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APPENDIX F
Habitat
Title Page No.
F.1 Human Impacts on Habitat..................................................................................F-2 F.1.1 Old Growth Forests ................................................................................................F-2
F.1.2 Floodplains.............................................................................................................F-6
F.1.3 Riparian Zone.........................................................................................................F-6
F.1.4 In-Stream................................................................................................................F-7
F.1.5 Estuarine.................................................................................................................F-9
F.2 Aquatic Habitat.....................................................................................................F-9 F.2.1 Characteristics of a Healthy Stream System ..........................................................F-9
F.3 Salmon Distribution............................................................................................F-14 F.3.1 Definition of Terms..............................................................................................F-14
F.3.2 Stock Conditions in WRIA 19 .............................................................................F-14
F.4 Terrestrial Habitat..............................................................................................F-16
List of Tables
No. Title Page No.
F-1 Old Growth Forest in WRIA 19 (Acres).............................................................................F-3
F-2 Healthy Stream Characteristics .........................................................................................F-10
F-3 Salmonid Distribution and Population Conditions in WRIA 19.......................................F-15
List of Figures
No. Title Page No.
F-1 Typical Old-Growth Forest Area on the Olympic Peninsula ..............................................F-2
F-2 1936 Forest..........................................................................................................................F-4
F-3 WRIA 19 Old Growth.........................................................................................................F-5
F-4 Large Woody Debris in a Typical Stream...........................................................................F-8
F-5 Typical Stream in the Upper Watershed ..........................................................................F-12
F-6 Typical Stream in the Middle Watershed..........................................................................F-13
Habitat
The habitat discussion in this appendix is based primarily on the findings of Salmon and Steelhead Limiting
Factors in the Western Strait of Juan de Fuca (Limiting Factors Analysis; Smith, 1999), the Washington
Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) watershed analyses of the Hoko River (1995) and Sekiu River (2001)
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFS) watershed analysis of Deep Creek and the East and West Twin
Rivers (2002).
F.1 Human Impacts on Habitat
Development in WRIA 19 is primarily restricted to small coastal areas and along highway corridors. However,
harvest activity (with its associated roads) in WRIA 19 has dramatically altered the forest composition and
ecological functions of the floodplains, riparian zones, and stream channels.
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F.1.1 Old Growth Forests
Functions
Old growth forests (see Figure F-1) are complex, dynamic systems that evolve from both large and small
disturbances. Prior to human development, large stand-replacing fires were the dominant form of disturbance in
WRIA 19, occurring approximately every 200 to 400 years (USFS 2002). Smaller forms of disturbance included
landslides, insect attack, wind, and natural senescence. The rate and spatial distribution of fire disturbance likely
varied across the WRIA, as the western portion receives higher annual precipitation.
Figure F-1. Typical Old-Growth Forest Area on the Olympic Peninsula (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)
Conifer forests that are not disturbed by logging, clearing, or severe fire tend to develop complex structures over
time. Most often, the trees reflect a variety of sizes and conditions and, especially in the case of mixed conifer
types, a variety of species as well. Large standing dead trees and down logs are present, not as a byproduct of
timber harvest but due to the natural processes of senescence and decay. Patches dominated by large, mature, and
old trees are interspersed with openings and younger stands (or even single trees), forming a fine-scale mosaic
resulting in both complexity from ground to the tree canopy (vertical complexity) and spatial (horizontal)
complexity. The forest floor becomes more complex through the accumulation of organic matter and associated
organisms.
Old growth forests provide habitat for animals and plants that are not available in areas of extensive young
forests. They also regulate snowmelt, modify biochemical processes, and moderate temperatures below their
canopies (SNEP 1996). Old growth areas are home to many species associated with late-successional/old-growth
forests, including spotted owls, goshawks, martens and marbled murrelets. Although only a few nests have been
found, large numbers of marbled murrelets are resident offshore and apparently nest on the peninsula. The dark,
interior forest race of the northern goshawk is present on the peninsula and may represent a unique subspecies
(FEMAT 1993).
Human Effects
The primary impact of more than 100 years of timber harvest in WRIA 19 has been to simplify the structure
(including large trees, snags, woody debris of large diameter, canopies of multiple heights and closures, and
complex spatial mosaics of vegetation), and presumably function, of old-growth forests. By 1933, vast portions of
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WRIA were cleared of old growth conditions, leaving second growth stands less than 50 years old. Small patches
of old growth conditions persisted at that time in the Salt Creek Subbasin, east of the mouth, in the upper Deep
Creek Subbasin, and throughout the Hoko Subbasin. Large portions of old growth forest persisted in the Lake
Crescent Subbasin, the middle Lyre Subbasin, and the western side of the Pysht Subbasin (see Figure F-2). Today,
about 42 thousand acres of old growth forest remains, of which half is found in the Lake Crescent Subbasin. The
remaining old growth is in the Deep Creek, Lyre, Pysht, Salt, and Twin Rivers Subbasins. Table F-1 and Figure
F-3 present old growth acreage in WRIA 19.
TABLE F-1.
OLD GROWTH FOREST IN WRIA 19 (ACRES)
Description
Deep
Creek
Lake
Crescent Lyre
Pysht
River Salt Twins Total
Conifer forest; late seral; closed;
usually Douglas-fir/Western
Hemlock.
— — — — 1973 — 1973
Conifer forest; late seral; closed;
usually Silver Fir/Western
Hemlock.
— 82 — — — — 82
Conifer forest; late seral; closed;
usually Western Hemlock/Western
Red Cedar/Douglas-fir.
1,070 21,988 6,734 561 2,353 7,647 40,353
Total 1,070 22,069 6,734 561 4,326 7,647 42,407
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F.1.2 Floodplains
Functions
Floodplains are portions of the watershed in lower elevations that are periodically flooded during periods of high
flows. The overflow is dispersed throughout the floodplain, supporting complex off-channel habitats such as
wetlands, lakes, ponds, and side channels. Aquatic habitats in floodplains are important for several species,
particularly salmonids that rely on off-channel habitats for safety from winter floods.
Floodplains also help dissipate water energy during floods by allowing water dispersal above and beyond the
stream channel. This prevents the floodwaters from scouring and downcutting the streambed. In addition, the
water that spreads across the floodplain infiltrates the nutrient-rich soil and slowly flows back to the stream
channel during lower flow periods.
Human Effects
There are two major types of human impacts on floodplain functions: disconnection of the stream channel from
the floodplain, and vegetation changes. Lateral constraints most common in WRIA 19 are road or railroad grades
(longitudinal disconnections, or in-stream barriers, are discussed in the section on in-stream processes below).
These grades restrict channel migration, floodwater overflow, and aquatic species from accessing off-channel
habitat. Large-scale vegetation modification is widespread throughout WRIA 19. Commercial forestry is the
prominent land use in the area, much of which is done by clearcutting. Historical maps dated 1936 show extensive
clearcut activity throughout the eastern portion of the WRIA, while large stands of large spruce-hemlock forest
were intact west of Clallam River. Currently only small patches of old-growth forest exist outside the Olympic
National Forest. Loss of connectivity and elimination of floodplain forests has had the following effects:
• Eliminated off-channel habitats such as sloughs and side channels
• Increased flow velocity during flood events due to the constriction of the channel
• Reduced subsurface flows
• Simplified channels since large woody debris is lost and channels are often straightened when
levees are constructed (Smith 1999).
F.1.3 Riparian Zones
Functions
Riparian zones are the interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They encompass diverse populations
of flora and fauna. A healthy riparian zone on the Olympic Peninsula consists of mature stands of trees, including
large conifers and mixed hardwoods. Sites of recent disturbance consist of relatively homogenous stands of red
alder or willows.
Below the tree canopy, diverse communities of ferns, shrubs and grasses cover the moist streambanks, supporting
a diverse animal, bird, amphibian and insect community. The riparian community acts as a storehouse of rich
organic material, much of which contributes to the nutrient composition of the stream by way of soil leachate and
litter fall. The complex root systems of riparian vegetation stabilize the streambank and control erosion. Large
trees that fall into the water as a result of bank erosion or death are referred to as large woody debris (LWD).
Large woody debris and subsequent log jams are critical components in river systems (see the discussion of LWD
functions below).
Besides habitat and LWD recruitment, other important features of the riparian zone are temperature regulation and
bank storage. The shade provided by the tree canopy maintains a relatively low water temperature, which is
critical for fish species that are sensitive to dissolved oxygen concentrations. Banks storage is provided during
high flows, when water inundates the banks and seeps into the soil. The conductivity of riparian soils is
considerably slower than that of the channel, so this water can be retained for months. This is an important feature
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during low flows because the riparian zone acts as a source of water for the stream as the water stored in the banks
slowly returns to the channel.
Human Effects
All types of land use practices impact riparian zones. Current regulations limit activities within riparian zones, but
historical timber harvest and agricultural practices have dramatically impacted riparian structure, age, and
functions within WRIA 19. Once a mature conifer stand is cleared, the streambanks and water surface are exposed
and left vulnerable to erosion and direct sunlight. Generally the fastest and most prolific species to pioneer
recently disturbed areas are deciduous species such as red alder and willow. These species completely dominate
early successional stage regrowth, creating an even-aged monoculture riparian zone. (“Succession” refers to the
change in plants and animals inhabiting a forest over time; young forests are called “early successional” and old
forests are called “late successional.”) Later successional stages include growth of other types of hardwoods
including cottonwood and maples. These types of riparian zones provide more nutrients to the stream through leaf
litter, but the quality of large woody debris is seriously compromised, as hardwoods are smaller in diameter and
decay much more quickly than conifer species. Therefore, logjams made of deciduous species are more
vulnerable to washout from floodwaters than those of conifers. The decline in quality of LWD seriously affects
the development of the streambed, particularly deep scour pools.
F.1.4 In-Stream
Functions
The significant processes that affect in-stream habitat are sedimentation, the presence of large woody debris
(LWD) and longitudinal disconnections, or barriers.
Sedimentation
Stable river systems have common and predictable patterns of disturbance and response. A stable stream is not
always a static stream, but is instead in a state of dynamic equilibrium, neither depositing excessive sediment nor
excessively scouring the channel. Sediment enters stream systems by way of large disturbances such as landslides
or floods (generally in the upper elevations) and erosion forces along exposed streambanks (generally in the
lowland reaches). The amount and type of input varies by soil and geologic conditions. Fine sediments tend to be
transported through the system as suspended load (i.e., suspended in the water), while larger particles (>2 mm)
tend to move downstream as bedload (i.e., remaining in contact with the streambed). This is often referred to as a
sediment “plug” or “wave.” Sediments large and small move downstream at varying rates, being deposited where
the water slows, generally at barriers, along the inside of river bends, and in low-gradient reaches. Where
deposition is not occurring, the substrate of the streambed is made up of clean, well-sorted gravel and boulders.
Large Woody Debris
LWD remains along the streambank in times of low flow, providing food and shelter for insects, amphibians, and
fish (see Figure F-4). During higher flows, the LWD is often transported downstream to either float out to sea or
form logjams within the river channel. These logjams create areas of both scour and deposition around them,
depending on the positioning of the logs. The scour pools are favored spots for fish, and the depositional islands
that sometimes form are suitable for pioneering vegetation. The longevity of logjams varies from weeks to
decades, depending on the amount of stream flow and the position of the logjam.
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Figure F-4. Large Woody Debris in a Typical Stream (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)
Longitudinal Disconnection (Barriers)
Longitudinal disconnection occurs naturally in a healthy stream system, most commonly in the form of cascades
and dams. Dams impound water, creating sinks of gravel, sediment and nutrients. Large cascades and dams
prevent anadromous fish from migrating upstream. Upon returning from the sea, anadromous fish provide marine-
derived nutrients to the river and riparian ecosystems through excretion and decay of carcasses. These nutrients,
particularly nitrogen and carbon, are important to the productivity of the streams, since streams in the Pacific
Northwest typically have low levels of them. A study by Larkin and Slaney in 1997 concluded that even modest
inputs of nutrients and carbon from relatively few fish may be important in stimulating primary production and
maintaining a stream’s productivity.
Human Effects
Changes in the supply, transport, and storage of sediments can occur as the direct result of human activities.
Upland and riparian clearing cause increased overland flow to streams, therefore increasing stream flow
immediately after storm or snowmelt events. This intensifies erosion capacity along streambanks and the
streambed. Sideslope roads have been shown to destabilize hillslopes, causing more frequent and severe
landslides and debris flows. These large disturbances contribute excessive sediment and organic material to the
system. Roads and railroad grades also prevent overbank flow, which disperses sediment-laden floodwaters across
the floodplains. When the floodwaters are forced to remain in the channel, they cause significant downcutting,
erosion, and ultimately excessive sedimentation downstream. Increases in the amount of coarse material tend to
fill pools and aggrade the channel (raise the level of its bed), resulting in reduced habitat complexity and reduced
rearing capacity for some salmonids.
Increased sediment supply to a channel increases the proportion of fine sediments in the bed, which can reduce
the survival of incubating eggs in the gravel and change benthic invertebrate production. Conversely,
disconnection from the floodplain and riparian zone can decrease sediment supply. Reduction in sediment supply
can alter the composition of streambeds, which can in some cases reduce the amount of material suitable for
spawning.
Human activity can often disconnect streams directly or indirectly. Direct causes include perched culverts (usually
located at road crossings) and dams. Indirect disconnections occur where channel incision and headcutting cause
erosion down to bedrock. Additional headcutting downstream of the bedrock exposure creates an additional
cascade (WDNR 1995).
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F.1.5 Estuarine
Functions
Salt marsh habitat is located around stream mouths and throughout the area of tidal influence in the lower stream
reaches, serving as important salmon rearing habitat. The nearshore environment of WRIA 19 is essential for
rearing juvenile salmonids, offering a transportation corridor for both juvenile and adult salmonids and providing
resting habitat for adult salmon transitioning to spawning streams. Certain types of habitat within the nearshore
environment are especially important for salmonid production. These include eelgrass and overstory and
understory kelp beds. Nearshore kelp and eelgrass habitats, as well as sandy beaches, are critical habitat for food
fish for juvenile and adult salmon. Eelgrass is found in sandy, protected areas and provides important nursery
habitat for juvenile salmonids. Kelp is preferred by adult salmon, particularly chinook and coho; juvenile coho
have also been observed in kelp beds. Kelp requires a rocky substrate (Smith 1999).
Human Effects
Landslides contribute sediment to the nearshore environment along the WRIA 19 shoreline. Of particular concern
is Highway 112. Landslides have been shown to have short-term impacts on the species composition of kelp beds
(Shaffer and Parks 1994). Given the importance of kelp habitat for salmon rearing in this area, nearshore sediment
problems should be recognized as a potential significant habitat problem (Smith 1999).
Water quality concerns have been raised with the 2004 listing of the western Strait of Juan de Fuca as a Category
5 303(d) water body for elevated fecal coliform counts. This issue will be further addressed through water quality
monitoring during the watershed planning process.
In general, shoreline armoring and dock construction are minimal in WRIA 19; however, site-specific problems
exist, as documented in the subbasin descriptions below (Smith 1999).
F.2 AQUATIC HABITAT
F.2.1 Characteristics of a Healthy Stream System
An essential element of watershed planning is the identification of problems in streams and riparian zones.
Identifying such problems requires an understanding of what an intact, healthy stream system looks like and how
it interacts with its riparian and floodplain zones. To characterize a healthy stream system for the WRIA 19
planning effort, guidelines were developed from River Ecology and Management - Lessons from the Pacific
Coastal Ecoregion (Naiman and Bilby, editors. 1998 Springer-Verlag) and NOAA Fisheries’ 1996 Matrix
of Pathways and Indicator, which presents parameters for a properly functioning system. Considerations for a
healthy system include water quality, habitat access, habitat elements, channel conditions and dynamics, in-stream
flow, watershed conditions, estuarine conditions, and estuarine water quality. Table F-2 presents healthy stream
parameters for Western Washington, as taken from these documents.
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TABLE F-2.
HEALTHY STREAM CHARACTERISTICS
Indicators Properly Functioning
Temperature 50-57ºF
Sediment/Turbidity <12% fines (<0.85mm) in gravel, turbidity low
Water
Quality
Chemical
Contamination/
nutrients
Low levels of chemical contamination from agricultural, industrial and other
sources, no excess nutrients, no 303(d)-designated reaches
Habitat
Access
Physical Barriers Any man-made barriers present in watershed allow upstream and
downstream juvenile and adult fish passage at all flows
Substrate Dominant substrate is gravel or cobble (interstitial spaces clear), or
embeddedness <20%
Large Woody
Debris (quantity of
key pieces)
>80 pieces/mile >24"diameter >50 ft. length; and adequate sources of
woody debris recruitment in riparian areas
Pool Frequency 5 feet; 184 pools/ mile 25 feet ; 47 pools/ mile
(channel width; # of 10 feet; 96 pools/ mile 50 feet; 26 pools/ mile
pools/mile) 15 feet; 70 pools / mile 75 feet; 23 pools / mile
20 feet; 56 pools/ mile 100 feet; 18 pools / mile
Pool Quality pools >1 meter deep (holding pools) with good cover and cool water, minor
reduction of pool volume by fine sediment
Off-Channel Habitat Backwaters with cover, and low energy off-channel areas (ponds, oxbows,
etc.)
Stream
Habitat
Elements
Refugia (important
remnant habitat for
sensitive aquatic
species)
Habitat refugia exist and are adequately buffered (e.g., by intact riparian
reserves); existing refugia are sufficient in size, number and connectivity to
maintain viable populations or sub-populations7
Width/Depth Ratio <10
Streambank
Condition
>90% stable (i.e., on average, less than 10% of banks are actively eroding)
Channel
Condition
&
Dynamics Floodplain
Connectivity
Off-channel areas are frequently hydrologically linked to main channel;
overbank flows occur and maintain wetland functions, riparian vegetation
and succession.
Change in Peak/
Base Flows
Watershed hydrograph indicates peak flow, base flow and flow timing
characteristics comparable to an undisturbed watershed of similar size,
geology and geography.
Flow/
Hydrology
Increase in Drainage
Network
Zero or minimum increases in drainage network density from roads
Source: NMFS 1996. Matrix of Pathways and Indicators.
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TABLE F-2 (continued).
HEALTHY STREAM CHARACTERISTICS
Indicators Properly Functioning
Road Density &
Location
<2 mi/sq. mi., no valley bottom roads
Disturbance History <15% ECA** (entire watershed) with no concentration of disturbance in
unstable or potentially unstable areas, and/or refugia, and/or riparian area;
and for NWFP area (except AMAs** ), >15% retention of LSOG in
watershed
Watershed
Conditions
Riparian Reserves The riparian reserve system provides adequate shade, large woody debris
recruitment, and habitat protection and connectivity in all subwatersheds,
and includes known refugia for sensitive aquatic species (>80%
intact),and/or for grazing effects; percent similarity of riparian vegetation to
the potential natural community/composition >50%
Habitat Quantity/
Quality
The estuarine system provides for adequate prey production, cover, and
habitat complexity for both smolts and returning adults.
Areal Extent Estuary provides for most (i.e., greater than 80% intact) of its historical areal
extent and diversity of shallow water habitat types including vegetated
wetlands and marshes, tidal channels, submerged aquatic vegetation, tidal
flats, and large woody debris.
Estuarine
Conditions
Hydrologic
Conditions/
Sediment/ Nutrient
Input
Freshwater inflow and other hydrologic circulation patterns and sediment
and nutrient inputs are similar to historical conditions.
Dissolved Oxygen,
Temperature,
Nutrients, Chemical
Contamination
Water quality standards for aquatic life protection met
Sediments Sediments have low levels of chemical contamination, especially of
persistent aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, or other compounds known
to bio-accumulate.
Estuarine
Water
Quality
Non-Indigenous
Exotic Species/
Aquatic Nuisance
Species
Exotic species that are non-indigenous and aquatic nuisance species are at
low and decreasing levels and not interfering with estuarine system
functions.
Source: NMFS 1996. Matrix of Pathways and Indicators.
This section describes characteristics of healthy streams in watersheds on the Olympic Peninsula, as well as the
common disturbances that lead to the declining health of a stream system. Stream characteristics vary widely with
location in the watershed. Descriptions are presented below for three portions of the watershed: upper, middle,
and lower. It should be noted that these topographical distinctions are not absolute, as several characteristics are
determined by site-specific conditions that vary within each watershed.
Upper Watershed
Terrain in the upper portion of watersheds of the Olympic Peninsula is moderate to very steep. Upper watershed
streams (see Figure F-5) have deeply incised channels and little to no floodplain or off-channel habitat. The
channels are generally narrow, constrained and made up of coarse colluvial material. Plunge pools, exposed
bedrock, and boulders are common characteristics of stream beds in these areas. Large woody debris (LWD)
supplied by tree falls is abundant.
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Figure F-5. Typical Stream in the Upper Watershed (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)
Disturbances in the upper watershed are primarily terrestrial processes such as landslides, avalanches, debris
flows, and tree falls. Tree falls are common, but larger disturbance events are much less so, occurring on average
every 100 to 500 years. The disturbed areas generally evolve into narrow strips of deciduous vegetation, such as
red alder and devil’s club. Undisturbed areas in the upper watershed are mature conifer forests with Douglas fir,
western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western red cedar as the dominant tree species.
Stream flow in the upper watershed is primarily fed by snowmelt and rainfall, which is generally cold and clear.
Very little turbidity exists, except near recent disturbances. Nutrients are supplied to the water from external
sources such as leaves, branches, LWD, and soil leachate.
Aquatic habitat in the upper watershed is generally inhospitable to most fish species due to steep gradients, few
refuge areas (refugia), and physical barriers. Fish species common to the upper watershed include cutthroat trout
and sculpins.
Middle Watershed
In the middle watershed, the terrain transitions from steep mountainsides to foothills and narrow valleys.
Channels in the middle watershed (see Figure F-6) are partly constrained, with narrow corridors of floodplain and
off-channel habitat. With more room and stream flow, channels are modestly wider than in the upper watershed.
Substrate is primarily alluvial material consisting of gravel and migrating sediment bars. Though LWD is less
abundant in the middle watershed, it is instrumental in shaping the streambed by causing sediment deposition
upstream and deep scour pools downstream. Cascades, pool-riffle sequences, debris dams, and sediment bars are
common streambed characteristics.
Disturbances in the middle watershed are primarily terrestrial processes such as landslides, debris flows, dam-
break floods and tree falls, occurring on average every 10 to 100 years. Disturbed areas along the streambanks are
vegetated by pioneer deciduous species including red alder, willow, cottonwood and maples.
Stream flow is fed by rainfall, snowmelt, and groundwater (at the base of a hill or in the lower elevations). Water
temperature is slightly higher in the middle watershed than in the upper due to less shade and a wider surface
exposed to warm air and sunlight. There is relatively low turbidity and sedimentation in the middle watershed
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except near recent disturbances. Water in middle watershed streams is nutrient-rich, receiving inputs from riparian
vegetation, drift from upstream, and nutrients from decomposing anadromous fish.
Though physical barriers are present, the slighter gradient of the middle watershed allows easier access to
upstream reaches and several fish species are found, including steelhead, several salmon species, sculpins and
suckers.
Lower Watershed
The lower watershed is relatively flat, with wide valleys and floodplains. Channels in the lower watershed are
generally wide, unconstrained and free to migrate throughout the floodplain. As the channel migrates, it forms
side channels, oxbows, and complex off channel habitats. The braided system that often results has multiple
channels that are seasonally used by fish during high flows.
Disturbances in the lower watershed are primarily flow-related processes such as channel avulsion (the sudden
relocation of the stream’s flow to a different channel), migration and erosion. These processes occur frequently,
on average every 1 to 10 years. Frequent disturbance creates a mostly deciduous riparian structure, dominated by
red alder.
Stream flow is fed by rainfall, snowmelt and groundwater flow. The exchange of surface and groundwater is
common in the lower watershed due to the low elevation and proximity to the water table. Water temperatures are
slightly higher, as the channel is wide and exposed to direct sunlight. Minor sedimentation is present in the lower
watershed, mostly concentrated in bars along the banks or midstream islands. Generally the substrate is gravelly,
with minimal embeddedness in fine sandy material.
The lower watershed includes freshwater and estuarine habitats. Features of these areas include vegetated
wetlands and marshes, tidal channels, submerged aquatic vegetation, tidal flats, and large woody debris. In
addition to anadromous salmonid species, fish found in the estuarine and nearshore environment include sand
lance and surf smelt.
Figure F-6. Typical Stream in the Middle Watershed (photo courtesy of J. Latterell)
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F.3 SALMON DISTRIBUTION
F.3.1 Definition of Terms
A “stock” of salmonid fish is defined as follows (from http://wdfw.wa.gov/):
A group of fish that return to spawn in a given area at the same time. They are for the most part
reproductively isolated from other such groups although some movement of individuals is
recognized as a normal part of salmonid biology. A “run” of fish may comprise more than one
stock, and a stock may comprise several local spawning populations.
A “stock complex” is a group of closely related stocks located within a single watershed or other relatively
limited geographic area. The number of stocks in a stock complex may never be known with any confidence.
State agencies determine population status for individual stocks. The Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife (WDFW) released the Salmonid Stock Inventory (SaSI) in 2002, as an update to the 1992 Salmon and
Steelhead Stock Inventory. In the SaSI, each stock is given one of three ratings:
• The “healthy” rating covers a wide range of actual conditions, from robust to those without
surplus production for harvest. A stock listing of “healthy” does not necessarily mean that
managers have no current concerns or that production levels are adequate.
• A “depressed” stock is one whose production is below expected levels, based on available
habitat and natural variation in survival rates, but above where permanent damage is likely.
• For many stocks, there simply is insufficient information to rate them, and they are designated
as “unknown.” Because historically small populations could be especially vulnerable to habitat
impacts, there is immediate need to collect more information on these unknowns.
F.3.2 Stock Conditions in WRIA 19
Twenty stocks of salmonids have been identified in WRIA 19—one chinook stock, four chum stocks, six coho
stocks, seven steelhead stocks, and two cutthroat trout stock complexes (see Table F-3).
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TABLE F-3.
SALMONID DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION CONDITIONS IN WRIA 19
Stock Name Stock # Origin SASI Status Spawning Time
Most Recent Total
Escapement
Hoko Fall Chinook 1256 Native Depressed Late Sept-Late Nov 1,100 (yr 2003)
Lyre Fall Chum 2561 Native Unknown Mid Nov-Mid Jan Unknown
Deep Creek/East & West
Twin Fall Chum
Native Depressed Mid Nov-December 17 (yr 2003)
Pysht Fall Chum 2572 Native Healthy Mid Nov-Late Dec 585 (yr 2003)
Hoko/Clallam/Sekiu Fall
Chum
2583 Native Unknown Mid Nov-Late Dec Unknown
Salt Creek Coho 3310 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan
Lyre Coho 3320 Mixed Unknown Unknown Unknown
Pysht/Twin/Deep Creek
Coho
3330 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan 5,834 (yr 2000)
Clallam Coho 3340 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan
Hoko Coho 3350 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Mid Jan 4808 (yr 2000)
Sekiu/Sail Coho 3360 Mixed Healthy Early Nov-Early Jan 73 (yr 2002)
Salt Creek/Ind Winter
Steelhead
6329 Native Healthy Mid Feb-Mid June 73 (yr 2003)
Lyre Winter Steelhead 6336 Unresolved Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown
Pysht/Ind Winter Steelhead 6343 Unresolved Healthy Mid Feb-Mid June 389 (yr 2003)
Clallam Winter Steelhead 6350 Unresolved Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown
Hoko Winter Steelhead 6357 Native Healthy Mid Feb-Mid June 497 (yr 2003)
Sekiu Winter Steelhead 6364 Native Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown
Sail Winter Steelhead 6371 Native Unknown Mid Feb-Mid June Unknown
Mid Strait of Juan de Fuca
Coastal Cutthroat
Native Unknown Early Jan-Early May
West Strait of Juan de Fuca
Coastal Cutthroat
7060 Native Unknown Early Jan-Early May
Source: WDFW SalmonScape
The stocks and stock complexes in WRIA 19 have been rated as follows:
• The fall chinook in WRIA 19 are defined as the Hoko fall chinook stock, although it is believed
that small numbers of this stock use the Sekiu, Lyre, Clallam, and Pysht Rivers for spawning as
well. Fall chinook are no longer found in Deep Creek (Smith 1999). SaSI defines the Hoko fall
chinook stock as depressed.
• Four fall chum stocks have been identified in WRIA 19: Lyre, Deep Creek/East and West
Twin, Pysht, and Hoko/Clallam/Sekiu. The SaSI defines the Deep Creek/East and West Twin
stock as depressed. The Pysht fall chum are defined as healthy. The population status for Lyre
and Hoko/Clallam/Sekiu is unknown.
• Six coho stocks have been identified in WRIA 19: Salt Creek, Lyre, Pysht/Twin/Deep Creek,
Clallam, Hoko, and Sekiu/Sail. SaSI defines population conditions for the Lyre coho stock as
unknown. The remaining coho stocks in WRIA 19 are considered healthy.
• Seven steelhead stocks have been identified in WRIA 19: Salt Creek/Independent, Lyre,
Pysht/Independent, Clallam, Hoko, Sekiu, and Sail. All stocks are winter runs. The Salt
Creek/Independent, Pysht/Independent, and Hoko stocks are considered healthy and the status
of the remaining stocks is unknown.
• Identifying individual coastal cutthroat stocks is exceptionally difficult. Genetic analyses of
coastal cutthroat have shown that there can be several distinct stocks within small streams. The
task of identifying individual stocks in large watersheds is overwhelming. As a result, the
WDFW coastal cutthroat population evaluation departs from the approach of identifying F-15
Page 16
individual stocks and instead identifies stock complexes. Two stock complexes are present in
WRIA 19: Mid and Western Strait of Juan de Fuca, both of which are rated as “unknown.”
None of the WRIA 19 stocks are listed as federally threatened or endangered because NOAA Fisheries determines
listings based on “evolutionarily significant units,” not stock conditions.
F.4 TERRESTRIAL HABITAT
The WRIA 19 watershed supports a diverse assemblage of flora and fauna. The following description of the basin
is based largely on information drawn from Wildlife-Habitat Relationships in Oregon and Washington (Johnson
and O’Neill 2001) and the Northwest Habitat Institute database.
The most extensive habitat type in WRIA 19 is the westside lowland conifer-hardwood forest, which is a matrix
of other types of habitats, including westside riparian wetlands and open water.
Westside lowland conifer-hardwood forest is dominated by evergreen conifers, particularly Douglas fir and
western hemlock in WRIA 19. Mature stands typically have a multi-layered canopy structure, large snags, and
many large logs on the ground. Common understory species include vine maple, Pacific rhododendron,
salmonberry, salal, dwarf swordfern, twinflower and a variety of herbs, mosses, and lichens. Younger stands
generally have single-story canopies with more deciduous trees, including red alder, big leaf maple, and willows.
Historically, fire and wind have been the most devastating and prominent form of disturbance. The pre-European
fire regime typical of these watersheds was characterized by infrequent, intense, large-stand-replacing fires
approximately every 200 years. Recent disturbance regimes are smaller in scale, such as debris flows, landslides,
erosion.
Over 200 wildlife species are associated with this type of habitat. Wildlife communities vary with elevation and
structural class, with the greatest diversity found at lower elevations in mid-late successional stands. Species that
typify young forests include snowshoe hare, Roosevelt elk, and black-tailed deer. Almost the entire watershed has
been harvested at least once in the past 100 years, and much of it is in its third rotation of harvest. However,
notable reserves of old growth and late successional stands persist. These mature stands are found in Olympic
National Park and US Forest Service lands in the Lake Crescent, Deep Creek, Twin Rivers, Hoko River, and
Pysht River Subbasins. Species associated with the mid- and late-successional forests include Douglas’ squirrel,
ruffed grouse, and Pacific slope flycatcher. Two bird species in particular are dependent on late-successional
lowland forest habitat: the spotted owl and the marbled murrelet. Both species have suffered population decline
due to habitat loss and are currently listed as federally protected species.
Westside riparian wetlands are also found in WRIA 19. Conifer and deciduous mixed forests are typical for this
habitat, and include red alder, black cottonwood, big leaf maple, western red cedar, western hemlock and Sitka
spruce. There are many species make up the understory, including salmonberry, salal, vine maple, dogwood,
currant, devil’s club, snowberry, and a variety of ferns and sedges. Natural disturbances include flooding and
stream channel avulsion.
Wildlife species associated with riparian and wetland habitats include mink, river otter, yellow warbler, and
numerous waterfowl and amphibian species.
Small portions of the watershed have been converted to agricultural lands. The wildlife community in agricultural
lands includes several introduced species (e.g., eastern cottontail, rinF-necked pheasant, red-legged partridge)
along with native species such as deer mouse, Brewer’s blackbird, and rough-legged hawk. Waterfowl and
shorebirds also find suitable habitat in agricultural lands, particularly during winter.
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