APPENDIX F

Habitat

Title Page No.

F.1 Human Impacts on Habitat..................................................................................F-2 F.1.1 Old Growth Forests ................................................................................................F-2

F.1.2 Floodplains.............................................................................................................F-6

F.1.3 Riparian Zone.........................................................................................................F-6

F.1.4 In-Stream................................................................................................................F-7

F.1.5 Estuarine.................................................................................................................F-9

F.2 Aquatic Habitat.....................................................................................................F-9 F.2.1 Characteristics of a Healthy Stream System ..........................................................F-9

F.3 Salmon Distribution............................................................................................F-14 F.3.1 Definition of Terms..............................................................................................F-14

F.3.2 Stock Conditions in WRIA 19 .............................................................................F-14

F.4 Terrestrial Habitat..............................................................................................F-16

List of Tables

No. Title Page No.

F-1 Old Growth Forest in WRIA 19 (Acres).............................................................................F-3

F-2 Healthy Stream Characteristics .........................................................................................F-10

F-3 Salmonid Distribution and Population Conditions in WRIA 19.......................................F-15

List of Figures

No. Title Page No.

F-1 Typical Old-Growth Forest Area on the Olympic Peninsula ..............................................F-2

F-2 1936 Forest..........................................................................................................................F-4

F-3 WRIA 19 Old Growth.........................................................................................................F-5

F-4 Large Woody Debris in a Typical Stream...........................................................................F-8

F-5 Typical Stream in the Upper Watershed ..........................................................................F-12

F-6 Typical Stream in the Middle Watershed..........................................................................F-13

Habitat

The habitat discussion in this appendix is based primarily on the findings of Salmon and Steelhead Limiting

Factors in the Western Strait of Juan de Fuca (Limiting Factors Analysis; Smith, 1999), the Washington

Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) watershed analyses of the Hoko River (1995) and Sekiu River (2001)

and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFS) watershed analysis of Deep Creek and the East and West Twin

Rivers (2002).

F.1 Human Impacts on Habitat

Development in WRIA 19 is primarily restricted to small coastal areas and along highway corridors. However,

harvest activity (with its associated roads) in WRIA 19 has dramatically altered the forest composition and

ecological functions of the floodplains, riparian zones, and stream channels.

F-1

F.1.1 Old Growth Forests

Functions

Old growth forests (see Figure F-1) are complex, dynamic systems that evolve from both large and small

disturbances. Prior to human development, large stand-replacing fires were the dominant form of disturbance in

WRIA 19, occurring approximately every 200 to 400 years (USFS 2002). Smaller forms of disturbance included

landslides, insect attack, wind, and natural senescence. The rate and spatial distribution of fire disturbance likely

varied across the WRIA, as the western portion receives higher annual precipitation.

Figure F-1. Typical Old-Growth Forest Area on the Olympic Peninsula (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)

Conifer forests that are not disturbed by logging, clearing, or severe fire tend to develop complex structures over

time. Most often, the trees reflect a variety of sizes and conditions and, especially in the case of mixed conifer

types, a variety of species as well. Large standing dead trees and down logs are present, not as a byproduct of

timber harvest but due to the natural processes of senescence and decay. Patches dominated by large, mature, and

old trees are interspersed with openings and younger stands (or even single trees), forming a fine-scale mosaic

resulting in both complexity from ground to the tree canopy (vertical complexity) and spatial (horizontal)

complexity. The forest floor becomes more complex through the accumulation of organic matter and associated

organisms.

Old growth forests provide habitat for animals and plants that are not available in areas of extensive young

forests. They also regulate snowmelt, modify biochemical processes, and moderate temperatures below their

canopies (SNEP 1996). Old growth areas are home to many species associated with late-successional/old-growth

forests, including spotted owls, goshawks, martens and marbled murrelets. Although only a few nests have been

found, large numbers of marbled murrelets are resident offshore and apparently nest on the peninsula. The dark,

interior forest race of the northern goshawk is present on the peninsula and may represent a unique subspecies

(FEMAT 1993).

Human Effects

The primary impact of more than 100 years of timber harvest in WRIA 19 has been to simplify the structure

(including large trees, snags, woody debris of large diameter, canopies of multiple heights and closures, and

complex spatial mosaics of vegetation), and presumably function, of old-growth forests. By 1933, vast portions of

F-2

WRIA were cleared of old growth conditions, leaving second growth stands less than 50 years old. Small patches

of old growth conditions persisted at that time in the Salt Creek Subbasin, east of the mouth, in the upper Deep

Creek Subbasin, and throughout the Hoko Subbasin. Large portions of old growth forest persisted in the Lake

Crescent Subbasin, the middle Lyre Subbasin, and the western side of the Pysht Subbasin (see Figure F-2). Today,

about 42 thousand acres of old growth forest remains, of which half is found in the Lake Crescent Subbasin. The

remaining old growth is in the Deep Creek, Lyre, Pysht, Salt, and Twin Rivers Subbasins. Table F-1 and Figure

F-3 present old growth acreage in WRIA 19.

TABLE F-1.

OLD GROWTH FOREST IN WRIA 19 (ACRES)

Description

Deep

Creek

Lake

Crescent Lyre

Pysht

River Salt Twins Total

Conifer forest; late seral; closed;

usually Douglas-fir/Western

Hemlock.

— — — — 1973 — 1973

Conifer forest; late seral; closed;

usually Silver Fir/Western

Hemlock.

— 82 — — — — 82

Conifer forest; late seral; closed;

usually Western Hemlock/Western

Red Cedar/Douglas-fir.

1,070 21,988 6,734 561 2,353 7,647 40,353

Total 1,070 22,069 6,734 561 4,326 7,647 42,407

F-3

Figure F-2

F-4

Figure F-3

F-5

F.1.2 Floodplains

Functions

Floodplains are portions of the watershed in lower elevations that are periodically flooded during periods of high

flows. The overflow is dispersed throughout the floodplain, supporting complex off-channel habitats such as

wetlands, lakes, ponds, and side channels. Aquatic habitats in floodplains are important for several species,

particularly salmonids that rely on off-channel habitats for safety from winter floods.

Floodplains also help dissipate water energy during floods by allowing water dispersal above and beyond the

stream channel. This prevents the floodwaters from scouring and downcutting the streambed. In addition, the

water that spreads across the floodplain infiltrates the nutrient-rich soil and slowly flows back to the stream

channel during lower flow periods.

Human Effects

There are two major types of human impacts on floodplain functions: disconnection of the stream channel from

the floodplain, and vegetation changes. Lateral constraints most common in WRIA 19 are road or railroad grades

(longitudinal disconnections, or in-stream barriers, are discussed in the section on in-stream processes below).

These grades restrict channel migration, floodwater overflow, and aquatic species from accessing off-channel

habitat. Large-scale vegetation modification is widespread throughout WRIA 19. Commercial forestry is the

prominent land use in the area, much of which is done by clearcutting. Historical maps dated 1936 show extensive

clearcut activity throughout the eastern portion of the WRIA, while large stands of large spruce-hemlock forest

were intact west of Clallam River. Currently only small patches of old-growth forest exist outside the Olympic

National Forest. Loss of connectivity and elimination of floodplain forests has had the following effects:

• Eliminated off-channel habitats such as sloughs and side channels

• Increased flow velocity during flood events due to the constriction of the channel

• Reduced subsurface flows

• Simplified channels since large woody debris is lost and channels are often straightened when

levees are constructed (Smith 1999).

F.1.3 Riparian Zones

Functions

Riparian zones are the interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They encompass diverse populations

of flora and fauna. A healthy riparian zone on the Olympic Peninsula consists of mature stands of trees, including

large conifers and mixed hardwoods. Sites of recent disturbance consist of relatively homogenous stands of red

alder or willows.

Below the tree canopy, diverse communities of ferns, shrubs and grasses cover the moist streambanks, supporting

a diverse animal, bird, amphibian and insect community. The riparian community acts as a storehouse of rich

organic material, much of which contributes to the nutrient composition of the stream by way of soil leachate and

litter fall. The complex root systems of riparian vegetation stabilize the streambank and control erosion. Large

trees that fall into the water as a result of bank erosion or death are referred to as large woody debris (LWD).

Large woody debris and subsequent log jams are critical components in river systems (see the discussion of LWD

functions below).

Besides habitat and LWD recruitment, other important features of the riparian zone are temperature regulation and

bank storage. The shade provided by the tree canopy maintains a relatively low water temperature, which is

critical for fish species that are sensitive to dissolved oxygen concentrations. Banks storage is provided during

high flows, when water inundates the banks and seeps into the soil. The conductivity of riparian soils is

considerably slower than that of the channel, so this water can be retained for months. This is an important feature

F-6

during low flows because the riparian zone acts as a source of water for the stream as the water stored in the banks

slowly returns to the channel.

Human Effects

All types of land use practices impact riparian zones. Current regulations limit activities within riparian zones, but

historical timber harvest and agricultural practices have dramatically impacted riparian structure, age, and

functions within WRIA 19. Once a mature conifer stand is cleared, the streambanks and water surface are exposed

and left vulnerable to erosion and direct sunlight. Generally the fastest and most prolific species to pioneer

recently disturbed areas are deciduous species such as red alder and willow. These species completely dominate

early successional stage regrowth, creating an even-aged monoculture riparian zone. (“Succession” refers to the

change in plants and animals inhabiting a forest over time; young forests are called “early successional” and old

forests are called “late successional.”) Later successional stages include growth of other types of hardwoods

including cottonwood and maples. These types of riparian zones provide more nutrients to the stream through leaf

litter, but the quality of large woody debris is seriously compromised, as hardwoods are smaller in diameter and

decay much more quickly than conifer species. Therefore, logjams made of deciduous species are more

vulnerable to washout from floodwaters than those of conifers. The decline in quality of LWD seriously affects

the development of the streambed, particularly deep scour pools.

F.1.4 In-Stream

Functions

The significant processes that affect in-stream habitat are sedimentation, the presence of large woody debris

(LWD) and longitudinal disconnections, or barriers.

Sedimentation

Stable river systems have common and predictable patterns of disturbance and response. A stable stream is not

always a static stream, but is instead in a state of dynamic equilibrium, neither depositing excessive sediment nor

excessively scouring the channel. Sediment enters stream systems by way of large disturbances such as landslides

or floods (generally in the upper elevations) and erosion forces along exposed streambanks (generally in the

lowland reaches). The amount and type of input varies by soil and geologic conditions. Fine sediments tend to be

transported through the system as suspended load (i.e., suspended in the water), while larger particles (>2 mm)

tend to move downstream as bedload (i.e., remaining in contact with the streambed). This is often referred to as a

sediment “plug” or “wave.” Sediments large and small move downstream at varying rates, being deposited where

the water slows, generally at barriers, along the inside of river bends, and in low-gradient reaches. Where

deposition is not occurring, the substrate of the streambed is made up of clean, well-sorted gravel and boulders.

Large Woody Debris

LWD remains along the streambank in times of low flow, providing food and shelter for insects, amphibians, and

fish (see Figure F-4). During higher flows, the LWD is often transported downstream to either float out to sea or

form logjams within the river channel. These logjams create areas of both scour and deposition around them,

depending on the positioning of the logs. The scour pools are favored spots for fish, and the depositional islands

that sometimes form are suitable for pioneering vegetation. The longevity of logjams varies from weeks to

decades, depending on the amount of stream flow and the position of the logjam.

F-7

Figure F-4. Large Woody Debris in a Typical Stream (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)

Longitudinal Disconnection (Barriers)

Longitudinal disconnection occurs naturally in a healthy stream system, most commonly in the form of cascades

and dams. Dams impound water, creating sinks of gravel, sediment and nutrients. Large cascades and dams

prevent anadromous fish from migrating upstream. Upon returning from the sea, anadromous fish provide marine-

derived nutrients to the river and riparian ecosystems through excretion and decay of carcasses. These nutrients,

particularly nitrogen and carbon, are important to the productivity of the streams, since streams in the Pacific

Northwest typically have low levels of them. A study by Larkin and Slaney in 1997 concluded that even modest

inputs of nutrients and carbon from relatively few fish may be important in stimulating primary production and

maintaining a stream’s productivity.

Human Effects

Changes in the supply, transport, and storage of sediments can occur as the direct result of human activities.

Upland and riparian clearing cause increased overland flow to streams, therefore increasing stream flow

immediately after storm or snowmelt events. This intensifies erosion capacity along streambanks and the

streambed. Sideslope roads have been shown to destabilize hillslopes, causing more frequent and severe

landslides and debris flows. These large disturbances contribute excessive sediment and organic material to the

system. Roads and railroad grades also prevent overbank flow, which disperses sediment-laden floodwaters across

the floodplains. When the floodwaters are forced to remain in the channel, they cause significant downcutting,

erosion, and ultimately excessive sedimentation downstream. Increases in the amount of coarse material tend to

fill pools and aggrade the channel (raise the level of its bed), resulting in reduced habitat complexity and reduced

rearing capacity for some salmonids.

Increased sediment supply to a channel increases the proportion of fine sediments in the bed, which can reduce

the survival of incubating eggs in the gravel and change benthic invertebrate production. Conversely,

disconnection from the floodplain and riparian zone can decrease sediment supply. Reduction in sediment supply

can alter the composition of streambeds, which can in some cases reduce the amount of material suitable for

spawning.

Human activity can often disconnect streams directly or indirectly. Direct causes include perched culverts (usually

located at road crossings) and dams. Indirect disconnections occur where channel incision and headcutting cause

erosion down to bedrock. Additional headcutting downstream of the bedrock exposure creates an additional

cascade (WDNR 1995).

F-8

F.1.5 Estuarine

Functions

Salt marsh habitat is located around stream mouths and throughout the area of tidal influence in the lower stream

reaches, serving as important salmon rearing habitat. The nearshore environment of WRIA 19 is essential for

rearing juvenile salmonids, offering a transportation corridor for both juvenile and adult salmonids and providing

resting habitat for adult salmon transitioning to spawning streams. Certain types of habitat within the nearshore

environment are especially important for salmonid production. These include eelgrass and overstory and

understory kelp beds. Nearshore kelp and eelgrass habitats, as well as sandy beaches, are critical habitat for food

fish for juvenile and adult salmon. Eelgrass is found in sandy, protected areas and provides important nursery

habitat for juvenile salmonids. Kelp is preferred by adult salmon, particularly chinook and coho; juvenile coho

have also been observed in kelp beds. Kelp requires a rocky substrate (Smith 1999).

Human Effects

Landslides contribute sediment to the nearshore environment along the WRIA 19 shoreline. Of particular concern

is Highway 112. Landslides have been shown to have short-term impacts on the species composition of kelp beds

(Shaffer and Parks 1994). Given the importance of kelp habitat for salmon rearing in this area, nearshore sediment

problems should be recognized as a potential significant habitat problem (Smith 1999).

Water quality concerns have been raised with the 2004 listing of the western Strait of Juan de Fuca as a Category

5 303(d) water body for elevated fecal coliform counts. This issue will be further addressed through water quality

monitoring during the watershed planning process.

In general, shoreline armoring and dock construction are minimal in WRIA 19; however, site-specific problems

exist, as documented in the subbasin descriptions below (Smith 1999).

F.2 AQUATIC HABITAT

F.2.1 Characteristics of a Healthy Stream System

An essential element of watershed planning is the identification of problems in streams and riparian zones.

Identifying such problems requires an understanding of what an intact, healthy stream system looks like and how

it interacts with its riparian and floodplain zones. To characterize a healthy stream system for the WRIA 19

planning effort, guidelines were developed from River Ecology and Management - Lessons from the Pacific

Coastal Ecoregion (Naiman and Bilby, editors. 1998 Springer-Verlag) and NOAA Fisheries’ 1996 Matrix

of Pathways and Indicator, which presents parameters for a properly functioning system. Considerations for a

healthy system include water quality, habitat access, habitat elements, channel conditions and dynamics, in-stream

flow, watershed conditions, estuarine conditions, and estuarine water quality. Table F-2 presents healthy stream

parameters for Western Washington, as taken from these documents.

F-9

TABLE F-2.

HEALTHY STREAM CHARACTERISTICS

Indicators Properly Functioning

Temperature 50-57ºF

Sediment/Turbidity <12% fines (<0.85mm) in gravel, turbidity low

Water

Quality

Chemical

Contamination/

nutrients

Low levels of chemical contamination from agricultural, industrial and other

sources, no excess nutrients, no 303(d)-designated reaches

Habitat

Access

Physical Barriers Any man-made barriers present in watershed allow upstream and

downstream juvenile and adult fish passage at all flows

Substrate Dominant substrate is gravel or cobble (interstitial spaces clear), or

embeddedness <20%

Large Woody

Debris (quantity of

key pieces)

>80 pieces/mile >24"diameter >50 ft. length; and adequate sources of

woody debris recruitment in riparian areas

Pool Frequency 5 feet; 184 pools/ mile 25 feet ; 47 pools/ mile

(channel width; # of 10 feet; 96 pools/ mile 50 feet; 26 pools/ mile

pools/mile) 15 feet; 70 pools / mile 75 feet; 23 pools / mile

20 feet; 56 pools/ mile 100 feet; 18 pools / mile

Pool Quality pools >1 meter deep (holding pools) with good cover and cool water, minor

reduction of pool volume by fine sediment

Off-Channel Habitat Backwaters with cover, and low energy off-channel areas (ponds, oxbows,

etc.)

Stream

Habitat

Elements

Refugia (important

remnant habitat for

sensitive aquatic

species)

Habitat refugia exist and are adequately buffered (e.g., by intact riparian

reserves); existing refugia are sufficient in size, number and connectivity to

maintain viable populations or sub-populations7

Width/Depth Ratio <10

Streambank

Condition

>90% stable (i.e., on average, less than 10% of banks are actively eroding)

Channel

Condition

&

Dynamics Floodplain

Connectivity

Off-channel areas are frequently hydrologically linked to main channel;

overbank flows occur and maintain wetland functions, riparian vegetation

and succession.

Change in Peak/

Base Flows

Watershed hydrograph indicates peak flow, base flow and flow timing

characteristics comparable to an undisturbed watershed of similar size,

geology and geography.

Flow/

Hydrology

Increase in Drainage

Network

Zero or minimum increases in drainage network density from roads

Source: NMFS 1996. Matrix of Pathways and Indicators.

F-10

TABLE F-2 (continued).

HEALTHY STREAM CHARACTERISTICS

Indicators Properly Functioning

Road Density &

Location

<2 mi/sq. mi., no valley bottom roads

Disturbance History <15% ECA** (entire watershed) with no concentration of disturbance in

unstable or potentially unstable areas, and/or refugia, and/or riparian area;

and for NWFP area (except AMAs** ), >15% retention of LSOG in

watershed

Watershed

Conditions

Riparian Reserves The riparian reserve system provides adequate shade, large woody debris

recruitment, and habitat protection and connectivity in all subwatersheds,

and includes known refugia for sensitive aquatic species (>80%

intact),and/or for grazing effects; percent similarity of riparian vegetation to

the potential natural community/composition >50%

Habitat Quantity/

Quality

The estuarine system provides for adequate prey production, cover, and

habitat complexity for both smolts and returning adults.

Areal Extent Estuary provides for most (i.e., greater than 80% intact) of its historical areal

extent and diversity of shallow water habitat types including vegetated

wetlands and marshes, tidal channels, submerged aquatic vegetation, tidal

flats, and large woody debris.

Estuarine

Conditions

Hydrologic

Conditions/

Sediment/ Nutrient

Input

Freshwater inflow and other hydrologic circulation patterns and sediment

and nutrient inputs are similar to historical conditions.

Dissolved Oxygen,

Temperature,

Nutrients, Chemical

Contamination

Water quality standards for aquatic life protection met

Sediments Sediments have low levels of chemical contamination, especially of

persistent aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, or other compounds known

to bio-accumulate.

Estuarine

Water

Quality

Non-Indigenous

Exotic Species/

Aquatic Nuisance

Species

Exotic species that are non-indigenous and aquatic nuisance species are at

low and decreasing levels and not interfering with estuarine system

functions.

Source: NMFS 1996. Matrix of Pathways and Indicators.

This section describes characteristics of healthy streams in watersheds on the Olympic Peninsula, as well as the

common disturbances that lead to the declining health of a stream system. Stream characteristics vary widely with

location in the watershed. Descriptions are presented below for three portions of the watershed: upper, middle,

and lower. It should be noted that these topographical distinctions are not absolute, as several characteristics are

determined by site-specific conditions that vary within each watershed.

Upper Watershed

Terrain in the upper portion of watersheds of the Olympic Peninsula is moderate to very steep. Upper watershed

streams (see Figure F-5) have deeply incised channels and little to no floodplain or off-channel habitat. The

channels are generally narrow, constrained and made up of coarse colluvial material. Plunge pools, exposed

bedrock, and boulders are common characteristics of stream beds in these areas. Large woody debris (LWD)

supplied by tree falls is abundant.

F-11

Figure F-5. Typical Stream in the Upper Watershed (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)

Disturbances in the upper watershed are primarily terrestrial processes such as landslides, avalanches, debris

flows, and tree falls. Tree falls are common, but larger disturbance events are much less so, occurring on average

every 100 to 500 years. The disturbed areas generally evolve into narrow strips of deciduous vegetation, such as

red alder and devil’s club. Undisturbed areas in the upper watershed are mature conifer forests with Douglas fir,

western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western red cedar as the dominant tree species.

Stream flow in the upper watershed is primarily fed by snowmelt and rainfall, which is generally cold and clear.

Very little turbidity exists, except near recent disturbances. Nutrients are supplied to the water from external

sources such as leaves, branches, LWD, and soil leachate.

Aquatic habitat in the upper watershed is generally inhospitable to most fish species due to steep gradients, few

refuge areas (refugia), and physical barriers. Fish species common to the upper watershed include cutthroat trout

and sculpins.

Middle Watershed

In the middle watershed, the terrain transitions from steep mountainsides to foothills and narrow valleys.

Channels in the middle watershed (see Figure F-6) are partly constrained, with narrow corridors of floodplain and

off-channel habitat. With more room and stream flow, channels are modestly wider than in the upper watershed.

Substrate is primarily alluvial material consisting of gravel and migrating sediment bars. Though LWD is less

abundant in the middle watershed, it is instrumental in shaping the streambed by causing sediment deposition

upstream and deep scour pools downstream. Cascades, pool-riffle sequences, debris dams, and sediment bars are

common streambed characteristics.

Disturbances in the middle watershed are primarily terrestrial processes such as landslides, debris flows, dam-

break floods and tree falls, occurring on average every 10 to 100 years. Disturbed areas along the streambanks are

vegetated by pioneer deciduous species including red alder, willow, cottonwood and maples.

Stream flow is fed by rainfall, snowmelt, and groundwater (at the base of a hill or in the lower elevations). Water

temperature is slightly higher in the middle watershed than in the upper due to less shade and a wider surface

exposed to warm air and sunlight. There is relatively low turbidity and sedimentation in the middle watershed

F-12

except near recent disturbances. Water in middle watershed streams is nutrient-rich, receiving inputs from riparian

vegetation, drift from upstream, and nutrients from decomposing anadromous fish.

Though physical barriers are present, the slighter gradient of the middle watershed allows easier access to

upstream reaches and several fish species are found, including steelhead, several salmon species, sculpins and

suckers.

Lower Watershed

The lower watershed is relatively flat, with wide valleys and floodplains. Channels in the lower watershed are

generally wide, unconstrained and free to migrate throughout the floodplain. As the channel migrates, it forms

side channels, oxbows, and complex off channel habitats. The braided system that often results has multiple

channels that are seasonally used by fish during high flows.

Disturbances in the lower watershed are primarily flow-related processes such as channel avulsion (the sudden

relocation of the stream’s flow to a different channel), migration and erosion. These processes occur frequently,

on average every 1 to 10 years. Frequent disturbance creates a mostly deciduous riparian structure, dominated by

red alder.

Stream flow is fed by rainfall, snowmelt and groundwater flow. The exchange of surface and groundwater is

common in the lower watershed due to the low elevation and proximity to the water table. Water temperatures are

slightly higher, as the channel is wide and exposed to direct sunlight. Minor sedimentation is present in the lower

watershed, mostly concentrated in bars along the banks or midstream islands. Generally the substrate is gravelly,

with minimal embeddedness in fine sandy material.

The lower watershed includes freshwater and estuarine habitats. Features of these areas include vegetated

wetlands and marshes, tidal channels, submerged aquatic vegetation, tidal flats, and large woody debris. In

addition to anadromous salmonid species, fish found in the estuarine and nearshore environment include sand

lance and surf smelt.

Figure F-6. Typical Stream in the Middle Watershed (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)

F-13

F.3 SALMON DISTRIBUTION

F.3.1 Definition of Terms

A “stock” of salmonid fish is defined as follows (from http://wdfw.wa.gov/):

A group of fish that return to spawn in a given area at the same time. They are for the most part

reproductively isolated from other such groups although some movement of individuals is

recognized as a normal part of salmonid biology. A “run” of fish may comprise more than one

stock, and a stock may comprise several local spawning populations.

A “stock complex” is a group of closely related stocks located within a single watershed or other relatively

limited geographic area. The number of stocks in a stock complex may never be known with any confidence.

State agencies determine population status for individual stocks. The Washington Department of Fish and

Wildlife (WDFW) released the Salmonid Stock Inventory (SaSI) in 2002, as an update to the 1992 Salmon and

Steelhead Stock Inventory. In the SaSI, each stock is given one of three ratings:

• The “healthy” rating covers a wide range of actual conditions, from robust to those without

surplus production for harvest. A stock listing of “healthy” does not necessarily mean that

managers have no current concerns or that production levels are adequate.

• A “depressed” stock is one whose production is below expected levels, based on available

habitat and natural variation in survival rates, but above where permanent damage is likely.

• For many stocks, there simply is insufficient information to rate them, and they are designated

as “unknown.” Because historically small populations could be especially vulnerable to habitat

impacts, there is immediate need to collect more information on these unknowns.

F.3.2 Stock Conditions in WRIA 19

Twenty stocks of salmonids have been identified in WRIA 19—one chinook stock, four chum stocks, six coho

stocks, seven steelhead stocks, and two cutthroat trout stock complexes (see Table F-3).

F-14

TABLE F-3.

SALMONID DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION CONDITIONS IN WRIA 19

Stock Name Stock # Origin SASI Status Spawning Time

Most Recent Total

Escapement

Hoko Fall Chinook 1256 Native Depressed Late Sept-Late Nov 1,100 (yr 2003)

Lyre Fall Chum 2561 Native Unknown Mid Nov-Mid Jan Unknown

Deep Creek/East & West

Twin Fall Chum

Native Depressed Mid Nov-December 17 (yr 2003)

Pysht Fall Chum 2572 Native Healthy Mid Nov-Late Dec 585 (yr 2003)

Hoko/Clallam/Sekiu Fall

Chum

2583 Native Unknown Mid Nov-Late Dec Unknown

Salt Creek Coho 3310 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan

Lyre Coho 3320 Mixed Unknown Unknown Unknown

Pysht/Twin/Deep Creek

Coho

3330 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan 5,834 (yr 2000)

Clallam Coho 3340 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan

Hoko Coho 3350 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan 4808 (yr 2000)

Sekiu/Sail Coho 3360 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Early Jan 73 (yr 2002)

Salt Creek/Ind Winter

Steelhead

6329 Native Healthy Mid Feb-Mid June 73 (yr 2003)

Lyre Winter Steelhead 6336 Unresolved Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown

Pysht/Ind Winter Steelhead 6343 Unresolved Healthy Mid Feb-Mid June 389 (yr 2003)

Clallam Winter Steelhead 6350 Unresolved Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown

Hoko Winter Steelhead 6357 Native Healthy Mid Feb-Mid June 497 (yr 2003)

Sekiu Winter Steelhead 6364 Native Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown

Sail Winter Steelhead 6371 Native Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown

Mid Strait of Juan de Fuca

Coastal Cutthroat

Native Unknown Early Jan-Early May

West Strait of Juan de Fuca

Coastal Cutthroat

7060 Native Unknown Early Jan-Early May

Source: WDFW SalmonScape

The stocks and stock complexes in WRIA 19 have been rated as follows:

• The fall chinook in WRIA 19 are defined as the Hoko fall chinook stock, although it is believed

that small numbers of this stock use the Sekiu, Lyre, Clallam, and Pysht Rivers for spawning as

well. Fall chinook are no longer found in Deep Creek (Smith 1999). SaSI defines the Hoko fall

chinook stock as depressed.

• Four fall chum stocks have been identified in WRIA 19: Lyre, Deep Creek/East and West

Twin, Pysht, and Hoko/Clallam/Sekiu. The SaSI defines the Deep Creek/East and West Twin

stock as depressed. The Pysht fall chum are defined as healthy. The population status for Lyre

and Hoko/Clallam/Sekiu is unknown.

• Six coho stocks have been identified in WRIA 19: Salt Creek, Lyre, Pysht/Twin/Deep Creek,

Clallam, Hoko, and Sekiu/Sail. SaSI defines population conditions for the Lyre coho stock as

unknown. The remaining coho stocks in WRIA 19 are considered healthy.

• Seven steelhead stocks have been identified in WRIA 19: Salt Creek/Independent, Lyre,

Pysht/Independent, Clallam, Hoko, Sekiu, and Sail. All stocks are winter runs. The Salt

Creek/Independent, Pysht/Independent, and Hoko stocks are considered healthy and the status

of the remaining stocks is unknown.

• Identifying individual coastal cutthroat stocks is exceptionally difficult. Genetic analyses of

coastal cutthroat have shown that there can be several distinct stocks within small streams. The

task of identifying individual stocks in large watersheds is overwhelming. As a result, the

WDFW coastal cutthroat population evaluation departs from the approach of identifying F-15

individual stocks and instead identifies stock complexes. Two stock complexes are present in

WRIA 19: Mid and Western Strait of Juan de Fuca, both of which are rated as “unknown.”

None of the WRIA 19 stocks are listed as federally threatened or endangered because NOAA Fisheries determines

listings based on “evolutionarily significant units,” not stock conditions.

F.4 TERRESTRIAL HABITAT

The WRIA 19 watershed supports a diverse assemblage of flora and fauna. The following description of the basin

is based largely on information drawn from Wildlife-Habitat Relationships in Oregon and Washington (Johnson

and O’Neill 2001) and the Northwest Habitat Institute database.

The most extensive habitat type in WRIA 19 is the westside lowland conifer-hardwood forest, which is a matrix

of other types of habitats, including westside riparian wetlands and open water.

Westside lowland conifer-hardwood forest is dominated by evergreen conifers, particularly Douglas fir and

western hemlock in WRIA 19. Mature stands typically have a multi-layered canopy structure, large snags, and

many large logs on the ground. Common understory species include vine maple, Pacific rhododendron,

salmonberry, salal, dwarf swordfern, twinflower and a variety of herbs, mosses, and lichens. Younger stands

generally have single-story canopies with more deciduous trees, including red alder, big leaf maple, and willows.

Historically, fire and wind have been the most devastating and prominent form of disturbance. The pre-European

fire regime typical of these watersheds was characterized by infrequent, intense, large-stand-replacing fires

approximately every 200 years. Recent disturbance regimes are smaller in scale, such as debris flows, landslides,

erosion.

Over 200 wildlife species are associated with this type of habitat. Wildlife communities vary with elevation and

structural class, with the greatest diversity found at lower elevations in mid-late successional stands. Species that

typify young forests include snowshoe hare, Roosevelt elk, and black-tailed deer. Almost the entire watershed has

been harvested at least once in the past 100 years, and much of it is in its third rotation of harvest. However,

notable reserves of old growth and late successional stands persist. These mature stands are found in Olympic

National Park and US Forest Service lands in the Lake Crescent, Deep Creek, Twin Rivers, Hoko River, and

Pysht River Subbasins. Species associated with the mid- and late-successional forests include Douglas’ squirrel,

ruffed grouse, and Pacific slope flycatcher. Two bird species in particular are dependent on late-successional

lowland forest habitat: the spotted owl and the marbled murrelet. Both species have suffered population decline

due to habitat loss and are currently listed as federally protected species.

Westside riparian wetlands are also found in WRIA 19. Conifer and deciduous mixed forests are typical for this

habitat, and include red alder, black cottonwood, big leaf maple, western red cedar, western hemlock and Sitka

spruce. There are many species make up the understory, including salmonberry, salal, vine maple, dogwood,

currant, devil’s club, snowberry, and a variety of ferns and sedges. Natural disturbances include flooding and

stream channel avulsion.

Wildlife species associated with riparian and wetland habitats include mink, river otter, yellow warbler, and

numerous waterfowl and amphibian species.

Small portions of the watershed have been converted to agricultural lands. The wildlife community in agricultural

lands includes several introduced species (e.g., eastern cottontail, rinF-necked pheasant, red-legged partridge)

along with native species such as deer mouse, Brewer’s blackbird, and rough-legged hawk. Waterfowl and

shorebirds also find suitable habitat in agricultural lands, particularly during winter.

F-16