Aquatic lands Hcp DNR-managed Research
We have been working closely with scientists at ENTRIX and Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory. The following research documents have been completed.
- Covered Species Paper — Describes the life history, current and historic habitat, and current threats for the 87 species considered under the project.
- Covered Activities Technical Paper — Provides a review of the types of authorized uses that occur on state-owned aquatic lands. In addition to describing authorized uses, the paper defines the legal framework associated with the use; provides an overview of the methods used in classifying the activities; and addresses the spatial and temporal extent of the activity.
- Covered Habitat Technical Paper — Identifies the freshwater and saltwater habitats managed by Washington DNR; describes baseline conditions for the land; and identifies the habitat location.
- Covered Habitat Field Verification Report — Addresses the accuracy of the habitats discussed in the Cover Habitat Technical Paper.
- Effectiveness Monitoring Design — Describes the process for selecting conservation measures for inclusion in an Effectiveness Monitoring Plan, as well as the steps to be taken in selecting and designing field protocols.
- Potential Effects and Expected Outcomes — Describes and quantifies the direct and indirect effects of covered activities on covered species and habitats. The paper also evaluates the actions that could be taken to avoid, minimize, and compensate for potential effects; and quantifies the expected reduction in affected habitat as a result of implementing conservation measures. Due to the size of the document, the chapters and appendices have been separated.
Potential Effects Analysis
We are continuing to refine our Potential Effects Analysis for the direct and indirect effects of the activities we authorize. The analysis is based on a qualitative model that uses information on the distribution of species, habitats, and activities to estimate the extent, magnitude, and intensity of the effects. The model also gives us the ability to evaluate potential reductions in direct and indirect effects as a result of implementing conservation measures that could avoid, minimize and compensate for those effects. For additional information on the model, please contact us.
Science Review
A science review panel, comprised of scientists from academia, federal government and state government was convened to review the process and scientific information guiding the development of the HCP. The purpose of the HCP Science Review Panel Final Report was to assess whether DNR is using sound scientific principles and information in its development of the HCP.
Mapping
Working in cooperation with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, DNR has developed three GIS data layers (Marine, Lakes and Rivers) quantifying overwater structures either partially or wholly on state-owned aquatic lands. Each layer is made up of thousands of digitized structures and includes docks, bridges, floats, and some fill. Structures were digitized using three (3) foot/one (1) meter resolution color orthophotos taken between 2002 and 2006, and includes all lakes classified as definitely or probably navigable by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 90.56.010(15)), as well as a limited set of lakes classified as possibly navigable. The data will be availabe for public download by June 1, 2008 from DNR GIS Data Center.