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Potential Restoration Opportunities Restoration opportunities relevant to the Coastal Ocean AU are highlighted in Table 5-24.

Table 5-24. Restoration Opportunities in the Coastal Ocean Assessment Unit Actions Source • Supplement sediment to account for lost sediment resulting from management Lower Columbia of the Columbia River dams and to maintain coastal protection from rising sea Solutions Group levels and increased storm frequency and/or intensity. Possible locations include on Benson Beach and/or North Head. Disposal locations should be based on best available science to support maintenance of sediment transport processes along the Long Beach Peninsula. Consider developing a permanent disposal fixture on the North Jetty to support disposal of dredge spoils. • Continue monitoring of short-term and long-term effects of sediment disposal and supplementation programs to inform best management solutions.

• Continue to conduct beach clean-ups Marine Debris Action Team 2013 • Monitor and respond to tsunami debris • Collect and manage data on derelict fishing gear locations and remove derelict fishing gear

6 LAND USE ANALYSIS

6.1 Approach

Analysis Scale Inventory data were used to describe significant land use features. Inventory data were collected at the waterbody and reach-scale for future use in developing appropriate shoreline designations. The data analyzed and reported in this Chapter are, for the most part, restricted to those lands landward of the OHWM. Where necessary to the analysis, uses that occur waterward of the OHWM are identified specifically. For the purposes of understanding broad- scale land use trends, data are summarized by waterbody. Specific uses or trends are described in more detail where appropriate.

Current Land Use Existing land use provides a baseline for types of land use and land use patterns found within shoreline jurisdiction. Existing land use data was obtained from the Pacific County Assessor, and then overlaid on the shoreline jurisdiction landward of the OHWM. Uses that occur waterward of the OHWM are specifically noted. The County Assessor designates a land use

201 Pacific County Shoreline Analysis Report code, established in WAC 458-53-030, for each parcel in the County. The two digit codes were rolled up into the following broad categories.

• Agriculture • Commercial • Forestry • Government/Institutional • Manufacturing/Industrial • Quasi-Public • Residential • Recreation • Utilities • Vacant/Undeveloped • Others • Not Coded

Use of the Pacific County Assessor’s data requires a certain level of interpretation when using it for describing and analyzing land use. The first item to note is that the assessor’s data does not distinguish between agriculture and aquaculture. Both are coded the same. In general, aquaculture uses are located on tidelands, mudflats and open water areas adjacent to and within marine or estuarine waters, whereas agricultural uses occur in the uplands. Also, as noted above, the land use analysis presented in this chapter is largely based on information and data for the shoreline area landward of the OHWM.

Data pertaining to specific aquaculture area boundaries and activities located waterward of the OHWM are limited. Aquacultural and marine fishing industries are a major shoreline use and are of vital importance to the County’s economy. They are also heavily influenced by upland as well as marine activities. Therefore, aquacultural and marine fishing uses are discussed in this chapter (and others) quantitatively where data exists and qualitatively where it does not. Because most of the aquacultural uses occur in Willapa Bay and the Columbia River Estuary, discussion of aquaculture is largely found in the water-oriented uses discussion of Sections 6.2.7 and 6.2.8. Discussion of marine uses is found primarily in Section 6.2.11. Other activities that occur in estuarine and marine waters, which are not captured in upland land use are marine transportation, mining, and various non-extractive recreational activities.

Because the primary purpose of assessors’ data is to assess property taxes, the Assessor does not collect data on publicly owned and non-profit uses that are exempt from property tax. These uses and lands are coded as “exempt.” For this analysis, ownership data was used to identify

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the land use as much as possible. Therefore, the following land use categories were used to differentiate those exempt lands:

• Government/Institutional (GI) refers to lands that are owned by Tribal, City, County, Ports, State; and • Quasi-Public (QP) refers to lands that were identified as churches, cemeteries, or the Audubon Society.

Ownership Profile The ownership profile in Pacific Count is varied. Understanding shoreline land ownership helps identify the types of uses and developments that can be expected to occur in those shorelines. The percentage of each waterbody’s shoreline jurisdiction that is owned privately, or by state, federal or quasi-governmental agencies is reported in the analysis. Land ownership categories included in the analysis are identified in the following list.

• City – Ilwaco, Raymond, South Bend, Long Beach • Conservation Organization – Forterra (formerly the Cascade Land Conservancy), Columbia Land Trust, Nature Conservancy • County – County, County departments or School District • Federal– federal departments, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, USA IN TRUST • Port of Chinook • Port of Ilwaco • Port of Peninsula • Port of Willapa Harbor • Private • Private – Timberland – Bascom Pacific LLC, FIA Timber Growth, Hancock Timberland, Hawaii ERS Timberland, Longview Timberlands, Salmon Timberland, Texas Timberlands, Timberlands Holding Company, or Weyerhaeuser • Railroad • State – Others – State or state departments • State – WDFW • State – WSDOT • State – State Parks • State – WDNR • Tribal • Unknown

It is also important to note that the shoreline ownership dataset is incomplete in some areas. Shoreline jurisdictional area that exist over non-parcel areas or areas where the OHWM has

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moved since the parcels were platted do not carry ownership data. The percentage of shoreline jurisdiction with ownership data is listed for each waterbody in the report.

Developing Shorelines and New Uses The State’s SMA guidelines (WAC 173-26) require that jurisdictions preparing SMP updates conduct an analysis to estimate the future demand for shoreline space (WAC173-26-201(3)(D)). This report draws on several sources of information as a means of understanding potential new shoreline development and uses.

New shoreline development, and specifically new shoreline uses, is expected to typically occur on vacant lands. Therefore, the zoning of lands that are classified as vacant and or undeveloped by the Assessor was reviewed to broadly assess the development capacity of the shoreline jurisdiction of each waterbody. Shorelines in the Grays River AU do not have vacant lands, so they are excluded from the Figures in Chapter 6. The County’s zoning districts are presented and described for each shoreline waterbody. It is important to note that this gives a broad measure of capacity, but not likelihood. It also overstates the capacity for two reasons:

1. Associated wetlands and floodplains, to a lesser degree, decrease the building capacity of the shoreline areas; and

2. Generally, parcels in the County are relatively large and property owners have the opportunity to set new construction back on the property out of shoreline jurisdiction.

The County zoning districts are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s land use designations. In fact, the zoning code refers back to the density limits in the Comprehensive Plan. Both zoning districts and Comprehensive land use designations are presented in Chapter 2.

Likewise, current shoreline environment designations (SEDs) dictate what types of shoreline development are allowed. The existing SEDs along the County’s waterbodies are also presented in Chapter 2.

Two methods were used to assess the likelihood and magnitude of new development. The first was a review of the County’s population and dwelling unit forecasts and land capacity analysis. Consistent with GMA, the County prepared these for the incorporated cities and rural areas of more intense development. Where available and applicable, these forecast and capacity estimates are reported. However, these estimates only cover a small amount of the County and shoreline jurisdiction.

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The second method to assess the pace of future growth included a review of past population and employment growth trends in the County. The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) provides estimates of intercensal population and housing units for each County. In the past 20 years (1990 – 2010), Pacific County (unincorporated Pacific County in particular) has experienced a low annual growth rate in population and housing units. In 2013, the population of Pacific County was approximately 21,000. Population in Pacific County has remained steady with less than 1% change year to year since 2006. The trend for housing units is consistent with population growth and has 1% average annual growth rate since 1990.

Figure 6-1 compares historical trends for population and housing units for unincorporated Pacific County, years 1990 through 2013.

22,000

20,000

18,000

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

Population - Entire County Population - Unincorporated County Housing Units - Entire County Housing Units - Unincorporated County

Figure 6-1. Pacific County Population and Housing Units 1990 to 2013 Source OFM, 2013; BERK, 2014 The majority of residents in Pacific County reside in its unincorporated areas. In 2013, the population of unincorporated Pacific County was 14,125, which was around 67% of the county population. The annual rate of growth in population for unincorporated Pacific County has been less than 1% since 2007. Housing units have steadily increased an average of 1% year-to- year since 1990. In 2013, there were 11,445 housing units in unincorporated Pacific County, which was around 73% of the county’s total housing units.

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Lastly, the County developed 2030 population forecasts as part of its 2010 Comprehensive Plan. That plan forecast a population increase of 4,970, from 21,800 in 2009 to 26,770 in 2030. This would represent an annual growth rate of 1.14 percent, or 22.8 percent for the entire 20-year period. A third of this growth was forecasted for the County’s incorporated areas and two thirds (3,286) were forecasted for the unincorporated areas. This number is higher than the County’s average growth rate over the last twenty years and higher than OFM’s “medium” predictions but less than OFM’s “high” growth rate. The County chose this number because it is consistent with the predictions used in the 1998 plan.

Shoreline Use Conflicts The SMA establishes policy goals implemented through each local jurisdiction’s SMP. The policy goals, which include reserving the shorelines for water-oriented uses, protecting ecological functions, and providing public access, can conflict with each other. The State’s shoreline guidelines require that shoreline use conflicts be identified (WAC 173-26-201) and that approved local SMPs reduce conflicts by including provisions or conditions (WAC 173-26-241) to shoreline use proposals.

Aquacultural and fishing uses are major components of the County’s economy and occur in the nearshore and open waters of Willapa Bay, the Columbia River Estuary, and marine waters of the Pacific Coast. Aquaculture and fishing are reliant on water, substrate and breeding habitat quality. These functions can be affected by upland uses in the watershed. Aquacultural uses themselves, which occupy nearshore areas of Willapa Bay can conflict with other nearshore uses, such as public access.

Upland land uses that contribute to water quality degradation, including fecal coliform bacterial pollution and nutrient enrichment may limit aquacultural uses. Excess nutrient runoff may result from agricultural practices as a result of fertilizer use or livestock waste. Residential, commercial and other uses can also have detrimental effects on water quality through failing septic systems, chemical applications, and untreated stormwater runoff. These effects to water quality may be mitigated through implementation of best management practices, including proper siting and ongoing maintenance.

Forestry and the harvest of timber and other forestry products is also a common use in the County. The development and maintenance of forest roads can contribute sediment to downstream waters. Compliance with road development requirements and best maintenance practices as well as removing unused forest roads can lessen the impacts on watershed processes and functions.

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The Corps, Port of Willapa Harbor, Port of Peninsula, Port of Ilwaco, and Port of Chinook conduct regular maintenance dredging of port facilities, marinas, and private terminals around the bay. Dredging and dredge material disposal have the potential to cause turbidity or suspend contaminants that may adversely affect juvenile and adult life stages of commercially harvested fish and invertebrates. Section 2.6.1 describes the regulatory framework for dredging.

As noted in Section 3.4.5, Pacific County has been identified as an area of potential renewable energy exploration. The underwater components of tidal energy production may conflict with commercial fisheries production, aquaculture, and the preservation of ecological functions. The potential risks of marine energy are discussed in Section 3.4.5. There are currently two processes on the west coast which are aimed at understanding patterns of use to reduce conflict between ocean activities: the Pacific Regional Ocean Uses Atlas (under the Energy Policy Act of 2005) and Marine Spatial Planning (State process under National Ocean Policy -Executive Order 13547 and RCW 43.372). The Pacific Regional Ocean Uses Atlas is a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to understand and specifically plan for conflicts surrounding renewable ocean energy. The final Pacific Regional Ocean Uses Atlas report will be due in June of 2015. Results from participatory mapping exercises have been included in this report, as described in sections 4, 5, and 6. The State Ocean Caucus is an interagency team of state natural resource agencies leading the marine spatial planning process in Washington State. The State Ocean Caucus is chaired by the Governor’s office, and coordinated by the Washington Department of Ecology. Stakeholders from the Washington Coast Marine Advisory Council and the general public are actively engaged in marine spatial planning process as well. The aim of the process is to analyze all ocean uses and potential future uses for ocean planning. In addition to in-water use conflicts, the upland infrastructure needed for marine energy installation, such as roads, overwater structures, and staging areas; and the infrastructure needed for operations, such as substations and transmission lines, could represent conflicts with shoreline uses and public access.

6.2 Land Use Analysis Results

North River The North River AU contains 5,302 acres of shorelines in 8 jurisdictional rivers and streams. More than half of the shorelines (83%) are privately owned. The largest single land owner in the AU is the Weyerhaeuser Company (29%). The State (WDFW) is the other major land owner (17%). Table 6-1 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics including overall shoreline area, ownership, and current shoreline environment designations.

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Table 6-1. Summary Characteristics of North River Assessment Unit Waterbodies Jurisdictional Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Waterbody Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment (Acres) data) Designation Cedar River 576 • Private 98% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 2% • Rural • Conservation Organization <1% (100%) Elkhorn Creek 503 • Private – Timberland 80% • Conservancy • Private 20% • Rural (100%) Fall River 825 • Private – Timberland 88% • Conservancy • Private 12% • Rural (100%) Lower Salmon 109 • Private – Timberland 67% • Conservancy Creek • Private 33% (100%) North River 1,329 • State- WDFW 49% • Conservancy • Private 45% • Rural • Private – Timberland 6% (100%) Raimie Creek 104 • Private 75% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 25% • Rural (100%) Redfield Creek 91 Private 100% • Conservancy (100%) • Rural Smith Creek 1,764 • Private 54% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 31% • Rural • State – WDFW 15% • County < 1% • State- Other < 1% (100%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land Uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Based on Pacific County Assessor data for parcels located within shoreline jurisdiction, the most prevalent existing land use within the North River AU is forestry (69%). Most of the remaining shoreline lands consist of government-owned land (17%) and agricultural land (6%). Specific land use patterns vary by individual waterbody (refer to Table 6-2). Current land uses within the North River AU are summarized below in Table 6-2.

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Table 6-2. North River Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Shoreline Acres Percent of Shoreline Jurisdiction Forestry 3,504 69% Government/Institutional 877 17% Agriculture 304 6% Vacant/Undeveloped 230 5% Residential 175 3% Quasi-Public 1 < 1% Recreation < 1 < 1% Commercial < 1 < 1%

Included within North River AU existing uses are 26 floating homes. These homes, moored on the lower North River, are defined by WAC 332-30-106 as a floating structure that has been altered to serve a primary use as a residence. Additionally, moored floating houses are categorized as a water-oriented use by WAC 332-30-171. See additional discussion of floating homes under the water-oriented uses discussion, below.

In general, the County’s Comprehensive Plan designates future uses in the North River AU in a manner that supports the existing timber economy, as well as rural development opportunities. Nearly all of the shorelines in the AU are designated by the Comprehensive Plan as Forest of Long Term Significance, General Rural, and Transitional Forest (97%).

Current zoning generally follows the land use pattern established by the Comprehensive Plan and supports the forestry uses of the AU, with some flexibility for rural development. 98% of the shoreline is zoned Commercial Forest (46%), Rural Lands (30%), or Transitional Forest (22%). Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each of the North River AU’s waterbodies in Table 6-3.

Table 6-3. North River Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Cedar River • Forestry 82% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Agriculture 18% 65% Significance 65% • Transitional Forest 35% • Transitional Forest 35% Elkhorn Creek • Forestry 93% • Rural Lands 51% • General Rural 52% • Residential 3% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Agriculture3% 49% Significance 48% • Vacant/Undeveloped 1% Fall River • Forestry 95% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Vacant/Undeveloped 3% 76% Significance 76%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody • Agriculture 2% • Rural Lands 24% • General Rural 24% • Residential <1% Lower Salmon • Forestry 100% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Creek 100% Significance 100% North River • Government/Institutional • Transitional Forest 48% • Transitional Forest 49% • Commercial Forest 48% • Forestry 33% 23% • Forest of Long Term • Agriculture 9% • Rural Lands 22% Significance 23% • Vacant/Undeveloped 6% • Remote Rural 8% • General Rural 22% • Residential 3% • Remote Rural 8% • Quasi-Public < 1% • Recreation < 1% • Commercial < 1% Raimie Creek • Forestry 92% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Vacant/Undeveloped 8% 52% Significance 52% • Remote Rural 33% • Remote Rural 33% • Rural Lands 15% • General Rural 15% Redfield Creek • Forestry 98% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Agriculture 2% 73% Significance 73% • Rural Lands 27% • General Rural 27% Smith Creek • Forestry 67% • Rural Lands 45% • General Rural 45% • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term 16% 35% Significance 35% • Vacant/Undeveloped 7% • Transitional Forest 19% • Transitional Forest • Residential 7% 19% • Agriculture 3% • Commercial < 1%

Water-Oriented Uses Aquaculture is included in the agriculture category of the Assessor’s existing land use data, but most aquaculture activity in Pacific County occurs in Willapa Bay or along the Pacific coastline. The public access sites, boat launches and Smith Creek State Park (listed under Public Access below) are considered water-oriented.

Swimming, boating and recreational fishing and shellfishing are also water-oriented uses that occur in the North River AU.

In addition, other water-oriented uses, including docks and floating homes. There are 26 floating homes on the North River upstream from SR 105. Floating homes are not explicitly permitted under the current County SMP. Prior to 1993, these floating homes were essentially unregulated. At that time, the County found that the floating homes were causing water

210 The Watershed Company May 2015 quality degradation associated with discharge of human sewage and gray water into the North River. In response, the Pacific County Board of County Commissioners passed Resolution 093, which required floating home owners to enter into a Compliance Agreement with Pacific County to mitigate the impacts of sewage and gray water discharge.

These floating homes did not have lease agreements with WDNR. WDNR agreed to allow the floating homes to remain on State-owned aquatic lands provided the owners entered into leases with the State and complied with the terms of the County’s Compliance Agreement.

In 2008, WDNR informed the floating home owners that floating homes and all improvements would need to be removed from State-owned aquatic lands at the end of the lease term in 2020 if the County does not establish floating homes as a permitted use on the North River during its SMP update. There are currently 26 float homes under lease with WDNR, and all leases will expire at that time.

In addition to the requirement that floating homes be included in the SMP, WDNR has requested that Pacific County establish an Open Water Moorage and Anchorage Area (OWMAA) agreement. An OWMAA is required when moorage has no physical connection to the shoreline, under a rule WDNR adopted in 2002 (WAC 332-30-171) to address a similar floating home situation at Bainbridge Island.

Developing Shoreline and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to persist with new development occurring at a slow pace within the established pattern. As noted, zoning in Pacific County follows the land use designations in the County’s Comprehensive Plan. Nearly half of the shoreline jurisdiction in the North River AU is zoned as Commercial Forests (46%). Less than 5% is classified as vacant or undeveloped (230 acres), which is where new uses and development would be expected. The vacant lands are found on 74 parcels that partially touch shoreline jurisdiction. These parcels total 507 acres, with 230 acres lying within shoreline jurisdiction. Figure 6-2 shows the zoning of those vacant lands in each waterbody.

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Figure 6-2. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the North River Assessment Unit (by acre)

Most of the vacant lands in the North River AU are within Reach 3 of Smith Creek (127 acres) and Reach 3 of the North River (53 acres), and those are primarily zoned Rural Lands or Remote Rural. At allowed densities, the 230 vacant shoreline acres could generate up to 37 new shoreline residences. However, the size of the parcels in this area would provide opportunities for homeowners to construct residences outside the shoreline jurisdiction and critical areas would restrict construction as well, thus reducing this number.

Although there are existing floating houses on the lower North River, WAC 173-26-241 identifies floating homes and other new over-water residences as uses that are not preferred and that should be prohibited. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that new floating homes will be developed in the future.

Transportation In general, there is limited road or transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the North River AU. There is also no rail infrastructure within either shoreline jurisdiction or the North River AU in general.

There are approximately 11 miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction of the North River AU. The majority of road infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction is along Smith Creek (7.16 miles). Within the shoreline jurisdiction the majority of road infrastructure is classified as major collector (53%), local access (16%) and SR roads (14%). Transportation infrastructure includes the following major roads, listed below.

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• U.S. 101 crosses from north to south through the center of the North River AU. U.S. 101 is designated as a Highway of Statewide Significance by RCW 47.06.140. U.S. 101 crosses both Elkhorn Creek and Reach 3 of Smith Creek.

• SR 105 extends along the north shore of Willapa Bay and crosses over the mouths of North Creek and Smith Creek. SR 105 is designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

There are approximately 11 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction.

• There are five bridges on Smith Creek including one on U.S. 101, one on SR 105 adjacent to Willapa Bay, and three on Smith Creek Road further upstream.

• There are two bridges on Elkhorn Creek including one on U.S. 101 and one on Elkhorn Road which is a local access road.

• There are two bridges upstream on North River. One is located on North River Road near the northern boundary of Pacific County and the other is on Brooklyn Road near the confluence of Raimie Creek and North River.

• There is one bridge on Raimie Creek located on Brooklyn Road.

• There is one bridge on Fall River located on North River Road near the confluence of Fall River and North River.

Public Access

Existing Public Access There are limited established public access facilities within the North River AU. There is one mapped shoreline public access site in Reach 1 of Smith Creek, near the mouth of the creek. There are also two boat launches, one in Reach 1 of the North River and one Reach 1 of Smith Creek. Both are located near the mouth of the water bodies. A WDFW ramp is located at the mouth of the North River.

There are eight mapped shoreline public access points and several miles of mapped shoreline public access in the North River AU. More detailed information about some of the public access sites is provided below.

• Smith Creek State Wildlife Recreation Area is a WDFW site that contains 646 acres and is located 10 miles northwest of Raymond. It is maintained for tidelands and recreation. There is a water access site within the park, and it is popular for sea kayaking, waterfowl hunting, bird watching, and fishing. The Park includes a boat launch and restroom facilities.

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• Cedar River Estuary is a 275-acre Forterra-managed property that has been protected since 2004. The property is a tidal ecosystem with salt marshes, tidelands, and coniferous forests that hosts shorebirds, waterfowl, and salmon. It includes Oyster Island, Bone Creek, and Norris Slough.

Future Public Access There is no existing information on sites for future public access within the North River AU.

Historic and Archeological Sites There are no historic sites identified within the shoreline reaches of the North River AU in unincorporated Pacific County. However, given the proximity of the AU to the Shoalwater Tribal Reservation, there is a high likelihood that sites of archaeological significance are present.

Willapa River The Willapa River AU contains 8,069 acres of shoreline in 14 jurisdictional rivers and streams that have been divided into 22 total reaches. The AU comprises the Willapa River basin, which is characterized by agricultural uses (along the valley floor), forestry and some of the County’s main population centers near Raymond and South Bend. Approximately 82% of the shorelines are privately owned, with a significant portion of the privately owned land held by timber companies. The largest single land owner is the forest products company Weyerhaeuser (23%). The publicly owned land is held by various state, county, federal, and port agencies. Table 6-4 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics including overall shoreline area, ownership, and current shoreline environment designations.

Table 6-4. Summary Characteristics of Willapa River Assessment Unit Waterbodies Area of Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Upland Ownership Profile Environment Waterbody Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership data) Designation (Acres) Fairchild Creek 215 • Private – Timberland 79% • Conservancy • Private 21% • Rural (100%) Falls Creek 172 • Private – Timberland 74% • Conservancy • Private 26% • Rural (100%) Fern Creek 204 • Private 96% • Rural (96%) Fork Creek 550 • Private – Timberland 78% • Conservancy • Private 20% • Rural • State – WDFW 2% (100%) Half Moon Creek 198 • Private 97% • Conservancy

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Area of Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Upland Ownership Profile Environment Waterbody Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership data) Designation (Acres) • State – Other 3% • Rural (100%) • Urban Mill Creek 528 • Private 57% • Conservancy • State – Other 23% • Rural • State – WDNR 16% • Private – Timberland 2% • Federal 2% • County < 1% (100%) Rue Creek 150 • Private 86% • Conservancy • State – Other 13% • Rural • County 1% (100%) Skidmore Slough 43 • Private 75% • Urban • Private – Timberland 25% (100%) South Fork 961 • Private 33% • Conservancy Willapa River • State – Other 28% • Rural • Private – Timberland 23% • Urban • State – WDNR 13% • State – WDFW 1% • City < 1% (99%) Trap Creek 242 • State – Other 43% • Conservancy • Private 26% • Rural • Private – Timberland 21% • State – WDNR 10% (100%) Ward Creek 292 • Private 56% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 44% • Rural (100%) Whitcomb Creek 146 • Private – Timberland 70% • Conservancy • Private 30% • Rural • County – Other <1% • Urban (100%) Willapa River 3,699 • Private 79% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 8% • Rural • Port of Willapa Harbor 5% • Urban • State – WDFW 4% • State – Other 1% • Federal 1% • County < 1%

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Area of Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Upland Ownership Profile Environment Waterbody Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership data) Designation (Acres) • City <1% • State – WDNR < 1% • County – Other <1% (100%) Wilson Creek 670 • Private – Timberland 89% • Conservancy • Private 11% • Rural • State – WDFW < 1% • Urban (100%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan The Willapa River AU has a varied land use pattern including forestry (43%), agriculture (19%), government/institutional (16%), and residential (10%) uses. In addition, 11% of the land in the shoreline jurisdiction is vacant or undeveloped. Specific land use patterns vary by individual waterbody.

There are several uses of note within the shoreline jurisdiction. The Willapa Harbor Airport is located along the Willapa River on the north side of Reach 1. The airport was built by the Coast Guard in 1946 and is located on SR 105, five miles west of the City of Raymond. It features an asphalt-paved, 3,000-foot-long, 52-foot-wide general aviation service runway on an East-West orientation. The Port of Willapa Harbor is currently expanding the area available for hangars. A summary of current land uses within the Willapa River AU are summarized below in Table 6-5.

Table 6-5. Willapa River Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Forestry 3,316 43% Agriculture 1,441 19% Government/Institutional 1,212 16% Vacant/Undeveloped 852 11% Residential 747 10% Manufacturing/Industrial 27 < 1% Quasi-Public 7 < 1% Recreation 6 < 1%

Generally, the land use designations in the County’s Comprehensive Plan establish a land use pattern consistent with localized areas of agricultural use, forestry, institutional uses, such as the airport, and residential development. Residential, commercial and some industrial use are

216 The Watershed Company May 2015 centered around the AU’s more developed areas adjacent to Raymond and South Bend, but also include the Rural Activity Centers of Frances, Lebam, and Menlo. Most of the AU’s shorelines are designated either General Rural (63%) or Forest of Long Term Significance (27%). Smaller areas of designation include Remote Rural, Industrial – Port of Willapa Harbor and Transitional Forrest.

Current zoning of the shorelines follows the established Comprehensive Plan designations, allowing for future rural development in areas that currently reflect forestry or agricultural land use patterns. The majority of the AU (60%) is zoned Rural Lands. Commercial Forest zoning comprises 25% and Transitional Forest comprises 2%. There are also smaller areas of the shoreline zoned as Incorporated (6%), Remote Rural (4%), Industrial (2%), and Mixed Use (1%). Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-6.

Table 6-6. Willapa River Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Fairchild • Forestry 100% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Creek 69% Significance 70% • Remote Rural 26% • Remote Rural 25% • Rural Lands 5% • General Rural 5% Falls Creek • Forestry 99% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Recreation 1% 82% Significance 83% • Rural Lands 18% • General Rural 17% Fern Creek • Agriculture 58% • Rural Lands 96% • General Rural 96% • Forestry 32% • Mixed Use 4% • Rural Activity Center – • Residential 4% Frances 4% • Vacant/Undeveloped 3% Fork Creek • Forestry 90% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Agriculture 4% 72% Significance 72% • Residential 3% • Rural Lands 21% • General Rural 21% • Government/Institutional • Remote Rural 7% • Remote Rural 7% 2% • Vacant/Undeveloped <1% Half Moon • Forestry 82% • Rural Lands 49% • General Rural 49% Creek • Vacant/Undeveloped 10% • Remote Rural 36% • Remote Rural 36% • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest • Rural Activity Center – 3% 6% Lebam 9% • Agricultural 3% • Mixed Use 5% • Forest of Long Term • Residential 2% • Industrial 4% Significance 6% • Community Commercial < 1%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Mill Creek • Government/Institutional • Rural Lands 81% • General Rural 81% 41% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Forestry 25% 17% Significance 17% • Vacant/Undeveloped 16% • Remote Rural 2% • Remote Rural 2% • Residential 16% • Agriculture 3% Rue Creek • Vacant/Undeveloped 34% • Rural Lands 96% • General Rural 96% • Forestry 32% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Residential 19% 4% Significance 4% • Government/Institutional • 14% • Agriculture 2% Skidmore • Forestry 77% • Rural Lands 100% • General Rural 100% Slough • Residential 23% South Fork • Government/Institution 48% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Willapa River • Forestry 34% 59% Significance 59% • Vacant/Undeveloped 7% • Rural Lands 41% • General Rural 41% • Residential 4% • Incorporated <1% • Agriculture 3% • Trap Creek • Government/Institution 53% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Forestry 36% 65% Significance 65% • Vacant/Undeveloped 7% • Rural Lands 18% • General Rural 18% • Residential 4% • Remote Rural 17% • Remote Rural 17% Ward Creek • Forestry 83% • Rural Lands 86% • General Rural 87% • Residential 10% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Vacant/Undeveloped 7% 14% Significance 13% • Agriculture <1% Whitcomb • Forestry 83% • Rural Lands 48% • General Rural 48% Creek • Residential 9% • Remote Rural 30% • Remote Rural 31% • Vacant/Undeveloped 5% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Agriculture 1% 21% Significance 21% • Recreation 1% • Government/Institution <1% Willapa River • Agriculture 36% • Rural Lands 87% • General Rural 87% • Forestry 20% • Industrial 5% • Industrial – Port of • Vacant/Undeveloped • Transitional Forest Willapa 5% 17%Residential 13% 4% • Transitional Forest 5% • Government/Institution 12% • Mixed Use 2% • Remote Rural 1% • Manufacturing/Industrial 1% • Commercial Forest • Rural Activity Center – • Quasi-Public < 1% 1% Menlo 1% • Recreation < 1% • Rural Residential 1% • Rural Activity Center – • Remote Rural < 1% Lebam < 1% • Incorporated <1% • Forest of Long Term Significance 1%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody • Remote Rural < 1% Wilson Creek • Forestry 90% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Residential 5% 84% Significance 84% • Vacant/Undeveloped 3% • Rural Lands 10% • General Rural 10% • Agriculture 2% • Remote Rural 5% • Remote Rural 6% • Government/Institution <1%

Water-Oriented Uses Shellfish aquaculture harvest is prohibited within the Willapa River.

Five acres of recreational use are documented in this AU. The public access sites, listed under Public Access, are considered water-oriented.

There are also several docks throughout the Willapa River AU shoreline on which water- oriented uses may exist. Docks are located near South Bend and Raymond as well as some of the other more developed areas along the River. Swimming, boating and recreational fishing and shellfishing are other existing water-oriented uses in the AU.

Developing Shoreline and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to persist with new development occurring at a slow pace within the established pattern. There are approximately 8,069 shoreline acres in the Willapa River AU. A large portion of the land is being used for forestry, with additional lands in agriculture and government/institutional uses, none of which are anticipated to be locations of new development.

Approximately 11% of shoreline lands (852 acres) are classified as vacant or undeveloped, which is where new uses and development would be expected in the Willapa River AU. The majority of the vacant or undeveloped shoreline parcels are found within the Willapa River’s shoreline jurisdiction. Figure 6-3 shows the zoning of those vacant lands in each waterbody.

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Figure 6-3. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the Willapa River Assessment Unit (by acre)

Approximately 832 acres of the vacant land located along the Willapa River is zoned Rural Lands. Willapa River – Reaches 1 and 4 – contain 135 and 298 vacant shoreline acres, respectively. The shoreline area zoned Rural Lands could generate over 200 new residences. However, the size of the parcels in this area would provide opportunities for homeowners to construct residences outside the shoreline jurisdiction and critical areas and flood zones would restrict construction as well, thus reducing this number.

There are also approximately 10 acres of vacant land zoned Mixed Use along Fern Creek, Half Moon Creek and the Willapa River. These lands are located in the Rural Activity Centers of Lebam, Frances and Menlo and could generate new commercial uses. There are also seven vacant acres of land zoned Industrial along Half Moon Creek that could accommodate new industrial development.

According to the Port of Willapa Harbor, the Port is currently developing an area north of the taxiway for additional hangar space. Vacant land adjacent to the runway and entrance road is adequate to provide space to accommodate new development. Light industrial uses will be prioritized.

220 The Watershed Company May 2015

Transportation There is a moderate amount of transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Willapa River AU in unincorporated Pacific County.

There are approximately 11 miles of rail infrastructure in shoreline jurisdiction concentrated mainly along the Willapa River (3.05 miles) and Mill Creek (2.18). The entire rail infrastructure within the Willapa River AU, as well as the County as a whole, is abandoned.

There are approximately 18 miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction of the Willapa River AU. The majority of road infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction is along the Willapa River (10.25 miles) and Mill Creek (2.62 miles). Within jurisdiction the majority of road infrastructure is classified as local access (45%), minor collector (24%), and State highway (15%). Transportation infrastructure includes the major roads, bridges, and railroad infrastructure listed below.

Major roads:

• U.S. 101 enters the Willapa River AU through the City of Raymond to the north and then runs westerly through South Bend and toward Willapa Bay. U.S. 101 is designated as a Highway of Statewide Significance by RCW 47.06.140. The portion of U.S. 101 that extends westerly from Fowler Street in Raymond to the Astoria-Megler Bridge is designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

• SR 105 extends west from the junction of U.S. 101 in Raymond along the north shore of the Willapa River and then runs northwesterly toward the northern shore of Willapa Bay. SR 105 is designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System.

• SR 6 follows the general upstream path of the Willapa River through the center of the Willapa River AU. SR 105 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System.

Bridges: There are approximately 35 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction.

• There are 13 bridges crossing the Willapa River within shoreline jurisdiction.

o SR 6 crosses the Willapa River at 3 locations.

o Camp One Road bridges the Willapa River at 2 locations.

o Elk Prairie Road crosses the Willapa River at 2 locations.

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o From downstream to upstream, the following roads cross the Willapa River once each: Willard Road, Hyland Stringer Road, Hanen Road, Doyle Road, Lebam Road, and Falls Creek Road.

• There are 7 bridges that cross Mill Creek within shoreline jurisdiction. Mill Creek Road crosses Mill Creek on 6 bridges and Wesley King Road crosses Mill Creek on one bridge.

• There are 3 bridges that traverse Rue Creek within shoreline jurisdiction. Two bridges are on South Fork Road and one bridge is on Rue Creek Road.

• There are 2 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction on the Willapa River, South Fork. One bridge is on Fowler Road and the other is on Pehl Road.

• Elk Creek is crossed by 2 bridges. The bridges are respectively located on Monohon Landing Road and Overmeyer Road.

• Fern Creek is crossed by 2 bridges. One bridge is on SR 6 and the other is on Elk Prairie Road. The Elk Prairie Road Bridge has been recommended eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Half Moon Creek is crossed by 2 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction. One bridge is on SR 6 and the other is on Clark Road.

• Fork Creek is crossed by one bridge on SR 6 within shoreline jurisdiction.

• Trap Creek is crossed by one bridge on SR 6 within shoreline jurisdiction.

• Whitcomb Creek is crossed by one bridge on Wilson Creek Road.

• Wilson Creek is crossed by one bridge located on Monohon Landing Road.

Railroad Bridges: There are approximately 5 railroad bridges within shoreline jurisdiction within the Willapa River AU that are no longer active rails, but are owned by State Parks and not maintained.

• A railroad bridge crosses over the Willapa River downstream of the Lebam Road Bridge.

• A railroad bridge crosses Fern Creek just north of the SR 6 Bridge on Fern Creek.

• A railroad bridge crosses Half Moon Creek just north of the SR 6 Bridge on Half Moon Creek.

• A railroad bridge crosses Mill Creek downstream of the Lebam Road and Butz Road intersection. An abandoned railroad bridge crosses Trap Creek just north of the SR 6 Bridge on Trap Creek.

222 The Watershed Company May 2015

Public Access There are limited established public access facilities. Identified parks or open spaces within shoreline jurisdiction include the Willapa Estuary (Willapa Slough) State Wildlife Recreation Area and the Willapa Wetlands (Potter’s Slough). Several parks and public access sites are located in the vicinity, but are within the municipal boundaries of Raymond or South Bend. There are several miles of mapped public shoreline access and three specific public access sites mapped in the Willapa River AU.

• Willapa Slough is part of the 740-acre Willapa Estuary unit managed by WDFW that sites five miles west of Raymond along the Willapa River. Waterfowl hunting and shellfish harvesting are two of the main activities that occur in the Slough. Opportunities exist to see eagles, shorebirds, songbirds, wading birds, and waterfowl, as well as deer, elk, and other mammals and reptiles. There is a parking area. No restrooms are available.

• Potter’s Slough is part of the 580-acre Willapa Wetlands unit, located two miles west of South Bend and managed by WDFW. It sits on the Willapa River. There are opportunities to view eagles, shorebirds, songbirds, wading birds, and waterfowl, as well as deer, elk, and other mammals and reptiles. There is a parking area. No restrooms are available.

• There is a boat launch in Reach 4 of the Willapa River. It is located at the mouth of Wilson Creek near the unincorporated community of Willapa. The access site has restrooms and a boat launch available and is open year-round.

• The former railroad right-of-way is now owned by State Parks and used for public access.

• The Willapa Hills Trail reaches 56 miles from Chehalis to South Bend following the former Burlington Northern rail corridor. According to the Washington State Parks Commission, there are phased-development plans in the future that call for surface improvements and the addition of primitive campsites along the trail.

Future Public Access There are no future public access sites identified.

Historic and Archeological Sites There are 33 historic sites within the shoreline reaches of the Willapa River in unincorporated Pacific County. Table 6-7 lists the historic sites and their locations in the Willapa River AU. There are two historic sites of particular note.

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• Fern Creek Bridge. Fern Creek Bridge is located on Elk Prairie Road and was built in 1916. The bridge has been recommended as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

• Ward Creek Farm Barn. Ward Creek Farm is located on 277 Ward Creek Road and is listed on the Washington Heritage Barn Register.

In addition, given the proximity of the AU to the Shoalwater Tribal Reservation, there is a high likelihood that sites of archaeological significance are present.

Table 6-7. List of Historic Sites and Addresses within Shoreline Jurisdiction of the Willapa River Assessment Unit Jurisdictional Historic Site Name Historic Site Location Waterbody Fern Creek Fern Creek Bridge Elk Prairie Rd, Pacific County (Recommended Eligible for listing on National Register of Historic Places) Fork Creek Fork Prairie Creek Bridge Lebam, WA Fork Creek Fork Creek Hatchery 1986 SR 6, Raymond, WA Half Moon Creek Half Moon Creek Bridge MP37 Willapa Hills Trail, Lebam, WA Ward Creek Ward Creek Farm Barn 277 Ward Creek Road, Pacific County (Washington Heritage Barn Register) Willapa River Trap Creek Bridge (BN 41) Lebam, WA

Willapa River Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge #45 MP 45 Willapa Hills Trail, Menlo, WA Willapa River BN 48 Raymond, WA Willapa River Lilly Wheaton Bridge SR 6, Menlo, WA (Willapa River Bridge #6/8) Willapa River BN 38 Lebam, WA

Middle Bay The Middle Bay AU contains 3,547 acres within its shoreline jurisdiction. This area has nine jurisdictional rivers and streams. The AU is comprised of areas within the Palix and Nemah watersheds, south of the Willapa River AU. It is primarily characterized by forestry uses.

More than half of the shorelines (72%) are privately owned, which includes privately owned timberlands. The State is the other significant land owner with 18% of the shoreline lands. Table 6-8 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics including overall shoreline area, ownership, and current shoreline environment designation.

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Table 6-8. Summary Characteristics of Middle Bay Assessment Unit Waterbodies Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation Bone River 400 • State – WDNR 73% Conservancy • State – Other 22% • Private 5% • Private – Timberland 1% (100%) Canon River 398 • Private 57% Conservancy • Private – Timberland 42% • State – WDFW 1% (100%) Middle Nemah River 382 • State – Other 70% Conservancy • Private 29% • Private – Timberland 1% (100%) Niawiakum River 356 • State - Other 64% Conservancy • State – WDNR 13% • Private 12% • Private – Timberland 10% (99%) North Fork Palix River 289 • Private – Timberland 65% Conservancy • Private 35% (100%) North Nemah River 724 • Private 61% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 36% • Rural • State – WDFW 2% • Conservation Organization < 1% • County – Other < 1% (100%) South Fork Palix River 305 • Private 93% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 7% • Rural (100%) South Nemah River 317 • Private 47% Conservancy • State – Other 26% • State – WDNR 22% • Conservation Organization 5% (95%) Williams Creek 377 • Private – Timberland 64% • Conservancy • Private 35% • Rural • State – Other 1% (100%)

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Land Use Pattern

Existing Land uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Based on Pacific County Assessor data, the shorelines in this AU are primarily used for forestry (this AU has a varied land use pattern, which predominantly includes forestry (61%) and government/institutional uses (31%) (See Table 6-9). Publicly owned land is held by various state and county agencies. There are limited (4%) shoreline areas in agriculture and residential development.

Table 6-9. Middle Bay Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Forestry 2,134 61% Government/Institutional 1,080 31% Vacant/Undeveloped 114 3% Agriculture 79 2% Residential 75 2% Fishing 3 <1%

The County’s Comprehensive Plan land use designations establish a land use pattern consistent with the existing forestry uses and localized areas of agricultural and aquacultural use along with limited residential, commercial and industrial use. Most of the AU’s shorelines are designated Forest of Long Term Significance (72%) or Transitional Forest (26%). Smaller areas include the General Rural designation located in the North Fork Palix River waterbody.

Current zoning of the shorelines follows the established Comprehensive Plan future land use designations. The majority of the AU is zoned either Commercial Forest (73%) or Transitional Forest (25%). Both the North Fork Palix River and the Niawiakum River have Rural Lands designations, which comprise 2% of the total shoreline zoning. Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-10.

Table 6-10. Middle Bay Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Bone River • Governmental/Institutiona • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term l 95% 89% Significance 87% • Forestry 4% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 13% • Residential <1% 10% • Vacant/Undeveloped • Rural Lands 1% <1% Canon River • Forestry 99% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Government/Institutional 99% Significance 99% 1% • Transitional Forest 1% • Transitional Forest 1%

226 The Watershed Company May 2015

Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody • Middle Nemah • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term River 70% 92% Significance 92% • Forestry 26% • Transitional Forest 8% • Transitional Forest 8% • Vacant/Undeveloped 3% • Residential 1% • Agriculture < 1% Niawiakum • Government/Institutional • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 74% River 78% 65% • Forest of Long Term • Forestry 15% • Commercial Forest Significance 26% • Residential 5% 29% • Vacant/Undeveloped 1% • Rural Lands 6% • Fishing 1% • Agricultural 1% North Fork • Forestry 100% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Palix River 80% Significance 79% • Rural Lands 17% • General Rural 17% • Transitional Forest 3% • Transitional Forest 3% • North Nemah • Forestry 81% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term River • Vacant/Undeveloped 8% 70% Significance 70% • Agriculture 4% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 30% • Residential 4% 30% • Government/Institutional 2% South Fork • Forestry 75% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 63% Palix River • Agriculture 10% 63% • Forest of Long Term • Vacant/Undeveloped 9% • Commercial Forest Significance 37% • Residential 5% 37% • South Nemah • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term River 49% 74% Significance 74% • Forestry 46% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 26% • Agriculture 5% 26% • Residential < 1% Williams • Forestry 93% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Creek • Vacant/Undeveloped 3% 83% Significance 83% • Residential 2% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 17% • Government/Institutional 17% 1% • Agriculture 1%

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Water-Oriented Uses There are two identified seafood processing facilities within the AU. These facilities include the Elkhorn Oyster Company on Reach 1 of the North Nemah River and Goose Point Oysters located along Reach 1 of the Niawiakum River. The Nemah Fish Hatchery is also located along Reach 1 of the North Nemah River. There are also numerous docks that may support water- oriented uses in the AU. Swimming, boating, recreational fishing and shellfishing are also water-oriented uses.

Developing Shoreline and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to persist with new development occurring at a slow pace within the established pattern. There are approximately 3,547 shoreline acres in the Middle Bay AU. The preponderance of those lands (90%) are either in forestry use (61%) or government/institutional use (31%), neither of which is anticipated to be locations of new development. 3% (114 acres) are classified as vacant or undeveloped, which is where new uses and development would be expected. The vacant lands are found on around 46 parcels that partially touch the shoreline jurisdiction. Figure 6-4 shows the zoning of those vacant lands in each waterbody.

Figure 6-4. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the Middle Bay Assessment Unit Source: Pacific County 2014; TWC 2014; BERK 2014 By far, the most prevalent zoning of vacant land in the AU is Transitional Forest (25% of total zoned acres in the AU). That zone is meant to protect important resource based land areas located adjacent to the rural shorelines of Willapa Bay and Columbia River estuaries or land

228 The Watershed Company May 2015 uses potentially affecting water quality in either of these estuaries. The zoning district provides for small scale farming and forestry activities intermixed with low-density residential uses and open space areas. Residential development is allowed at 1 dwelling unit per 5 acres of land. At this density the Transitional Forest district could generate just over 20 new shoreline residences. There are very few acres of land zoned rural lands. The size of the parcels in this area would provide opportunities for homeowners to construct residences outside the shoreline jurisdiction and critical areas and flood zones would restrict construction as well, thus reducing this number.

Transportation In general, there is limited to no road or transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Middle Bay AU in unincorporated Pacific County.

There is no rail infrastructure either in shoreline jurisdiction or within the Middle Bay AU in general.

There are approximately four miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction of the Middle Bay AU. The majority of road infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction is along North Nemah River (around 1 mile) and South Nemah River (around ¾ mile). Within jurisdiction the majority of road infrastructure is classified as local access (53%), and U.S. Highway (26%) and minor collector roads (20%). Transportation infrastructure includes the major roads and bridges listed below.

Major roads:

• U.S. 101 crosses the Middle Bay AU from north to south along the Willapa Bay marine shoreline. U.S. 101 is designated as a Highway of Statewide Significance by RCW 47.06.140. U.S. 101 crosses five jurisdictional rivers: Niawiakum River, Palix River, North Nemah River, Middle Nemah River, and South Nemah River. This portion of U.S. 101 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

Bridges: There are approximately 7 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction.

• There are 2 bridges on the North Nemah River. One bridge is on North Nemah Road and one bridge on Nemah Valley Road.

• There is one bridge on the Palix River, South Fork on Trask Road.

• There is one bridge on Williams Creek located on Williams Creek Road near Nemah Flats.

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• There is one bridge on the Middle Nemah River on U.S. 101.

• There is one bridge on the South Nemah River on U.S. 101.

Public Access

Existing Public Access Designated public access areas in shoreline jurisdiction of the Middle Bay AU include the Palix State Wildlife Recreation Area, although most of this area is located within the Willapa Bay AU, as well as two Natural Area Preserves (NAPs). More detailed information about some of the public access sites is provided below.

• Bone River NAP is a 2,720-acre preserve that includes salt marshes, tidal flats, sloughs, streams, wetlands, and conifer forests along the Bone River and its tributary into Willapa Bay. It is critical habitat for waterfowl and other threatened species such as the marbled murrelet and the bald eagle. Steelhead and coho salmon are also present in the Bone River NAP.

• Niawiakum River NAP is a 997-acre WDNR-funded preserve with salt marshes at the estuary where the Niawiakum River meets Willapa Bay.

• South Nemah NRCA contains 2,400 acres where the South and Middle Nemah River supports fish and amphibians. It is used extensively as an outdoor environmental classroom. Reach 1 of the South Nemah waterbody passes through this NRCA.

• Nemah River Estuary Unit is a 217 acre unit that contains tidelands, estuary wetlands and salt marsh habitat. There are wildlife viewing opportunities including birds, bear, deer, elk, and reptiles/amphibians. The Nemah River Estuary Unit is located in Reach 1 of the Nemah Estuary waterbody.

• A water access site and boat launch is located in reach 1 of the Palix Estuary waterbody 15 miles south of South Bend off of U.S. 101. There is parking at the site, which is located near the Palix River bridge.

Future Public Access No future public access sites were identified.

Historic and Archeological Sites There are no historic sites identified within the shoreline reaches of the Middle Bay AU in unincorporated Pacific County. However, given the historic cultural significance of Willapa Bay shorelines, there is a high likelihood that sites of archaeological significance are present.

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Naselle River The Naselle River AU contains 6,301 acres of shoreline jurisdiction within 8 jurisdictional rivers and streams that have been divided into 17 shoreline analysis reaches. The AU makes up the southeast and southern shores of Willapa Bay and extends inland along the Naselle River, Salmon Creek and Bear River to the border of Wahkiakum County. A significant amount of the shorelines are privately owned, with small amounts of shoreline land in federal and state ownership. Additionally, most of the shorelines around Ellsworth Creek are owned by The Nature Conservancy. Table 6-11 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics.

Table 6-11. Summary Characteristics of Naselle River Assessment Unit Waterbodies Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation Bear River 1,084 • Private – Timberland 40% Conservancy • Federal 35% • Private 20% • State – Other 3% • City 1% Conservation Organization < 1% (99%) Dell Creek 101 • Private 52% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 40% • Rural • State – WDFW 8% • Urban (100%) Ellsworth Creek 151 • Conservation Organization Conservancy 83% • Private – Timberland 17% (100%) Indian Creek Dam 67 • City 99% Not Designated • Private – Timberland 1% (99%) Naselle River 3,479 • Private 58% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 36% • Rural • Conservation Organization 2% • Urban • State – Other 2% • State – WDFW 1% • Federal < 1% • County < 1% • State – WDNR < 1% • County – Other < 1% (100%) Salmon Creek 574 • Private 68% • Conservancy • State – Other 26% • Rural • State – WDNR 2%

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Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation • Private – Timberland 2% • Federal < 1% (99%) Smith Creek 2 125 • Private 52% • Conservancy • State – WDFW 42% • Rural • State – Other 6% • Conservation Organization< 1% (100%) South Naselle River 716 • Private 83% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 16% • Rural • County < 1% • Urban • County – Other <1% (100%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Based on Pacific County Assessor data, the most common shoreline land use in this AU is forestry (59%). Other uses include government/institutional uses (17%), residential (6%) agricultural uses (6%). Shoreline areas classified as vacant or undeveloped comprise 11% of the AU. Notably, 98% of the Indian Creek Dam waterbody is owned by the City of Ilwaco.

The AU includes the Rural Activity Center of Naselle (Reaches 5 and 6 in the Naselle River, Reach 1 of the South Naselle River, and Reach 1 of Salmon Creek), which has a population of approximately 600 and is located at the intersection of SR 401 and SR 4. Commercial land uses extend east along SR 4, and south along SR 401. Residential land use densities in the rural activity center are approximately one unit per acre with some denser areas, including multi- family units. Commercial and public uses include banking, grocery and liquor stores, restaurants, health care, hotels, RV parks, nurseries, mini-storage facility, general retail, post office, school, library, parks, and open space. Existing industrial uses located near Salmon Creek, Dell Creek, Naselle River, and South Naselle River include a gravel mine, commercial fueling station, electrical substation, DOT truck shop, and county truck storage. Current land uses within the AU are summarized below in Table 6-12.

Table 6-12. Naselle River Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Forestry 3,551 59% Government/Institutional 1,023 17%

232 The Watershed Company May 2015

Existing Land Use Acres Percent Vacant/Undeveloped 639 11% Residential 351 6% Agriculture 334 6% Recreation 25 < 1% Quasi-Public 20 < 1% Commercial < 1 < 1%

The County’s Comprehensive Plan land use designations establish a land use pattern consistent with the area’s current forestry and agricultural uses along with localized areas of more intensive development. The most common land use designations include Forest of Long Term Significance (41%) and Transitional Forest (12%), along with General Rural (34%). The Naselle Rural Activity Center designation includes 413 shoreline acres.

Current zoning of the shorelines follows the established Comprehensive Plan designations. The major zoning districts in the shoreline jurisdiction are Commercial Forest (42%), Rural Lands (32%), and Transitional Forest (20%). The mixed use zones (6%) exist within shorelines near the confluence of the Naselle River, South Naselle River, and Salmon Creek, near the center of unincorporated Naselle. This mixed use zoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Rural Activity Center, Naselle, which comprises 5% of the Naselle River AU’s shoreline jurisdiction. Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-13.

Table 6-13. Naselle River Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Bear River • Forestry 55% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Government/Institutional 51% Significance 49% 40% • Transitional Forest • Public Preserve 38% • Vacant/Undeveloped 5% 48% • General Rural 13% • Residential < 1% • Rural Lands 2% Dell Creek • Forestry 88% • Rural Lands 81% • General Rural 81% • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term 8% 19% Significance 19% • Vacant/Undeveloped 5% • Rural Activity Center – Naselle <1% Ellsworth • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Creek 83% 88% Significance 89% • Forestry 17% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 11% 12% Indian Creek • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Dam 99% 99% Significance 99%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody • Forestry 1% • Rural Lands 1% • General Rural 1% Naselle River • Forestry 65% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Vacant/Undeveloped 14% 49% Significance 48% • Agriculture 8% • Rural Lands 26% • General Rural 28% • Government/Institutional • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 18% 6% 19% • Rural Activity Center - • Residential 6% • Mixed Use 5% Naselle 5% • Quasi-Public < 1% • Rural Residential 1% • Public Preserve 1% • Commercial < 1% • Industrial < 1% • Community Commercial < 1% Salmon Creek • Government/Institutional • Rural Lands 62% • General Rural 65% 29% • Commercial Forest • Rural Activity Center – • Forestry 28% 19% Naselle 18% • Residential 19% • Mixed Use 17% • Forest of Long Term • Vacant Undeveloped 17% • Community Significance 17% • Recreation 2% Commercial 1% • Commercial < 1% Smith Creek 2 • Forestry 52% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest 66% • Government/Institutional 66% • Forest of Long Term 48% • Commercial Forest Significance 34% • Agriculture < 1% 34% South Naselle • Forestry 74% • Rural Lands 85% • General Rural 78% River • Residential 10% • Mixed Use 12% • Rural Activity Center – • Agriculture 8% • Commercial Forest 3% Naselle 19% • Vacant/Undeveloped 7% • Community • Forest of Long Term • Quasi-Public < 1% Commercial < 1% Significance 3% • Government/Institutional < 1% • Recreation < 1%

Water-Oriented Uses There are 25 acres classified as recreational use in the Naselle River AU. Most of the recreational uses are mapped along the Naselle River. The public access sites and boat launch in the AU (listed under Public Access below) are considered water-oriented.

There are four dams mapped on the Naselle River (two dams are mapped for the weir at the State hatchery in Naselle River Reach 6 and a private dam on Burnham Creek, a tributary to Reach 2 of the South Naselle River). There is one dam mapped on Davis Creek. There is also a dam on Indian Creek, which impounds the water for the City of Ilwaco’s water supply (see discussion in Section 5.2.4) forming Indian Creek Reservoir. In addition to these upland uses,

234 The Watershed Company May 2015 there are other water-oriented uses, including docks. Swimming, boating and recreational fishing and shell fishing are also water-oriented uses.

Developing Shoreline and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to persist with new development occurring at a slow pace with the established pattern. There are approximately 6,301 shoreline acres in the Naselle River AU. Almost three quarters of those lands are in forestry (59%) and government/institutional (17%) uses, neither of which are anticipated to be locations of new development. Approximately 11% (639 acres) are classified as vacant or undeveloped, which is where future new uses and development would be expected. The vacant lands are found on 254 parcels that partially touch shoreline jurisdiction. These parcels total around 1,150 acres for an average parcel size of about 4.5 acres. Approximately 645 of those acres are within shoreline jurisdiction. Figure 6-5 shows the zoning of those vacant lands in each waterbody.

Figure 6-2. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the Naselle River Assessment Unit (by acre)

Most of the vacant land is located along the Naselle River, primarily in Reach 5. Those vacant shoreline areas are primarily zoned Rural Lands and Transitional Forest, both of which have a maximum residential development density of 5-acre lots. At that allowed density, those vacant shoreline acres could generate up to 78 new shoreline residences. However, the size of the parcels in this area would provide opportunities for homeowners to construct residences outside the shoreline jurisdiction. Critical areas and flood zones would further restrict

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construction, thus reducing the number of potential new residential developments. Salmon Creek and the South Naselle River shoreline also contain vacant lands that could generate new residences, but in much lower numbers.

There are also slightly less than 2 acres each of commercial and industrial zoned lands. These acres are located in the Rural Activity Center of Naselle and could generate new commercial uses.

Transportation There is no rail infrastructure either in shoreline jurisdiction or within the Naselle River AU in general.

There is limited road transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Naselle River AU in unincorporated Pacific County. There are approximately 20 miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction. The majority of road infrastructure is within shoreline jurisdiction of the Naselle River (around 13 miles) with additional amounts along Salmon Creek (three and a half miles) and Bear River (over two miles). Within jurisdiction the majority of road infrastructure is classified as local access (26%), U.S. highway (22%) and State highway roads (20%). Transportation infrastructure includes the major roads and bridges listed below.

Major roads:

• U.S. 101 extends across the Naselle River AU crossing the Naselle River from the north and then running southwesterly adjacent to the shoreline of Willapa Bay. U.S. 101 is designated as a Highway of Statewide Significance by RCW 47.06.140. This portion of U.S. 101 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

• SR 401 extends southward from the confluence of the Naselle River and the South Naselle River toward the Columbia River. SR 401 is designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

• SR 4 extends easterly from the confluence of the Naselle River and the South Naselle River. SR 4 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System.

Bridges: There are approximately 18 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction.

• There are 7 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction of Salmon Creek including two on Salmon Creek Road, one on SR 4, one on Wildwood Lane, one on Tienhaara Road, one on Alanen Road, and one on South Valley Road.

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• There are 4 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction of Naselle River including one on SR 4, one on SR 401, and one on North Valley Road.

• There are 2 bridges on the South Naselle River. One bridge is on Nyberg Road and one bridge is on South Valley Road.

• There are 2 bridges on Davis Creek including one on SR 401 and one on Knappton Road.

• One bridge crosses Bean Creek on SR 401.

• One bridge crosses Dell Creek on Parpala Road.

• One bridge crosses Ellsworth Creek on Parpala Road.

• One bridge crosses Smith Creek on Parpala Road.

Public Access

Existing Public Access There is 1 boat launch, called the Naselle Ramp, on Reach 5 of the Naselle River, located where the Naselle River meets Davis Creek at the center of Naselle. There is also shoreline public access and trails associated with the Willapa NWR in Reach 3 of the Naselle River, near the mouth of Smith Creek and Parpala Road.

More detailed information about some of the public access sites is provided below.

• Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is managed by USFWS. It was established by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937 with the mission of protecting migrating birds and their habitats from rapidly approaching development. This refuge includes a variety of habitats, including a salt marsh, muddy tidelands, forest, freshwater wetlands, streams, grasslands, dunes, and beaches. The headquarters of the refuge has a boat ramp with access to the Naselle River (as well as the south end of Willapa Bay), restrooms, and parking. Designated areas of the refuge are open for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. In addition there are many miles of trails on the refuge.

• Naselle Marsh is a WDFW-managed property that is open to the public. The 128-acre estuarine marsh at the mouth of the Naselle River has been protected since 2011.

• Ellsworth Creek Preserve is a NRCA with a mix of diverse forest as well as estuary and marsh lands that are home to migratory birds and rare species. The Ellsworth Creek Estuary is the highest quality estuary in Willapa Bay. Ellsworth Creek Reach 1 and parts of the Naselle River Reach 3 lie within the Preserve. The Nature Conservancy uses the preserve to test restoration impacts on eight sub-basins within the preserve. The

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property is an active restoration site so public access is not encouraged and no formal public access facilities exist.

• Teal Slough NRCA, with its salt marsh and ancient forest habitats, is home to threatened species such as the spotted owl and the marbled murrelet, among other rare species. Located within the Willapa NWR (Willapa Bay AU), the Teal Slough Unit is open for hunting, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation and has a 0.5 mile trail.

• Bennos Easement is a 1.25 mile easement trail along Salmon Creek where the SR 4 bridge crosses the creek. The trail, restrooms, and boat launch facilities are in the Naselle River Reach 6.

• Resort Hotel Boat Launch is located on Reach 5 of the Naselle River. It is a concrete boat launch found on the south east side of the SR 401 bridge crossing of the Naselle River.

Future Public Access The 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan Update includes a line item of $400,000 to construct Phase III of the Naselle River Boat Launch in 2012. It does not appear that the work was completed.

Historic and Archeological Sites There is one historic site within shoreline reaches of the Naselle River in unincorporated Pacific County.

• Naselle River Overflow Bridge #401/12 is located on SR 401 (MP 11.95) and near unincorporated Naselle, WA.

In addition, given the historic cultural significance of Willapa Bay shorelines, there is a high likelihood that sites of archaeological significance are present.

Upper Chehalis River The Upper Chehalis River AU contains only 902 acres of shoreline jurisdiction within 3 jurisdictional rivers and streams. The Upper Chehalis River AU lies along the County’s eastern boundary with Lewis County and does not occupy any marine shorelines. The AU is heavily committed to forestry. Three quarters of its shorelines are owned by the Weyerhaeuser Company and another 14% is owned by the State. Table 6-14 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics.

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Table 6-14. Summary Characteristics of Upper Chehalis River Assessment Unit Waterbodies Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation Crim Creek 31 • Private – Timberland 100% • Conservancy (100%) Elk Creek 783 • Private – Timberland 84% • Conservancy • State – WDNR 8% • State – Other 6% • County – Other 2% (100%) Rock Creek 88 • Private 63% • Conservancy • State – WDNR 10% • State – Other < 1% (74%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land Uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Based on Pacific County Assessor data, nearly all of the shoreline jurisdiction land use is classified as forestry (80%). Government/institutional uses comprise an additional 15% of the shorelines. Three percent of the shoreline is vacant or undeveloped. Current land uses within the AU are summarized below in Table 6-15.

Table 6-15. Upper Chehalis River Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Forestry 715 80% Government/Institutional 137 15% Vacant/Undeveloped 27 3%

The County’s Comprehensive Plan land use designations establish a land use pattern consistent with the area’s forestry uses. Nearly all of the AU’s shorelines are designated Forest of Long Term Significance (90%). The remaining 10%, located in the Rock Creek shoreline jurisdiction, is designation General Rural.

Current zoning of the shorelines follows the established Comprehensive Plan designations with 90% of shorelines zoned Commercial forest and 10% zoned Rural Lands. Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-16.

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Table 6-16. Upper Chehalis River Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Crim Creek Forestry 100% Commercial Forest 100% Forest of Long Term Significance 100%

Elk Creek Forestry 84% Commercial Forest 100% Forest of Long Term Government/Institutional 16% Significance 100% Rock Creek Forestry 35% Rural Lands 100% General Rural 100% Vacant/Undeveloped 32% Government/Institutional 12%

Water-Oriented Uses There are no recreational uses classified in the AU. However, recreational shoreline access for activities such as fishing is a water-oriented use that may occur on the Upper Chehalis AU’s waterbodies. There are no identified aquacultural uses.

Developing Shorelines and New Uses There are approximately 902 shoreline acres in the AU. The AU’s land use is dominated by forestry (79%). Government and institutional use comprise and additional 15%, neither of which are anticipated to be locations of new development. There are approximately 27 acres in the shoreline classified as vacant. That shoreline area contains portions of seven parcels that total contain around 60 acres. All of the vacant parcels are zoned Rural Lands. At the current allowed densities the vacant shoreline area could generate 5 new residences. The size of the parcels in the area would provide ample opportunity for land owners to construct residences outside of shoreline jurisdiction, and critical areas would restrict developable area as well, thus reducing this number.

Transportation There is a very limited transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Upper Chehalis River AU in unincorporated Pacific County.

There are approximately 5 miles of rail infrastructure in shoreline jurisdiction concentrated along Elk Creek (3.74 miles), and Rock Creek (1.07). The entire rail infrastructure within the Upper Chehalis River AU is not currently utilized.

There is approximately 1 mile of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction of the Upper Chehalis River AU. The entirety of road infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction is along Rock Creek (0.83 miles). Within jurisdiction the road infrastructure split between State highway (76%) and

240 The Watershed Company May 2015 local access (24%) roads. Transportation infrastructure includes the major roads, bridges, and railroad infrastructure listed below.

Major roads:

• SR 6 traverses the Upper Chehalis AU from east to west. This portion of SR 6 is designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

Bridges:

• There is one bridge within shoreline jurisdiction. The single bridge is located where SR 6 crosses Rock Creek.

Railroad Bridges:

• There is one abandoned railroad bridge within shoreline jurisdiction. The abandoned bridge crosses Rock Creek just north of where SR 6 crosses Rock Creek.

Public Access

Existing Public Access There is little to no existing public access within shoreline jurisdiction of the Upper Chehalis River AU, which reflects the fact that the shorelines are primarily privately owned.

Future Public Access No information could be found on future public access sites on the Upper Chehalis River AU.

Historic and Archeological Sites There are no historic sites identified within the shoreline reaches of the Upper Chehalis River AU in unincorporated Pacific County. However, unmapped archaeological sites could be present.

Grays River The Grays River AU contains 1,663 acres of shoreline jurisdiction within 4 jurisdictional rivers and streams. The AU is located in the southeast corner of the County and contains the upper reaches and headwaters of Grays River, as well as Hull Creek. Nearly all of the shoreline area is privately owned (92%), largely by timber companies (79%). The State owns 8% of the shoreline areas. Table 6-17 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics.

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Table 6-17. Summary Characteristics of Grays River Assessment Unit Waterbodies Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation East Fork Grays River 417 • Private – Timberland 100% • Conservancy (100%) Grays River 785 • Private – Timberland 92% • Conservancy • State – Other 8% (100%) Hull Creek 91 • Private 62% • Conservancy • State – Other 38% (100%) West Fork Grays River 370 • Private – Timberland 50% • Conservancy • Private 40% • State – Other 8% • State – WDFW 3% (100%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land Uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Based on Pacific County Assessor data, nearly all of the shoreline jurisdiction land use is classified as forestry (92%). Government/institutional uses comprise an additional 8% of the shorelines. Current land uses within the AU are summarized below in Table 6-18.

Table 6-18. Grays River Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Forestry 1,525 92% Government/Institutional 138 8%

The County’s Comprehensive Plan land use designations establish a land use pattern consistent with the area’s forestry uses. All of the AU’s shorelines are designated Forest of Long Term Significance (99%). Zoning of the shorelines follows the established Comprehensive Plan designations with 100% of shorelines zoned Commercial Forest. Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-19.

Table 6-19. Upper Grays River Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody East Fork • Forestry 100% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Grays River 100% Significance 100%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Grays River • Forestry 92% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Government/Institutional 100% Significance 100% 8% Hull Creek • Forestry 62% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term • Government/Institutional 100% Significance 100% 38% West Fork • Forestry 89% • Commercial Forest • Forest of Long Term Grays River • Government/Institutional 100% Significance 100% 11%

Water-Oriented Uses The State-operated Grays River Fish Hatchery is located on the West Fork Grays River where the Shannon Road bridge crosses the river. Swimming, boating and recreational fishing are additional water-oriented uses that may occur within the Grays River AU’s shorelines. The Grays River Salmon Pond, located in Reach 1 of the Grays River waterbody, is a destination for recreational fishing. It is part of Game Management Unit 506 (Willapa Hills Unit).

Developing Shorelines and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to persist with new development occurring at a slow pace within the established pattern. The 1,663 acres of Grays River AU shoreline is nearly all in forestry use (92%). The remaining lands (8%) are State-owned. None of these areas are anticipated to be locations of new development. There are no shoreline lands classified as vacant or undeveloped.

Transportation There is a negligible amount of transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Grays River AU. There is less than one mile of roadway and no rail infrastructure within the shoreline jurisdiction. The entirety of road infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction is along Grays River (0.13 miles) and is classified as private roads (100%). There are no major roads identified. There is one bridge within shoreline jurisdiction, located on Shannon Road where it crosses the West Fork Grays River. There are six additional bridges located within shoreline jurisdiction on the Grays River and the East Fork Grays River.

Public Access There are little to no public access sites in the shorelines of this AU.

• Willapa Divide NAP is a 587 acre preserve along the upper reaches of the Grays River. As part of the WDNR Natural Areas Program, the preserve is dedicated to education,

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scientific research and conservation of native biological diversity and is not primarily for recreation.

No information could be found on future public access sites within the Grays River AU.

Historic and Archeological Sites There are no historic sites identified within the shoreline reaches of the Grays River AU in unincorporated Pacific County. However, unmapped archaeological sites could be present.

Columbia River The Columbia River AU contains 4,478 acres of shoreline jurisdiction within four jurisdictional rivers or streams. It is the only AU along the Columbia and a large proportion of the AU’s shoreline jurisdiction is associated wetland. The unincorporated community of Chinook is located in the AU. Most of the shoreline areas (73%) are privately owned. The State (WDFW) owns approximately 22% of the shoreline area. Although not analyzed in this county level report, the incorporated City of Ilwaco is located within this AU’s boundaries. Table 6-20 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics.

Table 6-20. Summary Characteristics of Columbia River (Columbia River) Assessment Unit Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation Chinook River 2,120 • Private 54% • Conservancy • State – WDFW 45% • Rural • Private – Timberland 1% • City < 1% • County < 1% (100%) Columbia River 876 • Private 69% • Conservancy • State – Parks 21% • Natural • Conservation Organization 3% • Rural • Federal 2% • Urban • State – WDFW 2% • County 1% • State – Other <1% • Port of Ilwaco <1% • Tribal <1% • Port of Chinook <1% (100%) Sisson Creek 94 • Private 94% • Not Designated • Private – Timberland 6% (100%) Wallacut River 1,388 • Private 99% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 1%

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Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation • Conservation Organization • Rural <1% • (100%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan While forestry is the most common land use (40%), the AU has a varied land use pattern. Several other land uses are relatively common in the Columbia River AU as well. These include, based on Pacific County Assessor data, Government/Institutional (22%), Agriculture (15%), Vacant/Undeveloped (12%), Residential (6%) and Recreational (4%).

The AU includes the Rural Activity Center of Chinook, which has a population of approximately 500 and is located along the Columbia River east of Ilwaco. Residential densities in Chinook are approximately two to four units per acre close to the community center along U.S. 101, with decreasing density to the north and south. There are several RV parks in Chinook. Commercial uses in the Chinook Rural Activity Center are generally rural in nature and include retail stores, taverns, gas stations, restaurants, and gift shops. These uses occur both within and in proximity to the Columbia River and Chinook River shoreline jurisdictions. There are several public facilities including a post office, fire station, and other facilities. The Chinook Marina is also located within the Rural Activity Center (described under Water- oriented uses) and is located in Reach 3 of the Columbia River. Current land uses within the AU are summarized below in Table 6-21.

Table 6-2. Columbia River Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Forestry 1,622 40% Government/Institutional 895 22% Agriculture 594 15% Vacant/Undeveloped 494 12% Residential 223 6% Recreation 148 4% Quasi-Public 19 <1% Manufacturing/Industrial 2 < 1% Fishing < 1 < 1% Commercial < 1 < 1%

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The County’s Comprehensive Plan land use designations establish a land use pattern consistent with the area’s mixed land use pattern. Most of the shoreline area is designated General Rural (74%), which is characterized by a variety of uses and activities including, but not limited to, small-scale farms and forestry activities, dispersed single-family homes, and open space. Other designations in the AU include Transitional Forest (9%), Rural Agricultural (8%), and Public Preserve (3%). A small amount of industrial designation (23 acres) is located at Skinville Crossing. The Chinook Rural Activity Center designation (3% of the shoreline) includes 128 shoreline acres.

Current zoning of the shorelines generally follows the established Comprehensive Plan designations. The major zoning districts in shoreline jurisdiction are Rural Lands (51%), Agriculture (21%), Rural Residential (10%), Transitional Forest (9%), Commercial Forest (4%), and Conservation (3%). Smaller shoreline areas (1% or less) zoned Restricted Residential, General Residential, Resort, Industrial, and Mixed Use are located along the Chinook and Columbia Rivers. Approximately 27 acres of jurisdictional shorelines zoned Resort are located along the Wallacut River. Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-22.

Table 6-3. Columbia River Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Chinook River • Government/Institutional • Rural Lands 98% • General Rural 96% 45% • Agricultural 2% • Rural Activity Center • Forestry 23% • Commercial Forest – Chinook 4% • Agriculture 20% <1% • Forest of Long Term • Vacant/Undeveloped 9% • Industrial <1% Significance <1% • Residential 3% Columbia River • Forestry 32% • Transitional Forest 46% • Transitional Forest • Vacant/Undeveloped 23% • Conservation 18% 46% • Recreation 21% • Rural Lands 9% • General Rural 32% • Residential 14% • Agricultural 8% • Public Preserve 17% • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest 6% • Rural Activity Center 5% • Rural Residential 6% – Chinook 6% • Quasi Public <1% • Mixed Use 4% • Industrial – Port of • Agriculture <1% • Industrial 3% Chinook <1% • Manufacturing/Industrial • Resort 1% • Incorporated – Ilwaco <1% • General Residential <1% • Fishing <1% <1% • Commercial <1% Sisson Creek • Forestry 87% • Commercial 100% • Forest of Long Term • Residential 9% Significance 100% • Vacant/Undeveloped 4%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Wallacut River • Forestry 66% • Agricultural 58% • General Rural 73% • Agriculture 16% • Rural Residential 27% • Rural Agricultural • Vacant/Undeveloped 12% • Rural Lands 8% 25% • Residential5% • Commercial Forest 2% • Industrial – Skinville • Quasi-Public 1% • Industrial 2% Crossing 2% • Government/Institutional • Resort 2% • Incorporated – Ilwaco <1% • General Residential 1% <1% • Transitional Forest <1%

Water-Oriented Uses There are 147 acres classified as recreational use. The public access sites, parks, boat launches, and marinas in the AU are water-oriented uses. They are described in more detail under the Public Access section.

Commercial fishing activities that occur within the AU are water-dependent uses. There are three seafood processing facilities within the AU (TBU Fish Co., Inc., Columbia River Fish Factory, and Bell Buoy Crab Co., Inc.). All three are located in Reach 3 of the Columbia River in Chinook.

The Port of Chinook owns and operates a marina in the community of Chinook that is a water- dependent use. The marina and surrounding property includes 300 slips used by both commercial and recreational vessels. The Bell Buoy Crab Company leases their cannery buildings from the Port. Other lessees include a bait company and a coffee shop.

In addition to these upland uses, there are other water-oriented uses, including the use of docks. Swimming, boating and recreational fishing and shellfishing are also water-oriented uses that occur in the Columbia River AU.

Developing Shorelines and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Comprehensive Plan, and implemented through the County’s zoning code, is anticipated to persist with new development occurring at a slow pace within the established pattern. As noted above, common land uses include Forestry (40%), Government/Institutional (22%), and Agriculture (15%), none of which are anticipated to be locations of new development. A limited amount of the AU’s shoreline lands are classified as vacant. Approximately 12% (494 acres) are classified as vacant or undeveloped.

Figure 6-6 shows the zoning of those vacant lands in each of the Columbia River AU’s waterbodies.

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Figure 6-3. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the Columbia River Assessment Unit (by acre) Source: Pacific County, 2014; TWC, 2014; BERK, 2014 Most of the vacant land is located along the Columbia River and is zoned Rural Lands. The majority of vacant lands along the Chinook River are also zoned Rural Lands. Of these waterbodies, most of the vacant shoreline areas along the Columbia River are located north of Chinook in Reach 2 of the Columbia River and vacant lands on the Chinook River are concentrated east of Chinook in Reach 1 of the Chinook River. There are also 421 acres of shoreline lands zoned Rural Residential. Most of these lands (372 acres) are located within the Wallacut River shoreline jurisdiction. Based on allowed residential densities (1 dwelling unit/Acre), shoreline areas with Rural Residential zoning could generate up to 372 new residences. However, there are significant areas of floodplain and wetlands identified along the Wallacut River that would restrict construction as well.

There are three areas of more intensive development within the AU where future development is anticipated. They include the Rural Activity Center at Chinook (Columbia River-3), the Industrial area at the Port of Chinook (Columbia River- 3), and the Industrial area of Skinville Crossing (Wallacut River-1). There are approximately 20 acres of vacant land zoned for industrial development within the Wallacut Rivers shorelines at Skinville Cutoff.

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Transportation In general, there are small amounts of road or transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Columbia River AU in unincorporated Pacific County.

There is no rail infrastructure either in shoreline jurisdiction or within the Columbia River AU in general.

There are approximately 12 miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction of the Columbia River AU. The large majority of road infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction is along the Columbia River (9.65 miles) with smaller amounts along the Chinook River (1.23 miles) and the Wallacut River (0.82 miles). Within jurisdiction the majority of road infrastructure is split between State highway (35%), U.S. highway (27%), minor collector (18%) and local access (15%) roads. Transportation infrastructure includes the major roads and bridges listed below.

Major roads:

• U.S. 101 runs easterly from the City of Ilwaco along the northern shoreline of the Columbia River to the Astoria-Megler Bridge. U.S. 101 is designated as a Highway of Statewide Significance by RCW 47.06.140. This portion of U.S. 101 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

• SR 401 enters the Columbia River AU from the north and runs westerly along the Columbia River to the Astoria-Megler Bridge. This portion of SR 401 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System.

Bridges: There are approximately 4 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction.

• Two bridges cross the Chinook River. One bridge is located on U.S. 101 at the mouth of the Chinook River and one bridge is located further upstream of the Chinook river on Chinook Valley Road.

• One bridge crosses the Wallacut River on Stringtown Road.

• The Astoria-Megler Bridge crosses the Columbia River on U.S. 101 at Point Ellice. The Astoria-Megler Bridge is Determined Eligible for National Register listing.

Public Access

Existing Public Access There are several existing public access areas within shoreline jurisdiction. There are several boat launches, including launches in Chinook Park and the Chinook Marina in Reach 3 of the

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Columbia River, as well as some public parks. More detailed information about some of the public access sites is provided below.

• Fort Columbia State Park is located at the Chinook Point National Historic Landmark and along 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. The park is 593 acres in size with more than a mile of shoreline access. Twelve structures from the park’s military history still stand.

• Chinook Park is a day-use park in Reach 4 of the Columbia River, with boat launch access for smaller boats. The park provides fishing access and offers access for small water craft to the Columbia. New restrooms and a septic system were installed in 2004. According to the 2010 Pacific County Comprehensive Plan, a parks plan was developed for the Chinook Park.

• Chinook Unit (WDFW) is an 850 acre unit near the mouth of the Columbia River. The focus of the property is estuary restoration, and there are opportunities to view wildlife including birds, deer, elk, and butterflies. The Estuary provides critical habitat, and restoration partners include Ducks Unlimited, USFWS, WDFW, Columbia Land Trust, and the NRCS.

• Dismal Nitch Rest Area along SR 401 provides public access to the shoreline, in addition to restroom facilities and a short trail. The Megler Boat Launch is also located at this site.

• Port of Chinook Marina is located on the Columbia River in Reach 3. It provides access to a restroom facility, boat ramp, boat sling, fuel dock, and repair and maintenance services. Boats berthed in the Port of Chinook Marina’s 358 slips are used for both recreational uses and commercial fishing.

• Knappton Boat Launch is located along SR 401 in the Columbia River Reach 4 jurisdiction. The launch site is gravel and located in a part of the river with underwater hazards.

Future Public Access Proposed improvements to Chinook Park, located West of Fort Columbia State Park on SR101, were identified. These include new playground equipment, a seawall, picnic shelter, interpretive signs, landscaping, and a potential trail along SR101 linking Chinook Park with Fort Columbia. The 2010 Comprehensive Plan Update lists $239,000 for Phase I improvements to the Chinook Park Rest Area. There is $275,000 slated for Phase II in 2015 and an additional $50,000 for Phase III in 2014.

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The Long Beach Area Parks Management Plan (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 2009) identified trail connections between Station Camp, Fort Columbia State Park, and Sea Resources, as well as enhanced shoreline access at Fort Columbia State Park as preliminary recommendations for the area.

Historic and Archeological Sites There are several historic sites identified within the shoreline reaches of the Columbia River AU. They include the following.

• Fort Columbia State Park. The Park is home to original U.S. Army Coastal Artillery buildings and batteries. This facility was active from 1896 through 1947. It is one of few remaining intact coastal defense sites. The site was once home to the Chinook Indian Nation and was later explored by Robert Gray and the Lewis and Clark expeditions.

• Chinook River Bridge.

• Dismal Nitch. Dismal Nitch was named by Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The party was forced off the river by a fierce winter storm and Clark wrote of their refuge spot, calling it “that dismal little nitch.”

• Astoria-Megler Bridge. The Astoria-Megler Bridge is located on U.S. 101 and crosses the Columbia River from Point Ellice in Pacific County. The bridge has been determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, given the historical cultural significance of the Columbia River Estuary, there is a high likelihood that sites of archaeological significance are present.

Willapa Bay The Willapa Bay AU contains 6,276 acres of shoreline within a shoreline jurisdiction. The AU has been divided into four waterbodies and 21 shoreline analysis reaches. Willapa Bay is separated from the Pacific Ocean by the 28-mile-long Long Beach Peninsula.

As noted above, Pacific County’s economy is extensively tied to its aquacultural sector, specifically the growth and farming of shellfish. The epicenter of this sector is Willapa Bay, its shoreline, tidelands, mud flats and open water. There are approximately 34,000 acres of publicly and privately owned tidelands along and within Willapa Bay that are used primarily in aquaculture.

The Bay’s upland ownership profile is varied. Approximately 58% of the shoreline lands are in private ownership. 27% of the shorelines are federally owned and an additional 5% are owned by Forterra. 2% of the shoreline jurisdiction is Tribal land, which is located in the Willapa Bay waterbody. Table 6-23 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics

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Table 6-23. Summary Characteristics of Upland Areas in the Willapa Bay Assessment Unit Waterbodies Area of Upland Ownership Profile Jurisdictional Current Upland Shoreline Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Waterbody Environment Designation (Acres) data) Long Island 891 • Federal 97% • Conservancy • Private 3% • Natural • County < 1% (100%) Nemah 236 • Private 53% • Conservancy Estuary • State – WDFW 20% • Rural • Conservation Organization 19% • Private – Timberland 7% • State – Other <1% (100%) Palix Estuary 833 • Private 79% • Conservancy • Private – Timberland 10% • Rural • State – WDFW 6% • Urban • Conservation Organization 2% • State – Other 1% • State – WDNR 1% • County < 1% • Federal < 1% • Port of Willapa Harbor < 1% (100%) Willapa Bay 4,316 • Private 58% • Conservancy • Federal 18% • Natural • Private – Timberland 7% • Rural • Conservation Organization 6% • Urban • Tribal 4% • State – WDFW 3% • State – Other 1% • County 1% • City 1% • Port of Willapa Harbor <1% • State – WDNR < 1% (100%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land Uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Upland land uses vary within the AU. According to the County Assessor, the largest land uses across the entire AU are Forestry (36%) and Government/Institutional (36%), which includes federal, State, and County-owned lands. These shorelines include the Willapa NWR.

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Agriculture comprises approximately 16%. There is very little shoreline land classified as vacant or undeveloped (6%).

The AU includes the Community Crossroad of Tokeland Road (Willapa Bay- 2 and 5), as well as the Rural Activity Centers of Tokeland (Willapa Bay-4) and Bay Center (Palix Estuary-1). There are marinas at both of these Rural Activity Centers. Both marinas are owned by the Port of Willapa Harbor and are described under water-oriented uses, below.

The Rural Activity Center of Bay Center has a population of approximately 200. Bay Center is located on a peninsula which extends into Willapa Bay (Palix Estuary – 1 and 2). The community is home to several oyster seed hatcheries and a finfish and shellfish industry. Commercial land uses include a neighborhood retail store, restaurant, tavern, and activities at the Bay Center port dock. Industrial activities include fish processing and port activities, such as Shoalwater Bay Oysters, Ekone Oyster Co., Goose Point Oyster Co., Bay Center Mariculture, Micro Light Nutritional Products (light industrial), Intertidal Resources, and Neptune Boats (Pacific County 2010).

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Reservation and the Shoalwater Bay Off-Reservation Land Trust is located in Reach 2 and Reach 3 of Willapa Bay, and in proximity to Reach 5. The Shoalwater Tribe has been actively upgrading their tribal lands by constructing a community center, wellness center, health and dental clinic, library, pharmacy, pre-school/daycare center, and police station, installing new sewer and water infrastructure, and improving their overall housing stock. They are also in the process of constructing a new gas station, in Reach 2 of Willapa Bay, with small retail near the existing casino. The area also has a small motel (Pacific County 2010).

Current land uses within the AU are summarized below in Table 6-24.

Table 6-24. Willapa Bay Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Government/Institutional 2,074 36% Forestry 2,034 36% Agriculture 886 16% Vacant/Undeveloped 347 6% Residential 201 4% Recreation 21 < 1% Quasi-Public 10 < 1% Fishing 7 < 1% Manufacturing/Industrial 1 < 1% Commercial < 1 < 1%

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The County’s Comprehensive Plan land use designations establish a land use pattern consistent with the area’s aquacultural and resource protection focus. Most of the shoreline area is designated as one of three designations. These include Transitional Forest (40%), Public Preserve (29%) and General Rural (22%). Additional designations include Forest of Long Term Significance, Rural Agricultural, Community Crossroads – Tokeland, and Rural Activity Center (Bay Center and Tokeland).

Current zoning of the shorelines generally follows the established Comprehensive Plan land use designations. The major zoning districts in shoreline jurisdiction are Transitional Forest (41%), Conservation (25%) and Rural Land (13%). Approximately 8% of the AU’s shoreline acres are zoned Tokeland Mixed Use. All of these Tokeland Mixed Use acres are located within the community of Tokeland. 6% of the shoreline in the Willapa Bay AU is zoned Commercial Forest and 2% is zoned Industrial. There is less than 1% each of Mixed Use, Rural Residential, and Shoalwater Tribe. Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-25.

Table 6-25. Willapa Bay Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Long Island • Government/Institutional • Conservation 100% • Public Preserve 100% 97% • Agriculture 1% • Vacant/Undeveloped < 1% Nemah • Forestry 35% • Transitional Forest • Transitional Forest Estuary • Agriculture24% 100% 99% • Government/Institutional • Commercial Forest <1% • Forest of Long Term 20% Significance < 1% • Vacant/Undeveloped 12% • Residential7% • Fishing 2% Palix Estuary • Forestry 72% • Rural Lands 57% • General Rural 54% • Agriculture 8% • Transitional Forest 31% • Transitional Forest • Government/Institutional • Mixed Use 9% 34% 8% • Commercial Forest 1% • Rural Activity Center – • Vacant/Undeveloped 7% • Community Commercial Bay Center 10% • Residential 3% 1% • Forest of Long Term • Recreation 1% Significance 1% • Fishing < 1% • Quasi-Public < 1% • Commercial <1% Willapa Bay • Forestry 36% • Transitional Forest 48% • Transitional Forest • Conservation 16% 46%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody • Government/Institutional • Mixed Use – Tokeland • General Rural 22% 29% 12% • Public Preserve 21% • Agriculture 20% • Commercial Forest 8% • Forest of Long Term • Vacant/Undeveloped 7% • Rural Lands 7% Significance 5% • Residential 4% • Agriculture 4% • Rural Agricultural 4% • Recreation < 1% • Industrial 3% • Community Crossroad • Quasi-Public < 1% • Rural Residential 2% – Tokeland 2% • Manufacturing/Industrial < • Shoalwater Tribe 1% • Rural Activity Center – 1% • Mixed Use < 1% Tokeland 1% • Rural Activity Center – Bay Center <1%

The land use pattern within each shoreline reach of the Willapa Bay AU varies by location. Land use in the southern end of the Bay is dominated by State and federally owned lands, much of which include the Willapa NWR. A majority of shoreline land use in Willapa Bay Reach 16 (67%) and nearly all (96%) of shoreline land use in Long Island Reach 1, are within the refuge and are classified as Government/Institutional use.

Forestry use comprises a greater share of shoreline land use within the reaches on the east side of the Bay. Forestry uses make up at least 40% of shoreline lands in the following reaches: Willapa Bay Reach 1 (44%), Reach 7 (71%), Reach 8 (96%), Reach 10 (63%), Reach 12 (80%), Reach 13 (89%), and Reach 14 (62%). Forestry is also a dominant use in the Palix Estuary, comprising 84% of Palix Estuary Reach 1 and 50% of Reach 2. Most of the shoreline lands classified as agricultural in the AU are found in Reach 5 of Willapa Bay, which is the northern bay area (270 acres – 68% of reach).

Residential uses are relatively common within Willapa Bay shorelines. Residential comprises at least one third of Willapa Bay Reach 3 (42%), Reach 4 (38%), and Reach 11 (31%), which are near the development centers of Tokeland and Bay Center. Nemah Bay Reach 2 is 33% residential. The overall area classified as residential use in in the AU is relatively small (201 acres, or <4%). Figure 6-7 shows the current land use, based on Pacific County Assessors data, for each reach within the Willapa Bay AU. Because they are primarily in government/institutional uses, Willapa Bay Reach 16 and Long Island Reach 1 are excluded from Figure 6-7.

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Nemah Estuary - 1 Nemah Estuary - 2 Agriculture Palix Estuary - 1 Commercial Palix Estuary - 2 Fishing Willapa Bay - 1 Forestry Willapa Bay - 2 Government/Institutional Willapa Bay - 3 Manufacturing Willapa Bay - 4 Willapa Bay - 5 Quasi-public Willapa Bay - 6 Residential Willapa Bay - 7 Recreational Willapa Bay - 8 Vacant/Undeveloped Willapa Bay - 9 Willapa Bay - 10 Willapa Bay - 11 Willapa Bay - 12 Willapa Bay - 13 Willapa Bay - 14 Willapa Bay - 15 Willapa Bay - 16

0 500 1000 1500

Figure 6-4. Current Land Use by Reach in the Willapa Bay Assessment Unit (by acre) Source: Pacific County 2014; TWC 2014; BERK 2014

Water-Oriented Uses There are approximately 34,000 acres of publicly and privately owned tidelands within 1,862 lots along and within Willapa Bay that are used for aquaculture. Of these, the County Assessor classifies 26,645 acres as “Oyster Beds” and 7,611 acres as “Tidelands.” The commercial aquacultural activities that occur along and within Willapa Bay are water-dependent uses. Aquaculture activities include the use of public and private saltwater tidelands and beds for growing, farming or cultivating shellfish, including commercial clam, oyster, geoduck and shrimp operations. Willapa Bay produces more oysters than any other estuary in the United States, despite its relatively small size. The Willapa Bay estuary is considered one of the largest pristine estuaries in the country.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) licenses and regulates companies that commercially harvest and sell shellfish. DOH tracks levels of pollutants and closes areas to shellfish production where levels are too high. All areas of the State where commercial harvesters obtain a license must be approved by DOH. As shown below in Figure 6-8, nearly all

256 The Watershed Company May 2015 of Willapa Bay has been approved for commercial shellfish growing. Shellfish growing within the Willapa River is prohibited due to the presence of wastewater treatment outfalls. Likewise, shellfish harvesting upriver from Bay Center is prohibited to SR 101 (DOH 2014).

Figure 6-5. DOH Commercial and Recreational Shellfish Growing Areas Source: DOH 2014. A report submitted by the Washington Shellfish Growers, as part of a 2007 Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 48 (Existing Commercial Shellfish Aquaculture Activities) application, documented the general location, size and type of shellfish culture areas within Willapa Bay (B. Hudson, personal communication, August 1, 2014). As shown in Figure 6-9, shellfish aquaculture areas are located throughout the Bay.

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Figure 6-6. Willapa Bay Shellfish Aquaculture Areas Source: B. Hudson, personal communication, August 1, 2014; BERK 2014.

The 2008 report further identified the general size of the shellfish culture areas and the types of shellfish being harvested. There were 897 culture areas documented. Most were growing both oysters and clams (64%) and most are either 1 – 10 acres (38%) or 10 – 100 acres (50%) in size. Table 6-26 summarizes the number, location (per area shown in Figure 6-9), type and size of aquaculture areas from the Washington Shellfish Grower’s report.

Table 6-4. Willapa Bay Shellfish Aquaculture Locations, Type and Size Location (per Figure 6-9) Oysters Clams Oysters and Clams and Facility Size Willapa 1 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 3 10 – 100 acres 37 > 100 acres 4 Willapa 2 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 1 10 – 100 acres

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Location (per Figure 6-9) Oysters Clams Oysters and Clams and Facility Size > 100 acres Willapa 3 <1 acres 1 1 – 10 acres 2 22 10 – 100 acres 4 54 > 100 acres 1 Willapa 4 <1 acres 1 1 – 10 acres 10 60 10 – 100 acres 1 42 > 100 acres Willapa 5 <1 acres 4 1 – 10 acres 21 10 – 100 acres 24 > 100 acres 1 Willapa 6 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 1 10 – 100 acres 3 > 100 acres Willapa 7 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 58 10 – 100 acres 4 49 > 100 acres 1 Willapa 8 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 2 14 10 – 100 acres 9 37 > 100 acres 1 Willapa 9 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 1 2 10 – 100 acres 1 18 > 100 acres Willapa 10 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 1 6 10 – 100 acres 4 1 56 > 100 acres 1 2 Willapa 11 <1 acres 2 1 – 10 acres 2 26 10 – 100 acres 46 > 100 acres 1 Willapa 12 <1 acres 3 1 – 10 acres 9 1 82 10 – 100 acres 6 79 > 100 acres 3

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Location (per Figure 6-9) Oysters Clams Oysters and Clams and Facility Size Willapa 13 <1 acres 1 – 10 acres 1 23 10 – 100 acres 6 41 > 100 acres 1 Source: B. Hudson, personal communication, August 1, 2014; BERK, 2014 There are five seafood processing facilities within the Willapa Bay AU. One is identified along Willapa Harbor in Tokeland (Willapa Bay-4) and the other four along the Palix Estuary (Palix Estuary-2). These facilities include the Ekone Oyster Company, Custom Seafood Services, Bay Center Mariculture Co./Seasonal Seafoods, Stony Point Oyster Company LLC., and R and B Oyster.

The Tokeland Marina is a water-dependent use located in the north of Willapa Bay (Willapa Bay – 4) at the Tokeland Activity Center. The Tokeland Marina offers both recreational and commercial moorage. It is owned by the Port of Willapa Harbor. The Port facilities are on 40 acres and include two seafood servicing buildings, a light industrial building leased to Ambrosia Technologies, a public fishing pier, a high dock, and RV Park and boat ramp. A fish processing plant is located blocks away from the main Port dock. Port dock facilities provide local fishing and aquaculture industries access to the water.

Bay Center is home to several commercial oyster-growing operations. The Port of Willapa Harbor owns and operates a marina there. The marina is dominated by commercial fishing and aquaculture. The marina in Bay Center provides moorage for oyster barges and fishing vessels and has a capacity for approximately 40 vessels. The marina is located in the navigation channel of the Palix River. The Port owns a single 2.5 acre underwater lot located along the center of the navigation channel, east of the county bridge. The marina consists of two floats accessed by gangway ramps on either side of the channel. The floating docks, gangways and piling were replaced in 2003. The marina provides access to Willapa Bay. A boat launch is located adjacent to the port-owned floats.

The public access sites, parks, boat launches, and marinas in Willapa Bay are described under Public Access and are considered water-oriented. In addition to these upland uses, there are other water-oriented uses, including docks. Swimming, boating and recreational fishing and shellfishing are also water-oriented uses.

Developing Shorelines and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to persist within Willapa Bay’s shorelines. New development is anticipated to occur at a slow pace, but within the established pattern and most likely in undeveloped or vacant sites. There are

260 The Watershed Company May 2015 approximately 6,276 shoreline acres in the Willapa Bay AU. Land Use within the Bay’s shorelines are more varied than in many of the County’s other AUs. The most common uses include Government/Institutional (36%), Forestry (61%) and agriculture (16%). Approximately 6% (347 acres) are classified as vacant or undeveloped.

Nearly half (47%) of the vacant shoreline area (347 acres) is found within three reaches: Palix Estuary Reach 2 (42 acres), Willapa Bay Reach 6 (61 acres), Willapa Bay Reach 9 (35 acres), Willapa Bay Reach 11 (52 acres) and Willapa Bay Reach 12 (26 acres). Figure 6-10 shows the zoning of those vacant lands in each waterbody.

Figure 6-7. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the Willapa Bay Assessment Unit (by acre) Source: Pacific County 2014; TWC 2014; BERK 2014 By far, most of the vacant land is located along Willapa Bay. Those vacant lands are zoned a mix of Transitional Forest (172 acres), Rural Lands (53 acres), Mixed Use -Tokeland (31 acres), Rural Residential (21 acres) and Commercial Forest (13 acres). The vacant shorelines are distributed throughout all of the Willapa Bay AU reaches, excluding Willapa Bay Reach 2. Table 6-27 presents the zoning of vacant shoreline lands within each Willapa Bay AU reach.

Table 6-5. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the Willapa Bay Assessment Unit Reaches Vacant and Undeveloped Acres per Zoning District Shoreline Reach CF CC I MU MU-T RL RR TF Nemah Estuary - 1 19 Nemah Estuary - 2 6 Palix Estuary - 1 8

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Vacant and Undeveloped Acres per Zoning District Shoreline Reach CF CC I MU MU-T RL RR TF Palix Estuary - 2 3 11 8 19 Willapa Bay - 3 12 Willapa Bay - 4 8 Willapa Bay - 5 1 Willapa Bay - 6 13 10 33 Willapa Bay - 7 2 Willapa Bay - 8 1 1 Willapa Bay - 9 16 Willapa Bay - 10 8 Willapa Bay - 11 5 31 1 Willapa Bay - 12 25 Willapa Bay - 13 11 Willapa Bay - 14 13 Willapa Bay - 15 4 Willapa Bay - 16 21 Note: Refer to section 2.2.4 for zoning abbreviations Source: Pacific County 2014; TWC 2014; BERK 2014 There is an area of densely platted, undeveloped land on the Stanley Peninsula (Willapa Bay- 14). This area was platted long ago, and most of the land is now owned by a single private landowner. There is the potential for development of this area, but it is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Based on allowed densities, these lands could generate up to 85 new residences. However, the size of the parcels in this area would provide opportunities for homeowners to construct residences outside the shoreline jurisdiction. Critical areas would restrict construction as well, thus reducing the number of potential new residences.

There are also approximately 15 acres of vacant land zoned Mixed Use and 31 acres of vacant land zoned Mixed Use - Tokeland. According to the County’s zoning Code (PCC 18.72.010), the Mixed Use – Tokeland zoning district is meant to: “Provide for a broad range of residential, agricultural, commercial, recreational and limited industrial uses reflective of the existing and historical land use patterns found in the developed area of Tokeland.” The County’s 2010 Land Use Capacity Analysis notes estimates that by 2030, the Rural Activity Center of Tokeland will increase in population by 27 persons in 12 new dwelling units (based on 2.27 people/unit). The analysis also notes that Tokeland has a large number of existing small lots. Given the current shoreline development in Tokeland, it is likely that some of this new growth will occur in the shoreline.

According to the Port of Willapa Harbor, the Bay Center Marina is located totally within the designated federal navigational channel of the Palix River. Historically, the Corps has dredged this channel on a 2 to 3 year cycle to maintain depths of 10 feet MLLW. Approximately 10,000 cubic yards of sediment accumulates in this channel annually. Regular dredging is required to maintain the viability of this marina. The federal budget no longer includes funding for the

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Corps to dredge the Nation’s small Ports. The Port of Willapa Harbor is working to develop a locally managed bay-wide dredging program (Port of Willapa Harbor, electronic reference).

Transportation Compared to other AUs, there is extensive road transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Willapa Bay AU in unincorporated Pacific County.

There is no rail infrastructure either in shoreline jurisdiction or within the Willapa Bay AU in general.

There are approximately 25 miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction of the Willapa Bay AU. The majority of road infrastructure is within shoreline jurisdiction of Willapa Bay itself (17.37 miles) with additional smaller amounts along Palix Estuary (3.92 miles) and Nemah Estuary (2.72 miles). Within jurisdiction the main classifications of roads are U.S. highway (39%), state highway (31%), and local access (14%). Transportation infrastructure includes the following:

Major roads:

• U.S. 101 extends along the eastern and southeastern shoreline of Willapa Bay and crosses in and out of shoreline jurisdiction. U.S. 101 is designated as a Highway of Statewide Significance by RCW 47.06.140. This portion of U.S. 101 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

• SR 105 runs along the northern shoreline of Willapa Bay crossing in and out of shoreline jurisdiction. This portion of SR 105 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System.

Bridges: There are approximately 12 bridges within shoreline jurisdiction in the Willapa Bay AU including the following:

• There are 3 bridges on Willapa Bay where sloughs are crossed by State highways. One is located on SR 105 over Norris Sough, one is located on SR 105 over Johnson Slough and one is located on SR 101 over Teal Slough.

• One bridge is located on U.S. 101 at the mouth of the Bear River.

• One bridge is located on U.S. 101 over Greenhead Slough.

• One bridge is located on U.S. 101 at the mouth of the Naselle River.

• One bridge is located on U.S. 101 at the mouth of the North River.

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• One bridge is located on U.S. 101 at the mouth of the North Nemah River.

• One bridge is located on U.S. 101 at the mouth of the Niawiakum River.

• One bridge is located on U.S. 101 at the mouth of the Palix River.

• One bridge is located on SR 105 at the mouth of the Bone River.

• One bridge is located on Lynn Point Road at the mouth of the South Nemah River.

Public Access

Existing Public Access There are several existing public access areas and sites within shoreline jurisdiction of the Willapa Bay AU, including five boat launches, two marinas, and 16 shoreline public access sites. The following shoreline public access sites and trails are located within Willapa Bay shorelines:

There are also shoreline public access areas and shellfish recreational beaches mapped along Reach 6 of Willapa Bay near the mouth of the Cedar River. Both the Port of Willapa Harbor’s Tokeland Marina and Bay Center Marina are within the AU.

The following are some of the shoreline public access sites and trails located within Willapa Bay shorelines.

• Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a 5,460-acre property located on the southeastern shores of Willapa Bay and Long Island (Willapa Bay- 15, 16, Long Island-1) and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was established in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt with the mission of protecting migrating birds and their habitat. The refuge has salt marshes, freshwater marshes, grasslands, tideflats, old growth forests, and coastal dunes and beaches. Recreation opportunities include environmental education, fishing, hunting, photography, and wildlife observation. The Refuge has formalized recreation points such as boat launches, trails, and restroom facilities at multiple locations. Designated areas of the refuge are open for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. In addition there are primitive campgrounds located on Long Island, and there are many miles of trails on the refuge.

• Seal Slough is located along Willapa Bay in Reach 13 of the Willapa Bay AU. Columbia Land Trust will conserve 564 acres of this habitat that is home to migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, salmon, steelhead, and coastal fish.

• Bruceport County Park is located 5 miles south of South Bend on SR 101. It offers campsites, RV hook-ups, picnic areas, and beach trail.

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• Bush Pioneer County Park is located in Bay Center at 2nd Street and Park Street. It is a 40-acre park that was given by the Pioneer Association to the State in 1939, and is now managed by the Chinook Indian Nation. It offers picnic tables, tent and RV camping sites, and access to the Pacific Ocean beach. The park is located in Reach 11 of the Willapa Bay waterbody.

• Willapa Bay Water Trail stretches along the Willapa Bay, from the mouth of the Willapa River to the Willapa NWR and along the east side of the Long Beach peninsula.

• Palix State Wildlife Recreation Area is a WDFW site that contains 240 acres, located in the Palix Estuary at the confluence of the North Fork Palix, Canon, and South Fork Palix Rivers. It provides opportunities for waterfowl hunting, fishing access, hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

• Gunpowder Island NAP is located on a sand island in Willapa Bay. It is a 152 acre preserve that is open to the public for the purposes of science, research and monitoring.

• Tokeland Boat Launch is located at the Port of Willapa. It provides boat launch facilities for a fee, a convenience store, campsites, and restroom facilities.

• Palix River Boat Launch is located in Reach 1 of the Palix Estuary, inland from the confluence of Palix River and Willapa Bay. The launch is a year-round concrete facility.

The recently released coastal recreation study identified recreational participation rates and trip expenditures for coastal and ocean recreation uses on the outer Pacific Coast of Washington. The study found that Washington residents make an estimated 2.46 million trips per year for recreation, spending an estimated $481 million dollars in total direct expenditures for coastal communities and the state (Point 97 and Surfrider Foundation 2015). Predominant recreational activities include beach going (67%), sightseeing (62%), photography (36%) hiking and biking (33%), surfing/kayaking/boating (7%) and wildlife viewing (40%).

Future Public Access In 2012, Pacific County set aside $25,000 for the Bush Pioneer Park Land Acquisition. According to the 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan Update, Pacific County plans to transition the Bush Pioneer Park to day use, while maintaining some campsites for use with the proposed Willapa Bay Water Trail system. Proposed improvements to the Park include restrooms with shower facilities, addition of a community center, a shoreline access trail, new playground equipment, interpretive signs, an entrance sign, and landscaping.

Bush Pioneer Park is located on Goose Point Peninsula and is adjacent to the unincorporated community of Bay Center (Willapa Bay-11). It has 4,600 feet of beachfront on Willapa Bay. The park has a few camping sites, but they are in poor condition, and the park is geared more

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toward day use. Amenities include restrooms, playground equipment, picnic tables and shelter, and open space.

Bruceport Park is located on SR 101 (Willapa Bay- 9). This large park offers campsites, picnic shelter, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and nearly 4,000 feet of shoreline. Proposed improvements to Bruceport Park include relocation of the park entrance and new signage, additional campsites for recreational vehicles, new restrooms with showers, office, and concessionaire space, shoreline access trail, playground equipment, picnic shelter, interpretive signs, and landscaping.

Historic and Archeological Sites Although no historic locations were identified in this assessment unit, given the historical cultural significance of Willapa Bay, there is a high likelihood that sites of archaeological significance are present.

Long Beach Peninsula The Long Beach Peninsula is a three-mile-wide, 28-mile-long sand spit that separates Willapa Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The Long Beach Peninsula contains the incorporated city of Long Beach and a portion of Ilwaco. The AU also includes (from south to north) the unincorporated urban area of Seaview, the unincorporated community of Oysterville, the Community Crossroad of Klipsan Crossing, The Rural Village of Ocean Park, The Rural Activity Center of Nahcotta and the Community Crossroads of Surfside Estates.

The Long Beach Peninsula AU contains 5,785 acres within 7 jurisdictional lakes, bays, and marine waterbodies. The AU’s shoreline ownership profile includes a substantial amount of private ownership (45%), federal ownership (28%) and State ownership (Washington State Parks) (20%). The Columbia Land Trust owns 174 acres of shorelines and the Port of Peninsula owns five acres of shorelines. Table 6-28 provides further detail on each waterbody’s characteristics.

Table 6-28. Summary Characteristics of Long Beach Peninsula Assessment Unit Waterbodies Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation Black Lake 416 • Private 97% • Rural • County 2% • State – Parks 1% • City <1% (100%) Island Lake 232 • Private 35% • Conservancy • State – Parks 33% • Rural

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Area of Upland Ownership Profile Current Shoreline Jurisdictional Jurisdiction (shoreline area with ownership Environment Waterbody (Acres) data) Designation • Conservation Organization 32% (100%) Loomis Lake 525 • Private 83% • Conservancy • Conservation Organization 8% • Rural • State – Parks 7% • State – WDFW 1% • County <1% • County – Other <1% (100%) Pacific Coast 2,969 • Federal 57% • Conservancy • State – Parks 35% • Natural • Private 7% • Rural • State – Other <1% • Urban • Conservation Organization <1% • County <1% (100%) Pauls Lake 75 • Private 96% • Conservancy • County <1% • (96%) Skating Lake 79 • Private 51% • Conservancy • State – Parks 49% (100%) Willapa Bay 1,487 • Private 86% • Conservancy • Conservation Organization 5% • Natural • State – Other 4% • Rural • County 2% • Urban • Port of Peninsula <1% • Federal <1% • State – Parks <1% (99%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Based on Pacific County Assessor data, the most common shoreline land use in this AU is government/institutional (34%), which includes land owned by federal, state, and county government entities. Recreational uses comprise 21% and residential uses comprise 10% of the shoreline area. A substantial amount (1,227 acres – 23%) of the shoreline is classified as vacant or undeveloped.

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This AU includes several unincorporated areas that are characterized by more intense development. Seaview is the largest of these (by population). It is adjacent to Reach 7 of the Pacific Coast. According to the County’s Comprehensive Plan, land uses in Seaview are predominantly residential, with commercial and light industrial uses adjacent to the highway. The character of Seaview is that of a typical beachfront community, a commercial core with seasonal beach cabins and other permanent housing surrounding the commercial areas.

Current land uses within the AU are summarized below in Table 6-29.

Table 6-6. Long Beach Peninsula Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Government/Institutional 1,759 34% Vacant/Undeveloped 1,227 23% Recreation 1,099 21% Residential 513 10% Agriculture 281 5% Forestry 94 2% Quasi-Public 10 < 1% Fishing and Associated Uses 4 < 1% Commercial 3 < 1% Utilities < 1 < 1% The County’s Comprehensive Plan land use designations establish a land use pattern consistent with the areas varied existing land use pattern. The AU includes designations for the areas of greater development density including Klipsan Crossing, Nahcotta and Ocean Park. Most of the AUs shorelines are outside of these areas and are designated Public Preserve (46%), General Rural (35%) or Rural Agriculture (16%).

Current zoning of the shorelines generally follows the established Comprehensive Plan land use designations. The major zoning districts in shoreline jurisdiction are Conservation (51%), Rural Residential (26%), and Agriculture (16%). There are also smaller areas, adjacent to existing development areas, zoned Restricted Residential (246 acres), Industrial (39 acres) and Resort (14 acres). Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan land use designations are shown for each waterbody in Table 6-30.

Table 6-7. Long Beach Peninsula Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comp Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Black Lake • Vacant/Undeveloped 47% • Agricultural 66% • Rural Agricultural • Agriculture 35% • Rural Residential 25% 64% • Forestry 9% • Industrial 6% • General Rural 36% • Residential 5% • General Residential 2% • Incorporated Ilwaco • Incorporated <1% < 1%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody • Government/Institutional • Community Commercial 2% <1% • Recreation 1% • Restricted Residential • Quasi-Public 1% <1% • Resort <1% Island Lake • Recreation 33% • Rural Residential 51% • Rural Agricultural • Government/Institutional • Conservation 31% 47% 33% • Agricultural 17% • Public Preserve 32% • Residential 14% • Restricted Residential • General Rural 21% • Vacant/Undeveloped 10% <1% • Agriculture 10% Loomis Lake • Vacant/Undeveloped 49% • Rural Residential 57% • General Rural 51% • Residential 18% • Agricultural 29% • Rural Agricultural • Recreation 12% • Restricted Residential 8% 41% • Government/Institutional • Conservation 5% • Public Preserve 7% 9% • General Residential <1% • Shoreline • Forestry 6% • Resort <1% Development 1% • Agriculture 5% • Community Commercial • Community • Quasi-Public < 1% <1% Crossroad – Klipsan Crossing <1% Pacific Coast • Government/Institutional • Conservation 92% • Public Preserve 92% 58% • Rural Residential 5% • General Rural 4% • Recreation 35% • Restricted Residential 3% • Military Reservation • Residential 3% • General Residential 1% 2% • Vacant/Undeveloped 3% • Incorporated <1% • Unincorporated – • Commercial <1% • Resort <1% Seaview 1% • Quasi-Public <1% • Community Commercial • Shoreline • Utilities <1% <1% Development < 1% • Forestry < 1% • Industrial <1% • Incorporated - Ilwaco <1% • Rural Village – Ocean Park < 1% Pauls Lake • Vacant/Undeveloped 45% • Rural Residential 64% • General Rural 96% • Residential 27% • Restricted Residential • Rural Village – • Forestry 19% 36% Ocean Park 4% • Recreation 5% • Government/Institutional <1% Skating Lake • Recreation 58% • Rural Residential 82% • General Rural 55% • Vacant/Undeveloped 31% • Resort 16% • Public Preserve 45% • Residential 7% • Agricultural 3% • Government/Institutional 3% Willapa Bay • Vacant/Undeveloped 45% • Rural Residential 43% • General Rural 81%

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Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody • Residential 19% • Agricultural 27% • Rural Agricultural • Government/Institutional • Conservation 22% 18% 11% • Restricted Residential 7% • Rural Activity Center • Agriculture 7% • Industrial 1% – Nahcotta 1% • Recreation 1% • Community Commercial • Public Preserve <1% • Forestry 1% <1% • Fishing and associated • Mixed Use < 1% uses < 1% • Resort < 1% • Commercial <1%

Shoreline land use patterns within the Long Beach Peninsula AU varies by reach. Recreational use is a predominant use throughout the AU. The northern and southernmost reaches of the AU are comprised primarily of publicly owned parks and preserved lands. Reach 4 of the Pacific Coast consists entirely of the Willapa NWR at the northern end of the Long Beach Peninsula, and Leadbetter State Park just south of it. Reach 8 of the Pacific Coast at the southern end of the Peninsula consists of Cape Disappointment State Park and the Coast Guard Station at Cape Disappointment. Recreational uses are also present in the AU’s lakes, including Island Lake -1 (62 acres), Loomis Lake – 2 (36 acres), and Skating Lake – 1 (42 acres).

This AU also contains a significant amount of shoreline area that is not designated by the Assessor. Undesignated shoreline areas constitute approximately 4% of the total AU shorelines. Three quarters (77%) of this undesignated shoreline land area is located in Reach 1 of the Hines Marsh waterbody Reach 1. These lands appear to be undesignated because they are along the Pacific Ocean and have not been included in County Parcels. Presumably this is because these beach areas are part of the SCA and cannot be developed.

Residential shoreline uses are concentrated in Reach 17 of Willapa Bay (236 acres), Reach 1 of Loomis Lake (90acres), Black Lake (18 acres), Hines Marsh (35 acres), Reach 6 of the Pacific Coast (68 acres), Pauls Lake (19 acres), Cranberry Lake (26 acres). The only commercial land use is found in Reach 17 of Willapa Bay (2.4 acres). There is no manufacturing land use within the Long Beach Peninsula AU.

Substantial vacant shoreline lands are classified in Reach 17 of Willapa Bay (476 acres), Reach 1 of Loomis Lake (239 acres), Black Lake (185 acres) and Hines Marsh (175 acres). Figure 6-11 shows the land use patterns within each shoreline reach.

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Black Lake - 1 Agriculture Cranberry Lake - 1 Commercial Hines Marsh - 1 Fishing

Island Lake - 1 Forestry Government/Instituional Loomis Lake - 1 Quasi-public Loomis Lake - 2 Residential Pacific Coast - 4 Recreational

Pacific Coast - 5 Utilities Vacant/Undeveloped Pacific Coast - 6

Pacific Coast - 7

Pacific Coast - 8

Pauls Lake - 1

Skating Lake - 1

Willapa Bay - 17

0 500 1000 1500 2000

Figure 6-8. Current Land Use by Reach in the Long Beach Peninsula Assessment Unit (by acre) Source: Pacific County, 2014; TWC, 2014; BERK, 2014

Water-Oriented Uses There are 1,101 acres classified as recreational use. The public access sites, parks, boat launches, and marinas in the AU are considered water-oriented uses and are described in more detail below under Public Access.

Commercial aquaculture activities that occur within the AU are water-dependent uses. These uses are concentrated in the shorelines and tidelands of Reach 17 of Willapa Bay. Public and private tidelands and beds devoted to the process of growing, farming or cultivating shellfish, including commercial clam and oyster grounds and oyster and mussel raft areas fit in this category. There are four seafood processing facilities within the AU (Moby Dick Restaurant/Nahcotta Oyster Farm, Wiegardt Bros. Inc./Jolly Roger Oysters, East Point Seafood Co., Oysterville Sea Farms). All four are located in Reach 17 of Willapa Bay at Port of Peninsula and Oysterville.

The Port of Peninsula is located in the middle of the Long Beach Peninsula at Nahcotta on Willapa Bay (Willapa Bay-17). The Port has about 90 leased slips. A Brow Hoist Boat Sling is

271 Pacific County Shoreline Analysis Report available for lifting boats (30' and under) into and out of Willapa Bay. Construction of a Public Boat Launch Ramp was completed in 2003. Power and water are available, as well as a boat sewage pump out station, the only one located on Willapa Bay. The Port of Peninsula has the only approved, above ground, commercial fueling facility on Willapa Bay. Much of the fuel sales are to Oyster Dredges working in the Bay. The Willapa Bay Oyster House Interpretive Center is located at the Port of Peninsula and provides visitors with information on the region’s 145-year-old oyster industry.

In addition to these uses, other water-oriented uses include swimming, boating and recreational fishing and shellfishing.

Developing Shoreline and New Uses In general, the land use pattern established in the Long Beach Peninsula AU by the Comprehensive Plan and zoning is anticipated to persist, with new development occurring at a slow pace within the established pattern. There are approximately 5,785 shoreline acres in the Long Beach Peninsula AU with a varied land use pattern.

Land uses within the AU’s shorelines are more varied than in many of the County’s other AUs. The most common uses include Government/Institutional (34 %), Recreational (21%), and Residential (10%). The Long Beach Peninsula AU, while still rural, is more developed and more populated than other unincorporated areas in Pacific County, which results in this more varied land use pattern. A relatively higher percentage of the shoreline is classified as vacant. Approximately 23% (1,227 acres) are classified as vacant or undeveloped. Figure 6-12 shows the zoning of those vacant lands in each waterbody.

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Figure 6-12. Zoning of Vacant and Undeveloped Lands within the Long Beach Peninsula Assessment Unit Source: Pacific County 2014; TWC 2014; BERK 2014 Most of the vacant land is located along the Long Beach Peninsula’s eastern shores (Willapa Bay – 17), where a significant amount of residential development currently exists. The vacant lands along the bay are zoned a mix of Rural Residential (570 acres), Agriculture (356 aces), Conservation (151 acres), and Restricted Residential (74 acres). Given allowed densities, the vacant shoreline lands with residential zoning along Willapa Bay could generate a significant number of new residences. There are significant areas of wetlands and a limited area of floodplain identified along the AU’s shorelines that would restrict construction and reduce that potential number. For example, the Terra Mar subdivision at the northeastern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula is undeveloped with dense platting, but critical areas limit potential development within shoreline jurisdiction. New residential development is not anticipated in the Agricultural zoning district and is not allowed in the Conservation zoning district.

The County has prepared population and housing forecasts for the areas of more intense development in this AU. Table 6-31 shows the anticipated growth for Seaview, Ocean Park and Nahcotta.

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Table 6-31. Anticipated Growth for Seaview, Ocean Park and Nahcotta. Vacant Buildable Projected additional Forecast Additional Dwelling

Land Population 2030 Units 2030 Seaview 20 acres 182 80 Ocean Park 298 acres 155 68 Nahcotta 35.5 acres 5 2 Source: Pacific County 2010 Transportation There is limited road and transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Long Beach Peninsula AU in unincorporated Pacific County. There is no rail infrastructure either in shoreline jurisdiction or within the Long Beach Peninsula AU in general.

There are approximately three miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction. The majority of road infrastructure within the shoreline is near the Pacific Coast (2.19 miles) with additional smaller amounts near Willapa Bay (0.38 miles) and Pauls Lake (0.37 miles). Within jurisdiction the main classifications of roads are private (30%), local access (29%), and major collector (17%). Transportation infrastructure includes the following:

Major roads:

• U.S. 101 enters the Long Beach Peninsula AU from the east near Ilwaco and then turns northwest towards Holman. U.S. 101 is designated as a Highway of Statewide Significance by RCW 47.06.140. This portion of U.S. 101 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

• SR 103 runs north from U.S.101 and parallel to the Pacific Ocean on the North Beach Peninsula.

• SR 100 runs south from U.S. 101 to Cape Disappointment.

Public Access

Existing Public Access There are several shoreline public access opportunities within Long Beach Peninsula AU shoreline jurisdiction, including five boat launches, one marina, parks and 13 public access points. A large proportion of public access sites are concentrated in Reach 6 of the Pacific Coast. More detailed information about some of the public access sites is provided below.

• Port of Peninsula/Nahcotta Boat Basin is located at the Port of Peninsula and has 90 slips along with launch facilities.

• Leadbetter Point State Park is located between the southern boundary of Willapa NWR at the north end of the Long Beach Peninsula with the Pacific Ocean to the west and

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Willapa Bay to the east. It is open to day use and provides access to seven miles of hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, and clamming.

• Swan Marsh is a140-acre Conservation Registry property located next to Leadbetter Point State Park on the northern end of the Long Beach Peninsula, and located in Willapa Bay. 60 species of birds have been documented here.

• Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located on the shores of Willapa Bay. The refuge was established in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for protection of migrating birds and their habitats. Designated areas of the refuge are open for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation. In addition there is an observation blind located on the Tarlatt Unit and there are many miles of trails on the refuge.

• Cape Disappointment State Park is located on the Long Beach Peninsula with beach access to the Pacific Ocean. The 1882-acre park offers two miles of ocean beach, two lighthouses, an interpretive center, an amphitheater, eight miles of hiking trails, boating opportunities, clamming, and tent and RV camping. Cape Disappointment State Park has one boat ramp and a 135-foot dock at Fort Canby on Baker Bay.

• Long Beach SCA provides public access to the beaches of the Pacific Coast. It is a day use area with 29 miles of shoreline recreation opportunities, as well as restroom facilities, picnic sites, and trails.

• Island Lake Boat Launch is located in the Island Lake waterbody. It is operated and maintained by PacifiCorp with a grass launch site.

• Loomis Lake Boat Launch is a WDFW site that is open April through October. It has a gravel launch site and there are plans for a future park expansion project with the Department of Ecology and the State Parks and Recreation commission.

• The Seashore Conservation Area (SCA) provides public access to Pacific Coast beaches through state law that establishes the Conservation Area for the recreational use and enjoyment of the public. The Conservation Area consists of the area between the ordinary high tide line and the extreme low tide lines. All areas within this jurisdiction from Cape Disappointment to Leadbetter point are a part Conservation Area.

• Ocean Park Unit is a WDFW site that contains 2 acres of coastal wetland habitat. There are wildlife viewing opportunities for birds and waterfowl. It is also adjacent to the Oregon Silverspot butterfly restoration site.

• Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Recovery Unit is a WDFW site in the Johns River Wildlife Area that contains about 50 acres adjacent to the west side of Loomis Lake. It provides

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salt-spray meadow habitats for the butterflies. There are wildlife opportunities to view the butterflies and other birds and mammals. Parking and restrooms are available.

As discussed in Section 6.2.8, the recently released coastal recreation study identified recreational participation rates and trip expenditures for coastal and ocean recreation uses on the outer Pacific Coast of Washington. The study found that Washington residents make an estimated 2.46 million trips per year for recreation, spending an estimated $481 million dollars in total direct expenditures for coastal communities and the state (Point 97 and Surfrider Foundation 2015). Predominant recreational activities include beach going (67%), sightseeing (62%), photography (36%) hiking and biking (33%), surfing/kayaking/boating (7%) and wildlife viewing (40%).

Future Public Access The 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan Update includes a line item of $750,000 to construct the Port of Peninsula Beach to Bay Trail in 2012 on the Long Beach Peninsula, Willapa Bay side. The Port of Peninsula describes a Human Powered Vehicle and Walking Trail Project on their website, stating that there is renewed interest from the private sector and several public agencies in developing the trail.

According to the 2010-2015 Pacific County Parks and Recreation CIP, there are plans to construct an Ocean Dune Open Space Park in the City of Long Beach along the Pacific Ocean. The year of estimated project completion is unknown.

The Long Beach Area Parks Management Plan (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 2009) identified several preliminary recommendations to improve shoreline public access at state parks on the Long Beach Peninsula. These recommendations include:

• Develop a recreational facilities concept plan to provide additional public access at Leadbetter Point State Park.

• Construct a hand launch site at Leadbetter Point State Park near the parking area one mile south of the main area.

• Possibility of developing hand launch sites at Loomis and Island Lakes.

• Work with other agencies and groups to develop additional recreational facilities and trails linking state park properties on the Long Beach Peninsula.

Historic and Archeological Sites There are two historic sites identified within the shoreline reaches of the Long Beach Peninsula AU in unincorporated Pacific County:

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• Fort Canby Searchlight 5. Fort Canby Searchlight 5 is located in Cape Disappointment State Park and was constructed as part of the defense system during WWII.

• Fort Canby Searchlight 6. Fort Canby Searchlight 6 is located in Cape Disappointment State Park and was constructed as part of the defense system during WWII.

These sites are located within the Cape Disappointment National Historic District. A National Historic District has also been designated for the unincorporated community of Oysterville.

In addition, given the historic cultural significance of the Long Beach Peninsula, archaeological sites may be present.

Pacific Coast- North The Pacific Coast – North AU consists of the small portion of the Pacific Coast that extends south from Grays Harbor County to the mouth of Willapa Bay. The AU contains 216 acres of shorelines along the Pacific Ocean divided into 3 shoreline reaches for this analysis. More than half of the shoreline area (74%) is privately owned. The publicly owned Grayland Beach State Park comprises 23%. Table 6-32 provides further detail on the shoreline characteristics.

Table 6-32. Summary Characteristics of Pacific Coast - North Assessment Unit Area of Upland Ownership Profile Jurisdictional Current Shoreline Jurisdiction (shoreline area with Waterbody Environment Designation (Acres) ownership data) Pacific Coast 216 • Private 74% • Conservancy • State – Parks 23% • Natural • State – Other < 2% • Rural • County 1% (100%)

Land Use Pattern

Existing Land Uses, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan The Pacific Coast - North AU is located at the northwestern corner of Pacific County, adjacent to Grays Harbor County. It encompasses approximately 216 acres of shoreline lands. Based on Pacific County Assessor data for the area located within shoreline jurisdiction, the AU has a varied land use pattern including the following land uses: Recreation (25%), Residential (22%), and Agriculture (17%). Approximately 32% of the AU’s shoreline jurisdiction is classified as vacant or undeveloped. Current land uses within the AU are summarized below in Table 6-33.

Table 6-33. Pacific Coast - North Assessment Unit Existing Land Use Existing Land Use Acres Percent Vacant/Undeveloped 55 32%

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Recreation 42 25% Residential 38 22% Agriculture 28 17% Government/Institutional 4 3% Quasi-Public 2 < 1% Forestry 2 < 1%

In general, the County’s Comprehensive Plan designates the Pacific Coast - North AU for rural residential and recreational uses. Designations include General Rural (67%), Rural Agriculture (13%) and Public Preserve (20%).

Current zoning follows the land use pattern established by the Comprehensive Plan closely. Zoning districts include Rural Residential (70%), Agriculture (13%), Rural Lands (9%) and Conservation (8%). Existing land use, zoning and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations are shown for the Pacific Coast - North AU in Table 6-34.

Table 6-34. Pacific Coast - North Assessment Unit Land Use, Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Designation by Waterbody Jurisdictional Existing Land Use County Zoning Comp Plan Waterbody Pacific Coast • Vacant/Undeveloped 32% • Rural Residential 70% • General Rural 67% • Recreation 25% • Agricultural 13% • Public Preserve 20% • Residential 22% • Rural Lands 9% • Rural Agricultural • Agriculture 17% • Conservation 8% 13% • Government/Institutional 3% • Quasi-Public <1% • Forestry <1%

The shorelines of the northernmost reach, Reach 1, are comprised largely of Grayland Beach State Park. The shorelines of Reach 2 are characterized by the broad Pacific Ocean beach and some residential development west of SR 105. The prominent land use classifications within this reach include Residential (38%) and Vacant/Undeveloped (51%).

Reach 3, which includes the southern shoreline of the AU and substantial associated wetlands, contains small areas of more dense residential development. There are 25 acres of shoreline land classified as residential in this reach (26%) while about 28 acres of the reach is used for agriculture (30%). The other prominent land classification in the reach is Vacant/Undeveloped, which comprises 40% of Reach 3. The agricultural uses are mostly inland, adjacent to the associated wetlands. Figure 6-13 shows the overall land use patterns within each shoreline reach.

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Figure 6-9. Current Land Use by Reach in the Pacific Coast – North Assessment Unit (by acre) Source: Pacific County 2014; TWC 2014; BERK 2014

Water-Oriented Uses There are 42 acres classified as recreational, 40 of which is located in Reach 1. The public access and recreational sites (listed under Public Access below) are considered water-oriented. In addition to these uses, there are other water-oriented uses, including swimming, boating and recreational fishing and shellfishing.

Developing Shoreline and New Uses The 55 acres of vacant lands are contained in a high number of small parcels (171), many of which are located along the ocean beach and are long and thin, particularly in Reach 2. The total area of those parcels is 397 acres. Most of the vacant shoreline area (86%) is zoned rural residential. At allowed densities this vacant shoreline area could generate up to 47 new residences. The size of the parcels in the area would provide opportunity for land owners to construct residences outside the shoreline jurisdiction in Reach 2. Critical areas in Reach 2, including interdunal wetlands, heavily restrict access and building spaces, thus reducing the number of anticipated residences. Parcel sizes are much smaller in Reach 3, at Washaway Beach. Because this reach is located in a severe erosion hazard area, the likelihood of any new development there is very low.

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Transportation There is limited transportation infrastructure within shoreline jurisdiction of the Pacific Coast – North AU in unincorporated Pacific County.

There is no rail infrastructure either in shoreline jurisdiction or within the Pacific Coast – North AU in general.

There are approximately 1.25 miles of roads within the shoreline jurisdiction of the Pacific Coast – North AU. Within jurisdiction the main classifications of roads are local access (61%), state highway (21%) and minor collector (16%). Transportation infrastructure includes the following.

Major roads:

• SR 105 crosses the entirety of the Pacific Coast – North AU from North Cove on Willapa Bay in the south and extends beyond the county boundary to the north. SR 105 is also designated as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System by RCW47.39.020 and RCW47.42.140.

Public Access

Existing Public Access There are several existing public access sites within shoreline jurisdiction in the Pacific Coast – North AU, including five public access sites to the Pacific Ocean and Grayland Beach State Park.

• Grayland Beach State Park offers picnic sites, RV and campsites, and access to Pacific Coast beaches. It is a 412-acre park with year-round camping, overnight yurt rentals, and 7,449 feet of shore access. Beach driving is permitted north and south of public beach access. There are no boat launches, marinas and trails identified within shoreline jurisdiction.

• The Seashore Conservation Area (SCA) provides public access to Pacific Coast beaches through state law that establishes the Conservation Area for the recreational use and enjoyment of the public. The Conservation Area consists of the area between the ordinary high tide line and the extreme low tide lines. All areas within this jurisdiction from Toke Point to Point Chehalis in Grays Harbor County are a part of the Conservation Area.

As discussed in section 6.2.8 and 6.2.9, the recently released coastal recreation study identified recreational participation rates and trip expenditures for coastal and ocean recreation uses on the outer Pacific Coast of Washington. The study found that Washington residents make an estimated 2.46 million trips per year for recreation, spending an estimated $481 million dollars

280 The Watershed Company May 2015 in total direct expenditures for coastal communities and the state (Point 97 and Surfrider Foundation 2015). Predominant recreational activities include beach going (67%), sightseeing (62%), photography (36%) hiking and biking (33%), surfing/kayaking/boating (7%) and wildlife viewing (40%).

Future Public Access The objectives of the SCA include acquiring key ocean beach areas; acquiring one right-of-way for public recreational access to State-owned tidelands and beaches per biennium; developing two ocean beach access areas per biennium; and developing a major saltwater, shoreland, or upland park providing public access to State-owned tidelands and beaches in the south Pacific County Coast per biennium (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission 2001).

Historic and Archeological Sites There are no historic sites identified within the shoreline reaches of the Pacific Coast – North AU in unincorporated Pacific County. However, given the historic cultural significance of the Pacific Coast, archaeological sites may be present.

Coastal Ocean The Coastal Ocean AU contains 87,976 acres of marine waters, under the jurisdiction of the State of Washington.

Water-oriented uses Commercial fishing effort for Dungeness crab is generally high throughout the AU (Figure 6- 14), with lower levels adjacent to shore from the middle of the Long Beach Peninsula northwards to the Grays Harbor County line. Recreational bottomfish and lingcod effort is high in one area at the southern end of the Peninsula out to state-federal waters line.

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Figure 6-14. Commercial and recreational fishing effort (WDFW 2014).

Green shading denotes levels from high (darkest green) to trace (lightest green) for Dungeness crab fishing effort. Dotted areas denote high use areas for recreational fishing for bottomfish and lingcod. Black line is extent of Coastal Ocean AU (3 nautical miles). The relative value of fishing grounds (Figure 6-15A) as identified through interviews with commercial, charter and private vessel fishers from Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon is highest offshore of the southern and central portion of the Coastal Ocean AU, with moderately valuable fishing grounds within the southern portion of the AU. For solely the commercial passenger fishing vessels (Figure 6-15B), valuable fishing grounds are concentrated in the southern portion of the AU, with moderate to low value grounds through the central and northern portion of the AU, respectively.

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Figure 6-15. Relative value of fishing grounds for (A) commercial, charter, and private vessel sport boat sectors combined, and (B) commercial passenger fishing vessels (Steinback et al. 2010).

Black line is extent of Coastal Ocean AU (3 nautical miles).

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Figure 6-16 shows the cumulative use across the PROUA participatory mapping results for the following layers: Recreational dive fishing, recreational kayak fishing, recreational fishing from shore, recreational intertidal harvest, recreational subsistence fishing and harvest, general beach uses, cultural use, paddling, research, sailing, surface board, swimming, tidepooling, and wildlife viewing. The heaviest intensity of uses is adjacent to the shoreline along the outer coast. The entire coast is used for recreation shellfish harvest.

Figure 6-16. Cumulative use map for selected PROUA layers.

Darker colors indicate areas with higher concentration of ‘dominant uses’, i.e., more heavily used areas. Black line is extent of Coastal Ocean AU (3 nautical miles).

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Ocean disposal sites exist just offshore of the Coastal Ocean AU (Figure 6-17), as do several navigational buoys and aids. The primary commercial deep draft waterway is from inside Willapa Bay out through the Coastal Ocean AU do federal waters. In the PROUA, mining and mineral extraction areas and military operations were indicated to exist in the Coastal Ocean AU off of the southern portion of the Long Beach Peninsula and mining and mineral extraction north of the mouth of Willapa Bay. Marine debris was indicated to be highest along the Long Beach Peninsula.

Figure 6-17. Various other activities.

Orange shaded boxes are ocean disposal sites. Blue lines are commercial deep draft waterways. Black dots are buoys and navigational aids. As identified through PROUA participatory mapping: horizontal cross-hatched areas are military operation areas, right-leaning hatch are mining and mineral extraction areas, and left-leaning hatch areas indicate marine debris. Black line is extent of Coastal Ocean AU (3 nautical miles).

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Developing Shorelines and New Uses Figure 6-18 shows suitability analyses for 2 types of wind energy devices and 3 types of wave energy devices. All analyses show areas of high suitability for generation of energy within the Coastal Ocean AU.

Figure 6-18. Marine renewable energy suitability analyses for wind energy devices: mounted on jacket (A), monopile (B); and wave energy devices: mid-depths (C), nearshore M3 (D), and nearshore (E).

Black line is extent of Coastal Ocean AU (3 nautical miles).

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Ocean Navigation Figures 6-19 through 6-22 show vessel transportation tracks in and adjacent to the Coastal Ocean AU provided by the Washington Marine Spatial Planning Portal (https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/mspmaps/index.html). Maps are separated into four vessel types including fishing, commercial shipping, pleasure, and military. Navigation maps were created from 2011 AIS broadcast data collected by NOAA Marine Cadastre (2013). It is important to note that these maps are not a complete picture of vessel traffic as nearshore vessel traffic is not mapped in most regions. Red areas on the maps are regions of relatively higher vessel traffic.

Figure 6-19. Fishing vessel (vessels involved in fishing activities in the national fishing fleets) tracks in and adjacent to the Pacific County Coastal Ocean AU.

Definition of fishing vessel provided by https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/mspmaps/index.html.

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Figure 6-20. Commercial transportation (including cargo, tanker, tug/tow vessels) tracks in and adjacent to the Pacific County Coastal Ocean AU.

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Figure 6-21. Pleasure vessel (or any vessel involved in transit and boating activities other than passenger vessels) tracks in and adjacent to the Pacific County Coastal Ocean AU.

Definition of pleasure vessel provided by https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/mspmaps/index.html.

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Figure 6-22. Military vessel (or any vessel involved in military activities including military operation vessels, replenishment vessels, naval patrol, logistics vessels, and rescue vessels) tracks in and adjacent to the Pacific County Coastal Ocean AU.

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Historic and Archeological sites: Figure 6-23 shows known locations of wrecks and obstructions, most of which are clustered around Cape Disappointment, with some along the southern half of the Long Beach Peninsula.

Figure 6-23. Wrecks and obstructions.

Black line is extent of Coastal Ocean AU (3 nautical miles).

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