DOCSLIB.ORG

United State's Department of the Interror

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
United State's Department of the Interror -- .. ' llr\\,t V - United State'SDepartment of the Interror FISHAND WILDLIFE SERVICE WashingtonFish and Wildlife Office 510Desmond Dr. SE, Suite102 Lacey,Washington 98503 FEB2 2 2011 HonorableKimberly D. Bose Secretary FederalEnergy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street,NE WashingtonD.C. 20426 Dear SecretaryBose: This documenttransmits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's(FWS) Biological Opinion (Opinion) basedon our review of the proposed issuanceof a new 45-yearFederal Energy RegulatoryCommission (FERC) hydropowerlicense for the Henry M. JacksonHydroelectric Project (Project)located on the SultanRiver in SnohomishCounty, Washington. We evaluate the Project'seffects on marbledmurrelet (Brachyramphusmarmoratus), bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus),and bull trout critical habitatin accordancewith Section7 of the Endangered SpeciesAct (ESA) of 1973,as amended (16 U.S.C.1531 et seq.). Your requestfor formal consultationwas receivedon August 13,2009. The FWS concurswith the FERC's determinationin its August 13,2010,letter that the proposedProject "may affect,but is not likely to adversely affect" the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). The FERC also determinedthat the proposedProject would have "no effect" on grizzlybear (Ursus arctos),gray wolf (Canis lupus), and Canadalynx (Lynx canadensis). Should the action agencydetermine that thereis no effect to listed speciesor critical habitat,there is no requirementfor FWS concunence,nor do the regulationsprovide the FWS with the authorityto concurwith that determination.The determinationthat therewill be no effect to listed speciesrests with the action agency,and no consultationwith the FWS is required. We recommendthat the action agencydocument their analysison effectsto listed species,and maintain that documentationas part of the project file. Thereis no designatedor proposedcritical habitat for federallylisted terrestrialwildlife specieswithin the action area. This Opinion is basedon informationprovided in the Biological Assessment,the Draft EnvironmentalAssessrnent, the SettlementAgreement, the Pre-ApplicationDocument, field investigations,and other sourcesof information. A completerecord of this consultationis on file at the FWS WashingtonFish and Wildlife Office, Lacey,Washington. Sincerely, A ,t r1/" lli'trt*' { 4/4,-"tu*r&o (/ l./t Ken S. Berg, Manager WashingtonFish and Wiidlife Office Thrcg Fntnrg@frp+,* 'NAMERICA=' EndangeredSpecies Act - Section7 Consultation BiologicalOpinion U.S.Fish and Wildlife ServiceReference No. 13410-2010-F-0609 Henry M. JacksonHydroelectric Project Project 2157-000 Agency: FederalEnergy Regulatory Commission ConsultationConducted By: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Washington Fish and Wildlife Office February2011 //tl '?/z* /t t D^1" ' ashingtonFish and Wildlife Office TABLE OF CONTENTS CONSULTATIONHISTORY ,,.......,,,,4 DESCRIPTIONOF THE PROPOSEDACTION ....,......,,.......5 ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE JEOPARDY AND ADVERSE MODIFICATION DETERMINATIONS ..,....20 STATUSOF THE SPECIES(Bull Trou0.........,..... ....,..........21 STATUSOF CRITICAL HABITAT (Bull Trout) ...............,.33 STATUSOF THE SPECIES(Marbled Munelets) ................37 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE (Bull Trout, Bull Trout Critical Habitat, Marbled Munelet) 64 EFFECTSOF THE ACTION.. ,...,...,,.74 CI-]MULATIVEEFFECTS ..............107 CONCLUSrON.......... .....108 INCIDENTAL TAKE STATEMENT............ ..,.110 CONSERVATIONRECOMMENDATIONS............ ......,,.,IT2 REINITIATIONNOTICE ...,..,.,.,.....TI3 LITERATIIRE CITED .,,114 FIGI.IRES AND TABLES Figure1. Projectlocation, .,......".'..'.....6 Figure2. Culmbackdam andthe morningglory spillway.,..........,. '.......'..8 Figure3. Henry M. JacksonHydroelectric Project Powerhouse and switchyard..............,........... 9 Figure4. The SultanRiver DiversionDam at RM 9.7. '.'..."' 11 Figure5. Actionarea.....,.,... ...'.......""14 Figure 6. The seasonalchanges in the relativeproportion of breedingand non-breeding murreletsin the marine and terrestrialenvironments within WashingtonState .........40 Figure7. Operationalreaches ,..'.".....'66 Figure8. Suitableand occupied marbled murrelet habitat within the action area......................,72 Figure9. MarshCreek slide area cover type map. ..'......'..."'98 Table1. Summaryof proposedLicense Articles. .'."'........'."16 Table 2. Streamlshorelinedistance and acresof reservoiror lakesdesignated as bull trout critical habitatby state. ...."".....'."34 Table3. Rangewidemurrelet demographic parameter.......'.'... .....'.".'....48 Table 4. Estimatedacres of suitablenesting habitat for the murreletmanaged by the Federaland non-Federalland managers in ConservationZonesI and2........'.".., ...'..50 Table 5. Comparisonof different habitatmodeling results for the Washingtonnearshore zone 5I Table6. Proposedprocess flow components. '...,.85 Table7. ProposedReach 2 instantaneousminimum flows' '...."'.'....""..88 Table8. DefaultReach 3 instantaneousminimum monthlyflow releases. .."".....'.'.89 Table9 Thresholddistances to protectthe marbledmurrelet from noisedisturbance. ....,...'...". 99 CONSULTATION HISTORY The Public Utility District No, I of SnohomishCounty (District) and the City of Everettr formally initiatedthe IntegratedLicensing Process for the Henry M. JacksonHydroelectric Project(Project) on DecemberI,2005, by filing a Notice of Intent for a new FederalEnergy RegulatoryCommission (FERC) Licenseand Pre-ApplicationDocument describing the Project and the existingenvironment (Snohomish County PUD and City of Everett 2005). The District subsequentlyconsulted with the resourceagencies and other stakeholdersto develop22 tecltrical studiesevaluating Project operations:geomorphology, water resources,fisheries, noxious weeds,wildlife habitat,recreation, cultural resources,andrare, threatened, and endangered species.The District usedthe resultsof thesestudies in combinationwith extensivestakeholder consultationto developa PreliminaryLicensing Proposal (Snohomish County PUD 2008),which was filed with the FERC on December3T,2008, and a Final LicenseApplication, which was filed on May 29,2009 (SnohomishCounty PUD 2009a). In a separatebut parallel processto the IntegratedLicensing Process, the District and the stakeholdersmet regularly in settlementnegotiation sessions in an attemptto developa settlementagreement for the relicensingof the Project. On October 14,2009, the District filed a SettlementAgreement and ProposedLicense Articles signedby the District, National Marine FisheriesService (NMFS), U.S. ForestService (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service(FWS), National Park Service,Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington StateDepartment of Ecology, Tulalip Tribes,Snohomish County, City of Everett,City of Sultan, andAmerican Whitewater(collectively known asthe SettlementParties) (Snohomish County PIJD 200eb). Together,the SettlementAgreement and ProposedLicense Articles representa comprehensive packagethat resolvesall relicensingissues among the SettlementParties. As such,the SettlementParties (including the FWS and NMFS) view the FERC's adoptionof the Proposed LicenseArticles (without materialmodification) as essentialfor orderly and timely implementationof the SettlementAgreement, On May 4,2010, the FERC publishedits Draft EnvironmentalAssessment (DEA) (FERC 2010). In the DEA, FERC staff recommendedrelicensing the Projectas proposed by the District with certainstaff modificationsand additionalmeasures. These modifications and additional measuresdiverge, in somecases, from what was includedin the SettlementParties' Proposed LicenseArticles. For purposesof this Section7 consultation,the DEA's StaffAlternative with Mandatory Conditions(FERC 2010) is the proposedaction and is describedin detail in the Descriptionof the Action sectionbelow. While the FERC's DEA typically servesas the Biological Assessment(BA) for the purposeof Section7 consultation,in a June 18, 2010, letter,the FWS notified the FERC that its DEA did not containsufficient information for the FWS to completeits Section7 consultation 1 The District and the City entered into an agreementin2007 in which the District would be the sole applicant for a new Licenseunder the FederalPower Act. Both the Dishict and the City petitionedFERC to issuea declaratory order finding that the District has sufficient rights to the City's properliesand facilities that are necessaryfor Project purposesand that the City neednot be a co-applicantfor a new Licenseto operatethe Project. FERC approvedthis reoueston December20,2001 . responsibilities.The FWS proposedto work with the District to developan adequateBA, consideringthis approachto be the most efficient way to obtain the information neededfor analysisand to completeits consultationresponsibilities in a timely manner. The FWS also indicatedthat formal consultationwould be initiatedupon receiptof a completeBA from the District or the FERC. During a June 16,2010, conferencecall with the District, NMFS supportedthe FWS requestregarding the needfor a more thoroughBA. The FERC submitted the final BA to the FWS on August 13,2010, FWS considersthis dateto be when formal consultationwas initiated. BIOLOGICAL OPINION DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION Project Location The Projectis locatedin the northwesternsection of WashingtonState, on the westernslopes of the CascadeMountains (Figure 1). The Projectfacilities are sitedon the SultanRiver between river mile (RM) 4.3 andRM 16.5,and betweenelevations, 285 and 1,470feet meansea level (msl). The Sultan River flows into the Skykomish River
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Community Relations Plan
    Community Relations Plan Rainy, Sunset, and Kromona Mine and Mill Sites Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Clean-Up Project Prepared by: Curtis Spalding Environmental Coordinator Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Rod Lentz On-Scene Coordinator Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests Approved By: _____________________________ Date: _____________ Y. ROBERT IWAMOTO Forest Supervisor Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................................3 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................4 Rainy Mine and Mill ...............................................................................................................4 Sunset Mine and Mill .............................................................................................................5 Kromona Mine and Mill ........................................................................................................6 SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES ............................................................................................8 COMMUNICATION STRATEGY ..............................................................................................8 History of Community Involvement and Project Awareness .................................................8 Key Community Concerns .....................................................................................................9
    [Show full text]
  • Sultan River Project Ferc No. 2157 Anadromws Fish
    SULTAN RIVER PROJECT FERC NO. 2157 ANADROMWS FISH MITIGATION STUDY PLANS (PROPOSED) JUNE, 1983 (Revised September. 1983) (Revised October, 1983) PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY EVERETT, WASHINGTON TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction 11. Steelhead Fishability (Creel Census) 111. Sediment Analysis (Textural composition) Study IV. Gravel Quantity Study v. Ramping Rate Study VI . Fish Passage (Powerhouse Berm) Study VII. River Temperature Study VIII. Schedule IX. References Appendix A Agreement on Additional Sediment Sampling I. INTRODUCTION Thls document presents fish mi tigation study plans for agency and tribal review and comment so as to jointly develop studies of the effect of project operation on anadromous fishery resources of the Sultan River. When Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 (District) applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for Stage I1 of the Sultan River Project (FERC No. 2157). several state and federal agencies and the Tulalip Tribes intervened over mitigation and enhancement issues concerning Sultan River aquatic resources. Subsequently, several 1icense articles addressed those issues in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Order Amending License dated October 16, 1981. In accordance with Article 60 a document entitled "Uncontested Offer of Settlement - Joint Agencies" was executed in April, 1982. The Commission approved this settlement on February 9, 1983. It included the series of studies mentioned in the Settlement Agreement and are described more fully in the next sections. During subsequent implementing steps in the studies the Joint Agencies have requested participation. Specific activities anticipated include technical review of consultant/contractor study plans, periodic monitoring of work through a study committee, and appropriate participation in field studies as described later.
    [Show full text]
  • Comprehensive Water System Plan (2011)
    Executive Summary PURPOSE OF THE PLAN The City of Snohomish’s (City) water system is a major infrastructure, much of which is invisible to the people that receive water from it. The water system requires qualified staff to operate and maintain it, and an ongoing capital improvement program to replace old components to meet the requirements mandated by federal and state laws. The primary purpose of the City’s Comprehensive Water System Plan (WSP) is to identify and schedule water system improvements that correct existing system deficiencies and ensure a safe and reliable supply of water to current and future customers. This WSP complies with Washington State Department of Health (DOH) regulations under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-290-100, which requires water purveyors to update their water system plans every six years. CHANGES SINCE THE LAST WSP The City’s last WSP was completed in 1994. The following changes have occurred since the last update that affect water system planning for the City. In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the United States Congress passed the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (H.R. 3448), which became effective June, 12, 2002. The act requires all public water systems serving a population of over 3,300 persons to prepare a water system Vulnerability Assessment Plan and update or prepare an Emergency Response Plan. The 2003 Municipal Water Law (HB1338), which became effective September 9, 2003, identifies additional elements related to water rights, system capacity, service area consistency and conservation that are required in all water system plans.
    [Show full text]
  • Sultan River, Wa
    Hydropower Project Summary SULTAN RIVER, WA HENRY M JACKSON HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (P-2157) Photo Credit: Snohomish County Public Utility District This summary was produced by the Hydropower Reform Coalition and River Management Society Sultan River, Washington SULTAN RIVER, WA HENRY M JACKSON HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (P-2157) DESCRIPTION: The Jackson Project is located on the Sultan River in northwestern Washington. The project’s authorized capacity is 111.8 megawatts (MW). The project is located on the Sultan River, 20 miles east of the City of Everett, Washington, in Snohomish County. The project occupies 10.9 acres of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest administered by the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service). Downstream of the project’s Culmback dam at Spada Lake, the Sultan River flows through a deep forested gorge for nearly 14 miles. The project powerhouse is located near the downstream end of the gorge. The District (Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County) currently operates the project to satisfy the City of Everett’s municipal water supply needs, protect aquatic resources, maintain Spada lake levels for summer recreation, and generate electricity. The new license requires additional measures to protect and enhance water quality, fish, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The twelve signatories to the Settlement Agreement are the District, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Forest Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. National Park Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Washington DFW), Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), Tulalip Tribes of Washington (Tulalip Tribes), Snohomish County, Washington; City of Everett; City of Sultan; and American Whitewater.
    [Show full text]
  • 20110209-5130 Ferc
    20110209-5130 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 2/9/2011 2:27:21 PM 20110209-5130 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 2/9/2011 2:27:21 PM 20110209-5130 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 2/9/2011 2:27:21 PM 20110209-5130 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 2/9/2011 2:27:21 PM Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Consultation Biological Opinion And Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation And Management Act Consultation Federal Energy Regulatory Commission License to operate the Jackson Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 2157 Located on the Sultan River HUC 17100090402 Snohomish County, Washington Action Agency: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Consultation Conducted by: National Marine Fisheries Service Northwest Region Hydropower Division NOAA Fisheries Log Number: F/NWR/2010/01972 Date: February 9, 2011 20110209-5130 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 2/9/2011 2:27:21 PM Jackson Hydroelectric Project Table of Contents LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 7 1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 9 1.1 Background and Consultation History
    [Show full text]
  • Decisions on Washington Place Names * Admiralty Inlet
    DECISIONS ON WASHINGTON PLACE NAMES * ADMIRALTY INLET. That part of Puget Sound from Strait of Juan de Fuca to the lines: (1) From southernmost point of Double Bluff, Island County, to the northeast point of Foulweather Bluff, Kit­ sap County, Wash. (2) From northwest point of Foulweather Bluff to Tala Point, Jefferson County, Wash. ANNETTE. Lake, at head of Humpback Creek, west of Silver Peak, King County, Wash. BACON. Creek, tributary to Skagit River northeast of Diobsud Creek, Skagit County, Wash. BEDAL. Creek, tributary to South Fork Sauk River, Snohomish County, Wash. (not Bedel). BIG BEAR. Mountain (altitude, 5,612 feet), south of Three Fing­ ers Mountain and north of Windy Pass, Snohomish County, Wash. BLAKELy. 1 Rock, in Puget Sound, 7 miles west from Seattle, Kitsap County, Wash. (Not Blakeley.) BONANZA. Peak (altitude, 9,500 feet), Chelan County, Wash. (Not Mt. Goode nor North Star Mountain.) CHI KAMIN . Peak (elevation, about 7,000 feet), head of Gold Creek, 2 miles east of Huckleberry Mountain, Kittitas County, Wash. CHINOOK. Pass, T. 16 N., R. 10 E., crossing the summit of the Cascade Range, at head of Chinook Creek, Mount Rainier National Park, Pierce and Yakima Counties, Wash. (Not McQuellan.) CLEAR. Creek, rising in Clear Lake and tributary to Sank River, Ts. 31 and 32 N., Rs. 9 and 10, Snohomish County, Wash. ( ot North Fork of Clear.) DEL CAMPO. Peak, head of Weden Creek, Snohomish County, Wash. (Not Flag.) DIOBSUD. Creek, rising near Mount Watson, and tributary to Skagit River from west, Skagit County, Wash. (Not Diabase nor Diosub.) • A bulletin containing the decisions of the United States Geographic Board from July 1, 1916, to July 1, 1918, has appeared.
    [Show full text]
  • Spadarecsites 519 Web.Pdf
    The Sultan Basin has a rich history as a public resource. Loggers, prospectors, fishermen, hikers, and mountain climbers have all made extensive use of the basin over the past century. Today, the basin also supplies 75 percent Spada Lake Reservoir is the principal source of drinking water for 75 percent of Snohomish County’s population. As a result, mainte- of Snohomish County with drinking water and provides nance of high water quality is of primary importance. Water quality clean, renewable electricity. depends upon responsible public observation of the following: WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS An active program to enhance fish and wildlife habitat in 1. Boat launching only at designated locations. the area is an important benefit of the project. With the 2. No combustion engines allowed on Spada Lake Reservoir. 3. Licensed motorized vehicle operation on improved roads only. completion of multiple recreation sites in the basin, the 4. Picnicking only at approved sites. SPADA LAKE RESERVOIR RECREATIONAL SITES public has improved access to the reservoir and the Sultan 5. Pets must remain in vehicles or be leashed at all times. River for fishing, picnicking, hiking, and other activities. 6. No overnight camping. 7. No swimming, wading and/or water-contact activities in creeks or Spada Lake Reservoir. he Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project was Most recreation sites were opened for public use in the sum- 8. No inflatable devices on Spada Lake Reservoir. constructed and is operated by Snohomish County mer of 1991 with additional sites added in 2013. These IMPORTANT T PUD under a license granted by the Federal Energy facilities provide: access for fishing and boating, picnic ar- All sources of water within the basin are untreated, and consumption Regulatory Commission (Project #2157) in 2011.
    [Show full text]
  • 1976 Bicentennial Mckinley South Buttress Expedition
    THE MOUNTAINEER • Cover:Mowich Glacier Art Wolfe The Mountaineer EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Verna Ness, Editor; Herb Belanger, Don Brooks, Garth Ferber. Trudi Ferber, Bill French, Jr., Christa Lewis, Mariann Schmitt, Paul Seeman, Loretta Slater, Roseanne Stukel, Mary Jane Ware. Writing, graphics and photographs should be submitted to the Annual Editor, The Mountaineer, at the address below, before January 15, 1978 for consideration. Photographs should be black and white prints, at least 5 x 7 inches, with caption and photo­ grapher's name on back. Manuscripts should be typed double· spaced, with at least 1 Y:z inch margins, and include writer's name, address and phone number. Graphics should have caption and artist's name on back. Manuscripts cannot be returned. Properly identified photographs and graphics will be returnedabout June. Copyright © 1977, The Mountaineers. Entered as second·class matter April8, 1922, at Post Office, Seattle, Washington, under the act of March 3, 1879. Published monthly, except July, when semi-monthly, by The Mountaineers, 719 Pike Street,Seattle, Washington 98101. Subscription price, monthly bulletin and annual, $6.00 per year. ISBN 0-916890-52-X 2 THE MOUNTAINEERS PURPOSES To explore and study the mountains, forests, and watercourses of the Northwest; To gather into permanentform the history and tra­ ditions of thisregion; To preserve by the encouragement of protective legislation or otherwise the natural beauty of NorthwestAmerica; To make expeditions into these regions in fulfill­ ment of the above purposes; To encourage a spirit of good fellowship among all loversof outdoor life. 0 � . �·' ' :···_I·:_ Red Heather ' J BJ. Packard 3 The Mountaineer At FerryBasin B.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 5 Natural Environment
    CHAPTER 5: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 5.1 Introduction Sultan’s natural environment has shaped the city since its very inception with Sultan and Skykomish Rivers providing key transportation routes, accommodating the floating logs from the surrounding forest, to the bluff and plateau shaping the traditional Sultan core. The Natural Environment element combines several environmentally related topics, including critical areas (wetlands, critical aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, and geologically hazardous areas), water and air quality, and shorelines. Sultan has many of these features throughout its 2,304 acre Urban Growth Area. The purpose of this chapter is to identify those natural features, especially those classified as critical areas. Perhaps one of Sultan’s most prominent features is its rivers and creeks. Three major rivers, a creek, and numerous minor streams drain the Sultan urban growth area. The Skykomish River flows west across the southern city draining into Puget Sound at Everett. The Sultan River flows south across the western city limits to its confluence with the Skykomish River. The Wallace River south and east of Sultan joins the Skykomish River in Sultan near Skywall Drive. Winters Creek originates north of Sultan and flows southwest before joining the Sultan River north of Osprey Park. Wagley Creek originates east of the City and flows west and southwest before joining the Skykomish River near Sultan Basin Road. Unnamed streams and water courses flow into the Sultan River and Wagley Creek. The river and tributaries drain the Sultan UGA within 3 principal basins: The Lower Sultan River Basin drains the Sultan River valley into Winters Creek and the Sultan River.
    [Show full text]
  • Featuring Community Events, Local Business Listings, Recreational Opportunities, Outdoor Adventure Information and More
    Featuring Community Events, Local business listings, Recreational opportunities, Outdoor adventure information and more. Made possible with grant assistance from The Snohomish County Hotel-Motel tax fund. 923 Main Street, Sultan (360) 217-8174 2 Welcome to the Sky Valley! Located just 45 miles Northeast of Seattle, the Skykomish Valley region boasts many outdoor activities such as kayaking, white water rafting, skiing, hiking, biking, camping, hunting, fishing, and even gold panning to name a few. In recent years the Skykomish River has been recognized as one of the top 5 destination rivers for fishing by national outdoor & sporting magazines. With strong annual Chinook, Coho, Pink and Chum Salmon runs, the rivers can be seen lined with fishermen year round. The Sultan River will come alive with Pink Salmon in the fall of odd number years only. This amazing spectacle of nature is best observed at Sultans’ Osprey Park. Now that the secret is out, the Sky Valley has fast become a haven for fishermen and outdoor adventure seekers from across the region. The Sky Valley is a friendly area that welcomes all adventure seekers. Nestled in the foothills of the picturesque Cascade Mountain Range you can find your own personal adventure. Whether it’s rock climbing or extreme downhill mt. biking or reading by the fire we have what you need to recharge your battery. Established in the late 1880’s, the Sky Valley has a rich and colorful heritage. Logging, mining and agriculture provided the economic and cultural foundation in those early years. Today, we protect the wonderful way of life that our residents have treasured for over one hundred years and welcome new friends.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Temperature Conditions in the Snohomish River Basin July 2021
    Water Temperature Conditions in the Snohomish River Basin July 2021 Prepared for: Snohomish River Basin Salmon Recovery Technical Committee Prepared by: Josh Kubo, Andrew Miller, and Emily Davis. King County Water Land and Resources Division. Acknowledgements: Project Team: Emily Davis, Elissa Ostergaard, Kollin Higgins, Andrew Miller, and Josh Kubo Reviewers: Matt Baerwalde, Dave Beedle, Keith Binkley, Steve Britsch, Curtis DeGasperi, Aimee Fullerton, Kollin Higgins, Heather Kahn, Janne Kaje, Frank Leonetti, Kurt Nelson, Elissa Ostergaard, Colin Wahl. Recommended Citation: Kubo, J., A. Miller, and E. Davis. 2021. Water Temperature Conditions in the Snohomish River Basin. King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Water Land and Resources Division, Seattle, WA. July, 2021 Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... 3 Why is water temperature important for salmon recovery? ................................................................... 6 Drivers of Water Temperature ............................................................................................................... 10 Human Alterations to Aquatic Thermal Regimes ................................................................................... 16 Water Temperature Standards in the Snohomish River Basin ............................................................... 21 Water Temperature Conditions in the Snohomish River Basin .............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Sultan River Physical Process Studies Final Technical Report
    Study Plan 22: Sultan River Physical Process Studies Final Technical Report Prepared for Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 Everett, WA Prepared by Stillwater Sciences 1314 NE 43rd Street, Suite 210 Seattle, WA 98105 and Meridian Environmental 1900 N Northlake Way Suite 211 Seattle, WA 98103 June 2008 Jackson Hydroelectric Project Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...........................................................................................................V 1.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................1 1.1 Study Area Description and River Reach Delineation ................................................ 1 2.0 INDIVIDUAL STUDIES.........................................................................................................5 2.1 Sediment Input, Routing, and Fate .............................................................................. 5 2.1.1 Sediment Input ............................................................................................................ 5 2.1.1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 5 2.1.1.2 Methods for estimating sediment production ............................................... 5 2.1.1.3 Results .......................................................................................................... 6 2.1.2 Sediment Transport Capacity (EASI).......................................................................
    [Show full text]