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By Brian Peck, Chehalis Fisheries Restoration Program Coordinator
What do you see when you approach a stream or river in the Chehalis Basin, or for that matter, most of western Washington? Are there trees and shrubs as you approach the river? If so, are they easy or difficult to walk through? Are there any logs that you have to scramble over or is your path free of wood? When you reach the streams edge, do you have to carefully climb down a steep bank, or does the land gradually slope to the waters edge?
Chances are, when you approach the stream's edge you will be looking down on a stream that is considerably lower than the surrounding land. Most streams in the Chehalis Basin have cut down into the surrounding land; that is to say, they have become an incised stream.
Stream incision occurs for numerous reasons that are primarily human induced including the following: dredging and straightening stream channels; removing large wood; cutting down riparian trees; increasing sediment load through poor road construction or timber management practices; and building dams. Several of these impacts have occurred in the distant past; however, streams are still suffering and trying to recover from their effects.
Other impacts have occurred more recently and continue to occur on a daily basis. A consequence of incision is that streams separate from their floodplains, and during high flow events, water is unable to spread onto the floodplain and slow down. These high flow, high velocity events, can scour the stream even more, washing out suitable spawning gravels and salmon redds. The high flows can also wash away wood that may have fallen into the stream, further simplifying the habitat.
Stream incision appears to be an endless cycle, where the stream initially incises, and remains incised and simplified due to subsequent high flow events. Actually, what sometimes occurs is the stream will initially incise straight down until the steep banks begin to collapse. The dirt and gravel from these collapsed banks will add an abnormally high sediment load to the stream. This increased sediment can smother spawning gravels in a layer of fine silt. The stream and bank continue to incise and collapse until the new "valley" is wide enough to accommodate the meandering stream. However, this new valley is quite a bit lower than the original floodplain, and as a result, upland vegetation will replace the original floodplain species.
Be careful not to confuse bank erosion with stream incision. Bank erosion occurs for numerous reasons, some natural, and some human induced. Stream banks erode as a stream meanders and migrates through a valley. Naturally meandering streams and subsequent bank erosion is a sign of a healthy, unconfined stream. If the watershed is in good condition, the stream will actively erode and deposit sediment in a state of dynamic equilibrium that is beneficial to maintaining healthy fish habitat.
Many people understand the benefit of reduced flood risk, and if that means removing some wood or dredging a channel, then that is what needs to be done. I wonder how well understood the negative consequences of these actions are? Negative consequences associated with stream incision include the following: increased flooding downstream; decreased wintertime water storage, which leads to decreased summertime flows; and diminished fisheries.
Many citizens, groups, tribes, and agencies are actively restoring incised streams by planting riparian zones, placing large wood into streams, and reducing storm water runoff. However, the greatest impediment to the restoration of incised streams is manmade structures built within floodplains. Whether it is a road, barn, or house that is in the floodplain, by definition it will be flooded eventually. The flood may not happen for 100 years, but when it does, the solution humans have turned to in the past is to try to control the river. The thing is, nature is very difficult, and therefore unwise to try to control. We may think that we have succeeded in the short term; however, these control techniques usually create additional or future problems and are rarely truly cost effective.
For example, how many flood control projects in the past have assessed the true social and economic impact to sport, tribal, and commercial fishermen and their communities? Alternatively, how many wood removal projects have considered the impacts of reduced summertime flows to agriculture? You see, we think of ourselves without seriously considering or respecting the impacts to others.
If you have an idea for a habitat restoration project, please give me a call or email at 360-753-9560; brian_peck@fws.gov
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By Lee Napier, Project Manager, Chehalis Basin Partnership
February 26, 2004. The Chehalis Basin Partnership (Partnership) is proud to present the Final Draft Chehalis Basin Watershed Management Plan (Plan). It is the culmination of five years of hard work by the Partnership and staff, a wide range of stakeholders, and local residents throughout the basin.
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This Plan was prepared for the Upper and Lower Basins of the Chehalis watershed using money the state legislature made available for voluntary watershed planning. The stated purpose of watershed planning is to allow local governments and interested groups and citizens to assess their own water resources and to develop strategies to manage them in ways that will support economic growth and promote water availability and quality for the state.
The Partnership, as the local planning unit authorized to undertake this planning process, established a mission statement. Our mission is to "develop a management plan that will result in effective, economical, and equitable management of the water in the Chehalis Basin to sustain viable and healthy communities and habitat conditions necessary for native fish."
Through the technical studies and analyses that were conducted as part of the planning process we learned a great deal about our water resources. We learned about good things that are happening, about important gaps in our information, and about current and potential problems that could affect our future.
We approached this information with a common purpose and common sense. We have developed a set of recommendations that we believe will keep the Chehalis Basin a healthy and vital community in the coming decades -- for people and for fish and other wildlife.
Our recommendations could affect how state, tribal, and local governments manage water resources in the future. We sincerely hope that you will find the recommendations for basin residents and agencies clear and compelling and will take these recommendations into account in your daily decisions and actions.
This phase of our planning task is complete and we have forwarded the Final Draft Plan to participating counties (Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, and Thurston), as required by the watershed planning legislation. The Board of County Commissioner for each county will hold a public hearing during the month of April. During the public hearings, interested stakeholders may provide input.
This lengthy planning process will have been worth the effort only if its recommendations reflect our collective needs and interests and lead to actions that will protect and enhance our community for current and future generations.
For more information or to send comments, please contact Lee Napier, c/o Grays Harbor County, Department of Public Services 100 West Broadway, Ste. 31, Montesano, WA 98563, or e-mail Lnapier@co.grays-harbor.wa.us. This Plan, as well as other Partnership related information, can be found on the Grays Harbor County website www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/info/pub_svcs/ChehalisBasin/Index.html
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by Larry Hagethorn, Aberdeen
It begins out in back of the house, down the slope, and beyond the retaining wall. It is all down hill from there. Just before entering the brush, consisting primarily of salal and salmonberry, you encounter a patch of trilliums poking their sprouts through the matted grass in anticipation of Spring.
Parting the brush, while looking for a path of least resistance, you only cover a few steps before you find yourself standing in the ooze. This is not a stagnant mess. Inspecting the muck at your feet you detect slight movement. Expanding your vision outward you now see the glint and sparkle of clear water as it wells up from the base of a gentle ridge. Upon further visual inspection you can see other soggy areas along the same elevation of the hillside.
You must work your way to the right to avoid the looming horizontal mass of a fern-covered log blocking your advance. Then, ducking under and stepping over the ground looping branches of an "out of control" vine maple, the brush begins to thin revealing a higher canopy of conifer in the near distance. The slope is now forming definite patterns of fingerling trickles as you can spot silver flashes here and there among the brush, ferns, and rotting wood.
A rotten alder deadfall leans into the limb and trunk of a fourteen inch hemlock. The body of the leaner shows fresh hack marks where the kids have been at it again. I must remember to bring my chainsaw. It is a shame to cut it down since signs of bird activity are quite evident; however, the liability, if it is left, seems overwhelming.
A few shallow depressions lay ahead where converging trickles are now forming up a small meandering stream. Beyond the muddy bank of the stream is a colony of skunk cabbage, "the lotus blossom of the Pacific Northwest," forming up their bulbs for a Spring show.
You must jump if you do not want to get your feet wet. Successfully leaping a four foot ditch containing a stream perhaps twelve to sixteen inches wide brings you to a grove of cedar and hemlock. On the edge of the grove, however, stands one lone eighty year old spruce with arms that swoop toward the sky. This spruce is the venerable one of the patch, and is propitiously situationed in the way of fingerling trickles which ooze under and cascade over its spider like roots.
Entering the stand of conifer seems like a different world since the ground cover is sparse except for moss, decaying wood, and a sprinkling of holly seedlings where the birds have left their traces. Back in the brush the chesty black cap chickadees were darting about ahead of me, but here in the woods it is very quiet except for a gentle breeze stirring the boughs high above, and some crows fussing in the distance.
The area seems devoid of life. Easing myself down to a squatting position, I shift my body over to my favorite resting place. A large raised root of a cedar. While leaning back against the trunk my eye catches the flitted movement of a brown creeper as he spirals behind the trunk of a hemlock, only to appear again on his upward quest.
Enjoying the solitude, one is also reminded that he is only a few hundred feet from human activity. Sounds seem magnified: a car engine labors uphill. A boy yells. Rattles of a window as a door is pulled shut.
The quiet of the woods is most pleasant, however, and in my contemplation my thoughts run random and disjointed – Why are No Trespass signs necessary? – The drop from the house to back lot line must be at least fifty feet. – Property is taxed for its highest and best use. – A good area for kids to play, but how come they have to hack at everything? I wasn't that destructive when I was a kid – was I? – It goes from soggy to a running stream in about three hundred feet – amazing? – I'm lucky just to be able to sit here. How can this area exist in the confines of approximately three hundred twenty feet by three hundred fifty feet? – It's probably is a little over a mile to the river. I wonder what this stream will encounter between here and there?
| Larry Hagethorn is winner of our Drops of Water essay contest. We are very happy to consider other essays on similar themes for publication, and encourage readers to let us know what makes their favorite place special. Please send to Drops of Water, 417 N. Pearl Street, Centralia, WA 98531. Essays will not be returned and, if published, may be slightly edited. |
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By Janet Pearce, Department of Natural Resources
If you're a small forest landowner who would like to learn about Washington's forest practices rules concerning forest roads, you'll want to join us this spring.
The Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Small Forest Landowner Office is teaming up with the Washington Farm Forestry Association, Washington State University Cooperative Extension and the University of Washington's Rural Technology Initiative to hold workshops to help small forest landowners protect Washington's water and fish through understanding proper road construction and maintenance practices and how it applies to them and the forests they own.
Three workshops are scheduled:
Using the framework of the forest practices rules and guidance manuals, the workshops will help landowners learn how to assess the condition of their forest roads and how to limit potential impacts their roads may have on water quality and other public resources.
Each workshop will cover such topics as: forest road conditions and water quality, fish-blocking or undersized culverts, road engineering techniques, decommissioning unused roads, and sources of funding and technical assistance for making road improvements. Landowners will learn how to lower overall maintenance costs of forest roads and how they can minimize impacts to fish-bearing streams and water quality, while ensuring the ability to work on their forestland.
The workshops are an outcome of new legislation that prompted changes in the state's forest practices rules last fall. The workshops will help landowners understand the changes to the forest road rules, such as the new checklist for Road Maintenance and Abandonment Plans (RMAP). The rules now allow many Washington forest landowners to prepare a checklist version of an RMAP. The Checklist RMAP is simpler than a full plan and does not require professional engineering or forestry expertise to complete.
The workshops also will provide information on the Washington's Family Forest Fish Passage Program -- a state cost-sharing program to help small landowners pay for removing, replacing or repairing culverts or other barriers to fish passage.
Pre-registration required
Although there is no fee for the workshop, pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To register, contact the Small Forest Landowner Office by phone at: 360-902-1122 or by e-mail: at sflo@wadnr.gov.
Some of the workshops will be filmed for future use on a streaming video for the Internet and CDs, so that landowners who cannot attend one of the workshops will be able to benefit from the presentations.
For more information, contact Janet Pearce at 360-902-1122 or send an e-mail to sflo@wadnr.gov, or visit the website at www.wa.gov/dnr/sflo.
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By Sara Carter, Weed Management Specialist, Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board
Weed Management is a difficult task. When the weed management area encompasses a variety of jurisdictional boundaries and is connected by flowing water, the situation can be extremely complicated. Consider the Chehalis River System. This large watershed drains approximately 2,660 square miles of terrain, ranging from grand mountainous areas to rich wetlands. Lands from eight counties are represented in the river basin. Four species of noxious weeds pose major threats to the health of the river itself, and additional weeds threaten adjacent riparian and upland areas.
The major noxious weeds of concern within the Chehalis River, currently, include Brazilian elodea, Parrotfeather, Eurasian watermilfoil and Purple loosestrife. The characteristics of fast growth, adaptability to a wide variety of soils and waters, prolific reproduction and ability to out compete native species enable noxious weeds to quickly expand their ranges. Large populations of noxious weeds are much more difficult to control than smaller ones, so control of existing populations and prevention of new infestations are key. Uncontrolled weed populations in one jurisdiction greatly affect the ability of other land managers to control weeds on lands they administer.
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As the health of the ecosystem is degraded by habitat loss, pollution and disturbance, it becomes more difficult for the native species to retain their viability and vigor. Noxious weeds are invasive, non-native plants that are difficult to control and pose a threat to the ecologic or economic resources of Washington State. Noxious weeds utilize resources needed by native species and form dense, monospecific stands. Biological diversity and ecological integrity is reduced in areas containing large populations of noxious weeds.
In 1997, a group of interested parties began meeting to discuss issues involving noxious weeds within the Chehalis River system. This assemblage, the Chehalis River Aquatic Weed Management Group, has produced several works to date, including a Parrotfeather Management Plan and a collection of survey data relating to noxious weed populations within the river system. As the impacts of noxious weeds in the river increase, the interest in joining forces and resources to combat these plants is also growing. The group is laying the foundation to formalize a Coordinated Weed Management Area (CWMA) that encompasses the river and involves interested stakeholders.
A CWMA is a formal agreement between parties with a goal of increased weed management within a certain geographic area. A CWMA is composed of three basic documents: an agreement, a strategic plan and an annual operating plan. The formation of a CWMA would enhance the efficiency of management efforts, and increase the likelihood of bringing aquatic weed species within the river under control. A CWMA offers some solutions to the variety of obstacles and difficulties encountered when managing populations of invasive plants. Some benefits of a CWMA include information exchange, education and training, coordination of inventory and management techniques, sharing of resources when appropriate and access to monies available only to formalized weed management groups. CWMAs also heighten awareness, increase knowledge and strengthen relationships within the broader community.
The development of a CWMA will allow managers access to additional resources including monies set aside for formal weed management groups. An application has been submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology for Aquatic Weed Management Funds to assist with the planning of the CWMA and related weed management. Periodic updates on the progress of the proposed Chehalis River CWMA will be provided in Drops of Water.
Interested volunteer groups are invited and encouraged to assist in the implementation of survey, control and education efforts. A variety of related projects could be developed, depending upon the interests of organizations. Additionally, the weed management group will be surveying the river to identify aquatic weed populations and distributions, and would benefit from additional river-access points. If you would like to offer river access from your property to assist in this effort, please contact 360.740.1218.
Public participation is encouraged and welcome at all levels. If you are interested in becoming involved in the creation and planning of the Chehalis River CWMA, please call 360.740.1218 or e-mail weeds@co.lewis.wa.us or contact your local Noxious Weed Control Board. You can also be added to the e-mail list of the Chehalis River Aquatic Weed Management Group at your request.
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By Kathy Jacobson
On Friday February 20th, Chehalis Basin Education Consortium students, teachers and parent volunteers began working toward the goal of restoring a one-mile corridor along the Chehalis River. The project site is adjacent to the City of Centralia's new wastewater treatment plant and the site of an old cattle ranch.
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More than 140 students from schools throughout the Chehalis watershed -- Boistfort, Oakville, Rochester, Elma, Montesano, and Ocosta – teamed up with Chehalis River Basin Land Trust volunteers and staff from Grays Harbor College, the City of Centralia, and Lewis Conservation District to plant native trees and shrubs. Resource professionals explained to the students why riparian zones are essential for healthy rivers and also demonstrated proper planting techniques for bare root and potted plants. Students learned that as the plants mature, they will provide shade and bank stability for the river as well as provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Working in groups, the volunteers planted more than 800 native tree and shrub species along the river. Evergreen trees planted included Douglas fir, Sitka spruce and Western hemlock. Wild rose, red-osier dogwood, serviceberry, Indian plum, and snowberry were also among the 19 native tree and shrub species planted.
After a lunch break, student groups enjoyed informal walks along the river. With journals in hand, many students recorded their wildlife observations. Some students caught glimpses of the resident Bald Eagles and observed red-tailed hawks, kingfishers, and other birds searching for food along the river. Many teachers communicated to their students the importance of clean, fast moving water and gravel for salmon, as well as the value of off-rearing channels for juvenile Coho.
Working side by side, students, teachers, and parent volunteers discovered that through education and action, the health of the Chehalis River could be enhanced. On Saturday the 21st, 31 Centralia College students planted 1200 willow cuttings and set up hundreds of plant protectors around plants put out last fall. There were about 6 other adults helping out that day.
A huge Thanks You! to all the volunteer students and adults, from the Chehalis River Basin land Trust and the City of Centralia Utilities, for everybody's hard work.
For more information on how your 4th through 12th grade class can get involved with the Chehalis Basin Education Consortium, please contact Kathy Jacobson, CBEC Coordinator, (360) 586-3538 or via email, kjacobson@esd113.k12.wa.us. For more information on this Chehalis River restoration project, please contact Janet Strong, Chehalis River Basin Land Trust (360) 495-3950.
Major CBEC project funding provided by grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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Mark your calendar! April 30 - May 2, 2004 is the 9th Annual Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival in Hoquiam. The festival celebrates the spring migration of shorebirds in Grays Harbor County. There are a variety of events, including field trips, lectures, exhibitors, vendors, authors, the shorebird fun fair, a poster contest, run/walk, and banquet..
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Grays Harbor Audubon Society, Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, and the City of Hoquiam work with a host of other local sponsors to present the Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival. This event is timed to match the annual migration of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds as they pause at the Grays Harbor estuary to feed and rest before departing for their nesting grounds in the Arctic.
A portion of revenues in excess of festival expenses goes toward a fund to benefit the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge for activities such as: continuation of construction of the boardwalk, benches and interpretive signs, and an Education Specialist.
For information about the festival, call 1.800.303.8498 or go to www.shorebirdfestival.com.
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The Chehalis River Council, Lewis County Watch, and other groups concerned with natural resources in the greater Lewis county area are planning an event, tentatively titled "Celebrate our environment – reconnect with our rivers, forests and rural lands."
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The celebration is planned for Saturday May 15 beginning in late afternoon and continuing into the evening. It will be held at the Matrix Coffee House, 434 NW Prindle in Chehalis. The Matrix management is working with the sponsors to put together a line-up of live music with an environmental flavor. The party will also feature poetry reading and brief talks and information displays by the various involved organizations. This is a "family friendly" event, and there will be a children's corner with books and activities.
For more information, or if your group would like to be a sponsor and bring a display, leave a message at the Chehalis River Council office, (360) 807-0764 or email crc@crcwater.org.
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