CHAPTER 4
4.1 Introduction
The natural systems that exist within the Illahee community borders are unique and major contributors to the character of the area. Two large tracts of land have already been recognized for their unique natural features and have been set aside as parks -- Illahee State Park and Kitsap County Illahee Preserve Heritage Park. The natural features in these two parks include wetlands, streams, riparian areas, bluffs, mature forests, snags, shorelines, ravines, meadows, and wildlife corridors. Additionally, Rolling Hills Golf Course provides a third large tract of land recognized and used because of its natural and recreational features.
The park areas and golf course encompass just a portion of these natural features, with the rest of Illahee privately-owned. The limited development in much of this area is due primarily to these natural systems, e.g., steep and unstable slopes, and secondly to a semi-rural zoning prior to 1998. In spite of the 1998 urban rezone, a major portion of the area has retained its open space character because most property owners want to maintain the natural systems and neighborhood characteristics and also because few land parcels have been available for sale since the rezone.
The regulated natural systems located within the Illahee community are: saltwater shorelines; streams; wetlands; frequently flooded areas; aquifer recharge areas; geologically hazardous areas; and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. Each of these areas is regulated or controlled in some way by Washington State and Kitsap County regulations and ordinances. The aggregate of these natural systems, each of which in its own way deters or by law limits development, most often results in available open space. The collective term for areas with regulated natural systems is Environmentally Sensitive Areas or ESAs. Because of the vast amount of regulated natural resources or ESAs in the area, much of Illahee is not a good candidate for the higher density zoning associated with an Urban designation. Alternatively, in areas of Illahee where there are no or fewer ESAs (primarily in the area of north Illahee),
Urban densities are appropriate.
4.2 Saltwater
Shorelines
The Illahee community contains 3 miles of the county’s 228 miles of saltwater shorelines (Figure 4.1). The shoreline runs nearly due north and south and faces easterly to Port Orchard Bay, a major waterway approximately one mile wide of Puget Sound waters separating Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula mainland. Numerous species of fish, waterfowl, and marine mammals use this stretch of water either for transit or as a permanent residence.
Figure 4.1 Illahee Community Marine Water Shorelines
This important section of shoreline includes both sandy and rocky beaches, high bluffs, low bank waterfront, a large accretion delta, and an estuary plateau at the mouth of Illahee Creek. Along the shoreline’s steeper banks, relatively dense stands of trees greatly benefit resident birds such as kingfishers, bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. In the more densely populated area around the Illahee Community Dock, few perch trees exist for the birds, and the dock’s light poles, boat houses, or residents’ floats are used for perch areas.
While residential structures occupy nearly all the available waterfront lots in the Illahee community, the natural resources along the waterfront have benefited from the previous semi-rural zoning and waterfront setback regulations. Also, along the shoreline areas where steep and high banks predominate, trees help secure the banks from mass wasting and provide slide protection for the landowner and habitat for wildlife. The density of the waterfront homes varies from about two per acre in the older section of Illahee to one or less per acre in other areas. The result is a relatively healthy marine shoreline that supports the fish and wildlife in the area.
The saltwater shorelines are important habitat for many species of fish and wildlife. Shellfish abound in the area. Salmon fry, smelt, and other fish are nearshore dwellers. Waterfowl are always present with many species wintering primarily in the delta area at the mouth of Illahee Creek. Osprey, blue herons, and bald eagles are permanent residents. Marine mammals such as river otters and harbor seals are also residents that frequent the shoreline and nearshore areas. Sea lions occasionally winter in the area. A humpback whale was spotted in the Rue Villa area during the preparation of this Plan. Gray whales are regular, though more seasonal, visitors to the area. Other mammals such as fox and raccoon depend on the shoreline and nearshore areas for food and shelter.
The area provides habitat for Chinook salmon, listed as “threatened” by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), along with trout that were listed as “endangered” in 2007. It potentially provides habitat for bull trout, also listed as “threatened.” This area is adjacent to waters that are home to Puget Sound orcas, which were recently listed as “endangered.” Marine inter-tidal, nearshore, and sub-tidal areas provide critical habitat for salmon and trout, particularly for juvenile smolts as they migrate from freshwater systems in Puget Sound watersheds to the ocean. Shallow nearshore areas are known to provide rearing habitat and shallow-water migration corridors that offer protection from predators.
Saltwater Shorelines
Environmental Designations
The Kitsap County Shoreline Management Master Program, adopted in 1999, set shoreline designations and development requirements for Kitsap County shorelines. In this program, the Illahee community shoreline has been assigned three designations: rural, semi-rural, and conservancy (Figure 4.2). Note that these designations are not to be confused with inland zoning designations. The shoreline designations are in basic agreement with the Illahee shoreline geology and reflect the land use zoning called for in the Illahee Community Plan, with one exception.
Figure 4.2 Shoreline Management Plan Designations
The rural designation is designed to restrict intensive development along undeveloped shorelines and to function as a buffer between more urban-like densities. The majority of Illahee shorelines (approximately two linear miles) are designated rural and reflect areas of high bluffs at both ends of Illahee and the bay area between the state park and the mouth of Illahee Creek. This rural designation corresponds well with the previous semi-rural, inland zoning prior to 1998 and with the 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update zoning in areas where the zoning density was changed to one to five units per acre. In the area north of Wise Street, there is not a corresponding zoning match with the rural shoreline designation after 1998. At that time, the zoning densities were established at five to nine units per acre and were not changed with the 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update.
The semi-rural designation is designed to “promote a multiple-use shoreline area in which the scale of uses falls between that of the rural and urban environments. Certain aspects of the natural environment will be retained in conjunction with permitted uses.” This designation was assigned to the area from the bottom of Roosevelt Street north to where Wise Street intersects with Illahee Road (approximately one-half mile in distance). It essentially takes in the 1916 platted area of old, historic Illahee and provides less restrictive shoreline uses than a rural designation.
The conservancy designation is designed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and environmentally sensitive areas and includes a sub-element for parks, recreational sites, or open space. In Illahee, the shoreline area of Illahee State Park has a conservancy designation. Additionally, the southern-most shoreline area of Illahee has been given the higher conservancy designation, which follows the environmentally sensitive shoreline of the Cheney Estate and Enetai Community.
Saltwater Shorelines
Protection Guidelines
To protect this sensitive shoreline, the least invasive protection or bulkheading methods should be utilized. The county should encourage soft shoreline treatments and permit traditional rock and concrete bulkheads only as a last resort in high erosion areas and areas above mean high tide where existing homes are endangered. A reduction in or prohibition of the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides by shoreline property owners is another opportunity to diminish environmental impacts. This should be done via an educational program.
4.3 Streams, Wetlands, and
Frequently Flooded Areas
Streams
The primary stream located within the Illahee community boundary is Illahee Creek, which branches into the South Fork and the North Fork and also a North Tributary. Illahee Creek and these tributaries account for the major wetlands and frequently flooded areas within Illahee. Figure 4.3 shows Illahee Creek and its watershed boundaries. The only other significant streams are Illahee Springs Creek, that runs through and north of Illahee State Park, and the headwaters of Gilberton Creek, that runs north into Grahn’s Cove just west of University Point (Figure 4.4).
Figure 4.3 Illahee Creek and Watershed
Figure 4.4 Illahee Community Streams, Wetlands, and Frequently Flooded Areas
Illahee Creek is one of only a few salmon streams in Kitsap County with the entire watershed in an Urban Growth Area. In spite of this fact, as of 2000, the watershed still retains rural characteristics, with just 15 percent of the surface area impervious and more than 65 percent forested. The 2003 Kitsap Peninsula Refugia Report notes, “Although salmonid abundance and diversity are lower than historic levels, multiple species of salmon and trout continue to utilize Illahee Creek, making it a potentially significant salmon refuge in the eastern part of the Kitsap Peninsula.”
Illahee Creek supports a rich variety of plant and animal life. The stream and its tributaries are deeply incised into steep slopes, which remain largely forested with an extensive understory of native vegetation. Illahee Creek provides freshwater habitat for coho and chum salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. The Illahee Creek watershed provides habitat for a variety of mammals including fox, raccoon, bobcat, deer, and possibly black bear. Numerous species of birds live in the area with at least one bald eagle nest along the stream.
Illahee Creek is fed by seeps, springs, and shallow, perched ground water in the main channel and three secondary channels (or forks and tributaries). The North Fork begins in an area north of McWilliams Road. It travels south to meet the South Fork, which flows north from an area east of Perry Avenue, midway between Sylvan Way and Riddell Road. The joined streams flow east from the confluence and are joined by the North Tributary. Illahee Creek discharges into Port Orchard Bay at Schutt’s Point.
While Illahee Creek has many natural amenities, it also has some significant challenges. The first of these is the problem of excess storm water resulting from early developments in the area. The second is the presence of pollution found in the creek. The third is low baseflow, which is covered in Section 4.4, Aquifer Recharge Areas.
Illahee Creek must now handle the excess storm flow in the watershed that is not absorbed back into the ground water system, primarily because of the creation of impermeable surfaces and the lack of mitigation requirements for early developments. Unmitigated storm water flows, arising from property development at the upper reaches of the North Fork, have resulted in excessive sediment deposits downstream. These deposits are visible as brown turbid water far into Port Orchard Bay as they move north or south depending on the direction of the tidal currents. This uncontrolled runoff, resulting in bank erosion and slope failure, has diminished and threatened Illahee Creek as a salmon-bearing stream. The Washington State Department of Ecology is also aware of these problems and awarded a grant of $181,000 in 2006 to the Port of Illahee to help them determine how best to correct the problems.
In addition to the storm water problems, high levels of fecal coliform bacteria have been found in Illahee Creek in 9 of the last 11 years of monitoring. Community members are currently working in partnership with the Kitsap County Heath District to try and identify the source(s) of the fecal coliform bacteria.
Wetlands
The Illahee community contains several wetland areas and a number of potential wetland areas (Figure 4.4). Wetlands are defined as those areas that are saturated or inundated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a presence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Most of our wetlands are associated with streams or the headwaters of streams and along the mouths of the streams. Some have been mapped, though not all, and those identified remain largely un-typed. Recently, several upland wetland areas were noted along the South Fork of Illahee Creek. They are part of seasonal streams whose flows dry up or go underground during dry summer months.
Wetlands perform a variety of vital functions. Water quality is improved when the wetland area entraps sediment and contaminants. (This is particularly true of the wetland areas off of Perry Avenue where surface storm water from the Perry Avenue roadway enters onto the wetland areas before discharging into the South Fork of Illahee Creek.) Wetlands also provide flood attenuation by storing surface water runoff and slowly releasing it downstream. This water storage feature also provides stream baseflow stabilization by slowly discharging water downstream into the mainstream to maintain its summer flows, which is needed in Illahee Creek because of low summer baseflows. The wetlands are also vital in support of a wide variety of wildlife species such as birds, mammals, fish, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and wetland plant communities.
Frequently Flooded Areas
Illahee Creek has both actual and potential flooding issues that are currently being monitored by Illahee community members and the Kitsap County Public Works Department.
A new and larger rectangular culvert, installed in 1999, allows passage of Illahee Creek under Illahee Road just upstream from the creek’s discharge into Port Orchard Bay. The new culvert is being monitored because of the large amount of sediment being deposited in the lower reaches of Illahee Creek during major rainfalls. The new culvert quickly filled with sediment beyond its design height, and although it appeared to have reached a state of equilibrium over the last several years, the historic storm of December 3, 2007, added another approximately 14 inches of sediment.
This downstream flooding creates the possibility of blockage and/or damming from sediment or the possible movement of large woody debris in front of the culvert. A blockage would create potentially severe upland flooding with water possibly spilling over Illahee Road.
The accretion delta at the mouth of Illahee Creek, enlarged by excessive sediment deposits, has caused some channel migration to occur. This lateral shifting of the Illahee Creek streambed has resulted in flooding of adjacent tidal wetland areas.
4.4 Aquifer Recharge Areas
Ground water originates from precipitation and surface water filtering through the ground to aquifers. The ground where this filtering process takes place is called an aquifer recharge area. Once polluted, ground water is very difficult or impossible to clean up.
A “critical aquifer recharge area” is defined as an area that contains hydrogeologic conditions that facilitate aquifer recharge and/or transmitting contaminants to an underlying aquifer. Because the majority of Kitsap County drinking water comes from ground water supplies, the county regulates potentially polluting land uses (e.g., gas stations) in critical aquifer recharge areas (KCC, 19.600). Most relevant for Illahee is the first part of this definition since there is no commercial zoning in these aquifer recharge areas.
Critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) are categorized as Category I and Category II in the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) based upon an area’s risk of contaminating ground water. Factors that were considered in the identification of critical aquifer recharge areas include the presence of regionally significant Vashon, or shallow, aquifers; Wellhead Protection Areas for public water supplies; highly permeable soils; and a high density of wells. Category I CARAs are those areas where the potential is high for certain land use activities to adversely affect ground water. Category II CARAs are areas that provide recharge to aquifers that are currently or potentially potable water supplies and are vulnerable to contamination.
A majority of the Illahee community is designated as critical aquifer recharge areas (Figure 4.5). Category I critical aquifer recharge areas include an extensive area around the Illahee Creek drainage area due to the presence of wellhead protection areas for public wells. Category II critical aquifer recharge areas extend along most of the Illahee community shoreline due to the presence of permeable soils and the Vashon aquifer.
Recent hydrological studies authorized and funded by Illahee residents have verified these designations. (Aspect Consulting, Preliminary Baseflow Investigation of Illahee Creek, prepared for the Port of Illahee, April 28, 2006; and Joel Massmann, Ph.D., P.E., Storm Water Effects in Illahee Creek Watershed, prepared for the Illahee Forest Preserve, May 3, 2006) Additionally, the studies found a relatively porous region between the area’s shallow and deep aquifers. With Illahee Creek’s summer flows fed entirely by the seeps and springs along the stream corridors, the creek is totally dependent upon aquifer recharge for its summer flow. Additional studies are needed to determine how best to maintain the stream flows necessary to support salmon and trout in Illahee Creek.
The impacts of new development on aquifers and Illahee Creek should be minimized as new developments are authorized. Impervious surfaces (paving and concrete, roofs, etc.) that reduce aquifer recharge and increase storm water runoff should be minimized and managed to continue minimizing their negative impacts. Developments with sewer systems typically result in a decrease of aquifer recharge but avoid ground water quality problems. The possible negative water quality impact of drainfields on aquifers needs to be balanced with the water quantity benefits they provide. Scientific studies are needed to determine the best solutions to resolve the water quantity and quality issues in order to maintain Illahee Creek as a viable salmon and trout stream for the foreseeable future.
Figure 4.5 Illahee Community Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
Chemicals and pollutants associated with developed areas,
including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and petroleum products, increase
the risk of ground water contamination. Possible adverse effects to the
availability and quality of safe drinking water should be avoided by education
of homeowners and business owners and through diligent application of the
Critical Areas Ordinance. The Illahee community, therefore, is proposing these
issues be addressed and studied before major developments are permitted within
the Illahee Creek watershed.
4.5 Geologically Hazardous Areas
Significant portions of the Illahee community are rated as high or moderately hazardous areas (Figure 4.6). Moderate Hazard Areas are defined as slopes of 15 to 30 percent, and soils classified as highly or potentially highly erodible. This classification runs nearly the entire length of Illahee’s shoreline, with the area around Illahee State Park being classified as a high hazardous area.
High Hazard Areas also exist within the community, mainly along the banks of Illahee Creek and its tributaries, along the shoreline north of Third Street, along with the previously mentioned areas in Illahee State Park. High Hazard Areas are slopes greater than 30 percent. In addition, the Illahee community lies along or near the Blakely Harbor Fault, a splay of the Seattle Fault identified following the 2001 Seattle earthquake. This fault has resulted in increased building design standards in the International Building Code of 2003 and requires additional safety factors to be implemented for any commercial building or infrastructure in the Illahee area.
4.6 Fish and Wildlife
Statement from Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
Fish and wildlife are public resources. Balancing human needs with those of fish and wildlife is a challenge and responsibility we all must accept. Although the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is charged with protecting and perpetuating fish and wildlife species, the agency has very limited authority over the habitat on which animals depend. Instead, protection of Washington's fish and wildlife resources is currently achieved through voluntary actions of landowners and through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Growth Management Act (GMA), Forest Practices Act (FPA), Shoreline Management Act (SMA), and similar planning processes that primarily involve city and county governments.
Landowners, agencies, governments, and members of the public have a shared responsibility to protect and maintain these resources; all are resource stewards. The condition of our fish and wildlife mirrors our performance as stewards, and it represents our commitment to sustaining these resources for our children and theirs.
Figure 4.6 Illahee Community Geologically Hazardous Areas
Quality of Illahee Habitat
The fact that the Illahee area is rich in fish and wildlife habitat is noted in Figure 4.7 “WDFW Habitat Evaluation,” which gives the highest habitat rating to much of the south portion of Illahee. This is the largest and highest habitat rating area in the Central Kitsap and East Bremerton area, and shows the connectedness to another high habitat rated area, the Cheney Estate area south of the Illahee community.
With the abundance of natural resources in the area and the prime fish and wildlife habitat these resources provide, the Illahee community has had to determine how it would respond to the issue of fish and wildlife in Illahee and the issue of wildlife corridors. Goal Nine of the Growth Management Act (GMA) states jurisdictions are to “retain open space” and “conserve fish and wildlife habitat.” (Chapter 2, Section 2.7, notes all thirteen goals of the GMA.) The community and the county must balance this goal with the other GMA goals through a process similar to that implemented to develop the Illahee Community Plan. That process must determine what the community’s level of commitment is with regard to retaining open space and conserving fish and wildlife habitat. WDFW can note that the habitat is there, but formal land use controls over that habitat must be supported by the community and enacted by the county through land use regulations along with other protections implemented by willing landowners.
Community Response
The fish and wildlife issue is front and center for Illahee citizens every day, out their windows, along the shorelines, in their yards, and along the roadways. In addition to learning to live with the natural features that make Illahee unique, the Illahee community has had to learn to live with the fish and wildlife that have lived here long before humans came to the area. Recent surveys indicated a wide spectrum of feelings in the community regarding the general issue of fish and wildlife. These feelings range from annoyance to exuberance, but when pressed, even those annoyed by terrestrial wildlife foraging in their gardens are ultimately wildlife supporters.
Illahee Creek Fish (Salmonids)
Four species of salmonid are native to Illahee Creek: chum salmon, coho salmon, steelhead trout, and searun cutthroat trout. Despite earlier problems with culverts, which were replaced in 1999, and excessive storm water for the past nearly 40 years from upstream developments, Illahee Creek continues to support small runs of salmonids. Stream restoration projects have been recently approved and funded; the projects will begin following the completion of studies, with the goal of restoring chum and coho salmon and trout to more acceptable and historic levels.
Figure 4.7 Illahee Community WDFW Habitat Evaluation
Wildlife Habitat Patches
This Plan defines “Wildlife Habitat Patches” as significant wildlife habitat areas where significant acreage and quality habitat support a variety of wildlife species. Two major wildlife patches exist within the Illahee community boundaries, and the third wildlife patch, the Cheney Estate–Enetai community area, is contiguous to the Illahee community.
The largest of the Wildlife Habitat Patches is the Illahee Preserve. The Preserve is presently 460 acres and has been designated as a primary wildlife preserve conservation habitat area. The wildlife preserve area is comprised of old growth forest and primary Illahee Creek watershed in its natural state. This represents a premium wildlife habitat area that was recently expanded from 352 acres to the now 460 acres, with plans to further increase the preserve boundaries via conservation easements and land purchases.
The next largest Wildlife Habitat Patch in Illahee is the 75-acre Illahee State Park. This shoreline park with approximately one-half mile of waterfront is heavily forested and is a sanctuary for both marine and terrestrial wildlife.
The Cheney Estate–Enetai Community is a third Wildlife Habitat Patch of approximately 100 acres of primary wildlife habitat immediately south of the Illahee community’s southern border. The area is heavily forested with minimal development along the nearly one linear mile of shoreline. Discussions with community and estate personnel indicate it is highly unlikely the area will be developed beyond its present state. This area also has the highest available WDFW habitat rating.
Wildlife Corridors
The wildlife within these three Wildlife Habitat Patches are subject to species isolation unless they can be in contact or connected with other patches. This is less of a problem for birds that can fly between other patch areas if they are close by. It is a larger problem for terrestrial mammals that must traverse overland to reach other wildlife patches.
Wildlife Corridors provide safe paths, free of vehicles and other human disturbance, for wildlife to travel between areas used for sleeping, accessing drinking water, foraging or hunting, and breeding. Wildlife corridors can range in quality from high to low depending on the obstacles encountered. Lower quality paths are encumbered by more private residences, roadways, and other obstacles that tend to interfere, but not deter, the movement of wildlife.
Four Wildlife Corridors already exist
in the Illahee community and connect the three Wildlife Habitat Patches, i.e.,
the Illahee Preserve, Illahee State Park, and the Cheney Estate–Enetai community area (Figure 4.8).
The first is a corridor already used by
wildlife and links Illahee State Park with the Cheney Estate–Enetai Community. With the near build-out
of this corridor area in the 1960s as semi-rural and the fact that there is
little vehicle traffic in the area, this Wildlife Corridor functions well to
provide movement of wildlife between the two Wildlife Habitat Patches. Because
of the natural features in the area, the Illahee community requested the
designated housing density for this area to be changed from an Urban Low
designation (5-9 housing units per acre) to an Urban Restricted designation (1-5
housing units per acre). The lower density housing designation is more
compatible with the natural features of the area and lower densities support
the continuation of this already established wildlife corridor. The requested lower
zoning changes were agreed upon by the Planning Commission and the Board of
County Commissioners and were included in the 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update.
The next Wildlife Corridor already in
use connects Illahee State Park with the forested area along the South Fork of
Illahee Creek. The Wildlife Corridor runs northwest along the ravine from the
State Park boundary, through the former Kurkowski property and the Fisher Park
area, across Illahee Road, and then directly west across several private
properties to the recently acquired Kitsap County Parks property purchased from
the Bogan’s. This is another instance of where the Illahee community requested
the designated housing density in this area be changed from 5-9 housing units
per acre to 1-5 units because of the area’s natural features. This area, like the previous area, was
approved for the Urban Restricted zoning designation.
The third Wildlife Corridor exists
across the Elliot property and the former Garrison property. This corridor area
connects two pieces of Kitsap County Parks Department properties that are part
of the Illahee Preserve. The Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee identified
a number of properties along the Illahee Creek corridor that were targeted for
purchase or conservation easements. These two properties, or portions thereof,
were not secured by previous grants and are being targeted with future grants. Portions
of both properties are considered essential for maintaining a viable Wildlife Corridor
in that area.
The fourth Wildlife Corridor also
connects Illahee State Park with the natural areas to the north, which are all
private but not developed primarily because of the steep slopes along both
sides of Illahee hill. This corridor extends upland toward the Fir Drive area
and also northward along the shoreline, both of which terminate along the
Illahee Creek corridor. This is a third instance of where the Illahee community
requested the designated housing density in this area for change from Urban Low
(5-9 housing units per acre) to Urban Restricted (1-4 units per acre) based on
the natural features of the area. As stated in the previous paragraphs, the
lower housing density also supports the already existing wildlife corridors in
these areas.
Figure 4.8 Illahee Community Wildlife Corridors
Habitat Standards for
Wildlife Habitat Patches and Wildlife Corridors
As stated earlier, the protection of fish and wildlife resources and habitat within the Illahee borders is ultimately the responsibility of the Illahee community. While the two Wildlife Habitat Patches within Illahee are publicly owned, the Wildlife Corridors are primarily in private ownership, and the success of maintaining the habitat quality will depend on the voluntary actions of Illahee landowners.
There are varying habitat standards for Wildlife Habitat Patches and Wildlife Corridors that are only briefly mentioned in this Plan. The first is to maintain the natural features to the maximum extent possible such as wetlands and streams. The second is to maintain natural vegetation as much as is possible such as native trees, shrubs, and plants. And the last is to avoid barriers such as solid fences, etc., to the maximum degree possible.
4.7 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
(ESAs)
Environmentally sensitive areas are defined as “those areas, designated, mapped and regulated by environmentally sensitive area regulations.” The definition goes on to say “These areas have existing site conditions that require development standards to minimize specific on-site adverse environmental impacts including stream siltation, hill-slides, and reduction of wildlife habitat. ESAs include wetlands, riparian corridors, steep slopes, slide-prone areas, areas subject to liquefaction during seismic events, hazardous waste sites, floodplains, and wildlife habitat areas.”
This definition results in significant areas within the Illahee community being classified as environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), thus requiring extra degrees of protection to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
4.8 Tree Recognition and
Preservation
The Illahee community is recognized as one area between Bremerton and Silverdale where there are still significant forested areas and where large trees can still be found. The world’s largest known pacific yew tree is located in Illahee State Park along with other large native trees. The Illahee Preserve contains a number of large old-growth western white pine. Many of the Illahee citizens have expressed that they would like to maintain the natural forested character of Illahee and responded positively to a tree recognition and preservation program.
With increasing pressure from Kitsap County to promote higher density developments in all urban areas, more and more trees and other native vegetation are likely to be removed throughout the Illahee community unless the community responds with a preservation program. The desired solution is to coordinate a tree preservation program, primarily in those areas where the natural features limit or restrict urban development and where zoning densities are low.
The purpose of this section is to increase awareness and preserve what remains of the natural flora and fauna to the maximum extent possible. The goal is to conserve the scenery and natural and historic objects, and the wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment and satisfaction of future generations.
Illahee Road is the main thoroughfare through the Illahee community. It is a scenic by-way brimming with steep slopes, vegetated canyons, springs and seeps, and scenic views of Port Orchard Bay and Bainbridge Island. Properties on both sides of Illahee Road are edged with large stands of Douglas fir, big leaf maple, and a large variety of other native vegetation including vine maple, sword ferns, and Indian plum. Vegetation framing the views contributes to the Illahee ambiance that has made the community an attractive place for its residents to live. Many residents feel a vigilant and determined focus on preservation is needed to keep Illahee from being further eroded to the point where Illahee becomes totally denuded and there is nothing left to preserve.
Illahee Road is a scenic by-way that follows the route of the Mosquito Fleet Trail. The greenbelt on both sides of the road enhances wildlife habitat and the wildlife corridor that runs through Illahee. Movement of resident wildlife and maintenance of nesting areas, and a unique recreational route for pedestrians and cyclists, are provided for as a result. The maintaining of property values as a result of the natural setting and the route’s unique beauty are intrinsic values important to Illahee residents. Natural vegetative buffers between developments and roadways are suggested to be maintained at a minimum of 25 feet so as to obscure building sites from roadways, wherever possible.
Community Tree Protection
Standards
Trees (primarily Douglas fir, western red cedar, and big leaf maple) along geologically hazardous areas help maintain slope stability and should not be removed. This would include major portions of the Illahee Creek corridor, shorelines at the south and north end of the community, and much of the area along Illahee Road from Fisher Park to near the mouth of Illahee Creek.
Trees along previously established no-cut vegetation buffer areas should not be removed. Such an area exists next to the Ambleside Development on Third Street between East Avenue and Illahee Road.
Removal of trees larger than 18 inches in diameter in the above mentioned areas that are considered a threat to persons or properties should require a locally certified arborist’s written evaluation prior to being removed. Homeowners have the option of habitating, skirting, or windowing the trees on their property for safety by a certified ISA arborist.
Trees that are 25 inches in diameter or greater, depending on variety, should be considered for the Community Heritage Tree Program.
Forested areas provide many benefits to the Illahee community such as water retention, wildlife corridors, and scenic views. Grants have been obtained in the past to preserve these areas and are projected for future purchases. Property owners are encouraged to contact Kitsap County (www.kitsapgov.com) or the Illahee Forest Preserve (www.illaheepreserve.org) if forested areas are being contemplated for sale.
Community Heritage Tree
Program
A voluntary Heritage Tree program has also been requested to preserve and recognize the historic, social, and culturally significant trees in the community. Heritage Tree status would be granted if the tree meets any or all of the following requirements:
· Size - a diameter of at least 24-36 inches (depending on variety)
· Relation to an historical event
· Unusual species for the area, or exemplary form of the species
· A grove may be considered if it meets any of the following requirements:
(Mature and contains trees that are distinctive due to size, shape, species, or age)
·
Relationship with a natural resource (e.g., streambank)
Benefits of Participating in the Heritage Tree Program:
· The program provides a way for people to recognize and save significant trees on private property.
· Heritage trees would be protected from unnecessary removal and aggressive maintenance actions with review and appropriate approval of all activity by consultation with locally approved arborists.
· Heritage Trees would have plaques with their designation on or adjacent to the tree.
· The Illahee community, through community volunteers, will strive to create partnerships with local tree care companies or sponsors for the care and maintenance of Heritage Trees.
· All Heritage Trees will be inventoried with all relevant information and photographed for interested parties to research. (To be nominated, a tree must be in good condition and have the consent of the property owner. Tree nominations are reviewed semi-annually with deadlines in October and April. The selection process would be on-going.)
4.9 Open Space
Open space is defined as undeveloped land, water areas, and land partially developed to the extent compatible with forestry, agriculture, or recreation. Open space comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types and can provide a number of different benefits or purposes. It can define a community and provide distinctive character. It may serve as a boundary between incompatible land uses, a break from continuous development, or natural linkages between communities. In addition, open space may also provide recreation opportunities, protect critical areas and fish and wildlife habitat, maintain scenic areas and vistas, provide wildlife corridors, and preserve significant farm and forest lands. Examples include: riparian zones and estuaries; wetlands; shorelines; steep slopes and ridges; watershed lands; critical wildlife habitat; recreational lands; farm and forest lands; scenic corridors; urban green spaces; and cemeteries.
Given the above definition for open space and the specific examples noted, the only open space category not within the Illahee boundary is a formal cemetery.
The three largest open areas within Illahee are Illahee State Park, the Illahee Preserve (a Kitsap County Heritage Park), and Rolling Hills Golf Course. These three areas alone comprise nearly 700 acres of open space and represent over one-third of the Illahee community. This acreage plus the private open space areas being left in their natural or near natural state leaves the Illahee area nearly two-thirds open space. Grant monies are being requested to complete purchases or conservation easements of targeted private properties within the Illahee Creek corridor to complete the Illahee Preserve Heritage Park plans established in the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Plan. Conservation easements and grants are anticipated to secure secondary wildlife corridor properties once established by the community.
4.10 Goals and Policies
Goal 4.2 Protect
the saltwater shoreline.
Policy 4.2-1 Encourage the use of soft bulkheading.
Policy 4.2-2 Provide educational materials to shoreline property owners on the safe use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Goal 4.3 Protect
Illahee Creek.
Policy 4.3-1 Review all new development proposals, particularly in the Illahee Creek watershed, to ensure that the projects are coordinated with ongoing regional storm water system planning and, because this is an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), meet the requirements of the latest Department of Ecology storm water regulations.
Policy 4.3-2 Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and other new technologies to decrease storm water runoff.
Policy 4.3-3 Support a scientific study to determine the best solutions to resolve storm water issues in Illahee Creek to achieve acceptable stream flows during storm events necessary to support salmon and trout.
Goal 4.4 Protect
Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas.
Policy 4.4-1 Review all new development proposals, particularly in the Illahee Creek watershed, to ensure that the projects do not adversely affect the aquifer recharge.
Policy 4.4-2 Encourage the use of permeable surfaces and other new technologies to increase aquifer recharge.
Policy 4.4-3 Support a scientific study to determine the best solutions to resolve water quality and quantity issues in Illahee Creek to maintain the stream flows necessary to support salmon and trout.
Goal 4.5 Protect
Geologically Hazardous Areas.
Policy 4.5-1 Review all new development proposals, particularly along steep banks, to ensure that the projects meet the latest CAO and seismic standards.
Policy 4.5-2 Support a scientific study to determine the proximity of Illahee to the Blakely Harbor Fault.
Goal 4.6-1 Enhance efforts
to protect the biological diversity and habitats of fish, birds, wildlife, and
plant life within the Illahee community.
Policy 4.6.1 Support a diligent application of the Critical Areas Ordinance to protect wildlife habitat.
Policy 4.6-2 Determine the community’s level of commitment with regard to retaining open space and conserving fish and wildlife habitat.
Policy 4.6-3 Determine if formal land use controls to enhance habitat should be recommended.
Policy 4.6-4 Recommend voluntary protections of habitat by contacting and educating willing landowners.
Goal 4.6-2 Provide wildlife
corridors between wildlife habitat patches.
Policy 4.6-5 Recommend voluntary recognition and promotion of wildlife corridors between wildlife habitat patches.
Goal 4.7 Conserve
the scenery and natural and historic trees within the Illahee community.
Policy 4.7-1 Coordinate a voluntary tree conservation program.
Policy 4.7-2 Maintain natural vegetative buffers between developments and roadways wherever possible.
Policy 4.7-3 Establish community tree protection standards.
Policy 4.7-4 Encourage participation in a community Heritage Tree program to preserve and recognize the historic, social, and culturally significant trees in the community.
Goal 4.8 Continue
efforts to preserve open space.
Policy 4.8 Pursue grant monies to complete purchases or conservation easements within the Illahee Creek corridor as outlined in the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Plan.
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