Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed Nugget Lake East Grade Stabilization Structure Project

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize the "incidental taking" of the State-threatened snow trillium (Trillium nivale) resulting from the construction of a grade stabilization structure within the eastern portion of Nugget Lake County Park in Pierce County. The proposed structure will reduce waterflow velocity and erosion within an intermittent gully to improve flood control and sediment retention. The site is located in Section 32, Township 26 North, Range 15 West.

The 3.3-acre project site currently consists of central hardwoods including maple, box elder, elm, prickly ash and sumac. All vegetation within the construction zone will be removed and the borrow area of the structure will be located directly downstream of the dam.

The Nugget Lake County Park snow trillium population is very large, and thousands of plants have been observed in the park. The proposed Nugget Lake County Park dam project would result in the loss of about 1.65 acres of potential snow trillium habitat, including more than 100 snow trillium plants. To minimize take, all plants within the construction zone will be translocated to Pierce County Forest land and their status monitored through 2011. It is not feasible to relocate the construction site to another location within the park because of the topography of the county park and purpose of the dam. Given the population size and distribution of snow trillium within the park, the limited area of the dam project is unlikely to jeopardize this population.

Through the Incidental Take Consultation process, Nugget Lake County Park has agreed to follow conservation measures to minimize potential take of the plant. The Department has determined that the proposed project will minimize the impacts to the plant by adhering to the conservation measures; is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of these plants or the whole plant-animal community of which they are a part; and has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action .

Copies of the jeopardy assessment and conservation measures are available below or upon request from:

Information & Supporting Materials:
Jeopardy Assessment and Background Information [PDF 18KB]