GEE CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT 2007 Annual Report

Transcription

1 GEE CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT 2007 Annual Report Submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex Douglas M. Stienbarger, Project Director Lynn Cornelius, Gee Creek Watershed Coordinator Josie Finley, Watershed Restoration Technician January,

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Gee Creek Watershed Restoration Project is a joint initiative between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS-RNWR) and Washington State University Clark County Extension (Extension). The USFWS-RNWR provided start-up funding from their USFWS Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) restoration funding. Project funds are administered by WSU Clark County Extension. Project work began with the hiring of the Gee Creek Watershed Coordinator (Project Coordinator) as a WSU Clark County Extension employee who began work on March 13, This report summarizes project activity from Jan 1 to December 31, The initial work plan for 2007 was based on priority objectives and percent staff time guidelines developed for the project. Identify Existing conditions (10%) Coordinate and Prioritize needs (25%) Conduct Public Education and Outreach (10%) Execute Restoration Projects (25%) Obtain Project Funding (20%) Project Reporting & Administration (10%) Additional directives for 2007 were to meet contract obligations for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Columbia River Estuarine Coastal Program grant, Union Pacific Railroad settlement payment funding through the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE), and the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) Invasives with Volunteers grant. Further directives included developing off-refuge projects, implementing on-the-ground restoration on the Carty Unit of the RNWR, and pursuing unsolicited funding and project opportunities which might arise. Coordination of efforts and exchange of information was continued with partners through the communitybased Gee Creek Enhancement Committee work group. The project coordinator contributed time to administer committee meetings, update a list of enhancement projects, and direct selected projects. Partners include the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership, the City of Ridgefield, and individual residents. A watershed advisory group of agency experts provided ad hoc technical consultation. The 2006 Potential Enhancement Projects list was updated as an Interim Action Plan based on recommendations from agency advisors, recent background reports, and Gee Creek Enhancement Committee work group member input. The Interim Action Plan directs projects pending completion of a longer-term approach through a watershed assessment and action plan. The program prepared fact sheets on sediment and runoff, web pages on the Extension web site, maps and photos, and a draft Gee Creek brochure ready for printing. The project booth display was improved. Information was disseminated through events such as Ridgefield BirdFest and Ridgefield National Night out, and through tree planting announcements, press releases, online postings, and partner newsletters. One streamside management workshop was held. Two landowner contact mailings were sent with two more developed for Program staff planned and initiated on-the-ground assessments and restoration projects. Projects included: fish assessment trapping of lower Gee Creek; continued riparian restoration tree plantings and invasive plant 2

3 control along Gee Creek on the Carty Unit of the RNWR; a private land restoration planting; support for a volunteer stream features stormwater assessment; adding updated data layers to the refuge GIS for Gee Creek; and GIS projects identifying ponds, forest cover types, and planting site suitability. The Technician conducted a past private land planting assessment to determine the survival of past restoration plantings. The Coordinator, with consultant advice, researched and designed a watershed assessment project to characterize conditions, identify voluntary restoration projects, and set priorities through a community process. The Coordinator recommended fundraising priorities for additional funding to sustain the coordinator position and provide funds for restoration projects. The Coordinator screened approximately 30 of the highest potential grant opportunities and approximately 14 were identified as potential prospects for Gee Creek in The Coordinator applied to two funding sources and scoped two other possibilities. Funding raised in 2007 equaled $64,667 - $49,640 in dollar funding and 920 volunteer hours valued at $15,027. Total program funding available in 2008 reached $116,190, much of it restricted grant funding. The Coordinator prepared monthly progress reports, this annual report, and grant progress reports. He also supervised a part-time employee. Lower Gee Creek separates the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge from adjoining private land. 3

4 Project Summary Objectives listed and bulleted items follow the 2007 Work Plan. OBJECTIVE 1 IDENTIFY EXISTING CONDITIONS (10%) 1) PURSUE/SUPPORT ASSESSMENTS Sediment accumulation study by PSU. The Coordinator held a meeting and field trip with faculty from Portland State University s Center for Lakes and Reservoirs. However, development of a feasibility concept and identification of funding for a sediment accumulation study to analyze sediment cores and lake-bottom samples did not occur during 2007 as no response was received from PSU. Effort will be made in 2008 to interest WSU Vancouver or another research entity in this project. Support stream features assessment by Gee Creek Enhancement Committee volunteers. The program supplied volunteers and field equipment was provided to support a stream features field assessment led by a Gee Creek committee member. The volunteer deferred the project at mid-season due to health issues. Efforts will be renewed in Identify fish agency lead and arrange fish sampling of lower creek. The USFWS Columbia River Fisheries Program Office (CRFPO) in Vancouver, assisted by program staff and volunteers, conducted juvenile fish trapping in spring and summer in lower Gee Creek on the Carty Unit of the refuge and from adjoining Plas Newydd Farm private lands. The presence of coho salmon and cutthroat trout was confirmed, although the origin of the coho is uncertain due to egg box releases in recent years from Ridgefield High School. Fish assessment trapping for juvenile salmonids led by USFWS CRFPO Biologist Sam Lohr, spring, Bacteria and turbidity sampling in cooperation with Clark County Water Resources Program. WSU Extension Watershed Stewards and Gee Creek committee members assisted county staff with 4

5 sampling in Gee Creek above Royle Road to detect and isolate sources of bacteria and turbidity. Results of this work will be reported by the county in Additional Accomplishments: Private Land Past Planting Assessment [NFWF grant obligation]. Program staff completed an assessment of the status of private land plantings from the 1990 s under National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Grant obligations. (For details see listing under objective 4, second item) GIS Project: The Technician was the staff lead for GIS work and arranged purchase of Clark County data layers. Tyler Vick, pro-bono GIS expert from Maul Foster & Alongi and a project volunteer led GIS updating and produced: a tree planting suitability analysis for riparian plantings; an inventory of ponds in the watershed; and the start of a vegetation cover-type classification to characterize the watershed, help define areas needing reforestation, and identify important forest remnants along Gee Creek. (See Appendix B) DELIVERABLES Reports are pending from each lead agency for both the fish assessment and water quality sampling. The Clark County GIS layers, the Planting Suitability Analysis, and the ponds inventory data are in the Gee Creek and Refuge GIS files. OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES: The Coordinator will make efforts in 2008 to invite interest by WSU Vancouver or a private firm in a sediment analysis. A WSU contact name has already been obtained. Volunteers will continue the stream features assessment in The Coordinator will seek opportunities for additional crew or volunteer support and funding to encourage this work. 5

6 Gee Creek at flood above Main Street, December 3, OBJECTIVE 2 - COORDINATE AND PRIORITIZE NEEDS (25%) & OBJECTIVE 3 CONDUCT PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH (10%) 2) COORDINATE AND PRIORITIZE NEEDS Produce a watershed assessment work plan and scope of work and identify contractors. [NFWF grant obligation] The coordinator met with Portland State University faculty to gauge interest. However, the Coordinator decided to develop a scope of work for the project with a private consultant (and former watershed council employee) who provided pro-bono advice. The consultant and his firm have worked on more than 14 previous watershed characterization assessments for watershed councils in Oregon. A scope of work and budget was prepared for fundraising. (See Appendix C). Refine the Potential Enhancement Projects List. [NFWF grant obligation] The Coordinator updated the list of potential enhancement projects based on restoration recommendations from agency advisors, recent reports, and Gee Creek Enhancement Committee member input. Immediate restoration efforts are now focused on this list while a longer-term Watershed Assessment and Action Plan are designed and contracted. The Interim Action Plan was used to allocate time and short-term project and fundraising efforts. (See Appendix D) Facilitate Monthly GCEC meetings and Advisory group meetings. [NFWF grant obligation] The Project Coordinator collaborated with the community and local partners through the Gee Creek Enhancement Committee work group. Ten (10) monthly meetings were facilitated. Approximately eight regular representatives make up the committee from five lead organizations and local citizens. Lead partners are the USFWS-RNWR, WSU Clark County Extension, Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership (LCREP), the City of Ridgefield, and individual residents. An average of five members attended each meeting. The Coordinator arranged a special presentation in mid-summer from the Washington Department of Transportation regarding water quality elements of the new Interstate 5/SR 502 interchange under construction along and across Gee Creek. 6

7 The Coordinator was in touch with advisors regularly during the year, but no agency advisory group meeting was convened in Advisors reinforced their 2006 recommendation to first pursue an overall watershed assessment which will lead to a watershed action plan with long term strategies and priorities before engaging in any instream restoration work. Other Accomplishments Ridgefield NWR CCP. The Coordinator participated in meetings and provided comments regarding watershed issues and needs into the USFWS Ridgefield NWR Comprehensive Conservation Planning (long-term planning) process which will advise and direct refuge priorities over a 15-year period. A monthly meeting of the Gee Creek Enhancement Committee work group held in the Port of Ridgefield building. 3) CONDUCT EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Create an erosion control/stormwater best management practices fact sheet. [NFWF and UPRR funding obligation] The Coordinator produced two final draft fact sheets with design and production provided by Clark County Water Resources Program staff. These will be initially used in a mailing to watershed residents and disseminated by hardcopy and electronic versions. (See Appendix E) Mail fact sheet, planting guidelines, general watershed references, and volunteer outreach to all watershed residents. [NFWF and UPRR funding obligations] The Technician created a watershed resident mailing list containing nearly 2000 landowners using Clark County GIS layers purchased by the project. The coordinator moved the mailing timeline forward due to other demands, but completed fact sheets and workshop plans. The mailing is scheduled for early March 2008, within grant obligation deadlines. Conduct 1-2 expert workshops on sediment control/stormwater. Include a brief PPT of the Gee Creek Watershed. [Meet NFWF grant obligations] The Coordinator arranged contacts and logistics 7

8 and completed mailing materials. The workshops are scheduled for April/May April 2008, within grant obligation deadlines. Other Outreach Products: The Coordinator and WSU design staff finalized a new program brochure which is due to the printer in early The Coordinator updated the program fact sheet and produced a new mini version of the general program fact sheet.. The Coordinator created a mini-poster for BirdFest and updated the booth display with new materials. The Coordinator assisted the Watershed Steward Coordinator on one workshop and conducted a second for Gee Creek streamside owners following a 60-piece outreach mailing. The Technician created a mailing list of all watershed landowners for The Coordinator created 3 new PowerPoint presentations: Gee Creek Watershed [NFWF grant obligation]; Native Plants; and a revision of the Streamside Management Extension presentation. (Appendix F). Project Coordinator leads a Field Tour of the Carty Unit for Watershed Stewards. Outreach Accomplished: Volunteers. The Coordinator gave Gee Creek Watershed and Native Plant slide presentations at WSU Extension Watershed Stewards and WSU Master Gardener volunteer trainings. An invitation to volunteer was made at two Stewards graduation evenings. The Coordinator led three field trips on the Carty Unit of the Refuge for Clark County s Naturally Beautiful Backyards and Watershed Stewards programs. The Coordinator wrote an update on the Gee Creek project for an issue of the Watershed Stewards Newsletter. Ridgefield BirdFest; Ridgefield National Night Out. The Coordinator, WSU Watershed Stewards Coordinator, and volunteers staffed a Gee Creek booth and Watershed Stewards booth at the Friends of Ridgefield NWR Ridgefield BirdFest October 13 & 14. The volunteers and staff recorded 70 contacts and signed 7 people up on the project contact/volunteer sheet. 8

9 Booth display at Ridgefield Bird Fest, October, The Coordinator staffed a booth during a block celebration in downtown Ridgefield on National Night Out August 7. Approximately 10 contacts were made were made, including a family who owns property along Gee Creek. Friends of Ridgefield NWR Events and Newsletter. The project coordinator regularly attended meetings of the Friends of RNWR board and supported a volunteer sign up sheet at the Friends annual meeting in December. The Coordinator made contact with 20 people and 4 volunteers signed the volunteer contact sheet. The Coordinator and Technician provided line items and articles for several issues of the Friends e-newsletter. Streamside Management Workshop. The coordinator gave two workshops and assisted in a third on Making the Best of Streamside Property for landowners through the WSU Watershed Stewards, Gee Creek, and Small Farm Acreage (Living on the Land Series) Programs. Attendees were 8, 4, and 30, respectively. (See Appendix J) Area Schools/Education. The Gee Creek Watershed Restoration Technician supported the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership s program leading high school students and scout groups in restoration plantings on the Carty Unit. In addition, program staff worked with five Ridgefield High School student volunteers regarding senior projects. A number of Ridgefield High School biology class students attended tree plantings to obtain community service hours as part of their class requirements. Tree Planting Flyer. The Restoration Technician created a new tree planting flyer and distributed it by , web site, and a hard copy posting for the tree planting season. (See Appendix K) Diversity Outreach. The Technician sent a tree planting season flyer to a contact in the Latin- American community in Clark County for publication in a Spanish-language newsletter. 9

10 Media. The Technician sent out press releases to the local Columbian and Reflector newspapers two weeks in advance of tree planting and invasive plant control work events, inviting volunteer participation. Information on the events was published in a small article in the Reflector and in the community calendar sections of each newspaper. The Technician also used online listings for volunteer outreach. City of Ridgefield Parks Board. The Coordinator gave a program presentation to the City of Ridgefield Parks Board. The Board is working to develop a Gee Creek Greenway project. New Web Site. The Coordinator and Extension staff completed Gee Creek Watershed Restoration project web pages and added them to the WSU Clark County Extension Web site. OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES The Coordinator delayed production of the fact sheets and workshop scheduling due to other demands, pushing the dates forward. However, ample time remains within the UPRR and NFWF grant obligations for this work. (Projects close in Sept and Nov, 2008, respectively). OBJECTIVE 4 EXECUTE RESTORATION PROJECTS (25%) 4) EXECUTE PRIORITY RESTORATION PROJECTS. Meet Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) settlement funding obligations. (These funds were provided through the Washington State Department of Ecology, WADOE). Program staff continued riparian restoration tree planting and invasive plant control project work for Gee Creek within the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The Coordinator made significant progress on the third project task - outreach and education on sediment and runoff. Refuge Tree Planting [UPRR funding obligation]. In 2007, the Technician coordinated the planting of 1,840 tree cuttings using Gee Creek project volunteers. In addition, the Technician provided planting materials and coordination time in support of tree plantings by students and scout groups through the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership. Approximately 214 planting volunteers contributed 626 hours valued at $7500. (See Appendix G) EnviroCorps crews on contract from the Northwest Service Academy prepared planting sites by mowing 2.5 acres of reed canarygrass with brushcutters along the banks of Gee Creek in locations not accessible for tractor mowing. Refuge equipment operators used tractors to mow approximately 6 acres for plantation maintenance and site preparation in October. (See appendix H) Invasive Plant Control [UPRR and USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) grant obligations]. EnviroCorps crews mowed patches of non-native blackberry over acres of habitat along Gee Creek and in adjoining buffer forest. The Coordinator, a licensed Pesticide Applicator, and 2 licensed volunteer applicators applied herbicide control to scattered individuals and patches of nonnative blackberry over 6.6 acres of floodplain habitat and 3.8 acres of creek buffer. The Coordinator and a volunteer also treated remnant patches of knotweed with herbicide along approximately 2,000 linear feet of Gee creek (4,000 feet of shoreline). (See Appendix I) The Coordinator provided field training, test fees, travel costs, training manuals and advice for two Gee Creek Enhancement Committee members who successfully obtained pesticide applicator s licenses and began contributing hours to assist with herbicidal treatment of blackberry and other invasive plants on the Carty Unit. 10

11 Conduct Assessment of private land plantings. [NFWF grant obligation] The Technician An EnviroCorps crewmember from the Northwest Service Academy cuts back non-native Blackberry on the Carty Unit, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, April, completed an assessment of the status of private land plantings from the mid-1990 s under National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Grant obligations. (See objective 4, second item) 5 properties were relocated and owners contacted by a mailing. One owner permitted a field visit. Information on survival results will help in designing future private plantings, although results indicated no significant plantation survival for this parcel. The owner offered to cooperate in a future planting if funding can be obtained. A second mailing to 250 streamside owners will be mailed in early (See Appendix A) Manage the NFWF (CRECF) grant if awarded. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation s Columbia River Estuarine Coastal Fund awarded a $27,639 grant for restoration, outreach, and education, community group coordination, a watershed assessment design, and a private land planting assessment. For project details see bracketed references in this report [NFWF grant obligation]. Complete the Invasive Plant Control Plan (Carty Unit). This plan was completed to direct invasive plant work under the UPRR funding obligation over 2 field seasons. Other Accomplishments: Private Land Tree Planting. The project assisted Vossenberg Farm, a private landowner cooperating with the Clark Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the WSU Clark County Extension Small Farm Acreage program to implement clean water best management practices. The Gee Creek program provided 500 tree protector tubes, 500 bamboo stakes, volunteers and staff time to assist in planting 430 trees and shrubs on a slope just above Heron Creek, a tributary of Gee Creek. 35 volunteers contributed 105 hours. Invasive Plant Survey [NWRS grant obligation]. The Coordinator and a volunteer surveyed and mapped non-native blackberry by kayak across 15 acres of the Carty Unit. 11

12 Plantation Maintenance Beaver use. The Coordinator researched cage and perimeter fencing designs and a pro-bono consultation and field survey was provided by a beaver expert. 10 individual tree cages were installed by the Restoration Technician to protect plantation trees from premature beaver use along Gee Creek on the Carty Unit. Volunteers plant trees above a tributary of Gee Creek at Vossenberg Farm, March, DELIVERABLES Restoration tree planting numbers and invasive plant control acreages are summarized within the UPRR July 1, 2007 and Jan 1, 2008 grant project reports. OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES Experience from the first season of restoration work will result in adaptive management changes to improve methods and timing of mowing blackberry prior to application, and to improve tree planting protection methods to further reduce premature vole and beaver use in new plantations. OBJECTIVE 5 OBTAIN PROJECT FUNDING (20%) 5) COORDINATE AND LEAD EFFORTS TO GENERATE PROPOSALS FOR PROJECT GRANTS. Target up to 3 grant proposals for 2007, including key private foundation sources in partnership with the Friends of Ridgefield NWR. The following avenues for funding were pursued: WA Department of Ecology (DOE) Water Quality Funding Centennial and 319 Funds. The Coordinator attended two workshops in Olympia and discussed possibilities for grants with staff on s everal occasions during the summer and in a meeting after the workshops. The Coordinator explored Washington Dept of Ecology Water Quality Grant Funds, but decided the grants would not be 12

13 competitive for this year. A more competitive application will be developed for Private funding (e.g. Meyer Memorial Trust) in partnership with Friends of Ridgefield NWR (FNWR). The Coordinator developed ideas with the Director of FNWR for private funding sources, such as the Meyer Memorial Trust. The Coordinator and FNWR Director held an advisory meeting with the Director of the Columbia Land Trust to discuss strategies for such a proposal. The Coordinator participated in strategic planning sessions with FRNWR in order to pursue the idea of more stable, unrestricted staff funding for the project. The FRNWR Board and Director later decided the Friends would not have enough resources to fold in watershed salary needs in 2007 due to other priorities. The Coordinator subsequently suggested a private funding proposal for specific watershed projects such as invasive plant control. USFWS Funding - National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) Invasives with Volunteers. The Coordinator assisted the Ridgefield Refuge staff in submitting grant applications, one for a national fund and another for funding only within USFWS Region 1 (internal USFWS grant funds for invasive species survey and control). The Gee Creek project was listed as a partner. The refuge received a $40,000 award from the national fund, $19,670 of which was provided for work on the Carty Unit within the Gee Creek project including $15,000 for coordinator salary through Sept Funds for the Gee Creek project will be added to the current coop agreement with USFWS. A second opportunity for the refuge to apply for these funding sources is expected in early USFWS Funding Challenge Cost Share Grants. A second internal USFWS grant opportunity was posted at the end of the year and the Coordinator will assist the Refuge in submitting an application for invasive plant control on-refuge including the Carty Unit and a private land tree planting project for the Gee Creek watershed. Maintain a calendar of grant opportunities. The Coordinator screened more than 30 previous and new funding leads in 2007, using watershed funding databases and leads provided by agency partners, USFWS staff, and other professional contacts. The Coordinator placed renewed emphasis on funds which would include adequate coordinator salary to complete each project. The Coordinator updated the Grant opportunities spreadsheet, updated the list of Grant Projects for funding requests, and created a template to facilitate creating a scope of work & budget for projects in advance of application windows. The Coordinator also created a short list of best Grant Prospects in a new, abbreviated format in order to focus on the top prospects for 2007 in calendar order. Identify funding sources for Watershed Assessment and Sediment Study. The Coordinator considered the DOE Water Quality Funding in depth for assessment funding but the idea was not deemed competitive based on DOE staff input. The Bonneville Environmental Fund, which was recommended as a source of watershed assessment funding, no longer provides funding for individual projects outside of targeted 10-year project sites. The Coordinator has not yet found other sources for sediment study funding, but private funding sources seem a likely possibility. Other Accomplishments The Coordinator initiated a fundraising advisory meeting with conservation fundraising consultant Bill Dygert of Vancouver. Approaches for matching grants were discussed. 13

14 The Coordinator raised the issue of limited future Coordinator salary funding at a Gee Creek Enhancement Committee work group meeting in mid-summer. A percentage of stormwater funding through the City of Ridgefield was discussed but is not an option for the city to consider at this time. The private consulting firm of Maul, Foster, & Alongi offered and donated GIS staff expert advice and consultation. New Project Funding Obtained in 2007 New project funding equaled $49,640 and included $31,560 for coordination. NFWF CRECF Grant - 27,639. Matching funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation s (NFWF) Columbia River Estuarine Coastal Fund (CRECF) were awarded in March, 2007 and included $16,560 for the Coordinator s salary. Project tasks encompass: Coordination of watershed work groups, coordination of an erosion control/stormwater management outreach fact sheet, mailing and workshops; development of a Watershed Assessment project proposal; and a field assessment of past riparian plantings on private lands and production of a replanting plan. USFWS NWRS Invasive with Volunteers Grant This $19,670 award includes $15,000 for salary to survey and control key invasive plant species under the UPRR settlement and for work on additional species and locations on the Carty Unit. Friends of Ridgefield NWR grant funding from Habitat Partners - $2,331. Habitat Partners, a local restoration coordination group, gifted $2,331 based on a proposal response submitted by the Coordinator. This money supported purchase of two GPS units for the stream features assessment, funded the part-time Restoration Technician position for one month, and purchased GIS layers from Clark County. In-Kind Volunteer Contributions - $15,027. A total of 920 hours of volunteer time was donated during 2007 with an estimated value of $15,027: Table 1. Volunteer Contributions Project Hours Value $ Tree Plantings - adults and students 731 8,772 Gee Creek Enhancement Committee 60 1,020 Fish Assessment, Beaver survey GIS Expert Consultant time 57 3,705 GIS Expert private volunteer time 60 1,020 Total ,027 OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES Most public funding sources investigated provide funds for project costs but most often only a limited percentage is allowed for personnel or staff costs (coordinator or technician salary). Typically no funds can be awarded for general program operation or fundraising. This will be a significant obstacle to coordinator and program funding once unrestricted USFWS funds are expended in mid Other sources for unrestricted funding will need to be developed. The Coordinator is investigating options. 14

15 Other funding opportunities will continue to be explored in 2008, with special attention to funds which provide for a larger percentage of staff time in order to cover all real costs. Where funds are available will determine where project work can be continued. All projects will need to provide enough coordinator time to sustain activity until unrestricted base funding for program operation can be adequately renewed. OBJECTIVE 6 PROJECT REPORTING & ADMINISTRATION (10%) 6) COORDINATE REPORTING, BUDGET MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATION WITH WSU CLARK COUNTY EXTENSION STAFF. [INCLUDING UPRR AND NFWF FUNDING OBLIGATIONS] Produce monthly progress reports and an Annual Project Report. The Coordinator produced 11 monthly progress reports as well as this Annual Project Report. A new reporting format by program elements and grant obligation tasks was implemented using a model suggested by the Extension Director. Produce brief quarterly expense summaries. In lieu of this goal, the Coordinator produced expense summaries for 3 funding reports and 1 program report during the year. The WSU account administrator provided quarterly budget summaries to the coordinator. Produce 6 month UPRR [and NFWF] funding project progress reports. The Coordinator completed and submitted the following funding reports on time: UPRR July 1, 2007 and Jan 1, 2008; and NFWF October 31, Supervise the Restoration Technician position [Meet UPRR and NFWF funding obligations] The Coordinator completed this task. Funding from both funds was reallocated to continue the parttime Technician position until March 15, 2008, under supervision of the coordinator. Other Accomplishments. Project staff assisted WSU staff in completing: a contract for the NFWF CRECF grant award received in March, 2007; transfer of $10,000 in additional USFWS funding for the project from the NWRS grant; and completion of 2 funding contracts with the Friends of Ridgefield NWR, with associated summary reports, in June and December, The Coordinator provided summary information for the WSU Extension Director s Annual Activity Report. The Coordinator prepared a work plan with work schedule and deliverables in early 2007 based on grant obligations, and pre-defined work objectives and time percentages provided by WSU Extension and USFWS RNWR project directors. The Coordinator reported information to the USFWS Region 1 office summarizing Gee Creek program accomplishments under the USFWS National Resource Damage Assessment project funding which provided original unrestricted funding for the program. DELIVERABLES The Coordinator provided all project monthly/quarterly reports and this 2007 Annual Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ridgefield NWR, under the existing cooperative agreement. 15

16 OPPORTUNITIES AND OBSTACLES The new Project Leader for the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex began work from the refuge office in early 2007, taking the USFWS lead in advising on program direction and focus. 16

17 Appendix A Past Tree Planting Assessment Map 17

18 Appendix B GIS Map of Ponds in the Gee Creek Watershed 18

19 Appendix C Page 1 of Watershed Assessment Scope of Work Scope of Work Gee Creek Watershed Restoration WATERSHED ASSESSMENT July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009 (18 months) Lynn Cornelius Oct ) Produce a local watershed characterization assessment for the Gee Creek Watershed, compiled from existing data, with active participation and review by a community-based oversight committee. Describe current and historic conditions for water quality, fish populations, and aquatic habitat throughout the watershed. Identify data gaps and the impacts of growth trends on future water quality and stream health. Identify key constraints on water quality conditions and fish habitat and recommend and prioritize restoration projects to address identified problems. Publicize results to watershed residents. Contract and manage a consultant with experience in local watershed assessments to: o Gather information o Draft a current conditions summary o Co-lead 12 monthly review meetings with the community work group o Project future conditions and impacts o Draft an assessment for review o Complete a Final Assessment report with accompanying GIS layers Coordinate active community participation in the assessment process o Conduct interested party/stakeholder outreach to create a Watershed Assessment Oversight Committee expanded around the existing Gee Creek Watershed Work Group and agency advisors. o Coordinate the oversight committee through monthly review sessions with the consultant. Coordinate information transfer to the consultant from the oversight committee and other information sources. Conduct outreach and education around the watershed assessment to watershed residents. o Create a watershed assessment fact sheet and distribute locally o Hold 1 community information workshop after the assessment process to raise awareness of the assessment results and watershed restoration issues. Deliverables/Required Performance: 1. A watershed assessment report and GIS layers by December 31, Oversight committee participation in 12 review meetings. 3. Assessment fact sheet 4. 1 community information workshop 19

20 Appendix D Interim Action Plan GEE CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT INTERIM ACTION PLAN February, 2007 Project Goals: Maintain and improve stream health and habitat conditions in the Gee Creek watershed, including conditions for native cutthroat trout and other stream life. ACTION PROJECTS 1) LONG TERM PLANNING: Produce a Watershed Assessment and long-term Watershed Action Plan. 2) INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL: Control blackberry and knotweed on floodplain and stream buffer habitats. Meet UPRR project funding obligations on refuge. Continue knotweed control on City reach. 3) STREAMSIDE PLANTINGS: Plant trees on the Carty Unit of the Refuge to meet UPRR funding obligations; Plant one private site; Assess past private plantings and make a replanting plan. 4) OUTREACH/EDUCATION: Conduct direct mailing and 3 expert workshops on stormwater management, erosion control/best management practices to meet UPRR funding obligations. Develop web site, brochure, & event outreach. Involve students and raise public awareness through restoration projects. 5) STREAM FEATURES ASSESSMENT: Conduct a stormwater features stream assessment using Unified Stream Assessment protocols. Map past features; Create GIS layers. Conduct an assessment of ponds; identify tools and a private land program to improve pond water quality. 6) WATER QUALITY/SEDIMENTATION: Support Watershed Stewards monitoring at Abrams Park; Assist County with turbidity and bacteria sampling; Facilitate PSU study of sediment accumulation on lower creek. 7) STREAM & BUFFER FOREST PROTECTION: Identify important remnant stream reaches/buffer forest and mechanisms for protection 8) STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Encourage adoption of best management practices and technologies re new development, stormwater management, & erosion control. 9) FISH HABITAT: Facilitate interim fish & fish habitat assessments on the Ridgefield NWR and adjoining private lands pending completion of the Watershed Assessment. 10) FUNDRAISING: Apply for coordinator and project grant funding to sustain efforts. 11) COORDINATION: Coordinate efforts through the Gee Creek Enhancement Committee and Advisors. 20

21 Green = in progress; Red = in development Interim General Management Objectives for Gee Creek: 1 Prevent or limit further degradation as land uses grow and change. Find and remove pollutants such as fecal bacteria that limit recreational use Keep and restore existing forest along streams Encourage best stormwater management technology and practices, including new construction practices and low impact development Encourage agriculture and backyard best management practices to reduce nutrients and toxics Plant trees along streamsides 1 (Adapted from Clark County Stream Health, Clark County Public Works Clean Water Program, 2004) 4/12/08 21

22 Appendix E Front Pages of topic fact sheets 22

23 23

24 Appendix F Mini-fact sheet; Sample slides from PowerPoint 24

25 25

26 Appendix G Tree Planting Table Table 1: Gee Creek Watershed Restoration Carty Unit Tree Plantings Lead Group/ School WSU/FWS/ FRNWR LCREP - Mt. View HS LCREP Ridgefield HS LCREP cub scout group WSU/FWS/ FRNWR Date Planting hrs # WSU/ FWS Staff # Vols Vol hrs # & species planted All Trees UPRR Trees 11/04/ black cottonwood cuttings 423 Pacific willow cuttings /07/ Willow cuttings potted Oregon ash (surplus Refuge stock from Watershed Gardens Nursery, Longview) 11/14/ Pacific Willow Cuttings Willow spp- Lady Island 80 potted Oregon as (as above) 11/18/ Pacific Willow Cuttings /09/ Pacific willow cuttings Subtotal 5 UPRR 178 UPRR 562 UPRR 2247* WSU/FWS/ 02/03/ Pacific willow cuttings FRNWR LCREP scout groups 02/03/ Pacific/other willow cuttings LCREP scout groups WSU/FWS/ FRNWR LCREP scout groups WSU/FWS/ FRNWR LCREP scout groups LCREP scout groups Subtotal all UPPR 02/10/ Pacific/other willow cuttings /24/ Pacific willow cuttings /10/ Pacific/other willow and Red Osier Dogwood cuttings /16/ Bare root Oregon Ash /17/ Pacific/other willow and Red Osier Dogwood cuttings 03/24/ Pacific/other willow and Red Osier Dogwood cuttings UPRR Total 13 days

27 Total UPPR Table 1: Continued Lead Group/ School WSU/FWS/ FRNWR WSU/FWS/ FRNWR Date Planting hrs # WSU/ FWS Staff # of Volunteers 11/17/ /08/07 LCREP 01/12/08 LCREP 01/26/08 LCREP 02/02/08 WSU/FWS/ FRNWR 02/09/08 WSU/FWS/ FRNWR 02/16/08 LCREP 02/23/08 LCREP 03/01/08 WSU/FWS/ FRNWR 03/15/08 LCREP 04/05/ total 1 days 1 UPRR Total Volunteer hours # & species planted 335 Willow Cuttings Cancelled due to Dec 3 flooding Total Planted Total UPRR PROJECT TOTAL 14 days 11 UPRR 392 UPRR WSU Clark County Extension 6/07, 12/07 * Corrected from 2137 reported Dec 06 + Lady Island near Camas, via Wilson Cady, Georgia Pacific UPRR

28 Appendix H Planting Site Preparation and Maintenance 28

29 Appendix I Invasive Plant Control, Carty Unit RNWR 29

30 Appendix J Streamside Management Workshop Flyer 30

31 Appendix K Tree Planting Season Flyer 31