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Nisqually River Water Trail Draft

RecommendationsJanuary 15, 2015

Background

2 year planning process Technical assistance provided by NPS

Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Info:

http://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/index.htm Focus:

Non-motorized boating access Nisqually State Park to Luhr Beach Tying into land-based trails as appropriate

Vision

The Nisqually River Trail provides high quality non-motorized public recreation opportunities that are aligned with efforts to protect areas of cultural importance and 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.

Initial Findings

Mashel River @ confluence with Nisqually River: Culturally important for Nisqually Indian Tribe Ecologically important for rainbow trout and Steelhead

Ohop Creek @ confluence with Nisqually River: Culturally significant for Nisqually Indian Tribe

Additional access sites between Nisqually State Park and McKenna Park highly desirable.

Signs, maps, and other informational materials are needed to provide safety information and to tell the cultural & ecological stories of the river.

Overall Recommendations

Create a map/guide Online version (short term) Printed version (long term)

Develop water trail signs Install to direct users to appropriate sites

Develop additional access points as appropriate/opportunities arise

Nisqually State Park – McKenna Park

Develop new access site & day use area near the Ohop Confluence Boaters able to drop-off gear, then park

uphill away from river All other users must hike in to day use area

Leave Mashel Confluence undeveloped Identify additional access sites to create a

shorter reach Develop interpretive opportunities

Cultural significance Ecological significance

McKenna Park – Centralia Powerhouse

Widen ramp at Centralia Powerhouse Improve signage to the Centralia Powerhouse Explore ways to reduce crowding at McKenna

Park Construct additional access site at Yelm-

Tenino Trail Allows for users to take-out before whitewater

Develop interpretive opportunities Safety hazards

Centralia Powerhouse – 6th Ave

Develop interpretative opportunities Safety (especially JBLM related) Cultural significance JBLM access

Work with JBLM to improve Tank Crossing access site

Improve the 6th Ave access point

6th Ave – Luhr Beach

Develop interpretive opportunities Safety concerns (tides, open

water) Ecology (delta restoration,

salmon recovery)

Next Steps

Advisory Committee meeting – January 25th 1:00-3:00 pm

Finalizing recommendations Draft plan – March 2016 Final plan – Fall 2016