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Workshop to Transfer Velma Watershed Model Results to Washington State Tribes and State Agencies Engaged in Watershed Restoration and Salmon Recovery Planning (Presentation)
Citation:
Mckane, R., J. Halama, P. Pettus, A. Brookes, Bradley Barnhart, AND K. Djang. Workshop to Transfer Velma Watershed Model Results to Washington State Tribes and State Agencies Engaged in Watershed Restoration and Salmon Recovery Planning (Presentation). Tolt River Workshop, Carnation, WA, July 20 - 21, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
On July 20-21, 2017, EPA Western Ecology Division (WED) researchers will present watershed modeling results at a workshop in Carnation, WA, attended by a diverse set of stakeholders engaged in management and restoration of the 100 square mile Tolt River watershed near Seattle. Attending stakeholders include the Snoqualmie Tribe (host), Washington Departments of Ecology and Natural Resources, King County, Seattle Public Utilities, US Forest Service and private forest managers. The workshop will provide a forum for discussing modeling results that emphasize management solutions that aim to balance contrasting watershed management objectives – timber production, habitat improvement for threatened salmonids, provisioning of clean drinking water for Seattle residents, and recreation and tourism. WED researchers will demonstrate how the modeling tools can be used to (1) estimate the impacts of land use and climate on water quality and quantity, fish and wildlife habitat and other vital ecosystem services; and (2) identify watershed best management practices for restoring and establishing more resilient ecosystems to environmental change. This Presentation contributes to SHC 2.61(5b).
Description:
An EPA Western Ecology Division (WED) watershed modeling team has been working with the Snoqualmie Tribe Environmental and Natural Resources Department to develop VELMA watershed model simulations of the effects of historical and future restoration and land use practices on streamflow, stream temperature, and other habitat characteristics affecting threatened salmon populations in the 100 square mile Tolt River watershed in Washington state. To date, the WED group has fully calibrated the watershed model to simulate Tolt River flows with a high degree of accuracy under current and historical conditions and practices, and is in the process of simulating long-term responses to specific watershed restoration practices conducted by the Snoqualmie Tribe and partners. On July 20-21 WED Researchers Bob McKane, Allen Brookes and ORISE Fellow Jonathan Halama will be attending a workshop at the Tolt River site in Carnation, WA, to present and discuss modeling results with the Snoqualmie Tribe and other Tolt River watershed stakeholders and land managers, including the Washington Departments of Ecology and Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, City of Seattle, King County, and representatives of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. The workshop is being co-organized by the Snoqualmie Tribe, EPA Region 10 and WED. The purpose of this 2-day workshop is two-fold. First, on Day 1, the modeling team will perform its second site visit to the watershed, this time focusing on the upper Tolt watershed and key features of interest for modeling work, such as instream and riparian habitat conditions, upland habitat, gage sites, and public use amenities (the Tolt supplies about 30% of Seattle’s drinking water). Second, on Day 2, the team will present model results and invite feedback on progress to date, including effects of land use practices (dating from pre-settlement to current conditions) in the upper watershed and floodplain on low and peak flows, and water temperature – all critical salmon habitat variables. A final modeling report due this fall will summarize final model results and recommendations for improving salmon habitat while balancing tradeoffs for existing land use priorities in this multi-jurisdiction watershed.