The NRC and NPS's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) hosted an open house on November 5th, 2015 to provide more information on the Nisqually River Water Trail.

1. S
Nisqually River Access
& Water Trail
Open House – Yelm Middle School
November 5, 2015

2. Nisqually River Council
Mission -- to create sustainability
in the Nisqually Watershed for
current and future generations
by developing a common
culture of environmental, social
and economic balance
S Snapshot of Programs –
S Adult and youth
education
S Climate change
S Community forest
S Low impact development

3. Why look at recreational access
and the potential for a water trail?
S Guiding document of the NRC
S Protect & enhance the network of
trails & recreational opportunities for
all ages and abilities
S Lacking public access to river,
especially for boating
S NRC members called for increased
river access
S NRF applied for and accepted into
RTCA program

4. …The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the
benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and
outdoor recreation throughout the country…
S National Historic Register
S National Historic Landmarks
S National Heritage Areas/National Scenic Trails
S Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
S Urban Park & Recreation Recovery (UPARR)
S Federal Lands to Parks (FLP)
S Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA)
National Park Service
Community Assistance Programs

5. S We work collaboratively, by request
S Partners include non-profit organizations;
community groups; tribes; local, state, and
federal agencies
S Our focus is on helping communities help
themselves
S We provide planning assistance, not grant money
S Tangible on-the-ground successes are our goal
RTCA Core Program

7. Vision
S Vision: The Nisqually River Water Trail provides high quality non-
motorized public recreation opportunities that are aligned with efforts to
protect the natural environment, including threatened and endangered
species habitat and protected lands.
S Goals:
S Provide ample public access opportunities to the Nisqually River from
La Grande Dam to the Nisqually estuary.
S Create minimal impact on salmon habitat, private lands or sensitive
ecosystems.
S Provide interpretation opportunities for users to learn about the
cultural importance and natural history of the area.
S Recognize the personal responsibility of users, including exercising
skill-based judgment and Leave No Trace principals.

8. Scope
S Scope:
S Below La Grande Dam to Luhr
Beach
S Largely focused on creating boat
accessibility to Nisqually mainstem
S Ties into other recreation
opportunities (ie. hiking, biking etc)
where there is river connection

9. Timeline
Getting Organized
Plan Production
Analysis & Recommendations
• Form Advisory Committee
• Develop vision & goals
• Develop outreach strategy
& workplan
• Where are the gaps? What are the priorities?
• Evaluate public input
• Generate recommendations
• Draft Plan
• Second Focus Group, Open House
• Final Plan
Information Gathering
• Inventory
• Identify key issues
• Public survey
• Focus Group # 1
• Public Open House
Winter 14/15 Summer 15 Fall 15 Winter 15/6 Spring 16 Summer 16 Fall 16Spring 15

10. Desired Outcomes/Products
S Concept Plan that contains
recommendations for:
S Increased public river access –
Development or improvement of
put-in/take-out locations
S Public outreach campaigns –
Produce water trail map and
brochure; install signage at boat
launches

11. Opportunities
Map provided by WA State Parks
S Nisqually State Park
S River Access
S Interpretation
opportunities
S Links to hiking,
biking, etc

12. Challenges
S Threatened Chinook
S Threatened
steelhead
S Population crashed
in the 1990s
Year
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
NumberofFish
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Mainstem
Tributaries
Esc. Goal
Map provided by WDFW

13. Steelhead
Steelhead Redd
Counts
5 year average
Mashel to
Div. Dam
Div. Dam to
McKenna
McKenna
to Mouth
Mashel River provides 15%-30% Steelhead spawning
habitat
Maps provided by WDFW

14. Spawning times
Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Coho
Chum
Steelhead
Chinook
Pink
Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout
Chart provided by WDFW

15. Preliminary Options
S Focusing energy on stretch from
Nisqually State Park to McKenna Park
S Exploring opportunities for additional
access points and/or camping sites
S Focusing access on Ohop Creek, not
Mashel; Limiting access to avoid
spawning Steelhead
S Potential Managed Access Options (see
Station 3)

16. Next Steps & Ways to Get
Involved
S Online survey – participate, spread the word,
closes December 4th
S Next Advisory Committee Meeting – January,
2016
S Continued outreach to
landowners/stakeholders - Fall, 2015
S Recommendations – Winter, 2016
S Draft Plan – Spring/Summer - 2016

17. Tonight’s Format
S Station 1 – Nisqually River Water Trail Overview
S Station 2 – Current access sites
S Station 3 – Visions for the future
S Station 4 – Partners Information
S Station 5 – Next Steps/Get Involved