nisqually river access & water trail
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Nisqually River Access & Water Trail
Open House – Yelm Middle SchoolNovember 5, 2015
Nisqually River Council
Mission -- to create sustainability in the Nisqually Watershed for current and future generations by developing a common culture of environmental, social and economic balance Snapshot of Programs –
Adult and youth education
Climate change Community forest Low impact
development
Why look at recreational access and the potential for a water trail?
Guiding document of the NRC Protect & enhance the network of
trails & recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities Lacking public access to river,
especially for boating NRC members called for increased
river access NRF applied for and accepted into
RTCA program
…The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout the country…
National Historic Register National Historic Landmarks National Heritage Areas/National Scenic Trails Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Urban Park & Recreation Recovery (UPARR) Federal Lands to Parks (FLP) Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA)
National Park Service Community Assistance
Programs
We work collaboratively, by request Partners include non-profit organizations;
community groups; tribes; local, state, and federal agencies
Our focus is on helping communities help themselves
We provide planning assistance, not grant money
Tangible on-the-ground successes are our goal
RTCA Core Program
Vision
Vision: The Nisqually River Water Trail provides high quality non-motorized public recreation opportunities that are aligned with efforts to protect the natural environment, including threatened and endangered species habitat and protected lands.
Goals: Provide ample public access opportunities to the Nisqually
River from La Grande Dam to the Nisqually estuary. Create minimal impact on salmon habitat, private lands or
sensitive ecosystems. Provide interpretation opportunities for users to learn about
the cultural importance and natural history of the area. Recognize the personal responsibility of users, including
exercising skill-based judgment and Leave No Trace principals.
Scope
Scope: Below La Grande Dam to Luhr
Beach Largely focused on creating
boat accessibility to Nisqually mainstem
Ties into other recreation opportunities (ie. hiking, biking etc) where there is river connection
TimelineGetting Organized
Plan Production
Analysis & Recommendations
• Form Advisory Committee • Develop vision & goals• Develop outreach strategy & workplan
• Where are the gaps? What are the priorities? • Evaluate public input• Generate recommendations
• Draft Plan • Second Focus Group, Open House • Final Plan
Information Gathering• Inventory• Identify key issues• Public survey • Focus Group # 1• Public Open House
Winter 14/15
Summer 15 Fall 15 Winter 15/6 Spring 16 Summer 16 Fall 16Spring 15
Desired Outcomes/Products
Concept Plan that contains recommendations for: Increased public river access
– Development or improvement of put-in/take-out locations
Public outreach campaigns – Produce water trail map and brochure; install signage at boat launches
Opportunities
Map provided by WA State Parks
Nisqually State Park River Access Interpretation
opportunities Links to hiking,
biking, etc
Challenges
Threatened Chinook
Threatened steelhead Population
crashed in the 1990s
Year
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
Num
ber o
f Fis
h
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
MainstemTributariesEsc. Goal
Map provided by WDFW
Steelhead
Steelhead Redd Counts
5 year averageMashel to Div. Dam
Div. Dam to McKenna
McKenna to Mouth
Mashel River provides 15%-30% Steelhead spawning habitat
Maps provided by WDFW
Spawning times
Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.CohoChumSteelheadChinookPinkCutthroat TroutRainbow Trout
Chart provided by WDFW
Preliminary Options
Focusing energy on stretch from Nisqually State Park to McKenna Park
Exploring opportunities for additional access points and/or camping sites
Focusing access on Ohop Creek, not Mashel; Limiting access to avoid spawning Steelhead
Potential Managed Access Options (see Station 3)
Next Steps & Ways to Get Involved
Online survey – participate, spread the word, closes December 4th
Next Advisory Committee Meeting – January, 2016
Continued outreach to landowners/stakeholders - Fall, 2015
Recommendations – Winter, 2016 Draft Plan – Spring/Summer - 2016
Tonight’s Format
Station 1 – Nisqually River Water Trail Overview Station 2 – Current access sites Station 3 – Visions for the future Station 4 – Partners Information Station 5 – Next Steps/Get Involved