SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
A. Background
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Adoption and implementation for the Management Plan for Technical Rock Climbing at Forks of
the Sky State Park Property (Index Town Walls).
2. Name of applicant:
Lisa Lantz, Stewardship Program Manager
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
360-902-8641
1111 Israel Road SW
PO Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
4. Date checklist prepared:
April, 2017
5. Agency requesting checklist:
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
This checklist contains a SEPA analysis for the adoption and implementation of a Management
Plan for Technical Rock Climbing at Forks of the Sky State Park Property (climbing plan). Once
adopted the plan may be implemented, the work done in incrementally and subject to reevaluation on an annual basis. All work is subject to staff review and authorization.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
This Plan will be reviewed for viability and modified as necessary annually (or as determined) by
an advisory committee that will be established upon its adoption. Any future work not outlined in
this checklist will be subject to additional environmental review.
Management Plan for Technical Rock Climbing at Forks of the Sky State Park Property, SEPA Checklist
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A potential acquisition of an inholding property owned by the Washington Climbers Association
would result in a future to the park as well as a modification of this plan. Any alteration to the
plan will be reviewed for consistency under SEPA.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal. Snohomish County data includes critical area data
for the park as well as
·
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·
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A professional vegetation report was conducted in 2008 for State Parks by URS
WA State Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Program data
WA State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat Species Data
Snohomish County Critical Areas Inventory GIS Data
Literature reviews for historical and cultural archeological surveys and significant site for
Forks of the Sky State Park
2002 WSPRC SEPA Checklist and DNS for Technical Rock Climbing WAC Revision
WAC 352-32-085 (Technical rock climbing)
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
None known.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
This SEPA checklist analyzes the environmental elements associated with the adoption and
implementations of the climbing plan. If approved staff will work with park users toward
implementation. The plan is subject to annual revision.
Any work that has been described in this plan that results in vegetation removal within landslide
hazard areas, as identified by Snohomish County, will require critical areas review.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size
of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to
describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this
page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.)
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission propose the adoption and
implementation of a climbing plan in accordance with WAC 352-32-085 at the Index Town Walls
(Forks of the Sky State Park Property). This review is for the adoption of this plan and
implementation of the guidelines therein. Any future project actions or modifications to the plan
are subject to additional environmental review will be done accordingly, as necessary.
Management Plan for Technical Rock Climbing at Forks of the Sky State Park Property, SEPA Checklist
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The Plan provides site-specific management guidelines for rock climbing that will result in
adequate resource protection and accommodation of other park activities. The climbing plan
guideline include approved climbing areas, overnight bivouacs, the use of chalk for routes, route
development and maintenance, trail development and maintenance, resource protection,
closures, rescues, group activities, and volunteer support.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise
location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and
range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or
boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic
map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you
are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications
related to this checklist.
The proposal is located at Forks of the Sky State Park Property. The park is located
approximately 1 ½ miles east of the Town of Index, situated on the western boundary
immediately east of Skyko River Tracts residential housing development, north of Index-Galena
Road, south of the North Fork of the Skykomish River, and bordered to the west by National
Forest holdings.
B.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
1.
Earth [help]
a. General description of the site: [help]
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? [help]
Snohomish County Critical Areas data indicates slopes to 90 percent are present within the
park.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
removing any of these soils. [help]
USGS Soil Data indicates the presence of the following soils present within the site:
· Elwell-Olomount complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes
· Olomount-Elwell rock outcrop complex, 6.5 to 90 percent slopes.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe. [help]
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Snohomish County Critical Area data indicates potential landslide hazards areas within small
portions of the climbing plan area.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of
any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill. [help]
There is no plan for filling, excavation or grading proposed within the plan. Any alteration to the
plan will result in additional environmental review through SEPA as necessary.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
[help]
Erosion could potentially occur as result of vegetation removal.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? [help]
None.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: [help]
Park staff will work with climbers to identify potentially unsafe routes and manage them
accordingly. Additionally, the Snohomish County planning department will be consulted before
the implementation of any vegetation removal within potential hazardous land slide areas.
2. Air [help]
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known. [help]
No emissions to the air are anticipated from this proposal.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. [help]
None known.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any: [help]
Not applicable.
3. Water [help]
a. Surface Water:
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1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. [help]
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. [help]
No. The North Fork of the Skykomish River runs adjacent to the park but is well always from the
climbing plan area.
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected.
Indicate the source of fill material. [help]
This question is not applicable.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. [help]
This question is not applicable.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
[help]
This question is not applicable.
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so,
describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. [help]
This question is not applicable.
b. Ground Water:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so,
give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. [help]
No. No water will be withdrawn for this proposal.
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the
number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. [help]
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This question is not applicable.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe. [help]
This question is not applicable.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. [help]
This question is not applicable.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe. [help]
No.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any: [help]
This question is not applicable.
4. Plants [help]
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: [help]
__x__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
__x__evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
__x__shrubs
__x__grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
__x__other types of vegetation: Vegetation known within the park includes: Douglas fir,
western red cedar, alder, vine maple, big leaf maple, curly dock,
fringe cup, trailing blackberry, sword fern, salal, false lily of the
valley, salmon berry, creeping violet, common foxglove, red
huckleberry, tall Oregon grape, western starflower, spiny wood
fern, red elderberry, devil’s club, piggy-back, Indian pipe, ocean
spray, false solomon seal, and various grasses and mosses.
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered? [help]
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The plan states that “loose rock and cliff vegetation (e.g., mosses, lichens, small brush and
vascular plants) that are not from species that are considered sensitive, threatened or
endangered by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Heritage
Program may be removed under this plan as necessary. Vegetation work will be cleared
through park staff and additional environmental compliance shall be met as necessary.“
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help]
DNR’s Natural Heritage Program GIS data identifies bear lichen, Usnea longissimia, a state
listed sensitive species, to be present within the park.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any: [help]
The climbing plan outlines that vegetation removal will be minimized to the extent necessary to
provide a clear and enjoyable line of ascent. “Any future discoveries/vegetation surveys identify
species of conservation concern, State Parks will work with the climbing community to provide
appropriate protections”.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. [help]
While there has not been a noxious weed survey conducted at Forks of the Sky State Park, the
Snohomish County Noxious Weed Board does manage a list of all class A, B, B designated,
and C listed species. No class A species have been observed in the park, however class B and
C listed weeds such as knotweed, tansy ragwort and knapweed.
5. Animals [help]
a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
to be on or near the site. [help]
Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: Peregrine falcon
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: cougar, coyote, raccoon, squirrel,
chipmunk are all mammals known to be in forested environments such as this
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. [help]
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat Species GIS data did not
indicate the presence of threatened or endangered species at Forks of the Sky State Park.
An annual survey by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at the park indicate
the semi-regular occurrence of nesting Peregrine falcon, (Falco peregrinus anatum) near the
Management Plan for Technical Rock Climbing at Forks of the Sky State Park Property, SEPA Checklist
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routes detailed in the climbing plan. Though the peregrine is no longer listed species, they
remain classified as “protected wildlife” under state law (WAC 232-12-011) and are protected
under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (Vekasy, M. S. and G. E. Hayes. 2016. Periodic
status review for the peregrine falcon in Washington. Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife, Olympia, Washington).
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. [help]
Yes, this park is located within the pacify flyway, a major bird migration route.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: [help]
WDFW monitors peregrines at Forks of the Sky State Park annually and will actively work with
parks staff to manage their presence at the park. As stated in the climbing plan, “to encourage
successful nesting, a seasonal closure of the general nesting area will occur each year
beginning on March 1 and ending on July 1. These dates may be adjusted based on actual
observation of nesting activity. If no nesting activity is confirmed (with the confirmation to be
made by WDFW, if possible, by no later than April 15), or if nesting is observed to be completed
prior to July 1 (i.e., fledging has occurred), the seasonal closure will be lifted
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. [help]
There are no known invasive animal species known to be on or near the park.
6. Energy and Natural Resources [help]
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc. [help]
Some energy may be required for route and trail development and maintenance that would if the
plan is approved. This work may require power drills or other mechanized equipment. All work
will be done after the review and approval of park staff. Any work not specifically outlined in the
plan may require additional environmental review under SEPA or other regulatory compliance.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. [help]
No elements listed within the plan would alter the potential to use solar energy, any change that
would do so may require additional environmental review under SEPA or other regulatory
compliance.
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any: [help]
Management Plan for Technical Rock Climbing at Forks of the Sky State Park Property, SEPA Checklist
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None are necessary as the proposal does not require energy consumption.
7. Environmental Health [help]
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe. [help]
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
[help]
None known.
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity. [help]
None Known.
3)
Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project. [help]
No toxic or hazardous chemicals may be stored, used, or produced in association with this
climbing plan.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. [help]
The climbing plan identifies that, in case of emergency, “staff and volunteers from Washington
State Parks, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office Search and Rescue Division, and the local
Fire Districts (# 28 Index and # 26 Gold Bar) will be responsible for all rescue activities”.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: [help]
None necessary.
b. Noise [help]
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)? [help]
There are no noise sources in the area which may affect this proposal.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site. [help]
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Noise may be associated with route and trail development or maintenance but will be minimal
and of a temporary nature.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: [help]
All works will be vetted and approved by parks staff before commencement so as to avoid
making excessive noise at times that may impact other park users.
8. Land and Shoreline Use [help]
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current
land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe. [help]
The site is within a state park. The park is bisected by Burlington Northern Railroad, which is an
active line. Adjacent properties include the Washington Department of Natural Resources,
Washington Climbers Coalition and a number of private residences within the town of Index.
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe.
How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to
other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated,
how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use? [help]
The project site is a state park, no agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial
significance will be converted to any other use as result of this non-project action.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal
business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides,
tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: [help]
No.
c. Describe any structures on the site. [help]
There are currently no structures within the park.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? [help]
No.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? [help]
The park is zoned primarily as Forest and Recreation.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? [help]
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The Future Land Use for the park as outlined County’s Comprehensive Plan is Commercial
Forest – Forest Transition Area.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? [help]
This area of the park included in this proposal is not with in a shoreline.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
[help]
Yes. Portions of the trails are included in areas the county has deemed “Erosion Hazard”.
Additionally a portion of the park which includes a small section of the climbing area is
considered to be Landslide Hazard Areas.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project? [help]
None, this proposal is a management plan for Technical Rock Climbing. While the plan does
include some allowable temporary overnight use of the property in the form of occasional
bivouacking, No permanent dwellings are planned or anticipated in the future.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? [help]
None.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: [help]
Not applicable, this is a management plan for technical rock climbing and will result in no
displacement.
L. Proposed
measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any: [help]
Forks of the Sky State Park Property has not yet undergone a formal Classification and Land
Management Planning effort and as such does not have a designated state parks land
classification. Regardless, the technical rock climbing plan that this checklist analyses is
consistent with the County land use plan, Washington Administrative Code governing State
Parks and will be incorporated into a future CAMP plan.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any: [help]
None. No impacts will result to agricultural or forest lands from this plan.
9. Housing [help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. [help]
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None. The proposal being analyzed within this checklist will not include the construction of
housing units.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing. [help]
This question is not applicable to the proposed action.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: [help]
This question is not applicable to the proposed action.
10. Aesthetics [help]
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed? [help]
The climbing plan includes the use of information boards and other signage. All structures will
be vetted through internal review and may be subject to additional environmental review as well.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? [help]
None.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: [help]
Any proposed structures will be vetted through internal park review for consistency and to
ensure that there will be no visual impositions on the landscape.
11. Light and Glare [help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur? [help]
Typically the majority of climbing will occur during daylight hours. Some light could be
generated by climbers bivouacking.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? [help]
Not likely.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? [help]
None.
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c. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: [help]
None.
12. Recreation [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity? [help]
The climbing plan is being implemented within a state park. There is a myriad of recreational
opportunities besides rock climbing at Forks of the Sky State Park including, hiking, biking and
wildlife viewing.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. [help]
No. The proposal will only enhance existing uses.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any: [help]
This proposal is, by its existence, a measure to reduce and control any potential impacts from
rock climbing at Forks of the Sky State Park Property.
13. Historic and cultural preservation [help]
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years
old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so,
specifically describe.
There are no existing structures currently on the site nor any sites listed on the national, state or
local preservation registers.
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation?
This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts,
or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies
conducted at the site to identify such resources.
There are no recorded cultural resources on or adjacent to the rock faces.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources
on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of
archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
State Parks’ archaeologists examined GIS data and known archaeological reports.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance
to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
No disturbance of cultural resources is anticipated, so no mitigation measures are proposed.
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14. Transportation [help]
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
This site is accessed by Reiter Road, a Snohomish County rural roadway that connects
Eastern Gold Bar with the Town of Index.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
No, this site is not currently served by public transit. The closest public transit stop is operated
by Snohomish County Community Transit at the corner of 10th street and Hwy 2 in Gold Bar,
10.6 miles away. ]
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
This project does not propose to add or eliminate parking.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
This climbing management plan will not require any improvements to existing transportation
facilities, road networks or parking areas.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
This climbing management plan will guide activities on State Park lands that are in the
immediate vicinity (within 100 ft at the closest) of an active east-west rail line operated by the
Burlington Northern Sante Fe railway.]
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal?
If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would
be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation
models were used to make these estimates?
This climbing management plan will not generate any additional vehicular trips to the site. It is a
management plan that is primarily focused on natural resource management of the climbing
cliffs themselves. However, at it’s peak, the associated parking area for this site that is not
entirely within State Parks ownership, is estimated to have 75 vehicle trips per day.Trucks are
not expected to be visiting the site, due to the nature of the site and the constricted parking area.
These predictions are based on observations of the parking area during peak (weekend-drywarm) periods.
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g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
As a climbing management plan for the rock climbing cliffs of the Index Town Wall area, this
proposal will not interfere with or affect the movement of agricultural or forest products.
Periodically (for short periods every few years) logging activity does occur on nearby DNR land
and logging equipment will pass by the general area of the associated parking lot.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
No impacts are anticipated, so no measures are proposed.
15. Public Services [help]
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection,
police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.
This climbing management plan would not result in an increased need for public services
beyond the need that is already occuring at the site. This plan is intended to protect and
manage natural and recreational resources, not encourage additional recreational use.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
Not applicable as this plan will not result in an increased need for public services.
16. Utilities [help]
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service,
telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other ___________
None are currently active. Electricity and telephone lines are located in a very small portion
of the management area.
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
be needed.
[No utilities are proposed for this project. ]
C. Signature
[help]
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
_______
__________
Name of signee ____Lisa E. Lantz______________________________________________
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Position and Agency/Organization ____Parks Development Division Manager_____
Date Submitted: __May 3, 2017___________
D. Supplemental sheet for non-project actions
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production,
storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
This non-project action is unlikely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production,
storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise. Management plans
such as this climbing management plan serve to guide existing and continuing recreational use of
state parks. It is possible that increased motorized use could cause a minor localized increase in
emissions. Increased human use of the park could cause a net increase in human waste,
emissions, and noise levels above that which currently exists.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
Future development and recreational use will follow the guidelines of the climbing management
plan to minimize impacts and guide climbing use within the park based on policies adopted by the
Commission. Pursuant to WAC 352-32-085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park
natural and cultural resources.
2.
How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
This non-project action will likely have no direct effect on plants, animals or fish. Finding the
optimum balance between the protection of natural systems and public recreational access to those
natural systems is the basis for management planning. The application of management planning
confirms State Parks’ mission to protect the natural systems of state park areas while
accommodating increased demand for parks and open space.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
The climbing management plan acknowledges the importance of preserving the quality of the
natural resources within the park while allowing for appropriate levels of human use. Consultation
with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Area Habitat biologists and Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Heritage Program staff will reduce site-specific impacts to
wildlife and plant species as management recommendations are implemented. Pursuant to WAC
352-32-085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
This non-project action is unlikely to have a direct affect on the depletion of energy or natural
resources. Existing activities will include energy conservation measures consistent with Washington
State Parks Sustainability Policy.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
Recreational use associated with this non-project action will occur consistent with Natural Resource
Management Policy #73-04-1 Protecting Washington State Parks Natural Resources. The
management plan acknowledges the importance of preserving the quality of the natural resources
within the park while allowing for appropriate levels of human use. Pursuant to WAC 352-32085(3), the director may institute a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.
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4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas
designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks,
wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or
cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
Effects to sensitive areas are expected to be minimal. While management planning does not
authorize a particular use for a given area, it does specify where and how those uses should be
allowed. Management planning allows for proactive protection for uses which may have the
potential for causing negative impacts to a sensitive species and environmentally sensitive areas,
such as habitat loss, disturbances, increased competition, loss of forage or prey resources, etc.
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
This proposal seeks to achieve a balance between providing adequate recreational opportunities
and providing adequate protection of important natural and cultural resources. The management
plan restricts more intensive climbing use in sensitive areas. The management plan has been
drafted to identify management issues and identify appropriate measures to minimize impacts and
protect sensitive resources. As needed, pursuant to WAC 352-32-085(3), the director may institute
a closure to protect park natural and cultural resources.
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would
allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
The management planning process strives to promote compatible uses and resource protection.
Certain elements of the plan impliemntation may require additional regulatory review from to ensure
compatiblily with the county land use plans. As a non-project action this proposal will not be likely
to affect land and shoreline use although the direction provided in the plan provides guidance for
climbing activities in proximity to land and shoreline uses.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
State Parks will work closely with federal, state and local government agencies to assure
compatible management objectives. Management planning incorporates the consideration of
sensitive shoreline environments.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services
and utilities?
The climbing management plan provides direction for existing recreational use patterns. No
increase in these services is directly contemplated by this proposal. All elements will be examined
and thoroughly analyzed prior to approval.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
Any proposed use activity or development requiring additional transportation, utilities, and/or public
services would be consistent with Washington State Parks Sustainability Policy. Park staff will
continue to coordinate emergency response and law enforcement when in the area.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.
The proposal does not appear to be in conflict with any known local, state or federal laws or
requirements for protection of the environment.
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