Nisqually River Collaborative Management

COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

Twenty Years of Collaborative Watershed Management

Location: Far West Region: Washington

Project Summary: All-inclusive locally-based management of river basin created to resolve ecosystem health disputes and encourage economic vitality of the region.

Nisqually River, Facing North
Photo by ALFREDO GOMEZ-BELOZ, Ph.D, M.P.H.

Resource Challenge

The Washington State legislature created the Nisqually River Task Force in 1985 to develop a locally based management plan for this unique regional and national treasure. The Nisqually River Management Plan established the Nisqually River Council to oversee implementation and to develop proactive strategies for dealing with watershed issues.

Nearly 20 years later, the Council, through monthly meetings, public outreach, and leadership at the highest levels of member organizations, has built the trust and respect necessary to successfully resolve contentious resource problems. The Council has helped to resolve timber harvest and land use issues, salmon recovery under ESA, and water allocations for people and fish throughout the watershed. Currently, the Council is developing a sustainable approach to development and economic vitality that supports continued investments in our watershed ecosystem.

Examples of Key Partners

Nisqually Indian Tribe; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Park Service; U.S. Department of Defense at Fort Lewis; Washington State Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Ecology, Natural Resources; Washington Secretary of State; University of Washington; Thurston County; Pierce County; Lewis County; Incorporated Cities in the Watershed; Tacoma Power; and, three members of our Citizens Advisory Committee.

Results and Accomplishments

Served as the model and the impetus for the Timber, Fish, and Wildlife agreement that moved the region toward resolving longstanding timber harvest disputes.
Adopt a Nisqually River Resource Management Plan with major timber owners, moving us toward watershed-specific timber harvest prescriptions.
Established the Nisqually River Education Program in 1990, developing and promoting a watershed based curriculum for grades K-12, reaching 600 students annually.
Adopted a comprehensive Fall Chinook salmon recovery plan three months after the fish was listed under the Endangered Species Act. Created by the Nisqually Indian Tribe with Council support and endorsement, the plan was the region's first of its kind and a model for other watersheds.
Created the Nisqually Stream Stewards in 2000; more than 300 volunteers are participating in restoration and monitoring activities.
Adopted a Watershed Plan in 2004, the first under the State Watershed Planning Act, to guide local governments on water use and quality, and balancing resource and community needs.

Innovation/Highlight

Using collaboration to successfully resolve watershed issues ranging from timber harvesting to salmon recovery

Project Contact

David Troutt
Chair, Nisqually River Council
Nisqually River Council
12501 Yelm Highway SE
Olympia, WA 98513
360-438-8687
dtroutt@nwifc.org

Website: www.nisquallyriver.org