Watershed Planning > Watershed Planning Updates by WRIA > Elwha-Dungeness

Elwha-Dungeness Watershed Planning- WRIA 18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants awarded through June 2008

$999,000

Projected grants July 2008 - June 2009 

$101,000

Background

Clallam County adopted the Elwha-Dungeness Watershed Plan in June 2005. Recommendations in the plan address many water needs, among them public water supplies, water conservation and efficiency, protection of existing water rights, and development of an instream flow and water management rule by Ecology. The water management rule is one of many steps in implementing strategies of the watershed plan and working toward other water resource-related objectives. A memorandum of understanding with Clallam County is an expected outcome of the rule-related discussions.

The approved watershed plan includes instream flow recommendations for the Dungeness River and lower tributaries, the Elwha River and lower tributaries, and independent streams. In conjunction with the instream flow recommendations the Dungeness River Management Team recommended addressing future domestic needs in the Dungeness basin while protecting and continuing to restore Dungeness River flows. The Elwha Morse Management Team discussions were less detailed but recognized potential problems with water availability and ground water development in the western portion of the Elwha-Dungeness WRIA.

Status of Phase 4 Watershed Planning

Initiation of the Phase 4 detailed implementation plan has been delayed during rule development, but will begin in 2010.

Instream flow status

Ecology proposes to adopt rules for the Elwha-Dungeness watershed in two phases. The first phase will focus on the Dungeness planning area, the eastern half of the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA). The second phase of rule-making for the Elwha Morse planning area will be contingent upon removal of the Elwha Dam.

Rule development for the Dungeness planning area is underway. Ecology is working with local and tribal governments, planning group members, interest groups, and citizens to develop rule language and water supply options.

Dungeness Instream Flow and Water Management Rule

Links, Studies, Data

• WRIA 18