Upper/Lower Skagit Watershed Planning (WRIA 3/4)

Lead agency contact:

Kelley Moldstad W. Kelley Moldstad
Skagit Council of Governments W. Kelley Moldstad
(360) 416-7875
kellym@scog.net

Ecology contact:

Jacque Klug
Department of Ecology
(425) 649-7124
jklul461@ecy.wa.gov

Implementation phase:

Planning phase: Phase 3 Draft plan completed; Plan not approved

Optional elements: Flows

Plan due: 4th Quarter 2003

Grants awarded: About $1,039,000 through June 2005

Progress

The planning effort in this watershed focused on the Samish River basin. Phase 2 Level 1 and 2 assessment work was completed and reports prepared. A draft watershed plan was also completed but was not finalized. The Level 1 assessment includes technical reports on instream flow, groundwater, and water rights and use. The Level 2 assessment addresses instream flow and groundwater, and provides a water rights analysis.

Work was also conducted on instream flows, but the Planning Unit was unable to reach consensus on an instream flow element for inclusion in their draft plan. The instream flow work included an analysis of the interaction between wetlands and stream-flow in the Samish watershed, and identified flows required by fish. Estimated fish flows exceed normally expected flows, potentially closing off additional out-of-stream diversions. Groundwater studies showed inconsistent contribution to the Samish River based on local conditions. The water rights analysis showed only moderate current use and limited future needs.

In lieu of the Planning Unit reaching consensus on instream flow recommendations, the Department of Ecology is proceeding with establishing and adopting instream flows.

Studies or data relevant to planning for this area

Washington State Department of Ecology home page

Please send additions or corrections to Chris Anderson, (360) 407-6634.