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Hangman Creek Watershed Planning (WRIA 56)
Lead agency contact:
Walt Edelen
Spokane CountyConservation District
(509) 535-7274
walt-edelen@sccd.org
Ecology contact:
Sara Hunt
Department of Ecology
(509) 329-3579
sarh461@ecy.wa.gov
Implementation phase: Detailed implementation plan approved February 2008
Planning phase: Phase 4
Plan adopted: September 2005
Optional elements: Quality, Habitat, Flows, Storage
Plan due: October 2006
Grants awarded: About $900,000 through October 2006
Plan website: Hangman (Latah) Creek Watershed Planning Project
Progress
The Planning Unit began work in the fall of 1999. A Phase 2 draft assessment is complete. Some Phase 3 planning activities began in fall 2002, and the final plan was delivered in the spring 2005. An instream flow assessment was initiated spring 2002, with field work and data analysis complete. A water quality supplemental grant began in summer 2002, and a storage supplemental grant began in summer 2004. Phase 4 implementation started in October 2006 and the detailed implementation plan was completed in February 2008. All optional elements were incorporated into the Level 1 assessment, a major component of which will describe the aquifers and their relationship with Hangman Creek and its tributaries. The Planning Unit is also trying to evaluate the genetics and distribution of red-band trout in the watershed.Major issues include instream flows in Hangman Creek, future demand for domestic supply in lower Hangman Valley, and water quality issues related to suspended sediment. Suspended sediment concentrations are high during winter runoff events, and are exacerbated by certain cultivation practices, streambank erosion, frozen topsoil conditions, and rain on snow.
Studies or data relevant to planning for this area
Other resources
Washington State Department of Ecology home page
Please send additions or corrections to Chris Anderson, (360) 407-6634.