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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