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Nisqually River Access & Water Trail

Nisqually River Council October 16th, 2015

…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

Why look at recreational access and the potential for a water trail?

!  NWSP guiding document of the NRC

!  Mission:

To create sustainability in the Nisqually Watershed for current and future generations by developing a common culture of environmental, social and economic balance

NWSP: Recreation

!  Protect & enhance the network of trails & recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities !  Lacking public access to river, especially

for boating

!  In January 2014, NRC members called for increased river access

!  NRF applied for and accepted into RTCA program

Vision

!  Vision: The Nisqually River 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

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

Timeline

Getting Organized

Plan Production

Analysis & Recommendations

• FormAdvisoryCommi.ee• Developvision&goals• Developoutreachstrategy&workplan

• Wherearethegaps?Whatarethepriori?es?• Evaluatepublicinput• Generaterecommenda?ons

• DraCPlan• SecondFocusGroup,OpenHouse• FinalPlan

Information Gathering • Inventory• Iden?fykeyissues• Publicsurvey• FocusGroup#1• PublicOpenHouse

Winter14/15 Summer15 Fall15 Winter15/6 Spring16 Summer16 Fall16Spring15

What we’ve done so far?

!  Formed Advisory Committee

!  Started the inventory/information gathering process

!  Identified key issues

!  Exploring management options

!  Held a focus group workshop

!  Created an online survey

Key Issues and Opportunities

!  Lack of Access in the upper reach from Nisqually State Park to McKenna Park

!  Potential impacts of increased recreation use on fishery resources

!  Safety concerns

!  Opportunity for increased access and enjoyment of the river

!  Opportunity for interpretation and education

Preliminary Upper Reach Options

!  Exploring opportunities for additional access points and/or camping sites

!  Limiting open season to November to mid-February & July/August

!  Focusing access on Ohop vs. Mashel

!  Potential Managed Access Options

!  Access sites are only opened a few weeks of the year

!  Gated river access and a hike to the river

!  Permit system allowing limited cars to park near the river

!  Fee-based shuttle service

!  Guided river service

Next Steps & Ways to Get Involved

!  Online survey – participate, spread the word, closes December 4th

!  Public Open House – November 6th 6:00 – 8:00 pm

!  Next Advisory Committee Meeting – January, 2016

!  Continued outreach to landowners/stakeholders - Fall, 2015

!  Recommendations – Winter, 2016

!  Draft Plan – Spring/Summer - 2016