Spokane River Riparian Enhancement Project at State Line

Spokane River Riparian Enhancement Project at State Line

Introduction

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife• Spokane Conservation District• Spokane River Forum• History of Project– Mitigation Funds for Spokane River Projects– Looking for Sites with Restoration Potential– Improve Site Condition and Formalize River Access

Site Location

Degraded Upland Habitat Vegetation

• No upland vegetation• Knapweed, Toadflax and Other Noxious

Weeds Present as Identified by County Weed Board

• Uncontrolled Vehicle Access

Potential For Site Improvement

• Vehicle Damage• Source of Runoff• No Upland Vegetation• Limited Riparian Habitat• Limited Fish Habitat and Water Quality

Function

Shoreline Vegetation Damage

• Uncontrolled Access all Along Shoreline• Major Vehicle Shoreline Damage• Inappropriate Location for Road• Natural Recovery Impossible• Source of Sediment to River

Continuing Erosion Problems

• Riparian Restoration Will Prevent This and Improve Ecological Function

• Control Stormwater Runoff

Riparian Habitat Current Condition• Vandalism and Illicit Activities Present

Currently• Restoration and Improved Public Access

will lead to Positive Uses of Site

Existing Access Site

• Non-Motorized Access• Requires Little to Restore• Ramp is Functional and Safe• Upper 6 Miles of River Accessible with Site• Supported by Variety of User Groups,

Agencies and Law Enforcement Community

Project Requires Coordinated Effort

• Money comes from WDFW– Needs to be used by SCD

• Land owned by WSDOT– Requires lease and maintenance

• State Parks already manages Centennial Trail which runs through property…

Parcels to Restore

Benefits

• Restore Significant Portion of Shoreline– Consistent with Shoreline Master Program

Requirements• Improve Riparian and Upland Habitat• Control Noxious Weeds• Provide Controlled River Access– Consistent with definition and standards for Water

Trail under SC Comprehensive Plan

Benefits

• Access and Parking to Centennial Trail• Works With Centennial Trail Realignment to

Enhance User Experience• Site Management and Monitoring for the Long

Term• Decreases WSDOT’s liability• Beautiful Entrance into Washington State

and Gateway Park

Who’s involved now

• Washington State Parks• Washington State Department of

Transportation• Spokane Conservation District• Spokane River Forum• Lands Council• Spokane River Keeper• User Communities

How to Restore the State Line Access Area