Publication Summary

This report describes the 1995 water temperature monitoring results for three sites in the Chehalis River basin where best management practices (BMPs) have been installed: North Fork Lincoln Creek (Lewis County); Mill Creek (Lewis County); and a tributary to Mohney Creek (Mason County). Results for two of the BMP areas showed significant temperature differences between the upstream (control) site and the downstream (treatment) site. The third BMP area showed little temperature difference between the control and treatment sites. The merit of continuing to monitor this site should be discussed with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

This report describes the 1995 water temperature monitoring results for three sites in the Chehalis River basin where best management practices (BMPs) have been installed: North Fork Lincoln Creek (Lewis County); Mill Creek (Lewis County); and a tributary to Mohney Creek (Mason County). Results for two of the BMP areas showed significant temperature differences between the upstream (control) site and the downstream (treatment) site. The third BMP area showed little temperature difference between the control and treatment sites. The merit of continuing to monitor this site should be discussed with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Results are also presented for long-term temperature monitoring sites, including a site on the mainstem Chehalis River upstream of the Newaukum River and for the mouths of four tributaries to the Chehalis River: Black River, Lincoln Creek, Newaukum River, and the South Fork Chehalis River. All of the long-term temperature monitoring sites showed temperature violations, with three out of the five sites exceeding temperatures of 25°C, which is near the lethal limit for salmonids. Recommendations for continued monitoring are provided.