Nisqually River Access and Water Trail

Susan Rosebrough, of the NPS's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, presented on the collaborative effort between the NRC and RTCA to develop a water trail on the mainstem Nisqually. She presented at the October NRC meeting.

1. !"
Nisqually River Access
& Water Trail
Nisqually River Council
October 16th, 2015

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

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

4. Why look at recreational access and
the potential for a water trail?
! NWSP guiding document of the NRC
! Mission:
To create sustainability in the Nisqually
Watershed for current and future
generations by developing a common
culture of environmental, social and
economic balance

5. NWSP: Recreation
! Protect & enhance the network of trails &
recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities
! Lacking public access to river, especially
for boating
! In January 2014, NRC members called for
increased river access
! NRF applied for and accepted into RTCA
program

6. Vision
! Vision: The Nisqually River 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.
! Goals:
! Provide ample public access opportunities to the
Nisqually River from La Grande Dam to the
Nisqually estuary.
! Create minimal impact on salmon habitat, private
lands or sensitive ecosystems.
! Provide interpretation opportunities for users to
learn about the cultural importance and natural
history of the area.
! Recognize the personal responsibility of users,
including exercising skill-based judgment and Leave
No Trace principals.

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

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

10. Timeline
Getting Organized
Plan Production
Analysis & Recommendations
•  Form Advisory Commi.ee
•  Develop vision & goals
•  Develop outreach strategy
& workplan
•  Where are the gaps? What are the priori?es?
•  Evaluate public input
•  Generate recommenda?ons
•  DraC Plan
•  Second Focus Group, Open House
•  Final Plan
Information Gathering
•  Inventory
•  Iden?fy 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 16 Spring 15

11. What we’ve done so far?
! Formed Advisory Committee
! Started the inventory/information
gathering process
! Identified key issues
! Exploring management options
! Held a focus group workshop
! Created an online survey

12. Key Issues and Opportunities
! Lack of Access in the upper reach
from Nisqually State Park to McKenna
Park
! Potential impacts of increased
recreation use on fishery resources
! Safety concerns
! Opportunity for increased access and
enjoyment of the river
! Opportunity for interpretation and
education

13. Preliminary Upper Reach Options
! Exploring opportunities for additional access points
and/or camping sites
! Limiting open season to November to mid-February
& July/August
! Focusing access on Ohop vs. Mashel
! Potential Managed Access Options
! Access sites are only opened a few weeks of the
year
! Gated river access and a hike to the river
! Permit system allowing limited cars to park near
the river
! Fee-based shuttle service
! Guided river service

14. Next Steps & Ways to Get Involved
! Online survey – participate, spread the word, closes
December 4th
! Public Open House – November 6
th
6:00 – 8:00 pm
! Next Advisory Committee Meeting – January, 2016
! Continued outreach to landowners/stakeholders -
Fall, 2015
! Recommendations – Winter, 2016
! Draft Plan – Spring/Summer - 2016