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PART 2: SAN JUAN COUNTY CHARACTERIZATION REPORT
APPENDIX B: MAPS OF SAN JUAN COUNTY WATERSHED CHARACTERISTICS
Appendix B. Maps of San Juan County watershed characteristics
Figures B-1, B-1a, B-1b, B-1c. San Juan County jurisdictional boundaries, roads, contours, and streams.
Figure B-2. Landcover vegetation.
Figure B-3. Upland, wetland and estuarine habitat.
Figure B-4. Coastal wetlands, intertidal areas, and marine habitat.
Figure B-5. Soil characteristics: limitations and suitability.
Figure B-6. Current land use.
Figure B-7. Parcels with residential development.
The maps of San Juan County characteristics were developed using geographic data from several sources. The information sources vary and, for the most part, are not comprehensive and provide a level of detail that can be used only as a general guide to the current conditions in the county. There are large gaps in the digital information available for natural areas, wetlands, and terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. Most of the inventories used for the maps of natural areas were conducted at least 20 years ago and limited in coverage. Soil maps are based on a scale that does not show areas smaller than five acres. Wetland maps are derived from aerial photos and satellite images that do not show forested wetlands, or wetlands in certain grassland conditions. Current land use maps are based on a parcel database developed for tax assessment purposes, which has some limitations when used as a geographic display.
Soils: Soil maps were developed from digital data produced by Washington State Department of Natural Resources, based on the 1963 USDA Soil Survey for San Juan county. Soil characteristics for septic suitability and erosion were mapped based on the 1973 Huxley College of Environmental Studies, San Juan Islands Soil Suitability Analysis. Soil characteristics for forestry suitability were mapped based on the Washington State Department of Natural Resources State Soil Survey (abridged for San Juan County). Soil characteristics for aquifer recharge and prime agricultural lands were mapped according to San Juan County Critical Areas Ordinance, adopted 1995.
Habitat: Upland terrestrial habitat was mapped from Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Heritage Program digital data which includes wetlands, natural ecosystems, and flora an fauna listed as priority species under state and federal regulations (endangered, threatened, and species of concern). Upland wetlands, streams and lakes were mapped using US Geological Survey streams and National Wetlands Survey data distributed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Wetland data from the san Juan County Wetland Survey, 1991, was used as well.
Land Use: Land use was derived from parcel data developed by the San Juan County Assessor's office. Assessments are revised every three years.
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Note: The scale of the maps presented here are county-wide. These maps will be made available at the county's internet website so that those interested can zoom-in on specific watersheds and areas for a better picture of local conditions.
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