Watershed Planning > Watershed Planning Updates by WRIA > Quilcene-Snow

Quilcene-Snow Watershed Planning - WRIA 17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants awarded through June 2008

$1,031,800

Projected grants July 2008 - June 2009 

$272,300

Background

Jefferson County adopted the Quilcene-Snow Creek Watershed Management Plan in January 2005.  The planning group finished their detailed implementation plan in October 2007.  They intend to stay involved in developing and adopting Ecology’s water management/instream flow rule.  

As well as supporting additional work on instream flow setting, the plan’s key recommendations include ongoing surface and groundwater monitoring, and supporting water acquisition and conservation programs.  The planning group will review the plan’s priorities to manage any new challenges related to adopting the instream flow rule.

Instream flow status

Although the approved plan did not include instream flow recommendations, the planning group, Ecology, and Department of Fish and Wildlife has agreed on flow numbers for most major creeks and streams. Ecology has prepared a draft water management/instream flow rule that, as well as establishing instream flows, includes measures to manage new withdrawals of ground water. Many local streams support or have supported salmon. This area has a fairly low population, but is growing rapidly. There is concern that unregulated, permit-exempt well drilling and use could further diminish stream flows, impair existing water rights, or induce seawater intrusion.

Ecology had planned to propose the rule in October 2005; however, the rule adoption schedule changed to allow enhanced outreach with local governments, tribes, and the public. Ecology held public workshops in May and July 2007 to explain water management issues and present information gathered about water management needs. Ecology has been meeting directly with local governments, tribes, the planning group, PUD, and community groups. The current schedule calls for rule adoption in 2009.

The current effort on the WRIA 17 instream flow rule does not include the small group of streams located in the Clallam County portion of WRIA 17. Further outreach and development of management strategies is needed before a rule can be adopted for this area. The timing for completing this work is not set.

Current Rule Making Chapter 173-517 WAC

Links, Studies, Data

• WRIA 17