Draft presentation of comprehensive status report to the Nisqually River Council on NWSP goals and indicators, July 20, 2018.

1. Nisqually Watershed Stewardship
Plan: Status Report 2018
Presentation to Nisqually River
Council, July 20, 2018

2. Environmental Sustainability: A
viable, healthy natural resource
base
The natural resources of the Nisqually watershed -- the
forests, the fish and wildlife, the water, and the agricultural
lands -- co-exist with the community and economy it
supports. The natural resources of the watershed are finite
and can easily be spoiled. With the looming pressures of
population growth, we must redouble our efforts to leave a
legacy of one of the healthiest and unspoiled watersheds in
the region.

3. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
1. Prairie lands with a predominance of native species
and minimal populations of invasive species
2018 Extent: TBD
Plans/Initiatives
• JBLM Natural Resources
• CNLM/South Sound
Prairies/Cascadia Prairie-
Oak Partnership
Challenges
• Invasives
• Endangered Species
• Prairie Maintenance
(controlled burns)

4. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
1. Prairie lands with a predominance of native species
and minimal populations of invasive species
Possible Action Steps
• Work with partners to identify needs, challenges, and
opportunities to protect, recover, and/or invest in
prairie habitat.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study current status of prairie lands.

6. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
2. Forest lands with a diversity of species and
age classes; complexity within stands, and
complexity inter- and intra-stand
2017 Extent: approximately 300,000 acres
1985 Extent: 294,216 acres (commercial forestland)
Plans/Initiatives
• Nisqually Community Forest
• Nisqually Climate
Adaptation Plan (2014)
Challenges
• Decreasing parcel size for
small private timber
holdings
• Commercial clearcutting
• Climate change

7. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
2. Forest lands with a diversity of species and age
classes; complexity within stands, and
complexity inter- and intra-stand
Possible Action Steps:
• Implement recommended strategies to improve forest
resiliency from 2014 Nisqually Climate Adaptation
Plan.
• Identify actions supporting Nisqually Land Trust and
Nisqually Community Forest initiatives.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study status of forest lands.

9. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
3. Snow and ice lands with sufficient amounts to
support healthy hydrologic cycles
2018 Extent: 1,933 acres
Plans/Initiatives
• NPS glacial monitoring
Challenges
• Glacial ice loss and stagnation
• Climate change (precipitation
shift and declining snowpack)
• Higher peak flows, increased
likelihood of glacial outburst
floods and debris flows

10. 1840 terminus
1905 terminus
1936 terminus
1951 terminus (stagnant)
1956 terminus
1961 terminus
1974 terminus
1997 terminus
The Nisqually retreated 700 feet since 2003, S. Lofgren, NPS.
Glacier Variation and Retreat
National Park Service
US Department of the Interior
Mount Rainier National Park

11. 0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Paradise Snowfall (inches)
Source: Mount Rainier National Park

12. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
3. Snow and ice lands with sufficient amounts to
support healthy hydrologic cycles
Possible Action Steps
• Continue to monitor status.
• Work with partners to produce additional study of
snow and ice lands in the watershed.

14. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
4. Alpine lands continue to support diverse biological
communities
2018 Extent: 5,862 acres (2,733 alpine/3,129 subalpine)
Plans/Initiatives
• Paradise Meadow
restoration (1986-ongoing)
Challenges
• Invasive species
• Climate change

15. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
4. Alpine lands continue to support diverse biological
communities
Possible Action Steps
• Work with partners to produce additional study of
alpine and subalpine lands in the watershed.
• Continue to monitor status.

17. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
5. River and stream systems are fully functioning – healthy
riparian zones, intact channel migration zones, connected
and intact floodplains and wetlands, good water quality, flow
regimes which support biological diversity
Plans/Initiatives
• Salmon Recovery Habitat
Restoration Initiatives
• Water quality monitoring
(Ecology, Thurston and
Pierce Counties)
Challenges
• Self-sustaining ESA
salmonid habitat
• Water quality (McAllister,
Lynch, Ohop, Midway,
Twenty-Five Mile creeks)
• Summer instream flows

19. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
5. River and stream systems are fully functioning – healthy
riparian zones, intact channel migration zones, connected
and intact floodplains and wetlands, good water quality, flow
regimes which support biological diversity
Possible Action Steps
• Adopt Salmon Recovery Habitat Initiative goals as
benchmarks for this indicator.
• Identify alternative or additional benchmarks for river and
stream ecosystems.
• Identify and implement projects to improve water quality in
listed waterbodies.
• Continue to monitor status.

21. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
6. **Proposed New Indicator: Estuary and delta lands
support robust and sustainable habitat for native and
recovering species
Plans/Initiatives
• Delta Restoration –
numerous ongoing research
initiatives
Challenges
• Sediment recruitment
• Sea level rise and climate
change – I-5 elevation

24. I. Protect, restore, and enhance
ecosystem function
6. **Proposed New Indicator: Estuary and delta lands
support robust and sustainable habitat for native and
recovering species
Possible Action Steps
• Do not adopt indicator and continue to incorporate under
riparian zones.
• Adopt indicator and work with partners to complete
Delta Data and ongoing reporting on restoration effects.
• Adopt indicator and continue to monitor status.
• Adopt indicator and support further study of estuary and
delta functions.

26. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
1. Harvestable amounts of culturally-important
species are present
Plans/Initiatives
• NIT harvest goals/hatchery
program (Chinook and
coho)
Challenges
• Harvest limitations for tribal
and non-tribal fisheries on
listed salmonids
• Limited access to hunting on
private lands
• Limited access for tribal
members to traditional plant
gathering locations

27. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
1. Harvestable amounts of culturally-important
species are present
Chinook Pink Coho Chum Steelhead
Year Catch
Total
Runsize Catch
Total
Runsize Catch
Total
Runsize Catch
Total
Runsize Catch
Total
Runsize
1966-
1971 4,500 6,000 12,250 18,375 16,800 21,000 No data
No data
(escapement
est: 16,500)
No
data No data
1981-
1984 1,480* 1,680 110* 1,985 4,090* 12,890 21,200* 44,500 3,714* 6,064
2011 11,255 32,219 370 853,433 2,583 4,628 45,361 94,288 4 272
2012 11,553 32,828 8,347 21,540 7,427 23,149 3 707
2013 10,782 36,639 1,713 917,573 3,553 11,760 14,034 31,263 2 601
2014 4,572 14,575 2,654 7,424 14,152 53,716 1 1,135
2015 4,461 15,608 10,171 204,200 878 4,295 6,212 26,514 0 2,035
2016 4,858 23,023 1,002 11,846 161 14,328 0 616
Source: Nisqually Indian Tribe

28. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
1. Harvestable amounts of culturally-important
species are present
Possible Action Steps
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study occurrence and harvest of one or more
culturally significant species.

30. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
2. Invasive species are eradicated or managed
Plans/Initiatives
• Nisqually Knotweed Control
Project (PCD, since 2010)
• Cascadia Prairie-Oak
Partnership CWMA (in
development)
• NLT/NIT EDRR Plan (in
development)
• MORA active management
program
• BFJNNWR management
program and delta restoration
Challenges
• Funding and resources to
survey, monitor, and control
invasives where they occur

32. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
2. Invasive species are eradicated or managed
Possible Action Steps
• Partner with local state-level entities
documenting and managing invasive species.
• Work with partners to provide sustained
programmatic funding for eradication and
management strategies.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Conduct further field study to map where invasive
species currently occur in the watershed.

34. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
3. Diverse communities of native fish, wildlife,
and plants are thriving
Plans/Initiatives
• Recovery Plans
• Ecosystem functions
planning
• Delta Restoration
Challenges
• Complex species
interactions
• Cost of monitoring
• Habitat fragmentation
• Climate change

35. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
3. Diverse communities of native fish, wildlife,
and plants are thriving
Possible Action Steps:
• Identify key indicator species to monitor in various
habitat zones of the watershed and work with partner
agencies to establish baseline and ongoing data
collection on them.
• Identify key areas where habitat fragmentation can be
mitigated or prevented to preserve biodiversity.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study and/or map habitat extents and
biodiversity in specific regions of the watershed.

37. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
4. Recovery plans for species listed under the
Endangered Species Act are fully
implemented.
Plans/Initiatives
• 13 listed plant species (3
with recovery plans)
• 18 listed wildlife species (11
with recovery plans, 4 with
draft plans)
Challenges
• Absence of plans for some
species
• Proposed rule changes to
ESA

38. II.Protect and enhance biological
diversity
4. Recovery plans for species listed under the
Endangered Species Act are fully implemented.
Possible Action Steps:
• Encourage adoption of recovery plans where final
plans are not approved.
• Create and maintain a central resource for
endangered species status in the Nisqually
Watershed.
• Comment on DOI proposed rule changes to ESA.
• Continue to monitor status.

40. III. Promote sustainable resource use
1. Forests are harvested in a sustainable
manner.
Plans/Initiatives
• NW Forest Plan (Federal
lands, 1994)
• HCP (State lands, 1997)
• Forests & Fish Law (Private
lands, 1999) and Forest
Practices HCP (2006)
• Nisqually Community Forest
• JBLM Sustainable Forestry
Challenges
• Clear-cutting
• Harvest rotations
• Habitat fragmentation
• Gaps between current
modeling and regulatory
backstops

41. Source: Nisqually Indian Tribe, 2015

42. III. Promote sustainable resource use
1. Forests are harvested in a sustainable
manner.
Possible Action Steps
• Work to engage private timberland owners in voluntary
sustainable harvest practices.
• Support further study of forestry impacts on ecosystem
functions and evaluate regulatory effectiveness.
• Support continued acquisitions by the Nisqually
Community Forest.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study and map forest ownership and trends.

44. III. Promote sustainable resource use
2. Water usage protects in-stream flows,
groundwater recharge areas, and surface
filtration systems
Plans/Initiatives
• 2514 Watershed
Management Plan (2004;
Implementation Plan 2007)
• 6091 Stream Flow
Restoration Planning
(ongoing)
• VELMA modeling in
Community Forest
Challenges
• Water timing
• Water quality
• Knowledge gaps on aquifer
interactions

45. III. Promote sustainable resource use
2. Water usage protects in-stream flows,
groundwater recharge areas, and surface
filtration systems
Possible Action Steps
• Continue to support the Nisqually Planning Unit
and interagency collaboration on streamflow and
water supply.
• Further research aquifers underlying the Nisqually
basin and interactions between ground and
surface water.
• Continue to monitor status.

47. III. Promote sustainable resource use
3. Sustainable agricultural practices protect
soils, water quality, and sensitive habitats
Plans/Initiatives
• Thurston County HCP (in
development)
• Wilcox Family Farms
sustainability practices
Challenges
• Lack of data
• Balancing agricultural
economic needs with
conservation and water
quality

48. Nisqually Agricultural Lands, 1987

49. Nisqually Agricultural Lands, 2006

50. III. Promote sustainable resource use
3. Sustainable agricultural practices protect soils,
water quality, and sensitive habitats
Possible Action Steps
• Engage farmers and agricultural stakeholders in
NRC efforts to identify goals, opportunities, and
challenges for further improving agricultural
sustainability.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study farming and agricultural practices
in the Nisqually.

52. III. Promote sustainable resource use
4. Mineral extraction and associated industries are
conducted in a manner that protects water quantity
and quality, and air quality, and keeps the
ecosystem intact
Plans/Initiatives
• Mineral lands zoning
– Thurston County
Comprehensive Plan (update
in progress)
Challenges
• Balancing economic needs
with conservation and
water quality
• Concerns

53. III. Promote sustainable resource use
4. Mineral extraction and associated industries are
conducted in a manner that protects water quantity
and quality, and air quality, and keeps the
ecosystem intact
Possible Action Steps
• Encourage mineral reclamation at sites currently
operating within watershed.
• Engage with county planning processes about
mineral lands designation, permitting, and
reclamation practices.
• Continue to monitor status.

55. III. Promote sustainable resource use
5. Animal densities are within the carrying
capacity of the land
Recommend striking

57. IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation
1. Students engaged in actively exploring,
monitoring and restoring their watershed
Plans/Initiatives
• NREP – 1,000-1,500
students per year
• NRNC, BFJNNWR, MRI,
MORA
• Higher education case and
field studies
Challenges
• Funding
• School and teacher buy-in
• Transportation
• Volunteers/chaperones

59. IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation
1. Students engaged in actively exploring,
monitoring and restoring their watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Pursue secure funding sources.
• Partner with colleges and volunteer organizations
to increase reliable volunteer pool.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Work with partners to further study needs,
opportunities, and challenges for watershed-
based education.

61. 2. Local landowners and community members
are active stewards of their lands and
watersheds
Plans/Initiatives
• County Conservation
Districts
• Voluntary Stewardship
Program
– Thurston (adopted 2017)
– Lewis (in progress)
Challenges
• Lack of data
• Engagement of major
landowners with NRC
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

62. 2. Local landowners and community members are active
stewards of their lands and watersheds
Possible Action Steps
• Identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities
for landowner stewardship in the watershed and
resources or incentives to address them.
• Pursue greater participation in NRC activities by
watershed landowners.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Pursue further in-depth research on landowner
stewardship practices and participation in conservation
and stewardship programs.
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

64. 3. Watershed-based education programs are
present in schools throughout the watershed
Plans/Initiatives
• NREP (42 eligible schools,
25 participating in 2017-18)
– All Yelm 4th and 5th grade
teachers
Challenges
• Funding
• School and teacher buy-in
• Transportation
• Volunteer support
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

65. 3. Watershed-based education programs are
present in schools throughout the watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Pursue stable long-term funding sources for NREP
school programs.
• Work with NREP schools and districts to publicize
programs to families, administrators, and
communities.
• Continue to monitor status.
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

67. 4. Organizations and businesses throughout the
watershed provide visitors and residents access to
educational programs and resources
Current Organizations
NSS, NIT, NRNC, BFJNNWR,
TCD, PCD, LCD, Sustainable
JBLM, TPU, MORA
Challenges
• Clear data about
populations served and
needs/gaps
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

68. 4. Organizations and businesses throughout the
watershed provide visitors and residents access to
educational programs and resources
Possible Action Steps
• Partner with education and visitor services providers to
identify opportunities to highlight unique Nisqually
Watershed features in programs and materials.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Survey education and visitor services providers to
further study goals, needs, opportunities, and
challenges for education outreach in the watershed.
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

70. 5. Opportunities are provided by various organizations
for volunteers to learn and contribute to watershed
sustainability.
Current Organizations
• NSS – 374 hours
• NLT – 4,121 hours
• NRNC – 3,300 hours
• BFJNNWR – 12,876 hours
• MORA – 83,523 hours
Challenges
• Reporting and data
collection
• Staffing support for
volunteer programs
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

71. 5. Opportunities are provided by various organizations for
volunteers to learn and contribute to watershed
sustainability.
Possible Action Steps
• Work with partners to create and implement
coordinated volunteer data tracking system.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Conduct further research on opportunities and
challenges for volunteer programs in the watershed.
IV. Facilitate the appreciation, protection, and
enhancement of the watershed through
education and participation

73. Social Sustainability: A community
that is healthy, wealthy, resilient,
and wise
Communities in this watershed determine how they
affect the economy and environment. It is important to
keep these communities healthy so they can continue
to make good decisions. Strong communities require
access to good schools, health care, employment, the
arts, and a healthy environment.

74. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
1. Locally grown and produced foods are
available and affordable
Plans/Initiatives
• Bounty For Families (Yelm
nonprofit)
• Nisqually Food Sovereignty
Assessment (NIT report)
Challenges
• Lack of watershed-level data
• Up to 15% of county residents
with food insecurity
• 74% of Nisqually Tribal
members eat less traditional
foods than they would like
• Economic challenges for local
farms

75. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
1. Locally grown and produced foods are
available and affordable
Local Food Distribution Venues Lewis Pierce Thurston
Farms with direct sales, 2007 212 285 217
Farms with direct sales, 2012 254 295 238
Direct farm sales (%), 2007 0.849122 2.570682 1.390338
Direct farm sales (%), 2012 0.772323 2.079553 2.84587
Direct farm sales per capita, 2007 12.582683 2.775462 6.893158
Direct farm sales per capita, 2012 13.520128 2.328855 13.460157
Farmers' markets, 2009 2 13 2
Farmers' markets, 2016 3 21 7
CSA farms, 2007 17 16 26
CSA farms, 2012 13 18 26
Source: USDA Food Environmental Atlas

76. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
1. Locally grown and produced foods are
available and affordable
Possible Action Steps
• Partner with local organizations advancing local
food availability to discuss opportunities,
challenges, and ways to support their programs.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Undertake further in-depth study of food sources
and availability within watershed communities.

78. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
2. Community health indicators show marked
improvement
Plans/Initiatives Challenges
• Lack of watershed-level
data
• Lack of current NRC
expertise
• State and local agencies;
none involving NRC

79. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
2. Community health indicators show marked
improvement
County
Yearsof
PotentialLife
LostRate
%infairor
poorhealth
Physically
UnhealthyDays
Mentally
UnhealthyDays
%Low
Birthweight
%Adult
Smokers
%ObeseAdults
%Physically
Inactive
%Excessive
Drinking
#Uninsured
%Uninsured
Lewis 7430 14% 4.1 4.0 6% 17% 34% 20% 16% 5,436 9%
Pierce 6444 13% 3.8 4.0 6% 15% 31% 19% 19% 52,712 7%
Thurston 5521 12% 3.3 3.6 6% 13% 28% 17% 17% 14,801 7%
Source: Community Health Rankings & Roadmaps (BRFSS data)

80. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
2. Community health indicators show marked
improvement
Possible Action Steps
• Engage with community health agencies through
NRC processes.
• Develop partnerships with county and state
health agencies to sponsor initiatives targeting
health improvement in watershed communities.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Undertake further in-depth study of health
outcomes and behaviors specific to watershed
communities.

82. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
3. Disaster Response Plans and Community
Emergency Response Teams are developed
Plans/Initiatives
• Thurston, Pierce, and Lewis
County Emergency
Management plans
• City of Yelm Emergency
Management Plan
• Nisqually Indian Tribe
Emergency Management Plan
• USGS Lahar Monitoring System
Challenges
• Rural communities
• Traffic bottlenecks
• Climate change
preparedness

83. V. Promote health and wellness in
the community
3. Disaster Response Plans and Community Emergency
Response Teams are developed
Possible Action Steps
• Promote public awareness of disaster notification
systems and preparedness recommendations.
• Convene or encourage interagency study of traffic
routing in the event of evacuation or road outage
emergencies.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Undertake further in-depth study of disaster
preparedness levels across agencies and communities
in the watershed.

85. 1. Individual communities are linked by a network of
multi-use trails; trails are sustainable/compatible
within the environment
Plans/Initiatives
• Eatonville Regional Trail
Plan
– Bud Blancher Trail (2014)
• Thurston County Regional
Trails Plan
– Yelm-Roy Trail connection
(planned)
• Nisqually State Park
Challenges
• Funding and resources for
full implementation of trail
plans
• Balancing recreation and
conservation needs
VI. Protect and enhance the network of trails
and recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities

87. 1. Individual communities are linked by a network of
multi-use trails; trails are sustainable/compatible
within the environment
Possible Action Steps
• Support efforts to secure funding for one or more
identified projects in local trail and land use plans.
• Pursue partnerships with user and community groups
to promote public and awareness and support for
sustainable trail projects.
• Continue to monitor status.
VI. Protect and enhance the network of trails
and recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities

89. 2. A diverse assortment of recreational
opportunities exists in the watershed
Plans/Initiatives
• NRC Recreational
Opportunities web resource
• Nisqually River Water Trail
(Plan adopted spring 2018)
• Nisqually Land Trust Public
Use Policy
Challenges
• Balancing recreation and
conservation needs
• Restricted access to private
timberlands and other
properties
VI. Protect and enhance the network of trails
and recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities

91. 2. A diverse assortment of recreational
opportunities exists in the watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Fully implement Nisqually River Water Trail Plan.
• Work with stakeholders to identify specific
improvements to recreational access and
opportunities and prioritize projects to support.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Survey recreational groups, providers, and individual
users about needs, challenges, and opportunities for
recreational access in the watershed.
VI. Protect and enhance the network of trails
and recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities

93. 3. The public is aware of, and uses, regional
recreational opportunities
Plans/Initiatives
• Visit Rainier
• Regional tourism boards
• Thurston Bountiful Byway
• RCO Strategic Plan
Challenges
• Balancing recreation and
conservation needs
• Economic/demographic
equity
• Permit requirements
VI. Protect and enhance the network of trails
and recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities

94. 3. The public is aware of, and uses, regional
recreational opportunities
Mount Rainier 2016 Visitation: 1,919,023
BFJNNWR 2017 Visitation: 220,742
Visit Rainier web traffic:
2008: 112,909 website visitors
2015: 400,885 website visitors
VI. Protect and enhance the network of trails
and recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities

95. VI. Protect and enhance the network of trails
and recreational opportunities for all ages and
abilities
3. The public is aware of, and uses, regional
recreational opportunities
Possible Action Steps
• Identify underserved target populations for
publicity and/or programming to increase
recreational use of the watershed.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study recreational access and public
awareness trends in the watershed across
regional, economic, and demographic groups.

97. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
1. Farmers markets, co-ops, and alternative
economies exist throughout the watershed
Current Organizations:
• Mountain Community Co-
Op (Eatonville)
• Yelm Food Co-Op
• Yelm Farmers Market
• Nisqually Indian Tribe Food
Provider Programs
Challenges
• Organizational overhead to
run local markets

98. Yelm Farmers Market Financial Statement

99. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
1. Farmers markets, co-ops, and alternative
economies exist throughout the watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Develop partnerships with existing co-ops and farmers
markets to promote sustainable local food economies.
• Work with community stakeholders to identify needs,
challenges, and opportunities for areas underserved by
farmers markets, co-ops, and alternative economies.
• Continue to monitor status.

101. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
2. Natural and built heritage facilities are
protected
Current Organizations
• Burwash-Kjelstad Farm
• Mt. Rainier Railroad
• Pioneer Farm Museum
• Yelm Historical Museum
• DuPont Historical Museum
• Road to Rainier Scenic
Byway
• Historic registry properties
Challenges
• No centralized list or map of
historic sites
• Historic preservation costs

103. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
2. Natural and built heritage facilities are
protected
Possible Action Steps
• Develop interactive map and/or online listing of historic
natural and cultural sites in the Nisqually watershed.
• Encourage property owners to list historic structures.
• Partner with historical and cultural organizations to
publicize events and awareness of local history.
• Continue to monitor status.

105. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
3. A vibrant artisan community exists in the
watershed
Current Organizations
• Triad Theater (Yelm)
• Eatonville Arts Festival
• Rainier Independent Film
Festival (Ashford)
• Ex-Nihilo Sculpture Park
(Ashford)
Challenges
• Lack of data about
individual artisans

106. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
3. A vibrant artisan community exists in the
watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Encourage one or more watershed communities
to pursue Certified Creative District opportunities
through the Washington State Arts Commission.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study the arts community in the
watershed.

108. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
4. Celebrations of watershed events occur
throughout the watershed
Celebrations and Events
• Nisqually Watershed
Festival
• Student GREEN Congress
Challenges
• Limited funding and
community engagement for
upper watershed events

110. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
4. Celebrations of watershed events occur
throughout the watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Commit to developing resources and
partnerships with to pursue watershed
celebrations in upper watershed communities.
• Continue to support current activities and
monitor status of additional opportunities.

112. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
5. Community members are informed, engaged,
involved, and interconnected with a sense of local
identity
Plans/Initiatives
• Thurston County Nisqually
Subarea Plan
• Pierce County Upper
Nisqually Valley Community
Plan
• NRC CAC
• Community events
Challenges
• Diversity of community
planning participants
• Lack of data about gaps
• How engaged is the NRC?

113. VII. Promote local community
identities, cultures, arts, and heritage
5. Community members are informed, engaged,
involved, and interconnected with a sense of local
identity
Possible Action Steps
• Identify communities and stakeholders underrepresented in
NRC and watershed activities and conduct targeted
outreach to improve engagement with more diverse
constituencies.
• Provide NRC presence (staff, CAC, or volunteer) at
community events and festivals to promote community
awareness.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Conduct community outreach to assess public opinion and
community engagement on NRC issues.

115. 1. Transportation infrastructure supports public
transportation, ride sharing, and alternative fuel
vehicles
Plans/Initiatives
• Thurston and Pierce county
bike maps
• Thurston Regional Planning
Council
Challenges
• 70% of local residents
commute in single-occupant
vehicles
• Reliable alternative transit
infrastructure
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services

116. 1. Transportation infrastructure supports public
transportation, ride sharing, and alternative fuel
vehicles
Possible Action Steps
• Work with local and regional partners to identify
needs, challenges, and opportunities to expand
alternative transportation infrastructure.
• Continue to monitor status.
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services

118. 2. Increase access to quality health care
Plans/Initiatives
• State and county health
agencies
Challenges
• Lack of watershed level data
• Rural communities increase
distance to major health
care facilities
• Lack of
expertise/engagement at
NRC
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services

119. 2. Increase access to quality health care
County % Uninsured Pop. per
primary care
physician
Pop. per dentist
dentists
Pop. per mental
health providers
(includes
therapists, social
workers, and
counselors)
Lewis County 9% 2,230:1 1,430:1 460:1
Pierce County 7% 1,420:1 1,270:1 260:1
Thurston
County
7% 1,020:1 1,360:1 430:1
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services
Source: Community Health Rankings & Roadmaps

120. 2. Increase access to quality health care
Possible Action Steps
• Identify sub-indicator measures tied to
environmental health for further study and
tracking.
• Engage health care agencies in NRC processes.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study watershed-specific health data.
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services

122. 3. Opportunities for formal and informal
education exist throughout the watershed
Organizations
• 2 Head Start programs
• 42 K-12 public schools serving
watershed
• NWIC-Nisqually
• Timberland and Pierce County
libraries
• Conservation District/Health
Dept. classes and resources
Challenges
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services
• Participation
• Lack of data on
demographics and
underserved communities

123. 3. Opportunities for formal and informal
education exist throughout the watershed
Watershed Schools:
District Students Free & Reduced
Lunch
Graduation
Rate (Class of
2016)
Bethel (15 schools in
watershed)
19,102 48.5% 84.6%
Eatonville (all schools in
watershed)
1,956 40% 95.2%
North Thurston (6 schools
in watershed)
14,936 41.1% 83.1%
Yelm (all schools in
watershed)
5,848 41% 70.6%
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services
Source: OSPI
Source: OSPI

124. 3. Opportunities for formal and informal
education exist throughout the watershed
Highest Educational Attainment (County data):
County High School graduation Some college
Lewis 80% 57%
Pierce 84% 64%
Thurston 81% 71%
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services
Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

125. 3. Opportunities for formal and informal education
exist throughout the watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with
educational institutions to sponsor watershed-
based education for targeted audiences.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study formal and informal education in
the watershed.
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services

127. 4. **Proposed New Indicator: Watershed residents
have access to affordable housing and adequate
services exist to minimize the environmental,
health, and social impacts of homelessness.
Challenges
• Rising housing costs and homelessness throughout
Washington State
• Environmental, health, social, and economic impacts
• 200-300% increase in number of homeless students in
watershed school districts since 2011
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services

128. 4. **Proposed New Indicator: Watershed residents
have access to affordable housing and adequate
services exist to minimize the environmental,
health, and social impacts of homelessness.
County # of Households with
Severe Housing
Problems
% of Households with
Severe Housing
Problems
Lewis County 5310 18%
Pierce County 55265 18%
Thurston County 17295 17%
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services
Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

129. 4. **Proposed New Indicator: Watershed residents have access
to affordable housing and adequate services exist to
minimize the environmental, health, and social impacts of
homelessness.
VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Number of Homeless Students
NTPS
ESD
YCS
Source: OSPI

130. VIII. Support fully-functioning, integrated
communities with the full complement of
services
4. **Proposed New Indicator: Watershed residents have access
to affordable housing and adequate services exist to
minimize the environmental, health, and social impacts of
homelessness.
Possible Action Steps
• Adopt indicator and advocate housing security as a
key element of environmental health and
stewardship.
• Adopt indicator and continue to monitor status.
• Adopt indicator and further study the current state
and impacts of homelessness and housing security
issues in the watershed.
• Do not adopt indicator.

132. Economic Sustainability: Increased
economic productivity in a
sustainable manner
An economy that is built on sustainable industries is critical to the
success of this plan and the Nisqually watershed as a whole. We
work to encourage other new and sustainable economic
opportunities along with the tourism industry that is becoming well
established. Our vision for sustainable businesses includes
sustainable goods and services that are produced in a sustainable
manner, within a culture of sustainability. We seek a healthy,
vibrant economy that values the qualities that make the Nisqually
watershed a wonderful place to live.

133. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
1. An increase in sustainable manufacturing
within the watershed
Plans/Initiatives
• None in place
• EPA E3 Program provides
support for sustainable
manufacturing
Challenges
• Lack of expertise in NRC

134. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
1. An increase in sustainable manufacturing within the
watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Encourage manufacturing/business stakeholders to
engage in NRC processes.
• Encourage one or more watershed communities to
pursue E3 support for sustainable manufacturing.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Undertake further study of opportunities for and
barriers to sustainable manufacturing in the Nisqually
watershed.

136. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
2. Goods and services are produced within
regenerative and/or zero-waste systems
Plans/Initiatives
• Sustainable JBLM – Net Zero
Goals
Challenges
• Lack of clear data or
standards for businesses
• Cost of recycling

137. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
2. Goods and services are produced within regenerative
and/or zero-waste systems
Possible Action Steps
• Identify or create measurable standards for business
practices addressing this indicator.
• Adopt guidelines and/or incentives for businesses and
organizations to move towards zero-waste and
regenerative practices.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Undertake further study of watershed business
practices in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and/or
other identified sub-indicators.

139. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
3. Increased investment in natural capital by
small and large business owners
Plans/Initiatives
• Microsoft Carbon Credit
Purchase in Mount Rainier
Gateway
Challenges
• Incentivizing investments

140. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
3. Increased investment in natural capital by small and large
business owners
Possible Action Steps
• Identify and court businesses to invest in watershed natural
capital.
• Document and promote continued press and media
coverage of Microsoft partnership and similar future
opportunities.
• Support legislative or regulatory policies to incentivize
business investment in natural capital.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study opportunities for natural capital investment.

142. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
3. Increased investment in natural capital by small and large
business owners
Possible Action Steps
• Identify and court businesses to invest in watershed natural
capital.
• Document and promote continued press and media
coverage of Microsoft partnership and similar future
opportunities.
• Support legislative or regulatory policies to incentivize
business investment in natural capital.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further study opportunities for natural capital investment.

143. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
4. Developed areas of the watershed support
ecosystem services
Plans/Initiatives
• Lake St. Clair protection
• Rain garden development
– Eatonville projects begun,
2012-2013
• TPU Fish, Wildlife, &
Environment program – 3,500
acres of habitat, Clear Creek
Hatchery
• 6091 Water Planning
Challenges
• Incentivizing investment
and partnerships with local
governments and
businesses
• Population growth trends

144. IX.Promote the development of sustainable
businesses and built communities
4. Developed areas of the watershed support
ecosystem services
Possible Action Steps
• Partner with member local governments to encourage
investment in ecosystem services through sustainable
infrastructure, wastewater management, and investment in
protected lands.
• Document and promote coverage of existing ecosystem
services partnerships and similar future opportunities.
• Support policies to incentivize ecosystem services investment
by local businesses and communities.
• Continue to monitor status.

146. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
1. An abundance of sustainable recreation
opportunities exist within the watershed
Plans/Initiatives
• Nisqually River Water Trail
studies and planning
• Regional tourism and
agency visitor services plans
and reporting
Challenges
• Lack of substantial
watershed-level data
• Diminished access to private
lands for hiking, fishing, and
hunting
• Balancing recreation and
conservation needs

147. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
1. An abundance of sustainable recreation
opportunities exist within the watershed
– $20.5 billion outdoor recreation industry in WA
– 15-20% of commodity/tourism employment in
Thurston, Pierce, and Lewis Counties
– 2015 NRWT Survey: 35% of visitors spent up to
$25 in the watershed; 40% spent $26-75
– Refuge Impact: $6.1 million (2011)
– Mt. Rainier Impact: $63.5 million (2017)

148. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
1. An abundance of sustainable recreation
opportunities exist within the watershed
Possible Action Steps
• Continue to monitor status.
• Conduct further study of recreation opportunities and
challenges in the watershed.

150. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
2. A vital agriculture tourism industry exists
Plans/Initiatives
• Thurston County Agritourism
Overlay for Nisqually
Agriculture District
• Pierce County permits
agritourism
• Lewis County discussing
promotions/marketing
• Travel Tacoma, Experience
Olympia, and Thurston
Bountiful Byway
Challenges
• Marketing for businesses
• Sustainability incentives

151. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
2. A vital agriculture tourism industry exists
Possible Action Steps
• Work with local farms and other businesses to
identify opportunities and challenges for
agritourism in the Nisqually watershed.
• Build partnerships and develop strategies to
publicize and promote watershed businesses
offering agritourism experiences.
• Continue to monitor status.

153. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
3. Scenic vistas and viewpoints are protected
Plans/Initiatives
• Road to Rainier Scenic
Byway (2016)
• MORA View and Vista
Management Plan (2015)
• Potential viewpoints to
develop:
– Ohop Bob
– Mounts Road Railroad
OVerlook
Challenges
• Lack of complete inventory
• Threatened viewsheds and
facilities (High Rock
Lookout, La Grande Canyon
clearcut)

155. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
3. Scenic vistas and viewpoints are protected
Possible Action Steps
• Work with local partners to sponsor protection
or development of priority viewpoints and
viewsheds.
• Continue to monitor status.

157. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
4. Non-traditional experiential tourism is
supported
Current Organizations
• Northwest Trek
• Mt. Rainier Railroad
• Camp/Conference/Wellness
venues
Challenges
• Lack of systematic data and
definitions

158. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
4. Non-traditional experiential tourism is
supported
Current Organizations
• Northwest Trek
• Mt. Rainier Railroad
• Camp/Conference/Wellness
venues
Challenges
• Lack of systematic data and
definitions

159. X. Support sustainable tourism and
recreation
4. Non-traditional experiential tourism is
supported
Possible Action Steps
• Work with businesses and organizations to
promote non-traditional tourism.
• Continue to monitor status.
• Further define and study current assets and
opportunities, needs, and goals.

161. XI.Enhance economic viability of sustainable
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
1. Increased opportunities to add value to products in
order to maximize economic return for sustainable
natural resource industries
Plans/Initiatives
• Eco-labeling certification
programs
– Salmon Safe (Wilcox,
Stringtown Lavender Farm,
Yelm Earthworm & Castings,
Parkwood Farms)
– Forest Stewardship Council
(eventual Community Forest
products)
• She Nah Num Seafood
Challenges
• Incentivizing business
participation
• Consumer awareness

162. XI.Enhance economic viability of sustainable
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
1. Increased opportunities to add value to products in
order to maximize economic return for sustainable
natural resource industries
Possible Action Steps
• Work with watershed businesses and national
organizations to encourage eco-labeling certification.
• Publicize and promote sustainable natural resource
industries operating within the watershed with media
or consumer advertising campaigns.
• Continue to monitor status.

164. XI.Enhance economic viability of sustainable
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
2. Expansion of economic opportunities for
sustainable non-traditional natural resource uses
Recommend striking

166. XI.Enhance economic viability of sustainable
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
3. Infrastructure exists with which to process
products locally
Plans/Initiatives
• She Nah Num Seafood (est.
2012)
• Community Forest
(prospective)
Challenges
• Viability and sustainability
of developing infrastructure
within the watershed
• RAP environmental and
community concerns

167. XI.Enhance economic viability of sustainable
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
3. Infrastructure exists with which to process
products locally
Possible Action Steps
• Continue to monitor status.
• Work with local businesses and producers to
further study opportunities, challenges, and
goals for sustainable local industry.

169. XII. Increase market access for
watershed-based businesses
1. Watershed marketing program is expanded to include all
watershed businesses
2. Regional and national recognition of the Nisqually brand
3. Significant value resulting from use of Nisqually brand
Plans/Initiatives
• Nisqually Sustainable (2011-
2014), currently
discontinued
Challenges
• High staff overhead to
administer program
• More dominant regional
brands (Mount Rainier)
• Duplicated existing eco-
labeling certification programs

170. XII. Increase market access for
watershed-based businesses
1. Watershed marketing program is expanded to include all
watershed businesses
2. Regional and national recognition of the Nisqually brand
3. Significant value resulting from use of Nisqually brand
Possible Action Steps
• Revive Nisqually Sustainable branding program and pursue
funding and staffing to administer certification process and
publicize the program.
• Strike goal from Stewardship Plan and incorporate under
other goals by encouraging third-party certifications and
supporting strong existing regional brands.
• Retain goal and continue to monitor status.

172. Next Steps:
Report
• Comments and edits to report: send to Emily
by August 17
• Cartography and notes
Action Planning
• Review selected priority goals and actions
• Start implementation planning