Primary Partners Watershed Councils (WC) USDA Forest Service, has 90 watershed councils (USFS) formed through local, volunteer efforts. The Siuslaw National Forest is one of the major Councils represent a balance of interests and are land managers within the Coastal Initiative area. recognized by local government. Utilizing a watershed The Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) changed the as the basis for their work, they educate citizens, build direction of the Siuslaw National Forest by establishing partnerships, assess local issues and implement land- almost 95% of the Forest as a reserve to protect habitat for owner projects. Since the Siuslaw Basin is the focus of both aquatic and terrestrial species. As watershed analyses the Coastal Initiative, the Siuslaw WC has a key role in in the Siuslaw National Forest were completed, it became coordinating local efforts. The Nestucca-Neskowin clear that the low gradient streams on private lands were WC is also a Coastal Initiative partner. essential to restoring coho salmon habitat. As a result, whole watershed restoration became their focus.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) Cascade Pacific Resource Formed as locally elected units of Conservation & Development government in the 1930s, SWCDs represent a county Area, Inc. (CPRCD) or an area of a county. They have long-term connections The Coastal Initiative is a CPRCD program, established with private agricultural landowners and access to through a 1998 Cooperative Agreement with the USFS. technical assistance and landowner incentive programs CPRCD is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with authorized through the Farm Bill. The Siuslaw SWCD members representing a six county area in the mid and has a high profile in the Coastal Initiative. Along with upper and the central Oregon Coast. implementing conservation projects, they provide fiscal Utilizing a regional perspective, CPRCD establishes management for the Siuslaw WSC. Lincoln SWCD and partnerships and projects that fulfill their mission: “To Tillamook SWCD are also Coastal Initiative partners. work with citizens of rural communities to enhance their quality of life through social, economic and environmental improvements.”

Major Contributors of Project Match

Numerous volunteers and landowners gave their time and money to implement Coastal Initiative projects as verified throughout this report.

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) provided technical assistance as well as funding through Farm Bill programs. NRCS also administers the statewide RC&D program, providing valuable support to Cascade Pacific RC&D.

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB): In the 2001-03 biennium, OWEB administered $43.8 million to promote and fund voluntary efforts to protect and restore Oregon’s watersheds. OWEB provided project match and also funded new work that was an out- growth of Coastal Initiative projects.

Cover photo credit:John Hutmacher Fall 2003 Greetings; Hello! I am delighted to share with We are excited to report on you this five-year summary the first five years of the report of the Coastal Initiative. Coastal Initiative. In 1998, In 1998, when the Wyden we were just completing the Amendment was put into law, fifth and final year of our the Siuslaw National Forest Willamette Initiative, funded decided to formalize an through a cooperative agree- agreement with Cascade ment with EPA. After our Pacific Resource Conservation success in the Willamette and Development Area, Inc. (CPRCD) to target Valley we were enthusiastic about beginning a appropriated funding to facilitate restoration activities partnership with the Forest Service on the central on private lands. In the , private Oregon Coast. In addition, to be among the first to ownerships occupy the lower, valley bottomlands that utilize the Wyden Amendment suited the innovative are adjacent to low gradient unconfined streams— spirit of our organization. critical habitat for coho spawning and rearing. As we compile the accomplishments of the Coastal Through the agreement with CPRCD, the Forest Initiative, we see that it has brought great value to Service was able to sit at the table with a variety of our mid-coast community. Utilizing the Wyden local partners as a true collaborator who could con- Amendment, we have been able to fund work that tribute both technical expertise and available funding. addresses issues critical to fish survival on both public The ability to commit and leverage skills and funding and private lands, as detailed in this report. Valuable greatly contributed to increased connectivity of coho partnerships have been forged; local groups have habitat and improved riparian forest conditions increased their ability to develop and manage projects; across ownership boundaries. and new work has been generated. The Forest Service investment of $321,000 was matched with an addi- Forest management these days is about whole watershed tional $386,000 over the course of 21 projects. This management, from the ridges to the estuaries. No one doesn’t include new projects that were funded by entity can protect/restore resources while providing for OWEB and others as a result of the groundwork community stability. It’s up to all of us; the personal laid in Coastal Initiative projects. decisions and dedication of each individual will have a long-term effect. My decision is to join as many We have just entered into a new Cooperative partners as I can to help make things right—the Agreement with USFS and are looking forward to our Coastal Initiative is a giant step in that direction. next five years of work. Read this report and join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the many partners Sincerely, who made these successes possible. Sincerely, Gloria Brown, Forest Supervisor Siuslaw National Forest James L. Stark, President Cascade Pacific RC&D Table of Contents Launching the Initiative...... 2 Financials...... 15 Map ...... 4 Awards ...... 16 Project Funding ...... 5 Special Thanks ...... 17 Project Summaries ...... 6–14

1 Launching the Coastal Initiative State and national legislation Momentum on the Oregon Coast provides motivation… grows, beginning in 1994…

1987 The Midcoast, Siuslaw, The Governor’s Watershed and Nestucca-Neskowin Enhancement Board (now Watershed Councils are OWEB) is created to pro- formed through grass- mote watershed health in roots efforts. Oregon. USFS watershed analyses 1994 show that 80% of the prime coho salmon habitat The Northwest Forest Plan is on private land in lower is adopted. Among its watersheds. requirements are watershed analyses on public lands. Threats to coho salmon survival include loss of 1995 spawning and rearing Oregon House Bill 3441 habitat, elevated stream provides structure for the temperatures, and blockage voluntary formation of water- of fish passage. shed councils. More funds are available for Oregon coastal coho salmon habitat restoration projects are proposed for listing under the than for landowner outreach, Endangered Species Act. planning, and designing.

1997 Agencies that traditionally The Oregon Plan for Salmon and provide planning and technical Watersheds responds to potential assistance to private landowners federal listings of salmonids. It empha- are understaffed. sizes local, voluntary, cooperative efforts. USFS seeks ways to do restoration work on private land, but lacks staff and land- 1998 owner contacts. Oregon coastal coho are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Cascade Pacific RC&D has experience in facilitating restoration projects through a variety The Wyden Amendment to the Appropriations Act of local partners. allows the USFS and BLM to do watershed restoration work on private lands. …a new partnership is created between Cascade Pacific RC&D and the Siuslaw National Forest. The Coastal Initiative is underway. 2 Implementing the Coastal Initiative

“The Coastal Initiative has provided me with the flexibility to work with a variety of partners in all aspects of watershed restoration, from planning through implementation. It has opened doors to unique ideas and provided access to funding sources to which the Forest Service traditionally would have had no access. In these times of reduced budgets with ever more complex natural resource issues to resolve, it takes all types of collaboration to develop and implement natural resource protection and restoration programs.The Coastal Initiative shines in its innovation to accomplish that task.” —Karen Bennett,Watershed Program Manager,Siuslaw National Forest

Cascade Pacific RC&D is uniquely qualified to implement • Work is required on multiple levels, including: The Coastal Initiative. As a regional non-profit organiza- assessing conditions, planning and design work, tion, our work centers on developing partnerships to community capacity building, developing economic address local issues. We are experienced in developing and opportunities, education, and on-the-ground projects. implementing projects with private landowners and • The need for visible results and recognition of are knowledgeable in contracting and fiscal management. achievements.

As the Coastal Initiative has evolved, all of us have become increasingly aware of the complex interactions The success of the Coastal Initiative lies, not in isolated that are woven into each project. As we work to address projects, but in its multi-faceted approach. This approach is threats to salmonids on the central Oregon Coast, a possible because of our ability to fund multiple projects in whole sub-set of issues have emerged: targeted areas with local leadership. The Coastal Initiative • The critical importance of landowners willing to meets the goals of Cascade Pacific RC&D and our members do projects. as well as associated natural resource agencies, communities • How to engage local citizens and develop networks and private landowners. of support.

“RC&Ds across the country have always shared partnerships with the USFS. However, I am particularly pleased with the success of the Coastal Initiative and this groundbreaking agreement between CRPCD and the Siuslaw National Forest. CPRCD has provided a platform for public dollars to be used for restoration projects on private lands to improve watershed health. I hope this opens the door for other RC&Ds in Oregon to follow our lead.” —Karen Strohmeyer,RC&D Coordinator,NRCS

3 Coastal Initiative Project Area

4 Project Funding Focus: To improve watershed conditions by integrating activities on all lands, utilizing local partnertships and a variety of funding sources. Coastal Initiative Funding from USFS Expenditures by Project Type Dollars Leveraged USFS Total: $321, 230 Match total: $386,647 Program Riparian/Wetland/Estuary Administration 20% 10% Community Water Connections Quality 16% 10% 40% 60% USFS Match

In-stream Fish Passage 14% 15%

Stewardship 15% $400,000

$300,000

$200,000 Long Term Leveraging Karnowsky Creek Restoration $100,000 A Coastal Initiative investment in planning brings a twenty-fold return in $0 funding when plan is implemented. Coastal Initiative $20,000 Match $23,000 Leverage $395,000

Matching Contributions by Project Type

Riparian/ Wetland/ Estuary In-Stream

Fish Passage Water Quality Community Connections

Stewardship

Program Administration

$0 $10,000 $30,000 $50,000 $70,000 $90,000 $110,000 $130,000 $150,000 $170,000 $190,000

Coastal Initiative Match 5 Riparian,Wetland and/or Estuary Projects Focus: Recovery of native plant communities. Establishing natural fluctuations of water levels along stream systems or within wetland areas.

West Creek Restoration Project,WY005 (Nestucca-Neskowin Watershed Council) West Creek, in the Nestucca Watershed, was traditionally habitat for coho salmon and steelhead trout. However, it had become degraded due to livestock watering in the stream and eroded stream banks. Three adjacent agricul- tural landowners, Bruce McCalib, Darlene and Clayton Rees, and John Blanchard, were interested in improving stream conditions. This volunteer-run project brought about plantings, fencing and installation of off-stream watering devices, helping to reduce potential impacts from fecal coliform contamination, erosion, and elevated stream temperatures.

Outcomes: Nose pumps provide off-stream watering for cattle,keeping riparian areas • 1.5 miles of riparian plantings. and stream banks from being trampled. Credit:Nestucca-Neskowin WC • 1.5 miles of fencing installed. • 11 nose pumps installed.

“For a successful project get everything in writing and be very specific.” —Bruce McCalib

Riparian Release,WY014 Deadwood Creek Power Line (Siuslaw Watershed Council) Relocation Demonstration,WY007 Intensive volunteer recruitment and coordination (Siuslaw SWCD) by Nancy Nichols and the Siuslaw Watershed Council Landowners Nancy Nichols and Tom Steinberg had an resulted in broad participation in this project which existing overhead power line on their property buried. supplemented an OWEB funded Riparian Restoration This allowed a permanent riparian buffer to be estab- Project. Previous riparian plantings were maintained by lished along Deadwood Creek in an area that formerly protecting plants from browsing animals and beavers, had to be kept clear for power line maintenance. removing weeds, and planting more native species to increase diversity. Follow-up monitoring showed a Outcomes: survival rate of 80% on these riparian release sites. • Improved stream shade cover, water quality and habitat. Outcomes: • Demonstrated the costs, techniques and benefits • Native plants and protective tubing was distributed of burying power lines. to over 50 landowners. • Developed a partnership with Blachly Lane Electric • Release crews worked in 2001 and 2002 to remove Co-op that may lead to future restoration work. competing vegetation. • Wire mesh fencing was provided to 8 landowners. • 16 articles on the benefits of riparian planting were printed in various publications.

6 Mapleton Schools’ Native Paula “Cricket”Crowder Plant Nursery,WY017 (Siuslaw Institute) A lack of native plant materials for watershed restoration projects in the Siuslaw Basin provided an opportunity for the Mapleton Schools’ Natural Resource Education Program. Funding was secured by the Siuslaw Institute from OWEB and the Coastal Initiative. Led by Paula "Cricket" Crowder, students and volunteers built a nursery while learning about plant propagation, marketing, watershed restoration, ecological systems and natural resource protection.

Outcomes: • The Mapleton School District developed a Certificate of Advanced Mastery (CAM) Program in Natural Resources that incorporates the Native Plant Nursery. • The schools have a permanent nursery on their grounds and a Native Plant Club for students. • The nursery has sold over 1,000 plants for watershed restoration projects. Mapleton students planting native plants on restoration projects. Credit:Paula Crowder

North Fork Siuslaw Estuary Tide Channel Restoration,WY009 (Siuslaw SWCD) A dike breach in the flood of 1996 began restoring tidal influence to pastureland owned by the Estergards on the Lower North Fork of the Siuslaw River. For a very minor cash investment, several dikes that had been in place since the late 1800’s were breached, returning 86 acres of private land to tidal wetlands. By enrolling this acreage in the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Estergards received some compensation for creating a long-term wetland reserve.

Outcomes: • Three hand-dug breaches and one machine-dug breach were completed. • Volunteers from the Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) and students kept the cost down and increased community participation. • Excellent rearing habitat for coho and chinook These restored tidal wetlands on the Estergard property provide critical rearing habitat salmon is restored. for salmon as well as feeding grounds for migrating water fowl. Credit:Lori Robertson 7 In-Stream Projects Focus: Placement of structures in and around stream systems to moderate flow, connect floodplains, capture spawning gravels and improve aquatic habitat.

N. Fork Siuslaw Bioengineering, WY006 (Siuslaw SWCD) Property owned by Weston Thorsen and located along lower McLeod Creek, a tributary of the North Fork Siuslaw was the site of this project. Fish-friendly, bioengineering methods were used to treat stream bank erosion instead of rock rip-rap which has proven to be detrimental for fish.

Outcomes: • Brush packing and willow plantings were used to stabilize the stream bank, shade the stream, and encourage siltation so that streamside vegetation can take hold. • Project has remained intact for two winters.

“Researching and developing appropriate bioengineering The historic channel of Karnowsky Creek before restoration. Credit:Steve Raloff techniques is an ongoing process…” In-Depth: Karnowsky Creek Restoration —Lori Robertson,Watershed Conservationist,Siuslaw SWCD Design,WY019 (Siuslaw Watershed Council) In the 1800’s Karnowsky Creek was diked and relocated by homesteaders who were clearing land for agricultural purposes. In 2001, Pete Barrell, Executive Director of the Alsea Watershed Stream Siuslaw Watershed Council, described the potential for a Restoration Designs,WY010 (CPRCD) student team to design a restoration plan for the This project, initiated by Jackie Nichols and the Alsea Karnowsky Creek Watershed. That vision became a reality Community Effort, generated new landowner projects when the Coastal Initiative funded six university students by contracting with Steve Trask, a fisheries biologist, to who studied how the watershed functioned historically, secure landowner cooperation and design seven habitat assessed current conditions, incorporated insights and enhancement and water quality projects. Priority areas information from local landowners and stakeholders, and had been identified, but existing agency and SWCD staff developed a plan to restore this valuable coastal ecosystem. time was insufficient to do this work. In an interactive approach, the students presented their findings and discussed their ideas in regular meetings with Outcomes: the Council’s technical team and other interested parties. • An investment of $8,500 resulted in OWEB funding One outstanding result of this project is a highly successful all seven restoration designs for a total of $209,000. partnership between the Siuslaw National Forest, the • Projects included in-stream structures, riparian Siuslaw Watershed Council and the Siuslaw SWCD. Other restoration, and reconnection of low gradient achievements include watershed restoration, responsible rearing habitat. stewardship of public lands and the education of a new generation. “Knowledge of the history of a place and honoring that past are surely the best preparation for mov- ing into the future, especially when we are trying to restore the natural functions of the landscape.” —Johnny Sundstrom,Siuslaw Institute 8 “We were looking for a summer project that would challenge us and teach us new skills, and we found all of that and much more in the Karnowsky Creek Project.We've been bitten by the watershed restoration bug and look forward to working in the field in the future.” —Becky Steckler & Jim Ekins,Student Interns

Siuslaw Basin Habitat Designs,WY021 (Siuslaw SWCD) Five coho habitat restoration projects were developed and designed with private landowners.

Outcomes: • Designs completed for Dahlin Creek Fish Passage & Monitoring, South Slough Riparian Planting & USFS Hydrologist Barb Ellis-Sugai Fencing, Deadwood Creek Erosion Control, and teaches interns to measure stream cross-sections. Livinzky Culvert Replacement. Credit:John Hutmacher • Local capacity is increased by developing the skills of a local contractor to design projects. • Four OWEB grant proposals totaling $50,000 were submitted in Fall 2003. The Karnowsky family homestead Credit:Siuslaw Pioneer Museum Outcomes: “Thanks for giving me a shot in designing restoration • Summer 2001, the Karnowsky Creek Restoration Plan projects. It truly was the most challenging and rewarding was developed, published and circulated. work I have undertaken. I feel like I now have the experience • Funding for restoration work was secured, including a and network to put together even better projects for the $50,000 National Forest Foundation grant and $345,000 next round.” —Jeff Jones,Fisheries Biologist,Florence,Oregon in grants from OWEB. • Coho habitat was increased by 30% when the new creek channel was constructed in 2002. Maple/Fiddle Creek Outreach,WY015 • Old drainage ditches were plugged to divert water into (Siuslaw SWCD) the new channel in 2003. Kevin Carroll, who is a local resident, SWCD Director, • Woody debris was placed in the channel and floodplain and blacksmith, spent many hours with his neighbors in and three tributaries were connected to the main stem in the Maple and Fiddle Creek Watersheds, which have been Fall 2003 & 2004. identified as priority areas for salmon habitat restoration. • This exceptional project won awards both nationally Kevin conducted field trips, met with farmers, wrote and internationally. newsletters and provided information about opportu- nities for funding conservation projects.

Outcomes: • Plans to restore stream channel, enhance wetlands and reforest riparian areas. Fish and other aquatic • Landowner participation in knotweed eradication organisms are captured from ditches and program. placed in newly • A grant for a fish-friendly stream bank stabilization constructed channels. project. Credit:Johan Hogervorst • Increased interest in NRCS cost share programs such as EQIP and CREP. 9 Water Quality Projects Focus: Controlling erosion to minimize sedimentation of streams. Collecting water quality data.

Scholfield/Stewart Restoration Project, Siuslaw River Gauge,WY016 WY011 (Tsalila Partnership) (Siuslaw SWCD) Landowners Nancy and Rick Stewart and Helen and Funding was provided for the maintenance of the USGS Bert Bartow implemented this project along Scholfield stream gauge at the Siuslaw River in Brickerville, Oregon. Creek in the Lower Umpqua Watershed near Reedsport, Normally maintained by the Port of Siuslaw, lack of Oregon. With additional funding from OWEB, habitat funding threatened the continued operation of this river conditions for coho salmon and other fish species were gauge. However, the Siuslaw River gauge was determined improved by installing streamside fencing, riparian to be critical for monitoring the effects of flow on water plantings, road drainage improvements, and in-stream, quality and ultimately on fish populations. This data is large wood placement. used extensively by the SWCD and the Siuslaw Watershed Technical Team which includes fish biologists and Outcomes: hydrologists from USFS, ODF&W, BLM, as well as • Approximately 2/3 mile of Scholfield Creek was volunteer water quality monitoring groups. fenced off from livestock. • Runoff and erosion were reduced along 2.25 miles Outcomes: of road by the construction of 10 water bars and 2 • Real-time operation of the Siuslaw River gauge. rock fords. • Data on stream flow that is critical to interpreting • Riparian plantings between the new fence and the water quality information. For example, low flows stream where cover was less than 30%. recorded in 2001 & 2003 helped DEQ understand the • A small bridge was constructed to allow cattle to cross reason for elevated temperature readings in the over Scholfield Creek, protecting stream banks. same period. • Woody materials were placed in part of the pasture to divert water back to the old channel under winter In the past,splash dam logging practices stripped streams to bedrock channels, flow conditions. reducing fish habitat and raising water temperatures. Credit: John Hutmacher

10 Lake Creek Lead Study,WY018 Ray Kinney (Siuslaw Watershed Council) The Siuslaw Watershed Council contracted with Ray Kinney, resident of Deadwood, Oregon, to study lead contamination in Lake Creek. As a local carpenter, Ray and his partners had noticed thinning of the lead joints on copper pipes. While exploring this phenomenon, Ray found that the streams in the central Oregon Coast Range have low levels of calcium (i.e. low water hardness) and therefore metals dissolve more easily in them. This study showed that elevated levels of lead correlate to heavily fished areas of Lake Creek, indicating sinker-derived lead pollution.

Over the course of a year, Ray sent Lake Creek Lead sinkers from water samples to a certified lab to measure lead fishing lines levels. He found that the samples frequently accumulate in exceeded the EPA’s standards of 0.54 parts per potholes where billion (ppb). In the Lake Creek study area, lead they are dissolved levels ranged from “not detected” to 1,580 ppb. by low calcium water. The median level of lead in the samples taken Credit:Ray Kinney from Lake Creek was 2.5 times the allowable level (all photos on page) established by the EPA for aquatic organisms.

Potential Health Effects of lead can have problems with reproduction, absorbing Lead is a well-known neurotoxin and, even at very foods and making decisions. Ray also found that fresh low levels, can affect fish and other aquatic organisms. water mussels from Lake Creek are showing a severe The toxicity of lead increases at low water hardness levels. degree of shell erosion that may be attributable to lead Tissue samples taken from suckers, crayfish, and mussels being accumulated instead of calcium. The Oregon Sea from Lake Creek showed bioaccumulation of lead in gills, Grant Program at OSU has funded further study of lead tissues, and brains. When they accumulate even small accumulation in mussels. amounts of lead in their bodies, fish can become less skilled at catching food or avoiding predators, thus Existing research shows that the lead levels measured reducing survival rates. Young fish exposed to toxic levels in Lake Creek and in its aquatic organisms are environmentally significant and could easily constitute a plausible limiting factor for salmonids diversity and population recovery.

What Can We Do? Sources of lead in the Siuslaw River Basin include lead sinkers, boat anchors, bullets and shell casings, car batteries, road runoff. All of these sources can be eliminated if fishermen and forest users utilize non-leaded equipment. Clean-up of the lead sinkers left behind in popular fishing holes would go a long way to reducing the existing sources. Fresh water mussels from Lake Creek show a severe degree of shell erosion.

11 Fish Passage Projects Focus: Assess fish passage blockages. Design and install structures that allow for natural flows of aquatic species throughout the year.

Lincoln Cooperative Fish Passage Nestucca-Neskowin Bio-Assessment, Restoration,WY003 WY020 (Nestucca-Neskowin Watershed Council) (Lincoln SWCD) Coastal Initiative funds were used to match OWEB funds This project replaced a Lincoln County culvert on Alder to conduct a two-year survey of approximately 270 miles Creek, a tributary to Five Rivers in the Alsea Basin at the of streams in the Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake crossing of Five Rivers Road. Watersheds. Using the Rapid Bio-Assessment method, extensive snorkel surveys were conducted during the Outcomes: summer of 2002 in each basin, beginning at the head of • An additional 1.7 miles of spawning and rearing areas the tidal influence and continuing to the end of juvenile can now be accessed by coho salmon and cutthroat trout. coho distribution in each stream and its tributaries. • A new partnership is formed between Lincoln SWCD, Lincoln County, ODF&W, and USFS to work on future Outcomes: fish passage projects. • An inventory of 270 miles of streams in the • During the next five years the stream channel should watersheds listed above. readjust to the natural gradient of the steam and fill in • Information on the status of juvenile salmonid 24 inches of substrate. summer distributions and rearing densities. • Baseline data to help identify long-term trends in the distribution and abundance of juvenile coho, steelhead, cutthroat and chinook at the 6th field. • Information is being used extensively to identify culvert blockages and to prepare grants for funding to correct these access problems.

Undersized culverts concentrate flows causing erosion and creating jumps that most juvenile fish cannot navigate. Culverts designed at bankfull width or greater allow aquatic organisms to pass through them all year long. Credit:Lincoln SWCD

Juvenile Coho Salmon Credit:ODFW

12 Community Connections Focus: Appreciating the wealth of local natural resources and the processes needed to maintain them. Increasing the awareness of opportunities for citizen involvement in improving watershed health.

Indian Creek: A Working Watershed Poaching Patrol, Approach,WY025 WY013 (Siuslaw Watershed Council) (Siuslaw Watershed Council) In an approach similar to the Karnowsky planning A retired law enforcement efforts, a team of university students studied cultural officer was hired to provide and ecological elements of the Indian Creek Watershed. education and to enforce As a result of interactions among a variety of participants, fishing regulations at priority from local residents to agency personnel, everyone learned locations in the Siuslaw from each other. A descriptive assessment of the area was Watershed from September compiled along with recommendations for actions. The through December, the criti- document honors the hard work and dedication of the cal periods for spawning area’s early pioneers and looks at how the landscape has migrations. Educational changed over time. The students also characterized the angling signs were posted to eight Indian Creek drainages. Local involvement is increase awareness of fishing ongoing and any further actions are voluntary. regulations and species Signs installed at popular fishing spots to identify endangered species and help identification. Outcomes: eliminate illegal collection of roe Credit:Siuslaw WC • Students uncovered in-depth information about Outcomes: the area, provided a fresh perspective and had an • 15 educational signs posted at popular fishing spots. extraordinary educational experience. • Patrol of poaching activities during peak fishing times • Materials were produced that are very clear and can for two years. be used to encourage activities suggested through • 608 contacts made with 18 warnings and 15 citations. this project. • It was recommended that National Forest lands in Siuslaw Watershed Council Outreach, the Upper Indian, North Fork of Indian and the WY026 (Siuslaw Watershed Council) Taylor Creek area be utilized to compare forest This funding helped hire an outreach specialist for the management options. Siuslaw Watershed Council through the University of • A refuge for coho salmon was recommended in the Oregon’s RARE program. This specialist worked with the Rogers, Maria and West Fork sub-basins, where USFS Council to improve its long-term sustainability through ownership is 95%. increased planning, outreach, fundraising and capacity- building efforts.

Outcomes: • Contacted over 300 landowners in a membership drive and recruited 100 new members. • Provided support to the Tree Give-Away, with 104 riparian landowners receiving trees. • Integral in developing and funding the Summer Estuary Exploration Camp, attended by 27 students and their families. • Developed a grant writing manual. Submitted 15 grants, 5 were approved. These interns created the document,Indian Creek:A Working Watershed Approach to Dyanmic Landscapes. Credit:Siuslaw WC 13 The Siuslaw Bay Bridge at Florence,Oregon. Credit:John Hutmacher Stewardship Projects Focus: Provides for community participation to identify project opportunities, monitor outcomes, and develop economic, ecological, and sustainable strategies in the promotion of watershed health.

Funding for these Coastal Initiative projects came from Multiparty Monitoring and Economic the USFS Siuslaw Rehabilitation Stewardship Pilot which Development Assessment,WY024 allows receipts from harvests on the Siuslaw National The Siuslaw Institute, a local non-profit organization, was Forest to be reinvested in local restoration activities. The engaged to develop and produce a monitoring strategy for Siuslaw Stewardship Group, a stakeholder committee, the Pilot, including the establishment of a data monitoring works with the Siuslaw National Forest to make recom- team, data collection and an FY03 Monitoring Report. In mendations regarding these reinvestments. This new addition, the Institute conducted an economic develop- approach to forest management is responsive to natural ment assessment, investigating opportunities for natural resource dependent communities and their need for resource based enterprise and community development in sustainable jobs. the Siuslaw Watershed. A major focus was the potential for utilizing small dimensional wood available from thinning Beaver Creek Seed Orchard,WY023 operations in the Siuslaw National Forest. The assessment The main objective of this project was to develop a seed also identified opportunities concerning restoration, source of Western red cedar to be used in watershed recreation, and private woodland management. restoration and riparian enhancement throughout the Outcomes: Oregon Coast Range. Project funding was used to ensure • Workshops on niche marketing relating to forest a high survival rate of the seedlings at the Beaver Creek products. Seed Orchard. • Facilitation of various community meetings for outreach Outcomes: on the Pilot & to solicit opportunities for potential • Irrigation, mowing, and weeding of 700 Western projects. red cedar seedlings. • An inventory of local and regional business managers, • Maintain capacity and function at facility, including assets and expertise. repair and maintenance of equipment. • Recommendations for economic development, next • Data collected and studies maintained. steps, opportunities and funding. • Production and publication of the FY03 Monitoring Report. 14 Coastal Initiative Funding Summary Coastal Sponsor Project ID # Project Value Project Match % Match Initiative (USFS) Lincoln Coop. Fish Lincoln SWCD WY003$58,210 $18,310 $39,900 69% Passage Restoration

Nestucca- West Creek Restoration WY005 $42,539 $26,509 $16,030 38% Neskowin WS Nestucca-Neskowin Council WY020 $128,930 $30,000 $98,930 77% Bio-Assessment Mapleton Schools’ Siuslaw Institute WY017$12,691 $4,964 $7,727 61% Native Plant Nursery N. Fork Siuslaw Bio- WY006$3,255 $1,170 $2,085 64% Engineering Demo Deadwood Cr. Powerline WY007$8,910 $5,120 $3,790 43% Relocation Demo N. Fork Siuslaw Estuary WY009$3,622 $1,347 $2,275 63% Siuslaw SWCD Tide Channel Restoration Maple/Fiddle Outreach WY015 $9,466 $6,806 $2,660 28%

Siuslaw River Gauge WY016$7,260 $1,600 $5,660 78%

Siuslaw Basin Habitat WY021$12,879 $8,800 $4,079 32% Designs

Poaching Patrol WY013$31,248 $19,048 $12,200 38%

Riparian Release WY014$80,235 $25,005 $55,230 69%

Siuslaw Lake Creek Lead WY018$34,000 $25,000 $9,000 26% Watershed Council Karnowsky WY019$42,300 $20,000 $22,300 53%

Indian Creek WY025$33,940 $25,440 $8,500 25%

Outreach Specialist WY026 $34,000 $3,500 $30,500 90% Tsalila Scholfield / Stewart WY011 $30,078 $3,958 $26,120 87% Partnership Restoration Alsea Basin Stream WY010$10,726 $8,565 $2,161 20% Restoration Designs

CPRCD Outreach Report WY027$6,200 $3,700 $2,500 44%

Program Administration $68,748 $33,748 $35,000 51%

Beaver Creek Nursery WY023 $25,000 $25,000 NA Stewardship Pilot Multiparty Monitoring & $23,640 $23,640 NA Economic Dev. Assessment WY024 Totals $707,877 $321,230 $386,647 60% 15 National and International Awards

The Siuslaw Basin Partnership, which includes the Siuslaw National Forest watershed team, the Siuslaw Watershed Council, the Siuslaw SWCD and the Siuslaw Institute, received several awards for their work in water- shed protection and conservation. The Karnowsky Creek Watershed Restoration, seeded through the Coastal Initiative, was one of 15 projects nationwide to receive the “Coastal America Spirit Award.” The Siuslaw National Forest was chosen from 155 National Forests and 20 National Grasslands to receive the national “Natural Resources Stewardship Award” from the USFS in recognition of their model program.

Because of their outstanding achievements in community-based watershed management, the Siuslaw Basin Partnership was one of five finalists for the international Thiess River Prize, awarded in Brisbane, Australia. The other finalists were from Israel, Europe, India, and China. Members of the Partnership Mapleton students monitor water quality at Karnowsky Creek. Credit: Siuslaw WC participated in the international conference in Australia, presenting their accomplishments and learning about award winning team. She has worked with Cascade Pacific other restoration efforts. RC&D over the last five years to develop and implement the Coastal Initiative and other partnerships that support Karen Bennett, Watershed Program Manager for the an integrated approach to planning and implementing Siuslaw National Forest, is an innovative member of the on-the-ground watershed improvement projects.

Coastal Initiative Leadership

USFS and Siuslaw National Forest: Karen Bennett, Von Marie Erkert, Gloria Brown, Bob Turner Cascade Pacific RC&D: Karen Strohmeyer, Jennifer Ayotte Siuslaw SWCD: Eric Nusbaum, Lori Robertson, Johnny Sundstrom Siuslaw Watershed Council: Pete Barrell, Dave Eisler, Nancy Nichols

Thanks to Partners & Volunteers

WY003 Lincoln Coop Fish Passage Restoration WY006 N. Fork Siuslaw Bioengineering Lance Gatchell, Kate Danks & Lincoln SWCD; ODF&W, Siuslaw SWCD, Lori Robertson, Weston Thorsen, George Lincoln County Public Works, BLM Westfall (ODFW), Lynn Hood (SNF)

WY005 West Creek Restoration Project WY007 Deadwood Creek Power Line Relocation Nestucca-Neskowin WSC, Sherry Vick, Carol Bickford Nancy Nichols, Tom Steinberg, Siuslaw SWCD, Lori (USFS), Bruce McCalib, Darlene & Clayton Rees, John Robertson, Blachly-Lane Electric Co-op Blanchard, Tillamook SWCD (continued on next page) 16 Thanks to Partners & Volunteers continued

WY009 N. Fork Siuslaw Estuary Tide Channel WY017 Mapleton Schools’ Native Plant Nursery Restoration Cricket Crowder, Siuslaw Institute, OWEB, Mapleton Siuslaw SWCD, Lori Robertson, Johann Hogervorst (SNF), School District, SNF, Siuslaw WSC, Siuslaw SWCD, S&B Phil & Barbara Estergard, Florence STEP, Siuslaw Middle Builders, Nancy Nichols, Vernon VanCurler, Beth Tanner, School Stream Team, Duman Excavation & Hauling, Inc. Ray Kinney, Bill Cirino

WY010 Alsea Watershed Stream Restoration Designs WY018 Lake Creek Lead Jackie Nichols, Alsea Community Effort, USFS, Steve Trask, Ray Kinney, Siuslaw WSC, Siuslaw SWCD, local volunteers & these landowners: Reiningers, Loves, Hagens, Meers, WY019 Karnowsky Creek Restoration Design Project Spears, Karassiks, Cookes, Podmores and Wrens Pete Barrell, the Siuslaw WC and its Tech Team; Karen WY011 Scholfield/Stewart Restoration Project Bennett, Barbara Ellis-Sugai, Johan Hogervorst, Paul Burns Tsalila Partnership, OWEB, ODFW, SNF, Reedsport School (SNF); Siuslaw SWCD, OWEB, National Forest Foundation District, Nancy & Rick Stewart, Bert & Helen Bartow WY020 Nestucca-Neskowin Bio-Assessment WY013 Poaching Patrol Nestucca-Neskowin Watershed Council, OWEB, Steve Trask Siuslaw SWCD, Lynn Hood & Paul Burns (SNF), ODFW, WY021 Siuslaw Basin Habitat Designs Oregon State Police SNF, Siuslaw SWCD, Jeff Jones, landowners WY014 Riparian Release WY025 Indian Creek: A Working Watershed Approach Nancy Nichols, Paul Burns & SNF, Siuslaw WC, Balance Pete Barrell & Siuslaw WSC and Tech Team; Karen Bennett Nursery, Terra Tech, ODF, Siuslaw SWCD, Siuslaw News, & SNF; Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, Siuslaw Public Library 51 landowners, over 100 volunteers WY026 Outreach Specialist WY015 Maple/Fiddle Creek Outreach Keavy Cook, Siuslaw WSC, U of O RARE Program, SNF, Kevin Carroll, Siuslaw SWCD, local residents BLM WY016 River Gauge Our apologies to any of those whose names were omitted. Port of Siuslaw, US Geologic Survey (USGS), Note: SNF = Siuslaw National Forest Siuslaw SWCD ODFW=Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife BLM= Bureau of Land Management (see also inside front cover)

Contact Information

The Coastal Initiative is an ongoing program, for more information contact: Cascade Pacific RC&D Cascade Pacific RC&D Staff: 305 SW “C” Street, Suite 5 Karen Strohmeyer, RC&D Coordinator Corvallis, OR 97333 Jennifer Ayotte, Director of Operations 541-757-4807 Mary Bowman, Bookkeeper/Office Assistant Fax: 541-754-1538 e-mail: [email protected] Report Editor: Jennifer Ayotte

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