Chapter 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

This chapter describes the existing biological, social, and economic resources within the study area that may potentially be affected by the alternatives.

3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The study area is located along the southern shore of Willapa Bay. All the proposed acquisition areas border the Refuge. Together with current Refuge lands, the proposed acquisition areas form a narrow contiguous stretch of land from the Naselle River, near the base of Stanley Peninsula, to Tarlatt Slough, at the southern end of Willapa Bay (see Figure 4).

The climate of the study area is marine influenced with moderate temperatures, high humidity, and strong periodic winds. The average annual temperature is 51 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation is between 80 to 115 inches annually, mostly occurring as rain in the winter. Predominate winds are on-shore from the Pacific Ocean. Strong southerly winds usually accompany winter storms.

3.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

3.2.1 Vegetation and Other Types of Land Cover

Upland Forest Habitat. An estimated 1,398 acres in the study area is upland forest habitat. Teal Slough, Hampton Area, Omeara Point, and the upland portion of Bear River consist primarily of upland forest habitat that has been managed for commercial timber production for the last several decades, and possibly as far back as the early 1900s (see Figure 4). Past harvest has created a mix of forest stands ranging from 120 years and older to recent plantations. The Omeara Point area has been the most heavily logged in recent years, resulting in stands of trees less than 30 years found over most of the area.

Species composition and structure vary throughout the forested areas based on past harvest activities but, in general, western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii spp. menziesii) are the primary tree species found in the upland forests. Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), western redcedar (Thuja plicata), and red alder (Alnus rubra) are also found scattered throughout most of the stands. Some of the areas that have been heavily disturbed now contain stands of trees with a significant component of red alder. Common understory species include salal (Gaultheria shallon), deer fern (Belchnum spicant), red huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), and fool's huckleberry (Menziesia ferruginea), with salal and deer fern being most common.

FIGURE 4- VEGETATION/LANDCOVER MAP

Late-Successional Forest. An estimated 111 acres within the project area is late-successional forest habitat. Late-successional forests are stands of trees in the mature and old growth age classes. Some late-successional stands are old growth forests, while others are stands of mature trees that may or may not have some characteristics of old growth.

Late-successional forest is one of the most limited and ecologically important forest habitat types in the study area. In Washington, less than 8 percent of the Sitka spruce zone and less than 10 percent of the western hemlock zone remains in late-successional forest (K. Cassidy et al., 1997). Most of the forested lands in Willapa Basin have been harvested at least once and very few late-seral forest remains uncut. Only one percent of the commercial timber land in the Willapa Basin is covered in trees greater than 100 years old (Willapa Alliance 1998).

A 73-acre stand of late-successional forest is located in the Teal Slough area (see Figure 4). A recent survey of the area indicates that the stand is predominanatly 127-year old western hemlock and Sitka spruce. The stand also contains minor amounts of 82-year old western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western redcedar. Scattered throughout the area are large western redcedar and Sitka spruce that are estimated to be 250 years or older (Healy 1999).

The stand currently exhibits some characteristics of old growth and provides habitat for old-growth dependent species, such as the marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl, even though the stand composition does not yet meet the definition of old growth. It is expected that this stand will become old growth as it continues to age, provided a major disturbance event does not occur such as a stand-replacing fire or timber harvest.

Approximately 10 acres of the late-successional forest in the Teal Slough area is included in the Teal Slough Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) managed by the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of the NRCAs is to protect (1) outstanding examples of native ecosystems; (2) habitat for endangered, threatened, and sensitive plants and animals; (3) geologic, cultural, historic, and archaeological sites; and (4) scenic landscapes. NRCAs also serves as an important resource for research and education.

A stand of late-successional forest is located in the northwest corner of the Hampton area (see Figure 4). This stand is predominantly mature western hemlock with large, older Sitka spruce and western redcedar scattered throughout. This stand exhibits some old growth characteristics and provides habitat for old growth dependent species, such as the marbled murrelet which is known to nest in the stand. It is expected that this stand will also become old growth as it continues to age.

Part of the Tarlatt Slough area contains an area that was harvested early in the 1900s that is now a second growth late-successional Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest. The area also contains a significant component of mature red alder.

The Bear River area also contains late-successional forest located in the southern portion of the area, adjacent to the Bear River. These stands are dominated by Sitka spruce and are remnants of larger stands that at one time flanked the Bear River.

Freshwater Riparian Areas. Freshwater aquatic ecosystems and the adjacent upland habitat that directly affects the aquatic ecosystem are referred to as freshwater riparian areas. The study area contains approximately 10 miles of perennial freshwater streams with associated riparian areas, not including the mainstem of the Bear River (see Figure 4).

Many of the riparian areas along the small coastal streams in the Teal Slough, Omeara Point, and Bear River areas have been impacted by past land use practices such as timber harvest. Some riparian areas that were at one time dominated by mature forest with associated understory riparian plant species have been converted to younger forest.

Tidelands. Willapa Bay is relatively shallow and contains vast areas of intertidal mudflats, also referred to as tidelands. The tidelands contain submerged aquatic vegetation, such as beds of eelgrass. These beds of eelgrass provide excellent foraging habitat for a wintering population of as many as 5,000 black brant (Branta bernicla) which feed almost exclusively on eelgrass.

The tidelands within the project area (see Figure 4) are currently infested with smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), also referred to as spartina. Spartina was introduced to Willapa Bay in 1894. Spartina is an agressive nonnative species that grows across tidelands. It forms a dense stand of vegetation, on otherwise open mudflats, and displaces native submerged aquatic vegetation. This dense vegetation traps sediment to a point that areas that were once intertidal, no longer are submerged under high tides. The result is a rapid loss of tidelands.

Willapa Bay has the largest spartina infestation of any estuary on the Pacific Coast. In 1991, there were approximately 2,500 acres of spartina in Willapa Bay. Today, the infestation covers between 15,000 and 18,000 acres of tidelands. If left uncontrolled, it is projected to spread to infest 56,000 of the 80,000 acres of Willapa Bay.

Tidelands are found in the study area in the Teal Slough and Bear River areas (see Figure 4). Although not displayed on the map, some of the parcels along the Bay include a fringe of tidelands.

Intertidal Salt Marsh. Intertidal salt marshes are some of the most productive of all habitat types. Approximately 248 acres of intertidal salt marsh can be found along the lower estuary of the Bear River, and north of the Bear River, along the Bay (see Figure 4). The salt marsh also contains scattered patches of spartina in areas closest to Willapa Bay.

Pasture. The study area contains approximately 511 acres of pasture located in the Bear River area and the Tarlatt Slough area (see Figure 4). The pasture area in the Bear River was at one time intertidal marsh. The area was diked on three sides to prevent flooding of the homestead and for conversion to a dairy. Ditches were built that allowed the water to drain so that pastures could be created. The change in the natural water flow patterns resulted in the streams becoming deep, narrow channels. The area currently not managed as pasture has such plant species as salt grass (Distichlis spicata var spicata), sea arrow-grass (Triglochin maritimum), American glasswort (Salicornia virginica), juncus (Juncus spp), buttercup (Ranunculus spp), cattail (Typha latifolia), and birdsfoot treefoil (Lotus spp).

The Tarlatt Slough area was diked and drained in the early 1900s and a portion of it was converted to a golf course. Since the 1920s, the area has been used for grazing and haying. The pastures are composed of a variety of grass and forb species, typically ryegrass (Lolium spp) and bentgrass (Agrostis spp). The ditches separating the pastures are lined with dense hedges of blackberry (Rubus spp).

Several small riparian woodlands, composed of large Sitka spruce and red alder with a shrub understory, wind through the pastures along Tarlatt Slough. These trees are remnants of the riparian forest that likely occurred along Tarlatt Slough prior to pasture development.

Developments. Most of the proposed acquisition areas have some existing infrastructure, including such things as roads, utility lines, houses, barns, and outbuildings (see Figure 4).

The Bear River and Tarlatt Slough areas within the proposed expansion area have residential buildings on them.

Roads are in place that provide access to most of the study area. Other than State Route (SR) 101, the roads are typically gravel with few turnouts and soft shoulders. The roads in the Teal Slough, Omeara Point, Hampton, and Bear River areas are not all-weather roads and some are closed by gates during the wetter seasons.

3.2.2 Water Resources

The natural water flow patterns of most of the streams in the study area have been altered through road and dike construction, placement of tide gates, and ditching. The smaller coastal streams that originate in the forested uplands of Teal Slough, Omeara Point, and Hampton areas have been impacted by road construction and timber harvest. In addition, these streams pass under SR 101 through culverts which can impede fish passage.

Most of the Bear River area has been diked and drained. State Route 101 forms a dike that runs north to south along almost the entire length of the Bear River area. The road that runs southeast of SR 101 that provides access to the house located in the Bear River area is also a dike. Ditches were built that allowed the water to drain so that pastures could be created. The change in the natural water flow patterns resulted in the streams becoming deep, narrow channels. A tide gate was originally placed along the southern dike, however, the tide gate was removed and an undersized culvert remains. The culvert artificially impounds the fresh water in the winter by not allowing the complete drainage of the area during normal tidal cycles. This area also experiences flooding during the winter months. The combination of these factors has greatly reduced tidal flushing and has altered the natural, historic water flow patterns through the lower estuary of the Bear River.

Mountain Spring Reservoir, a drinking water source for the City of Long Beach, is located just south of the Tarlatt Slough area. The stream that flows from the Mountain Spring Reservoir runs through the eastern half of the Tarlatt Slough area and then empties into an area known as Parker Slough. Two smaller streams also flow through the eastern half of the area and empty into Parker Slough.

Streams in the western portion of the Tarlatt Slough area drain directly into Tarlatt Slough. Much of the southern portion of the Long Beach Peninsula drains through the Tarlatt Slough area. A dike and a tidegate located along the north central edge of the Tarlatt Slough area prevents saltwater inflow but allows freshwater outflow. The natural streams have been channelized and a series of ditches have been constructed to drain the pastures. Seasonal flooding in the Tarlatt Slough area is common. There are currently no storm water control structures to relieve the seasonal flooding.

3.2.3 Wildlife Resources

The variety of habitats in the study area provide for an abundance of wildlife. An estimated 233 species of birds, 51 species of mammals, and 17 species of amphibians and reptiles are known to occur in and around the study area.

Wildlife observations in the proposed acquisition areas vary by area. Teal Slough has some documented wildlife use through surveys by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and others. Bird surveys have been conducted in the Hampton Area in association with timber sale preparations. Areas along the Bay, including the Omeara Point, Bear River, and Tarlatt Slough areas, are observed annually for waterfowl use by Service wildlife biologists, as well as others.

Shorebirds. Willapa Bay is relatively shallow and contains vast areas of intertidal mudflats, also referred to as tidelands, which provides significant amounts of foraging habitat for migrating shorebirds. As a result of this rich habitat, Willapa Bay is one of three sites in Washington that receive use by more than 100,000 shorebirds at one time and is recognized by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network as an internationally important area. The most abundant species of shorebirds found at Willapa Bay are dunlin (Calidris alpina), western sandpiper (Calidris mauri), and sanderling (Calidris alba).

Shorebirds feed across the tidelands of Willapa Bay when they are exposed during low tides. As the tides start to rise, the shorebirds become concentrated along the margins of the Bay. Within the study area, the intertidal marsh habitat in the Bear River area and the tidelands along the margins of the Bay provide important foraging habitat for shorebirds during rising tides (see Figure 4).

The intertidal marsh habitat in the Bear River area is important shorebird habitat as shown by surveys conducted from 1991 to 1995 (see Figure 4). These surveys show that during the fall migration period, as many as 210 black-bellied plovers (Pluvialis squatarola) and 27,260 dunlin (Calidris alpina) were found using the area (Buchanan and Everson 1997). During the spring migration period, as many as 300 black-bellied plovers, 12,300 dunlin, 36,900 western sandpipers, and 5,000 short-billed dowitchers (Limnodromus giseus) were found using the area.

The surveys also show that the Bear River area and adjacent Refuge lands are of particular importance to the long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) and common snipe (Gallinago gallinago). This area, during fall migration, has the highest concentration of these shorebirds in all of Willapa Bay.

Waterfowl. Willapa Bay provides important habitat for waterfowl during the spring and fall migration periods. Overwintering use by waterfowl is also found. The most common duck species found at Willapa Bay includes mallards (A. platyrhynchos), American wigeon (Anas americana), and northern pintail (A. acuta).

Waterfowl use the intertidal marsh and freshwater riparian areas in the Teal Slough, Omeara Point, Bear River, and Tarlatt Slough areas (see Figure 4). The habitat in Teal Slough and Omeara Point is limited, but waterfowl do use these small intertidal marsh areas periodically.

Large numbers of American wigeon (Anas americana) and canvasback (Aythya valisineria) are occasionally found in the Bear River area and near the Omeara Point shoreline in winter. Small numbers of bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) are commonly found in waters within the Bear River area and the Hampton Area during the winter.

The seven subspecies of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) found at Willapa Bay include the lesser (B. c. parvipes), Taverner (B. c. taverneri), cackling (B. c. minima), dusky (B. c. occidentalis), western (B. c. moffitti), Vancouver (B. c. fulva), and Aleutian (B. c. leucopareia). Canada geese are primarily found using the Bear River and Tarlatt Slough areas, and the tidelands along the Bay.

The intertidal marsh and tidelands in the Bear River and Omeara Point area are annually used by approximately 200 western Canada geese. These geese are not mature enough to breed and congregate in the Bear River estuary throughout the spring and summer.

The pastures in the Tarlatt Slough area are used by as many as 1,100 geese during the fall and winter for foraging and loafing. Geese using the Tarlatt Slough area include approximately 100 dusky Canada geese, whose populations have significantly declined in the past several decades, and small flocks of Aleutian Canada geese which have been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Wading Birds. Great blue herons (Ardea herodias) use the intertidal marsh area in the Bear River and the tidelands of the study area for foraging and loafing. The late-successional forest habitat in the Teal Slough and Hampton areas provides potential habitat for nesting areas for great blue herons, referred to as rookeries.

Mammals. Elk (Cervus elaphus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are commonly found throughout the study area, primarily in the forested areas and pasture of the Bear River area (see Figure 4). Other mammals that inhabit the forested and pasture area include bobcat (Lynx rufus), black bear (Ursus americanus), mountain lion (Felis concolor), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), raccoon (Procyon lotor), snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), mink (Mustela vison), weasels, bats, squirrels, shrews, moles, and voles.

One piece of property near the mouth of the Bear River contains upland forest, riparian habitat, and pasture. A former landowner protected elk from disturbance by not allowing hunting to occur on the property. Because they received little disturbance, the elk habituated to the area and congregate near the highway in an area previously managed as pasture. Elk can be seen in this area throughout the year.

Mammals that inhabit the streams, rivers, and associated riparian habitats within the study area (see Figure 4) include mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa), beaver (Castor canadensis), nutria (Myocastor coypus), muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and river otter (Lutra canadensis). River otter fish in the Bear River and harbor seals occasionally hall out on the tidelands.

Amphibians. The cool, wet climate of the Willapa area makes it a "hot spot" of amphibian diversity in Washington. Habitats on the Refuge may support up to 13 of the 24 native amphibians that occur in the State. Areas where this number of amphibian species occur are quite unique, even within the Pacific Northwest.

The cool, wet climate and lush vegetation of the freshwater riparian and forested habitats within the Teal Slough, Hampton, and Bear River areas gives these areas the potential to support a rich mix of amphibians. Amphibian species found in these areas include northwestern salamander (Ambystoma gracile), western redback salamander (Plethodon vehiculum), Dunn's salamander (P. dunni), ensatina salamander (Ensatina eschscholtzii), Van Dyke's salamander (P. vandykei), Columbia torrent salamander (Ryacotriton kezeri), Pacific Giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus), roughskin newt (Taricha granulosa), red-legged frog (Rana aurora), bullfrog (R. catesbeiana), and the Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris regilla).

3.2.4 Fishery Resources

Rivers and streams within the study area either provide or have potential to provide habitat for for coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), chinook (O. tshawytcha), and chum salmon (O. keta); cutthroat trout (O. clarki clarki), and steelhead (O. mykiss).

The fish habitat in the streams and rivers in the study area have been heavily impacted by road and dike construction, timber harvest, diking, placement of tide gates, and ditching. This degradation in fish habitat has contributed to the decline in anadromous fish runs in the study area.

The Bear River estuary provides rearing habitat for juvenile fish, clams, and Dungeness crab (Cancer magister), as well as a staging area for adult anadromous fish preparing to move into and out of Bear River.

The small unnamed coastal streams in the Teal Slough, Omeara's Point, and Bear River areas are historical chum salmon habitat. When the streams flowed freely into the Bay and they possessed adequate spawning conditions, such as gravel, large woody debris and good water quality, chum

salmon and other salmon species, they supported healthy runs of anadromous fish. Culvert placed in these streams during highway construction have become barriers to fish passage. These streams have been degraded by past land use practices, such as harvesting and road construction, and chum salmon populations in the streams have declined substantially.

3.2.5 Threatened, Endangered, Proposed and Candidate Species and Species of Concern

Threatened and Endangered. Several species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act are found within and nearby the project area. Both migratory and resident bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), listed as threatened, are known to hunt the tidelands, intertidal marsh, and pasture habitats within the study area.

The threatened Aleutian Canada goose has been documented feeding and resting in the pasture, tideland, and intertidal marsh habitat of the Bear River and Tarlatt Slough areas during the fall migration period.

The late successional forest habitat in the Teal Slough and Hampton areas provide habitat for the threatened marbled murrelet (Brachyrmphus marmoratus marmoratus) and the threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Marbled murrelets, a forest nesting seabird, are known to use the Hampton and Teal Slough areas for nesting. Marbled murrelet behaviors that indicate nearby nesting, known as occupancy behaviors, have been observed in the Hampton and Teal Slough areas. The Hampton area was surveyed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources in 1998, and as a result, 13 acres of suitable marbled murrelet habitat were given "occupancy" status.

Northern spotted owls are known to have historically used the Teal Slough, Hampton, and Omeara Point areas before most of the mature trees were logged. A spotted owl vocalization was detected in the Hampton Area in 1998 by Service personnel.

Based on habitat conditions, one threatened plant, water howellia (Howellia aquatilis), may occur in the Bear River, Teal Slough, and Tarlatt Slough freshwater wetlands.

Proposed and Candidate Species. The cutthroat trout has been identified as a proposed species which means that it is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Coho salmon have been identified as a candidate species which means it will be reviewed to determine whether or not it should be a proposed species. Both species are found in Willapa Bay and in the rivers and streams of the project area.

Species of Concern. The Columbia torrent, Dunn's, and Van Dyke's salamanders are all known to occur higher in the Bear River drainage and in the forest habitats found in the Teal Slough, Hampton, and Bear River Areas. These species have been listed as candidate species by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. State candidate species are species being considered for inclusion on the "species of concern" list for the State of Washington. This list identifies native wildlife species that have need of protection and or management to ensure their survival. The Willapa Refuge currently contains most of the protected habitat for the Columbia torrent and Dunn's salamander in Washington.

3.3 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

3.3.1 Pacific County

The study area is located entirely in Pacific County, Washington, which is located in the southwestern corner of Washington State along the southern Washington coast. The County possesses a wide variety of natural resources including forests, a large shallow bay, many streams and rivers, and sandy seashores along the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay.

Principal Industries. The forest products, fishing, shell fishing, and agricultural industries are the principal industries in the County. The fishing industry includes commercial fishing and shell fishing (clams, Dungeness crab, and shrimp) and recreational fishing guide services, primarily for salmon and sturgeon (white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus, and green sturgeon, A. acutirostis). Commercial and recreational fishing, shell fishing and clamming have continued in and around Willapa Bay for the last century and are vital to the character and economy of local communities. Oyster cultivation is an important industry, which utilizes a large portion of Willapa Bay's tidelands.

Cranberry farming, dairy farming, and beef cattle ranching are major agricultural industries in the County. With the decline of many of these industries, tourism has become an important economic resource to the local communities. The natural areas, wildlife, and navigable waters within the County are sought by recreationists and tourists and have generated a variety of recreation and ecotourism industries. Ecotourism industries are those associated with the non-consumptive use of natural resources, such as scenic and wildlife tours.

Land Use Zoning. Land in Pacific County is primarily used for forest production, agriculture, residential areas, and publicly owned protected lands (see Table 3). Sixty-nine percent of the land in the County is forested and managed for the production of forest products. These forest products include soft and hardwood timber, wild mushrooms, and floral products such as salal, ferns, and moss. Pacific County encompasses approximately 597,080 acres, of which 412,150 acres are designated for commercial forest industry use. Approximately 85 percent of that forest land is owned by a few large timber companies. Lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) make up approximately 15 percent of the remaining forest resources. The remainder of the County consists of rural development and agricultural areas (128,060 acres or 21.4 percent), transitional forest areas near rural shoreline property (35,740 acres or 6 percent), commercial/industrial areas (13,069 or 2.2 percent), urban areas (7,860 acres or 1.3 5 percent), public preserves (12,670 acres or 2.1 percent), and military reservations (210 acres or 0.1 percent) (Pacific County Comprehensive Plan, October 1998).

Table 3: Land Uses in Pacific County

The 12,670 acres of land designated as "public preserve" makes up only a very small part of the county land base. Public preserves are lands owned by a federal, state, or local government that protect land with unique and outstanding recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, or geological features. The Willapa Refuge is included as a public preserve and currently contains 8,343 acres of land in fee title ownership. State and County parks are also included in this designation and the figures above. Not included in the table above are the two Natural Resource Conservation Areas that total 1,460 acres and three Natural Area Preserves that total 3,511 acres, both owned by WDNR. The public preserve areas and the WDNR protected areas are approximately 17,641 acres or 2.9 percent of Pacific County.

All of the Teal Slough, Hampton, and Bear River areas, and about 60 percent of the Omeara Point Area are located in the transitional forest land use type. The transitional forest type is primarily located adjacent to rural shoreline property and includes small-scale farms and forestry activities, dispersed single-family homes, and open spaces.

The remainder of the Omeara Point Area is located in the "forest of long term commercial significance" land use type. Forest of long term commercial significance is designated to conserve forest lands of long term commercial significance; maintain and enhance resource-based industries; discourage residential encroachment and other incompatible development from long-term forest lands; and promote and protect forestry and its dependent community through the enhancement, protection, and perpetuation of the ability of private and public landowners to grow and harvest timber. Within this type, residential densities are limited to one unit per 40 acres.

The Tarlatt Slough Area is primarily located in the "rural agricultural" land use type. "Rural agricultural" areas are dedicated to current and future cranberry production and provide a buffer from surrounding incompatible rural land uses. The lot size, permitted uses, and general zoning for the rural agricultural land use type are determined after an analysis of existing land uses, the capability of soils to support on-site sewage disposal systems, and the location, expansion, and buffer requirements for the cranberry industry.

Pacific County has a Critical Areas and Resource Lands Ordinance (No. 147) that identifies specific protection standards for critical areas and resource lands. Wetlands and aquifer recharge areas in the study area are protected under this ordinance. The County has adopted the Washington State Department of Ecology's Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual (1997) for delineating wetlands within the County and uses the National Wetland Inventory and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey of Grays Harbor County Area, Pacific County and Wahkiakum County, Washington (1986) to identify the hydric soils found in wetlands, and to make on-site field determinations. A determination is required for any development application thought to be within 100 feet of the boundary of a wetland.

Aquifer recharge areas are land surfaces where precipitation is naturally filtered and water is added to ground water supplies. Aquifer recharge areas must remain free of surface pollution to protect the quality of the ground water that fills lakes, streams and rivers and becomes public drinking water. The Tarlatt Slough area and two small areas located in the southern portion of the Bear River area contain soils that have been designated as aquifer recharge areas. The following factors may be considered by the County when reviewing a proposed activity in an aquifer recharge area: (1) potential impacts to ground water quality, (2) proposed ground water protection and monitoring, (3) availability of public facilities and services, (4) proximity to urban growth areas, (5) compatibility with adjacent land uses, (6) environmental impacts, (7) impacts to public rights-of-way, and (8) suitability to accommodate on-site waste water disposal and domestic water supply facilities.

Recreational and commercial shellfish areas are also protected under County ordinances. Land along the Bay shore in the Teal Slough, Hampton, Omeara Point, and Bear River areas are adjacent to designated critical areas for shellfish production and recreational harvesting. Under Ordinance No. 147, property located 300 feet landward from the boundary of upland vegetation or the highest tide is designated as a critical area to protect shellfish areas. Activities in these critical areas may require protective measures.

Taxes: The bulk of Pacific County's tax revenue is generated through property taxes. Much of the land base in Pacific County is commercial forest land and agricultural lands. Pacific County assesses the property tax for timberland and agricultural lands at a much lower dollar amount than compared to residential property. Approximately 72 percent of the total land base in Pacific County is assessed property tax at this lower rate, therefore, these lands only generate approximately 5.1 percent of all the property taxes received by Pacific County. Consequently, a small percent of the County's taxable land base that is owned by non-commercial private property owners generates a large percent of the County's property taxes.

3.3.2 Wildlife-Dependent Public Use Activities

There are six primary wildlife-dependent public-use activities that the Service manages for, provided that they are compatible with the purposes for which the Refuge was established. These six wildlife-dependent public use activities are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The interim compatibility determinations are found in the Conceptual Management Plan, bound with this document after the Land Protection Plan.

Wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation take place to differing degrees across the study area. The Teal Slough Natural Resource Conservation Area and adjacent stand of late-successional forest is an especially popular place for environmental education and interpretation, and wildlife observation and photography.

In 1940, President Roosevelt signed a Presidential Proclamation that prohibits waterfowl hunting in certain portions of Willapa Bay. Waterfowl hunting is not allowed within the Proclamation boundary. The shoreline that borders the Omeara Point and Hampton areas is within the Presidential Proclamation boundary so waterfowl hunting is currently prohibited in these areas. The current landowners in the Bear River area do not allow waterfowl hunting on their property. However, a portion of the Tarlatt Slough area is used for waterfowl hunting by a small, private waterfowl hunting club.

Big game hunting (elk, deer and bear) by the general public is allowed throughout the Omeara Point, Teal Slough, and Hampton Areas and is regulated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Big game hunting in the Bear River area is allowed with written permission from the landowner.

Fishing in the project area is limited to the Bear River area. Salmon and sturgeon fishing occurs along the banks of Greenhead Slough, located in the northern portion of the Bear River area. Fishing the Bear River from boats also occurs.