6 Lot Residential Development
A wetland delineation and shoreline ordinary high water mark determination with buffer enhancement plan was performed on a 6 acre parcel along the northern extent of North Lake. The critical areas on the site are very complex because it contains distinct and unique wetlands, one of which is a rare bog, a fish bearing stream, a stocked fish pond, astocked (trout and largemouth bass) 55 acre lake with associated shoreline, and priority habitat for waterfowl concentrations and for red tailed hawk and great blue heron. A total of 13 test plots were established. These plots were randomly and judgmental established in 3 different vegetation communities; forested upland, palustrine wetlands, and a bog wetland. The bog community is dominated in the tree strata by widely scattered zones of stratum with Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). The shrub layer is dominated by Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum) and Alaskan Blueberry (Vaccinium alaskaense). True herbs were not dominant in the herb stratum. Moss (Sphagnum sp) coverage in the bog ranges from 30 percent to 80 percent.
Five wetlands were delineated and rated as Category I, II, and III. Four of the wetlands were classified as palustrine, forested, broad-leafed deciduous, seasonally flooded, depressional wetlands with mineral soils. One of the wetlands (bog) affords a 200 foot wide buffer, one affords a 25 foot wide buffer, and two did not require buffers due to a ”small-size” exemption in the City Code. The fish-bearing stream affords a 100 foot buffer from the ordinary high water mark. One shoreline was identified that is associated with North Lake. The setback for the shoreline was determined at 200 feet. Priority habitat includes waterfowl concentrations and habitat for great blue heron and several species of hawks.
Six 23,000 SF half acre buildable lots were plotted, engineered, sewered, and approved by the City of Federal way for this unique project. The property is currently being developed into 6 custom homes.
