Watershed Stewards - WSU Clark County Extension

Watershed Stewards
Vo l u m e 5 Is s u e 4
of Clark County
A Ne w s l e t t e r f o r Co m m u n i t y Vo l u n t e e r s
Fa l l 2009
Ins i d e Th i s Edition:
Our Wat e r s h e d...................................... 2
Wat e r s h e d St e wa r d s in th e Co m m u n i t y... 3
Vol u n t e e r Ap p r e c i at i o n Ev e n t 2009....... 4
Loc a l Wat e r s h e d Gr o u p s....................... 6
Cla r k Co u n t y Fa i r 2009 ....................... 7
Upc o m i n g Ev e n t s.................................... 7
Fro m th e Co o r d i n at o r............................ 8

Our Wat e r s h e d
High Water Temperatures and Low Flows in the East Fork Lewis River
By Jenifer Naas and Doug Stienbarger
The East Fork of the Lewis River is an amazing local resource,
home to Chum, Coho, and Fall Chinook salmon as well as Sea-run
Cutthroat, Summer Steelhead, and Winter Steelhead. All of these fish
need clean, clear, and cold water to survive and spawn. Monitoring
conducted by the Department of Ecology during 2005 indicated high
summer water temperatures and low flows can significantly affect fish
in the East Fork.
This summer, Richard Dyrland, retired supervisory hydrologist, and
an EPA trained volunteer with Friends of the East Fork
(FOEF), conducted additional testing by placing remote
FOEF temperature data,
electronic temperature recorders, known as HOBOs**
courtesy of Richard Dyrland.
(see picture), in a three mile section of the East Fork
below Daybreak Park. FOEF placed a network of these
small devices which recorded hourly temperatures in the river
from mid-June through mid-October. Data was compiled and analyzed this summer.
The Department of Ecology sets temperature guidelines for the East Fork Lewis River at 16-18 degrees
Celsius (60.8 to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Ecology guidelines use a 7-day average of maximum temperatures
instead of the daily temperatures, which tends to flatten out specific daily readings. FOEF hourly data showed
water temperatures reached a fish stress level of 74 degrees and peaked at over 80 degrees for four days in one
eleven day range, a situation exacerbated by daytime air temperatures in the 90s and 100s. During the same
period, one side ground water fed side channel was eight degrees cooler. While not directly comparable to the
state guidelines, the daily FOEF data supports earlier findings and suggests a continuing temperature problem.
Water temperatures this high can harm or kill salmon, steelhead, and some aquatic food if they are exposed for
too long. For short periods, fish can survive by using
thermal refugia, such as pools, springs, etc.
Stream flows vary by season, depending on storm
events, snowmelt, and rainfall. Stream flow is
measured in cubic feet per second (cfs): the higher
the CFS, the higher the stream flow. The United
States Geological Survey measures river flow at a site
east of Daybreak Park (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/
nwis/dv?referred_module=sw&site_no=14222500).
The Department of Ecology gives a range of 240-420
cfs for optimal juvenile salmon survival.
Data collected since 1929 show average flows of
143 cfs in July, 83 cfs in August, and 110 cfs in
September. The average for the last ten years is
slightly lower at 118 cfs in July, 83 cfs in August, and
88 cfs in September. The USGS recorded low flows (see graph) in the 40-50 cfs range for late August and
much of September. Record low flows for the East Fork have been recorded in the 30s cfs range.
CFS (mean)
High stream temperatures and low flows can combine to produce harmful conditions for many species using
the river. The East Fork, once known for its premier fishing, boasted a state record 32 lb. 12 oz. steelhead
caught in 1980 (http://www.wogameandfish.com/fishing/salmon-steelhead-fishing/wo_aa025504a/). If high
river temperatures and low flows continue, the East Fork will face serious challenges in the future.
2
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110
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90
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40
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10
0
7/20/2009
7/25/2009
USGS Provisional East Fork Lewis Stream Flow Data
7/30/2009
8/4/2009
8/9/2009
8/14/2009
8/19/2009
8/24/2009
8/29/2009
9/3/2009
9/8/2009
9/13/2009
9/18/2009
9/23/2009
9/28/2009
Continued on page 3.

c o n t i n u e d fr o m pa g e 2
To find out what you can do to help the East Fork of the Lewis River, contact the Watershed Stewards at
http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/ws/ or Friends of the East Fork at http://www.eastforklewisriver.org/. More
information on temperature monitoring can be found through the Washington State Department of Ecology’s
website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/EForkLewis/technical.html.
** Older HOBO versions using clear plastic (as seen in the photo) can be susceptible to sunlight, and depending on placement, can
overstate temperatures by a few degrees F. Newer HOBO versions are placed in pvc tubing to prevent sunlight heating, so data from
different studies may vary slightly depending on the instrument used.
Wat e r s h e d St e wa r d s in th e Co m m u n i t y
Cindy Morgan, Watershed Steward’s
Outstanding Volunteer
By Leslea Steffel-Dennis
On a beautiful summer’s eve, in a lovely winery
setting, Watershed Stewards, friends, and families
gathered to enjoy beverages, a light meal and to
acknowledge Stewards who make a difference in our
community through their volunteerism.
The recipient with the highest number of volunteer
hours (500) was Cindy Morgan. I was acquainted with
Cindy, but really didn’t know how dedicated, diverse,
and passionate she is about what matters to her and
how we all benefit from her tireless effort. I learned
that Cindy is a researcher and a student. “Can’t”
is not in her vocabulary. She became a member of
Watershed Stewards during the second class held in
2000. The knowledge and skill she learned during
Watershed Steward training dovetailed into her
involvement with Fish First and Friends of the East
Fork, two organizations with which she still actively
participates. Cindy is a WSU Extension Master
Gardener.
When asked where she devotes much of her time,
Cindy mentioned:
Serving as secretary of SW Washington
chapter of Coastal Conservation Association
(CCA) which includes creating and sending
newsletters, assisting in the yearly fundraising
banquet, organizing volunteers, and helping at
the annual Klineline Kids Fishing Event.
Serving as AG Chair (Horticulture Advisory
Committee) at Clark College where she works
to keep the program running for Clark College
students.
She served as a former board member Fish First.
For all of her passions, when there is a cause she
believes in, Cindy is there. She is known to legislators
and government agencies and attends hearings locally
and in Olympia to advocate for the issues she believes
in connected to her work with other organizations.
Cindy currently focuses on researching the damage
done to the East Fork of the Lewis River through
human activities in the hopes of drawing attention to
the need to return the East Fork to its former status
as one of Washington’s pristine rivers and a place
where wild and endangered fish can return, spawn,
and flourish. Growing up along the river’s edge
provides Cindy first-hand knowledge of the river’s
decline. It’s her river and she’s hard at work trying to
bring it back. We can be sure she will log many more
volunteer hours in her endeavor to preserve Clark
County’s river resources.
Caption: Program Coordinator Jen Naas
presents Cindy a vest during the recent Volunteer
Appreciation Event in recognition of her 500
lifetime hours for the Watershed Stewards.
3

Vol u n t e e r Ap p r e c i at i o n Ev e n t 2009
2009 Volunteer Appreciation Event
On July 17th, more than 75 Watershed Stewards and guests came to the Rusty Grape Vineyard in Battle Ground,
WA to celebrate each other in service to Clark County’s environment. The event was sponsored by the Clark
County Clean Water Program and WSU Clark County Extension. We thank all of the volunteers for making
Watershed Stewards and family enjoy the shade during the
Volunteer Appreciation Event.
the program successful and making a
positive change in our watersheds.
Watershed Steward Young Leung with Vicki Duval
Newly graduated volunteers Jill Cox
and Joanne Kessler
Since the first training in 2000, 258
volunteer graduates of the Watershed
Steward training have collectively
volunteered almost 20,000 hours to
a variety of outreach, restoration and
educational events.
Watershed Steward Mindy Brooks with family.
This year, we honored 32 Watershed Stewards
and 19 Volunteer Monitors who, together, have
contributed more than 1,700 hours in 2008. These
honorees have donated a more than 6,700 hours
since their training.
Watershed Steward Bill Ward and wife Flo enjoy the shade and
food during the event.
Volunteer monitors assist county staff in
monitoring water quality at key sites on local
streams. In 2008, 28 volunteers participated in
49 monitoring opportunities and contributed 315
volunteer hours.
4

Watershed Steward
Jeff Duval
Watershed Steward George Pollock receives his award from
County Commissioner Steve Stewart.
Clark County Clean Water Program and WSU Extension recognizes the following Watershed Steward
volunteers:
500+ Lifetime Hours
Cindy Morgan
300+ Lifetime Hours
Monty Multanen
David Olesen
100+ Lifetime Hours
Julie Singmaster
Wes Sumrill
Janet Swihart
45+ Hours in 2008
Jac Arnal
Judy Bufford
Ben Dennis
Doug Malone
Cindy Morgan
David Olesen
Randall Pearl
David Page
George Pollock
Monty Multanen
Terry Schulz
Tara Smith
Janet Swihart
Completed 40+ Hours since Training
Lisa Beranek
Mindy Brooks
Denielle Cowley
Francis Foley
Walt Griffith
Geri Kromminga
Linnea LaRocque
Lois Lee
Kim Morris
Kari Mullikin
Sonya Norton
Eldon Schmidt
Dan Swink
Corinne Thompson
Marilyn Tyrrell
The Clark County Water Quality Monitoring Program recognizes the following individuals:
Gee Creek Focused Assessment Lake Monitoring Macroinvertebrate Sampling
Tim Dean Ed Kraft Graeme Friedrich
Carol Moffet Eldon Schmidt Cameron Thompson
Dennis Yarosz
Phil Trask
Salmon Creek Focused Assessment
Tim Dean Sherry Farabee Ed Kraft
Linnea LaRocque Kimberly Morris Bill Owen
Carleen Pagni George Pollock Tara Smith
Daniel Swink
Glen Tribe
5

Oth e r Wat e r s h e d Gr o u p s
Coastal Conservation Association
Nello Picinich
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is the largest marine conservation organization in the country,
with a presence in 17 states. Along with their recent expansion into the Pacific Northwest, comes an impressive
“conservation first” track record along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Consider for a moment the following assessment of our fisheries: “It does not require a study of the statistics
to convince one that the salmon industry has suffered a great decline during the past decade…(we) have drawn
wealth from her streams, but now, by reason of our wastefulness and lack of intelligent provision for the future,
the source of that wealth is disappearing and is threatened with annihilation...”
That statement appeared in a report of the Oregon Fish and Game Protector. The year was 1894.
That same statement could have easily been written today. Many wild salmon runs in Washington, California,
and Oregon are listed as threatened and endangered under the Endangered Species Act and the collapse of the
Pacific salmon fishery has caught national attention. We are in the midst of a crisis, one that has been building
for more than a century.
One preventable problem is derelict gillnets. Derelict gill nets, or ghost nets (commonly used for commercial
fishing) are abandoned or lost by fisherman and catch fish, marine birds, and mammals as they float in the
ocean without owners. Derelict gillnets result in needless damage to marine resources and habitat. While the
Columbia River has its share of abandoned or derelict gillnets, the problem is especially evident in the Puget
Sound. CCA Washington recently supported the Northwest Straits Commission in obtaining a $4.5 million
federal grant to remove thousands of derelict gill nets
from Puget Sound.
CCA has grown faster in the Pacific Northwest than
in any part of the country or at any time in the history
of the organization because people are motivated
to save these fish. With almost 10,000 members
throughout the Pacific Northwest, Washington is
already the fourth largest state chapter in the nation.
For more information, visit www.ccapnw.org.
6

Cla r k Co u n t y Fa i r 2009
A River Flows Through It
by Doug Stienbargar
In a different twist for the annual Clark
County Fair, the Watershed Stewards
joined other environmentally themed
programs from the county at the Fair this
year. Tying everything together, a painted
river flowed through the booth areas,
drawing lots of people and compliments.
Thanks to Kathleen McKellar who
donated plants and designed the rain
garden, to Sonya Norton who did an
amazing job on the backdrop, and
to Dave Shehorn, Jeff Duval, Sue
“River” flowing around
central kiosk.
Watershed Steward’s Booth.
Pickering, Wes Sumrill and many
others who designed and setup our
display this year. Everyone got into
the picture and Commissioner Marc
Boldt even helped build the central
kiosk. The Watershed Stewards
booth included public favorites,
Steward’s booth in action.
such as a rain barrel, a rain garden,
and Canines for Clean Water.
Stewards staffed an amazing 64 shifts and talked to more than 2,000
people about keeping water clean! Kudos to everyone on a great job!
Upc o m i n g Ev e n t s
Bring on the Rain!
Fall/Winter Workshops by Clark County Watershed Stewards
Rain Barrel Workshop: Build a rain barrel to use
at home. $35 for rain barrel - one per household
Monday, November 2 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
CASEE - Rm 202/205
11104 NE 149th, Brush Prairie
Green Homes: Learn to save energy, manage the
rain, improve your home, and save money. FREE!
Saturday, October 17 - 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
WSU Research Station/ 78th Street Farm
1919 NE 78th Street, Vancouver
7
Green Auto Care: Reduce your car’s impact on the
environment and learn about environmentally friendly
car maintenance. FREE!
Thursday, October 29 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
EcoAuto - 210 W. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver
Green Cleaning Workshop: Make a green holiday
gift! FREE. (Optional kit for pre-purchase $15)
Thursday, December 10 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Three Creeks Library
800-C NE Tenney Road, Vancouver
Register now, classes fill up quickly!
Call 360-397-6060 x 0 to register or for more information

Fro m th e Co o r d i n at o r
As fall begins here in Southwest Washington, the Watershed Stewards program begins a new round of volunteer
training with 19 trainees from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and interests. I look forward to learning more
about participants. Fall also brings workshops, including two new topics (see Page 7 for details). I am excited
to expand our offerings and hope you will come and learn more about protecting our watershed.
I want to thank the many volunteers who worked at this year’s Clark County Fair; 42 volunteers covered 66
shifts at the fair. These wonderful volunteers made contact with 2,052 adults and children, an increase over last
year! I wanted to send a special thank you to the many volunteers who designed, built, and then dismantled the
display after Fair! Thanks to Dave Shehorn, Kathleen McKellar, Sue Pickering, Sonya Norton, Jeff Duval, Wes
Sumril, Young Leung, and Tracy Sand. You all made a big difference!
Upcoming Events:
Watershed Stewards Training - Wednesday evenings September 9 through November 11. WSU Research
Station.
Watershed Stewards green home auditing workshop – October 17, 9am-2pm. WSU Research Station
Clark College Make a Difference Day – October 22nd
Watershed Stewards field trip with LCFEG – October 24, 9am-2pm
Watershed Stewards green auto care workshop - October 29, 6:30-8:30pm, EcoAuto
Watershed Stewards rain barrel construction workshop – November 2nd, 6:30-8:30 p.m., CASEE
Third Saturday at Steigerwald Refuge with the Watershed Stewards – November 21st 9-12:30
Watershed Stewards green cleaning workshop – December 10, 6:30-8:30, Three Creeks Library.
Watershed Stewards Program
Jenifer Naas
Program Coordinator
360-397-6060 x 7703
Jenifer.Naas@Clark.wa.gov
http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/ws/
The Watershed Stewards Program is
jointly funded and sponsored by WSU
Clark County Extension and the Clark
County Clean Water Program and is
paid for through Clark County Clean
Water Fees.
WSU Extension Programs and policies are consistent with federal
and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding
race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin,
physical mental or sensory disability, marital status, sexual
orientation, status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Evidence of
noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
The views expressed in this newsletter reflect those of the
author(s) and not necessarily those of the sponsoring institutions.
Clean Water Program
www.clark.wa.gov/water-resources
http://clark.wsu.edu