Draft HCP Review Primer

Manages 2.6 million acres of aquatic lands for the benefit of all citizens of the state - a unique, distinct role among governments

DNR Aquatic Resources Division

Negotiated agreement with USFWS and NMFS (Federal Services)

Addresses harm to listed and sensitive species

Describes DNR’s commitment to avoid, minimize and compensate for harm to species

Basis for an Incidental Take Permit from the Federal Services

What is a HCP?

Foster water-dependent uses

Ensure environmental protection

Encourage direct public use and access

Utilize renewable resources

And where consistent with the above, generate revenue

The HCP is consistent with DNR’s Management Guidelines

Identified in RCW 79.105.030

Meets DNR’s management goals and 2010-2014 strategic plan for stronger emphasis on stewardship

Habitat Conservation Plan

2.6 Million Acres

56% Offshore 56% Offshore

Rivers 4%Rivers 4%

Lakes 15%Lakes 15%

25% Nearshore25% Nearshore

Washington State Department of Natural ResourcesWashington State Department of Natural Resources

HCP Planning Area

Avoid and minimize impacts from

Shade Contamination Drift cell

disruption Noise Compaction of

sediments

DNR Aquatic HCP Focus

Conoco PierCherry Point

The draft HCP represents 6 years of research, outreach and application that establishes a programmatic approach to DNR’s stewardship of the state’s aquatic lands.

In developing the draft HCP DNR evaluated impacts to aquatic habitat and species from the activities that we authorize to develop a comprehensive approach to avoid and reduce these impacts. In addition, we were careful to ensure that the practices we are adopted are also practical to implement.

The HCP includes 8 chapters which are outlined in the following slides.

Aquatic lands HCP Overview

a. Describes the purposes of the plan and DNR’s intent for developing the HCP;

b. Provides a description of:• The relationship between the ESA and the benefits provided under Section

10(a)(1)(B) of the Act; • The area of State-managed aquatic land;

• The process used for selecting the activities proposed for coverage under the HCP; and

• The process for selecting the species proposes for coverage under the HCP

HCP Chapter 1

Graphic: L. Prado Graphic: L. Prado

Chapter 2 discusses the history of aquatic land management in Washington State; the relationship of the Aquatic Lands HCP to DNR’s 3 other HCPs; and the regulatory environment affecting this HCP

HCP Chapter 2

EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest)

Chapter 3 provides a description of covered activities, their effects and the extent to where they occurs of state-managed aquatic lands

HCP Chapter 3

Photo: DNR staff

Herptofauna (5) - Columbia spotted frog, Northern leopard frog, Oregon spotted frog , Western toad, Pacific pond turtle

Fish (18) - Bull trout, Chinook, Chum, Coastal cutthroat trout, Coho, Pink, Sockeye/Kokanee, Steelhead, Green & White sturgeon, Bocaccio, Canary & Yelloweye rockfish, Eulachon, Pacific herring, Pacific sand land, Surf smelt, Pacific lamprey

HCP Chapter 4

Birds (5) - Black tern, Common loon, Harlequin duck, Marbled murrelet, Western snowy plover

Marine Mammal – Southern resident orca

Chapter 4 describes the aquatic species proposed for coverage in the HCP and the potential effects of the covered activities described in HCP Chapter 3 on these species

Chapter 5 includes the HCP goals and objectives, conservation measures for covered activities, Programmatic Strategies, and Standards that will be adopted to avoid and minimize the impacts to species described in HCP Chapter 4. Chapter 5 also describes the implementation process and funding, compliance monitoring and the HCP’s adaptive management program

HCP Chapter 5

Shellfish Aquaculture

Covered Activities

Log booming and storage

Overwater structures - Docks & wharves, Boat ramps/launches, Rafts, Mooring buoys, Nearshore buildings, Floating homes, Marinas, Shipyards & terminals

Chapter 6: A description of the alternatives to this HCP that were considered and the reasons for their rejection

Chapter 7: HCP Glossary

Chapter 8: References

HCP Chapters 6 - 8

Additional Information on the HCP can be found at:

www.dnr.wa.gov/aquatichcp

Photo by David Roberts