Drops
Of
Water
Issue 22 September 1998
The first people to find errors in spelling or word structure receive a free map of the Chehalis watershed. Send us an e-mail note telling us about the error.
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Issue 22 September 1998 |
This newsletter appears monthly in 45,000 households throughout the watershed. Printing is done by The Chronicle, and distribution is by the Chronicle, the Olympia Daily Olympian, the Tenino Independent, the Rochester Sun News and the Aberdeen Daily World. This is an early edition available only to WWW users. Please send us your feedback.
The first people to find errors in spelling or word structure receive a free map of the Chehalis watershed. Send us an e-mail note telling us about the error. |
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Mike Kelly, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
What is the Green Crab?
The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is a small shore crab whose native distribution is along the coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Adults measure about 3 inches across the shell, or "carapace." Although known by the common name of green crab, the color can vary from dark, mottled green to orange or red, with yellow patches on the carapace. The crab is an able and effective forager--capable of learning and improving upon its food-gathering skills. Studies have shown that the green crab is quicker and more dexterous than most crabs, and can open clam and oyster shells in more ways than other crabs. One adult crab reportedly can eat 40 half-inch clams each day and can devour crabs as large as itself. Green crabs also prey on numerous other organisms--making these crabs potential competitors for the food sources of native fish and bird species.
The recent arrival of the green crab on the Washington coast is cause for concern. The green crab has already invaded numerous coastal communities outside of its native range, including South Africa, Australia, and both coasts of North America. An able colonizer and efficient predator, this small shore crab has the potential to significantly alter any ecosystem it invades. It has been blamed for the collapse of the soft-shell clam industry in Maine.
First seen in San Francisco Bay in 1989, the green crab has been moving northward. As of July 1998, 32 live specimens had been discovered in Willapa Bay, and 11 in Grays Harbor. None have been found in Puget Sound, but intensive trapping surveys have not yet taken place there.
The green crab feeds on many organisms, including clams, oysters, mussels, marine worms and small crustaceans. Since it can also prey on juvenile crabs and shellfish, a northward spread to the Washington coast and Puget Sound could put our Dungeness crab, clam and oyster fisheries at risk., and the green crab may compete with native fish and bird species for food. In Bodega Bay, California, a significant reduction in the abundance of clam and native shore crab is already evident since the arrival of the green crab in 1993. In addition, the green crab is an intermediate host to a marine worm that can harm the health of local shore birds.
There are a number of ways the green crab can invade new habitat. Because the crab tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions, it could travel northward both by natural and human-mediated transportation.
Green crab larvae can survive as plankton up to 80 days. Ocean currents disperse the larvae many miles up and down the coast. After a period of growth and development in the open sea, green crabs in final larval stage aggregate at night in surface waters. Tides and currents sweep them back into coastal waters where they molt and settle out as juvenile crabs in the upper intertidal zone. If the conditions in their new home are suitable, the crabs may survive and even reproduce, establishing a new population and extending the species' range farther along the coast.
There are a number of ways humans can inadvertently disperse green crab to new habitats.
Scientists believe that one likely pathway of introduction is through the distribution of live seafood. Green crabs are sometimes present in seaweeds packed with lobsters and commercial oysters. If the packing material and containers are not disposed of properly, the crabs can find their way into waterways. Although heavily regulated, the aquaculture industry is also a potential source of green crab introductions.
Recreational boaters transport nuisance species in bait buckets or boat wells, often without realizing it. Live green crabs are also used as bait by recreational fishers, or are present in the seaweed packed with bait. In addition, they are available for purchase from marine biological supply companies. Supply companies will ship live green crabs anywhere, in any quantity, at any time. If the purchaser, who has acquired the crab either for research or as a "pet" doesn't dispose of the crab properly, or releases it into the wild, the crab is introduced into new habitat.
Scientists have also identified ballast water as a major pathway for aquatic introductions, including the larval stage of the green crab. Marine vessels take on and discharge millions of tons of water for ballast each day, which may contain aquatic plants and animals. No doubt other human-mediated pathways for introduction exist as well. Once introduced, some non-indigenous organisms may find the new environment unlivable and won't survive long enough to become established. But sometimes the new environment is favorable to the transported species, and it can live and even flourish.
Once it arrives, the green crab can thrive in many types of coastal habitats and in wide ranges of temperature and salinity; many of these suitable habitats are found on the Washington coast. The green crab can produce up to 200,000 eggs at a time, and under certain conditions, it can survive up to two months out of water.
Thanks to Washington Sea Grant, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for providing this information, and thanks to the California Department of Fish and Game for the photo.
For more information contact:
Andrea Copping Washington Sea Grant Program 3716 Brooklyn Ave., N.E. Seattle, WA 98105-6716 206-543-6600 or you can send E-mail to: acopping@u.washington.edu
Scott Smith Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife 360-902-2724 or you can send E-mail to: smithsss@dfw.wa.gov
Kevin Aitkin U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 360-753-9508 or you can send E-mail to: kevin_aitkin@fws.gov
Some web pages covering green crab issues (some with good photos and/or line drawings) are:
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife:
http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/fish/shelfish/greencrb.htm
Washington Sea Grant:
http://www.wsg.washington.edu/new/
Interagency Ecological Program:
http://www.iep.ca.gov/sdfg/grnmit.html http://www.iep.ca.gov/sdfg/grncrb.html
British Columbia:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ops/fm/crab/GREENCR.html
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Each of us, in our own way, impacts the quality of water in the watershed where we live.
The cumulative effect of small acts of carelessness accounts for more than half the pollution in our water today. Can our actions make a difference? How can we be more aware and responsible as stewards of water?
This month we present last part of the series (Reprinted from: Washington State Department of Ecology, Water Quality Guide Recommended Pollution Control Practices for Homeowners and Small Farm Operators Publication No. 87-30 (Revised) December 1997)
Manure contains high concentrations of bacteria, nutrients and organic matter. These are pollutants when they enter water systems. Good farm management keeps manure away from surface water and groundwater and uses it as an effective fertilizer.
For information and help: Contact your conservation district, county cooperative extension agent and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Many rural homeowners have forested areas on their land that require harvesting.
Cutting operations vary, from clearing the land entirely to removing only selected wood for fence posts or building materials. Heavy equipment and stacks of logs will compact soils and lead to increased runoff.
Harvesting can disturb and expose soils, leading to a greater chance of erosion.
Streambanks may be disturbed and become unstable, and fish and wildlife habitat can be seriously impacted. The following practices can prevent or minimize damage from logging.
NOTE: Pesticide application, road building and streambank disturbance may require a Forest Practices permit from the Department of Natural Resources. For information and help: Contact the Department of Natural Resources regional office nearest you for specific requirements.
Trees and shrubs along streambanks provide shade to keep water cool and provide cover, food and spawning grounds for salmon, trout and other aquatic life. Wildlife such as deer also need trees and brush for cover and food. This protects streambanks from erosion and filters out sediments and pollutants before they reach the water.
You can improve wildlife habitat by protecting water quality everywhere on your property. Streambank Stabilization Leave natural vegetation buffers along streams and other watercourses, even ditches and runoff channels. With your conservation district representative, investigate the degree of slope, soil types and the quantity of and types of vegetation to see how wide a buffer is necessary for filtering runoff and preserving habitat. If the natural vegetation has been removed, your conservation district representative will help you select suitable plants for your area.
NOTE: Any work within the ordinary high water line requires a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Your regional office will help you with permits and project planning. Stream Protection Trampling by livestock erodes streambanks. Runoff carrying manure can contribute to the pollution of surface and groundwater. Proper care prevents this.
For information and help: Contact the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the regional office of the Department of Natural Resources, or your local conservation district.
Common Questions
Can my home be a part of the problem?
Unless you are careful, yes. Where does the runoff go when it leaves your land? Even if there are no streams on your property, there are probably ditches and drainage channels that carry runoff to streams, rivers, lakes and the sea. Also, consider the nature of your soil and the depth of the water table. Porous soils with shallow water tables invite groundwater pollution. The same pollutants that might enter surface water from your property can seep into the groundwater and contaminate your well and maybe your neighbor's. By following the practices in this guide, you can be sure you are doing your share to protect the water quality in your watershed.
What if the streams near my property are already clean?
Then we need to keep them clean. It is far easier and less expensive to prevent problems than to correct them. As more people move into your area, more pollutants will threaten our water supplies. And chances are that local waters are not as clean as they look. Most pollutants are invisible and their effects may take time to be noticed.
What can I do to help?
Please follow the practices we've outlined in this guide and promote them to friends and neighbors. Most people are unaware of how they personally contribute to pollution problems and how easily they can become a part of the solution. You can interest your childrens' schools, start a neighborhood "Streamwatch" program and get everyone involved in protecting your watershed from pollution. Everything one person does can have an impact. The cumulative effect of the many homes and small farms in rural and suburban watersheds represents a major source of pollution.
Your individual efforts help minimize those impacts. Most large polluters are already correcting the most severe, obvious problems. We have seen positive results. But it takes time for these changes, and we, as individuals, cannot wait until everyone else has '' cleaned up their act'' before we agree to do our share. We can take pride in all we do to protect water quality. It may be the most important way we can improve and maintain our own quality of life.
Contacts
For information about: Alternative products, safe disposal of toxics, or pesticide application:
Hazardous Substances Information Hotline, 1-800-633-7585 Farm Management Plans, animal waste management, pasture management or erosion control: Look in your phone book under the county government listings for the Cooperative Extension Service, Conservation District, or National Resource Conservation Service -- or ask your local government for the number. Logging permits: Washington State Department of Natural Resources, (800) 527-3305 Hydraulic Project Approval, habitat management: Department of Fish and Wildlife, (360) 902-2534 Septic system design and maintenance: Call your county environmental health department or the state Department of Health at (360) 753-3764. Recycling: Department of Ecology in Lacey, 1-800-RECYCLE.
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Each year, the Labor Day weekend signals the slow down of a busy season of recreational activity around Americas rivers, lakes, and beaches. In addition to providing fun and relaxation, these activities also provide a major boost for our nations economy. Billions of dollars are spent on food, lodging, gas, special equipment, licenses, and services, all so people can enjoy themselves on and around the water.
But, the dividends from clean water are not limited to just the recreation and tourism industry. From Main Street to Wall Street to the family farm, clean water affects the profits and growth potential of many other economic sectors, including agriculture, commercial fishing, real estate, and manufacturing.
Clean water is a vital commodity for major sectors of the U.S. economy.
Clean water means jobs.
Clean water means profits.
Clean water provides a major stimulus for healthy, thriving local economies.
In communities across the country, clean water is often a critical factor in determining economic conditions.
These profiles show that for businesses and communities throughout the country, clean water can mean the difference between economic decline and a bright, prosperous future. They also show just why clean water needs such special care and attention.
The national portfolio of water resources is large and diverse...
...but so are the challenges of managing it.
While seemingly plentiful, clean water is a resource at risk.
These problems represent major challenges that defy quick and easy solutions. Firm commitment and strong partnerships involving individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors offer the greatest promise for ensuring clean water in the future.
This was adapted from the U.S. EPA 1996 report, "Liquid Assets: A Summertime Perspective on the Importance of Clean Water to the Nations Economy", which provides a snapshot to highlight how and why clean water and a safe, clean environment are so important to economic prosperity and healthy, thriving communities.
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After reading your publication for some time, I find that a possible aid for the Chehalis River has never been mentioned, unless in passing. That aid is the common beaver.
If beaver were introduced into the headwaters of the Chehalis, they could possibly do several things. One would be to increase the flow of water in the summer months. Conversely, they would even out the flow in the winter flood months.
The headwaters are mostly owned by large timber companies. They would complain about the lands taken out of production by beaver ponds. And I would have to ask how much their real loss would be. Timberland owners are in the business these days of wood fiber production, not necessarily lumber. The foresters should be able to tell you right away what the net loss of wood fiber would be. They could then be compensated for their loss, which would be cheaper than the measures now being proposed. (As an aside, it would be interesting to know just what their loss would be. The San Juan Islands were logged off around the turn of the century and the lumber was highly prized by cabinet and Furniture makers. It was straight grain and 12-15 grains to the inch. A company would go broke having a tree farm on Orcas Island. Would the presence of a higher water table have an effect on fiber production?)
An interesting reference study would be to check out "Three Against the Wilderness" by Eric Collier. It's in the Timberland Library. It is the tale of a man who leased a trapping area from British Columbia. The area was the site of former beaver ponds that had been destroyed by farmers downstream so they could get the water for summer irrigation. When he arrived the land was a barren wasteland subject to drought, fires and floods. The story goes on to tell of his rebuilding a few dams and eventually receiving a pair of breeding beaver. The end result you can well imagine.
I am only writing this because I see no solutions coming from the "professionals" for floods and low stream flow. Floods - they want to spend a lot of money to dig a trench and push the water downstream faster. Perhaps Aberdeen and Hoquiam will appreciate this, perhaps not. Low stream flow - they have no solution - only blame the city sewer systems and perhaps do as they did to Yelm and allow no liquid waste to be disposed of into the river, only into the water table.
I realize there will be objections to such a suggestion. This activity would not require any PhD's. Nor would there be any huge construction contracts. And the costs would be minimal except for compensating the landowners for their losses, if any.
I don't expect you to publish this letter, but it might give an idea for some further research by your members.
Donald Wade
Chehalis, WA
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Join in celebrating our rivers as part of Washington WaterWeeks with the Chehalis River Council, a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of water quality in the Chehalis Basin.
Listen to a variety of live music, enjoy the great menu and beverages at the Matrix, see and hear informative presentations and displays by other basin organizations, and view "Southwest Washington's Coolest Conservation Diorama". Donations accepted at the door for the Chehalis River Council (CRC).
Planned by Centralia College students Josh Cisneros and Jenny Holderman. For information call the CRC at 273-6137 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m., Mon. thru Fri.
August 30th, Sunday
Watershed Revival
4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Matrix Coffeehouse
434 NW Prindle
Chehalis.
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Ecology evaluating nondairy farms in upper Chehalis River Basin
By Eric Schlorff, Department of Ecology Water Quality Program
The state Department of Ecology is currently evaluating farms with nondairy livestock in Lewis, Thurston or southeast Grays Harbor counties. Nondairy livestock includes non-milking heifers, cattle, horses, hogs, poultry, etc.
These visits are the next step in our ongoing work with farm owners to protect the quality of water in the Upper Chehalis Basin. We have worked with every dairy farm in the Upper Chehalis River basin to guard against water pollution from dairy manure.
Fences and best management practices have already helped dairies in the upper-Chehalis River beat the statewide average for complying with state water-quality laws, but the dairies still have a ways to go to completely prevent waste from polluting the river.
In fact, during a recent round of inspections, the Ecology found that 17 of 50 dairies upstream from Porter are in compliance with state water-quality laws. This compliance rate of 34 percent far exceeds the statewide dairy-compliance average of 20 percent.
A review of farm-waste management practices is required for Ecology to meet its responsibilities under federal and state water-pollution control laws.
By law, the state is required to correct problems when violations of state water-quality standards occur on a widespread basis.
Ecology is responsible for assuring that the basin water-quality study is fully implemented and that water quality standards are met. If a water pollution problem exists, the desired goal is to find a solution that is practical and economically achievable.
Over the years, Ecology has conducted a series of water quality studies (Total Maximum Daily Load studies) in many parts of the Chehalis River watershed. Results from water quality studies helped establish how much pollution the river can handle and remain healthy.
Between 1990 and 1993, we conducted a water quality study for the upper Chehalis River (upstream of Porter bridge) and its tributaries. This study found that in many areas of the upper Chehalis River, levels of dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria violate the state water quality standards. The study found that portions of the Chehalis River are very sensitive to pollution and that one significant source of pollution is runoff from areas where livestock is kept. Overall, the water quality studies showed that the river's water quality does not meet state standards.
We will be asking farmers questions about the number of animals they have, where creeks are located and where animals are pastured or confined. Also, farmers will be asked about their waste-management practices. For example:
where and when is manure stored? Is manure spread or pumped onto pastures?
Farmers may receive a phone call from us to request a time for a site visit, or they may receive an unannounced visit, if we are in the area.
We will always identify ourselves, inform farmers of the reasons for our visit, and request permission to review the farm's waste-management practices. We may take water samples, photographs and request to tour the property. =====
If a water pollution problem is found, we will recommend that farmers seek free technical assistance from their local conservation district.
Conservation districts provide free technical assistance to farms, recommending best management practices (BMPs) to better manage livestock wastes.
We will ask that problems be fixed within a reasonable period of time.
We may require farmers to adopt and implement a farm plan. This plan may be written by the local conservation district or a reputable engineering firm qualified and experienced in agricultural waste management. Grants or loans are often available from local conservation districts to assist landowners with the expense of resolving problems. This funding can help pay for improvements such as installing fences or waste-management facilities.
For more information, contact Eric Schlorff at (360) 407-6287 or (360)-407-6306 TDD, or by e-mail: esch461@ecy.wa.gov. Or you can call your local Conservation District:
Thurston Conservation District Wym Matthews, (360) 754-3588 Lewis Conservation District Bob Amrine, (360) 748-0083 Grays Harbor Conservation District Ron Wisner, (360) 249-5980
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This month we've taken some sentences and rearranged the words. You need to arrange them in the original order. Hints: The first word of each sentence is still capitalized and the last word still has the sentence ending period.
1. will the serve person Partnership. on One from each county also
2. able an and and crab effective food-gathering forager--capable improving is its learning of skills. The upon
3. organic of nutrients matter. Manure high contains concentrations bacteria, and
4. a and can chance disturb erosion. expose greater Harvesting leading of soils, to
5. by can everywhere habitat improve on property. protecting quality water wildlife You your
6. the problem? part of my home Can be a
7. also and attention. care clean just needs show special such They water why
8. water water the the that studies state standards. showed river's quality quality Overall, not meet does
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1. One person from each county will also serve on the Partnership.
2. The crab is an able and effective forager--capable of learning and improving upon its food-gathering skills.
3. Manure contains high concentrations of bacteria, nutrients and organic matter.
4. Harvesting can disturb and expose soils, leading to a greater chance of erosion.
5. You can improve wildlife habitat by protecting water quality everywhere on your property.
6. Can my home be a part of the problem?
7. They also show just why clean water needs such special care and attention.
8. Overall, the water quality studies showed that the river's water quality does not meet state standards.
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Brian Walsh, Department of Ecology The Chehalis Basin Partnership is seeking citizen representation to be involved in key watershed elements of flood reduction, fisheries, recreation, water quality, water quantity, and their relationship to economic health and sustainability. Four representatives each will be selected from Lewis, Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor Counties to serve on a citizen advisory committee. One person from each county will also serve on the Partnership. County Commissioners will conduct the selection process giving consideration to the following criteria: 1) resident of Chehalis watershed; 2) active or expert in watershed issues; 3) geographic distribution; and 4) availability for monthly meetings and committee assignments. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest, a statement of qualifications, and references to: Brian Walsh WA Department of Ecology Southwest Regional Office PO Box 47775 Olympia, WA 98504 Applications are due September 30, 1998 The Chehalis Basin Partnership comprises county, city, tribal and state-agency representatives as well we others with an interest in Chehalis River basin water issues. Meetings are held the 4th Friday of every month at the Chehalis Indian Reservation near Oakville. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Walsh at 360/407-6310.
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