Kelsey Creek is included as a Tier 2 subarea at this time due to the abundance and frequency of Chinook use. More research is needed to understand the genetic origin of the Chinook that use Kelsey Creek and why these fish continue to use the system despite the relatively low level of watershed function. Due to these outstanding questions, restoration and protection actions in the Kelsey Creek subarea should be considered experimental.

The Kelsey Creek subarea has relatively high watershed impacts limiting watershed function, primarily due to impervious area, flow volume increases, and relatively high road crossings. Mitigative factors in the Kelsey system are rated moderate, and include relatively high levels of wetland area in lower Kelsey. Forest and riparian cover are rated low in both upper and lower Kelsey Creek.