DESCRIPTION
The Tahuya River Watershed Assessment aims to provide a watershed characterization that will be utilized to diagnose impaired habitat that is negatively impacting habitat forming processes and salmon productivity, with an emphasis on the summer chum population. The Tahuya River watershed is situated along the southeastern shore of Hood Canal. The river mainstem is approximately 21 miles in length, with several large tributaries that total roughly 44 miles in length. Principal land uses found in this watershed include forestland, agricultural and residential, the last being primarily located in the lower portion of the watershed. Additionally, the Tahuya State Forest has an extensive off-road vehicle trail system located in the upper watershed which does afford access to the river crossing for motorized vehicles.
The goals of this assessment are to identify core causes of habitat degradation and to characterize habitat conditions in the Tahuya River watershed, including past, present and projected trends. Create a prioritized list of recommended restoration actions to address habitat problems and vulnerabilities identified. Develop conceptual project designs for the top 5 ranking restoration actions identified in the prioritized list.
Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group’s Tahuya River Watershed Assessment project aims to provide a watershed characterization that will be utilized to diagnose impaired habitat that is negatively impacting salmon recovery. The assessment will aid in identifying appropriate restoration actions necessary to restore habitat-forming processes using current and projected watershed trends, including anticipated habitat modifications caused by climate change. The Tahuya River is located on southeastern shore of Hood Canal region, in western Washington. The river's mainstem is approximately 21 miles in length. Principal land uses found in this watershed include forestland, recreational, agricultural and residential, the last two being primarily located in the lower portion of the watershed. The project will include hydrologic and climate change modeling, and Timber, Fish & Wildlife (TFW) surveys. HCSEG will partner with the Skokomish to perform the TFW surveys. Prior TFW surveys were completed in 1993-94 by the Point No Point Treaty Council on river mile (RM) 4.1- RM 7.4. The proposed surveys will also be undertaken on the same segment of the river and we will use the prior surveys results as a baseline for habitat conditions. A report will be generated, synthesizing data gathered from surveys and modeling. We are requesting “Early Action Funds” which will allow us to partner with the Skokomish Tribe whose has funding for 2016 surveys.
Landscape Scale Analysis
