Lower Salmon River Project June 19, 2006 – August 11, 2006

Project Team

Greer Anderson Fish & Wetland Ecologist

Mary Bushman Botanist

Corrina C. Chase Marine Aff airs

Grant Morehead Urban & Regional Planning

Sarah Schrock Landscape Architecture

Project Managers: Karen Bennett & Katie Brehm

Continuing a Vision for a Treasured Landscape Acknowledgements We would like to sincerely thank the following people and organizations for their technical, logistical, moral, and organizational support of this project.

Facilitating Partners Technical Advisors Advisory Board USDA Forest Service–Siuslaw National Forest Fred Barrett, Author & local historian Douglas Beauchamp Bob Nailer Sitka Center for Art & Ecology Karen Bennett, U.S. Forest Service Marty Bell’s Brother Lenny Nelson Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council Melany Berry, Westwind Stewardship Group Duncan Berry Betty Nicholson Neskowin Valley School Carol Bickford, Nestucca Neskowin Watershed Council Melissa Blach Maggie Phillips Cascade Pacifi c RC&D Dan Bottom, NOAA, Oregon State University Frank Boyden Dave Pickering George Buckingham, U.S. Forest Service Jane Boyden Paul Robertson John Casteel, U.S. Forest Service Nancy Chase Gina Schrock Jessica Dole, U.S. Forest Service Donna Coon Eric Scott Dr. Robert Frenkel, Oregon State University Mike Downing Joyce Sherman Ayesha Gray, South Slough National Estuarine Reserve Jack Doyle Marty Sherman Sarah Greene,U.S. Forest Service PNW Research Station Laura Doyle Russ Smith Ann Hall, N. Lincoln County Historical Museum John Fielder Ben Soeby Kurt Heckeroth, Bureau of Land Management Maralyn Gerdes Derek Sowers P.O. Box 65 Eddie Huckins, Lincoln County Soil and Don Gnos Virginia Tardaeweether Otis, OR 97368 Water Conservation District Milton Gnos Terry Timmerman (541) 994-5485 Paul Katen, Salmon Drift Creek Waterhshed Council Dave Heller Bob Walls www.sitkacenter.org Dan Kauff man, Kauff man Excavating Chris Hollingsworth Arlene Walls Harold Kauff man, Kauff man Excating Randall Koch SALMON Ryan Kehr, Oregon State Police DRIFT CREEK Robert Kentta, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians WATERSHED Katie McKenzie, Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council COUNCIL Debbie Pickering, Th e Nature Conservancy John Sanchez, U.S. Forest Servce, Siuslaw National Forest Organizational Volunteers Fred Seavey, USF&W Neskowin Valley School Staff Si Simonstad, University of Washington SIUSLAW Sitka Center Staff John Spangler, ODFW NATIONAL FOREST Paul Katen Ann Squier, CHSRA & Westwind Stewardship Group HEBO RANGER David Ousele, technical support Phyllis Steeves, U.S. Forest Service DISTRICT Gale Ousele

31525 Hwy 22 Hebo, OR 97122 (503) 392-3161 AcknowledgementsContents Contents We would like to sincerely thank the following people and organizations for their technical, logistical, moral, and organizational support of this project.

Introduction Project Statement and Goals...... 2 Fish...... 25 Th e Student Intern Process...... 3 Aquatic Findings...... 27 Site Context...... 5 Aquatic Recommendations...... 28 Plant Communities...... 29 Policy Framework Wildlife...... 31 Terrestrial Habitats...... 32 Overview...... 7 Terrestrial Findings...... 33 Cascade Head Scenic Research Area Act...... 8 Terrestrial Recommendations...... 34 Tools for Managing the Salmon River Landscape...... 9 Regulatory Landscape...... 10 Projects Education Overview...... 35

Overview...... 11 Watershed-Scale Projects: Local Context...... 11 Educational Organizations...... 11 Build Partnerships...... 37 Education Recommendations...... 12 CHSRA Management Plan...... 38 People and the Estuary...... 39 Introduction Land Use and Values Education ...... 41 Invasive Species Management...... 43 Traditional Land Uses of the Salmon River People...... 13 Arrival of Euro-Americans & Reservation History...... 14 Site-Specifi c Projects: Th e 20th Century Landscape...... 15 Development & Recreation Era...... 16 Pixieland...... 45 Current Land Uses...... 17 Tamara Quays...... 51 Cultural Recommendations...... 18 U.S. HWY 101...... 55 Waterways...... 57 Th ree Rocks Road and Knight Park...... 59 Ecology Dikes and Ditches...... 61 Geology and Soils...... 19 Hydrology...... 20 Estuarine Function...... 21 Bibliography...... 63 Aquatic Habitat...... 23 Introduction Project Statement Th e purpose of the Lower Salmon River Project is to provide a visionary plan of recommendations for restoration projects in the estuary and associated uplands. Community input is refl ected in our recommendations as well as the philosophy of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area Act and United Nations Biosphere Reserve designation: to protect the Salmon River Estuary while providing opportunities for research, enjoyment, and education.

Th is document provides a historical landscape perspective and characterizes current political, cultural, and ecological conditions in the study area. By looking to the past, this project respects the diverse cultural heritage of indigenous and pioneer occupants of the land, as well as current landowners and stakeholders. Based on an integrated process of research, fi eld studies, and public input, recommendations are presented to assist stakeholders in identifying key actions to enhance ecological function across the landscape.

PROJECT PREMISE Goals In order to understand how the Lower Salmon River • To develop a planning document that will review historic context, area is functioning as a whole, the area was analyzed characterize current conditions, and make recommendations for without regard to ownership. However, it is the sole future restoration and management in the Lower Salmon River. decision of each landowner and management agency to follow through with the recommendations in this document. • Th e project will refl ect community ideas and needs for meeting the goals of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area Act and UN Biosphere Reserve objectives.

1 Project Statement & Goals adjacent environment, there ishereby establishedtheCascade Head Scenic-Research Area...” area for research and scientific purposes, and to promote a more sensitive relationship between man and his riv “...In order to provide present and future generations with the use and enjoyment of certain ocean headlands, ers, streams, estuaries, and forested areas, to ensure the protection and encourage the study of a significant 2 (CHSRA, 1974)

Introduction Th e Student-Intern Process Th e People Involved

Th is project is one of a series of similar projects sponsored bythe • Student Team: fi ve graduate students were chosen for the Siuslaw National Forest. Th ese projects have all had a common summer charrette process, described at right. Th ese students structure involving an advisory board, student team, timeline, and were from universities across the Pacifi c Northwest and had well- similar product. rounded backgrounds in the fi elds of botany, fi sheries, landscape architecture, marine aff airs, and urban and regional planning. • A partnership was developed between the Siuslaw National Forest, Cascade Pacifi c RC&D, Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, • Advisory board: A call out to the community, agencies, and and the Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council to facilitate the other relevant experts was made, inviting people to attend the project. Later, during the summer, Neskowin Valley School off ered open public meetings and to advise the student team. support through the use of a classroom for offi ce space. • Project Manager: Katie Brehm, who was an a AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer for the Sitka Center and the Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Councilwas hired to gather information, facilitate logistics, and get the advisory board together.

The advisory board included local residents and representatives from the Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council, the Westwind Stewardship Group, the Oregon Department of The team (left to right) Back: Karen Bennett (Siuslaw National Forest Watershed Program Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, the Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation Manager), Mary Bushman, Sarah Schrock, Katie Brehm (Project Manager). Front: Corrina District, Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, the Nature Conservancy, and the South Slough Chase, Greer Anderson, Grant Morehead. National Estuarine Research Reserve.

3 Th e Student-Intern Process • • • • • • Th Charrette Summer e bs o udrtnig f eore odtos vle, and values, conditions, functions throughout thestudyarea. resource of understanding of base team student a the give to professionals and experts local with implement watershedscalerestoration efforts. tributary creeks by the Midcoast the Watershed Assessment, and the of desire to some of restoration to assigned priority the high Quays, Tamara of purchase recent the were to decision contributed this that Factors Forest. National Siuslaw the by Collective Learning: Learning: Collective Knowledge Transfer: Selection: Site n o egt ek te tdns u ter recommendations their put together andcraftedthisdocument. students the weeks eight of end recommendationsare showcaseddocument. At this in later t evaluated according to the identified goals and constraints. Final wereopportunities identified. Alternatives were developed and and criteria were established. With further input, problems and goals information, this With River. Salmon Lower the valued Th sharing. e students and used community the how asked fi rst four of series a meetings and focused the community collection input and student data information Field large. at members fields collaborated with each other, stakeholders, and community Landowners Scientists Agencies Public NGOs Logistic Support Technical and

Committee Information Values and

Advisory Advisory Feed back opinions T h e Salmon River was chosen as a study site a study as chosen was Th River e Salmon Th e initial week isfi lled with conversations Five graduate students from a variety of variety a from students graduate Five Presention ofrecommendations Direct CommunicationDirect Information andvalue sharing Problem andgoaldefinition Public Meetings Option evaluation Multi-discliplanary Graduate Multi-discliplanary Define project scope project Define Develop and criteria ecological, fisheries, recommendations Final Document Review historical,Review Field assesments policy research policy Student Team and goals he Marine Affairs Marine ArchitectureLandscape Land Use Planning Fisheries Ecology andEstuarine Botany before a deadline. a before onto thecarttocompletetheirdrawings Century the at students architecture fithe collect to around pushed cart the from meaning and art by work nal The community. the with jointly evaluated and developed are ideas shared, deadline. a before Char•rette shared, ideas are developed and evaluated jointly with the community. the with jointly evaluated and developed are ideas shared, original . Students . surt) n nesv efr t fins a ein project design a fi nish to effort intensive An (shu-ret’) surt) n nesv efr t fins a ein project design a fi nish to effort intensive An (shu-ret’) wor securing offundingwillneed tooccur. compliance and process, PolicyActEnvironmental National the planning, with project and study detailed to inspire more reality, become here presented used ideas the Before partners. be local various and Service Forest U.S. the by implementation will document e Th is Th is d

often rushed frantically to fito wor frantically their rushed nish often often rushed frantically to fito wor frantically their rushed nish often Now, rnh o “at o “hro” n drvd t new its derived and “chariot” or “cart” for French Product also an iterative process where knowledge is knowledge where process iterative an also also an iterative process where knowledge is knowledge where process iterative an also École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the 19th the in Paris in Beaux-Arts des École École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the 19th the in Paris in Beaux-Arts des École . Project ProcessProject 4 k, climbing 4 Introduction Site Context

The Salmon River meets the Pacific Ocean on the central Oregon coast, approximately four miles north of Lincoln City. The study area encompasses 16.1 square miles in the western portion of the 75 square mile Salmon River watershed, straddling Lincoln and Tillamook Counties. A substantial portion of the Cascade Head Experimental Forest and the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area (CHSRA) lie within the study area. Congress created CHSRA in 1974 in order to maintain and enhance the scenic and ecological qualities of the area. Additionally, CHSRA has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations’ Man and Biosphere Programme. Together with Olympic National Park in Washington, CHSRA represents the North American coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem in the global Biosphere Reserve Programme. Approximately two-thirds of the study area is privately owned, with the remainder managed by the USDA Forest Service. Pursuant to CHSRA and the Northwest Forest Plan, the Forest Service has broad authority to guide management decisions on public and private land.

Cascade Head & the mouth of the Salmon River

5 Site Context Boundary County 6 2 Miles

Introduction L AWS & POLICIES IN ESTUARIES Policy Framework Estuaries play a vital role in the ecosystem and economic health of Oregon, providing important fi sh and wildlife habitat as well as recreation and commercial opportunities for people. Th e key to management is balancing sometimes confl icting uses to protect ecosystem functions that in turn Overview support human values. Th e following laws and policies are the framework Federal within which our recommendations can be made. Th e Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects species that are threatened by a multi-agency task force and coordinates many activities from the or in danger of extinction and the habitats upon which they depend. international to state level. Terrestrial and riverine species are administered by the U.S. Fish and Th e Cascade Head Scenic Research Area Act (CHSRA) Wildlife Service. Th e marbled murrelet, spotted owl, and Oregon sets specifi c silverspot butterfl y are all listed as threatened species by the ESA and have regulations in the study area. Beyond the boundaries of CHSRA, federal Northwest Forest Plan protected habitat within our study area. NOAA Fisheries is responsible lands are under the guidance established by the in for marine species, including anadromous fi sh such as salmon. Coho has 1994. recently been removed from ESA listing due to a court case regarding Ecologically Signifi cant Unit defi nitions. State Oregon Beach Bill Th e National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulates any Th e mandates free and uninterrupted access by the major action funded by a federal agency. Th ere are several levels of public to the beach below the line of vegetation. Th e Statewide Planning environmental analysis required by federal agencies depending upon the Goals for Shorelines requires local governments to protect public access to determined level of impact to the environment. Prior to implementation these beaches. Earlier legislation established the wet sands as owned by the on federal lands, all actions recommended in this document would state for the purpose of public highway and recreational use. require some level of environmental analysis, of which public comment Th e Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds recommends and supports is a key aspect. public and private volunteer measures aimed at restoring fi sh populations Th e Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Rivers and Harbors Act regulate and watershed health through habitat restoration, improved water quality, release of pollutants into rivers and wetlands. Oregon’s Department and increased water quantity. Th e Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection and the Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District lead local Agency administer and enforce the CWA. Total Maximum Daily Loads eff orts. (TMDLs) are established to limit the amount of pollutants released into Th e Native Fish Conservation Policy requires ODFW to maintain and waterways. In the Salmon River, TMDLs are in the process of being restore naturally-produced native fi sh species through species management established by DEQ. Existing water quality data is being collected by unit level conservation plans. the Salmon Drift Watershed Council. Statewide Planning Goal 16 designates the Salmon River estuary as a Th e Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act, “natural” estuary. Undeveloped recreation, research and educational amended as the National Invasive Species Act, created a program to observations, passive or active restoration, and other uses that are compatible combat the spread of invasive species. Th e program is administered with the natural designation needs are allowed.

Coastal Zone Management Act Oregon Oswald Act (beaches Cascade Head Experimental Submerged Lands Act Oregon Beach Bill Marine Mammal Protection Act Endangered Species Act CHSRA Act Fisheries Conservation and Management Act are a public highway) Oregon Land Use Act Statewide Planning Goals Forest established Clean Water Act 1974 1976 7 Policy Framework 1913 1934 1953 1967 1972 1973 1913 are a publichighway) Oregon Oswald Act (beaches

1934 Forest established Cascade HeadExperimental

1953 Submerged Lands Act

1967 Oregon Beach Bill management directions forallofthelandswithinCHSRA. Text isdividedbelow asoriginatingfrom the following year, providing definitions and specific procedures for implementation of the Act. Th e management plan,Th published in 1977, further specifi 1974. in congress by enacted the was published e CHSRA act specifi were guidelines e Final theTh area. of ed and boundaries rules, basic edpurpose, ThCascade e Head ResearchScenic Act Area 0 Sand Dune-Spit Coastline 1972 Headlands and subareas and subareas CHSRA Boundary Clean Water Act Marine Mammal Protection Act Coastal ZoneManagement Act The CHSRA Boundary CHSRA Boundary The and Subareas 1 Mile Wetlands Estuary and Associated Slopes Upper Timbered Residential Lower SlopeDispersed

1973 Oregon Land Use Act Endangered Species Act being onfederallandinthearea from 11/2hours before sunriseandaftersunset the impacts of the hatchery ontheestuary.the impactsofhatchery Th permitting. studying or in use, ODFW regulating with access, cooperate will e Service Forest If limiting 5mph. patterns, use changing of including possibly maximum taken, be will a measures damage, causes at public and ramp boat the of west the to only allowed be should boating Motorized dispersed. well be and persons 10 to size group limit to encouraged be will Visitors signifia is solve. 101 Highwayto U.S. attempt shall man. USFS of the that problem diking cant ThPlan: infl the from free system estuarine a functioning to restoration is goal e long-term uences land here withoutconsentoftheowners. andAssociated Estuary in interest Wetlands or Th land any protection. acquire with may compatible e USFS recreation dispersed Act: Th is area is managed forfi sh and wildlife, scenic, and research-education values, while allowing to horses and hikers. Th e grassy headland areas on Cascade Head may require administrative require action tolimit accessifresource damageoccurs. may Head Cascade on areas Th headland e grassy hikers. and horses to Plan: Motorized travel shall be only on existing public roads. Cross country and trail use is limited Headlands Upper Timbered Slope and and extensive research andeducationalactivities. recreation selective allowing while values wildlife and scenic Th Act:protect to managed is e area *Following signing of the management plan, a Combined Federal Regulation (CFR) was established that prohibits limit size to10persons.If resource damageisfound,usewillbecurtailed. Plan: Overnight use can continue at current rate*. Groups should be dispersed and encouraged to CoastlineandSand Dune-Spit and extensive research andeducationalactivities. recreation selective allowing while values wildlife and scenic Th Act:protect to managed is e area goal here. research a be will use agricultural effuse, occupancy,of recreation Monitoringresidential of ects Plan: Properties on which additional houses are developed will lose protection from condemnation. Lower Slope-Dispersed Residential to protect scenic,soil,watershed,fish, andwildlifevalues. Act: Here, dispersed residences, agriculture, and selective recreation is allowed. Th e area is managed

1974 HR c Fisheries ConservationandManagement Act CHSRA Act

1976 Statewide Planning Goals CHSRA Act ortheManagement Plan.

8

Policy Framework Tools for Managing the Salmon River Landscape Management Partners Managing the landscape of the Salmon River is a complicated task. Th ere are many overlapping jurisdictions, policies, and stakeholders. Watershed councils are designed to address these issues, bringing together a range of expertise and people to coordinate problem solving in a complex setting. Th e Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council serves northern Lincoln County and the Midcoast Watershed Council serves farther south, with some overlapping projects and people. Th e agency with the most responsibility in this area is the U.S. Forest Service, as the CHSRA is managed by the Siuslaw National Forest. Some of the problems and opportunities that have been identifi ed in the lower Salmon River watershed can be addressed partially through changes in policies or law. In order to identify how this can be done, it is helpful to have a clear overview of jurisdictions. Th e graphic to the right depicts many of the relevant jurisdictions and regulations that apply to the study area. Using these policy tools is one way to approach some of the problems in the Salmon River area. CAPACITY STUDY Community Support Generally, eff orts are more successful if they are well-supported by the community. Eecreational crowding can decrease the quality of an experience. However, if access is limited, fewer people will be able to visit. A carrying capacity study is Groups such as the Salmon River Keepers have made signifi cant headway through peer a social science tool that is used in national parks, wilderness areas, and other education, reporting of illegal activities, and other eff orts to minimize the negative such settings to determine the optimal trade-off between an uncrowded impacts of high densities of recreational fi shing. Initiatives to change regulations are experience and suffi cient access. A carrying capacity study can also take into best done in consultation with groups such as these. Th ere is a degree of support account impacts on natural resources, safety, and economic benefi ts. for limiting motorized boats to below U.S. Hwy 101, limiting parking space, and Some of the feedback from the community refl ected frustration with using a capacity study to make decisions about the amount of parking that should be overcrowding of fi shermen during fi shing season. As well as causing safety available. Landowners who wish to acquire support to minimize ecological impacts and environmental problems, this crowding has decreased the quality of the fi shing experience here enough for some people that they avoid being near on their land can work with local agencies such as the river even when they live directly on it. • NRCS (Farm Service Agency), A capacity study could be used to determine a target density of fi shermen, • Lincoln County Soil and Water hikers, and other recreationalists visiting the area. Parking availability, permits, and other direct or indirect methods to limit numbers can then be Conservation District applied in order to achieve target numbers. • Salmon Drift & Midcoast Watershed Councils Advisory Committee Th e CHSRA Management Plan interprets the goals and general rules in the CHSRA Act into more direct mandates for management within the CHSRA. Th is plan was written as an interim plan with intention for it to be updated periodically. While some aspects of the management plan show signs of its age, much of it is forward-thinking and does not confl ict directly with our recommendations. Th e management plan was developed by the Siuslaw National Forest in consultation with an advisory committee. To update the management plan, an advisory committee would need to be re-formed, as the original one was disbanded. Th is would include up to 11 members, designated by Lincoln and Tillamook Counties, the Governor of Oregon, and the Forest Supervisor. Because the committee is mandated by a Congressional act, the Federal Ryan Kerr, area law enforcement Advisory Committee Act does not confl ict with reforming the advisory council. Oregon Coastal National Estuary Program N o r t h A m e r i c a n W e t l a n d s N o n i n d i g e n o u s A q u a t i c Management Program Conservation Act N u i s a n c e P r e v e n t i o n and Control Act 9 Management Tools 1977 1987 1989 1990 Landscape Regulatory Fish andWildlifeService. silverspot butterfl y. Administered byU.S. murrelet, spottedowl,andtheOregon Endangered Species Act protectsmarbled Endangered Specieshabitat: The Administered byUSFW. Act protectsanimalssuchas seals. The MarineMammalProtection

1994 Northwest ForestPlan County ParksandRecreation. owned andmanagedbyLincoln Knight Parkandtheboatrampare Supervisor. Decisions aremadebytheSNFForest and determinationrequirements. to substantialchangenotifi cation Activities onallownershipsaresubject through theHeboRangerDistrict. Siuslaw NationalForestService The CHSRA isadministered bythe 2000 Estuary Restoration Act Oregon’s beaches,whicharepublic. and naturalresourcevalues for preservation oftherecreation, scenic, oversees theprotectionand Oregon ParksandRecreation boating accessanduse. The StateMarineBoardregulates

2001 Oregon andadministeredbyDSL. beneath itareownedbythestateof The riverandthesubmergedlands Species Management Plan Oregon Aquatic Nuisance threatened orendangered (including salmon)iftheybecome management ofanadromousfi sh NOAA Fisheriesisresponsible for CHSRA Boundary and removalpermits Engineers regulatewetlandfi ll DSL andthe Army Corpsof

2004 Measure 37 Northwest ForestPlanapply. Standards &guidelinesfromthe R egulatory Landscape 10 Landscape egulatory Enforced byStatePolice. hunting areallowedinthisarea. by ODFW. Onlybowandshotgun are managed Fishing andhunting of theSiletz. for theConfederated Tribes within thegatheringarea of GrandRonde.Itisalso of theConfederated Tribes fi shing, andgatheringarea is withinthehunting, The SalmonRiverEstuary

Policy Framework Education Overview Capacity Needs Student needs include internships and other career-related experiences, Lori Hollingsworth, mayor of Lincoln City, envisions her community scientifi c data collection projects, art education, and senior project subjects. as becoming a “Green City,” one that refl ects its citizens’ care for the Additionally, transportation, resource staff to link students and teachers with environment. One of the best ways to promote environmental stewardship education opportunities, a website for access to data records, equipment and is through education. When people connect to a place—a real plot of earth storage, a wet lab, maps, and other curricular materials are key components of that is welcoming, inspiring, interesting, even healing—they return, and a successful education program. they begin to care, feel responsible, and participate. Outreach work already begun, such as the development of this planning document, will ensure public participation in the restoration of the lower Salmon River watershed by engaging community resources and residents of the area, both youth and Education Organizations adults. To accomplish this in a sustainable way, new organizational capacities Sitka Center for Art & Ecology in community organizing and outreach need to be developed, opportunities Th e Sitka Center established as a 501(c)(3) in 1970, is operated as a public we encourage and hope to help initiate through these recommendations. educational project of the Neskowin Coast Foundation. Founded by artists Frank and Jane Boyden, the Center’s mission is “To expand the relationships “I don’t want to go between art, nature, and humanity through workshops, presentations, and for a hike, I want to individual research projects; and to maintain a facility appropriate to its pull blackberries!” needs that is in harmony with the unique coastal environment of Cascade --Career Tech High School Natural Head.” Th e Sitka Center campus has four studios & residences, and a library. Resource Crew student’s response, Sitka off ers workshops and direct access to the Crowley Creek meadow as an when informed that she would go for outdoor classroom. Artists-in-residence perform community outreach during a hike up Cascade Head instead of removing invasive species on Crowley their stays. Currently, they staff an Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Creek. Crowley Creek Ecology Project. June 22, 2006: The advisory board placed a high Local Context priority on the education potential in the estuary Camp Westwind Camp Westwind opened in 1937, with subsequent land acquisitions that A Need for Service-oriented Learning Opportunities have increased its size up to 700 acres. A barge ferries campers and supplies In order to meet the Certifi cate of Initial Mastery (CIM) and Certifi cate from Knight Park to the south shore of the Salmon River. Th e Westwind of Advanced Mastery (CAM) requirements for graduation, all Oregon Stewardship Group (WSG) recently acquired funding to purchase and place high school students must perform scientifi c inquiry work, involving data into conservation easement over 500 acres on the south side of the Salmon collection and analysis. Students are also required to have career-related River and along the coast. Th e site will continue to host the Portland YWCA experience and a senior project. Service-oriented learning opportunities in Camp. WSG is working with local government, academic, and private sector the lower Salmon River could help fulfi ll the new requirements. entities to fi nd ways to increase the role of scientifi c education and inquiry in its programming. 11 Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council Th e Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council (SDCWC) started as a advocacy group in 2000, and became a 501(c)(3) in 2005. Watershed issues include water quantity, water quality, restoration and education. Current Capacity: In addition to clean-up days and annual events, SDCWC sponsors lectures on topics such as native and invasive vegetation, naturescape gardening, pesticides/herbicides, estuary restoration, and sustainable forestry. Inside a small offi ce and lab in Lincoln City Hall, SDCWC performs water quality monitoring for parameters including turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, bacteria and pH. Th e watershed council is made up of a dedicated and skilled group of volunteers and one paid part- time coordinator. Th ey are seeking to increase meeting attendance, volunteer participation, and increase organizational, outreach & education capacity. Education Recommendations A place to learn by observing dynamic environmental processes Encourage personal discovery • Facilitate documentation of changes induced by humans or natural processes: volunteer monitoring • Indicate and provide access for the purpose of observation and discovery both onsite and off site • Encourage interdisciplinary education and programs that are based on personal interests July 16, 2006: Mike Walsh from Nestucca Valley Middle School demonstrates photopoint monitoring techniques with Natural Resource Crews from Career Tech High School Promote a sustainable, healthy ecosystem through education “Many of the classes that Education • Facilitate stewardship: invasive species education, water quality, pollution control have traditionally captured • Promote understanding of natural processes high school students’ • Facilitate learning about traditional land uses interest and taught them life-long skills are no longer being offered as part of the Inclusiveness: Opportunities for all to participate in meaningful ways curriculum.” --Rachel Yoder, Taft High School Math Teacher • Encourage and accommodate use by existing education-oriented user as well as potential local users, especially schools • Facilitate use by Lincoln & Tillamook County Schools EVALUATE LOCAL NEEDS • Direct activities; educate visitors and students about what uses are appropriate for a site • Assess the current capacity of organizations within the estuary to accommodate use by local schools

Integrate with Local Professional Study • Assess the needs of local school curriculums, new CIM/CAM • Encourage & support use by researchers, artists, historians requirements, and suggestions voiced by local teachers, students, • Facilitate interactions between professionals, academics, artists, and local residents and parents

12 Land Use & Values Traditional Land Uses of the Salmon River People

Th e Salmon River tribes occupied the estuary for at least 500 years prior to Euro- Northwest. Th ey built permanent wood plank homes along the American settlement. Th ey spoke a distinct dialect of Salish known as Neschesne, estuary edges, while temporary summer homes of woven grasses diff erentiating them from the Tillamook, with whom they are generally thought to be were erected in fi shing and berry picking sites throughout the affi liated. Similar to most coastal Indians, they lived a maritime lifestyle and relied on landscape. Within the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area, at the abundant resources found in the ocean, estuary, and forested environs of the Pacifi c least six archeological sites have been identifi ed.

Due to the massif of Cascade Head and rugged surrounding terrain of the Salmon River, the Salmon River People were somewhat isolated from other surrounding native groups. Th is made the productivity of the landscape even more critical for their sustenance. Ethnographic research indicates at least 124 Estuarine ecosystems provided Forested uplands species gathered from all ecosystem types in the watershed were material for traditional uses. provided important food used in 308 known ways in traditional life, thus demonstrating Here, small-flowered bulrush sources and fibers for the importance of biodiversity to traditional lifestyles. (Scirpus microcarpus), a low material goods marsh plant, is was used by a Trade with neighboring tribal groups provided access to Siletz woman to weave baskets. . materials not found locally and was critical to survival. A Coastal environments trade route, known as the Salmon River Trail, from Sheridan rought vast food to the Salmon River was well established and was mapped in resources for indig- 1850. Th is trail was used by members of the Grande Ronde enous people who Confederated Tribes to reach the coastal rivers and waters via depended on the sea Rivers provided fresh for livelihood. water for drinking and the Salmon River. Native American use of fi re is known to cooking and abun- have occurred on Cascade Head where a grassland ecosystem dance salmon, lamprey and trout. type was maintained for hunting grounds and spiritual uses. Th e use of fi re in the forested areas and estuary is less known; however, charcoal layers have been found at many archeological sites, suggesting some extent of fi re in the estuary vegetation.

Native Americans live near Robert Gray sails the Washington Missionary Rev. Jason Lee and Willamette valley farmers use Salmon the Salmon River estuary to Salmon River company visit Salmon River River as summer pasture #13 Land Use and Values 1788 1837 1851 Arrival of Euro-Americans and Reservation History

Th e fi rst Euro-American contact with Native Americans at Salmon River probably occurred in 1788 when Robert Gray sailed the Washington to the mouth of the river. Upon contact with the Salmon River Indians, they noted that “two or three of our visitors [Native American] were much pitted by smallpox,” suggesting that the population had undoubtedly already been aff ected by the epidemic. By the mid 1800s missionaries used the Salmon River Trail, but it wasn’t until 1875 that the fi rst white settler moved to the Salmon River.

As settlement pressure grew, the Coast Reservation was established in 1855. During this time, tribal members from diverse cultures and regions were relocated to a single reservation. Over time, portions of the reservation opened up to homesteaders, fragmenting reservation lands. In 1875, the federal government divided the Coast Reservation from the mouth of the Salmon River east to the crest of the Coast Range, marking the present day boundary between Tillamook and Lincoln Counties. Land in Tillamook County was opened to white settlement, and the

homestead era began. Images from the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz: http://ctsi.nsn.U.S.

In 1887, Congress passed the General Allotment Act, allowing for white Pioneer settlement patterns in the Salmon River varied across the landscape. settlement on reservation lands deemed “surplus.” Th e tribes resisted Th e fi re of 1848 opened forested areas that allowed for relatively easy clearing this act of Congress until 1894. Once signed, the Act allotted 80 acres to for pastures. Th e subsistent lifestyle of homesteaders relied on agriculture individual Indian males for settlement, while white settlers were allowed and livestock, as well as fi shing, hunting, and gathering. Despite the arduous Land Use Values and to claim 160 acres for homesteading. Establishment of allotments work of homesteaders, their agricultural practices did not often suit rainy, marked a signifi cant change in land use, from indigenous uses to an windy conditions of Cascade Head. By the mid 20th Century, many of the agrarian lifestyle dependent on property ownership. Th e traditional way individual homesteads had been sold or consolidated to diff erent owners. of life yielded to pioneering practices such as agriculture, grazing, dairy Cattle grazing in both the uplands and estuary remained an active practice production and timber harvest. In 1954, the Termination Act offi cially until the mid 20th Century, when real estate development proved more severed Native American claims to reservation lands. For over 20 years lucrative. tribal members struggled to regain recognition. Th e Siletz status was restored in 1977 and the Grande Ronde followed in 1983.

Tillamook Co. William Burton and Mary 1893 William Calkins Tribes agree to Severalty Act; reservation Coast Reservation allotments open to Ann Edes are the fi rst stakes claim in upper disbanded as “surplus” land and opened established white settlement pioneers in Salmon River Salmon Creek to white settlement 1855 1875 1877 1893 1894 19th Century 14 Th e 20th Century Landscape Th e Wall family inherited 160 acres from John Church in 1912. Th e family ran cattle until the mid 1950s when Bob and Arlene Wall took possession of the land. As true stewards they continue to sustainably harvest timber from 80 secluded acres with great care for wildlife, water quality, and invasive species control (see photo, left).

Photo courtesy of Bob and Arlene Wall 1945 Land Uses Land uses in the 20th Century centered around agricultural production and Calkins resource utilization. The cannery Boat Shop at Thompson’s Landing and Calkins Craft Boat Company refl ect how local resources were utilized for value-added products. Photo courtesy of Bob and Arlene Wall

Clamming was a common pastime in the vicinity of Knight Park, at the Mouth of Crowley Creek. Clam beds at Knight Park have been damaged by Thompson’s the development of the boat ramp and Landing parking facilities.

Ha rvest Clamming Hay Fields Open Meadow

Grazing Timber Harvesting 0 1 Mile

Dairy production in the Salmon River was the mainstay for many pioneer families once transportation became more reliable. Milk and cheese was Photo courtesy of Bob and Arlene Wall transported over the Coast Range and to other coastal communities for trade. Th e Gnos family dairy barn (left), built in 1939, was considered state-of-the Fishing boats made it up the narrow, -art. Today, the barn provides an important historical landscape feature that Photo courtesy of Don Gnos Family shallow channel of Salmon River to reminds us of our collective agricultural heritage. Th ompsons Landing, where a family- owned and operated cannery once Cascade Head Congress opens up both Bank forecloses on Burns Savage Ranch at Thompson’s move to Road from Otis stood. purchased by David sides of Salmon River to property and sells to James Cascade Head runs south bank and start to Neskowin built Burns white settlement Savage in 1900 sheep and cattle cannery 15 Th e 20th Century 1893 1895 1897 1900 1920 1923 Development and Recreation Era Th e Salmon River remained relatively isolated However, it wasn’t until the compared to growing coastal communities to completion of U.S. Hwy 101 the north and south. When Highway 18 from in 1961 that the vast majority to Lincoln City to Salem was fi nished in 1928, of dikes and ditches were the Salmon River started to see visitors who constructed throughout the came to camp, fi sh, hunt, picnic, clam dig and marsh for improved pasture. crab in the estuary. Entrepreneurial spirits set up campgrounds and picnic sites to serve these U.S. Hwy 101 led to a real estate boom along the Oregon visitors. coast. With modern highways and a mobile population, the prospects for development were unmatched by Despite these changes in land use, the Salmon agriculture, and the era of real estate development reached River retained its agricultural production. After the Salmon River. WWII, dairy farmers in the area began modifying their marshlands with dikes and ditches to Unplanned and rapid growth along the coast provided the make the land more suitable for haying and impetus for CHSRA, which protects the scenic qualities grazing livestock. Th ese modifi cations had severe of the area in perpetuity. impacts on the plant and animal communities in the wetlands as they were converted to pasture. 3 Rox subdivision was platted in 1933 by *#*# *# STRUCTURES 1945-2005 Elmer Calkins. Roads and utilities were *#*##* *# *#*#*#*#**#*# *# 2005 Aerial Photo installed, but homes were never constructed. #*#*# *#*# #* **#*# *# *# *#*#*#*# *# *#*#*#*# *#*# *# Development around the estuary *# *# *# *# *# *# *#*# *#*#*# has changed dramatically since *# *# *# *#*# 1945. Based on aerial photography *# *#*# *#*#*#*# *# from 1945, there were 84 buildings Land Use Values and *#*# *# *# *#*#*# *# *# *# in the vicinity, of which only 18 *#*# *# *#*# *# remain today. CHSRA has shifted *# *# *#*# *# *# development away from the estuary *#*# *# *# *# *# *#*# *# *# *#*# *# *# *#*#*# *#*# *# *#*# and into the lower slopes to the *# *# *# north. *# *# *#*# *# *#*#*#*# *# *#*# *#*# *# *#*# *# *#*#*# Structures in 1945 = 84 *# *# *#*# Current structures = 134 *# #*# #*# # *#*#*#*# *# * **# *#*#*# #*#*#*# *# *# *# *#*# * Historic structures = 18 Above is Cascade Head Ranch, developed in the 1970s by Mike Lowell. The development #* Structures 1945 #* Potential Historic Structures 0 1 Mile Net gain = 116 strived for a sensitive footprint on the land *# Structures 2005 through its layout and architectural forms.

Highway from Willamette Pixieland 3 Rox Platted Cascade Head YWCA U.S. 101 Mike Lowell TNC buys Valley opens opens Experimental Forest purchases completed buys Savage Cascade established Westwind 1964 Ranch 1966 Head 1928 1933 1934 1937 1961 1969 Development Era 16 Current Land Uses

Casad ad anh Sitka Cnt • The Sitka Center for Art • The Gnos barn w a s b u i l t b y and Ecology is an art and night ak the family in 1939 education facility • Camp Westwind is a year- • Pixieland is a former amusement park, vacant for round education facility Camp stind established by the YWCA in over 2 decades 1937 • Cascade Head Ranch is a • The fi sh hatchery has been nos Ban private residential development o operating since 1975 ks d • Lincoln City is an urbanized • Tamara Quays is a former area with a population of mobile home park, vacant 7,500 since 2004 ath Tamaa as iiland

Linoln Cit tis

• Knight Park (Lincoln County) • Otis Junction, at the has the only public parking, crossroads of Hwy 18 and boat launch, and restroom scenic 101, is a commercial facilities node serving the outlying community.

Roads and Highways Residential Restoration and Research Th e Oregon Coast Bike Route reconnects with U.S. Th e main stem of the Salmon 101 north at Neskowin River provides many recreation Managed timber harvesting opportunities. Th e north bank Cascade Head Trails (USFS east of Pixieland is especially & TNC) are the only public popular among anglers during Agriculture hiking trail in CHSRA the fall salmon runs. 17 Current Land Uses Cultural Recommendations Historic and Heritage Preservation The rich history of the Salmon River has many stories to tell. Cultural preservation can be achieved through active protection and restoration of elements such as historic structures and homesteads. Adaptive re-use of historic facilities offers a sustainable solution for the limitations of development in CHSRA. For further resources see: Barn Again! www.barnagain.org Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission www.ochcom.org Oregon State Preservation Office: www.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/SHPO

Scenic Resource Research and Management Little research has been done on scenic resources in the area, despite it being the only Scenic Research Area in the U.S. The Forest Servicehas a long history of scenic evaluation research. Identification of scenic preferences for visitors and residents should be a top piority in CHSRA. For example, removal of blackberries along U.S. Hwy 101 will open up views of the estuary. Even more important, assessing scenic quality as it pertains to ecological integrity is an emerging area of research. Furthermore, the diminishing upland prairie habitats have both scenic and ecological implications; linking both scenic and ecological values of this habitat can help guide future management.

Stewardship of Working Landscapes in the Biosphere Reserve As a U.N. Biosphere Reserve, CHSRA embodies a semi-natural landscape, with only a moderate level of human influence. Private lands should be managed to balance natural and cultural values of a functioning landscape. Landowners who opt to actively manage their property for agriculture, grazing, and forestry should be supported by the Forest Service to employ innovative ways of land stewardship that seeks to meet the goals of CHSRA and the U.N. Man and Biosphere Land Use Values and Programme.

Access for Diverse Users The Salmon River currently attracts multiple users. Projected growth in Oregon will continue to bring more people to the Oregon Coast to recreate. Low volume access for low-impact recreation such as birding, non-motorized boating, and walking should assessed. Access for visitors with disabilities such as an ADA fishing area should be considered. Additionally a non-motorized boat launch can alleviate pressure from Knight Park which is already overcrowded during summer weekends.

Cultural Recommendations 18 Ecology Geology Th e geology includes a sandy shoreline, stabilized sand dunes, alluvial valley bottoms and the dominant basalt feature of Cascade Head surrounded by marine sediments. About 50 million years ago, local eruptions along an off - shore volcanic chain built the seamount that is now Cascade Head. Local eruptions from it and other nearby volcanoes resulted in submarine rocks overlain by ash and subaerial lavas. As the volcanic chains and seamounts began to subside and the Cascade Mountains began to rise far to the east, thick marine sediments were deposited over them. Th e marine sediments consist of claystones and siltstones in the Nestucca Formation and tuff aceous (incorporating volcanic ash) material in the fi ne siltstones sediments of the Yamhill Formation. Th e marine sediments are highly erodible and where they contact the basalt rocks instability occurs. Basalt dikes and sills cross- cut the marine sediments. Uplift exposed all of these formations. Th e valley bottoms and estuary are composed of deep sediments carried down from Soils the mountains. Th e shallow estuary developed as the sandbar at the mouth Th e soils in the study area are an artifact of the parent material, landscape partially cut off the fl ow of the Salmon River. Th e estuary is susceptible to position, climate, and vegetation that have developed them over time. tsunamis resulting from off shore earthquakes which repeat on approximately Coarse, well drained soils developed on the stabilized dunes and beaches. a 300-350 year cycle. Th e last tsunami occured on January 25, 1700. Th e silt loam upland soils are mainly developed in colluvium, eroded Soils of the Lower Salmon River remnants of either the volcanic headlands or the marine sediments. Th e soils developed in sedimentary colluvium are more productive forestlands than the volcanic colluvial soils. Th e soils in the stream valleys are a mixture of sediments deposited from a riverine environment and those deposited in an estuarine environment. Th e older stream terraces are well drained but can perch water in winter due to a clay layer at 16 inches. Younger stream terraces are somewhat poorly drained due to clay content and landscape position. Th e coarse river deposits on fl oodplains are due to proximity to the river during fl ooding events with coarse sediments being dropped out rapidly as the fl oodwaters slow as they fl ow out of the channel of the Salmon River. Finer river deposits on fl oodplains lead to somewhat poorly to poorly drained soils depending on landscape position. Estuarine soils developed in the lower, tidally infl uenced portion of the area. Th ese soils are very poorly drained, with silt and silty clay soil profi les. 19 Hydrology Th e Salmon River is approximately 25 miles long and has a basin area of 75 square miles (49,075 acres). Th e headwaters of the watershed originate on Saddleback Mountain at 2,500 ft and are characterized by steep slopes, narrow valleys, and tributary streams with moderately steep to very steep gradients. In the valley bottoms, streams are typically low gradient. Th e watershed is composed of 11 drainages, three of which lie in the study area of the lower river. Within the study area, there are seven stream systems: Deer, Salmon, Mink , Crowley, Rowdy, Fraser, and the Lower Salmon River.

Photo by Nancy Chase

The Salmon River Watershed 1991 Flooding at Otis Junction

Crowley FLOW Stream fl ows in the Salmon river are typical of Salmon Oregon coastal streams, fl ashy during storm Mink Deer events with fl ows rising rapidly. Flow in the Salmon varies from highs over 6,000 cubic feet Lower Salmon River per second (cfs) in the winter months to lows of 22 cfs in the summer. Th e average stream fl o w has been estimated at 92 cfs.

Rowdy Fraser Ecology

Drainageainag Areas as Head of Tide TIDES Salmon Th e Salmon River estuary is classifi ed as well Head of Salinity Col mixed in the lower reaches and stratifi ed in CalkinsMink

Hectares the upper reaches. Th e head of tide extends to as 0 1 Mile River Mile 4.3, just above Otis. Th e mean tidal od range is approximately 5.8 ft (1.8 m) with a diurnal range of 7.6 ft (2.3 m) and an extreme range of 13.0 ft (3.9 m).

Hydrology 20 Estuary: An estuary is defi ned as “a semi-enclosed body Estuarine Functions of water, connected to the ocean, where salt water is measurably diluted by fresh water from the land.” Estuaries are unique places of transition, productivity, and -Pritchard 1967 complexity. An estuary is defi ned not only as a place where salt and freshwater meet, but as the estuarine water, tidelands, tidal marshes, and submerged lands up to the extent of tide according to Oregon’s Ecosystem functions: Processes and elements that statewide planning goals. Each estuary is unique, infl uenced by a are necessary for the self-maintenance of the various number of factors related to geomorphology, watershed size, geology, estuarine ecosystems including: climate, hydrology, tidal infl uence, and land use. Oregon’s estuaries fall into three main categories: blind, bar-built, and drowned river Food Chain Support mouth. Th e Salmon River estuary is a drowned river mouth type Nutrient Cycling estuary in which freshwater fl ow dominates in the winter and Habitat Diversity saltwater fl ows dominate in the summer when river fl ows are low. Hydrology High Water Quality

Photo Courtesy of Oregon State University

Estuarine Zones Average Salinity Profi le of Salmon River Estuary Th e estuary can be divided into three major zones of transition, the limits of which shift seasonally, thus increasing the overall ecological complexity of estuaries. Th ey include the following:

Tidal Freshwater Zone: Salinity does not reach this area of the estuary, however Euryhaline the mix of tidal energy and freshwater nutrients creates productive tide channels and marshes that act as important habitat for plants, invertebrates, fi sh and other aquatic organisms. Brackish-mesohaline Brackish- Mesohaline Zone: In this portion of the estuary the mixing of salt and

freshwater mix to form a brackish zone that extends from Knight Park to the U.S. Salinity (ppt) 101 bridge. In this area, extensive tidal channels bring tide water up into the tidal 0 0.1 - 0.9 Tidal marsh complex. Th ese areas provide for many estuarine functions and are the most 0.9 - 3.6 3.6 - 7.0 Freshwater productive areas in the watershed. 7.1 - 30.7 Head of Salinity Euryhaline: Th e fi nal portion of the estuary is dominated by marine infl uence for most or all of the year. Th is area has extensive mudfl ats and eelgrass beds due to the large infl uence of tides. Th ese areas create large amounts of organic matter for estuarine food webs. 21# Estuarine Estuarine Function Function An Estuarine Model RESTORING ESTUARINE FUNCTIONS TO THE SALMON RIVER ESTUARY For over 28 years, since the enactment of the Cas- cade Head Scenic Research Act, the Forest Service, along with a number of partners, has worked toward restoring the integrity of the Salmon River estuary. Estuarine Processes & During the early 1960s, following the availability of Elements government grants and subsidies to increase agri- • Organic Matter Production cultural land, dikes were built along the mainstem • Nutrient and organic matter cycling to create pasture for grazing. In 1961 U.S. 101 was • Flow and tidal regulation built, eff ectively diking over 15% of the estuary. By • Rearing habitat • Invertebrate production Watershed Processes & 1970, a total of 412 total acres, or 60%, of estuarine Elements wetlands were diked. In 1978, as part of the new • Organic Matter Production CHSRA Management Plan, estuary dikes were re- and Transport moved and tidal fl ow re-established in much of the • Disturbance estuarine wetlands. Other dikes in the estuary were • Flushing- Hydrologic removed in nine year increments in 1987 and 1996. • Large wood Transport A total of 42% of diked wetlands were restored to • Sediment Transport tidal inundation. Th e estuarine habitat responded • Nutrient Cycling with an immediate return of tidal energy and rapid Marine Processes & - Spawning and Rearing Habitat regeneration of emergent vegetation formerly re- Elements moved from the ecosystem. Insect production ex- • Tides= fl ushing, energy panded, and invertebrate and fi sh use of the marsh Ecology • Saltwater channels quickly returned. Th e sequential restora- • Phytoplankton tion of tidal wetlands provided the opportunity to • Migratory Species examine the response of the estuary to restoration. • Nutrients Studies on vegetation, invertebrates, and fi sh added to our understanding of how estuaries recover from The Oregon Estuary Plan Book large scale alterations.

96

Estuarine Function 22 Aquatic Habitat

Change and Consequences Historic Aquatic Habitat The Salmon River estuary has undergone extensive change over the past 100 years. Aquatic habitat was generally more complex prior to the impacts of development, agriculture, logging, road construction, and other land management activities. Pre-settlement instream habitat included more and deeper pools with more associated large woody debris (LWD), and more extensive off-channel habitat and tidal marsh. Large and small-scale disturbance created complex channels throughout the watershed, providing

important habitat for aquatic organisms. Within the estuary, approximately Historic Channels 709 acres (287 hectares) were tidal marsh, with extensive tidal channel Habitat Types Beach networks extending up to the edge of the uplands and creating connectivity Eelgrass Beds between uplands and marsh habitats. In the 1960s almost 60% of the estuary Mudflat Tidal Marsh was diked and ditched to create pasture for grazing. Although many wetlands Water

have been restored, 18% of the estuary remains diked. Temperatures in the Historic extent of aquatic habitats in the estuary based on 1945 aerial photos. river are of increasing concern and will likely continue to rise due to climate change. In addition, the Salmon River is listed under the EPA’s 303d list of impaired waters for its low dissolved oxygen levels. Current Aquatic Habitat

Historic Channels

Dike Condition Eroding Intact Habitat Types Beach Eelgrass Beds Freshwater Wetland Mudflat Tidal Marsh Water Mink Creek Present extent of aquatic habitat based on 2005 aerial photos and current National Wetland Inventory maps. 0 1 Mile Purchase of Van Duzer Much of watershed is Tsunami hits, causing the State Park; Spit planted with Building of dikes reverts 59% managed for timber estuary to subside 0.5 m European Beach Grass of the estuary to pasture 23 Aquatic Habitat 1700 1935 1940s 1960s Aquatic Habitat Types THE ROLE OF Mudflats ESTUARIES IN SALMON Mudfl ats comprise a small portion of the estuary and are located either side of the RECOVERY river channel in the lower estuary. * Importance: Area of high invertebrate and organic matter production * Use: Dungeness crabs, amphipods, ghost shrimp, clams, birds Estuaries play a crucial role in the life * Concerns: Invasion of Spartina and green crabs, pollution, and erosion history of salmon as essential transitional habitat and nursery grounds for several species between the fry and smolt life Eelgrass Beds stages as they move from freshwater Scattered beds of Zostera marina and Z. japonica occur in the lower estuary on spawning grounds to the ocean mudfl ats and tidal channels. environment. Salmon use many aquatic * Importance: Juvenile fi sh habitat, sediment stabilization and accumulation, wave dissipation, habitats including tributary streams, the organic matter production mainstem, eelgrass beds, tidal channels, * Use: Juvenile fi sh, migratory birds, epiphytic organisms, and invertebrates and mudfl ats. Th ese habitats provide * Concerns: Boats, disturbance, poor water quality, sea level rise refuge from predation, prey resources, and transitional salinity regimes. Salmon Tidal Channels that rear in estuaries may have bette Tidal channels extend from the portion of the lower river dominated by tidal chances of survival in the ocean through activity. Most tidal channels are drained almost completely at low tide and fl ood growth that occurs in the estuary. Studies the marsh plain during the higher tides and/or high fl ow events. have shown that approximately 90% of * Importance: Fish habitat, coveyance of marsh production, fl o w dampening returning adult Chinook showed evidence * Use: Juvenile fi sh, invertebrates of estuarine residence in the fi rst year of

* Concerns: Dikes and ditches, lack of sediment, erosion, sea level rise scale growth, indicating the importance Ecology of estuarine residency on population production. Chinook salmon and chum Freshwater Marsh salmon are the two most estuarine Forested, scrub-shrub and emergent wetland types were observed often on the dependent species of salmonids due to fringes of tidal marshes where tributaries joined tidal channels. Many freshwater their often extended residence time in the wetlands are dry for some or all of the summer. estuary as juveniles and their reliance on * Importance: Water storage and fi ltration, nitrogen fi xation, organic matter production and estuaries as nursery habitat. In addition, decomposition, sediment accumulation recent studies have shown that both * Use: Reptiles and amphibians, juvenile fi sh, birds, invertebrates subyearling and yearling juvenile coho use * Concerns: Insuffi cient culverts, fi lling, poor water quality, logging, reed canarygrass various habitats associated with the upper estuary. Restoration of estuarine wetlands Mainstem River and Tributary Streams and streams provides more winter and Th e mainstem river and its tributaries comprise the majority of aquatic area in summer rearing habitat for juvenile the watershed. Most tributaries are high gradient streams in the upper watershed, salmon, including coho. Increasing however some are moderate to low in the study area. habitat capacity and opportunities can give subyearling fi sh an increased chance * Importance: Salmon spawning and rearing, sediment, large wood, and organic matter transport, of survival and provide for more life maintains fl ow disturbance regime history diversity in the population, likely * Use: Fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates, mammals resulting in higher rates of recovery. * Concerns: Dikes and ditches, logging, erosion, poor water quality, insuffi cient culverts

Log removal policy on Beginning of dike removal Salmon River listed on EPA 303 d streams reduced complexity List for dissolved oxygen 1970s 1978 1990s Aquatic Habitat 24 “James Gentry recalls running a 150 foot gill net one- third of the way Fish across the Salmon, and fi lling a boat with fi sh on one tide” —Robert Walls Past Conditions As its name implies, the Salmon River has long been known for its abundance of fi sh. Fishing was practiced by Native Americans in the area for centuries and later became the fi rst major © NWF industry in the area. Fish habitat was generally complex and of high quality in the watershed Art by E. Cheverlange prior to development, which contributed to the large populations. Chinook, coho, and chum salmon dominated the catches in the river and stories of catching fi sh by the dozens were not THE SALMON RIVER HATCHERY uncommon. Declines in salmon populations began with the increased harvest that came with Hatcheries were started in the Northwest in the mid 1900s to the establishment of canneries along the Oregon coast in the early 1900s. Although there is augment declining salmon populations in the area. Th e Salmon River Hatchery was established in 1975 and the fi rst release of little data about fi sh populations prior to the 1950s, ODFW estimates that coho populations Chinook salmon was in 1977. Th e hatchery is used for adult take, are just 10% of historic levels. Surveys of juvenile salmon in the estuary between 1958 and 1961 egg incubation and rearing of fall Chinook, coho, and summer indicated that there were numerous salmon and trout rearing in Crowley Creek, Salmon Creek, steelhead. Chinook and coho from the hatchery are released in and Deer Creek. Spawning surveys for the estuary in 1976 showed there were approximately the Salmon River. Salmon River Hatchery programs are used for production and are used for the augmentation of fi shing and 1,100 wild Chinook adults and 1,500 coho. Generally, declines in salmon populations in the harvest opportunities. One goal of the hatchery is to maintain the Northwest have been attributed to loss of habitat, poor ocean conditions, negative impacts Salmon River as an indicator river for status of stocks in negotiating from hatcheries, and the increase in harvest pressures. Likely, many of these factors played into U.S.-Canada fi shing treaties. Hatchery goals on the Salmon River have changed over the 33 years it has been in been in operation. the decline in Salmon River stocks. Specifi cally, habitat losses from diking in the estuary, loss of Overall production has decreased over the past 10 years due in part off -channel habitat, and decrease in water quality throughout the watershed have contributed to research about the eff ects of hatchery fi sh on the health of wild to declines in the number of wild fi sh. Recent restoration eff orts have helped restore much of populations. Th ese studies indicated that wild fi sh are at risk from hatchery fi sh because of competition, genetic degradation, disease, the habitat lost, however chum, coho, steelhead, and sea- and harvest associated with a large-scale hatchery program. Th e run cutthroat still face numerous threats and are listed as composition of releases has also changed over the years, starting sensitive species by ODFW and the USFS. with cutthroat and steelhead and moving to a mixed stock in the 1980s. Production has been for Chinook and coho in the past 10 years, however with the recent declines in natural coho populations, hatchery production of coho will discontinue in the near future.

Commercial fi shing increases s Fishing for subsistence by Native 0 Salmon populations begin to Lincoln County Historical Museum 0 Americans and settlers in Salmon due to rise in canneries along the decline due to overharvest and River estuary coast degrading habitat 25 Fish pre 1920s 1920s mid 1900s Current Status & Distribution Seasonal MOUTH Salmon Distribution Salmon Species: Chinook (65%), Chum Crowley Creek in the Study Area (0.4%), Coho (0.2%) Salmon Creek Other Fish Species: English Sole (3%), 5 Chinook Pacifi c Sandlance (8%), Staghorn 0 Chum 22 Chinook Sculpin (8%), and Surf Smelt (11%) 1 Chum (Based on 2000 beach seines by ODFW/NOAA)

Deer Creek TIDAL MARSHES 78 Marsh Salmon Species: Chinook (2.6%), Coho 57 Chinook (1.2%) 96 Marsh 1 Chum Other Fish Species: Staghorn Sculpin 87 Marsh (40%), Th reespine Sticklebacks (37%), Shiner Perch (Juvenile) (10%), Shiner Perch (Adults) (9%) (Based on 1999 trapnets by ODFW/NOAA) REF Marsh

TRIBUTARIES Salmon Species: Coho (63%), Steelhead (24%), Cutthroat (8%), Chinook (4%) Ecology Other Fish Species: Prickly Sculpin (Based on 2001 Mid-Coast Watershed Assessment) Coho Chinook Cutthroat Steelhead Chum Status of Salmon River Basin Salmon Stocks Species Status Comments Chum Depressed Near southern edge of range of chum salmon; present only in a few tributaries in lower basin Average Number of Spawning Adults/Year Fall Chinook Healthy Stable or increasing trend similar to other coast stocks; (based on 1989-2005 Chinook heavily impacted by hatchery spawning surveys and random Coho Severely Depressed Multiple factors responsible for decline: hatchery, over coho surveys harvest, loss of habitat, and ocean conditions Winter Steelhead Depressed Multiple factors responsible for depressed status but with limited information on them Cutthroat Trout Searun Depressed Complex biology with multiple life history types Resident Stable

Dikes are built and block 60% of Salmon River Hatchery Oregon Coastal coho the estuarine marshes, U.S. 101 releases fi rst Chinook Beginning of Sea Grant research listed on Endangered built salmon on fi sh use of restored estuaries Species List 1960s 1975 1996 1999 Fish 26 Aquatic Findings

We conducted a rapid assessment of the study area in July 2006, to identify issues of concern and assess the general health of fi sh habitat. Physical and biological parameters such as temperature, salinity, shading, large woody debris (LWD), stream form, substrate, macro-invertebrates, and the number and species of fi sh present helped identify condition and use of available habitat. We also looked for impairments to fi sh passage and general threats to the health of fi sh populations in the area. Th e goals of this assessment were to determine the opportunities in the study area for future projects to enhance fi sh populations. Th e following issue were identifi ed at sites throughout the estuary.

CROWLEY CREEK SALMON CREEK DEER CREEK Salmon Creek is disconnected from its tidal channel MAINSTEM KNIGHT PARK by U.S. 101 and is diverted east of the highway in Remaining dikes and ditches and an Numerous barriers to juvenile fi sh a wide (25’) ditch. Temperatures reached 78° F undersized culvert hinder the function of passage exist in Deer Creek. Livestock and there is little to no complexity in the ditch. salt marshes and the connectivity between access impairs water quality and stream Stranding is thought to occur in the upper portion Crowley Creek and surrounding o ff - c h annel habitat. Th ese areas also lack LWD and of the ditch during high fl ows. habitat. riparian buff ers and have high levels of RESTORATION POTENTIAL=HIGH (75 acres of RESTORATION POTENTIAL=HIGH bank erosion. emergent wetland) SALMON SPECIES BENEFITTED: Coho, RESTORATION POTENTIAL=HIGH SALMON SPECIES BENEFITTED: Coho, Chum, Chinook, Cutthroat, Steelhead, Chinook (used extensively by juvenile Steelhead, Cutthroat salmon) SALMON SPECIES BENEFITTED: Coho, Cutthroat, Steelhead

TAMARA QUAYS PIXIELAND Rowdy Creek is diverted around Tamara A weir on the southern end of Pixieland is diverting Quays through a perched culvert into a Fraser Creek through a breach in the dike into the shallow, wide (25’) ditch with little habitat interior of the property. Th ere is no outlet from the complexity, low water quality and very ditched channels that wind through the site and water high temperatures 70° F. Subyearling coho TIDAL MARSHES quality concerns pose a threat to fi sh that use the were found at the upper end of the ditch. Remaining dikes and ditches many of the area. Currently the ditch on the east side is acting as RESTORATION POTENTIAL=HIGH (11 tidal marshes hinder their capacity as habitat. a functioning tidal channel, but is disconnected from acres of tidal emergent wetland, Currently there are extensive ditches in the any freshwater source. Dead coho were found in pools restoration of Rowdy Creek) 96 Marsh, pothole depressions and remaining formed from retreating tides in the ditch. SALMON SPECIES BENEFITTED: Coho, dikes at Basin Lands, and remnant dike and a RESTORATION POTENTIAL=HIGH (30 acres of tidal Cutthroat, Chinook diversion ditch at the 78 Marsh. scrub, forested, and emergent wetland) RESTORATION POTENTIAL=HIGH SALMON SPECIES BENEFITTED: Coho, Chinook, SALMON SPECIES BENEFITTED: Coho, Cutthroat, Chum Chum, Chinook 27 Aquatic Findings Aquatic Recommendations Restore Connectivity • Streams & Tidal Channels: Th e disconnection of streams from their tidal channels is the most outstanding issue with fi sh habitat in the estuary, as well as the greatest opportunity to improve wild fi sh populations. Reestablishing connectivity to these areas would increase rearing opportunities and improve the health of aquatic habitat. LOCATIONS: Salmon Creek, Rowdy Creek, Fraser Creek • Habitats: Barriers to fi sh passage such as culverts and weirs prevent movement between habitats and therefore limit growth opportunities and the ability of fi sh to avoid stressful environments. Reestablishing connectivity between high quality habitats maximizes capacity of stream and channels to support fi sh populations. LOCATIONS: Deer Creek, Mink Creek, the unnamed creek • River & Tidal Marshes: Dikes and ditches hinder the natural hydrology of marsh systems by preventing connectivity between the river and the marsh complex. Restoration of natural tidal exchange will help maintain ecosystem health and increase the estuary’s ability to support a diversity of juvenile salmon life histories. LOCATIONS: 96 Marsh (fi ll ditches, remove remaining dike), Basin Lands (remove dike and fi ll depressions), 78 Marsh (reestablish historic channel) Enhance Complexity • Streams, Ditches, and Tidal Channels: Th e key to productive, healthy aquatic species is the conservation and restoration of complex habitats. Many fi sh species rely on habitat that is maintained by dynamic processes such as tides, landslides, and fl ooding. In the Oregon Coast Range, due to the erodibility of the marine sediments, large wood plays a critical role in maintaining stream channel morphology and thus aquatic habitat features such as deep complex pools and extensive gravel bars. Restoration of these processes is the key to maintaining long-term ecosystem health. Strategic enhancement of ditches, streams, and tidal channels will help maintain water quality, increase pool frequency, stabilize erosion, and improve riparian buff ers. LOCATIONS: Deer Creek, Salmon Creek, Rowdy

Creek, Fraser Creek, Mainstem Ecology

Consider Life History Complexity • Watershed Scale: Extensive research has been done on the variety of life history strategies of salmon that utilize the Salmon River estuary. Imperative to any future restoration is the consideration of this diversity of migratory patterns, habitat use, and rearing strategies. In the Salmon River, focusing on the brackish (oligohaline) zone of the estuary may enhance some of the rare life history types of chum and coho that use tidal marshes. Minimizing the eff ects of the hatchery, conserving rare habitat types, and enhancing connectivity and complexity will increase the chances of preserving rare life histories in the system. Th is conservation of life history diversity will translate into increased resilience of Salmon River fi sh populations and preserve their health for future generations.

FUTURE RESEARCH AND MONITORING • Th e estuarine life history of coho and • Importance of the estuary to the • Recovery of wild coho after hatchery its importance to the population recovery of chum releases of coho are stopped • Stranding of fry in the Salmon Creek ditch • Eff ects of ditches on tidal marsh use of • Water quality monitoring • Eff ects of the hatchery on wild populations juvenile salmon • Monitoring of restored marshes

Fish 28 Plant Communities

Historic Plant Communities Historic Conditions The historic plant communities of the Lower Salmon River drainage refl ect massive disturbances due to forest and wild fi res. The plant communities of those historic dynamic processes reveal a foundation from which land managers can understand the normal processes of change in the landscape and predict locations and collections of plant communities prior to changes that occurred during and since European settlement.

The forests of the uplands had burned in forest fi re that occurred about 1845. It is believed to have been part of a massive fi re that began in the Willamette Valley and burned all the way to the coast.

Headland and hillside prairies were prevalent in the subwatershed. These are believed to have been maintained by periodic burning by the Indians who lived along the Salmon River. Burning the prairies would have kept them free of trees and shrubs which naturally encroach on openings in this area. 0 1 Mile The plant communities in the low lying areas were adapted to frequent Historic plant communities were extrapolated from Government Land Offi ce surveys conducted fl ooding. The estuary marshes were ringed by riparian shrubs such as between 1851 and 1910. In most cases, vegetation present at the time of survey is a close willows, twin berry, and elderberry; and by riparian forests, predominately approximation of vegetation prior to widespread changes wrought by Euro-American settlement. (Hawes, et. al 2002) of red alder and Sitka spruce.

Prairie, wet and dry Tidal marsh Brush fi elds or thickets Riparian Sitka spruce Burned Sitka spruce “May contain thickets or “Includes tide lands, tidal “May include willow, vine “Forest with various “Forest with various some scattering of trees or prairie, grass tide marsh, maple, elderberry, red al- combinations of Douglas combinations of Douglas brushy prairie, brush and subject to overfl ow at high der, cherry, crabapple, fi r, grand fi r, western fi r, grand fi r, western fern prairie, fern prairie, tide, and ‘freshet.’ Few or salmonberry, thimble- hemlock, red alder, hemlock, red cedar, red containing mostly fern and no trees. Sitka spruce or berry, dogwood, salal, and cottonwood, bigleaf maple, alder, bigleaf maple. Dense salal.” crabapple may be included sedges.” ash with a dense understory understory of vine maple, on elevations.” of salmonberry, salal, vine salmonberry, thimbleberry, maple, and willow.” huckleberry, salal, devils club, gooseberry, cascara.”

29 Plant Communities Current Plant Communities Current Conditions Pine Forests and European Beachgrass community is formed primarily along a narrow band of sandy soil in and near the dunes in the near shore environment. Other plants in this community include; salal, evergreen and red huckleberry, rhododendrons and sand verbena. Concern: The plant community is encroaching on what were previously open dunes. Estuarine and Marine Wetlands are dominated by the high and low marsh communities of tufted hairgrass, and Lyngby sedge and include a number of other forbs and grasses. 70 percent of plant community has been restored from pasture over the last 30 years. Concern: there is a risk of infestation by Pine Forests & European Beachgrass Estuarine and Marine Wetlands invasive aquatic species such as spartina Mixed Forests & Shrub Wetlands Freshwater Emergent Wetlands Lanscape Remnants Mixed Forests and Shrub Wetlands occur in areas where frequent flooding Meadows or Headland Prairies occurs in riparian areas and along the bathtub ring of the estuary. This plant 0 1 Mile Riparian Sitka Forest Upland Sitka Forests community is made up of red elderberry, twin berry, salmon berry, willow, Riverine Douglas’ spirea, with some scattered red alder and Sitka spruce. Concern: In no longer is applied to the meadows blackberry, Scotchbroom trees and red many areas of the lower Salmon River basin this community is dominated elderberry are quickly encroaching and changing the open space into scrub and by aggressive invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry, Scotchbroom, forest. Himalayan impatiens, knotweed and reed canarygrass. Headland Prairies are open areas that occur primarily on the heads north and Freshwater Emergent Wetlands have largely been converted to pastures that south of the Salmon River. The Nature Conservancy is currently managing Ecology are made up of orchard grass, velvet grass, pacific silverweed, white clover, the Cascade Head prairies to maintain this remnant of what is now a rare red top, and water foxtail, in many instances they are becoming dominated plant community. The management of this area is focused on a few endemic by reed canarygrass. Small areas of this important ecotone still exist where species that including red fescue, hairy checkermallow, Cascade catchfly, and streams emerge from the forested uplands on level areas above the elevation of hooked spur violet. Concern: the headland to the south of the river on recently influence of the saline tidewaters. Concern: many of the freshwater wetlands purchased Forest Service property is not being managed for these goals and have converted to 100% to reed canarygrass cover. should be. Landscape Remnants are present primarily on recently purchased Forest Riparian Sitka Forests occur in small patches next to the river and some Service properties such as Tamara Quays and Pixieland. This community tributary streams. Other plants in this community include scattered alder, red includes 30+ year old Sitka spruce, shore pine and red alder, but also includes elderberry, evergreen huckleberry skunk cabbage, slough sedge, lady fern and large non-native maples. Concerns: The understory plants in much of this false lily of the valley. Concern: The understory of this plant community is community is currently being overcome by aggressive invasive species such as being encroached upon by reed canarygrass and ivy. Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, Scotchbroom, as well as reed canarygrass Upland Sitka Forests are predominant in the lower Salmon River basin. They in wet areas. grow on the upland slopes and continue beyond the area inland for some Meadows exist in areas that are or have been recently mowed or grazed. The distance. Other plants associated with this community are salmonberry, salal, community is made up primarily of pasture grasses such as orchard grass, sword fern, lady fern and deer fern, along with scattered big leaf maple and red velvet grass, pacific silverweed, white clover, red top, and water foxtail and alder. Concern: Fire suppression has allowed this plant community to expand rare occurrences of hairy checkermallow. Concern: Where mowing or grazing into areas that were once meadows and prairies. Current Conditions 30 Wildlife

Terrestrial wildlife is abundant in the Lower Salmon River area. Th e CHSRA Th e marbled murrelet is a small sea bird that nests high up in old-growth Inventory of 1975 lists 56 mammals, 230 birds, 18 amphibians and mentions conifers. Th ey are strongly tied to coastal forests: they usually nest within 30 6 invertebrate species used directly by humans. Most of the terrestrial wildlife miles of the ocean and forage at sea within three miles of the coastline. species in the study area are also common throughout the Pacifi c Northwest coastal region. Some examples of wildlife commonly seen here are mammals Th e northern spotted owl is a medium sized owl, dark to chestnut brown such as elk, deer, fox, beaver, raccoons, porcupine, rabbits, skunks, seals and with dark eye patches. Th e average lifespan is 10 year. Th e owls are extremely sea lions; a wide variety of resident birds such as eagles, turkey vultures, red- territorial and intolerant of disturbance. Th ey require undisturbed older forests tailed hawks and osprey, many other species of water birds, song birds and with trees of large diameter for their nesting sites. migratory birds; as well as amphibians such as red legged frogs, rough skinned newts, and garter snakes. Th e bald eagle seeks foraging areas that are located near open water on the river and estuary, where fi sh and waterfowl are abundant. Roosting and perching sites contain large trees (standing snags and utility poles have also been used) Species of Conservation Concern with stout horizontal branches.

Four wildlife species that reside in subwatershed are listed as threatened or endangered here and in other parts of the region. Special habitat qualities are Introduced species present in the Lower Salmon River subwatershed for the Silverspot butterfl y, the bald eagle, the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl. Some of the animals that reside in the Cascade Head area are not native to the region. Th ese are starlings, English sparrows, opossums, brown rats, Norway Th e Oregon silverspot butterfl y is a medium-sized, orange and brown rats, house mice, bull frogs. Th e newest arrival is the nutria. Not mentioned butterfl y with black veins and spots on the dorsal wing surface, and with a in the 1975 CHSRA wildlife inventory, nutria are now common, particularly yellowish submarginal band and bright metallic silver spots on the ventral in the estuary where they appear to be damaging wetland and nearby forest wing surface. Th e butterfl y coexists with a species of violet on Cascade vegetation. Head.

31# Wildlife Ecology Terrestrial Habitats Scrub shrub Importance– Th e scrub shrub habitat acts as a ring around the estuary marshes and along riparian Habitat refers to the basic elements required by all living things: food, water, shelter, and space. Th e diversity of corridors to provide connectivity corridors and cover for many species that use the habitat for cover, wildlife in the lower Salmon River watershed requires a food, and nesting sites. diversity of habitat types that coincide with the local plant communities. Use–Deer and elk, beaver, river otter, raccoons, birds, herpts, numerous invertebrates. Concerns– Invasive species have begun to dominate large portions of the habitat, reducing Tidal and Emergent Marsh biodiversity and failing to provide habitat qualities for native wildlife species. Importance – marsh vegetation and proximity to water provides ideal feeding and nesting sites for numerous species of wildlife Use – Wrens, warblers, herons green and blue, kingfi shers, beaver, elk and deer. Concerns – Dikes have reduced the quantity of habitat available. High marsh habitats take many years to restore after hydrological restoration.

Meadow and Prairie Ecology

Tidal and Freshwater wetland Scrub Shrub Riparian and Upland Emergent Marsh Forest Riparian and Upland forests (Sitka Open meadow/prairie Freshwater Wetland swamp, alder) Importance– Essential for elk foraging, Importance – Graminoids and shrubs provide Importance– Large trees and snags provide nesting silverspot butterfl y requires prairie plants that food, shelter and cover. Th e location and sites, forest tree/fungi associations are basis for are endemic to Cascade Head and a few other structure of the habitat provides connectivity for temperate rainforest food webs. coastal headlands in Oregon and California. some species between marsh and forest. Use – Marbled murrelets (nesting) northern spotted Use– Deer, elk, rabbits, swallows, fi nches, Use – Beavers, elk, deer, birds, herps, owls (residents), bob cats, mountain lions, red legged silverspot butterfl y. invertebrates, skunks. frogs, beaver. Concerns– Th e prairies and meadows preferred Concerns – Nutria are damaging the freshwater Concerns – Abundance of Sitka swamp habitat is by butterfl y and the elk butterfl y have a patchy vegetation, other invasive species are replacing the low as compared to historic conditions; potential distribution that was historically maintained native species of this habitat those species do not reforestation sites are few and infested with invasive through wildfi re, salt-laden winds, grazing, and provide the required habitat qualities for native species mono-cultures that will require active controlled burning. Habitat has declined due to wildlife. restoration to be successful. development, invasion of exotic plant species, overgrazing, and fi re suppression. Terrestrial Habitats 32 Terrestrial Findings

THREE ROCKS, SIGN MEADOW Th is site is well positioned as a location for experimental restoration of the scrub shrub and meadow habitats. Th is site was the pilot study area for evaluating biological control for tansy ragwort through SAND SPIT the introducation on cinnabar moth larvae. Th e success of this study led to widespread application European beach grass was planted of this technique throughout the coast range. Th e site was also previously mowed to maintain a hairy on the dune at the mouth of the checkermallow (Sidalcea hirtipes) population and for elk habitat. It is currently inundated with blackberries. river in the mid 1930s. More than Passive management of the site should be reinstated for those goals. Research and education opportunities 20 acres that were once moving sand about the restoration should be expanded at this highly visible site. are now pine forest and beach grass. Th at volume continues to expand. It is not known how dune stabilization may be aff ecting the function of the U.S. HWY 101 Th is site is a high priority in terms of completing estuary. Due to the high expense and restoration for aquatic habitats. Th e goal for this high degree of habitat disturbance location should be full hydrological restoration. associated with this restoration Emergent marsh vegetation is expected to reclaim project, more knowledge is needed to some portion of the pasture that is currently understand the extent of the eff ects infested with non-native pasture grasses and of the stabilization on the estuary. forbs including reed canarygrass and teasel. Our recommendation is to fi rst Active and passive restoration methods should conduct a study of the eff ects of dune be implemented at the uppermost extent of stabilization in the function of the the salinity zone to control invasive species and estuary. encourage freshwater marshes, scrub shrub, and riparian forest habitats. TAMARA QUAYS Full hydrological restoration of Rowdy Creek is a high priority. Natural succession of the emergent marsh vegetation is expected in the saline inundated reaches. Aggressive PIXIELAND invasive species controls in the scrub shrub Wetland vegetation restoration will hinge on the success of hydrologic restoration in Phase I. Th e and freshwater marsh portions of this location application of passive and active restoration methods should both be applied during Phase 2. Natural should immediately follow hydrological succession of the emergent marsh vegetation is expected in the saline inundated reaches. Upland sites restoration. Conservation of remnant landscape will require more active restoration methods. Soil compaction in the paved areas has encouraged the trees in the upland areas will benefi t from establishment of non-native plants. Control of invasive species should be a priority. Conservation passive restoration measures to control invasive of Sitka spruce and on the dikes and the uplands and native scrub shrub vegetation in the uplands species with the goal of supporting natural is strongly recommended to accelerate the establishment of Sitka spruce riparian forests that were riparian and upland forest reestablishment. historically present on the site.

33 Terrestrial Habitats Terrestrial Recommendations Changes in land use over the last 150 years have compromised the quantity, quality and arrangement of habitats of native plants and wildlife. Vegetation restoration projects should be designed to focus on repairing desired habitat defi cits. Th e two most powerful tools in any restoration eff orts are 1) restoration of hydrological extent, and 2) control of invasive species. With those in mind the following recommendations are suggested: Increase Habitat Quality • Increasing habitat quality can be developed by instituting an aggressive program of invasive species control and monitoring at all restoration projects. An invasive species program should also strive to map and prioritize invasive species management projects across the subwatershed, and should develop a series of methods appropriate to each restoration site.

Increase Habitat Quantity • Plan to maintain or create new meadow and prairie openings by mowing burning and grazing and replanting with native herbs, grasses and forbs. • Plan to increase scrub shrub and wet meadow habitats by controlling reed canarygrass, Scotchbroom, and Himalayan blackberry, and replanting with native plants. • Plan to increase the area of Sitka spruce swamps • Restore historic extent of hydrological functions on diked properties • Remove remaining dikes and dike segments • Remove or replace culverts restricting fl ow • Remove fi ll in marsh areas Ecology Improve the Arrangement of Habitats and their Connectivity for Wildlife: • Create passage through highway traffi c corridors considering the needs of terrestrial wildlife, including deer and elk, amphibians and reptiles, insects and mollusks. Design habitat restoration projects that consider distances and connectivity between habitats to meet the needs of target species such as deer, elk, silverspot butterfl y, owls and murrelets.

FUTURE RESEARCH & MONITORING • Quantify changes in bird habitat and changes in types of resident and visiting birds • Determine sustainable numbers for elk populations based on quantity and quality of habitat in terms of available forage and cover. • Determine connectivity needs to locate and plan for trails for travel passage within the study area, and between the study area and other more distant locations for elk, deer, beaver and other wildlife. • Gain more understanding about the eff ects and controls of aggressive invasive species including aquatic and terrestrial, plants, micro-organisms and animals. • Understand the eff ects of the stabilization of the Westwind property dunes. Model the potential restoration options for the spit such as; 1) allow to continue to expand, 2) halt the expansion of vegetation area at present volume, 3) eradicate vegetation to restore dune. 34 Project Criteria–Recommended Projects Should: Projects • Meet the CHSRA requirements: preserve the area for use and enjoyment, encourage research, and promote a sensitive relationship between humans and the environment • Support U.N. Biosphere goals Overview • Consider large-scale dynamics: the surrounding landscape, natural phenomena such as fi res, fl ooding, tsunamis, and anthropogenic factors such as population growth and climate change. Project Criteria CHSRA and Public Input Criteria were derived from the CHSRA Management Plan • Enhance estuarine function by removing barriers to Management Plan and conversations with local stakeholders. These guided the natural processes • Endeavor to control the spread of invasive species development of recommendations, which are divided into Criteria watershed-scale and site-specifi c projects. • Maintain or enhance wildlife habitat connectivity and complexity • Prevent new and reduce existing pollution sources Projects • Refl ect community input • Honor historic and cultural heritage Watershed-Scale Projects • Enhance public education and awareness Watershed-scale Site-specific Watershed-scale projects apply to the site area as a whole. • Be feasible, with the understanding that capital funding for restoration projects is much more available than operations/maintenance funding Watershed-Scale Project Summary

PROECT NAME DESCRIPTION ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS PARTNERSHIPS Public-private partnerships Limited long-term funding Seek partnerships with for funding and monitoring sources exist for operations government, tribal, and private activities and maintenance activities entities CHSRA MANAEMENT PLAN The current Management Does not adequately address An update should coincide with Plan, intended for decennial many relevant issues, including the next update to the Siuslaw updates, has been in place invasive species, population Forest Plan since 1976 growth, and climate change PEOPLE AND THE ESTUARY Recreation (boating, fi shing, Overcrowding, lack of waste Conduct a capacity study to hiking access), education and management facilities and assess the need for a permanent public awareness hiking trails parking area for anglers; limit streambank and motorized boat access; connect Oregon Coast Trail to Lincoln City beaches EDUCATION The CHSRA act calls for a Current education facilities Facilitate partnerships between signifi cant public education and programs are inadequate local stakeholders to increase effort education opportunities INVASIVE SPECIES MANAEMENT Non-native plant and animal Loss of habitat quantity and Mapping and prioritizing risks, species that inhibit biodiversity quality for native species; to develop invasive species mono culture seed banks management plan 35 Site-Specifi c Projects Site-specifi c projects are concentrated in the Salmon River estuary and associated lowlands, which extend to the head of tide at river mile 4.3, just east of Otis.

Site-Specifi c Projects Summary NAME DESCRIPTION ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS 1 PIIELAND Former cannery, pulp Severely altered Reconnect Fraser mill, and the Pixieland hydrology, and Creek, remove dikes, amusement park, concentrations of ditches, and ponds, vacant for nearly 3 invasive species invasive species decades throughout the site control; remove Site-Specifi c Project Locations asphalt; open parking and river access 2 TAMARA QUAYS Former farm and Severely altered Remove dikes; restore mobile home park; hydrology, and Rowdy Creek; invasive vacant since 2004 concentrations of species control; 5 invasive species remove concrete; throughout the site construct a trail on the terrace The Oregon coast Severely altered Construct a viaduct 3 U.S. HIHWAY 101 6 highway, functions as hydrology, and from Three Rocks a dike concentrations of Road to Fraser Road,

invasive species reconnecting Salmon Projects along the shoulder and Fraser Creeks 6 6 4 WATERWAYS The main stem of Fish passage Encourage the Salmon River, its culverts, channel replacement of 4 tributaries and tidal complexity, water culverts, enhancement channels quality, and and restoration of riparian buffers are riparian buffers; place limited wood in streams to enhance pools Access road to Safety issues Construct a bike lane ad o 5 THREE ROCKS Tid il ROAD/KNIHT residential areas; associated with and wayside overlook PARK Knight Park provides cyclists using the point on Three Rocks the only public road, and motorists Road; replace culverts parking, boat launch, stopping to view and remove fi ll at and restroom facilities the estuary Knight Park 6 DIKES AND Remnants of the area’s Altered hydrology Prioritize and remove DITCHES agricultural heritage and scattered remaining dikes and remain scattered concentrations of ditches throughout the site invasive species

Overview 36 PROJECT: Build Partnerships Seek partnerships with government, local & NGO’s, and research institutions Governmental Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Westwind Stewardship Group • Youth corps weed control • Private land conservation and restoration U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Potential funding or letters of support • Environmental education • Habitat restoration design, funding Confederated Tribes of Siletz Oregon Hunters Association • Habitat improvement volunteers Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife • Monitoring: fish behavior and habitat use • Habitat restoration projects Seagrant Rocky Mountain Elk Association • Marine and estuary education and research • Invasive weed control Division of State Lands • Habitat improvement funding • Wetland mitigation banking Salmon River Keepers Oregon Marine Board Local and NGOs • Peer education and enforcement • Boating regulations Cascade Pacific Resource Conservation • River cleanups Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board District Youth Corps Groups • Watershed protection and restoration funding • Economic development • Invasive weed Control Oregon Department of Transportation • Invasive species management • Trail work • U.S. 101 bridge/viaduct, roads, and culvert work • Program management • Monitoring • Vegetation restoration and weed management National Forest Foundation Ducks Unlimited Federal Highways: Forest Highways Program • General funding partner • Funding and design • Highway work, road safety and pullouts National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Private Land Owners • Interpretive signage or trails • Wildlife habitat improvement funding • Local stewardship • Restoration projects on private land NRCS, Farm Service Agency Salmon Drift & Midcoast Watershed • Agricultural land conservation programs Councils Oregon Department of Agriculture • Project management and volunteers Research Institutions • Plant research and invasive species management The Nature Conservancy Oregon State University Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation • Trail and headland management University of Oregon District • Invasive species management • Agricultural water quality management University of Washington Sitka Center for Arts and Ecology Lincoln County School District • Artist Residency Program Portland State Universityh • Local student education • Art & Ecology Workshop Progam Linfield College • Education program input • Outreach & Education South Slough NERR • Restoration research 37 Build Partnerships Th efollowing tablesuggestsaspectsofthemanagementplanthat remainappropriate andaspectsthatshouldbeaddressed inanupdate: Siletz andGrand Ronde, Otis businessowners, originalplanningcommitteemembers,andlocallong-timeresidents. the TribesConfederated of the hunting,) and (fi viewing, recreationists hiking, researchers, boating, specialists, shing, education councils, watershed local non-profienvironmental homeowners, Conservancy,)Naturediscussion: the the (including in ts included be should that stakeholders of list a is following restoration plans should not be put on hold in anticipation of an update. Coupling an update with the Siuslaw Forest Plan update could be convenient. Th part, other revisited, most be to the is plan e management confl for the major If no have was, objectives. to and enough ideas plan forward-thinking management current most management with icts the but problem, a glaring be Th to seem place. may in is remains plan interim original the but expected, was Th ten years. for only used updating be periodic to and intended monitoring document Frequent temporary an as 1976 in e written was Management Plan • Th e CHSRA boundary as designated by congress has not been legally been not has congress by • designated Th as boundary e CHSRA the of impacts the study to ODFW with cooperate to Th is • e USFS notbeen have but are appropriate recommendations The education • • Land use designations restricting major development within the area are An update should coincide withAn the update to next Forest the Siuslaw Plan PROJECT: Plan Management CHSRA (Th efi xedGISmapistheappendixCDofthisdocument.) changed and the incorrect U.S. Forest Service GIS layers must be fixed. attention. ThEstuary. continued River Salmon deserves the issue on is hatchery actively, through communitypartnerships. more manifested be Th should goals USFS. ese the by implemented of thecommunityandshouldcontinuetobeprotected. desires general the and Act CHSRA the of goals the meet to necessary whenever majormodifi required.” are direction cations in management the10-year throughout planning period.Itwillbereviewed viable andupdated atremain leastannually constantmonitoringandperiodic updating that to requires plan isadynamicprogram management “This Action Needs Action • Limiting new trails to the Oregon Coast Trail might be undesirable. Th e Ththe as such developments grandfathered ree the of issue • the Address • Th e management plan of does instead not level account program well a for natural at or be external should changes management species Invasive • more trails. impacts fragile habitat. Many community members expressed desire for and high is trail Head Cascade Conservancy’sNature the on pressure Rox subdivisionthathave notbeendeveloped. the contextsofactively maintaininghabitatsandviewpoints. Th change. climate or succession as such in addressed be should issue is only addressing tansyragwort. CHSRA Management Plan 38 Plan Management CHSRA Update Needs —CHSRA, 1974

Projects PROJECT: People and the Estuary Oregon Coast Trail Oregon’s coastline is a beautiful destination for many hikers. Th e Oregon Coast Trail is a 360-mile route from the Washington to the California border. Th rough Lincoln City, the trail route is along U.S. Hwy 101 instead of the beach because of the barrier that the Salmon River creates. Connect Oregon Coast Trail to Lincoln City Beaches • Th e route shown below would connect the existing section of the Oregon Coast Trail that ends at

the intersection of Th ree Rocks Road and Highway 101 to the existing trail at Roads End (shown View of the trail at Roads End to the right,) allowing the trail to continue along the beach through Lincoln City. • Most of the route is through Forest Service land. Th e southern portion near the junction of U.S Hwy 101 and Hwy 18 is Westwind Stewardship Group’s property, intended for educational and conservation purposes. Th e route is not near any existing used areas. Another private section is designated green- space. Th e trail could be built and maintained through a partnership such as Oregon State Parks and local youth corps.

Knight Park Boat Ramp • Th is will provide access to a beautiful and otherwise inaccessible area between the beach and estuary. Th e trail would be used and loved by a large number of local and visiting hikers. • Th e Oregon Coast Trail is specifi cally mentioned in the CHSRA Management Plan as a needed asset. • Th is trail is likely dissipate some of the pressure to Th e Nature Conservancy trail, which suff ers damage from over-use. Th e trail could also channel hikers near the large Cascade Head Villages development, discouraging undirected exploration and forging of new trails on West Winds property. “North Bank” “Forest • Th is route will circumvent an otherwise dangerous walk along Service U.S. Hwy 101 and allow the beach in Lincoln City to be a Hole” segment of the Oregon Coast Trail. • A segment from Knight Park to U.S. Hwy 101 would provide a safe and scenic path for the many runners, bikers, and hikers that currently use Th ree Rocks Rd. despite the heavy traffi c and 0 0.5 Mile dangerous curves. CHSRA Federal Proposed Existing Trails: Boundary Land Trail TNC OR Coast 39 People and the Estuary • Also consider CHSRA recommendation that motorized boats should not be allowed above allowed be not should boats motorized that recommendation CHSRA consider Also • findings) study above U.S. on capacity 101 (based Hwy Access Boat Streambank&Prohibit Motorized Limit the in Hole” Service “Forest the at trail boardwalk a and Pixieland, at access ADA Provide • Provide restroom facilitiesatbothPixieland andthe“Forest Hole” Service • Provide Infrastructure for Use Recreational To assesstheneedtolimitstreambank andmotorized boataccess • To assess the need for a permanent parking area for anglers. Possibly use • Pixieland site, coupled S Capacity Conduct a“Recreation Support theSalmon River Keepers eff tocontinueeducationandoutreachorts toaugmentthelawenforcement presence. • fitrespassing, of problems Focusedon conflsherman camping. nighttime and limits speed icts, • Enforcement to Law Increase or Support Maintain Goal: Goal: holes duringfishing season. fiPixieland and Forestover-crowdingService at exacerbate problems problems,boaters trespassing and shing sanitation to leading boats in camping overnight users, confland creates boaters which other limits, with speed exceedingicts include Issues boating. fito Year-roundand related exist problems shing-season prohibitive forpeoplewithphysical limitations. issuesarehighlyconcentratednearU.S. Hwy 18. These Hwy101 andat the “Forest Hole” off Service fi illegal is and Access trash, conditions, practices. sanitation shing river,poor the on camping property,overnightprivate on trespassing U.S.101, Hwy as o such issues, sanitation and safety fipresents Chinook season fall shing The Recommendations &Boating Fishing nuisance tofia as sherman. Simultaneously improve serve fito channels stream in shing accessatFSholeandPixieland.debris woody large of placement and banks, on vegetation fi shrub deter increasing to as projects such restoration sherman, wetlands. with prohibiting parking onU.S.Hwy101between Hwy18andTh ree Rocks Road. trespass andovernight camping. Knight Park

To reduce conflicts, improve compliancewithregulations, anddecrease sanitationandovercrowding problems. ocet lae n ae niomn o hra,rdc tembn n ri aaeadpluin n icuaeilgl To create acleanerandsaferenvironment forfisherman, reduce stream bankandtraildamagepollution,discourageillegal tudy” . vercrowded banks, overuse of fi sherman trails, unsafe parking along parking fiunsafe trails, sherman of overuse banks, vercrowded . In addition, encourage landowners to participate in riparian in participate to landowners encourage addition, In . People 40 and the Estuary

Projects PROJECT: Education Facilitate partnerships between local stakeholders to increase education opportunities

Education Coordinator An Education Coordinator will link local students and teachers to educational opportunities in the esttuary, with an emphasis on personal discovery opportunities such as internships and senior projects. Building upon developed program sources, such as the Student Watershed Research Project and Oregon Trout, the Coordinator will ensure the project goals are being met, train volunteer crew leaders and teachers, facilitate communication to pool existing resources, and manage data & equipment. Potential hosting organizations include the Sitka Center, Camp Westwind, the Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council, local schools, tribal organizations, or a partnership of many organizations.

Observation and Access Points Volunteer Monitoring Program A brochure with marked access and observation A monitoring program with an advisory board points will identify locations to observe nature of scientists, professionals, educators, and others and ongoing restoration activities. Th ese will serve to ensure quality control. Monitoring should be determined before recommended will be coordinated by an Education Coordinator. site-specifi c restoration projects begin. Th ese Students will serve as volunteer data collectors. access points will serve the project sites for the See the Saturday Academy’s Student Watershed volunteer monitoring program. Monitoring Research Project as a model (www.swrp.org). data will be organized on a public website. Th e website could be developed as a student project or internship.

Invasive Species ID and Control Storage and Restroom Facilities Education Program Storage may be needed for equipment used as A major component of restoration and part of education eff orts. In addition, Knight education activities will be invasive species Park currently provides the only public restroom control. Partnerships between local schools, facilities, and upgrades will be necessary. Regular and conservation groups such as the Native maintenance will be necessary. Local schools may Plant Propagation and Planting Program and be willing to help maintain restrooms, especially local Watershed Councils will be encouraged. if it is located near storage facility. Building the storage facility would be a good senior project or Boy or Girl Scout Eagle Project

41 Education August 2,2006:Summer Youth Crew fromCareer Tech CreekWatershed HShelpSalmonDrift Council Coordinator, KatieMcKenziemonitorwater quality identify interested and fundingsources, andguidethecoordinator. participants board An advisory Ready-made curriculum aloneare oftennothelpfultoteachers,buttheseresources alsocomewithstrategiesforsettingupaneducationprogram. Facilitate Application ofDeveloped Curriculum &Program Sources • Jackson Bottom Wetland Preserve • Oregon Forestry Education Program • Project Learning Tree • Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)• Project WILD andAquatic WILD • •Saturday Academy’s Student Watershed Research Project (SWRP) would beneededtoprovide technicaladviceonmethodologiesandsamplinegdecisionsaswell astohelpgettheword out, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service • LincolnCountySoil and Water District Conservation • Creative LearningCenter • Consortium CommunityServices • LetTh Arts ere Be • AmeriCorps • Division ofState Lands • Girl &Boy Scouts • Salmon River Hatchery • Salmon River Keepers • Oregon Hunter’s Association • Th e Audobon SocietyofLincolnCity • Mid-Coast Watershed Council • for supplies,andlinkstoclassesteachers. Th ere are manylocal resources forspeakers,tools,grantmoney Engage Other LocalCommunityEducation Resources Oregon Trout • STEPBiologist from ODFW • OSUExtension: ASnapshot ofSalmon inOregon • Hatfield Marine ScienceCenter • OSU Wildlife Stewards • Salmon Watch Education Program • Education 42

Projects PROJECT: Invasive Species Management

Invasive species are a serious problem in Oregon and in the Salmon River basin, acting Recommendations as a kind of biological pollution. In some areas of the basin they have already seriously Without an assertive plan to control the aggressive non-native degraded the quality of wildlands by altering natural processes and reducing biodiversity. species the negative trend will continue. The Forest Service, As a result, native plants and animals are excluded from some areas of the estuary and Watershed Councils, The Nature Conservancy and the Lincoln adjacent uplands. Current invasive species control measures may not be aggressive enough County Soil and Water Conservation District should develop to handle the rapid increase of these aggressive species. Oregon’s Invasive Species Action a watershed-level program for invasive species monitoring Plan reports that the number of invasive species has increased in Oregon 40 percent in the and management. Each program element should establish a last 10 years. Habitats at greatest risk include the scrub shrub community (marsh “bath list of strategic priorities, goals for success and accountability tub ring”), prairies and meadows, freshwater and tidal wetlands, estuarine and riverine measures. Outreach should strive to educate nearby property waterways. owners and visitors to the area, so that they fully understand Invasive Species: Presence and Risk for the Estuary and Nearby Uplands the devastating effects invasive species have on native plants and animals. Common name Scientific name Presence Potential risk The best ecologically-based management strategy is prevention. Plants Implementation should consider ecosystem processes and Saltmarsh cordgrass Spartina alterniflora x patterns, to choose appropriate tools to develop sustainable Saltmeadow cordgrass Spartina patens x management programs. Some of those tools include: Parrot Feather Myriophyllum aquaticum x European water millfoil Myriophyllum spicatum x Gorse Ulex europaeus x • Prevention Yellow Iris Iris pseudacorus x Reed canarygrass Phalaris arundinaceae xxx • Early detection and rapid response Himalayan Blackberry Rubus discolor xxx Himalayan Impatiens Impatiens gladulifera xxx • Control and management Giant knotweed Polygonum sachalinese x • Rehabilitation and restoration Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum x Purple Loose strife Lythrum salicaria x • The use of performance indicators to measure management Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius xxx success English Ivy Hedera Heilx xx Dwarf eelgrass Zostera japonica x • Adapting management strategies as management success is Tansy Ragwort Senicio jacobaea xx assessed Wildlife Nutria Myocastor coypus xx • Utilizing weed management technologies to manipulate the Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana ? x biology/ecology of both the invasive plants and the desirable Purple varnish clam Nuttalia obscurata ? x species to create a desired state Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir spp x European greencrab Carcinus maenas x • Understanding that ecosystems have feedbacks and Asian clam Potamocorbula amurensis x that manipulations will have foreseen and unforeseen x = some presence noted xxx = extensive infestations consequences xx = common ? = unverified reports 43 Invasive Species Management MANAGING FOR RARE & THREATENED SPECIES Site Specifi c Vegetation Restoration Principles Th e Nature Conservancy owns and manages the Cascade Head Natural Area. Th e The principles used to guide restoration and invasive species control preserve is host to an uncommon coastal prairie ecosystem that provides habitat to activities at all site specifi c options include control of invasive/nuisance rare plants, animals and the threatened Oregon Silverspot butterfl y. TNC has utilized a number of restoration tools, such as hand pulling, mowing, fi re, and weed cloth species (Himalayan blackberry, reed canarygrass, Scotchbroom, Knotweed, to protect and enhance the habitat for the butterfl y. TNC couples their restoration and others). The principles are designed to be coupled with a program for projects with annual ongoing monitoring program in order to quantify the success of monitoring changes in invasive species populations and their effects on these measures. adjacent habitats. The monitoring and adaptive management program must also include plans for early intervention of new invasive species arrivals.

Active Invasives Control Conservation This method is reserved for instances when Conservation management will identify areas restoration will create large scale disturbances. in or near a restoration site that contains plant Some of the methods used in active control are communities that justify special protections. burning, clearcutting, fl ooding and the removal Examples of these plant communities include of topsoil to completely irradicate widespread rare or pristine native plant communities and invasive monocultures of aggressive invasive culturally signifi cant remnant landscape and species. Chemical herbicides should be used as agricultural plant communities. This conservation a last resort. Restoration plans that include any approach to restoration is similar to passive of these methods should include a large budget control measures in that the goal is to allow the over several years for ongoing invasive species target plants to grow free of competition by Projects controls and for restoration of the disturbed site invasive species and controls of invasive plants with desired future native plant species. should be by less active measures.

Passive Invasives Control Monitoring and Adaptive The primary goal is to allow the plant communities Management to restore natural processes with minimal human Monitoring applies a scientifi c approach to resource help or interference. Removal methods can include management. Adaptive management is an iterative mowing or manual removal of invasive species to decision making process based upon observations release native plants to grow free of the competition made during monitoring activities. It is especially of the invasive species targeted for removal. Plans useful when future conditions are uncertain, such that include these methods should include some as plant succession. The goal of monitoring and budget for ongoing invasive species controls. adaptive management is to reduce uncertainty over time, by accruing information needed to improve future management as conditions change.

Invasive Species Management 44 PROJECT: Historic Conditions

Pixieland Before Pixieland 1945 aerial photo Development Project Description Th e Oregon Coast’s fi rst amusement park

had it’s home on the banks of the Salmon Fraser Creek River just west of Otis. From 1969-1975, Thomson’s Landing 1945

Jerry Parks owned and operated a 57 acre amusement park known as Pixieland. Tidal marsh As owner of the popular wayside eatery, the Pixie Kitchen in Lincoln City, Parks

had dreams Pixieland would be the “Knot’s Berry Farm” of the Northwest. Parks Emergent Scrub shrub wetland purchased Th omson’s Landing in 1954 and put up the capital needed to construct Pixieland in 1964. Pixieland included a frontier village, amusement park rides, and an RV park. From the start Pixieland struggled economically. In 1975 Pixieland closed its doors and the Forest Service condemned the property under the CHSRA. Cleared Sitka spruce forest Th e American Adventures RV Park remained on-site until the 1980s.

Construction of Pixieland depended greatly on diking to inhibit fl ooding. A series of pools and channels were dug out of the marshes for water rides such as paddle boats and the log plume ride, as seen below. Th ese hydrologic alterations have Pixieland During 1972 aerial photo resulted in impaired fi sh and aquatic habitat. Th e fi nal design resulted in the main Operation stem of the Salmon River and Fraser Creek being disconnected from their associated

wetlands and tidal fl oodplain. Fraser creek disconnected Site Location from marsh tch complex r Di se Fra Amusement Park Complex Log plume ride dug out of American tidal marshland Adventures RV Park 57 acres total 10 acres historically tidal marsh Parking Lot 7 acres scrub shrub Otis wetlands 34 acres Mixed Sitka spruce forest and shrub wetlands 0 1 Mile 0 0.25 Mile

Winfred and Lola Thomson move to Jerry Parks opens Pixie Kitchen Parks purchases 57 acre parcel Pixieland Opens Salmon River and begin cannery at Thomson’s Landing 45 Pixieland 1920 1953 1964 1969 Canarygrass Hydric soils,dominatedbyReed ditches andponds gates preventadequatefl ushing of The breacheddikeandbrokentide- dumping, illegalactivities,squatting,andisapopularbattlefi vandalism, attracts Theld forpaintballwars. e site neglect. and surfaces, asphalt to compaction, due disturbance, species soil invasive Additionally,non-native common of evident. assortment an still with overgrown are is slabs site the concrete and lots parking Asphalt remaining the infrastructure. about known is little site, the from structures removed has the Service ForestWhile condition. dysfunctional and altered highly a in resulting hydrology, control to built systems theecological the compromised have Pixieland at neglect Yearsof compromises site. the of ofPixieland integrity infrastructure the remaining of The disrepair Conditions: Infrastructure Existing

1975 Pixieland closes

1978 under the CHSRA Act Forest Service condemns property Dikes Tide gates Former sewagepond Diversion Weir Underground Storage Tanks Underground infrastructure Remnant Infrastructure Paint balls • Madeofsediment,norock • Upperdikebreachedaboveweir • Lowertidegatemalfunctioning • Uppertidegatewashedoutaboveweir • Breachedintoditchsystem into funneled gets currently Creek Fraser • tank underground for listing DEQ Current • • Sewagelines • Undergrounddrainagefromparkinglots internal ditch/poolsystem Pixieland fion for le American at RVpark Adventures Compacted soils underasphalt Known Garbage dumpingremainsaproblematPixieland - N/A - N/A • Nutrientlevels • N/A • Contaminantlevel • Preciselocation • Electricallines • Location Pixieland 46 Pixieland Unknown

Projects Current Bio-physical Conditions and Implications

Fraser Creek Ditch Fraser Creek is disconnected from its tidal marsh and ditched along highway 101, resulting in a less sinuous channel. Sinuosity Malfunctioning Tidegate in a channel denotes slower fl owing water and allows for easier fi sh movement. Meander bends create pools and eddies for Brackish water enters dugout pools where it over- fi sh to take refuge during high water. Ditches simplify the complexity of natural stream morphology, resulting in a more hostile fi sh habitat heats and becomes hypersaline and low in oxygen

Historic Sinuosity = 1.4 Historic meander width = 91 ft Current Ditch Sinuosity = 1.0 Current meander width = 12 ft Dikes Lowered fl ood storage capacity as Salmon River a result of diking increases peak fl ows Pools and Ponds (death traps) High temperatures and saline Invasive Species levels inhibit healthy aquatic life for Much of the wetlands are overrun with Reed both fresh water and tidal species Canarygrass, an invasive grass found in freshwater systems. Nutria are also abundant throughout the Parking Lots and Concrete wetlands Existing asphalt inhibits recovery of desirable plants while encourages 101 Low salt marsh - Carex lyngbei the establishment of invasive, non- native plants such as Himalayan

Picea sitchensis along dike blackberry (Rubus Discolor)

Scrub/ shrub wetland with Approximately 11 acres of asphalt Alnlus rubra and Salix spp.

Fresh water wetland dominated by Phalaris arundenancea Breached Dike and

Mixed trees/ shrubs, invasive Diversion Weir species: Cytisus scoparius, Rubus Fraser Creek is currently funneled discolor, Hedera helix, and Phalaris arundinacea into the internal ditch/pool system, Remnant Landscape trees and sending any downstream traveling shrubs - Pinus contorta, Picea sitchensis, Escalloniacaea species into warm, saline “death Alnus rubra overstory with heavy traps” Rubus discolor, Hedera helix, and Phalaris arundinacea

Diversion weir Impeded flooding Asphalt Ditches and Ponds Tidal flow Fraser Creek Dike / Barrier to overland Culvert (fresh water flow) flow 0 100 Feet

47 Pixieland Restoration Recommendations Phase I - Hydrologic restoration I-Hydrologic Phase Recommendations Restoration iiain akn o te asln area marshland the of banking Mitigation reconnect to Th be should priority e highest has site the of restoration Hydrologic Replace under-sized under Hwy18. culvert • marshland in asphalt and concrete Remove • - First to its existing channel, then to its historic -Creation ofmeanders -Partial breach ofinternal dike Fraser in ratio sinuosity historic Reconstruct • Fill internalditchsystem • Remove malfunctioning tidegate • Remove dikealongSalmon River • Fill dugoutpoolsandpondswith • Restore connectivityofFraser Creek • Recommendations restoration zone, depictedinPhase II. upland the fund help can Pixieland in sinuosity andconnectiontothemarsh. by channel tidal removing the its diversion weir and to restoring Creek Fraser communities andaquatichabitat. plant desirable more of establishment passive for benefiallows multiple and ts restoration area channel whenU.S.Hwy 101 israised Creek Ditch. Involves: materialfrom theexistingdike Tidal lo sh atlo as Ck Sitka sp tntion ith atial ik Clt ik moal ponds ill dithsand restoration Area ofmarsh Pixieland 48 Pixieland t

Projects Phase II - Vegetation Restoration and Management Vegetation communities result from the unique combinations of biotic and abiotic environmental variables such as climate, soils, hydrologic regime, disturbance regime, elevation, and aspect. Restoration of wetland vegetation will hinge on the success of hydrologic restoration in Phase I. Diking and ditching may have resulted in subsidence, which will result in slow recovery, as seen in the rest of the estuary. Additionally, soil compaction in the paved areas encourages the establishment of non-native plants. Control of invasive species should be a priority, but will require Mixed trees/ shrubs, invasive species: Cytisus scoparius, Rubus discolor, Hedera helix, and Phalaris arundinacea ongoing maintenance. Conservation of Sitka Alnus rubra overstory with heavy Rubus discolor, Hedera spruce trees on the dikes and the uplands and helix, and Phalaris arundinacea

native scrub shrub vegetation in the uplands Remnant Landscape trees and is strongly recommended to accelerate the Low salt marsh - Carex lyngbei shrubs - Pinus contorta, Picea sitchensis, Escalloniacaea establishment of Sitka spruce riparian forests that were historically present on the site. Picea sitchensis along dike

Scrub/ shrub wetland with Alnlus rubra and Salix spp.

Fresh water wetland dominated by Phalaris arundenancea Recommendations

• Protect mature overstory trees during asphalt removal • Retain mature trees on portions of dike that are retained • Increase diversity of understory Partial Dike tasre rsr rea reaars species common in fl oodplain/Sitka retention with arara restrat 0 100 Feet spruce swamps Sitka spruce veetatrestrat • Aggressive control of invasive species until overstory establishment

49 P Pixielandixieland will have multiplepurposes. Pixieland at markers. services recreation of Development interpretative subtle through told is restoration of story and the as marshland wetlands, associated restored the through visitors lead will trail interpretative ADA An wetland. tidal restored a to park amusement former this of transformation the viewing CHSRA, for Pixieland at of goals implemented be can opportunities educational educational achieve To with fishermen for disabilities. access universal provide to installed be can fi platform disabled shing a Similarly, access. safer for allow will Pixieland at Parking road. the along situations dangerous U.S. Hwy 101 to access this fishing hole, causing fiCurrentlyfialong park season. shermen shing Pixieland identifibeen opposite has during use high of area an as ed River Salmon becomes the of north e Th which bank Park season. high Knight during overcrowded to limited River Salmon is the in access boat and Parking Phase osdr hra acs tal over trail access fisherman Consider • Act) Disabilities (American’s with ADA • (kayaks, launch boat Non-motorized • restoration/ • Acapacitystudytodetermineparking and stop rest Wayside • Recommendations along hwy 18to“FS Hole” & 101 Hwy U.S. of west bank north to Fraser Creek to U.S. Hwy 101 for access fishing platform canoes, driftboats) andotherinfrastructure needs education trail III - “Pixecology” Fishermen’s Access and Interpretative and Fishermen’s Access Trail III-“Pixecology” retett tasre artae tasre rsr raraveetat reaa restrat reaars restrat Vegetation screenfromroad ra sera ess ra ara stormwater bio-swale Pixieland 50 Pixieland 0 100 He Feet

Projects PROJECT: Tamara Quays

The 40-acre Tamara Quays site lies at the junction of Highways 101 and 18. The site has seen a variety of human uses, including farmland and the Kingfisher Estates mobile home park. The Forest Service completed acquisition of residential parcels in 2004, using Land and Water Conservation Funds. Congress established this funding source in 1964 to purchase, protect, and restore key resource lands, such as fisheries.

The northeast portion of the site sits on a stream terrace. The southwest portion 18 of the site is lower in elevation and was historically the site of the estuarine Rowdy Creek. Construction of Kingfisher Estates in the early 1970s included a dike system that diverted Rowdy Creek, with a portion flowing into Kingfisher Lake and a portion flowing into a ditch outside the diked area. A tidegate system Site Location controlled lake depth, and prevented tidal flow into the ditch. il

During the 1996 flood, the dike and tidegate leading to the ditch breached, and were subsequently removed by the Forest Service. Coho salmon now use the ditch as habitat. The remaining tidegate is currently malfunctioning, causing persistent flooding around Kingfisher Lake. Dead trees and blackberry line the submerged areas adjacent to the bank. Newts, dragonflies, stickleback, and various waterfowl use the lake as habitat. Invasive animal and plant species, notably Nutria (Myocaster coypus), Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor), Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), and Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) are established throughout the site.

Our recommendations for Tamara Quays involve a full restoration of the hydrologic system, and construction of a loop trail on the terrace. The dike, tidegate and ditch will be removed, and Rowdy Creek restored to its historic channel. Asphalt will be removed and recycled into a 0.6 mile loop trail through the upland area, to connect with the Oregon Coast Trail. The trail will meet a demand for a low-impact, accessible walking trail within CHSRA. Aggressive invasives controls will be implemented as marshland emerges, while passive measures will encourage natural forest succession in the uplands. Bird’s-eye view of Kingfisher Lake and reference marsh (far right)

Camp Westwind founded Site in agricultural use End of on-site agriculture 51 Tamara Quays 1937 1945 1969 History

1945 Aerial Photo 1984 Aerial Photo od Ck mnants o as Ck

ik pn ild t mnan

Tidgat oil om Sits had ing d S i oa a sh n d B s a a h d ingish d Lak stin i lld d ss d

18

ign oint

ik ith oads Spti ainag Projects

• The 1945 aerial photograph shows Tamara Quays prior to the construction • The 1984 aerial photograph shows Kingfi sher Estates at full build-out, with of Kingfi sher Estates. an internal road network and adjacent underground utilities infrastructure (not shown). • A natural upland allowed for agricultural use without diking or ditching. • Utilities included electricity and cable TV wires, concrete manways, sewage • Some farm structures and roads are visible. lines and lift boxes, and 4” cast iron water lines, and concrete pads for mobile homes. The septic drainage fi eld is in the NW portion of the uplands. • Tidal channels and drainage from the forest surround the upland. Rowdy Creek and Fraser Creek follow their historic channels. • The dike and tidegate system diverted Rowdy Creek and created Kingfi sher Lake. Adjacent lowlands were fi lled to reinforce the lake bank. • The dike shown in the 1945 aerial was likely part of the farm road system, and had a minimal impact on the overall hydrology. • U.S. Hwy 101 and the YWCA Camp Westwind access road have been constructed.

• Residents mowed the dike and upland areas, preventing the establishment of invasive plant species.

Kingfi sher Estates built Major fl ood USFS buys last residential parcel 1970 1996 1996 Tamara Quays 52 Current Conditions

od Ck mnants o as Ck

iat ike t D opt an Tidgat Remn

mgi n g Malfunctioning tidegate, with o Northwest view down Sand s Reed Canarygrass and dead Lands t Beach Road, with dead trees ingish Blackberry visible ik a due to fl ooding Bah Lak p lan

ts

18

ign oint Ba am

Spti ik a St to d Southeast view across Southeast view of dike sistnt looding ainag Canagass and ditch, blanketed with amnt Kingfi sher Lake, lined with ith Blak Sothoom Compatd 0 t Reed Canarygrass Blackberry and Scotchbroom Soils

• The dike, tidegate, and ditch produce a severely altered hydrology. The • The depth of Kingfi sher Lake is ~8’ in the center, 4‘-5’ in the historic malfunctioning tidegate causes persistent fl ooding, as well as habitat for Rowdy Creek channel, and 1’-3’ in the fl ooded areas. The deepest parts are stickleback, newts, dragonfl ies, and waterfowl. approximately 2’ below mean sea level. The ditch varies from 20’-25’ in width • Most plants are dead in the fl ooded areas, including Himalayan Blackberry by 1’-2’ in depth. and landscape trees, and Reed Canarygrass is emerging. Large patches • Coho salmon are present in the ditch, despite midday, summer water of Himalayan Blackberry and Scotch Broom are present on the dike and temperatures above 80 oF. Salinity is near zero, indicating a minimal tidal throughout the uplands. infl uence. • Roads, concrete pads, and underground utilities are still in place. Passive • The upland area provides habitat for elk and birds. Invasive plants are recreation activities (walking, birding, berry picking, etc.) are common. competing with an emerging native forest.

53 Tamara Quays • Connect trail to the Oregon Coast Trail Connect trailtotheOregon described onpg.39. • to marsh from zone transition the traverse will boardwalk low-impact A • A 0.6-mile loop trail will off er of views Cascade Head and the estuary, will • will marshland of outside located be will surface parking gravel small A • Trail &Parking Area original direct fito dike; material & on-site Usetidegate Removeditch. ll • Channel Historic Restore Blackberry removal Passive (manual)approachto acrossestuary Looking north Recommendations employed. be will techniques design low-impact other and piles Pin forest. upland private intheupland. property to access for fulfirequirement will easement and an accessible, ll ADA be the trail. serve channel willberestored. stream meanders. Approximately 14 acres of marsh and 2,100 feet of stream Tail oads mo ik opt iat ill ith mo ik mo ill histoi od Ck appoimat tidalmash stod gon Coast Tail to oadsnd ision at mo ssssmnt nionmntal latom sation mo amnt mo mo ompat Soil ill Retain remnant landscape trees, orchard. including afruit • ongoing ensuring to key be will partnerships and management Adaptive • or removal manual including uplands, the in controls invasives Passive • Aggressive invasives controls willbeneededasmarshlandre-emerges. • Vegetation Management • Perform anenvironmental area. Perform assessment in theseptic • with replant and soils Decompact trail. the for on-site asphalt Recycle • inplace Utilities Leave invasives removal. mowing ofinvasives topromote forest growth. native species. assi nasis Contol nasis Contol ggssi

a ki

0 n g

mn

a nt ik t 18 Tamara Quays 54 Low-impact boardwalkdesign SitkaSprucesapling

Projects PROJECT: U.S. Highway 101 History Salmon Creek was historically a highly productive salmon stream. When U.S. Hwy 101 was built in 1961, Salmon Creek was severed and rerouted into a straight ditch. Th e old channel still remains as a blind slough on the northwest side of Hwy 101. ’96 Marsh Th e Gnos family homesteaded in the mid 1860s. In the 1940s, they purchased the section of private land intersected by the highway. When the USFS removed the dike along the Salmon River north of Hwy 101, Ditch Dike/Berm they made a commitment to the family to build a protective dike Don Gnos Private Land Degrading on the property line. Th is dike was poorly Dike built and tidal salt water fl oods the pasture. Winter fl ooding from the river erodes the 1945 Salmon Creek dike. A blocked culvert near the junction of Th ree Rocks Road and U.S. 101 causes additional problems. 2005 Aerial photo Problem Statement 0 0.5 Mile U.S. Hwy 101 is the largest remaining dike in the Salmon River estuary. Th e two primary ecological problems that it causes are the severing of Salmon Creek and the general eff ect of blocking sheet fl ow across the entire marsh. Th e ditch that Salmon Creek now fl ows through is shallow, warm, and short. Th is is harmful to juvenile salmon that depend on the rich and complex tidal channels to nourish and protect them as they prepare to enter the ocean. Th e sheet fl ow that the highway blocks is especially important for sediment transportation and channel formation, which are critical for healthy marsh habitat. Solutions Th e goals for this site are to restore as much of Salmon Creek and the associated marsh habitat as possible while respecting the Gnos family’s needs and desires. Th e ideal solution is to raise U.S. Hwy 101 onto a viaduct from the Gnos dike to Tamara Quays, and restore connection and sinuosity to both Salmon Creek and Fraser Creek. Th is would aid the restoration of the ’96 marsh and Fraser Creek, and open up nearly 80 acres on the southeast side of the highway to tidal marsh. If this is not fi nancially feasible, a large bridge over Salmon Creek is an option that will provide some of the benefi ts to fi sh species and to restoration of the ‘96 Marsh. 55 U.S. Hwy 101 Recommendations Viaduct • Optimally, the viaduct will stretch from the (Artistic rendition) Salmon Creek Channel reconstructed Gnos dike to Tamara Quays. • Salmon Creek will be reconnected to • The Viaduct should be elegant, blend with the its historical channel downstream of landscape, and allow for maximum sheet fl ow the highway. beneath. • Sinuosity and depth should be • Construction should be sturdy and tall enough restored in the channel upstream of Restoration of Tidal Marsh to withstand seismic activity, a tsunami, or the highway. • Continue to work with the Gnos family predicted sea-level rise. • The ditch currently routing salmon towards restoration of the marsh upstream • The road should include a wide bike and creek should be disconnected from of the highway. pedestrian pathway. Salmon Creek or fi lled entirely. • Wetland mitigation banking and other • Some form of access to the Salmon River • Fraser Creek will also be allowed to funds are available to compensate for the should be allowed, either in the form of stairs return to its historic sinuous channel change. or a path from the side. • In the interim, blackberries should be mowed to allow viewing of the estuary

Reconstruct the Gnos Dike Passive Recovery of the ‘96 and Culvert Marsh • To protecting a portion of the Gnos land • Restoring fl ow with the viaduct will greatly aid

from tidal fl ooding should be reconstructed the recovery of the ‘96 Marsh. Projects soundly.

“Salmon Creek is, in my mind, the greatest restoration need” - Dan Bottom, OSU/ODFW Salmon River Fish Biologist

U.S. Hwy 101 56 PROJECT: Waterways There are several locations on the Salmon River and its tributaries in need of restoration. These projects include improving fi sh passage, increasing the complexity of the river and stream channels, riparian planting to improve water quality and reduce streambank erosion, and improving water quality by reducing pollution and restoring fl ows.

Water Quality Maintenance of adequate fl ows and high quality water are important to the health of organisms that use the river, and to the people who may consume fi sh or other organisms living there. Two conditions were highlighted as • Excluding livestock from creeks and rivers having the potential to decrease water quality. The fi rst is upstream impacts • Providing habitat and shade of septic systems, the fi sh hatchery, and potential hazardous waste spills from adjacent roads. The second is the stabilization of the dune spit at • Providing large woody debris to streams and rivers Camp Westwind. European beach grass was planted on the dune on the • Reducing stream bank erosion in fl oodplain and channel Camp Westwind property at the mouth of the river in the mid 1930s. More • Increasing “scrub shrub” and “Sitka swamps” in the lower Salmon River than 30 acres that was once moving sand is now pine forest and beach Watershed grass, and that volume continues to expand. It is not known how dune stabilization may be affecting the function of the estuary. Th ere are a number of voluntary programs through the Natural Resources Conservation Service that area available to landowners to meet those specifi c restoration goals. Th e programs provide varying levels of matching funds for Fish Passage conservation and restoration projects. Landwoners should be encouraged to apply Stream reaches that once provided spawning habitat for fi sh species and for the following programs (and more) more information about the programs can be connectivity for other aquatic species are blocked by faulty and undersized obtained through the Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District. culverts. Increasing stream fl ow capacity will improve fi sh passage. • Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) • Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Riparian Restoration • Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) Riparian restoration is needed to control invasive species, improve water quality, stream fl ow and structure on both private and Forest Service lands. Stream Channel Complexity The quantity of riparian Sitka forests is small relative to historic conditions. Restoration of this scarce habitat would increase the quality, quantity, and The mainstem Salmon River and tributaries lack large woody debris connectivity of this rare habitat. and the complexity it brings to stream fl ows, channel morphology, and Riparian forests provide a variety of functions, including: habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species. Large woody debris will • Filtering pollution (herbicides, pesticides, and animal wastes, nutrients) help control stream fl ow and sediment deposition, while also providing and sediments habitat structure and complexity for numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms. 57 Waterways Rpra frs rsoain ln De Cek n Slo Creek Salmon and Creek Deer along restoration forest Riparian • Along the main stem will increase • quality and quantity and connectivity n h etay aog h mise Slo Rvr aog Salmon along River, Salmon mainstem the along estuary, the In or river • the of reach that of needs the meet to place Srategically • Wood Large Add Forests Spruce Sitka of Restoration Riparian PassageBarriers Fish Remove Test clams,mussels,crabs,andsedimentsforPCBsheavy • Include alltidallyinfluenced areas ofthemainstemriver • Monitoring Monitor Water Protection/ Quality • Function on Estuary Stabilization the of Dune of Effects Conduct aStudy Waterways Recommendations • Culvert improvements on Th ree Rocks Road, and along roads on roads along and Th Road, on Rocks improvements ree Culvert •

should alsobepursued. habitat. of Creek, andalong Deer Creek stream monitoring projects tothetidallyinfl oftheriver.uenced portion metals. Th eSDCWC shouldseekfundingtoexpandtheir U.S. Hwy101. at Creek Fraser and Creek Salmon at access Install 18. Highway East, Road Th Rocks Road, Fraser ree needed: as tributaries other 3) eradicatevegetation toreleasedunesands. vegetation atpresentvolume, 2) halttheexpansionof vegetation, such as:1)allow continued expansionof Model thepotentialrestorationoptionsforspit

the valley. lady fern and false of lily sedge, slough cabbage, skunk evergreenelderberry, huckleberry to plants include inrestorationtrees. Other thiscommunity include of scattered alder, red toyoung elevation mimic natural treesand on aslight rise on nurse logs regeneration of remnant source, the placement trees aseed as coupled habitats with the similar of of For successful restoration thisunique of and rare we recommend habitat type nearby using moderate that experience drought. summer choice and agood situations, quite for on well-drained isalso happy It organicsoils soils. shade. inheavy Vigorous shallow rootsconifer makethe best it forsurvive water high table shade and will and well partial sun infull range performs a wide conditions. of Spruce is aversatile restoration tree spruce forstudy Sitka area. tolerates it as riparian plantings, benefiwill fi of t many species sh and wildlife add and will to inthe the habitats diversity of habitat type .Restoration thisimportant of above River the estuary theside Salmon of Thplantese communities either wereand on once of prevalentthe estuary edges on the SPRUCE FOREST RIPARIAN SITKA HISTORIC Waterways 58

Projects PROJECT: Th ree Rocks Road and Knight Park

Project Description Th is project describes the current opportunities for conservation, restoration, recreation and education along Th ree Rocks Road and in the Knight Park/ Crowley Creek Area. We identifi ed four main areas along Th ree Rocks Road to focus this project on in addition to the Knight Park area. Th ese include the parking area on U.S. Hwy 101, Mink Creek area near milepost 1, the Sign Meadow near mile 1.5, and Unnamed Creek near mile 1.8. Th ese sites were based on their potential as sites for enhancing the scenic, educational, and ecological qualities of the area. Past research on Crowley Creek identifi ed additional potential for this site and identifi ed the need for a bridge to allow for natural movement of the creek. In addition, we found the need for removal of remaining dikes in the area, improved signage, and potential for educational programs. Primary restoration recommendations at the unnamed creek and Mink Creeks include culvert replacements to allow for better fi sh passage and water fl ow. Our priority recommendation for this project was at the Sign Meadow, which we identifi ed as an ideal site for viewing and interpretive education in the estuary. Th is site is one of the few places to stop and view the estuary, and is in a prime location on the route to Knight Park. It would provide a chance for visitors or locals to stop, relax, view birds and wildlife, and enjoy the estuary. Th ere is no place for this sort of recreation currently, and this site improvement could add greatly to the experience of people in the estuary, while fulfi lling the CHSRA goals.

Knight Park and Crowley Creek unnamed Creek

Sign Meadow Mink Creek 101 Parking Area and Trail

Three Rocks Rd. & Knight Park Priority Sites 0 0.5 Mile 59 Th ree Rocks Road Recommended Priorities and Opportunities and Priorities Recommended and views habitat wildlife enhance would grazing or mowing Reinstating elk. for mowed Restoration to anoverlook platform for the estuary viewing Recreation have could and River the restoration ecology. about signage interpretive and estuary Salmon the and marshes restoring the overlooks Site Education Meadow Sign Coast Trail cleared and should be and regularly. maintained for increasing recreation Th in the area. and parking e trail is on the Oregon Recreation U.S. 101Inter Hwy : : Potential site for the Oregon Coast Birders Trail and for a short trail : Th area anparking existing and trail, rough thisarea potential has n o te ny vial veig potnte o te estuary. the of opportunities viewing available only the of One Site is currently inundated with blackberries, but but blackberries, with inundated currently is Site : section Inadequate culvert at Creek Mink Inadequate culvert Knight ParkKnight was previously was Knight Park/Knight Crowley Creek Education culvert replacement would improve also bridge or larger culvert aquatic habitat. marsh and should be considered for removal. Improved water conveyance through Restoration thissite of limitations andthe its use recommendedis study to assess capacity Parking a and issue an is opportunities. on the Oregon Coast Birders Trail and access to the marsh could improve viewing Recreation restoration the estuary and regulations about education programs and signage : : Due to the facilities, accessibility, and high use, this site is ideal for ideal is site this use, high and accessibility, facilities, the to Due : Dikes along the east side of Crowley Creek limit access to the adjoining Trailhead and boat ramp access provide access to recreation, site is site recreation, to access provide access ramp boat and Trailhead ThMeadow Sign e monitoring important Conser tidal complex steelhead, and cutthroat the and coho,for potential enhance Could Marsh. ‘78 the in Creek channels Mink between connection Restoration CreekMink habit fi to potential up open Replacement 25”perched of culvert sh CreekUnnamed at vation wetland and adaptive management and adaptive elcmn o isffi in clet o restore to insuffi culvert of cient Replacement : : Healthy Sitka spruce swamp south of the road is habitat that should be conserved through through conserved be should that habitat Knight Park Knight 60

Projects PROJECT: Dikes and Ditches

Project Description Th is project describes the current extent, condition, and impact of dikes and ditches in the estuary. THE IMPACTS OF DIKES & Currently there are approximately 15 major dikes in the estuary, 11 of which are intact and four of which DITCHES are degrading naturally. Th ere has been considerable eff ort to remove dikes and restore the estuary; Dikes and ditches have signifi cant impacts on however there are still remaining dikes that must be considered impairments to natural estuarine function. estuarine and riverine function. Th rough the Of these remaining dikes, three are top priorities for removal or breaching: U.S. Hwy 101 at Salmon disconnection of tidal and river channels with Creek, Pixieland, and Tamara Quays. Four are secondary priorities: Knight Park, Basin Lands, the ‘96 their fl oodplain, dikes impede the natural processes of fl ooding. Th is exclusion not only and ‘78 Marshes. Completion of fi rst order priorities would enhance connectivity between streams and acts as an obstruction to aquatic organisms, but tidal channels. Completion of secondary priorities would enhance the wetland restoration projects that also prevents the exchange of water, sediments, have already been initiated. Enhancement of one dike is recommended on the private property west of and organic matter. As a result, many of the U.S. Hwy 101, to fulfi ll promises made to the landowner. Th e major ditches in the estuary are located in important functions of these natural wetlands the ‘96 Marsh, Pixieland, Tamara Quays, and the property east of U.S. Hwy 101. Top priorities are the are lost. Often, the hydrology of the estuary is severely impacted with a decreased capacity fi lling of the ditches in the ‘96 Marsh, Tamara Quays, and the ‘78 Marsh, which pose the greatest threats of the system to regulate fl oodwaters and to estuarine function and aquatic habitat. Existing ditches at Gibson Canal and the ‘87 Marsh were found retain tide waters. Soon after a marsh is diked, to be recovering well, but should be monitored closely. it begins to subside, due to the dessication of organic soils. Th e vigorous wetland vegetation that once provided substantial organic matter to estuarine food webs is replaced by pasture grasses. Ditches that are built in these newly formed pastures can lead to future problems in marsh restoration once a dike has Restoration Techniques been removed. Built to drain fi elds, ditches Current research in restoration ecology is constantly refi ning our ability to compromise the ability of the restored wetland recover compromised estuarine habitats. Staff at the South Slough National to retain water and restrict the connectivity Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR) have done a number of projects between tidal channels and the marsh surface. exploring techniques for dike removal and ditch fi lling. Recent projects have Ditches also have negative impacts on water tested using root wads to enhance ditches, looked at the level of dike removal quality, especially temperature, and on channel morphology. Th e presence of ditches limits the necessary to restore sinuous tidal channels and studied the methods for ability of the marsh to recover and lessens its construction of channels in formally diked areas. We recommend consulting value to fi sh and aquatic organisms. this source of local expertise on any future restoration of diked and ditched marshes. Bulldozer placing a root wad in a ditch

61 Dikes and Ditches Recommended Dike and Ditch Priorities

0 0.25 Mile 2 3 ‘96 Marsh: Filling of Ditches

‘78 Marsh: Remaining ditch in the ‘96 Marsh Reconnection of Enhancement of Gnos Dike Historic Channel; Filling of Ditch

1 2

Remnant dike at the ‘78 Marsh 1

1 Projects 2

1 U.S. Hwy 101—the largest dike in the estuary 1 1 Tamara Quays: 1 2 Salmon Creek: Removal of Dike; 1 2 Reconnection; Filling of Ditch Filling of Ditch

Pixieland: Dike & Ditch Priorities The diversion ditch at Tamara Quays Reconnection of Intact Dike or Berm Priority Dike Removals Degrading Dike or Berm Priority Ditch Filling Fraser Creek Ditch Priority Dike Enhancement *Numbers indicate Priority Level (1-3) Dikes and Ditches 62 Bibliography

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