Nisqually Good Neighbor Handbook

Good Neighbor Handbook
A Guide for Landowners in the Nisqually Watershed

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Welcome to the Nisqually Watershed
landowners should be aware
of and to provide resources for
more information. The Handbook
helps you to sift through the
multiple jurisdictions and variety
of federal, county, city, and
local programs operating in the
Watershed to make finding the
right answers easier for you and
better for the Nisqually.
This guide has been produced
by the Nisqually River Council.
The Nisqually River Council is a
coordinating council of watershed
governments and citizens that
work to preserve, protect, and
promote the benefits of the Nisqually Watershed through
collaboration, education, and advocacy. More information
about the Nisqually River Council can be found at www.
nisquallyriver.org.
The Nisqually Watershed encompasses all lands which
drain to the Nisqually River and includes the communities
of Ashford, Elbe, Mineral,
Eatonville, McKenna,
Roy, Yelm, Fort Lewis,
and portions of Graham,
Lacey, DuPont, and
Rainier. In Washington
state, we organize our
water management laws
and regulations based on
watershed boundaries. This
publication is dedicated to the
Nisqually Watershed.

Photo courtesy of Roddy Scheer ©

Whether you own, manage, or are
considering buying property in the
Nisqually Watershed, this Good
Neighbor Handbook is for you.
In one way or another, every
person who has ever lived here,
from the Native Americans to
the sawmill operators and dairy
farmers, has played a role in
shaping the landscape. Everyone
in the Nisqually has also been
inspired by the landscape at some
time or another, by everything
from a breath-taking view to a
quintessential small town moment.
This handbook offers guidelines and
ideas culled from many local sources: residents, scientists,
government, tribal leaders, naturalists, educators, contractors,
and possibly your future neighbors. It provides you with
resources and information that will help you make the most
of your Nisqually experience.
While this collective input comes from many people in many
walks of life, it has a running theme: a deep appreciation of
the Nisqually Watershed. Our hope is that this guide will
help you to enjoy and
protect all the unique
beauty and natural
resources of the Nisqually.
The Handbook was
designed to provide
a summary of the
land development
considerations new rural

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Table of Contents
Welcome to the Nisqually Watershed. ........................... 3
.
About the Nisqually Watershed...................................... 5
Nisqually Watershed Resources
The Natural Economy of the Nisqually Watershed ....... 6
Recreation ..................................................................... 7
Fish................................................................................. 9
Wildlife......................................................................... 10
Transportation ............................................................. 12
Hydro-Power and Multiple Use................................... 13
Natural Hazards............................................................ 14
Nisqually Watershed Land Management
Building and Development.......................................... 16
.
Water ........................................................................... 17
Riparian and Wetland Management............................. 18
Noxious Weeds............................................................. 19
Stormwater and Low Impact Development................. 20
.
Forestry ....................................................................... 22
Agriculture................................................................... 23
Livestock Management................................................ 25
Land Conservancy........................................................ 27
Nisqually Resources..................................................... 30


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About the Nisqually Watershed
The Nisqually is the only watershed in the United States with its headwaters in
a national park and its delta in a national wildlife refuge. It is located within
an hour’s drive of three metropolitan areas, yet remains one of the healthiest
and least developed of the major Puget Sound rivers. Along its 78-mile course,
the river traverses forested, mountainous terrain and rolling farmlands in three
counties, several small towns, the Nisqually Indian Reservation, and the Joint
Base Lewis-McChord before it enters Puget Sound near the site of the region’s
first European settlement.
Recognized as a “River of Statewide Significance” under the 1972 Washington
State Shorelands Management Act, the Nisqually supports extensive salmon
runs, timber and agricultural resources, and hydropower generation. It is also
home to several threatened and endangered species, offers many recreational
opportunities, and provides more than half of the fresh water flow entering
southern Puget Sound.
From its glacial origin at Mount Rainier to its delta in south Puget Sound, the
Nisqually is the hearth of myth, eco-diversity, history, beauty, and fresh water.
It is in this watershed that so much coexists -- volcanic steam and watermelon
algae, ice worms and elk moss, lady finger ferns and hydroelectric dams, forests
young and old, suburban development and feeding heron, soaring eagles and
spawning salmon. If the salmon are the Northwest’s canary in the coal mine,
then the Nisqually is the mine.
It is in this confluence, where glacial melt simultaneously yields electricity for
our homes, nutrition to riparian habitat, and fresh water to the delta, that we
decide how to be the best steward to our land. We have the tools to define the
depth of our commitment to protecting and restoring the Nisqually. We have
the information, we have direction, and we have technical support; with that and
with every community member working toward that goal, we can conserve and
preserve this treasure for ourselves and future generations.
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The Natural Economy
of the Nisqually Watershed

The natural environment of the Nisqually Watershed
provides goods and services for a bargain and offers a
good investment opportunity. Glaciers, forests, streams,
wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands, shorelines, and
marine waters provide economically valuable natural
goods and ecosystem services. Natural goods include
fish, timber, water, and agricultural products.
Ecosystem services, the benefits people derive from
natural resources, include climate stability, flood
protection, storm protection, water purification
and supply, wildlife habitat, pollination, soil
erosion control, soil formation, nutrient cycling,
aesthetics, and recreational value.
Earth Economics, a consulting firm in Tacoma,
began to apply a value to these good and services
in their recent study, The Natural Economy of the
Nisqually Watershed. The study initially valued
ecosystem services between $287,600,000 and
$4,165,990,000 in annual benefits, but it could
be as high as $138 billion or more. The range in
value reflects a need for more comprehensive
studies to assign monetary value to all ecosystem
services. This study, therefore, likely underestimates
the true economic value derived from the watershed.
Ecosystem valuation is an emerging field in economics. There
are many combinations of ecosystems types and services.
For instance, forests provide flood protection and wildlife
habitat, while wetlands provide habitat and drinking water
purification.
Natural capital, the goods and services derived from natural
areas, differs from built capital, buildings, roads, and other
human infrastructure. While most natural systems are
self-maintaining, all built capital ultimately falls apart (or in

technical terms, depreciates). Natural capital, on the other hand,
appreciates if kept healthy and intact. Natural capital provides
value into the future compared to built capital, thus having
greater value over time and comparatively greater asset value
in this time.
To better guide investment and more effectively protect
natural capital, it is necessary to establish economic
values for all the services the watershed provides.
Watersheds’ goods and services generally have
greater value than the sum of the economic assets
they contain.
Healthy watersheds enable communities and their
residents to thrive. In our society, since we do not
buy or sell watersheds or their services, we often
treat natural capital as having zero economic
value. As a result, society has underinvested in
watersheds with potentially grave consequences.
When free flood protection provided by natural
systems is lost, the need to replicate flood
protection service arises along with the need to
fix any damage. When salmon, drinking water,
stormwater conveyance, local climate regulation
and other benefits provided by a healthy watershed
disappear, the economy suffers from both direct
damage and expensive construction costs associated
with replacing natural capital.
The value of economic benefits provided by the Nisqually
Watershed is enormous. With that realization and an
understanding that natural systems are vital to the health and
development of economies, we are beginning to change how
we value our natural assets.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the economic health
of our community relies on the environmental health of the
Nisqually. The loss of nature’s bounty has real economic costs.
Safeguarding the health of a watershed, like keeping a house

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in good condition, provides benefits for everyone who uses it.
Watersheds provide goods and services across vast spans of
time and well beyond their boundaries. Protecting and restoring
the Nisqually Watershed is critical to improving quality of
life and to securing sustainability and economic progress in
the area. Each of us that live, work and play in the Nisqually
Watershed has a role to play in protecting and restoring our
watershed community’s long term environmental and economic
health.

Recreation

The Nisqually offers a wide variety of places and a temperate
climate that allows for year-round recreation. Types of
recreation are almost endless, from scuba diving in the Puget
Sound to backpacking at Mount Rainier. Natural park activities
such as Northwest Trek and Pack Forest trails offer a variety of
activities for nature lovers. Listed below are a few highlights.
Mount Rainier National Park and Surrounding Area offers
year-round outdoor activities
for almost all recreation options,
including photography, day hikes,
cross-country skiing, downhill skiing,
river rafting, canoeing, kayaking,
boating, camping, and more.
www.visitrainier.com.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
offers visitors an opportunity to
take a scenic train ride in a vintage
locomotive through the foothills
of Mount Rainier. Experience
the Nisqually as it was explored
in a bygone era. The train leaves
from Elbe. Ticket and scheduling
information available on line at www.
mrsr.com or call 1-888-STEAM-11.
Alder Lake Recreation offers yearround camping at 173 great locations,
options for all types of campers,
including an RV site with water,
electric and sewer hookups to a
traditional tent site. The park is open
for camping and day use except from
December 20 to January 1. Activities
include boating, swimming, fishing
for kokanee, trout, bass, crappie,

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During the waterfowl hunting season, a
small portion of the Refuge (those areas
adjacent to Fish and Wildlife lands where
hunting is permitted) is open for duck
and goose hunting. Visit their website at
www.fws.gov/Nisqually.

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
protects one of the last relatively
undeveloped large estuaries remaining
in Puget Sound. Boardwalks, hiking, and
birding trails amid this unique blend of
freshwater marshes and brackish marine
estuary offer activities for everyone
and are handicap accessible. A newlyconstructed, mile-long boardwalk trail
takes visitors into the restored estuary.

Parks provide near-by recreation
for daily exercise, ball games, quiet
relaxation, and fun with friends and
family. Too many to list here, check
out the county websites or call for
more information. In Pierce County,
visit www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/
ourorg/parks/parks.htm, or call Pierce
County Parks Administration Office at
253-798-4176. In Thurston County, visit
www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks, or call
the Information Line at 360-754-4371. In
Lewis County visit www.lewiscountywa.
gov/visitors/parks-recreation.


Rivers offer good freshwater salmon
fishing. Please check with the
Department of Fish and Wildlife for
fishing licenses, permits, regulations and
restrictions – see Nisqually Resources on
page 30. The Nisqually River is popular
for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.
Make sure you are clear on the put in and
take out locations and the average time
to travel between them before you set out
on your adventure.


and perch. Power boating, water skiing
and personal watercraft are allowed. See
Hydro-Power and Multiple Use for more
information on page 13 or www.mytpu.
org/tacomapower/parks-rec/alder-lakepark/Default.htm.

Tideflats of the Sound are open for
shellfish harvesting. Contact the
Department of Fish and Wildlife for
harvesting permits, regulations, and
restrictions. Always check to see if beds
are privately owned before harvesting.
Also, be aware that at times, the Health
Department will close beds due to toxins
or contaminates in the water or in the
shellfish. Contact the Department of Fish
and Wildlife – see Nisqually Resources
on page 30.

Puget Sound is a popular fishing,
boating, and scuba diving area. Many
residents canoe and kayak in the Sound.

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Fish

The Nisqually River and many of its tributary streams are
home to five species of salmon: chinook (kings), coho (silvers),
pink (humpies), chum (dog), and steelhead. Once, salmon was
abundant throughout the streams in the Eatonville, Yelm, and
Roy areas all the way to the mouth of the Nisqually River. The
Nisqually Indian Tribe’s fishing villages marked the return
of salmon in the fall and winter every year throughout the
watershed. Early settlers tell stories of creeks filled with so
many salmon that they could walk across the river.
Today many of the salmon runs are in decline. Impacted by
a hundred years of habitat disruption, overfishing, and poor
hatchery practices, there are far fewer salmon returning than
there were 100 years ago. Two species of salmon – the chinook
and the steelhead – have populations in Puget Sound that
are particularly declining, resulting in their listing under the
Endangered Species Act, a federal law designed to protect
habitat and resources upon which endangered and threatened
species depend.
Salmon are an anadromous fish, which means they are born
in freshwater, live in salt water, and return to fresh water to
spawn. Salmon eggs hatch in rivers or streams in clean gravel
patches. After a year or more in the freshwater, the young
salmon then migrate into Puget Sound and beyond where they
live for two to four years before returning to the river to lay
their own eggs and die.
The listing of Puget Sound salmon on the Endangered Species
list ignited a major effort to bring the salmon populations
back. Significant changes have been made to reduce harvest
pressures, change hatchery practices, and to protect
and restore critical habitat. Major
restoration projects have been
completed recently in the
Nisqually Estuary where the
Nisqually River

runs into Puget Sound, and in the Mashel River and Ohop
Creek near Eatonville. Monitoring results indicate that the fish
are responding to these restoration projects and are returning to
the river. Other habitat projects have taken place in the last few
years on Muck, Tanwax, Horn, Powell, Toboton, and Lackamas
Creeks.
Ideal salmon habitat includes natural streambanks with mature
trees and vegetation growing along the banks, clean gravel beds
in the stream where salmon can lay their eggs, and deep pools
with large fallen woody debris in the creeks to hide, rest, and
feed. The streamside forest ecosystems also need the returning
salmon. Following their spawning, salmon die and become
part of the ecosystem nutrient cycle. Salmon bring back special
nutrients from the ocean that benefits plants growing in the area.

Fish Resources
If you live on or near a stream in the Nisqually Watershed,
and would like to find out more about whether you might
see salmon in your stream, or about how you can help
protect and restore critical salmon habitat, contact the
Salmon Recovery Program at the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s
Natural Resources Department at 360-456-5221. (See Land
Conservancy on page 27 for information on direct government
incentive programs for salmon conservation management.)
Also contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife –
See Nisqually Resources on page 30.

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Wildlife

Washington is home to a wealth of
wildlife, many of which share the land
that we call home. It is critical that we
find ways to live peacefully with our wild
neighbors and share the natural resources
that we all need to survive.
As a resident of the Nisqually Watershed,
you may encounter Roosevelt elk and
Columbia black-tail deer browsing
through your yard; catch a glimpse of
smaller mammals such as the bushytailed woodrat, Douglas squirrel, and
deer mouse; or see signs from carnivores

including coyote, bobcat, mountain
lion, and black bear. The watershed
is also home to dozens of resident
and migratory bird species. From the
common chestnut-backed chickadee to
the lesser seen Lazuli bunting, wood
ducks, and western bluebirds, birds of all
shapes and sizes use the land and waters
of the watershed.
National and state parks, the University
of Washington Pack Forest, and areas
around Alder Lake offer abundant
wildlife habitat. For more information on
Alder Lake, see Hydro-Power and Multiple
Use on page 13.

Wildlife Resources
For a complete list of predicted
species for your county, visit the
“Maps” section of the Washington
NatureMapping website at
www.depts.washington.edu/natmap.
For a list of native plants, visit the
Washington Native Plant Society
website at www.wnps.org.
To learn more about native
landscaping, attracting wildlife, and
certifying your backyard wildlife
habitat, visit the “Living with Wildlife”
section of Washington Department of
Fish and Wildlife website at
www.wdfw.wa.gov.
Get your backyard wildlife habitat
officially certified through the
National Wildlife Federation’s
Certified Wildlife Habitat™
program by visiting www.nwf.org/
gardenforwildlife.
For information on bird watching,
visit the National Audubon Society,
Washington State Resources,
www.wa.audubon.org/birdwatch/
guides.htm


For more information on how to
manage your land to enhance wildlife
habitat and conserve natural resources,
contact your county Conservation
District listed in the Nisqually
Resources on page 30. Ask about their
annual native plant sales.

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Wildlife – Backyard Habitat


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Transportation

The daily commute to work is one of
the greatest contributors to local air
pollution and can affect climate change.
Reducing the number of trips we make
daily using combustion-powered cars
and replacing those trips with alternative
transportation, such as walking, biking,
carpooling, or regional bus service, we
can help enhance the quality of life in
the Nisqually. Walking and biking also
improves your own health.
Regional bus service is available in
and around the Nisqually Watershed,
however, as a primarily rural area, bus
service is limited to Yelm and the areas
adjacent to Tacoma/Lakewood and the
Olympia area.
Sound Transit offers service in the
watershed’s border areas. There is
service from Lakewood and DuPont to

Transportation Resources
Sound Transit – www.soundtransit.org
Pierce Transit – www.piercetransit.org
Shuttle Service, 253-984-8216 or
253-581-8100
Intercity Transit –
www.intercitytransit.com
Dial-A-Lift, 360-754-9393
Lewis Mountain Highway Transit –
360-496-5405 or 1-800-994-8899
Ashford to Mt. Rainier Shuttle Bus –
www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/
shuttle.htm

SeaTac or from Lakewood to Tacoma.
All Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses
have bike racks and Pierce Transit local
bus service may allow bikes on the bus at
the driver’s discretion.
Pierce Transit has information
on vanpools that can help
residents of the Nisqually find
alternative transportation
options to driving
alone. Limited Shuttle
service is available
within the watershed
to accommodate people
with special needs.
Monthly bus passes for
Pierce Transit are available online.
In Thurston County, the Intercity Transit
system offers bus service from Yelm
to Olympia. Connecting service is
then available from Olympia to Lacey,
Lakewood, and Tacoma. Monthly bus
passes are available. Schedules and a list
of where to purchase passes are listed on
their website. Free bike racks are available
on all buses and vans.
Intercity Transit offers vanpool and
carpool assistance. They can help you link
up with current vanpools or help you to
start your own. Individual vanpoolers
save, on average, $6,653/year compared to
the cost of driving alone. The average fare
for a vanpool is about $65/month.
Intercity Transit offers special assistance
for people with special needs, including
a Community Van program for special
trips and the Village Van program to help

low-income citizens with work-related or
job search transportation needs. See their
website for more information.
Intercity Transit Route 94 provides hourly
service between the Centennial Station
in Olympia and Yelm, Monday through
Saturday, to conveniently
connect Yelm residents to the
Amtrak Station in Lacey.
Lewis Mountain Highway
Transit bus service
serves Eastern Lewis
County. Lewis Transit
runs Monday through
Friday and has stops in
Packwood, Randle, Glenoma,
Morton, Mossyrock, Silver Creek, Salkum,
Onalaska, Centralia, and Chehalis.
Currently it is the only public transit
service that serves Eastern and Central
Lewis County.
If you want to combine recreation to Mt.
Rainier with transportation efficiency, take
the free shuttle bus from Ashford into the
park at Paradise or Longmire. Summer
and weekend scheduled runs only, see
their website listed under Resources.
If you must drive, keeping your tires
filled properly and driving using optimal
settings for fuel efficiency will help to
get the most mileage from your vehicle.
Properly maintained engines will further
reduce damaging emissions from the car
and reduce some of the pollution caused
by combustion powered vehicles.

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Hydro-Power and Multiple Use

Hydroelectric power is a renewable resource that generates
electricity without burning fossil fuels or polluting the air. In
the Nisqually, Tacoma Power oversees two dam projects that
generate almost 600 million kilowatt hours of electricity each
year, enough to serve over 40,000 homes. The projects also
support major wildlife and fisheries programs, and provide
excellent outdoor recreation facilities. Tacoma Power ensures
that the Nisqually River Project provides energy resources
and multiple recreation, fishing, hunting, and sight-seeing
opportunities.
Centralia City Light also has a diversion dam on the Nisqually
River above McKenna that diverts water into a canal running
next to the river for 9 miles before dropping into a powerhouse
and back to the river below Yelm.

Nisqually River Project Supports Multiple Uses
Tacoma Power’s Nisqually River Project consists of Alder and
LaGrande hydroelectric dams, two reservoirs, and thousands of
acres of wildlife land surrounding Alder Lake.
Before LaGrande and Alder dams were built, a natural waterfall
in the canyon, which is now beneath LaGrande reservoir,
probably prevented fish from migrating upstream. Providing
adult fish passage past the dams is not being considered at this
time.

Hydro-Power and Multiple Use Resources
Individual campsite reservations may be made online at
www.tacomapower.com/parks or
by calling 1-888-CAMPOUT.
Call Tacoma Power’s fish and recreation line toll free
at 1-888-502-8690 to hear recorded information about
river flows, lake levels, boat launches, and parks. The
information is updated regularly.

Alder Lake Recreation – Alder Lake is formed by

Tacoma Power’s Alder Dam, which generates renewable
power. Get a great view of the dam from the park, or see the
dam from a lookout on Highway 7.
With its four distinctive camping areas and great location,
Alder Lake Park is a nearby getaway. See page 7 for more
Recreation information on Alder Lake.
Launch your boat (lake level permitting) for no charge at
the Alder Lake Park boat launch or at Rocky Point, which
is about 4 miles south on Highway 7 from the main park
entrance. Visitors can fish for kokanee, trout, bass, crappie,
and perch in the lake. Power boating, water skiing, and
personal watercraft are also allowed.
A day-use area inside the park provides the opportunity
to swim or play all day. A parking fee is charged on
weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor
Day weekends. There is a free day-use area and swimming
beach a half-mile away at Sunny Beach Point.

To provide fishing opportunities, Tacoma Power stocks
approximately 250,000 kokanee or landlocked sockeye salmon
in Alder Lake each year. Furthermore, water released from
LaGrande Dam enhances the habitat for the chinook and coho
salmon that spawn downstream of the LaGrande Dam.
Most of the Alder Lake shoreline is owned by Tacoma Power,
and campfires are not allowed there. If you live near the lake,
be aware that docks and other structures must be permitted by
several agencies, including Tacoma Power.
You may notice that Alder Lake is lower in the winter. This
assists in catching water runoff from the upper basin. The lake,
however, is too small to control flooding, which may occur
downstream.

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Natural Hazards

Sweeping down from the 14,410-foot summit of Mount Rainier,
the Nisqually Watershed drains 517 square miles in western
Washington, emptying into the Puget Sound at the Nisqually
National Wildlife
Refuge. The
Nisqually River
originates at 4,800
feet as melt water
from the Nisqually
Glacier. During its
78-mile course, it
flows through steep,
glacial canyons
before containment
at Alder Lake for
hydroelectricity
generation by the Alder and LaGrande Dams (see HydroPower and Multiple Use on page 13. The Nisqually has 12 major
tributaries and flows past Yelm, McKenna, Elbe, and Ashford.

Volcanic Activity
The Nisqually Watershed is shaped by numerous forces, but a
majority of its form and function is determined by its volcanic
source. Mount Rainier is an active volcano and has dramatically
influenced the neighboring landscape. Mount Rainier has
a veritable palate of volcanic hazards, including volcanic
eruption, ash flows, lava flows, pyroclastic flows (fast moving
avalanche of hot lava), and lahars (landslide or mudflow of
volcanic debris). Volcanic eruptions at Mount Rainier are
sporadic, but other geologic hazards occur more frequently.
Lahars and debris flows are one of the major short-term hazards
from Mount Rainier. They are fast-moving liquefied landslides
that look and act like wet concrete and carry enormous amounts
of material ranging from clay to colossal boulders and trees.
Debris flows and lahars can be triggered by intense rainfall,
glacial melt, or volcanic activity, though, lahars are larger and
can extend out of the park. An example is the Osceola Mudflow,
which occurred in the White River valley some 5,600 years
ago. It flowed all the way to the Puget Sound near the town of
Auburn, obliterating and burying nearly everything in its path
under a thick blanket of muddy debris.

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Flooding
The Nisqually River is a fascinating
natural feature affecting a large
geographic area. Hazards from flooding
and debris flows are a natural part of
our watershed. Flooding results from a
combination of excess water and excess
sediment in river beds and is a result
of large storm events or glacial melts.
Sediment from erosion is continuously
transported downstream by rivers. Large
sediment loads cause the river beds to fill
and subsequently rise. Adding excess

water to the system causes rivers to rise.
Floodplains, the flat areas beside rivers,
naturally hold overflow, but as channels
fill to capacity, the floodplains can be
overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, roads and towns are often
built on floodplains. Major floods during
the 1990s and in 2006 have dramatically
altered the river and near-river landscape
in many areas of the Nisqually. In
November 2009, Mount Rainier National
Park had severe infrastructure damage
due to record flooding. The watershed
as a whole saw major changes, including
damage to levees, housing, and roads
outside of the park.
The Nisqually River is a sensitive natural
system subject to disturbance and has
the ability to affect thousands of people.
It is significant to the Nisqually Indian
Tribe and provides important services to
people, providing fresh drinking water,
recreation, and hydroelectricity, as well
as excellent aquatic habitat. Human
influences on flooding can be minimized
through stewardship and sustainable land
use choices.

Natural Hazards Resources
Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis
Counties provide online information
to help residents with natural
hazards, including flooding,
earthquakes, and winter storms.
The sites also provide information
on additional protection services.
Pierce County Department of
Emergency Management
www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/
ourorg/dem/pubed.htm
Thurston County
www.co.thurston.wa.us/em
Lewis County Emergency
Management
www.lewiscountywa.gov/floodinformation-2
Mt. Rainier Seismicity Information
www.pnsn.org/RAINIER/welcome.
html
Volcano Hazard Map
www.volcanoes.usgs.gov

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9/2/2011 3:05:49 PM

Building and Development

The Nisqually Watershed is expected to
receive unprecedented growth in the next
few years. Home and property buyers
in the watershed can help alleviate
unintended negative impacts from
development by doing their homework
on the natural resources on their land,
and using appropriate and sustainable
land-use options to build their dream
home. Informed choices can protect
property owners from personal property
damage and protect the people, plants,
fish, and wildlife of the Nisqually
Watershed.

Do Your Homework
Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis Counties
provide a wealth of information about
land parcels, including zoning, critical
areas, watershed boundaries, and even
school districts, on their websites, see
the Resources Box. While the maps are
not 100 percent accurate for every parcel,
they provide comprehensive information
for residents interested in learning more
about their land and how it is designated.
Homeowners and builders should
research the flooding hazard areas
that are identified. These hazard areas
can include high ground water areas,

Building and Development Resources
Thurston County Green Building
www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning/
climate/climate-grnbld.html
www.omb.org/memberresources/
builtgreen
Thurston County Geo-Data
www.geodata.org
Thurston County Building
Permit Services
www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting
Thurston County Stormwater
www.co.thurston.wa.us/stormwater
Lewis County Green Building
www.omb.org/memberresources/builtgreen
Lewis County Public Works
Stormwater and Utilities
www.lewiscountywa.gov/surface-waterutilities-3

Many of the high ground water areas
in the Nisqually Watershed are also
critical aquifer recharge areas that
supply drinking water to residential and
municipal users. Critical aquifer recharge
areas are further protected through
additional regulations. The major high
ground water flooding areas identified
by Thurston County in the Nisqually
Watershed include the Yelm Creek and
Thompson Creek sub-watersheds.
After the property is acquired and
preparations to build a home are
underway, there are still more ways
to reduce the impact of development
on the watershed. Environmentally,


Pierce County Geo-Data
www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/interactive.htm
Pierce County Green Building
www.builtgreenpierce.com
Pierce County Building Permit Services
www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/home/
property/pals/palsmain.htm
Pierce County Stormwater and
Utilities Department
www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/
pwu/about/stormfloodmenu.htm
Lewis County Geo-Data
www.maps.lewiscountywa.gov/maps/
maplib_index.html
Lewis County Community
Development Building Permit Services
www.lewiscountywa.gov/when-arepermits-required

adjacent wetland areas, and floodplain
areas. Maps may not completely identify
all areas for every parcel, but they do
provide general guidance for property
owners researching flooding issues. High
ground water areas are identified and
protected through land-use planning and
zoning regulations.

~ 16 ~


9/2/2011 3:05:51 PM

development and construction
practices are primary contributors to
the depletion of natural resources, and
a major contributor of unwanted side
effects, such as air and water pollution,
solid waste generation, deforestation,
toxic wastes and health hazards, global
warming, as well as other negative
consequences. County websites provide
homeowners and builders information
on building “green” or sustainability to
reduce their development impact in the
Nisqually Watershed.
The Counties offer useful and
informative websites about permits and
technical assistance for sustainable land
development strategies.
They have many resources available
to Nisqually residents. Their Surface
and Stormwater utilities provide
many services from flooding technical
assistance to education and outreach.
For more information on stormwater
management see Stormwater and Low
Impact Development, page 20.

Water Resources
Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov
Washington State Department of
Ecology, Water Resources
360-407-6872 or www.ecy.wa.gov/
programs/wr/wrhome.html

Water
Using Water and Drinking Water
Quality
While water is plentiful in the Nisqually
Watershed, the rights to use water are
strictly regulated, especially for our
potable (drinkable) resources. A water
right is a legal authorization to use a
certain amount of water for specific
purposes. Washington State law requires
certain users of public water to obtain
approval from the State prior to actual
use of the water. Approval is granted
in the form of a water right permit or
certificate.
A surface water right is necessary for
those planning to divert any amount of
water from surface waters (water above
ground). Surface water sources include
lakes, rivers, streams, and springs.
Surface water rights are extremely
difficult to obtain because of potential
conflicts with other resources, such as
fish. Non-consumptive water right
applications or applications that contain
mitigation (actions that reduce the
impact) proposals stand the best chance
of approval. Contact the Washington
State Department of Ecology using
the information listed in the Water
Resources.
A ground water permit is necessary
for the withdrawal of more than 5,000
gallons per day or if you plan to irrigate
more than a half acre of lawn or noncommercial garden. If you use less
than those amounts, you may have an

“exempt well.” This means you would
be exempt from the permitting process,
but not the regulatory process. Surface
water quantity is regulated under
Chapter 90.03 RCW, the Water Code.
Ground water is regulated by Chapter
90.44 RCW, Regulation of Public Ground
Waters. These can be found using the
quick reference tool on the legislature’s
website at www1.leg.wa.gov/
LawsAndAgencyRules.
Rural landowners in Thurston, Pierce,
and Lewis County generally depend
on a well for their drinking water.
Wells are direct conduits from aquifers
(underground water supply). Wells
have the potential to be contaminated if
precautions are not taken to protect the
health of upstream riparian (river bank)
areas.

~ 17 ~


9/2/2011 3:05:52 PM

Riparian and
Wetland Management

Do you have a stream or wetland on
your property? A Riparian area or zone
is the interface between the land, such
as your property, and a river, stream, or
wetland. There are many different plants
and animals that depend on healthy
streams and wetlands for habitat. How
you manage the streams and wetlands
on your property can have an impact
on local water quality and flooding
frequencies. Be a good neighbor and
make sure that you manage the streams
and wetlands on your property so that
you do not cause problems for your
downstream neighbors or local wildlife.
In the Nisqually Watershed, many of
our local streams are salmon streams.
Salmon populations are struggling right
now in the Nisqually Watershed and
throughout Puget Sound. In fact, both
Nisqually chinook salmon and Nisqually

Riparian and Wetland
Management Resources
For free advice on how you can
manage your stream or wetland, or
to find out about local sources of
native plants to restore your stream or
wetland, you can contact your local
Conservation District; see Nisqually
Resources, page 30.
Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Natural
Resources Department - 360-456-5221

steelhead are listed as threatened under
the federal Endangered Species Act.
Puget Sound orcas are also listed as
an endangered species; their primary
food source is salmon. You can help
the salmon and the orcas through
appropriate stewardship of the streams
and wetlands in your own backyard.
Even if you haven’t seen salmon in your
part of the stream, how you manage
your stream affects the quality of habitat
downstream where the salmon are
present annually.
Streamside and wetland plants are a
critical component of keeping your
streams and wetlands healthy. Trees and
shrubs that are native to this area can
help streams and wetlands in a number
of different ways.
Mature trees and shrubs along stream
banks or in a wetland help slow the flow
of rainwater and filter runoff. This helps
reduce flooding and maintain clean water.
Large shade trees help keep water
temperatures cool for fish. The shade
also helps keep invasive grasses from
growing in the stream, which, if not
monitored, can choke the stream and
cause increased flooding.

deeper pools for small fish to hide in or
create sorted gravel patches for fish to
lay their eggs. The wood also provides a
good hiding place for fish, as well as food
for stream insects that the fish then eat.
Preserving the natural state of the stream
or wetland and being careful not to
physically alter the stream or wetland
is another way you can help take care
of the Nisqually Watershed. Actions
like placing large rocks along the stream
bank, making the stream channel or
wetland deeper, or allowing cows or
horses to access the stream or wetland
can be very damaging to the health of the
stream or wetland.
There are many new innovations for
managing streams and wetlands that
can address landowner concerns about
potential bank erosion, flooding, or
livestock watering needs and also
minimize or prevent damaging effects.
Contact your local Conservation District
for ideas.

Plant roots help stabilize stream banks
and wetland soils to prevent erosion.
Healthy native plants are critical food
sources for stream bugs, which are then
eaten by fish and other aquatic animals.
Trees that fall into a stream also create
valuable fish habitat in the stream. Water
swirling around the wood can scour out

~ 18 ~


9/2/2011 3:05:53 PM

Noxious Weeds

A noxious weed is a non-native, invasive
plant considered to be detrimental
to public health, agriculture, water
resources, wildlife, or property and
is known to destroy habitat for other
species or cause serious agricultural
problems. An annual list, published by
the state Noxious Weed Control Board,
inventories the level of threat posed by
the plants and the legal responsibilities
of owners who find them growing on
their properties. Individual counties may
modify the list to fit local circumstances.
Prospective land buyers are strongly
advised to carefully inspect the property
to determine whether there are any
problems. When a weed-infested site
is purchased, the responsibility for
those weeds, and their control, which
can be expensive and legally binding,

falls solely on the new
owner. Enforcement
and also potential
property liens are within
the jurisdiction of the
Weed Control Board
(see Resources). They
will work with property
owners to identify
and eradicate noxious
weeds. So, if you suspect your property
has noxious weeds, don’t wait; contact

the Control Board before
the weeds have a chance to
spread.
Thurston Conservation
District also lists pasture
weeds that are poisonous
to everyone, those that are
poisonous to animals, and
those that are invasive. See their website
or call for more information.

Noxious Weeds Resources
Contact the Conservation Districts in
Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis counties;
see Nisqually Resources on page 30.

Pierce County Noxious Weed
Control Board
253-798-7263,
www.piercecountyweedboard.wsu.edu
Thurston County Noxious Weed
Control Agency
360 786-5576, www.co.thurston.wa.us/
tcweeds/index.htm
Lewis County Noxious Weed
Control Board
360-740-1215,
www.lewiscountywa.gov/weedcontrol

Noxious weeds of primary
concern in Pierce County
Japanese Knotweed, Tansy
Ragwort, Knapweed
Complex, Poison Hemlock,
Gorse, Purple Loosestrife,
and Dalmatian Toadflax.

concern in Thurston County
Knotweed varieties,
Butterfly Bush, Common
Fennel, Poison Hemlock,
Gorse, Giant Hogweed,
Yellow Starthistle,
Himalayan Blackberry,
English Ivy, and
Scotch Broom.

concern in Lewis County
Meadow Knapweed, Purple
Loosestrife, Brazilian Elodea,
Eurasian Watermilfoil,
Tansy Ragwort, Butterfly
Bush, Scotch Broom,
Knotweed varieties, and
Poison Hemlock.

~ 19 ~


9/2/2011 3:05:59 PM

Stormwater and
Low Impact Development

The threat of flooding is a concern for
parts of the Nisqually Community almost
every year, bringing with it danger to
human life, habitat, and potential loss
of expensive infrastructure. Pierce,
Thurston, and Lewis counties are
working on floodplain acquisition,
setback levees, and sensitive area
regulations to help alleviate this growing
problem. These are great steps; yet it
appears that traditional stormwater
management will not be enough to avoid
more potential flooding. Out-dated
stormwater management techniques
from the 1970’s, such as retention ponds,
underground vaults, and conveyance
pipes, do not allow water to naturally
infiltrate into the soil where the water
falls. Although these capture techniques
act to slow stormwater run off, the water
has to go somewhere. During storm
events, our existing hydrologic system

consisting of the rivers, lakes, ditches,
ponds, vaults, and conveyance pipes
become full. Unable to handle any more
excess water, the systems overflow.
Overflows impact our precious aquatic
habitats, which cannot withstand the
sediment-laden runoff associated with
stormwater (see Riparian and Wetland
Management, page 18).
The decades-old process of converting
farmlands, forests, and pasturelands
into impermeable rooftops and asphalt
has ultimately made things even worse.
The lack of water infiltrating into the
ground due to the increase of impervious
surfaces, places greater demand on our
over-burdened traditional conveyance
systems. The inevitable consequence is
increased flooding. As more and more
developers and property owners come
into our area, flooding will increase.
We must recognize this problem and
acknowledge that there has to be a
balance, and that choices must be made
to support our watershed.

Resources for Stormwater and Low Impact Development
For information on Low Impact
Development, contact Puget Sound
Partnership – www.psp.wa.gov
WSU Low Impact Development
Program
www.puyallup.wsu.edu/stormwater/
lid/index.html
Environmental Protection Agency,
Low Impact Development
www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid

What are our options?
Economic growth and development
fuel our region’s healthy economy, yet
protecting human safety and natural
resources is also important. The rain
is not going away, and neither is
development. How can we manage
overabundant rainfall events and still
have healthy growth? A new, multifaceted approach to land and water
management, Low Impact Development
or LID, has many civil engineers,
developers, and municipalities very
excited. Not only does LID make good
business sense, it helps prevent flooding
while acting to preserve and clean the
stormwater.
For many people, LID is a fairly new
concept. It has, however, been used
successfully for decades across the
country and is now catching on in
Puget Sound. Most importantly, it is not
designed to hamper development but to
enhance development; LID is, in fact, a
balanced approach that is ecologicallysound and builder-friendly.

Pierce County Stormwater and
Utilities Department – www.co.pierce.
wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/pwu/about/
stormfloodmenu.htm
Thurston County Stormwater
For information on Rain Gardens,
contact Stewardship Partners –
206-292-9875,
www.stewardshippartners.org
Rain garden captures stormwater in the Nisqually

~ 20 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:00 PM

The Low Impact Development strategy
is two-fold:

these swales also add unique beauty to
any landscape (see photo on page 20).

First, preserve and mimic the natural
hydrologic systems of the site.

The newest industry innovations and
techniques allow roads and parking lots
to be designed using permeable concrete,
asphalt, and pavers that let water pass
through the road surface. The pervious
engineered roadway performs like
regular impervious pavement, while
allowing stormwater to infiltrate and be
filtered rather than driving the water to
a traditional conveyance system with its
associated overflow problems.

Second, allow the water to infiltrate
instead of collecting, conveying, or
concentrating stormwater.
LID is used to naturally disburse water
into open, vegetated areas while retaining
native plants, and LID techniques can
also help to manage roof and driveway
runoff on individual lots. Many counties
have mandated the use of LID techniques
due to environmental concerns.
LID uses a series of small-scale smart
engineering techniques to process water
locally. LID engineers follow the natural
hydrology of the site. They try not to
force the site into something that it is
not (i.e., use of intensive grading or redirecting stormwater), and avoid actions
that compact the ground in order to allow
rainwater to naturally infiltrate. Skilled
engineering will direct stormwater
through sponge-like engineered or
amended soils while leaving pockets of
natural vegetation.
Other examples of LID techniques
include rain gardens and Bio-Retention
ponds, precisely planted depressions that
allow rainwater runoff from impervious
surfaces the opportunity to be absorbed
on the site where the rain falls. In
addition to treating and absorbing water;

~ 21 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:07 PM

Forestry

The Nisqually hosts some of the most
diverse forest types of any watershed in
Washington, from alder and cottonwood
dominated floodplains to oak savannah
to the majestic old growth cedar and
Douglas-fir forests on the slopes of Mount
Rainier.
Humans have managed the forests in the
watershed for thousands of years. The
original inhabitants, the Nisqually Indian
Tribe, manipulated forest cover to enhance
berry production and selectively thinned
timber for making boats and building
materials. Commercial logging began in
the 1850’s and at one time the watershed
was home to dozens of lumber mills.
The forests on and near your land are a
product of both ecological variables and

periodic human management. Knowing
where your land fits into this landscape
and “when” it occurs in the ecological
succession of the forest will help you be a
better steward and a better neighbor.
Knowing where your boundary lines
and corners are will help avoid potential
conflicts with neighbors. You can obtain
the legal description and a wealth of

Forestry Resources
Pierce County Assessor – www.co.pierce.
wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/at/at.htm
Thurston County Assessor
www.co.thurston.wa.us/assessor
Lewis County Assessor
www.lewiscountywa.gov/assessor
Washington Department of Natural
Resources Small Forest Landowner
Office
www.dnr.wa.gov/BusinessPermits/
Topics/SmallForestLandownerOffice/
Pages/fp_sflo_overview.aspx
Natural Resource Conservation Service
www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov

Contact the Conservation Districts in
Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis counties;
see Nisqually Resources on page 30.
Consulting Foresters Directory
www.ext.nrs.wsu.edu/publications/
forestry/consultingdirectory.htm
Small-scale Saw Mill Directory
www.ext.nrs.wsu.edu/forestryext/
sawmill/index.htm
Northwest Certified Forestry
www.nwcertified.org
Northwest Natural Resource Group
www.nnrg.org

information about your property at your
County Assessor’s Office (see Forestry
Resources). There you can obtain aerial
photos of forest cover in your area and
maps of streams, wetlands, and other
sensitive ecological sites. It is important
to correctly identify these sites on your
land as county ordinances and state
regulations may restrict building and
forest management activities associated
with them.
A variety of local, state, and federal
agencies can provide free on-site
assistance to help you evaluate your
forest resources in order to optimize the
productive potential of your land. These
agencies include Conservation Districts
(see Nisqually Resources on page 30),
the Washington Department of Natural
Resources Small Forest Landowner Office,
and the Natural Resource Conservation
Service. Many of these agencies also have
financial assistance programs that can
help pay for enhancing wildlife habitat,
improving timber quality, repairing forest
roads, and determining how to maximize

~ 22 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:10 PM

a diversity of forest products. See Land
Conservancy, pages 28-29, for a list of
programs.
You very likely share common forest
types with your neighbors, and may even
have common management objectives.
Collaborating with adjacent landowners
on timber harvesting, tree planting,
road maintenance, and other activities
can help reduce costs and improve the
overall character and quality of forests
in your neighborhood. A professional
consulting forester can help you develop
a long-term timber management plan,
coordinate with local logging contractors,
and ensure you receive the value for your
timber, see Forestry Resources.

lumber either by hiring a portable saw
mill, working with local companies
that will harvest your wood on site,
or by investing in small-scale wood
manufacturing equipment. By producing
your own lumber for personal use or
for sale, you can often obtain far more
value from your timber than by simply
selling logs to a conventional mill. Small
woodland owner organizations, such
as Northwest Certified Forestry, help
landowners learn how to optimize their
forest resources through workshops,
on-site consultations, and by providing
marketing assistance (see Nisqually
Resources on page 30).
The Nisqually Watershed has a rich
history of forest stewardship. You can
be a part of this legacy by being the best
steward possible of your own land!

Agriculture

Agriculture has long been an important
part of the economy of the Nisqually.
Historically, the watershed has supported
dairies, berries, row crops, and Christmas
tree farms. Currently, the watershed is
home to the largest egg production in
the state. Local agriculture contributes
to the sustainability of the region by
providing fresh, local, and healthy food
products. Improperly managed farms
can be major contributors to non-point
source pollution: water pollution that
does not originate from an individual
pipe or source, but instead is picked
up as rainfall runoff flows across the
land and other portions of the built
environment. Non-point pollution
includes fertilizers, herbicides, animal
waste, oil, and exposed sediments.


Many small woodland owners are
selectively thinning their forests
themselves with small-scale equipment
such as tractors, all-terrain vehicles,
and log arches. Some are going a
step further and producing their own

~ 23 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:13 PM

Through conservation planning and implementation of a farm
management plan, landowners can reduce environmental
impacts and increase farm production.
Local Conservation Districts retain technicians and specialists
who can help you develop and implement your conservation
plan. Your plan is custom-made for you and your property. It
can be modified as your plans or circumstances change.
Developing your plan is simple. Choose what is important to
you, what you want to avoid, and what you want from your
land.
Know what is on your property, including property boundaries,
septic fields, fences, arenas, corrals, bare ground, buildings,
lawn, garden, cropland roads, driveways, paths, trees and
shrubs, neighboring land usage, areas of weed infestations,
wells, streams, ponds, and wetlands.
Using these factors, along with aerial maps, soil maps, and other
resources, a Resource Specialist from the Conservation District
can assist you in developing a plan tailored to your farm. The
plan will include an inventory of the soils, water (drainages

and wetlands), plants, and animals. Factors unique to your
property will be included. These professionals can recommend
alternatives. Together, you determine your plan of action and a
timeline for completion. In certain cases, financial assistance is
available to help cover the costs of implementation (see pages
28-29).
Working with one of the Conservation Districts, you can rest
assured that you are in compliance with your county’s nonpoint pollution source ordinances and other regulations.
In addition to traditional farm planning, water quality, and
habitat restoration activities, Pierce Conservation District also
has an Agricultural Assistance Program. The Agricultural
Assistance Program focuses on helping local farmers connect
with the tools they need to be more profitable, building local
markets for their products, connecting consumers with local food
and farmers, and helping with farmland preservation efforts.
Another conservation program that connects landowners with
land management funds and tools, while providing a market
opportunity, is the Stewardship Partners’ Salmon-Safe Program.

~ 24 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:22 PM

Salmon-Safe is a third-party certification program
that uses professional inspectors with experience
in both salmon habitat and sustainable agriculture.
The evaluations are based on a thorough set of
guidelines developed by scientists and farmers. The
Salmon-Safe label provides credibility, exposure, and
marketing opportunities for participating farms. If
you are interested in assessment standards or becoming SalmonSafe certified, visit www.stewardshippartners.org.

Resources for Livestock Management
USDA Mobile Meat Processing Unit – Operated by the Puget
Sound Meat Producers Cooperative, the Mobile Meat Processing
Unit is available for on-farm slaughter and transportation of
carcasses to a cooperative cut and wrap facility.
www.pugetsoundmeat.com
Small-scale Poultry Processing Equipment Rental – For
a reasonable rental fee and cleaning deposit, small-scale
poultry processing equipment is available to rent from local
Conservation Districts. Occasional workshops provide
instruction on safe and efficient use of the machinery. Visit
their websites for information on their equipment rental
program. www.piercecountycd.org/poultryprocess.html or
www.thurstoncd.com/?id=71
Horses for Clean Water – www.horsesforcleanwater.com
Backcountry Horsemen of Washington – Nisqually Chapter,
360-894-7652 or www.ncbchw.com
University of Washington Pack Forest – www.packforest.org
Sahara Trails – www.saharatrails.com
Elbe Hills Nicholson Horse Trails
www.trailmeister.com/washington/elbe/elbehills.htm
Contact the Conservation Districts in Pierce, Thurston, and
Lewis counties; see Nisqually Resources on page 30.

Livestock Management

In addition to the usual species, such as
horses, sheep, cattle, and poultry, you
can also find bison, alpaca, and other
exotic animals in the Nisqually. The
main challenges facing livestock owners
and producers in our region are mud,
manure, and pasture management.
Resources and technical assistance are
available for livestock management,
health, housing, pasturage, and other
information.
A good pasture management program
will enhance your animal’s health, improve your pasture
production and health, and lower feed costs. Pasture
partitioning and rotational grazing will help keep your
pastures as productive and healthy as possible. Your program
should include a plan to keep clean water clean, minimize
mud, manage weeds, prevent overgrazing, and reduce soil
compaction. Rotational grazing allows plants to recover from
grazing before being grazed again and provides maximum
forage so animals are not forced to ingest potentially toxic plant
materials (see Noxious Weeds, page 19).
Local veterinarians are an excellent source of information, as
are the Conservation Districts, who can also help define local
laws and county codes that may restrict the type or number of
animals that can be kept on a property.
Conservation Districts can also provide technical assistance,
help with plan development, and provide contacts for direct
financial incentive programs (see pages 28-29). They can provide
information about creating a successful grazing program,
composting and using manure, managing mud, and how to
best protect the natural resources on and around your property.
They can also help determine appropriate feed requirements,
and how to produce much of the needed feed on your own land.

~ 25 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:22 PM

A well-managed livestock property looks
attractive, protects natural resources, and
improves animal health. It is imperative
that prospective livestock owners
understand the cost and care needs of
specific animal species before bringing
them home. All livestock need a daily
source of clean, fresh water and most
require supplemental minerals and salt.
Provisions for these needs should be
included in the landowner’s planning.
Likewise, careful consideration should be taken to establish or
re-configure pastures and livestock keeping areas in order to
protect natural resources.
Horses – The horse industry is thriving in the Nisqually. Many
people own, breed, and sell horses, as well as recreate and
compete with them. People purchasing horses for the first time
will benefit from seeking the advice of competent horsemen as
well as veterinarians. Good pasture management can provide
your horses with grazing throughout most of the year, although
many smaller properties will need to provide supplemental
feed, such as hay and grain during the times when grasses are
not actively growing – including the hottest parts of summer
and during the winter.
All riders and drivers need to be alert and considerate when
traveling on county roads. A rider is considered a pedestrian.
Safety for both
the horseman and
motorists should be
of the highest priority
when on public roads.
The Nisqually offers
several great places
to trailride with
horses, including
the University
of Washington’s
Pack Forest, the

Washington Department of Natural Resources’ Sahara Horse
Camp, and Elbe Hills Nicholson Horse Trails. The Nisqually
chapter of Backcountry Horsemen is very active and a great
resource (see Livestock Management Resources on page 25).
Cattle – Beef cattle are in important part of the rural landscape
in the Nisqually. Some landowners have breeding cattle and
sell the offspring every year. Others run yearlings or ‘stocker’
cattle as a way of harvesting pasture grasses during the growing
season.
Due to our wet weather, livestock need to be confined
in well-surfaced holding areas during the rainy season.
Grazing saturated pastures with dormant forage species will
cause damage to your pastures, requiring years to correct.
Appropriate “sacrifice areas,” portions of the property set aside
as winter confinement areas, are an essential component of a
successful pasture management strategy.
Poultry – Commercial poultry operations producing both eggs
and fryer chickens are present in the Nisqually. These, often
fairly large industrial sites, have significant traffic associated
with them. Trucks hauling feed to the sites, and removing eggs,
birds, and manure from the sites are often
on the road late at night or early in the
morning.
Backyard and small-scale poultry set ups
are also very common throughout the
watershed and offer private households the
opportunity to produce fresh, healthy food
at home.

~ 26 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:24 PM

Land Conservancy

Productive farmland, ranchland, forests, wetlands, and
coastlines provide important natural benefits and contribute
to a healthy, diverse, and dynamic watershed. In the face
of a growing population and a changing economic base,
undeveloped lands provide substantial community benefits,
clean air and water, fresh food, habitat restoration and recovery,
stormwater management, and sheer scenic beauty. Landowners
who value these gifts have options and incentives to preserve
their land and their deep connection to it.
Donating or selling a voluntary conservation agreement, also
known as a conservation or agricultural easement or restriction,
is the most traditional tool for conserving private land. These
agreements can be one of the smartest ways to conserve your
land, preserve it for your family and for future generations, and
protect the Nisqually Watershed’s natural heritage. Citizens
taking advantage of available financial and planning assistance
help make important contributions to the vitality and health of
our communities.
A legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or
government agency, these agreements permanently limit

Land Conservancy Resources
Nisqually Land Trust – 360-489-3400 or
www.nisquallylandtrust.org
Land Trust Alliance – www.landtrustalliance.org
Farm Services Agency – www.fsa.usda.gov
WA Conservation Commission – www.scc.wa.gov
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS),
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),
NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs,
509-323-2971 or www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs

uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values.
These sustainable land use strategies preserve natural areas
while allowing landowners continued ownership and use of
their land, including the right to sell it or pass it on to heirs.
Easements can also help landowners realize added income or
significant federal tax benefits and have the potential to reduce
real estate taxes.

Steps to conserve your land

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9/2/2011 3:06:28 PM

Government Programs
The federal government provides a suite of programs that
provide direct payments to farm and forest owners for
conservation practices.
Administered by agencies, including the Natural Resources and
Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA), the Washington State Conservation Commission,
and the Farm Services Agency (FSA), these programs are
collectively funded at more than $100 million per year in
Washington State. They support hundreds of projects annually.
Many Farm Bill programs focus on taking land out of
production (via long-term leases) and providing cost-share
funding to restoration projects for high priority sites.
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) provides
incentives to restore and improve salmon and steelhead habitat
on private land. Land is removed from production and grazing
under 10- or 15-year contracts. In return, landowners plant
trees and shrubs to stabilize the stream bank and provide
other ecological functions, such as creating shade to lower
water temperature, providing large woody debris to create
ponds, reducing sediment, reducing chemicals and nutrients,
and increasing biodiversity. Landowners receive annual
rental payment, incentive and maintenance payments, and
cost-share for practice installations. Cost-share is available for
the installation of a riparian buffer (trees, shrubs, plantings),
fencing, and animal watering stations. Payments can result in
no cost to the landowner for participation.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is designed to protect
environmentally sensitive farmland from erosion, improve
water quality, reduce surplus farm commodities, and improve
wildlife habitat. Programs provide cost-sharing to establish
protective cover. Annual rental payments are made to retire
land from agricultural production for a period of 10 to 15 years.

The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP)
provides matching funds to help purchase development
rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural
uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners
with governments and organizations to acquire conservation
easements or other interests in land from landowners. USDA
provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value of
the conservation easement.
The Grassland Reserve Program is designed to restore and
protect grassland, including rangeland and pasture. The
program emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant
and animal diversity, and areas under the greatest threat
of conversion to cropland or urban use. Program provides
cost-share funds to restore high priority native grasslands.
Assistance provided to develop plan objectives, practices, and
requirements to maintain grassland diversity. Easements may
be permanent or for 30 years.
The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) assists
landowners in restoring, enhancing, and protecting forestland
resources on private lands through easements, 30-year
contracts, and 10-year cost-share agreements. The goal is
to restore, enhance, or provide measureable increase in the
likelihood of recovery of a threatened or endangered species.
Projects must improve biodiversity or increase carbon
sequestration (removing carbon from the air to help minimize
climate change).
The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) offers agricultural
landowners an opportunity to receive payments for restoring
and protecting high priority wetlands. WRP provides costshare funds for wetland restoration and up to the agricultural
value of the land for granting the government a conservation
easement. Easements may be perpetual or for 30 years.
Technical assistance is also provided to develop plans.

~ 28 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:29 PM

Other Government Direct Financial Incentives
The Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) provides grants
to local and regional citizen groups to develop plans to protect
and restore salmon habitat. For more information, contact the
Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Salmon Recovery Program at 360-4565221. For information on the statewide process, go to
www.rco.wa.gov/boards/srfb.shtml.
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program provides
grants for the acquisition and development of local and state
parks, water access sites, trails, critical wildlife habitat, natural
areas, and urban wildlife habitat. Also provides funding for
farmland and riparian area protection. Find out more at www.
wildliferecreation.org/our-campaigns/wwrp-projects.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers several programs
for habitat conservation of endangered species. The Western
Washington office supplies a fact sheet on available grants.
www.fws.gov/wafwo/landowners.html.
The U.S. Forest Service provides technical and financial assistance
to state and private forest owners to encourage good stewardship
and land management on forest and grasslands.
USFS and Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
administer the following programs:
The Forest Land Enhancement Program provides education,
on-site advice, and cost-share assistance to help non-industrial
private forest landowners develop Forest Stewardship Plans
and implement a variety of forest stewardship practices on
their lands, www.dnr.wa.gov/BusinessPermits/Topics/
ConservationTransactions/Pages/forest_legacy.aspx.
The Forest Stewardship Program is a national program designed
to assist non-industrial private forest landowners in managing
their properties for a variety of resource values. The program
offers advice and assistance to landowners with over 5 acres to
help improve forests for timber production, forest health, wildlife
and fish habitat, special forest products, water quality, aesthetics,
and fire safety. Customized advice can meet the landowner’s
personal objectives. www.foreststeward.org.

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9/2/2011 3:06:43 PM

Nisqually Resources
County Government
Pierce County – www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc
Thurston County – www.co.thurston.wa.us
Lewis County – www.lewiscountywa.gov

Conservation Districts
Washington State Conservation Districts
www.scc.wa.gov/index.php/contact/
Conservation-Districts
Pierce Conservation District
253-845-9770, www.piercecountycd.org
Thurston Conservation District
360-754-3588, www.thurstoncd.com
Lewis Conservation District
360-748-0083, www.lccd.scc.wa.gov

Health Departments
Pierce County Public Health Department
www.co.pierce.wi.us/Public%20Health/
PH_index.htm
Thurston County Public Health
Department, www.co.thurston.wa.us/
health/ehadm/index.html
Lewis County Public Health Agency
www.lewiscountypublichealth.com

Fire and Safety

Overall Rural Living Resources

Pierce County – www.co.pierce.wa.us/
pc/Abtus/ourorg/dem/fireprev.htm

Rural Living in Thurston County
www.thurstoncd.com

Thurston County – www.co.thurston.
wa.us/firemarshal/general.htm

Living in Pierce County – www.co.pierce.
wa.us/pc/resident/resident.htm

Lewis County – www.lewiscountywa.
gov/communitydevelopment/buildingfire-safety

Northwest Trek
Experience captivating Northwest
wildlife. Exciting wildlife encounters
happen every day at Northwest Trek.
www.nwtrek.org

Washington State
Department of Ecology
www.ecy.wa.gov/ or use www.ecy.
wa.gov/feedback.html for a list of
services, departments, and other contact
information.

Land and Water
Department of Fish and Wildlife
360-902-2234, or www.wdfw.wa.gov
Shorelands Management Act
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/sma/
st_guide/jurisdiction/index.html
Washington Forest Protection
Association
Forest and Fish Law, 1999 collaborative
effort of federal, state, tribal, and
county governments and private forest
landowners. Designed to protect our
native fish and aquatic species. Helpful
introductory videos.
www.forestandfish.com

Good Neighbor Handbook Partners
Nisqually River Council /
Nisqually River Foundation
12501 Yelm Highway SE
Olympia, WA 98513
360-438-8715, www.nisquallyriver.org
Nisqually Land Trust
100 Brown Farm Road NE
Olympia, WA 98516
360-489-3400, www.nisquallylandtrust.org
Nisqually Indian Tribe
4820 She-Nah-Num Drive
Olympia, WA 98513
360-456-5221, www.nisqually-nsn.gov
Stewardship Partners
1411 - 4th Avenue, Suite 1425,
Seattle, WA 98101
206-292-9875
www.stewardshippartners.org

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9/2/2011 3:06:43 PM

Author Acknowledgements

The Natural Economy of the Nisqually
Watershed - Abstract of Executive
Summary provided by Earth Economics,
editors David Batker, Isabel de la Torre,
Maya Kocian, Briana Lovell, p.5-7

This study was conducted with the support
of Washington Department of Ecology grant
#G0800012 (Nisqually River Council Watershed
Initiative Program), the Nisqually River Foundation
and the Puget Sound Partnership.

Water - Publication Editor, Cate O’dahl,
ESP Services, caoesp@aol.com and George
Walker, Nisqually Indian Tribe Natural
Resources Department,
info@nisqually-nsn.gov
Riparian and Wetland Management Salmon Recovery Program Manager,
Jeanette Dorner, Nisqually Indian Tribe
Natural Resources Department,
info@nisqually-nsn.gov

Recreation - Publication Editor, Cate
O’dahl, ESP Services, caoesp@aol.com

Noxious Weeds - Publication Editor, Cate

Fish - Salmon Recovery Program
Manager, Jeanette Dorner, Nisqually
Indian Tribe Natural Resources
Department, info@nisqually-nsn.gov

Stormwater and Low Impact Development Principal Engineer, Damon DeRosa, PE,
Leroy Surveyors and Engineers, Damon@
lseinc.com

Wildlife contributors - Publication Editor,
Cate O’dahl, ESP Services, caoesp@
aol.com, Backyard Habitat, Education
Program Coordinator Jessica Moore,
Northwest Trek, jessica.moore@nwtrek.org

Forestry - Washington Director Northwest Certified Forestry, Kirk
Hanson, Northwest Natural Resource
Group, kirk@nnrg.org, www.nnrg.org

Transportation - Publication Editor, Cate
Hydro-Power and Multiple Use Wildlife & Recreation Coordinator,
Pam Hefley, Tacoma Power
www.tacomapower.com
Natural Hazards - Park Geologist,
Scott Beason, scott_beason@nps.gov
and Geomorphology Technician, Laura
Walkup, laura_walkup@nps.gov,
Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th
Ave E, Ashford, WA 98304
Building and Development - Utility
Planner, Barb Wood, Thurston County
Department of Resource Stewardship,

Agriculture contributors - Administrator,
Kathy Whalen, Thurston County
Conservation District, kwhalen@
thurstoncd.com, Nisqually River Council
Program Manager, Sara Scott, sara@
nisquallyriver.org, Publication Editor,
Cate O’dahl, ESP Services, caoesp@aol.com
Livestock Management – Nisqually River
Council Program Manager, Sara Scott,
sara@nisquallyriver.org

Acknowledgements
This project has been funded wholly or in part
by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency under assistance agreement 96065401-0
to the Nisqually River Foundation. The contents
of this document do not necessarily reflect the
views and policies of the Environmental Protection
Agency, nor does mention of trade names or
commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.

This Handbook has been
a collaboration between
Nisqually River Council,
Nisqually Land Trust,
Nisqually Indian Tribe,
Stewardship Partners, and
Nisqually River Foundation.
Photo Credits
Except as noted, photos are contributed by
and are the property of the
Nisqually Land Trust Collection,
Stewardship Partners, or ESP Services.
Publication Editor: ESP Services

RIVER COUNCIL

Land Conservancy contributors –
Executive Director, Joe Kane, Nisqually
Land Trust, and Publication Editor,
Cate O’dahl, ESP Services, caoesp@aol.com
L A N D

T R U S T

~ 31 ~


9/2/2011 3:06:44 PM

The Nisqually
Good Neighbor Handbook
a publication of the
Nisqually River Council, 2011

RIVER COUNCIL


9/2/2011 3:06:44 PM

Nisqually Good Neighbor Handbook

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