well as future connections to DNR property to the south. Much of this trail is within the cleared corridor of the BPA transmis- sion lines. As a result, extensive view opportunities will exist along this trail. This trail may utilize portions of existing user -built trails in the area. EMU* - new, 1 mile, class C, native, 24 ", moderate- This multi-use trail continues the desired connection to DNR land to the south. EMUS - existing, 0.3 miles, class B, gravel, 96 ", easy- This short trail utilizes an existing spur road from the Wick- ersham Truck Trail to a landing that currently serves as a viewpoint. As the forest matures, some vegetation management will be needed to maintain views of Lake Whatcom and Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve. EMUS - new, 0.1 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This short connector trail links the park trail system to the DNR Olsen Creek Block as an access to the Y Road trails. M11.1117 - new, 0.7 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This connector trail links the park trail system to the DNR Olsen Creek Block as an access to the Y Road trails. ljk�4 - new, 0.5 miles, class D, native, 24 ", moderate- This spur leads from EMU2 to a potential campsite high above the Smith Creek drainage. A;KQ," - new, 0.7 miles, class D, native, 24 ", moderate- This spur leads from EMU2 to a potential campsite high above the Smith Creek drainage. Ui - new, 0.8 miles, class C, native, 24 ", moderate- This connector trail links the park trail system to an existing active road at the top of the ridge. This trail will provide construction and maintenance access. [EMU11 - new, 0.3 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This short trail provides the lowest elevation link from the park trail system to the DNR Olsen Creek Block as an access to the Y Road trails. M'. '. - existing Hertz Trail, 3 miles, Class B, gravel, 96 ", easy. This trail provides an easy hike and bike experi- ence along the Lake Whatcom shoreline following the historic Bellingham Bay and Eastern Railroad corridor. Existing trail features include lake access, waterfall views, and covered pedestrian bridges. Future work: com- plete acquisition to connect to Blue Canyon Rd; improve to ADA accessible surface for the entire length. Im- prove signage, both regulatory and interpretive themes. Install new restroom at milepost 2.0. i l ,Z - new, 3.2 miles, Class B, gravel, 48 ", moderate. This trail is envisioned to provide a family - friendly return loop between the trailhead and the second bridge on the Hertz Trail. The trail will provide additional scenic access to waterfalls, views of Lake Whatcom, and mature forests. Depending on terrain, this trail may provide access to EHBA2. UPKIN - existing, 1 mile, class C, native, 36 ", moderate. This trail will utilize portions of the existing trail that leaves P2 to the north. It will provide a connection to the new climbing trail EHBA1 and the end of bike -only descending trail EBD1. �3riflll - new, 0.5 miles, class C, native, 36" moderate. This is a new trail that will connect EHBA1 to the Wicker- sham Truck Trail and bike trails to the north EB1 and EBD1. 2AM - existing, 0.3 miles, class B, gravel, 60 ", easy. This existing trail connects parking area P2 to the Hertz Trail (EHB1). �VIPB' -\ - new, 6 miles, class C, native, 36 ", moderate. This new trail provides an ascending route for bikes from existing EHB3 and the trailhead to EBD1 and then higher on the mountain to the intersection with the bike -on- ly descending trail EBD2, and multi-use trail EMU2. This trail will include some portions of existing user -built trails that parallels the Wickersham Truck Trail. Il4 - new, 1 mile, class C, native, 36 ", moderate- This trail provides a short hike /bike ascending connector from EHB2 to EHBA1 and allows hikers and bikers to access higher elevation trails without returning directly to the trailhead. E81 - new, 0.3 miles, class C, native, 24" moderate- This trail is a short bike -only connector from the ascending trails on the south /west side of the Wickersham Truck Trail to the descending EBD trails. This trail will allow exit from EBD2 and entrance to EBD1. This connector allows shorter descending loops of EBD1 and EBD2. SISM - existing /new, 2 miles, class C /D, native, 24 ", blue square- This trail is the lower half of the descend- ing only bike trail that utilizes partial alignment with a current user -built trail. The trail will take advantage of sustainable sections of user -built trail on the landscape; portions of the trail will need rerouting to avoid critical areas and meet established trail standards. I - existing /new, 1.3 miles, class D, native, 18 ", black diamond- This trail is the upper half of the descend- ing -only bike trail that utilizes portions of a current user -built trail. The trail will take advantage of sustainable sections of user -built trail on the landscape; portions of the trail will need rerouting to avoid critical areas and meet established trail standards. Feeds into EBD1 i [ll - new, 3.6 miles, class C, native, 24 ", difficult- This hiker only trail begins from EHB2 and connects to hiking and multi-use trails higher on the mountain. This is a challenging hike that provides occasional lake views as it ascends more than 2000ft through older forests via a series of natural benches. 042 -new, 3.3 miles, class D, native, 18 ", difficult- This hiker only loop trail is accessed from EH1. It provides a primitive trail experience and access to backcountry camping in higher elevation areas at the southern end of the park. Phasing: Construction of trails identified is this plan will be constrained by available resources. The phasing plan that is included in this document outlines one possible priority scenario for development. Implementation timelines for completion of each phase are contingent upon many factors and are not estimated in this document. This phasing plan prioritizes trails near existing facilities and trailheads, connections to existing trail systems, and modifications of specific existing user -built trails to meet WCPR standards. Generally, trails in later phases are located farther from trailheads or require higher levels of investment to complete. Costs to implement trail development are estimated in the phasing plan below at an average of $82,500 per mile based on a cost range of $50,000 - $115,000 per mile without inflation. These costs include initial planning and environmental permitting, engineering, and other necessary consulting services as well as actual con- struction costs for labor and equipment. These costs may not include significant structures such as long -span bridges and extensive boardwalk sections. Potential sources of funding include: Real Estate Excise Tax (REET II), grants, volunteer labor and equipment, and donations. The four proposed phases for each trail plan are as follows: Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve 14.8 Miles, estimated cost $1.3 million • WMU1- Continue construction from the existing trail northwest to COB land. • WMU2 - Construct a new trail from WMU1 to WHB2 /WBD1. • WHEBAI - Improve existing trail from WMU1 to WMU2. • WHB1- Construct new and incorporate existing user -built trail to link WMU2 with WHBA1 and the exit of WBD1. • WHB2 - Realign and improve existing user -built trail connecting WMU2 /WMU3 /WBD1 and Galbraith Mountain trails. • WBD1 - Realign and improve existing user -built trail between WHB2 /WMU2 /WMU3 and WHB1. • WHBA1 - Construct new and incorporate existing user -built trail to link WHB1 /exit of WBD1 with WHB2. • WBD2 /WBD3 - Realign and improve existing user -built trail. • WH6 /WH7 - Realign and improve existing trail adjacent to the waterfalls. • Close and rehabilitate existing user -built trail not included in this plan. 6.6 Miles, estimated cost $545k • WMU3 - Construct a new trail to link WHB2 /WMU2 to WHEBA2 /WBD4. • WHEBA2 - Improve the existing road to connect the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve road /WH1 to WMU3 /WBD4. • WH2 - Construct a new trail linking trails near the trailhead to WHEBA2. • WBD4 -Construct anew trail between the WHEBA2 /WMU3 junction and the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve road. • WHB3 - Construct the eastern portion of trail that connects WBD2 /WBD3 with the Lookout Mountain For- est Preserve road. Phase 4.8 Miles, estimated cost $400k • WMU4 - Construct new trail from WMU3 to WBD2. • WMU5 -Construct new trail from WMU4 /WBD2 to DNR land adjacent to Cain Lake and the Glenhaven neighborhood. This trail requires a public access agreement or acquisition prior to construction. • WHB3 -Construct the western portion of this trail to link WMU4 and WBD2 /WBD3. Phase 22.3 Miles, estimated cost $1.9 million • WH3 - Construct new trail between Cain Lake and the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve road. • WH4 - Construct new trail from WMU5 to WH3. • WH5 - Construct new trail to backcountry campsites along a return loop to WH3. • WMU6 - Construct new trail to backcountry campsites along a return loop to WMU5. • WMU7 - Construct new trail to Squires Lake Park. This trail will require a public access agreement or acqui- sition prior to construction. • Trailhead and infrastructure improvements will occur concurrently with this plan, but are not outlined as part of this plan and are contingent on funding and permitting. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Trail Phiacp Plan, Iff6! 4 AfJ Lake S. Legend — — Parking Area Tower Camping Viewpoint �7 LookoutiMbuniain ® Waterfall L.J Foresl nrese've 0 Other Whatcom County Parks proposed Trails f lt,llnd Squlnrr look. tmn yr T L Squires Lake Park `Peclflc Norlhrrl .Beanie Trall Lake Whatcom Park rOtlJ2 0a ho' To Valley Hwy 9 5 milas Glenhaven o' Whatcom County O Camp 2 Rd Skagit County 79, 0 0.25 0.5 1 d1 °[akad,r Miles Figure 10 T To Bellingham Sudden Valley 5 miles a n 0 3 a< 6 duAr lin�ru f lt,llnd Squlnrr look. tmn yr T L Squires Lake Park `Peclflc Norlhrrl .Beanie Trall Lake Whatcom Park rOtlJ2 0a ho' To Valley Hwy 9 5 milas Glenhaven o' Whatcom County O Camp 2 Rd Skagit County 79, 0 0.25 0.5 1 d1 °[akad,r Miles Figure 10 Lake Whatcom Park P tm i 12.3 Miles, estimated cost $1.0 million ® EHB1- Maintain existing Hertz Trail. • EHB3- Beginning from the trailhead at parking area P2, improve and realign to access to EHBA1 and the exit of EBD1. • EHBA1- Construct lower portion of EHBA1 using sections of existing user -built trail to connect to EHB4. • EHB4- Construct a short trail between EHBA1 and the Wickersham Truck Trail. • E131- Construct a short trail from the Wickersham Truck Trail to EBD1 /EBD2 . • EMUS- Use existing road grade to connect the Wickersham Truck Trail to the viewpoint. Complete vegeta- tion management activities to maintain view of Lake Whatcom and Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve. • EBD1 and EBD2- Realign existing user -built descending trail. • EHB2- Construct new trail between the second bridge on EHB1 to the lower end of EH1. • EH1- Construct new trail between EHB2 and the Wickersham Truck Trail using portions of existing user -built trails. • Close and rehabilitate existing user -built trail not included in this plan. 10.3 Miles, estimated cost $850k • EHBA2- Construct new trail from EHB1 to EHBA1. • EHBA1- Construct the upper portion of the trail between EHB4 and the top of EBD2. • EH2- Construct new trail and campsites to the south of EH1. • EMU2, EMU11- Construct EMU11 and a portion of EMU2 from the trailhead to the lowest - elevation con- nection to the DNR Olsen Creek Block. 7.7 Miles, estimated cost $635k • EMU1- Construct a new trail from existing parking area P2 to a potential new parking area P3. • EMU2- Construct two sections of EMU2; one section continues from Phase 2 construction near the trail - head to the next DNR Olsen Creek Block connector (EMU6); the second new section leads to EMU8 and backcountry campsites from the junction of the Wickersham Truck Trail and EHBA1 /EBD2. • EMU8- Construct new spur trail to backcountry campsites. • EMU3- Construct a new trail high on the ridge between EMU2 and EH1. • EHB2- Complete the final section of EHB2. 9.7 Miles, estimated cost $800k • EMU2- Complete the final section of EMU2 from Phase 3 construction. • EMU7, EMU9, EMU10- Construct spurs from EMU2 to existing roads, the DNR Olsen Creek Block, and new backcountry campsites. • EMU4- Construct a new trail to provide a link to the DNR Haner Mountain Block. • Trailhead and infrastructure improvements will occur concurrently with this plan, but are not outlined as part of this plan and are contingent on funding and permitting. u 1 t, Figure 11 nnu ;Lp• ®® r i µ t Ito Bellingham [y f 10 miles 1. " Sunnyside EMUS Landing" EMUI2 ti 1 '$ EMU2 I id ► i effa1 T E 1 1 ,.� ► IN l �1► £'2 : EMi12 ►y ► I FMU5 t ♦„� —ter }y►` 1 1 � ! EMU3 HI ® I EHB2 N am 1 �� t� 13 I ♦ ►�`• CMUa am + ,! f ► G I p�t� !x'am E� ►► !I Lookout Mountain Park ■ Legend— J - -- Parking Area Viewpoint _ �¢esia. Q Camping El Waterfall @IS Pulrvr Connrcllen Al Lake Wiutcom Park DouniJary Bridge I c° Hogg Other r Wh Parks m County Parks Proposed Trails Property ° °Ry � Phase ' Road Phasell -- Forest Road Phase III ..... Phase IV 0 0..25 05 To Valley Hwy 9 River/Stream -. - - -- 3 miles � M1llles 1 t, Figure 11 Implementatiow Following the SEPA determination and formal adoption by the Whatcom County Council, critical areas re- view will be needed to satisfy environmental permitting requirements before any trails can be constructed. Additional permits that may be needed are: Land Disturbance (Whatcom County Planning & Development Services), Shoreline Permit (Whatcom County Planning & Development Services), Hydraulic Project Approval (Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife), and wetlands Section 404 permit (United States Army Corps of Engineers). The following diagram illustrates the life -cycle for trail development. Although shown sequentially, some tasks outlined in the diagram can be completed concurrently. ❑ Define Trail Management Objectives • Trail Classification • Designed Use • Managed Use • Design Parameters II. Inventory I Site Analysis ❑ Intemal Project Proposal Review (Parks Management Team /Parks Commission) ❑ Data Collection (GIS Data Inventory /Review) ❑ Field Reconnaissance • Identify Critical Areas / Sensitive Habitat Areas ❑ Identify +/- Control Points • Threatened, Endangered and species of local concern ❑ Ground truth GIS Inventory • Wetlands, streams, unstable slopes ❑ Cultural Resources Inventory • Preliminary Layout & Trail Log • Internal staff inspection and evaluation ❑ Final Layout & Trail Log ❑ Engineering (Structures) ❑ Develop Plans, Specifications & Cost Estimates (Bidding, Permitting & Construction) III. ❑ Whatcom Planning & Development Services • Pre - application Meeting • SEPA Checklist • Land Disturbance Permit • Critical Areas Review • Shoreline Management Program ❑ Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife • Hydraulic Project Approval f . V. Construction ❑ Washington Department of Natural Resources • Habitat Conservation Plan Compliance ❑ Washington Department of Ecology • Water Quality Certification ❑ Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation • Site Alteration & Excavation Permit ❑ United States Army Corps of Engineers • Section 404 Permit ❑ Force Account with volunteer labor • Pre - construction walk through AND / 0 • Site preparation • Mark clearing limits • Install necessary erosion control (BMP's) • Public Notice • Clearing & Grubbing • Trail excavation & benching • Site rehabilitation • Update Vail • Website update • Public Notice ❑ Contract / Build • Pre•canstniilion meeting R • Contractor mobil"tlan • Construction • Construction inspection • Final Walk- through & Punch list • Final Construction • Project Acceptance & Closeout • Update trail ■ Website update • Public Notice e. J A , '� `J i,; cx ; V (f���: :� .41 i`� PI-10,W In addition to the specific trail development recommendations, overarching management recommendations and priorities for the first ten years following County Council adoption of the Plan are provided below. Time- lines are dependent on allocation of necessary funding and labor resources. Priority 1(Years 1 and 2) • Develop scope of work and funding for LWP facilities improvements. Additional parking, restroom, trail - head, and administrative facilities are urgently required. Improvements will greatly effect subsequent trail management and development. The most appropriate locations for expanded facilities are in vicinity of the existing P1 and P2 as well as the flat areas on the north side of Smith Creek. • An additional parking area will be needed to meet increased demand at LMFP to prevent impacts to Sud- den Valley and potential safety hazards associated with road -side parking on Lake Louise Road. Begin the process of identifying and acquiring a secondary trailhead for LMFP • Formalize sign standards and provide signage for the trail network. • Provide training to WCPR staff and volunteers in the principles and practice of sustainable trail design and BMPs prior to implementation of trail development. • Focus trail maintenance on riparian and degraded areas. Locations where trails cross creeks and infringe on riparian zones are of major concern for both user safety and environmental impact. These locations present a fast, achievable opportunity for significant improvement. An inventory and assessment of all sig- nificant trail crossings of creeks should be completed and a priority plan developed and resourced to install safe, low impact bridges at each location. • Develop a road monitoring and maintenance schedule to reduce road - related impacts and respond in a timely manner to issues such as slides and clogged culverts. • Develop and formalize a trail management framework including a strategy to fund a full time trail crew to carry out trail plan recommendations and to organize and enhance volunteer efforts. • Develop metrics to track progress consistent with the Lake Whatcom Management Program. Ecological, social, and economic metrics are required. Examples include: Miles of new trail o Miles of trail maintained • Miles of trail rerouted /upgraded • Annual volunteer hours donated • Capital and grant funding acquired • Water quality monitoring • Miles of forest roads maintained • Formalize trail access agreements with Polygon Financial (Galbraith Mountain), COB (north LMFP), DNR (Y Road trails and Cain Lake area). • Conduct trail closures — begin with signage and passive decommissioning protocol for current trails slated for both active and passive decommission. New user -built trails discovered within the project area will also be decommissioned. Conduct active decommissioning protocols as required, dependent on available main- tenance resources. • Develop the scope of a forest management plan for the project area. • Continue to seek grant funding for trail improvements. Priority 2 (Years 3 and 4) Finalize planning for improved trailhead facilities at LWP. Acquire an additional trailhead for LMFP and begin site planning. • Apply BMPs to ongoing trail maintenance and recommended trail re- routes and upgrades. • Formalize trail access agreements with private land owners along the LMFP ridge and connection to Squires La Ice. • Collaborate with restoration specialists to develop a comprehensive forest management plan. Priority 3 (Years 5 -10) • Complete trailhead improvements at LWP and LMFP • Begin to implement forest restoration and decommission unneeded forest roads • Measure and assess progress based on user needs and established sustainability indicators. Adapt manage- ment practices appropriately. • Formalize trail access or acquire property connection the Hertz Trail to Blue Canyon Road. A simple and consistent model for signage is required to provide navigation, regulatory, interpretive, and man- agement information. A tiered system from trailhead to trail junction is as follows: Trail Network Sign Klos Located at each major trail access point. Elements may include: Trail Information • Trail network map indicating permitted recre- ation modes and difficulty rating • Detailed descriptions of trail difficulty level • Detailed descriptions of on- the -trail signage User code of conduct • Trail etiquette • Mountain biking etiquette • Dog walking etiquette • Riparian area etiquette • Parking and neighborhood interface etiquette • Private land etiquette safety • Trip planning and preparedness recommenda- tions • Recommended mountain biking protective equipment • Emergency contact information ■ Cell -phone coverage disclaimer • Trail condition variability disclaimer Posting Board • Trail condition reports • Temporary message board Contact Information • WCPR contact info • User /volunteer group contact info Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, Whatcom County, WA Sandy Ridge Trail System, Clackamas County, OR TralI head/ Orientation 'Sign Located at each trailhead and key intersections. Elements may include: • Trail name • Permitted use types • Trail length, elevation gain /loss, average travel time by hiking /biking • Topographic profile • Trail difficulty level • Description of mountain bike technical trail features if applicable Tram Signs Site specific as required. Elements may include: • Changes in permitted user type and direction (e.g. ascending or descending) • EMS checkpoint system • Trail intersections • Hazard identification (e.g. cliffs) • Chicane, turnstile or gate feature at entry and exit of all descending mountain bike trail. • Difficulty level symbols for mountain bike tech- nical trail features and ride - arounds. • Directional signage specific to both ascending and descending mountain bike trails. • Site - specific signage for environmental sensitive areas or interpretive areas. Chuckanut Mountain Park, Whatcom County, WA Alsea Falls Trail System Benton County, OR Monitoring, anti an agerr¢c n Long -term management and operations of the trail system will require a significant commitment of depart- mental resources. Because the Plan includes relatively remote trail segments built to high standards allowing year -round use in a sensitive watershed, monitoring and corrective actions are essential. Trail maintenance is an integral part of managing trails. In general, Class A and Class B trails will receive a great- er level of maintenance and an expedited response to trail deterioration. In addition to regularly scheduled maintenance, maintenance triggered by monitoring observations includes: • Unsafe conditions • Significant soil displacement • Trail structure deterioration • Trail braiding • Trail widening • Adverse or potential impacts to critical areas Trail maintenance priorities and strategies are developed on a trail -by -trail basis. Stewardship groups may per- form regular trail maintenance and habitat restoration projects upon approval from WCPR staff. All trail main- tenance activities shall be conducted in accordance with the BMPs outlined in this plan. Frequent monitoring of trail conditions is a key component of a comprehensive maintenance program. Moni- toring allows WCPR to address deteriorating conditions which may impact resources and visitor safety. By ad- dressing issues such as plugged culverts and drains, eroding tread, social trail development, and deteriorating bridges in a timely manner, bigger -scale problems can largely be avoided. To leverage limited staff resources, volunteers will play a significant role in monitoring and reporting. Temporary trail closures may be necessary to allow crews to address safety or resource concerns. • All system trails will be inspected by staff or volunteer trail stewards on a monthly basis to identify poten- tial safety or resource issues. Additionally, trails will be inspected following significant storm events. • Descending -only mountain bike trails will be inspected by staff or volunteer trail stewards on a weekly basis to identify potential safety or resource issues. • All trails will be thoroughly surveyed every 4 years to assess the condition of tread, features, drainage, structures (bridges, puncheon, boardwalk, retaining walls, etc.), and signage. This information will be used to formulate work plans and capital budget requests. • Signs posted at trailheads will provide a method for the public to submit information regarding hazards and trail problems to WCPR staff. • Based on current labor requirements to adequately maintain existing WCPR trails and associated facilities, the following staff and volunteer resources will be needed to adequately meet the monitoring and routine maintenance (logout, brushing, tread repair, and drainage) needs of the trail system annually per mile. • Class A Trails: 25 staff days per mile of trail • Class B Trails: 25 staff days per mile of trail • Class C Trails: 15 staff days per mile of trail • Class D Trails: 10 staff days per mile of trail Co,rimercial Events Special commercial events such as races, festivals, and guided activities are sometimes licensed to occur in WCPR park facilities. All special events are evaluated on an individual basis and are required to provide all necessary support for their operations. Because of the limited infrastructure, sensitive environment, and high level of existing public use, any proposed commercial event shall be evaluated with the following criteria: • Capacity for infrastructure to accommodate the use while maintaining access for the public • Compatibility with watershed protection goals and objectives • Impact to and displacement of public use • Impact to trail conditions Adaptive Managetnent An adaptive management program will be used to address resource impacts that occur as a result of trail use and development of user -built or social trails. Depending on the severity of impacts to sensitive species, habi- tats, and water resources, a variety of management responses may be appropriate. Typical reasons for off -trail travel and the proliferation of social trails includes: to reach a unique vista or fea- ture, because an unmarked trail existed, because the trail was ill- defined, to transit a difficult or muddy trail section, and to move past others on the trail. Adaptive management actions include: Design and develop system trails to meet the needs and desires of users by providing a range of experienc- es and improving trail conditions. • Route trails to positive control points (durable tread, vistas, unique but non - sensitive features) and away from sensitive areas (wetlands, sensitive habitat) • Define system trails with signage and identify non - system trails as such Educate visitors: Ensure visitors are aware of that trampling, soil disturbance, erosion, and impacts to the watershed and sensitive species are problems Encourage use of formal trails to concentrate use to hardened sites Ensure visitors know that unauthorized trail construction is prohibited Evaluate and potentially redesign user -built trails that add value to the system and meet management objectives • Close and rehabilitate trails when the following conditions exist: • Unauthorized trail • Seasonal closures for resource concerns • Sustainability concerns • User safety concerns Trails in LMFP and LWP will generally be located within two trail miles of existing gated forest roads which will allow for timely response to medical and wildfire incidents. Responding agencies will have gate access to all roads within the project area. A trail -based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) checkpoint system, similar to existing systems on Galbraith and Chuckanut Mountains, will aid in locating lost or injured visitors. Emergency response at LMFP is provided by South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA). Although the park is outside of the SWFA service area boundaries, response is provided within the staffing and resource capacity of the department. The SWFA service area also includes the communities surrounding Galbraith Mountain and Chuckanut Mountain. SWFA resources include fire, EMS, and rescue capabilities. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) provides emergency response at Lake Whatcom Park. Search and rescue needs beyond the capabilities of SWFA and NWFR are coordinated by the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. DNR provides wildfire protection and response on non - federal and private forest lands in Washington State. Whatcom County pays an annual fee to DNR through the Forest Fire Protection Assessment. Bi3ckcoi- ntr'y C: rmt ,:, Wj , With the addition of non - motorized trails to remote parts of the project area, there are opportunities to pro- vide primitive backcountry camping in LMFP and LWP. Adding backcountry campgrounds will allow overnight use in the more remote portions of the project area which require long travel distances for access. Backcountry campgrounds will facilitate long- distance trail use with potential future linkages to external trail systems. Locally, there is a shortage of backcountry camping close to Whatcom County's population centers. Currently, limited backcountry camping is available in the Chuckanut Mountains at Pine & Cedar Lakes (hike and bike) and at Lily and Lizard Lakes (hike, bike, equestrian). At LMFP, two multi-use backcountry campgrounds will be located in the southwest portion of the preserve, outside of the Lake Whatcom watershed. One hike -in only campground will be located near the saddle at the head of Austin Creek. At LWP, two multi-use campgrounds will be located in the upper reaches of Smith Creek near existing forest roads. A third multi-use campground will be located near the Wickersham Truck Road at the southern park boundary. One additional hike -in only campground will be located far from other trails in an isolated portion of the park near the southern boundary. WCPR Backcountry Campground Design Elements Hike -in only backcountry campgrounds: • 3 raised and hardened 10' x 10' tent pads per campground • Trail- accessible stream or water available within % mile Sanitation facilities will be determined on a site -by -site basis at the time of build -out. Options include Leave -No -Trace waste disposal, blue bags, composting toilet, or vault outhouse. • Backcountry camping etiquette /Leave -No -Trace signage Horse /Multi -use backcountry campgrounds: • 3 raised and hardened 12' x 12' tent pads per campground • Trail- accessible stream or water available within % mile • Hitching rail with hardened base • Sanitation facilities will be determined on a site -by -site basis at the time of build -out. Options include Leave -No -Trace waste disposal, blue bags, composting toilet, or vault outhouse. • Backcountry camping etiquette /Leave -No -Trace signage Summary: The Recreational Trail Plan seeks to outline a vision for development of a non - motorized trail system that provides year -round trail opportunities for hikers, trail runners, equestrians, mountain bikers, and other users, while protecting water quality and wildlife habitat. The proposed plan concentrates the highest level of development near or in proximity to existing trailheads and infrastructure. Existing sustainability built trails have been incorporated into the proposed system rather than constructing completely new trail segments, and large areas that contain steep and unstable slopes, sen- sitive habitats, and unique natural features have been purposely left undeveloped. The Trail Plan represents a long -term vision that will take time and resources to become a reality. As more complete information becomes available in terms of actual ground conditions, the Plan may require modifica- tions in order to remain consistent with the goals of protecting water quality, preserving habitat while accom- modating trail -based recreation. Works Cited Briceno, T., & Schundler, G., (2015). Economic analysis of outdoor recreation in Washington State. Earth Economics, Tacoma, Washington, 100 P. District of North Vancouver, (2007). Fromme Mountain sustainable trail use and classifi- cation plan. Lees & Associates, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 174 p. District of Squamish. Trail standards manual. Squamish, British Columbia, Canada, 41 p. Flores, L., & Schwartz, A., (2015). Economic con- tribution of outdoor recreation to Whatcom County, Washington. Earth Economics, Taco- ma, Washington, 36 p. Hammitt, W.E., Cole, D.N., & Monz, C.A., (2015) Wildland recreation: ecology and manage- ment -Third Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, West Sussex, United Kingdom, 331 p. International Mountain Bicycling Association, (2004). Trail solutions: IMBA's guide to build- ing sweet singletrack. International Mountain Bicycling Association, Boulder, Colorado, 272 p. International Mountain Bicycling Association, (2007). Managing mountain biking: IMBA's guide to providing great riding. International Mountain Bicycling Association, Boulder, Colo- rado, 256 p. International Mountain Bicycling Association, (2009). Sustainable trail development: a guide to designing and constructing native- surface trails. International Mountain Bicycling As- sociation, Boulder, Colorado, 73 p. Retrieved from http: / /crgov.com /DocumentCenter/ Home /View /1430 Knutson, K. L., & Naef, V.L., (1997). Management recommendations for Washington's priority habitats: riparian. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, 181 P. Lake Whatcom Interjurisdictional Coordinating Team. (2015) Lake Whatcom Management Program 2015 -2019 Work Plan, 50 p. Retrieved from http:// www .lakewhatcom.whatcomcounty.org/ Iwm p_2015- 2019_fina I. pdf Larsen, E. M., editor, (1997). Management recommendations for Washington's priority species, Volume III: Amphibians and Reptiles. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, 122 p. Larsen, E., Azerrad, J.M., & Nordstrom, N., edi- tors, (2004). Management recommendations for Washington's priority species, Volume IV: Birds. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, 280 p. Lindenmeyer, D.B., Franklin, J.F., & Fischer, J., (2006). General management principles and a checklist of strategies to guide forest biodi- versity conservation. Biological Conservation 131, 433 -445. Marshall, R., (2011). No walk in the park: 100 years in Park Township, from Blue Canyon to South Bay, Lake Whatcom. The Journal of the Whatcom County Historical Society 11, 22 -33, Moore, F.S., (1973). An historical geography of the settlement around Lake Whatcom pri- or to 1920. Institute for Freshwater Studies Western Washington State College, Technical Report no. 21, Bellingham, Washington. Works Cited Powell, D.C., (2012). A Stage is a stage is a stage... or is it? Successional stages, structural stages, seral stages. Unpublished white paper. U.S. Forest Service, 14 p. Retrieved from http:// www.fs.usda.gov /Internet /FSE_DOCUMENTS/ stelprdb5413728.pdf State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Re- sources, (2007). Trail planning, design, and development guidelines. Trails & Waterways Division, St. Paul, Minnesota, 306 p. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, (2007). Equestrian design guidebook for trails, trailheads, and campgrounds. USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology and Develop- ment Center, Missoula, Montana, 312 p. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, (2010). Locating your trail bridge for longevity USDA Forest Service Missoula Technology and Development Center, Missoula, Montana, 30 p. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, (2012). Accessibility guidebook for outdoor recreation and trails. USDA Forest Service Mis- soula Technology and Development Center, Missoula, Montana, 122 p. U.S. Department of Justice. (2010) ADA standards for accessible design. September 15, 2010, 275 p. Retrieved from https: / /www.ada.gov/ regs20lO/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAStan- dards.pdf U.S. Department of Justice. (2014) Civil Rights Di- vision. Disability Rights Section. ADA require- ments- wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other power- driven mobility devices, 6 p. Retrieved from https: / /www.ada.gov /opdmd.pdf Washington Native Plant Society. Vascular plant list for Lake Whatcom. Retrieved from http:// www.wnps.org/plant—lists/counties/what- com/whatcom—co u nty. htm I Washington State Department of Ecology. Water quality improvement project Lake Whatcom. Retrieved from http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pro- grams/wq/tmdl/LkWhatcom/LkWhatcomTM- DL.html Washington State Department of Natural Resources. (2004). Lake Whatcom landscape plan. Washington State Department of Natural Resources. (2016). Forest practices board manual, Section 16- guidelines for evaluating potentially unstable slopes and landforms. Pg 16 -11. May 2016. Re- trieved from http: / /wa- dnr.s3.amazonaws.com/ publications /bc_fpb_manual_sectionl6.pdf Whatcom County Government. The National Pol- lutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) webpage for Whatcom County. About NPDES. Retrieved from http://www.npdes.whatcom- county.org /about -npdes Whatcom County Parks & Recreation, (1996). Chuckanut Mountain trails master plan. Osprey Environmental Services, Bellingham, Washinton, 128 p. A. Maps of Conceptual Alternatives 1 -3 B. Geologic Background Memorandum C. Vascular Plant List for Lake Whatcom (WA Native Plant Society) D. Wildlife Species List (WA State Department of Natural Resources) E. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis (Kulshan Services LLC) Flaps of Conceptual Alternatives 1 -3 THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK 0 wnden'Jalley rr G, ,. Lookout _ �= —•O Mountain Forest Preserve r, i ffi�,�,Plzmtaticm JRifle ,rv> �J y _ a 4 1'4 t r4 1 Legend Parking Area !I Waterfall ,le.maven ; :Y Bridge Tower ®Viewpoint# Proposed Trails (12.0 miles) - - - - -• Hiking Trail i, J Hiking/ X Country Mt. Bike Trail — ® — •- o Hiking/ Equestrian Trail 0' 0'6 " "' °' O Trail Distance (mi.) 't5 - - - -- EXisting WCPR Trails (4-1 miles)) O Active Roads (11 miles) - ti Park Boundary :•., Squires Marbled Murrelet Habitat y Lake Park 1: 9,000 N Bald Eagle Habitat i - 'Patina FgasAw�py. - 0 0.25 0.5 1Miles I' .. .. o- rs.,I - 9 i r- Lookout 1+ p Mountain Forest P I'eSOrug 1 m j _....._- - -,Plantation - ,Rifle ,f Range .t k, % Legend r �" Im,hav,T Parking Area 11 Waterfallts� ` Bridge Tower mViewpoint a` - Proposed Trails (14.8 miles) - - - - -• Hiking Trail _.. -f._. Hiking/ X Country ML Bike Trail - - - •- Hiking/ Equestrian Trail r Q i0" Q Trail Distance (mi.) -- Existing WCPR Trails (4.1 miles)' '. - == -• Active Roads (.11 miles) I Park Boundary 0B1d� { Marbled MurreletHabitat L�kerPaYk 1:9,000 1{ = '• ald Eagle Habitat .r.Fiw ��+ +�+'•"+ Z� R� Miles Sudden V.11" gP I - P� Lookout .� Mountain Forest a` Prgiseryo Plumation sidle L� ! 4.. i. Legend - --� t �lennaven E. O Parking Area Waterfall +` Bridge ®Tower Viewpoint Proposed Trails (26.3 miles) - - - - -• Hiking Trail H'k / X C t Mt B ke Trail h j —o—oo i ing oun ry a — — — — — Hiking/ Equestrian Trail Q fir" O Trail Distance fmi.,) , - - - -- Existing WCPR Trails (4.1 miles) a^ y - '"'!!# ;',•�t Active Roads (11 miles)' Park Boundary .. Marbled Murrelet Habitat Sgtatrgs N take Park 1: 9,000 Bald Eagle Habitat v n n do r 0 0.25 0.5 Miles 1' .. env. r,ei Sunnyside �r Landing 4 Lake Whatcom Park Legend Parking Area `y1 Waterfall Bridge Tower Viewpoint Proposed Trails (17.9 miles) - - - - -• Hiking Trail Hiking/ X Country Mt, Bike Trail •- — T m Hiking/ Equestrian Trail 0 O Trail Distance (mi.) - - - -- Existing WCPR Trails (4.3 miles) i Active Roads (6,9 miles) I Park Boundary Marbled Murrelet Habitat Bald Eagle Habitat u r, L , ` 00 Hegg Property 1:8,500 —N 0 0.25 05 1 �� Miles Sunnyside Landing xt Cam. tl n{ Lake ' Whatcom j k �R Park % � =1 t _ i t " , t � 4 t j 0 � p Legend Parking Area Waterfall Bridge 03 Tower mViewpoint Proposed Trails (29.6 miles) -- - - -• Hiking Trail = J- Hiking /X Country Mt, Bike Trail -- - Hiking/ Equestrian Trail Improved Vehicular Access Road (1.6 miles) G- r F. 0 0 Trail Distance (mi.) - - - - - Existing WCPR Trails (4.3 miles) - -- Active Roads (6.9 miles) Park Boundary Marbled Murrelet Habitat Bald Eagle Habitat ', 1 y %.1fn 4 w .pm. ure co-nn.crwn - Hegg Property 1: 8,500 j 0 n 25 05 I� 0 Miles EAMPT-P =A�- nA Geologic Background Memorandum THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK WHATCOM COUNTY Public Works Department 322 N. Commercial Street, Suite 301 Bellingham, WA 98225 TO: Rod Lamb *�W])` MEMORANDUM FROM: Steve Fox, Senior Planner DATE: October 26, 2015 RE: Lake Whatcom Park Trails — Geologic Background Jon Hutchings, Director The geologic underpinning of the Lake Whatcom Park is characterized by two bedrock units: a thick sequence of folded and fractured sandstone, mudstone, conglomerate and coal of the Chuckanut Formation that comprises the northern two thirds of the watershed and the older, metamorphosed and highly deformed phyllite of the Darrington Phyllite located in the southern third of the basin. Regional glaciation sculpted these bedrock units into steep and rugged hillslopes around the lake, and blanketed these slopes with glacial till and outwash deposits. Post - glacial uplift and stream/ debris flow erosion dissected this landscape, leaving deeply incised stream gorges and bedrock hollows that have gradually filled with unstable colluvium deposits. The Chuckanut sandstone and Darrington Phyllite domains have evolved distinct soils and modes of slope failure. The Chuckanut sandstone has low clay content, so the resulting soils are sandy, cohesionless, and highly erodible. The steep bedrock slopes limit soil development and inhibit root anchoring. Shallow landslides are commonplace. Slides are especially common on steep slopes where rain concentrates in places with convergent topography such as channel heads, bedrock hollows, and the inner gorges of streams. The Darrington Phyllite is a highly abused rock type. Repeated deformation and metamorphic events have left the rock highly foliated, sheared and finely fractured, so that the rock is easily penetrated by water and roots. Large, deep seated slope failures characterize this unit. These large scale features affect entire hillsides and are driven by regional precipitation cycles and are less sensitive to small insults on their surface. Phyllite soils are typically shallow, well drained, and permeable. The greatest potential landslide triggers are sidecast fills located in the sharply incised channels that dissect deep seated landslide complexes, poor drainage management that concentrates water at he heads of slides, and cutslopes that undercut the oversteepend toes of slides. Since horse and pedestrian trails are essentially small forest roads, similar best construction and management practices apply. These boil down to a few basic principles: smart location, minimal footprint, good water management, and adequate maintenance. Trail alignments should follow ridges and convex topography wherever possible, favor low angle slopes, avoid and minimize stream and unstable area crossings, and where crossing is unavoidable, avoid significant cuts and fills. A wide tread, cuts deep into the hillside, undercutting unstable areas, creating more side cast fill, and intercepting and daylighting hillslope groundwater. A narrow tread is better. Water management is key since it drives most slope instability. Trail alignments should avoid routing drainage toward convergent topography or other known unstable areas. Keep water in its drainage of origin, and intercepted ground and surface water should be relieved frequently with water bars and ditch outs. Finally, frequent maintenance is necessary to prevent drainage problems from developing that can concentrate water in unstable areas and trigger slides. THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK O Vascular Plant List for Lake Whatcom Park (Washington Native Plant Society) THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Lake Whatcom, Whatcom County, WA. List covers plants found along the Lake Whatcom Trail, along the southeast shore of Lake Whatcom, east of Bellingham. List by Jim Duemmel, date unknown. 124 spp. These lists represent the work of different "PS members over the years. Their accuracy has not been verified by the Washington Native Plant Society. We offer these lists to individuals as a tool to enhance the enjoyment and study of native plants. *Introduced species. 5cientiric name Common Name Plant Family Abies grandis Grand fir Pinaceae Acer circinatum Vine maple Aceraceae Acer glabrum Douglas maple Aceraceae Acer macrophyllum Big -leaf maple Aceraceae Achillea millifolium Yarrow Asteraceae Adiantum pedatum Maidenhair fern Polypodiaceae Alnus rubra Red alder Betulaceae Amelanchier alnifolia Serviceberry Rosaceae Anaphalis margaritacea Pearly everlasting Asteraceae Aquilegia formosa Red columbine Ranunculaceae Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone Ericaceae Artemesia suksdorfii Suksdorf's sagewort Asteraceae Aruncus sylvester Goatsbeard Rosaceae Athyrium filix- femina Lady fern Polypodiaceae Barbarea vulgaris* Bitter wintercress Brassicaceae Berberis nervosa Cascade Oregongrape Berberidaceae Betula papyrifera Paper birch Betulaceae Bromus sitchensis Alaska brome Poaceae Buddleja davidii* Butterfly bush Buddlejaceae Callitriche sp. Water - starwort Callitrichaceae Cardamine oligosperma Little Western bittercress Brassicaceae Cardamine pennsylvanica Pennsylvania bittercress Brassicaceae Carex deweyana Dewey's sedge Cyperaceae Carex hendersonii Henderson's sedge Cyperaceae Carex obnupta Slough sedge Cyperaceae Carex stipata Sawbeak sedge Cyperaceae Castilleja hispida Harsh paintbrush Scrophulariaceae Chrysanthemum leucanthemum *Ox -eye daisy Asteraceae Circaea alpina Enchanter's nightshade Onagraceae Circium arvense* Canada thistle Asteraceae Circium vulgare* Bull thistle Asteraceae Corpus nuttallii Pacific dogwood Cornaceae Cornus stolonifera Red -osier dogwood Cornaceae Corylus cornuta Hazelnut Betulaceae Crepis capillaris* Smooth hawksbeard Asteraceae Dactylis glomerate* Orchard grass Poaceae Dianthus armeria* Grass pink Caryophyllaceae Lake Whatcom, Whatcom County, WA WNPS Plant Lists. Pagel of 3 Digatalis purpurea* Foxglove Scrophulariaceae Dryopteris austriaca Spreading wood -fern Polypodiaceae Epilobium angustifolium Fireweed Onagraceae Epilobium minutum Small- flowered willow -herb Onagraceae Equisetum telmateia Giant horsetail Equisetaceae Fragaria vesca Wild strawberry Rosaceae Galium aparine Cleavers Rubiaceae Gaultheria shallon Salal Ericaceae Geranium robertianum* Stinky Bob Geraniaceae Geum macrophyllum Large - leaved avens Rosaceae Heuchera micrantha Small- flowered alumroot Saxifragaceae Holcus lanatus* Common velvet grass Poaceae Holodiscus discolor Ocean spray Rosaceae Hypericum perforatum* Klamath weed Hypericaceae Hypochaeris radicata* Hairy cat's -ear Asteraceae Ilex aquifolium* English holly Aquifoliaceae Impatiens capensis* Orange balsam Balsaminaceae Juncus effusus Soft rush Juncaceae Lactuca muralis* Wall lettuce Asteraceae Lapsana communis* Nipplewort Asteraceae Lonicera ciliosa Orange honeysuckle Caprifoliaceae Lonicera involucrata Twinberry Caprifoliaceae Luzula parviflora Small- flowered woodrush Juncaceae Mellisa officinalis* Lemon balm Lamiaceae Mimulus alsinoides Chickweed monkey - flower Scrophulariaceae Montia parvifolia Streambank spring beauty Portulacaceae Montia perfoliata Miner's lettuce Portulacaceae Montia siberica Candyflower Portulacaceae Nemophila parviflora Small- flowered nemophila Hydrophyllaceae Oemlaria cerasiformus Indian plum Rosaceae Oenanthe sarmentosa Water parsley Apiaceae Penstemon serrulatus Cascade penstemon Scrophulariaceae Physocarpus capitatus Pacific ninebark Rosaceae Plantago lanceolate* English plantain Plantaginaceae Plantago major* Common plantain Plantaginaceae Poa pratensis* Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae Polypodium glycyrrhiza Licorice fern Polypodiaceae Polystichum munitum Sword fern Polypodiaceae Populus trichocarpa Black cottonwood Salicaceae Prunella vulgaris Self -heal Lamiaceae Prunus cerasus* Sour cherry Rosaceae Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas fir Pinaceae Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Polypodiaceae Quercus garryana Oregon white oak Fagaceae Ranunculus acris* Meadow buttercup Ranunculaceae Ranunculus ficaria* Lessar Celandine Ranunculaceae Ranunculus repens* Creeping buttercup Ranunculaceae Lake Whatcom, Whatcom County, WA. WNPS Plant Lists. Page 2 of 3 Ribes lacustre Prickly currant Grossulariaceae Ribes sanguinium Red - flowered currant Grossulariaceae Rosa nutkana Nootka rose Rosaceae Rosa pisocarpa Clustered wild rose Rosaceae Rubus discolor* Himalayan blackberry Rosaceae Rubus laciniatus* Evergreen blackberry Rosaceae Rubus leucodermis Blackcap Rosaceae Rubus parviflorus Thimbleberry Rosaceae Rubus spectabilis Salmonberry Rosaceae Rubus ursinus Wild blackberry Rosaceae Rumex obtusifolius* Broad - leaved dock Polygonaceae Sambucus cerulea Blue elderberry Caprifoliaceae Sambucus racemosa Red elderberry Caprifoliaceae Saxifraga integrifolia Grassland saxifrage Saxifragaceae Sedum spathulifolium Broadleaved stonecrop Crassulaceae Smilacina racemosa False Solomon's seal Liliaceae Solanum dulcamara* Bittersweet nightshade Solanaceae Sonchus asper* Prickly sowthistle Asteraceae Sonchus uliginosus* Marsh sowthistle Asteraceae Spiraea douglasii Hardhack Rosaceae Stachys cooleyae Cooley's hedge - nettle Lamiaceae Symphoricarpos albus Common snowberry Caprifoliaceae Tanacetum vulgare* Common tansy Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale* Dandelion Asteraceae Tellima grandiflora Fringecup Saxifragaceae Thuja plicata Western red cedar Cupressaceae Tolmiea menziesii Youth -on -age Saxifragaceae Trientalis latifolia Broadleaved starflower Primulaceae Trifolium dubium* Least hop clover Fabaceae Trifolium pratense* Red clover Fabaceae Trifolium repens* White clover Fabaceae Trisetum cernuum Nodding trisetum Poaceae Tsuga heterophylla Western hemlock Pinaceae Urtica dioica Stinging nettle Urticaceae Vaccinium parvifolium Red huckleberry Ericaceae Valeriana scouleri Scouler's valerian Valerianaceae Verbascum thapsus* Common mullein Scrophulariaceae Veronica americana American brooklime Scrophulariaceae Veronica biloba Bilobed speedwell Scrophulariaceae Vicia gigantea Giant vetch Fabaceae Lake Whatcom, Whatcom County, WA. WNPS Plant Lists. Page 3 of 3 THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Appendix D Wildlife Species list (WA State Department of Natural Resources) THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Wildlife species known to occur or likely to occur in the Lake Whatcom Landscape. (Key: FSC= Federal Species of Concern; FT= Federal Threatened; FE= Federal Endangered; FC= Federal Candidate; SM= State Monitor; SS= State Sensitive; SC= State Candidate; ST= State Threatened; SE= State Endangered;) Amphibians: northwestern salamander (Ambystoma gracile) Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) Oregon Ensatina ( Ensatina eschscholtzi oregonensis) western redback salamander (Plethodon vehiculum) Roughskin newt (Taricha granulosa) western toad (Bufo boreas) SC Pacific tree frog (Hyla regilla) tailed frog(Ascaphus truei) SM red - legged frog (Rana aurora) bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Reptiles northwestern garter snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) Birds common loon (Gavia immer) SS pied - billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) eared grebe ( Podiceps nigricollis) western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) SC double- crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) great blue heron (Ardea herodias) SM green- backed heron (Butorides striatus) Canada goose (Branta canadensis) FSC wood duck (Aix sponsa) green- winged teal (Anas crecca) mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) northern pintail (Anas acuta) gadwall (Anas strepera) American wigeon (Anas americana) ring- necked duck (Aythya collaris) lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) common merganser (Mergus merganser) turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) SM osprey (Pandion haliaetus) SM bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) FSC; SS northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) sharp- shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) SC red - tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) SC American kestrel (Falco sparverius) merlin (Falco columbarius) SC peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) FSC; SS gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) SM blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) sora rail (Porzana carolina) American coot (Fulica americana) killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia) common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) ring - billed gull (Larus delawarensis) glaucous- winged gull (Larus glaucescens) rock dove (Columba livia) band - tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata) mourning dove (Senaida macroura) common barn owl (Tyto alba) western screech owl (Otis kennicottii) great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca) SM northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma) barred owl (Strix varia) long -eared owl (Asio otus) northern saw -whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) black swift (Cypseloides niger) SM Vaux's swift (Chaetura vauxi) SC rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) red - breasted sapsucker (Sphrapicus ruber) downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) SC olive -sided flycatcher (Contopus borealis) FSC western wood -pewee (Contopus sordidulus) Pacific slope flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) purple martin (Progne subis) SC violet -green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) northern rough- winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis) Stellar's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) common raven (Corvus corax) black - capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus) chestnut - backed chickadee (Parus rufescens) bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) red - breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) brown creeper (Certhia americana) Bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii) house wren (Troglodytes aedon) winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris) American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) golden- crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa) ruby- crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula) Townsend's solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus) American robin (Turdus migratorius) varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius) cedar waxwing (Bombycillia cedrorum) northern shrike (Lanius excubitor) European starling (Sturnus vulgarus) solitary vireo (Vireo solitarius) Hutton's vireo (Vireo huttoni) warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus) orange- crowned warbler (Vermivora celata) Nashville warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla) yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) yellow - rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata) black- throated gray warbler (Dendroica nigrescens) Townsend's warbler (Dendroica townsendi) MacGillivray's warbler (Oporornis tolmiei) common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) Wilson's warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) black- headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) spotted towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca) song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) golden- crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) white - crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) dark -eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) red - winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) brown - headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus) house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) pine siskin (Carduelis pinus) American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) evening grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) Mammals Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) Pacific water shrew (Sorex bendirii) SM water shrew (Sorex palustris) vagrant shrew (Sorex vagrans) Trowbridge's shrew (Sorex trowbridgii) shrew -mole (Neurotrichus gibbsi) Pacific mole (Scapanus orarius) Townsend's mole (Scapanus townsendii) big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) silver- haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) California myotis (Myotis californicus) Long -eared Myotis (Myotis evotis) SM little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) long - legged myotis (Myotis volans) SM Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) FSC Townsend's big -eared bat (Plecotus townsendii) SC coyote (Canis latrans) red fox ( Vulpes vulpes) black bear (Ursus americanus) raccoon (Procyon lotor) river otter (Lutra canadensis) striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) ermine (Mustela erminea) long - tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) mink (Mustela vison) spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) mountain lion (Felis concolor) bobcat (Lynx rufus) black - tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa) northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) Townsend's chipmunk (Tamias townsendii) Douglas' squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) beaver (Castor canadensis) bushy - tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) southern red - backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) long- tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus) Oregon vole (Microtus oregoni) Townsend's vole (Microtus townsendii) muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) house mouse (Mus musculus) Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) Pacific jumping mouse (Zapus trinotatus) porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) pika (Ochotona princeps) snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Historical Wildlife Species Extirpated from Planning Area Birds marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) FT; ST spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) FT; SE Mammals gray wolf (Canis lupus) FE; SE grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) FT; SE wolverine (Gulo gulo) SC marten (Martes americana) fisher (Martes pennanti) FC; SE lynx ( Lynx canadensis) FT; ST elk (Cervus elaphus) Appendix E Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis (Kulshan Services LLC) THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK Lookout Mountain Park and January 2016 Lake Whatcom Park Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Table of Contents I. Purpose and Need .............................................................................. ..............................3 Figure1— Vicinity Map ...................................................................... ............................... 4 II. Description of the Alternatives ......................................................... ............................... 5 Figure 2 — Lookout Mountain Park Conceptual Trails Proposal...... ............................. ... 7 Figure 3 — Lake Whatcom Park Conceptual Trails Proposal ............... ..............................8 Figure 4 — Lookout Mountain Park Alternative 3 Conceptual Trails Map ... ..................10 Figure 5 — Lake Whatcom Park Alternative 3 Conceptual Trails Map ...........................11 III. Affected Environment ..................................................................... .............................14 IV. Environmental Consequences of the Alternatives... . ...................... ......................... — 22 Figure 6 — Lookout Mountain Opportunities and Constraints .......... .............................35 Figure 7 — Lake Whatcom Opportunities and Constraints .............. ............................... 36 V. Agencies /Parties Consulted ............................................................ ............................... 45 AppendixA ......................................................................................................................... 48 Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 1 Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 1. Purpose and Need In 2007, as part of a long -range planning process to provide recreational opportunities and connectivity between communities and existing parks and trails around Lake Whatcom, Whatcom County entered into a collaborative effort with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to undertake a transfer of forest trust lands in the Lake Whatcom Watershed for park purposes. Transfer of forest trust lands to counties is accommodated through a process known as re- conveyance (RCW 79.22.300). Lands transferred through this process require that they be used for park purposes. At the time, the County recognized that efforts to provide additional protection to the Lake Whatcom watershed and water quality could also be accommodated through the broad interpretation of park purposes and implementation of best management practices. In January 2014, Whatcom County took title to 8,844 acres of State Forest Trust lands from the DNR (Figure 1). Approximately 7,000 acres of the new park lands are located within the Lake Whatcom Watershed. Since acquiring these lands, Whatcom County Parks and Recreation (WCPR) has embarked on a recreational trails planning process. In a March, 2015 community meeting, staff presented three conceptual alternatives which outlined different levels of trail development. Following that meeting, WCPR staff used public comment, technical guidance from other agencies, stakeholder input and a variety of information on recreation, ecology, geology, and watershed management to develop the draft Recreational Trail Plan for Lookout Mountain Park and Lake Whatcom Park. A number of trail configurations and associated facilities were developed through the trail planning process. These alternatives are discussed in this document. The draft Recreational Trail Plan for Lookout Mountain Park and Lake Whatcom Park is the Preferred Alternative. This Environmental Analysis is a supplemental review document intended to support the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist. The SEPA review will be used to establish the appropriate threshold determination for the Trail Plan. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 4 Lake f .r W hatcom w ^ Park _ I a qw* r ate... .. . , i ., Lookout��� Mountain Park .,.o Vwo- Legend Ayer err F—r al—hA d err Fa—t Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 4 li. Description of the Alternatives Recreational Trail Plan — Preferred Alternative The Recreational Trail Plan (Trail Plan) for Lookout Mountain Park (LMP) and Lake Whatcom Park (LWP) is a landscape -level trail plan. The Trail Plan provides the preferred trail layout and a preliminary park design prior to applying for trail construction permits. The project area covers approximately 9,389 acres split evenly over two sites (Figures 2 & 3). The proposed development identified in the Trail Plan will meet federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of potential impacts caused by trail construction will be integrated into this trail plan. Trails in the project area will be constructed using the standards adopted by WCPR. The WCPR standards are a combination of trail construction standards used by the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). The USFS and IMBA trail standards emphasize trail sustainability and are utilized by recreational land managers throughout the United States. The proposed trail system will accommodate hikers and runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Some of the proposed trails will allow all user groups while other trails will separate users to maintain the integrity of the experience and for users' safety. Trail gradients will be set to reduce channelization of water during and following storm events. Storm flow will be diverted from trails into the forest floor to reduce water quality impacts. Four phases of trail construction have been identified in the Trail Plan, however, a specific implementation timeline has not yet been determined. Phases 1 and 2 will link existing trails and build loop trails closer to the trailheads; Phases 3 and 4 will construct trails into and along the more remote sections of the project area. The Trail Plan has approximately the same trail mileage as Alternative 3, a conceptual trail layout presented at the public meetings held in the spring of 2015. With feedback from those meetings and the numerous public comments received during the planning process, the Trail Plan meets a desired combination of recreational use and environmental protection. LMP is set on the west side of Lake Whatcom. It utilizes the existing WCPR trailhead at the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve along Lake Louise Road. Trail connections are planned from Galbraith Mountain to the northwest and WCPR's Squires Lake Park to the south. A total of 54.4 miles of trails are planned for Lookout Mountain Park. Three backcountry camping sites are proposed for LMP. Parking at LMP currently has capacity for 29 vehicles; the Trail Plan provides for an additional 31 vehicles plus 10 equestrian truck /trailer parking spots. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC LWP is on the east side of Lake Whatcom. The entire site is situated on western slope of Stewart Mountain. Trail connections to this park are planned from the existing Y -Road trailhead to the north and existing DNR forest roads to the south. The proposed trails in this park will total 43.6 miles. Four backcountry camping sites are planned for LWP. Parking at LWP currently has capacity for 45 vehicles; the Trail Plan provides for an additional 35 vehicles and 10 equestrian truck /trailer parking spots. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC F`Ag3iwe'2 - Lookout Mountain Park- Concept uall t i-ails Propoial 4t Ulm, P.n no. RIfM Rarw zZ 4 Legend [a ih—d Use 1-1, 54.4ft Ul# trtils Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC �Z] Lake Park :z LMM Pwk Whatc—County In Skagit County j j r -A Figure ,3 - bake Whatcom Farb Conceptual 'Trails Proposal To "nmrn.m 10 qw- r.—Y ldle Lwow q i 1 1 e F Legend n, �- Q Shared U- ha11 w Awry Iw. re.vrreo+ Q Megg �.. SlrKle Ure Tnllr IiV i k y: :® F. V]I*V Mwy 9 Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 8 Alternative 3 Alternative 3 reflects the highest level of trail development of the three conceptual trail plans presented to the public and stakeholders in the spring of 2015 (Figures 4 & 5). Public comments identified a strong demand for the maximum level of trails possible within the project area. The project area covers approximately 9,389 acres split evenly between LMP and LWP. The proposed trails identified in Alternative 3 will meet federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Impacts to the environment will be avoided, minimized or mitigated with planned actions. Trails in the project area will be constructed using the standards adopted by WCPR. The WCPR standards are a combination of trail construction standards used by the USFS and IMBA. The USFS and IMBA trail standards emphasize trail sustainability and are utilized by recreational lands managers throughout the United States. The proposed trail system will accommodate hikers and runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Some of the proposed trails will allow all use types while other trails will separate users to maintain the integrity of the experience and provide for user safety. Trail gradients will be designed to prevent channelization of water during and following storm events. Storm flow will be diverted from trails into the forest floor to minimize water quality impacts. LMP is on the west side of Lake Whatcom. Alternative 3 will utilize the existing WCPR trailhead at the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve along Lake Louise Road. Trail connections will be possible from Galbraith Mountain to the northwest, and WCPR's Squires Lake Park to the south. A total of 42.8 miles of trails are planned for LMP. No backcountry camping sites are proposed for this park. Parking at LMP currently has capacity for 29 vehicles; Alternative 3 provides for an additional 31 vehicles plus 10 equestrian truck /trailer parking spots. LWP is on the east side of Lake Whatcom. The entire site is situated on the western slope of Stewart Mountain. Trail connections to this park are possible from the existing Y -Road trailhead and existing forest roads to the south. The proposed trails in this park total 49.8 miles. No backcountry camping sites are planned for LWP. Parking at LWP currently has capacity for 45 vehicles. The expanded parking area at P3 (Figure 5) will require a new non - motorized trail bridge to provide access for the associated trailhead. Alternative 3 also includes the development of a vehicular accessible viewpoint. Upgrades to an existing service road will accommodate two -way vehicular traffic, providing motorized access to the viewpoint. The viewpoint will include restrooms, interpretive signage and a hitching post. Alternative 3 provides for the same level of additional parking at LWP, as described in the Trail Plan, plus an additional 5 parking spots at the viewpoint. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC Figure 4 - Lookout Mountain lark Alternative 3 Conceptual Trails "rails Map +r C r Lookout Mountain Forest Proae"o m - !Plantation Rdle Range � 1 /�Yyy td k l� r. Legend ParAia+r<Ari•.. Watrt Mil -•. n ,� � - __ . 0 nrrocr � raven pi{ •rwwpinmt vvnpmed frail, X253 mdns) � 7 w' „�. i i, , -I O 0 .. ......... , —° ”' CIN '•4 Lee Par�w�� Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 10 Figure 5 - Lake Wbatumn Park Alternative 3 Conceptual Trails Map mm- Lake fo-'l Whallcom Park I-T LegLnd Proposed Tr3ils 129.6 miles) � \ � Hogg� Properly 1: 8, SOO Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis VVhatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared byKu|shan Services LL[ 11 No Action Alternative The No Action Alternative maintains the existing trails, parking, and facilities at their current levels for both LMP and LWP. Maintenance of the existing trails will continue at current levels though increases in recreational use can be expected as the local population grows in the future. There are approximately 5.7 miles of existing trails at LMP and approximately 4 miles of existing trails at LWP. Existing trails in the project area total approximately 9.7 miles. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 12 Alternatives Considered But Rejected Alternative 1 Alternative 1 represented a minimal level of trail development. This trail configuration kept new trails near existing developed facilities such as trailheads, outhouses, and existing WCPR trails. New outhouse stalls, additional parking and improved trail signage were part of Alternative 1. Unsustainable user -built trails would be closed and returned to a natural state. Active service roads would be maintained for non - motorized recreation. At LMP, trails would connect the trailhead to Galbraith Mountain and Squires Lake. LMP would receive approximately 12.1 miles of new trails and LWP would receive approximately 5.7 miles of new trails under this alternative. The total new trail mileage proposed under Alternative 1 would be approximately 17.8 miles. This alternative was rejected because it did not meet the public demand for trail mileage in the project area and excluded equestrian trails. Alternative 2 Alternative 2 included the trailhead improvements noted in Alternative 1 but added equestrian trails at LWP and additional trails at both LMP and LWP. Unsustainable user -built trails would be closed and returned to a natural state. Active service roads would be maintained for non - motorized recreation. LMP would receive approximately 14.8 miles of new trails and LWP would receive approximately 18 miles of new trails under this alternative. The total new trail mileage under Alternative 2 would be approximately 32.8 miles. This alternative was rejected because it did not meet the public demand for trail mileage in the project area. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 13 III. Affected Environment This section summarizes the natural and human environment that may be affected by the proposal and alternatives under consideration. Earth LMP and LWP are located on Lookout Mountain and Stewart Mountain, respectively. Elevations for the project area range from 300 feet above sea level at or near Lake Whatcom and reach to nearly 3,000 feet at the mountains' ridgelines. The steepest slopes exceed 70 percent, primarily along the deeply incised stream beds common throughout the project area. The soils in the project area consist of silty loams, sandy loams, gravely loams, and occasional sandstone outcrops. None of these soils are currently used for agriculture, and agriculture is not planned for the project area. LMP has approximately 170 acres of historic and current landslides. LWP has approximately 240 acres of historic and current landslides. LMP and LWP are located predominately on the sandstone of the Chuckanut Formation; a small section of LMP above Reed Lake is part of the Darrington Phyllites. Currently there are 5.7 miles of trails at LMP and 4 miles at LWP. Parking areas cover approximately 0.36 acre at LMP and 0.58 acre at LWP. Air Air quality is generally good within the project area. Wood burning by residents and the estimated 2,810 vehicle trips per day on Lake Louise and North Shore Roads servicing homes, businesses, and parklands within the Lake Whatcom watershed impact local air quality at times. Air quality impacts from Interstate 5, and industrial and urban air pollution sources occasionally enter the project area. See the following website for more information: http://www.iiwcicaii�ijr.orglairQuality/current.a5p Water LMP and LWP have three major drainages and numerous unnamed tributaries, most of which discharge directly into Lake Whatcom and several others that discharge into Cain, Reed, and Samish Lakes south of Lake Whatcom. Lake Whatcom is identified as a shoreline of statewide significance under RCW 90.58.030(2)(f)(iv). The Lake Whatcom Watershed is listed as an impaired water body by the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily due to low levels of dissolved oxygen as a result of increased levels of phosphorus and fecal coliform. Under the (303(d]) listing, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) issues Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits on amounts of pollutants that can be introduced into the lake. Lower Austin Creek and Lower Smith Creek also have TMDLs assigned to them. While a range of pollutants Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 14 are regulated and monitored under the TMDLs, the primary pollutant of concern associated with the trail plan for LMP and LWP is phosphorus. Phosphorous primarily enters the lake via stormwater runoff when soils are disturbed. Approximately 7,000 acres (80 %) of the total park area is within the Lake Whatcom Watershed. Vegetation (Plants) The primary tree species at LMP and LWP are Douglas fir, Western hemlock, Western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and Silver fir. Alder is present in recently disturbed areas and Big -leaf maple is found on the lower slopes. Most of the tree stand ages within the project area are between 51 and 100 years and are primarily Douglas fir. Smaller sections of LMP and LWP have stand ages between 101 to 159 years with a few areas having trees older than 160 years. Stand ages of less than 25 years are located in some sections of the project area. Stand Conditions Lookout Mountain i�LMP) Stand Condition Name Age Class (yrs) Orig. Year Acres Grass -forb 0 -5 2010 -2015 0 Shrub 6 -15 2000 -2009 171.3 Open sapling -pole 16 -30 1985 -1999 212.5 Closed sapling -pole- saw- timber 31 -80 1935 -1984 1442.9 Large sawmill 81 -200 1815 -1934 2009.9 Old- growth 200 -700 1315 -1815 0 No Information N/A N/A 208.6 Lake Whatcom (LWP) Stand Condition Name Age Class (yrs) Orig. Year Acres Grass -forb 0 -5 2010 -2015 9.3 Shrub 6 -15 2000 -2009 40.3 Open sapling -pole 16 -30 1985 -1999 340.4 Closed sapling -pole- saw- timber 31 -80 1935 -1984 2405.1 Large sawmill 81 -200 1815 -1934 1438.4 Old- growth 200 -700 1 1315 -1815 0 No Information N/A N/A 138,5 Data Source: Washington Department of Natural Resources Dataset at: http: // fortress. wa. gov /dnr /appl /dataweb /dmmatrix.htm. Wildlife (Animals) Birds and other animals known or expected to be present in the project area include black tail deer, black bear, mountain lion, coyote, hawk, heron, songbirds, squirrel, chipmunk, beaver, Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 15 raccoon, and opossum among others. The Townsend's big eared bat may occur in the project area. Appendix A, adapted from the DNR Lake Whatcom Landscape Plan (2002), provides a comprehensive list of wildlife species known or expected to occur in and around the project area. Elk are not expected to occur in the project area. Core range for the Nooksack herd is outside of the Lake Whatcom watershed (WDFW 2002). Tributaries of Austin Creek and Smith Creek likely support cutthroat trout year round and spawning kokanee in the fall. The marbled murrelet is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and may occur within the project area. A total of 319.83 acres (LMP — 36.41 acres, LWP 283.42 acres) of potential or suitable marbled murrelet habitat has been identified in the project area. Management of marbled murrelet habitat in the project area is regulated by the DNR State Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The gray wolf is currently listed as endangered under the ESA. The population that includes western Washington has been proposed for delisting from the ESA. One gray wolf occurrence record is identified in the vicinity of the project area on the WDFW Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) database. This record is from 1995 and covers a large area (Township scale) that includes the northern portion of LWP. The bald eagle was delisted from the ESA's threatened and endangered list on August 8, 2007, but is still federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) require consultation with landowners regarding development activities occurring within 660 feet of a bald eagle nest tree. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) list the bald eagle as a "State Sensitive Species" and no longer actively regulates bald eagle protections. Cities and counties may still protect bald eagles under local critical area rules as part of the Growth Management Act. Much of the lower elevations of LWP are listed by Whatcom County as "Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area" (HCA) for bald eagles and defer to the federal standards for bald eagle management. Energy and Natural Resources The project area is currently used for non- motorized public recreation. There is parking for 29 vehicles at LMP and 45 vehicles at LWP. The parking lots are frequently near capacity indicating that vehicle use is the primary mode for trailhead access. A smaller number of users access the project area via public transit, bicycle, or by foot. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 16 nvironmental Health The project area has been utilized for commercial forestry for over a century as well as coal mining in late 1800's. Maintenance of the BPA power utility line occasionally requires the use of herbicide to control plant growth. Aside from the BPA utility, there are no known sites or locations with environmental hazards within either LMP or LWP. Noise The project area receives noise impacts from vehicles on the roads near Lake Whatcom, from recreational activities on the lake, and from the summer camp along the shoreline opposite LWP. Noise from aircraft associated with Bellingham International Airport and Vancouver International Airport can be heard depending on wind direction. The BPA transmission lines in LWP create noise that increases with rain and snow events. Noise will be generated from light weight motorized machines operated during trail construction activities. Land and Shoreline Use The vast majority of the project area is currently designated as "Commercial Forestry' under the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan with small sections classified as "Rural Forestry" and "Public Recreation." At this time the Whatcom County Title 20 zoning classifications for the project area are CF (Commercial Forestry), RF (Rural Forestry), and ROS (Recreation Open Space). Portions of the project area that are within the Lake Whatcom Watershed are also regulated by WCC 20.51 Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District. Commercial timber harvesting is permitted outside of the project areas on a mix of private and public lands. The project areas have power lines and transmission towers with access easements and associated service roads. The Whatcom County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) regulates "Shorelines of Statewide Significance" within Whatcom County. LMP has a small section of shoreline listed as "Rural" under the SMP. LWP has approximately 4 miles of shoreline designated as "Natural" and a small section designated as "Conservancy" under the SMP. Regulation of waterways and tributaries other than Shorelines of Statewide Significance falls under the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).The Whatcom County CAO elements that apply to the project area are specified below. LMP Critical Areas: • Geologically Hazardous Areas: o Austin Creek— Mass Wasting o Slopes >35 percent, Slopes 15 -35 percent • Wetlands: o Upper Beaver Creek —Small wetland identified on CAO map. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 17 • Salmonid Fish Habitat Conservation Areas: • Austin Creek— HCA lb —current distribution (100 -foot buffer) • Beaver Creek— HCA lb— current and presumed distribution (100 -foot buffer) • Rivers and Streams: • Fish bearing streams —Austin Creek, Beaver Creek (100 -foot buffer) • Non -fish bearing streams — 50 -foot buffer LWP Critical Areas: • Geologically Hazardous Areas: • Lower Smith Creek — Alluvial Fan Hazard • Slopes >35 percent, Slopes 15 -35 percent, Mass Wasting Events • Wetlands: o Lower Smith Creek —Small wetland identified in alluvial fan • Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas: o Lake Whatcom HCA —100 -foot buffer • Lower Smith Creek —Riparian Zone • Bald eagle • Salmonid Fish Habitat Conservation Areas: • Lower Smith Creek — Habitat Conservation Area (HCA) 1a Stream (150 -foot buffer) • Middle Smith Creek — HCA 1b current known distribution (100 -foot buffer) • Upper Smith Creek — HCA 1b presumed potential /historic habitat (100 -foot buffer) • Three unnamed streams entering Lake Whatcom — lower reaches HCA 1b current known distribution (100 -foot buffer) • Rivers and Streams: • Fish bearing streams — Middle Smith Creek, Upper Smith Creek, three unnamed streams entering Lake Whatcom (100 -foot buffer) • Non -fish bearing streams — 50 -foot buffer There are no agricultural lands within either LMP or LWP. Housing One 2- bedroom residential structure is located within the boundaries of the existing LWP. This home is currently used by WCPR as a rental. There are no plans to change the status or use of the existing rental home. Aesthetics The visual character of the project area features a combination of forest lands with varying stand ages from timber harvest activities interspersed with undisturbed, multilayered mature Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 18 forest. LWP includes a BPA electrical transmission corridor that bisects the area. A group of communication towers are located within LMP. The project area includes forest roads used to maintain the utility lines and communication towers. Forest roads were also used to support past timber harvest activities. There are currently information kiosks, outhouses, bridges, trail signs and parking lots at both LMP and LWP. The Hertz Trail at LWP has a shelter structure with historical information posted. All these structures are managed by WCPR and meet accepted design standards. Light and Glare Existing trails and structures produce little to no light and glare. Recreation The project area is currently used for hiking, running, mountain biking, bird watching, swimming, paddling and other activities. There are approximately 9.7 miles of existing trails (LMP - 5.7 miles, LWP - 4 miles). In addition to the trails, the service roads provide access and recreational opportunities for visitors at both parks. Currently the County is not meeting the recreational trail level of service of 0.6 miles of trail per 1,000 people (Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 4, Policy 4G -2, February 2014). Implementation of the trail plan will bring the County into compliance with existing level of service thresholds. Annual trail user count information is collected using an electronic sensor at the Lake Whatcom Park and Lookout Mountain trailheads. Annual Trail Users Lake Whatcom Park Lookout Mountain 2008 36,967 42,112 N/A 2009 N/A 2010 39,759 N/A 2011 39,199 N/A 2012 44,901 4,719 2013 47,752 9,635 2014 47,233 13,849 2015 54,888 17,206 Historic and Cultural Preservation Two archeological sites within the project area have been identified by the Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 19 Transportation The LMP trailhead is located on Lake Louise Road on the west side of Lake Whatcom. Lake Louise Road is approached from the north via Lakeway Drive and Cable Streets or from the south via Lake Whatcom Boulevard. There is currently capacity for parking 29 vehicles at the LMP Lake Louise trailhead. The Whatcom Transportation Authority's Route 512 provides bus service connecting Sudden Valley with downtown Bellingham. Route 512 travels along Lake Louise Road 13 times daily with the closest stop at Sudden Valley's Gate 9, near the entrance of the LMP trailhead. The current road classification for Lake Louise Road is Urban Minor Arterial. The most recent (2013) traffic statistics for Lake Louise Road are: • 1,448 Average Daily Trips (ADT) @ Gate 9 • 1,638 Average Daily Trips (ADT) @ Gate 13 • Level of Service (LOS) = 75% of Capacity • Urban Minor Arterial Capacity = 1,800 Peak Hour Capacity (LOS = 1,350) The LWP trailheads are located off North Shore Road on the east side of Lake Whatcom with capacity for 45 parked vehicles. Currently, no public transportation services LWP. The current road classification for North Shore Road is Urban Minor Collector (West of Y Road) and Local Access Road (East of Y Road). Most recent (2013) traffic statistics for North Shore Road are: • 2,758 Average Daily Trips (ADT) — West of Y Road near the City Limits • 1,171 Average Daily Trips (ADT) — East of the Y Road • Level of Service (LOS) = 75% of Capacity • Local Access Road Capacity = 1,600 Peak Hour Capacity (LOS = 1,200) Public Services Law enforcement coverage for the park is provided by the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. Fire protection and associated emergency services in the area are managed by the following organizations: • LMP — South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) and DNR • LWP — Whatcom County Fire District #4 and DNR Utilities A major regional Bonneville Power Authority (BPA) electrical transmission line bisects LWP. Electrical and sewer services are located at the LMP trailhead. High voltage power lines are Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 20 buried under several roads within LMP to service the communication towers. Aside from these features, no additional existing water, electric, natural gas, refuse, telephone, sanitary sewer, or septic services are located within the project area. Existing outhouses at the trailheads serve the current needs for park users. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 21 IV. Environmental Consequences of the Alternatives Recreational Trail Plan — Preferred Alternative Earth The project area includes a total of 9,389 acres split between the two parks. The total acreage for LMP is 4,589 acres of which 338 are in the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and 4,251 are reconveyance lands. The total acreage for LWP is 4,800 acres of which 207 are within the existing Lake Whatcom Park and 4,593 are reconveyance lands. Large sections of LMP and LWP are characterized by steep slopes and deeply incised stream beds (Figures 6 & 7). The Elevations in the project area range from 300 feet above sea level to nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. Cumulative Effects: The Trail Plan calls for approximately 98 miles of trails with 54.3 miles at LMP and 43.6 miles at LWP. These trails, when constructed, will result in approximately 36 acres of hardened surfaces. These 36 acres are approximately 0.38 percent of the total park acreage. LMP and LWP respectively have 0.42 percent and 0.35 percent of planned increases in hardened surfaces. Parking at LMP will expand from 15,800 square feet to 94,600 square feet; parking at LWP will increase from 25,300 square feet to 108,000 square feet. Parking areas are considered hardened surfaces. Parking areas will occupy 4.65 acres or 0.05 percent of the 9,389 acre project area. Impacts to soils such as hardening and minor erosion may occur on trail shoulders and areas of infrastructure development (parking lots, trailheads, restrooms) from the use of light- weight motorized equipment during construction. Trail construction will occur primarily during the dry season to minimize erosion potential. Limited and localized soil impacts may also occur from off trail travel. Conclusion: Direct impacts to soils from implementation of the Trail Plan will occur on approximately 0.39 percent of the 9,389 -acre project area. Implementing WCPR Trail Standards will minimize erosion and sedimentation by specifying appropriate width, gradient, and switchback designs for trail construction. Topography, proximity to streams, and soil stability will be evaluated when laying out final trail alignments. Erosion will be controlled during trail construction, infrastructure development and routine maintenance using best management practices (BMPs) as outlined in the latest edition of the Washington Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual for Western Washington. A monitoring plan for evaluating trail impacts will be developed and implemented as part of the proposed trail development. Any impacts to soils identified Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 22 from monitoring will be addressed by applying adaptive management strategies. Trail construction, parking area expansions and associated development will be subject to the seasonal prohibition on land disturbance activities within the Lake Whatcom Watershed that are in effect from October 1st to May 31st (WCC 20.52.410). An educational signage program will be developed to discourage off -trail use and minimize user impacts. Air Air quality in the vicinity of the project area is influenced by vehicular traffic, residential developments on the east and west shores of Lake Whatcom, recreational boating on Lake Whatcom, and logging activity in the area. Cumulative Effects: Localized air quality will be temporarily reduced from the use of light- weight motorized equipment during trail and facility construction activities. Long -term air quality should not be adversely impacted although there will be an increase in auto emissions associated with additional visitor traffic in the area. Conclusion: An anticipated increase of vehicle trips to and from the trailheads is expected. Any increase will be insignificant compared to the current 1,640 trips per day at Gate 13 on the Lake Louise Road (LMP) and the 1,170 trips per day along the Northshore Road (LWP). No significant impacts to the air quality within the Lake Whatcom area from park related vehicle traffic and light- weight motorized equipment use for trail construction is expected. Water Austin and Beaver Creeks at LMP and Smith Creek at LWP are the major drainages within the Lake Whatcom watershed and the project area. Lake Whatcom is the source of drinking water for over half of the population of Whatcom County. Land disturbance and conversions throughout the Lake Whatcom Watershed are the primary factors for impacts to water quality in the lake. Disturbed soils are easily eroded during seasonal rain events, resulting in streams carrying higher sediment loads and concentrations of phosphorus into the lake. Cumulative Effects: Implementation of the Trail Plan will increase visitor use within the project area. Trails will cross streams and creeks that flow directly into Lake Whatcom. Trail construction and infrastructure development will lead to a fractional increase in hardened surfaces that can affect water quality. These activities also have the potential to cause minor Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 23 erosion and stream sedimentation. Off trail travel may also lead to bank erosion, sedimentation and soil hardening. Conclusion: Trail designs will incorporate the appropriate trail widths, gradients, switchback designs and structures (bridges, culverts, etc.) to prevent erosion and sedimentation that can affect water quality. Runoff from rain and snowmelt will be directed off the trails and dispersed into the forest soils to mimic natural infiltration. Unauthorized trails with steep, erosion -prone gradients will be closed and restored to natural conditions. Off trail travel will be discouraged through educational programs. Vegetation One of the goals of the Trail Plan is to avoid and minimize impacts to vegetation. Vegetation is essential for controlling erosion, stabilizing slopes, providing wildlife habitat, protecting water quality, and providing the natural experiences associated with non - motorized recreation. The project area has been managed as commercial timberland until recently. Varying stand ages and small sections of large diameter, older forest support a wide variety of wildlife. Douglas fir is the primary species that was developed and managed for harvest. Pockets of Western hemlock, Western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and Silver fir are in the project area, as well as deciduous trees including Big -leaf maple and Alder. Cumulative Effects: The Trail Plan will impact 75.7 acres of land through trail and facility construction. This represents 0.8% of the total project area. The 3.7 acres of new parking area (.03% of the total acreage) will be cleared of vegetation. Trail construction will require the removal of understory vegetation and may also require the removal of some trees. Impacts to vegetation will likely occur in small areas around parking lots during construction. Vegetation may be removed or trampled along trail shoulders during construction. Understory vegetation along trails and streams may also be trampled by users during recreational activities. Some cedar trees may be harvested to build trail structures such as bridges, turnpikes and railings. Tree vandalism may increase as a result of recreational activities especially near campsites. Existing view corridors in proximity to recent timber harvest or young plantations may be maintained by selectively removing trees. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 24 Snags will only be removed near trails, trailheads, roads, and campsites if they pose a risk to public safety. Conclusion: The overall impacts to vegetation will be minimal with implementation of the Trail Plan. Trail construction and trailhead infrastructure development will avoid the removal of large trees, where feasible. If removal is necessary, suitable restoration planting will maintain the habitat integrity of the immediate area. Vegetation removal for trail construction will be limited to brushing of shrubs and small trees within the trail corridor minimizing vegetation removal and introduction of tree canopy gaps. No potential marbled murrelet nesting trees within suitable nesting habitat will be removed (see Wildlife section below for definitions). Bald eagle nesting trees (historical or active) will also be retained. Trees removed for viewshed maintenance purposes will generally consist of <25 year old Douglas fir and alder trees that are growing in and around even -aged plantations and roads. These plantations provide low value wildlife habitat when compared to older interior mixed -age stands within the project area. Small diameter snags (less than 16" diameter) may have to be removed in the project area in order to protect public safety. Park regulations and educational programs shall discourage users from impacting vegetation. Wildlife Protection of wildlife and associated habitats was identified by the public and stakeholders as an important consideration during the planning process that resulted in the Trail Plan. The project area supports an abundant and diverse assortment of mammal, bird, and fish species. The bald eagle is a former ESA listed species that occurs within the project area. The marbled murrelet, a small seabird currently listed as threatened under the ESA, may nest within the park boundaries. Approximately 319.83 acres of potential and suitable marbled murrelet habitat has been identified through modeling and field verification. This acreage is 3.4% of the total park acreage. Unverified potential habitat may not meet the definition of suitable murrelet habitat. Marbled murrelet habitat is defined as an area of contiguous forest at least 5 acres in size containing an average of at least 2 potential nesting platforms per acre within 50 miles of marine waters. A suitable nesting platform is defined as being at least 50' above the ground and at least 7" in diameter. Suitable nesting platforms are only counted in coniferous trees (DNR State Lands HCP). WCPR adheres to DNR HCP management guidelines for the marbled murrelet. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 25 One gray wolf occurrence record is identified on the WDFW Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) database. This record is from 1995 and covers a large area (Township scale) that includes the northern portion of LWP. The gray wolf is currently listed as endangered under the ESA. The population that includes western Washington has been proposed for delisting from the ESA. The Townsend's big eared bat, another species identified in the WDFW PHS database, may also roost within the park boundaries. Austin Creek at LMP and Smith Creek at LWP likely support cutthroat trout year round and spawning kokanee in the fall. Cumulative Effects: Adding non - motorized recreational trails and associated facilities to the existing trails and service roads within the 9,389 -acre park complex will increase human travel through wildlife habitat. Additional recreational development as identified in the Trail Plan may cause increased impacts to wildlife including disturbance and harassment which may lead to site abandonment. Increased recreational use and access may also impact wildlife habitat through removal, modification, degradation, and vandalism. Conclusion: Prior to reconveyance from DNR, the State Trust Lands HCP was adopted to "protect habitat for at -risk species while carrying out forest management and other activities on the state trust lands it manages." The HCP goes on to further explain that "(i)n general, on DNR- managed lands the impacts of recreational activity relative to the impacts of timber management are de minimus." Implementation of the Trail Plan will avoid and minimize impacts to at -risk species by incorporating HCP guidance as appropriate. The Trail Plan was developed to avoid marbled murrelet habitat and bald eagle nest sites to the maximum extent possible. Proposed trails will avoid identified suitable and potential murrelet habitat. Proposed trails near bald eagle nest trees and buffer zones will incorporate the USFWS request for consultation, if necessary. Unique features including caves and cliffs that may support the Townsend's big eared bat and other wildlife species will be avoided. Large mammals known to occur within the project area have healthy regional populations and should not be adversely impacted by the implementation of the Trail Plan. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 26 Energy and Natural Resources Implementation of the Trail Plan will require the use of light- weight motorized equipment for trail and facility construction. Required material for trail and facility construction, including gravel, lumber and associated construction products will be trucked to the area. Vehicle use is expected to rise for access to the trailheads. Cumulative Effects: Construction activities'and visitor use will result in the consumption of fossil fuels. Gravel and other materials used for trail and facility construction will likely be imported. Conclusion: Energy and natural resource conservation efforts will be implemented to the maximum extent possible during park construction and use. Gravel and other construction materials will be acquired from local sources to reduce transportation related consumption of fossil fuels. Some on -site materials, such as cedar trees, may be used for trail infrastructure when available. Non - motorized recreation requires little infrastructure and results in minimal energy consumption. Increased vehicle trips associated with the trail development will not significantly impact energy and natural resources. Public transportation options for access to the parks will be investigated to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, limit vehicle trips and reduce parking demand. Environmental Health The Trail Plan calls for using lightweight motorized equipment for trail construction where practical. Motorized equipment includes mini - excavators, small front -end loaders, and chainsaws. Cumulative Effects: Small fuel spills, oil spills, and hydraulic fluid leaks can occur during trail construction and associated activities. Conclusion: Motorized equipment will be well- maintained and checked daily for leaks. Fueling and in -field maintenance activities will be conducted away from streams. A spill kit and spill response plan for such work will be used in the case of a spill or hydraulic fluid leak. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 27 Noise Noise in LMP and LWP mostly originates from off -site sources. Vehicle use, recreational boating activities, and a residential summer camp in the Lake Whatcom area are the main sources of noise within the project area. Cumulative Effects: Noise within the project area will increase during periods when motorized equipment is used for trail construction. Human voices and animal noise (dogs, horses, etc.) will increase slightly. Conclusion: Noise associated with construction and use of the trails is expected to be minimal. Temporary and localized noise will increase during some segments of trail construction. Noise from the surrounding areas can be expected to remain at current levels. Land and Shoreline Use The majority of the project area is currently designated as "Commercial Forestry" under the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan with small sections classified as "Rural Forestry" and "Public Recreation." At this time, the Whatcom County Title 20 zoning classifications for the project area are CF (Commercial Forestry), RF (Rural Forestry), and ROS (Recreation Open Space). Portions of the project area that are within the Lake Whatcom Watershed are also regulated by WCC 20.51 Lake Whatcom Watershed Overlay District. Commercial timber harvesting is permitted outside of the project areas on a mix of private and public lands. The project area has electrical transmission lines and communication towers with access easements and associated service roads. Shoreline use is regulated under the Whatcom County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and Whatcom County Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). LMP has a small section of shoreline listed as "Rural" under the SMP. LWP has approximately 4 miles of shoreline designated as "Natural" and a small section designated as "Conservancy" under the SMP. Prior to reconveyance, the project area was managed by DNR as commercial forest land. Lands transferred through the reconveyance process (RCW 79.22.300) are required to be used for park purposes. No agricultural land is contained within the project boundary. One home, used by WCPR as a rental, is within the LWP boundary. Areas adjacent to the park boundaries are characterized by low- density rural residential, forestry, and cottage industry uses. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 28 Cumulative Effects: Implementation of the Trail Plan will increase the amount of non - motorized recreational opportunities in Whatcom County, while retaining the underlying zoning classifications. Conclusion: The Trail Plan meets the "Permitted Uses" within the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and Title 20 of the Whatcom County Code. Under RCW 79.22.300, reconveyed lands must be used for park purposes. The recreational trail development outlined within the Trail Plan is consistent with this requirement. Implementation of the Trail Plan will meet required conditions of the Whatcom County SMP and CAO. Hoc Asing One existing WCPR -owned residential structure is located within LWP. Houses are located near the project area at the Smith Creek delta, along the western boundary of the Sudden Valley Community between Austin Creek and South Lake Whatcom Boulevard, and in the Glenhaven and Cain Lakes area at the south end of LMP. Cumulative Effects: The existing residence in LWP will remain into the foreseeable future. Conclusion: There will be no housing impacts associated with the Trail Plan. Aesthetics The current viewshed for LMP and LWP includes forest lands with varying stand ages from timber harvest activities interspersed with undisturbed, multilayered mature forest. LWP includes a BPA electrical transmission corridor that bisects the area. A group of communication towers are located within LMP. The project area includes forest roads used to maintain the utility lines and communication towers. Forest roads were also used to support past timber harvest activities. Information kiosks, upgraded outhouses, viewpoints, and increased parking capacity will be part of the development of both LMP and LWP. Cumulative Effects: Park infrastructure development including parking lots, outhouses, trailheads, and viewpoints will require land clearing and grading. Trail construction will require the removal of understory vegetation and may require the removal of some trees. Vegetation management at viewpoint locations will enhance views of the surrounding landscape. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 29 Over time, improvement to the viewshed will be achieved through the elimination of timber harvest in the park. Even -aged stands of forest will develop into mature forest with a complex canopy structure. Conclusion: Trails and associated development will be designed and constructed according to WCPR standards to avoid and minimize impacts to the natural setting. Clearing necessary for trail construction will not create canopy gaps that will be visible from the surrounding area. Implementation of the Trail Plan will provide visitor access to natural forested settings, view points, and unique natural features. The BPA electrical transmission corridor and the communication towers will remain and be visible into the foreseeable future. Light and Glare There is minimal existing and /or proposed infrastructure in the Trail Plan that produces light or glare. The existing restroom building at LMP includes one exterior security light. New parking lots, restrooms and trailheads may include a limited amount of lighting for access and safety. Cumulative Effects: Low levels of existing and proposed light may be visible from the surrounding area. Light from local development, the BPA electrical transmission corridor and communication towers may be visible within the project area during non - daylight hours. Conclusion: There will be minimal light and glare related impacts to the local area from implementation of the Trail Plan. New lighting will be oriented in a manner that will provide adequate access and safety while limiting glare to the surrounding area. Only minor light and glare impacts are expected within the proposed park development from outside sources. Recreation The project area was reconveyed from the DNR to WCPR to provide non- motorized recreation for Whatcom County residents and visitors. Planned uses for the trails are hiking, mountain biking, running, and horseback riding. Where the potential for user conflict may occur, separation of uses or specific travel direction is planned. User -built trails within the project area that are not included in the Trail Plan will be closed and restored to a natural state. Primitive backcountry camping will be provided at 7 locations (LMP — 3, LWP —4). Cumulative Effects: There are approximately 9.7 miles of existing trail in the project area. At the completion of all phases, there will be approximately 98 miles of trail, including those currently Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 30 established and to be retained. WCPR estimates that user demand will likely more than double compared to current levels upon full implementation of the Trail Plan. Trail types include: • Multi -Use (Hike, Mountain Bike both directions, and Equestrian) -40.6 miles • Hike, Equestrian and Mountain Bike Ascend — 2.9 miles • Hike and Mountain Bike —15.1 miles • Hike and Mountain Bike Ascend — 8.4 miles • Mountain Bike -0.3 miles • Mountain Bike Descend Trail — 9.6 miles • Hike — 21 miles The phasing of trail construction will begin with incorporating portions of the existing user -built trails into the planned trail system and rehabilitating areas damaged by unauthorized trail construction. Subsequent phases will expand the trail system by adding trail loops and eventually building trails in more remote sections of the project area. Backcountry campsites will be incorporated into the trail network in subsequent phases. Conclusion: Implementing the Trail Plan will significantly increase non - motorized recreational opportunities available to Whatcom County residents and visitors. Although some sections of existing user built trails will be decommissioned, the new trail segments proposed far outweigh the loss of portions of the unauthorized trail network. The expanded trail network provides connectivity to offsite trail systems and other recreational attractions including the Y Road trailhead, Galbraith Mountain, Squires Lake, the Sudden Valley and Glenhaven neighborhoods and eventually Blue Canyon Road. Implementation of the Trail Plan will result in Whatcom County fully meeting the trail level -of- service requirement in the County's 2013 -2018 Comprehensive Plan. Historic and Cultural Preservation The Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) has identified two cultural sites within the project area. Cumulative Effects: Developing an extensive recreational trail system throughout the 9,389 -acres will attract more users to the project area. An increase in recreational use might lead to the cultural sites being discovered and vandalized. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 31 Conclusion: Appropriate precautions will be taken in the trail planning process to avoid these sites and protect their cultural and archeological integrity. An adaptive management approach will be used in the future if additional cultural resources are identified and could be impacted. Transportation Lake Louise Road provides access to the LMP trailhead and receives an estimated 1,640 vehicle trips per day. Access to the LWP trailhead is from North Shore Road which receives an estimated 1,170 vehicle trips per day. These data are from 2013, the most recent information available from Whatcom County Public Works Department. The trailhead at LMP is along the Whatcom Transit Authority's (WTA) Route 512. There is no public transportation available near the Lake Whatcom Park trailhead. Future trail connections are planned via Squires Lake Park, the Glenhaven /Cain Lake area, Galbraith Mountain and the Y Road. Cumulative Effects: Expansion of the trail network associated with LMP and LWP is expected to increase traffic on both Lake Louise Road and North Shore Road. Peak hour volume is calculated by assuming 10% of the average daily trip volume. The estimated 2015 peak hour volume for North Shore Road (east of the Y Road junction) is 122 trips (based on an estimated increase of 2% per year from 2013). The current peak hour volume (July 2015) at the Lake Whatcom Trailhead is 50 trips (500 x 10 %). Upon full implementation of the Trail Plan, WCPR is estimating user demand at LWP will double from current levels. This level of recreational use will result an estimated total peak hour traffic volume of 222 trips along North Shore Road. This represents 19% of the peak hour volume level of service (1,200 peak hour trips) for the Local Access Road designation. Level of service is calculated as 75% of traffic capacity. The estimated 2015 peak hour volume for Lake Louise Road (Gate 13) is 171 trips. The current peak hour volume at the Lookout Mountain Trailhead is 6 trips. The current user demand is quite low and does not contribute significant traffic concerns along Lake Louise Road. WCPR estimates that user demand at LMP will be similar to LWP upon completion of the Trail Plan. Using this level of user demand, the estimated total peak hour volume along Lake Louise Road is 265 trips. This represents 20% of the peak hour volume level of service (1,350 peak hour trips) for the Urban Minor Arterial designation. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 32 Conclusion: Projected increases in traffic associated with the trail development will not adversely impact traffic volumes on the two main routes that will provide access to the parks. Peak traffic volume typically occurs during commuter rush hour while park - related traffic typically occurs during off -peak hours. WTA bus service on Lake Louise Road may reduce traffic volume in the LMP area. Trail connectivity from Galbraith Mountain, Squires Lake Park, Cain Lakes, and the Y Road trailhead may lead to a reduction of traffic volume along Lake Louise Road and North Shore Road. Public Services The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for the project area. The South Whatcom Fire Authority, the Whatcom County Fire District #4, and the DNR provide fire protection and emergency services. Cumulative Effects: Occasional vehicle prowls occur at the trailheads. An expanded trail network may increase these incidents. Additional expected visitors to the parks could increase the potential for fires during the dry season. Increased recreational activities may result in the need for more emergency services. Conclusion: WCPR will coordinate as necessary with the Sheriff, local fire districts, and the DNR to address any specific concerns they may have regarding public safety, and wildfire prevention and response related to the trail development. Although increased vehicle break -ins could result from an expanded trail network, an argument could be made that increased public use and occupancy of the area will provide more "eyes on the street" and may actually deter that nefarious activity. Utilities Communication towers on Lookout Mountain and BPA electrical transmission lines crossing LWP are the major utilities within the project area. Buried high voltage power lines service communication towers on Lookout Mountain and Repeater Road. Existing electric service and water pump are located at the site of a former residential home in LWP. Sewer service connects the outhouse at LMP. Vault outhouses will serve the sanitary needs of visitors at LWP. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 33 Cumulative Effects: Planned improvements included in the trail plan do not require additional connections to existing utilities in the foreseeable future. Conclusion: There will be no substantial change in the status of the transmission towers or the power lines in the project area. Outhouse capacity will be added to accommodate the expected increase of users but will not increase any demand on existing utility infrastructure. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 34 Figure b - Lookout Mountain Opportunities and Constraints Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 35 Figure 7 - Lake Whateo;am Opportunities and Constraints Sunnyside Landing r" z y� Legend O-11111 "1-, LJ iu., � �ni pn,r licr: w m,Amh. rc{ife \ {VMM R7irri+IN Nl,p. 11/plI{fy 4rr.nlw xrr., _.:.. vi,��,. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC ?' 9srYrwlr F.uW�e CwMxlrWn ' !I 0 25 X %rt%r�Rn rw�t O OS 1 Miles 36 Alternative 3 Earth The project area includes a total of 9,389 acres split between the two parks. The total acreage for LMP is 4,589 acres of which 338 are in the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and 4,251 are within reconveyance lands. The total acreage for LWP is 4,800 of which 207 are within the existing Lake Whatcom Park and 4,593 are contained in the reconveyance lands. Large sections of LMP and LWP are characterized by steep slopes and deeply incised stream beds (Figures 6 & 7). The Elevations in the project area range from 300 feet above sea level to nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. Cumulative Effects: Alternative 3 proposes 93 trail miles in the project area. Currently, there are 9.7 miles of trails in the project area. Approximately 83.3 miles of new trails will be constructed. This alternative includes trail development in the Smith Creek and Austin Creek drainages. Similar effects to soils are expected compared to the Preferred Alternative though hardened surfaces will be reduced by approximately 5 %. Conclusion: While impacts to soils will be similar to those in the Preferred Alternative, construction of trails within the lower elevations of Smith Creek and Austin Creek may increase slope instability and lead to mass wasting of soils. Air Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Water Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Conclusion: Alternative 3 proposes approximately 5 fewer trail miles than the Preferred Alternative. The Preferred Alternative is expected to reduce impacts to water quality in streams within the project area and Lake Whatcom due to routing trails away from the lower elevation areas of Smith Creek and Austin Creek. Alternative 3 will likely increase the potential for erosion and related water quality impacts even with the reduction in proposed trail miles from the Preferred Alternative. Vegetation Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 37 Wildlife Protection of wildlife and associated habitats was identified by the public and stakeholders as an important consideration during the planning process that resulted in the alternatives. The project area supports an abundant and diverse assortment of mammal, bird, and fish species. Cumulative Effects: Alternative 3 will route some trails through identified potential and suitable marbled murrelet habitat. Trails will also traverse bald eagle nest tree buffers. Trail routing in the lower elevation areas of Smith Creek and Austin Creek may lead to increased erosion and associated turbidity that could impact cutthroat trout and kokanee. Conclusion: Trail routing through marbled murrelet habitat may lead to disturbance of nesting birds or avoidance of suitable nesting habitat primarily through human and animal generated noise. No large trees suitable for murrelet nesting will be removed or impacted by implementing Alternative 3. Additional consultations with USFWS will be expected due to the increase in trails proximate to bald eagle nest trees and associated buffers under Alternative 3. Unique landscape features will be managed in a similar manner as the Preferred Alternative. Energy and Natural Resources Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Environmental Health Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Noise Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Land and Shoreline Use Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Housing Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 38 Aesthetics Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Light and Glare Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Recreation Alternative 3 has a slight reduction in trail mileage compared to the Preferred Alternative. The proposed trail system identified in Alternative 3 is a conceptual design that meets the recreational needs of the public and stakeholder groups. Subsequent analysis of non - motorized recreation in the context of slope stability, water quality, and wildlife habitat resulted in the Preferred Alternative. No backcountry camping is included in Alternative 3. Cumulative Effects: There are approximately 9.7 miles of existing trails in this project site. Alternative 3 proposes a total trail system of approximately 93 miles including the existing trails. Estimated user demand will be similar to the Preferred Alternative. Sections of the trails proposed under Alternative 3 will cross numerous deeply incised streambeds that will require extensive slope stabilization and large bridges. Conclusion: The proposed trail system in Alternative 3 will require additional engineering and higher costs compared to the Preferred Alternative while providing a slight reduction in trail mileage and recreational opportunities. Historic and Cultural Preservation Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Transportation Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Alternative 3 includes the establishment of a vehicle - accessible observation viewpoint at LWP. This necessitates substantial improvement to the first 1.5 miles of the forest road accessing the site. A parking area and associated improvements will be required. Cumulative Effects: Improvements to the forest road accessing the viewpoint will likely increase vehicle use in LWP and the surrounding road systems. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC W Conclusion: Construction of a vehicle accessible viewpoint will likely increase traffic volume on North Shore Road, although not to a level that will approach overall capacity. Public Services Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative. Utilities Similar effects as described in the Preferred Alternative with the addition of a restroom at the vehicle accessible viewpoint in LWP. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 40 No Action Alternative Earth Under the No Action Alternative, only 9.7 miles of existing trails within LMP and LWP will be managed by WCPR. There are also many additional miles of user -built trails that are within the project area. Many of the user -built trail segments have not been properly designed and are located on steep and unstable slopes. Cumulative Effects: Maintaining the existing trail system at LMP and LWP will likely lead to increased trail congestion. Impacts from the unauthorized trail segments include increased erosion and potential for landslides. Conclusion: Existing use of the project area will continue. Increased use of the project area is likely now that the land is designated for park purposes. Unauthorized trail building will likely continue under the No- Action alternative. This would lead to increased erosion, sedimentation and likely compromise slope stability. Air While increased use of the project area is likely, no significant impacts to air quality are expected from an increase in vehicle emissions. Water Under the No Action Alternative, use of the project area will continue and likely increase as discussed in the Earth section above. Cumulative Effects: Unauthorized user -built trails that do not incorporate sustainable design and construction standards and erosion control methods will lead to increased erosion, sedimentation, turbidity, and phosphorous loading. Unregulated camping may also lead to fecal bacteria contamination. Insufficient parking facilities may result in water quality impacts related to erosion from parking on road shoulders or unauthorized areas. Conclusion: Many unauthorized trails have not been properly constructed and are located on steep and unstable slopes. Continued use of these trails will result in impacts to water resources within and adjacent to the project area. Under the No- Action alternative, Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 41 additional unauthorized trail construction and use is likely to increase impacts to local water resources. vegetation Under the No Action Alternative, use of the project area will continue and likely increase. Cumulative Effects: Continued use of the area and unauthorized trail construction can lead to tree cutting, understory removal, trampling, and vandalism. Conclusion: Under this alternative, WCPR will continue to operate and maintain the designated trail system. Additionally, as resources become available WCPR will decommission existing unauthorized trails to limit impacts to vegetation. Efforts to minimize impacts will be based on funding and staff resources. Wildlife With this alternative, there will be no change in current wildlife management in the project area. There is strong potential for future unauthorized uses to encroach upon and degrade important wildlife habitats under the No Action Alternative. Without WCPR oversight for trail location and development, current and unauthorized user -built trails will have the potential to impact wildlife and habitat. Cumulative Effects: Wildlife disturbance and habitat degradation may be caused by the construction and use of unauthorized trails. Impacts to wildlife and associated habitats are likely to occur under the No Action Alternative. Conclusion: Under the No Action Alternative, a lack of project area trail planning is expected to lead to an increase in unauthorized trails and associated impacts to wildlife and important habitats. Energy and Natural Resources The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Energy and Natural Resources. Environmental Health The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Environmental Health. Noise The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Noise. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 42 Land and Shoreline Use The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Land and Shoreline Use. Housin The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Housing. Aesthetics The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Aesthetics. Lieht and Glare The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Light and Glare. Recreation The project area was reconveyed from the DNR to WCPR to provide non - motorized recreation for Whatcom County residents and visitors. Under the No- Action Alternative, no additional trails or facilities will be added to the project area. Cumulative Effects: There are approximately 9.7 miles of existing trail in this project area. Unauthorized trail construction and use is likely under the No Action Alternative. Conclusion: The No Action Alternative will not provide the diverse recreational needs identified by the public and stakeholder groups. Increased demand by the public for non- motorized recreational trails will likely result in the construction of additional unauthorized trails, overcrowded trails and increased potential for user conflicts. Historic and Cultural Preservation The Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) has identified two cultural sites within the project area. Cumulative Effects: Increased and unauthorized use of the project area under the No Action Alternative may lead to vandalism and permanent loss of historic and cultural resources. Educational and interpretive tools regarding historic and cultural resources and their protection may not be provided under this alternative. Conclusion: The No Action Alternative will provide limited support for the protection and identification of historic and cultural resources. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 43 Transportation The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to Transportation. Public Services The No Action Alternative has no apparent impact to the Public Services. Utilities No additional outhouses will be constructed in the project area under the No Action Alternative. Cumulative Effects: Existing sanitation facilities do not have the capacity for the expected increase in use of the project area. Inadequate sanitation facilities may result in bacterial contamination and other water quality concerns in streams and Lake Whatcom. Conclusion: The lack of additional sanitation facilities under the No Action Alternative may result in water quality contamination and aesthetic impacts. No modifications to the BPA electrical transmission corridor or Lookout Mountain communication towers are expected under this alternative. Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 44 V. Agencies /Parties Consulted State Agencies Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) County Departments Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Whatcom County Public Works Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Law Enforcement Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Fire and Emergency Services Whatcom County Fire District #4 South Lake Whatcom Fire Authority Public Participation 9/11/08 Public Informational Meeting; Bellingham Senior Activity Center -Parks and Recreation Department with DNR staff in attendance 1/25/14 Community Celebration at Bloedel Donovan Park 4/29/14 First Community Trail Planning Session (Bellingham Senior Activity Center) 3/18/15 Second Community Trail Planning Session (Bellingham Senior Activity Center) 11/5/15 Third Community Trail Planning Session ( Bloedel Donovan Community Building) County Council, City Council, DNR, and Parks and Recreations Commission Meetings 11/8/06 County Council Committee of the Whole; staff presentation on land acquisitions issues 11/8/06 County Council; approval of 2007 annual budget with funding for transfer proposal 9/25/07 County Council Committee of the Wholel staff update, DNR and County Staff develop configuration focusing on long term stewardship, connectivity and use Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 45 11/7/07 Natural Resources Committees staff update, configuration of two large parcels proposed to better accommodate ongoing timber harvests and accomplish County goals 2/26/08 Natural Resources Committee; staff update 2/26/08 County Council; presentation to Council by Doug Sutherland, Commissioner of Public Lands, joint letter issued by Commissioner and County Executive on proposal 2008 County Executive's Review Panel on the Reconveyance and Transfer of Lands within the Lake Whatcom Watershed Reservoir; open work sessions with 11 person review panel to a) assess impact on the Lake Whatcom reservoir, watershed and natural resources, b) consistency with the Lake Whatcom Landscape and County Recreational Plans, c) assess the fiscal costs —11 meetings between 4/7/08 — 6/30/08 5/20/08 County Council; approves Comprehensive Parks Recreation and Open Space Plan 8/4/08 Bellingham City Council; presentation to Lake Whatcom Reservoir Committee 8/21/08 Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission; votes to support proposal 9/9/08 Natural Resources Committee; staff update 9/15/08 Bellingham City Council; resolution #2008 -32 approved supporting proposed plan 9/23/08 Natural Resources Committee; work session 10/7/08 Natural Resources Committee; work session 10/21/08 County Council Committee of the Whole; work session 10/21/08 County Council; approval of Memorandum of Agreement 11/18/08 County Council; budget work session with discussion of reconveyance 11/25/08 County Council; approves budget with $300,000 funding for interagency agreement 11/10/09 Finance and Administrative Committee; Interagency Agreement 11/10/09 County Council; approves Interagency Agreement 1/20/11 Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board; staff update to City of Bellingham 3/14/11 Lake Whatcom Policy Group; staff update 3/24/11 Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission; staff update 3/29/11 Finance and Administrative Services Committee; staff update and budget supplemental 3/29/11 County Council; budget supplemental for interagency contract 3/30/11 Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commission; staff presentation and update 4/26/11 Finance and Administrative Services Committee; budget supplemental 4/26/11 County Council; budget supplemental for interagency contract Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 46 5/9/11 DNR Public Hearing on Inter -trust Exchange; DNR /WC Council Chambers 5/10/11 County Council Committee of the Whole; discussion of reconveyance issues 6/7/11 Washington Board of Natural Resources; meeting and presentation on inter - trust exchange 6/21/11 Finance and Administrative Services Committee; presentation Mt. Baker School District 10/10/11 Washington Board of Natural Resources; meeting and presentation on inter - trust exchange 5/1/12 Whatcom Planning and Development Services; SEPA Determination of non - significance issued 5/22/12 Natural Resources Committee; reconveyance discussion 5/22/12 County Council; approval of letter confirming County's commitment to inter - trust exchange and reconveyance 7/3/12 WA Board of Natural Resources; approves inter -trust exchange 8/16/12 Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Commission; staff updates and Commission reaffirms support for reconveyance: 9/11/12 County Council; scheduled public hearing and reconveyance resolution 9/25/12 County Council; County Executive's memo on review of proposal 10/9/12 County Council Special Committee of the Whole; clarification of previous action on 9/25/12 1/15/13 County Council Special Committee of the Whole; recreational component 1/29/13 County Council Special Committee of the Whole; forestry component 2/12/13 County Council Special Committee of the Whole; budget component 3/12/13 County Council and Public Hearing; approval of resolution by 5/2 vote 6/10/13 Lake Whatcom Policy Group; update 7/2/13 Washington Board of Natural Resources; approves reconveyance request by 5/1 vote 1/20/14 Deed signed by Governor Inslee Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 47 Appendix A Adapted from: DNR Lake Whatcom landscape Plan PDEIS (2002) Wildlife species known to occur or likely to occur in the Lake Whatcom landscape Key FSC= Federal Species of Concern; FT= Federal Threatened; FE= Federal Endangered; SM= State Monitor; SS= State Sensitive; SC= State Candidate; ST= State Threatened; SE= State Endangered Amphibian mphibians Northwestern salamander (Ambystoma gracile) Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) Oregon Ensatina ( Ensatina eschscholtzi oregonensis) Western redback salamander (Plethodon vehiculum) Roughskin newt (Taricha granulosa) Western toad (Bufo boreas) FSC; SC Pacific tree frog (Hyla regilla) tailed frog(Ascaphus truei) FSC; SM red - legged frog (Rana aurora) bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Reptiles Northwestern garter snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) common garter snake (Thamnophissirtalis) Birds common loon (Gavia immer) SS pied - billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) eared grebe ( Podiceps nigricollis) Western grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) double- crested cormorant (Pholacrocoraxauritus) great blue heron (Ardea herodias) green- backed heron (Butorides striatus) Canada goose (Branta canadensis) wood duck (Aixsponsa) green- winged teal (Anas crecca) mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Northern pintail (Anas acuta) gadwall (Anas strepera) American wigeon (Anas americana) ring- necked duck (Aythya collaris) lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 48 common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) buff lehead (Bucephala albeola) hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) common merganser (Mergus merganser) turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) osprey (Pandion haliaetus) bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) FT; ST Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) sharp- shinned hawk (Accipiterstriatus) Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) FSC; SC red - tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) SC American kestrel (Falco sparverius) merlin (Falco columbarius) SC peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) FSC; SE gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) sora rail (Porzana carolina) American coot (Fulica americana) killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia) common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) ring - billed gull (Carus delawarensis) glaucous- winged gull (Carus glaucescens) rock dove (Columba livia) band - tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata) mourning dove (Senaida macroura) common barn owl (Tyto alba) Western screech owl (Otis kennicottii) great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca) Northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma) barred owl (Strix varia) long -eared owl (Asio otus) Northern saw -whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) black swift (Cypseloides niger) Vaux's swift (Chaetura vauxi) SC rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) red - breasted sapsucker (Sphrapicus ruber) downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC M hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) SC olive -sided flycatcher (Contopus borealis) FSC western wood -pewee (Contopus sordidulus) Pacific slope flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) purple martin (Progne subis) SC violet -green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) Northern rough- winged swallow (Stelgidopteryxserripennis) barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis) Stellar's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) common raven (Corvus corax) black- capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus) chestnut - backed chickadee (Parus rufescens) bushtit (Psaltriporus minimus) red - breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) brown creeper (Certhia americana) Bewick's wren (Thryomanes bewickii) house wren (Troglodytes aedon) winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris) American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) golden- crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa) ruby- crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula) Townsend's solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus) American robin (Turdus migratorius) varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius) cedar waxwing (Bombycillia cedrorum) Northern shrike (Lanius excubitor) European starling (Sturnus vulgarus) solitary vireo (Vireo solitarius) Hutton's vireo (Vireo huttoni) warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus) orange- crowned warbler (Vermivora celata) Nashville warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla) yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) yellow - rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata) black- throated gray warbler (Dendroica nigrescens) Townsend's warbler (Dendroica townsendi) MacGillivray's warbler (Oporornis tolmiei) common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 50 Wilson's warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) western tanager (Piranga ludoviciona) black- headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocepholus) spotted towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca) song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) golden- crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) white- crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) dark -eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) red - winged blackbird (Ageloius phoeniceus) Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) brown - headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus) house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) pine siskin (Carduelis pin us) American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) evening grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) Mammals Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) Pacific water shrew (Sorex bendirii) water shrew (Sorex palustris) vagrant shrew (Sorex vagrans) Trowbridge's shrew (Sorex trowbridgii) shrew -mole (Neurotrichus gibbsi) Pacific mole (Scapanus orarius) Townsend's mole (Scapanus townsendii) big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) silver- haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) California myotis (Myotis californicus) Long -eared Myotis (Myotis evotis) SM, FSC little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) long- legged myotis (Myotis volans) Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis) FSC Townsend's big -eared bat (Plecotus townsendii) FSC; SC coyote (Canis latrans) red fox (Vulpes vulpes) black bear (Ursus americanus) raccoon (Procyon lotor) Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 51 river otter (Lutra canadensis) striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) ermine (Mustela erminea) long- tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) mink (Mustela vison) spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) mountain lion (Felis concolor) bobcat (Lynx rufus) black - tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa) Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) Townsend's chipmunk (Tamias townsendii) Douglas'squirrel (Tomiasciurus douglasii) beaver (Castor canadensis) bushy - tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) Southern red - backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) long- tailed vole (Microtus longicaudus) Oregon vole (Microtus oregoni) Townsend's vole (Microtus townsendii) muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) house mouse (Mus musculus) Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) Pacific jumping mouse (Zapus trinotatus) porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) pika (Ochotona princeps) snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Historical Wildlife Species Extirpated from Planning Area Area Birds marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) FT; ST spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) FT; SE Mammals gray wolf (Canis lupus) FE; SE grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) FT; SE wolverine (Gulo gulo) FSC; SC marten (Mantes americana) fisher ( Martes pennanti) FSC; SE lynx ( Lynx canadensis) FT; ST elk (Cervus elaphus) Recreational Trail Plan Environmental Analysis Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Prepared by Kulshan Services LLC 52