Sarah Schanz with our weekly vegetables from the Boistfort Valley Farm.
Photo: Rob Schanz
The following is adapted from a press release in the "Report on the Consideration of Forming a Coastal Regional Governance Unit for Salmon Sustainability, June 20, 2007."
Overview
Between January and June of 2007, representatives of Lead Entity organizations along the coastal region (i.e., North Pacific Coast, Quinault Nation, Grays Harbor and Pacific) and associated stakeholders formed a planning group to determine whether to form a coast-wide regional body; and, if so, what the purpose and functions of this organization would be. The Washington state coastal region roughly encompasses the coast from Cape Flattery to the mouth of the Columbia River. Grant funding for this purpose was provided by the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB).
Six months of diligent and collaborative work by the planning group members, resources from local, state and federal agencies and ideas from interested citizens resulted in a "Report on the Consideration of Forming a Coastal Regional Governance Unit for Salmon Sustainability." At its June 20, 2007 meeting, the planning group conditionally approved submittal of its final report to the SRFB, whereby the four Lead Entities agreed to work together to form a regional organization.
With the submittal of its final report to the SRFB and with formal request letters to the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office (GSRO) from each Lead Entity indicating support of, recognition, and formation of the regional organization, the planning group will move forward in crafting the detailed elements of the regional organization. A work plan and budget will be prepared for submittal to the SRFB in September 2007.
Coastal salmon situation and the endangered species act (ESA)
The habitat conditions in the coastal region are impacted by forest management activities, agriculture, climate change, and urban and rural human development. In some areas of the region, instream flow concerns are factors in species health. Compared to other areas of the state where urban and suburban development is more significant, however, the habitat of the coastal area is in relatively better condition.
In the coastal region, Lake Ozette sockeye and Coastal Puget Sound bull trout have been listed as threatened with extinction under the federal ESA. The remaining salmonid species in the coastal region are not listed. The Lead Entities, the State, and the tribes consider the majority of salmonid populations, however, as diminished at this time.
Federal and State support
The effort of evaluating the merits and concerns of forming a regional organization is primarily in response to significant changes in the SRFB's funding strategy. As of the 2006 funding cycle (7th round), the SRFB allocates the majority of its funding on a regional basis and has "increased reliance on regional salmon recovery plans and strategies." Since there is not a coast-wide recovery plan or strategy, the GSRO, the SRFB and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) encouraged the coastal Lead Entities to consider an approach to regional collaboration.
Washington state approach and regionalizatio
The State encourages and supports people working together to achieve salmonid recovery from the bottom up versus from the top-down perspective. There is no set model for organizing a regional entity. To be recognized, Lead Entities in an area must agree to formally request recognition and form an organization with identified regional salmonid recovery functions.
New lead entity -- north pacific coast
As the coastal region project was underway, a new Lead Entity was formed when WRIA 20 separated from the North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity (NOPLE). The name of the new organization is North Pacific Coast Lead Entity. The Quillayute basin is the largest in the area, and it consists of four major sub-basins: the Dickey, Sol-Duc, Calawah and Bogachiel. Representatives from both NOPLE and the new Lead Entity have actively participated throughout the Planning Group process.
Report recommendations
The planning group agreed to assign the name of Washington Coast Sustainable Salmon Partnership (WCSSP) for the regional group. The planning group determined a framework for issues, functions, organizational structure, membership, staffing, and funding. They chose a structural option for the Partnership that favored the formation of a "Federation with Strong Lead Entities." The Lead Entities remain distinct and prioritize projects within their own WRIAs.
As a starting point, the planning group recommended a caucus/Lead Entity approach to membership that includes consideration of representation within each caucus from a variety of interests (e.g., citizens, stakeholder interests, city and county representatives, tribal representatives, etc.). Each Lead Entity caucus would have one vote on the Partnership. Decisions will be made by consensus of the caucuses. Veto power exists within each caucus. State and federal representatives will be technical resources. The planning group recommended that a final membership and voting structure be completed no later than October 2008.
The planning group acknowledged that regional staffing will be necessary in order to accomplish the functions agreed upon and therefore recommended hiring a full time executive director and a full time assistant for the first two years.
The planning group anticipated that appropriate funding from the SRFB will be available to the coastal region for both creating a coastal organization as well as continued operation of such a group. In order to support actual formation of the Washington Coast Sustainable Salmon Partnership, the planning group recommended that a grant be requested and obtained to further develop the necessary details for forming the group, hiring staff, and implementing the recommendations. The planning group also recommended that a mechanism that provides funding to support citizen participation in the WCSSP (per diem) be explored as a part of the grant.
For more information, you may contact Lee Napier, the Lead Entity Coordinator for the Chehalis Basin at 1.800.230.1638, ext 435.
-- Community Supported Agriculture--
By Rob Schanz, Chehalis River Council
One way to improve the health of your watershed is by making good choices as a consumer. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is one of the best ways to do this. These programs allow you to "subscribe" to a local farm by buying a season's worth of vegetables. The farmer then prepares a box of fresh vegetables, berries, and flowers for you every week, usually from June through the Fall harvest season.
Sarah Schanz with our weekly vegetables from the Boistfort Valley Farm. Photo: Rob Schanz |
My family has subscribed to several CSA's over the years. This year we are buying from the Boistfort Valley Farm (www.boistfortvalleyfarm.com), an organic farm operated by Heidi and Mike Peroni along the South Fork Chehalis River. Mike has been farming since 1994, and the couple bought the Boistfort Valley Farm in 2002. While they also sell at local farmers markets, they like the direct contact the CSA program gives them with their customers. "It gives us the opportunity to educate people about what they're eating and where it comes from," says Heidi.
Like many CSA farms, Mike and Heidi are good stewards of their land. "We are very careful about maintaining borders for wildlife, and we plant cover crops for beneficial insects and birds," says Heidi. "We don't farm in low areas next to the river and have planted cottonwood seedlings along the river." They are certified organic, and do not spray harmful chemicals on their land. These practices have direct benefits to their crops. "The birds and bats are a real asset for us -- they keep the pests off our crops," says Heidi.
We got our first box on June 21st, full of spring vegetables like lettuce, chard, arugula, radishes, and cilantro. The biggest hit was the bright red strawberries. "Mmm, juicy!" was all my kids could say as they ate one after another.
Later in the year we'll get summer vegetables like eggplant, squash, and tomatoes. The last box in the fall usually comes with winter squashes and other vegetables that you can store.
CSA programs have so many advantages it's a wonder everyone doesn't do it. We love the fresh food and knowing who grows our vegetables. You can also save money -- the price per pound might be a little more than in the grocery stores, but the quantity and quality of vegetables leads to healthier eating habits that reduce your reliance on expensive processed food. And these farms help protect our watershed by preserving habitat and avoiding harmful chemicals.
You can learn more about CSA's and organic farms in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Mason counties by going to the Thurston County Farm Map (http://fertileground.org/foodshed).
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By Kirk Hanson, NCF South Sound Director
Forest landowners in the South Sound can receive a free on-site consultation to learn how the new Northwest Certified Forestry (NCF) program can benefit them.
 Brian Thompson (left), TCD Resource Specialist, tests the soil for the Holm Farm CREP project, one of the kind of cost-share restoration programs available from the TCD. Landowner Pete Holm (right) looks on. |
Forest landowners in the South Sound have a new resource for learning about sustainable forest management and methods for diversifying income. Landowners can receive a free on-site consultation to learn about Northwest Certified Forestry, a program of the Northwest Natural Resource Group, a conservation and rural economic development organization.
Northwest Certified Forestry is offering consultations to small woodland owners who own forest land within 60 miles of Olympia. The site visits are intended to help landowners answer basic forest management questions and learn how membership in Northwest Certified Forestry can benefit them.
"We realize there are a lot of folks out there who own small amounts of forest land who have questions about improving wildlife habitat, marketing their forest products, forest certification, and carbon credits," said Denise Pranger, Executive Director for the Northwest Natural Resource Group. "One of our strengths is our ability to connect landowners to the information and resources they need to optimally manage their land."
About Northwest Certified Forestry
Northwest Certified Forestry (NFC) is a regional membership program that helps forest landowners optimize the income potential of conservation-based forestry. NCF's membership is characterized by landowners who are pursuing innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to forest management.
Northwest Certified Forestry also helps landowners market their wood products to a quickly growing network of local wood products manufacturers and lumberyards that specialize in locally produced forest products that are certified to the high standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
"The green building industry is rapidly expanding in both the residential and commercial sectors," said Ian Hanna, Program Director for Northwest Certified Forestry. "Architects and builders are increasingly seeking FSC certified wood products for their green-built homes and buildings. One of Northwest Certified Forestry's core goals is to help supply wood products from local FSC certified small woodland owners."
Landowners who own more than 20 acres of forest land within 60 miles of Olympia can contact Northwest Certified Forestry's South Sound office to request a free consultation.
NCF's South Sound Director, Kirk Hanson, will meet with landowners at their property to discuss NCF's suite of services which include: FSC certification, forest products marketing, forest management planning, identifying government and non-government conservation funding sources, referrals to high quality consulting foresters and loggers, and carbon credit market development. Kirk can also answer landowners' general forest management questions.
To arrange a free site visit, contact Kirk Hanson at: 360-316-9317, or by e-mail at kirk@nnrg.org. For more program information, visit the website at www.nnrg.org
Northwest Certified Forestry cordially invites you to attend: Diversifying Income Opportunities on Small Woodlands
DATE: Saturday, August 11th, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Small woodland owners in the Pacific Northwest manage some of the most biologically rich forests in the world. By understanding the unique markets and tools available to them, woodland owners can translate that biological diversity into diverse income opportunities.
This one-day workshop will introduce landowners to a series of strategies and tools for maximizing the economic potential of conservation-based forest management. Speakers from companies and organizations in the Northwest that specialize in small woodland management will provide thorough overviews of each strategy.
During afternoon field sessions, participants will have an opportunity to tour the Wild Thyme Farm and learn about various forest management and value-added manufacturing practices currently being implemented on a small-scale.
Topics will include:
LOCATION: Wild Thyme Farm, Oakville, WA
COST: Registration is free thanks to the generous support of the Western Center for Risk Management Education
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Please contact Kirk Hanson to register or for more information at 360-316-9317 or kirk@nnrg.org.
For additional details, visit the web at: http://www.nnrg.org/news-events/events/diversifying-income-opportunities-on-small-woodlands/
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Do you own property along a river or stream? Join us at this informative workshop to learn techniques for protecting and increasing the value of your property.
Workshop topics will include: - Erosion management and control options - Planning a restoration project - Beavers: what are they good for, anyway? - Financial assistance and cost-share programs.
Time and place: Wednesday August 8th, 2007, 6 - 8pm Centralia College, Centralia Washington. Washington Hall, Room 103. (corner of King and Walnut Streets)
Conservation District Staff and Restoration Professionals will be on hand to answer your questions! To register or receive more information, please contact Sara at 360.754.3588 ext. 136 or Kelly at 360.748.0083 ext. 114.
By Nancy Ness, Grays Harbor County Noxious Weed Control Board
The following weed descriptions are based on the Aquatic Weed Plan described in the April 2007 issue of Drops of Water.
Purple Loosestrife, it's pretty . . . . . . . bad.
Purple loosestrife is a European native that has been widely introduced throughout North America. It is an emergent noxious weed (Class B) that grows in shallow, fresh or brackish water in wetlands and along streams, lakes or ditch banks, in water from about 14 inches deep to approximately 12 inches above the water table. It is also known as a garden ornamental, and will grow in cultivated areas.
 Purple loosestrife Photo: Nancy Ness |
This large, dark green perennial plant has new growth each year that originates from a spreading woody root mass that sometimes has a taproot. The leaves are opposite, and the leaf pairs occur at 90 degrees from the pair below. Each stem is topped by a 4 inch to 16 inch long spike-like flower cluster with hundreds of bright magenta flowers. The individual flowers are small, and usually have 6 petals. Purple loosestrife blooms from June to October depending on local climates.
Robust plants can produce over 2 million seeds. Each seed is about the size of a grain of ground pepper. These seeds can travel a few feet out from stems as the seed capsule dries and snaps open. However, most seed transport is probably by water movement, in mud sticking to people, equipment or animals, or by being eaten and excreted by animals. Since purple loosestrife is a prolific seed producer, it creates a seed bank with the ability to generate new infestations each year, even after complete control has been achieved in a previous growing season.
Purple loosestrife poses a significant threat to the Chehalis River riparian communities and has spread prolifically in recent years in the Chehalis River Basin. Loosestrife appears to be tolerant of salt water, making the lower Chehalis River and Chehalis River surge plain especially vulnerable to invasion and establishment by this species. Large established populations of purple loosestrife already exist in the lower Chehalis River. At Friends Landing, near Montesano, purple loosestrife choked off waterways, resulting in a loss of recreational opportunities. Habitat loss occurs when native and beneficial plants are replaced by non-native plants that provide neither food, nesting material, nor shelter for local wildlife and waterfowl.
A wide variety of control methodology exists for this wetland invader, including mechanical, cultural, chemical and biological.
The Nature Conservancy reports that hand pulling in winter (in Western Washington) is more effective than summer pulling because 1) the area is much wetter and plants uproot more easily and completely; 2) less biomass has to be removed and disposed of; and 3) the area can be revisited the following summer for removal of remaining roots that have re-sprouted. By pulling in the winter, volunteers were able to effectively remove quite large plants. After two years of winter hand pulling at a specific western Washington wetland site, the area was mostly clear of purple loosestrife.
Biological controls (beetles and weevils) have been very effective in controlling purple loosestrife in eastern Washington and have been released on Chehalis River loosestrife.
Damage was reported to plants at several sites from insect feeding in 2006, and it is hoped that insect populations will continue to grow.
For more information or to report sightings, contact your local weed board: Lewis County: (360) 740-1215, Thurston County: (360) 786-5576, Grays Harbor County: (360) 482-2265.
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Japanese knotweed
(Polygonum cuspidatum ~ Fallopia japonica)Giant knotweed
( P. sachalinense ~ F. sachalinensis )Bohemian knotweed
(P. bohemicum ~ F. x bohemica )Himalayan knotweed
(P. polystachum ~ Persicaria wallichii)Japanese knotweed is a significant problem along rivers and streams in the Chehalis River Basin. The closely related giant knotweed, the hybrid Bohemian knotweed and Himalayan knotweed populations also exist in this basin, but to a much lesser extent than Japanese knotweed. All species are listed as noxious weeds in Washington State. Knotweed often forms a continuous green wall along rivers and roadways and can be superficially confused with bamboo.
Knotweeds are capable of rapidly invading healthy riparian areas. Once established, knotweed patches compromise key ecosystem components and processes. Natural tree regeneration may be precluded. Ultimately, this will reduce shading (which increases water temperature) and impair recruitment of in-stream woody debris, both of which are important aspects of healthy salmon habitat. Because of its extensive root system and large size, knotweed can change the shape and form of river channels and gravel bars, as well as the composition and distribution of riparian vegetation. Knotweeds' propensity to grow on riverbanks and gravel bars may clog off-channel wetlands that provide critical rearing habitat for salmon. Dense knotweed infestations on gravel bars and shorelines eliminate key habitats where wintering bald eagles feed on stranded salmon carcasses. These collective impacts of knotweed on keystone species such as salmon, and on critical riparian functions, can have cascading effects that may result in significant, far-reaching and long-lasting impairment of the ecosystem.
Stream bank stability is compromised by knotweed through excluding deep-rooted vegetation, such as trees, leading to erosion and sedimentation. The recreational value of streams has been compromised as knotweeds block access for swimming, fishing and bird watching activities, as well as blocking views of rivers from roadways and trails.
Knotweeds regrow very rapidly in the spring, often reaching 15 feet by June (giant knotweed). Japanese knotweed typically grows to ten feet with the smaller Himalayan knotweed only reaching four to six feet. Japanese and giant knotweeds are known to form a viable hybrid called Bohemian knotweed (P. bohemicum).
Growth of the knotweed plants starts in April or earlier in warmer regions, or as late as June in higher elevations. New plants can establish from seeds, broken off stem parts, or from any node along rhizomes. As little as a half inch plant piece can start a new plant. Young knotweed shoots resemble red asparagus.
Knotweeds are very difficult plants to control because they have an extensive rhizome system and an incredible ability to re-sprout. Except for small patches that may be able to be controlled non-chemically, any management of these species will likely require some herbicide use.
Knotweeds are becoming increasingly problematic along riparian corridors in western Washington. An infestation along the Hoh River was traced back to a single ornamental planting where broken off plant parts entered the river and established new plants downstream. When dealing with these riparian infestations, it is imperative to start at the upstream edge of the infestation and work downstream. It is not considered possible to eradicate these knotweed species from Washington, but it may be possible to eliminate them from high quality riparian areas, particularly in areas where knotweeds may be degrading salmon rearing habitat. There is a range of control methods that may be suitable for site specific control of knotweed in the Chehalis River basin. These control methods include: Detection, prevention, mechanical, chemical and biological controls.
At currently known levels, knotweed can be controlled in priority watersheds, given the resources and a realistic time frame, as control is a multi-year investment. Current project areas include: North and South Forks of the Newaukum River, Skookumchuck, Black, and Elk Rivers, Scatter Creek, and preliminary surveys on Lincoln Creek and the Satsop River.
As a project goal, all sub-basins in the Chehalis Basin should be surveyed for infestation levels, associated with outreach to landowners regarding the threat to property and habitat. Control measures should be undertaken in all priority habitats leading to action on the mainstem of the Chehalis River.
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Come sail on the Lady Washington and be a part of the historical events now happening on the Chehalis River! On October 13, 2007, the Chehalis Basin Partnership will hold the Second Annual Chehalis River Watershed Festival at Morrison Riverfront Park in Aberdeen at the Rotary Log Pavilion. This festival, held last year in Centralia's Riverfront Park, will host "Fin," a 28-foot fiberglass salmon -- back by popular demand -- and a wide array of free (except for a few) educational activities and entertainment. This is a celebration of the Basin's wealth of natural resources and the people who have stewarded them over time. Please join us!
Watershed Week
Beginning with a tour of east Grays Harbor County farms in conjunction with Washington State University Cooperative Extension Harvest Celebration on October 6th, the week of October 6th through 13th will be designated "Chehalis Watershed Week" and will include school visits with "Fin", library story times, hatchery tours and bird walks. Stay tuned for more information on what you can do to learn more about the watershed, its current abundance and future challenges.
Teachers' Packets
To receive a teachers' packet with background information on the Chehalis Watershed, its history, people, wildlife (including salmon), lesson plans and posters, please email Kathy Jacobson, Chehalis Basin Education Consortium Coordinator at kjacobson@esd113.k12/wa.us. Include your name, school and address, grade level that you teach, and your email address. Please request your packet by August 1. You will be mailed a teacher's packet in early September.
Come join in the fun!!
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By Elizabeth Strong, age 14
Trees and flowers
With roses or daisies?
If you could pick a bush
With deer who enjoy it,
Would you call it
McCleary?