2 Okanogan County Regional Setting

Transcription

1 Okanogan County Regional Setting.1 Okanogan County Profile Okanogan County is in North Central Washington State. The county borders Canada in the North, Ferry County in the east. The Northern Cascade Mountain Range forms the county s western border, and the southern portion of the county is bordered by the Columbia River. Okanogan County is the largest county in the state at, square miles with a 01 population of 1, (US Census Bureau 01). Part of the Colville Reservation (,1 acres) overlaps with Okanogan County in the Southeast corner. The county s climate is cold in winter and hot and dry in summer. While most of Okanogan County is considered semi-arid, precipitation and average temperatures vary widely. The geology, climate, and topography creates a semiarid region that influences agriculture, land use, hydrology, and habitat (Okanogan Watershed Planning Unit, ). This section provides a county profile description for the following items Soils and terrain Water resources and precipitation Land use and landcover Land Area.1.1 Soil and Terrain Okanogan County s topography ranges from mountainous alpine and sub-alpine terrain to gently sloping valleys. Elevation varies from 0 feet where the Columbia River crosses the county line south of Pateros, to over,00 feet in the Cascade Range. The landscape below,000 feet was sculpted by glaciers about,000 years ago. Large areas remain covered with rocks deposited by the glaciers melting and receding. The receding glaciers also left valleys, canyons, waterfalls, benches, lakes, and cliffs. The County consists of four differing geologic provinces. The Cascade Range, to the west, was created by ancient seabed uplift. Both the Okanogan highlands on the east and the Columbia basalt plateau to the south were created by volcanic activity. Finally, the oldest is the ridge of ancient seabed rocks that were folded and then carved by erosion into its present forms. Most soils are deep and well drained. Gravelly loam, silt loam, and sandy loams dominate the surface horizons throughout the County (USDA 10). Forest soils are often volcanic ash capped and finer textured soils can be found in lower lying areas. 1

2 Alluvial soils along the Okanogan and Methow Rivers, and many tributaries, are prime irrigated and sub-irrigated farmland. Approximately one third of the County is forested, and much of the rest of the area is shrub steppe with some dryland agriculture (USDA 10)..1. Water Resources and Precipitation Water Resources The county includes major watersheds, which are known as Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIA). Okanogan River (WRIA ) Methow (WRIA ) Sanpoil River (WRIA ) Kettle River (WRIA 0) Nespelem River (WRIA 1) Lower Lake Roosevelt (WRIA ) Foster Creek (WRIA 0). Chelan (WRIA )

3 Methow Watershed Winthrop Conconully Okanogan Watershed Riverside Oroville Tonasket Kettle Watershed Sanpoil Watershed Twisp Omak Okanogan Okanogan Watersheds Chelan () Foster () Kettle (0) Lower Lake Roosevelt () Methow () Nespelem (1) Okanogan () Sanpoil () Chelan Watershed Pateros Brewster Foster Watershed Lower Lake Roosevelt Miles Watershed 0 0 Nespelem Watershed Nespelem Coulee Dam

4 Precipitation Annual precipitation ranges from approximately inches at the confluence of the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers, to more than 0 inches in the upper elevations of the Pasayten and Ashnola sub watersheds. Snow can be expected after the first of November and remains on the ground from the first of December until March or April. On average, snow accumulates to a depth of about to 0 inches in the valleys (Okanogan Watershed Planning Unit ). Table #_ Average Annual Climate in Okanogan County (WRCC, 01) Town Max Temp (F) Min. Temp (F) Precipitation (in.) Snowfall (in.) Chesaw Winthrop Malott Omak 0... No data Conconully Oroville Tonasket Land Use and Landcover The landscape is largely forested at higher elevation, with shrub-steppe habitat dominating the landscape at lower elevations. Shoreline areas and other wet areas support riparian and wetland vegetation. Communities and agricultural operations in Okanogan County is concentrated in the Methow and Okanogan valleys and along the Columbia River. Agriculture, mining, forestry, and recreation are the major land-use activities. Approximately % of private land, including private land within the Colville Reservation, is in agriculture production. Agricultural lands are associated with irrigated crops, rangelands or dryland crops (Okanogan County ; USDA Census of Agriculture; WSDA Cropland Data; Okanogan County Parcel Data)..1. Land Area Okanogan County encompasses,0, acres, including surface water, and is the largest county in Washington State. Approximately % of the county is owned by a federal, state or local agencies. Privately owned land comprises approximately % of the County. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation own 1%, which includes land inside and outside of the Reservation boundaries (Okanogan County Assessor 01). Some land within the Reservation boundary is owned by non-tribal members, and is cooperatively managed by Okanogan County and the Tribes.

5 Table # Summary of Land Ownership in Okanogan County (Okanogan County Assessor 01). Ownership Type Acres Percent Federal 1,0, % Private, % Tribal,1 1% State 0,1 1% Total,0, 0% Federal agencies that own and manage land include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. State agencies include the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, State Parks and Recreation. Local governments and the Okanogan Public Utility District also own land..1. Major Resource Concerns Major Resource Concerns in Okanogan County are listed below in no order. Wind erosion Water erosion/flooding Water quantity Water quality Invasive species Forest health Range health Wildfire hazards Depredations of livestock by predatory wildlife Crop impacts from grazing ungulates Small farms/organic farms want pollinator habitat/soil health/cover crops. Agricultural Activities Agriculture is a significant component of the Okanogan County economy. Crop and animal production, and agriculture associated businesses, is the County s second largest employer (US Dept. of Labor 01). Approximately % of privately owned land, 00,1 acres, is designated agricultural production (Okanogan County Assessor 0, USDA 01, WSDA 0). Per the 01 Census of Agriculture, crop sales account for % of the value of products sold in the County. Statewide, per the USDA Census of Agriculture 01 Okanogan County: Is the fourth highest producer of fruit (sales value) in Washington.

6 Is the eight highest producer (sales value) for cattle and calves in Washington. Has the third highest acreage of apples in Washington. Has an annual market value from agricultural products of approximately $0 million. Has the fifteenth highest acreages of vegetables, hay, and corn (for grain) in Washington. Topography affects agricultural activities and productivity in Okanogan County. The County s productive irrigated lands are located near surface water, where there is a consistent water supply from groundwater, rivers, streams, lakes, or impoundments. Irrigated and dryland crops on private lands comprise % and % of the County Private lands respectively (Okanogan County Assessor 0, USDA 01, WSDA 0). Rangelands account for at least % of private land, and county-wide livestock sales account for approximately 1% of the value of products sold. Many additional acres of private and public lands are utilized as range, but are unaccounted for in census and private land use surveys like the County Assessor. For example, some private lands may be designated forest land through the County Assessment procedure, but are also utilized for livestock production. Much of the Federal, State and Reservation owned forest land at lower elevations is commonly permitted as range for livestock Table # Agricultural Activity and Products 0 on private lands, including private land within the Reservation (Okanogan County Assessor 0, USDA 01, WSDA 0). Agricultural Type Acres % of Private Land Primary Crops/Livestock Dryland, % Cereal grains Hay/Pasture Oilseed Irrigated, % Orchard Hay/Pasture Rangeland, % Cattle Horses Sheep Total 00,1 %..1 Agriculture on Public Land A portion of the public land in Okanogan County is leased or permitted to private landowners for grazing, dryland, and irrigated agriculture. Access to public lands, particularly for grazing, is essential for agricultural viability. Cooperative management between public agencies and permittees and leaseholders helps support the agricultural economy as well as protection and enhancement of critical areas on public land.

7 Table XX. Acres of agricultural leases and permits on State and Federal lands in Okanogan County. Agency Grazing Irrigated Dryland USFS -Methow Valley Ranger District 1, 0 0 USFS- Okanogan Ranger District, 0 0 US BLM requested US Bureau of Reclamation 0 0 WA DNR,0,0 0 WDFW Methow 1,0 WDFW Okanogan 1, 1 0 BIA/Tribal Reservation Land requested Total farmed:,,0 0 Data was collected by direct communication with agency staff.. Critical Areas..1 Critical Areas Definitions The five critical areas defined under RCW.0A.00 include: 1) wetlands; ) fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas (HCAs); ) critical aquifer recharge area; ) geologically hazardous areas (GHAs); and frequently flooded areas (FFAs). Critical areas perform key functions that enhance the environment (e.g., water quality and fish and wildlife habitat), and provide protections from hazards (e.g., flood, erosion, or landslides). The Work Plan will address all five critical areas. Any structures that are proposed within agricultural lands for any of the five critical areas, whether they are related to agricultural activities or not, will continue to be regulated through the County's CAO or other applicable code. Structures are defined by Okanogan County Zone Code 1A and Floodplain Code 1.0. Critical areas designations are described in Appendix XX. The current CAO for Okanogan County was adopted in 1, and a new CAO is being developed to address updated GMA standards. For the purpose of this Work Plan, critical areas designations were developed by integrating the current code with updated critical area requirements and recommendations. Once a new County CAO is adopted, critical area designations may be amended to reflect the updated CAO during reviews of the Work Plan. The five critical areas are summarized below.

8 Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARAs) CARAs are areas that have a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for drinking water, including aquifers vulnerable to contamination or that could reduce supply by reducing recharge rates and water availability. Functions: Water quality and hydrology Wetlands Wetlands are areas inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater for at least part of the growing season and support vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Functions: Water quality, hydrology, and habitat Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas (HCAs) HCAs are lands and waters that provide habitat to support fish and wildlife species throughout their life stages. These include ranges and habitat elements where endangered, threatened and sensitive species may be found, and areas that serve a critical role in sustaining needed habitats and species for the functional integrity of the ecosystem, and which, if altered, may reduce the likelihood that the species will persist over the long term. Functions: Water quality, hydrology, soil, and habitat Geologically Hazardous Areas (GHAs) GHAs are areas susceptible to erosion, sliding, and other geological events. Functions: Water quality, hydrology, soil and habitat Frequently Flooded Areas (FFAs) FFA s includes 0-year floodplains and floodways, and often include the low-lying areas adjacent to rivers and lakes that are prone to inundation during heavy rains and snowmelt. Functions: Water quality, hydrology, soil and habitat

9 .. Critical Areas Functions and Values VSP legislation requires that Work Plans develop goals and benchmarks to protect and enhance critical area functions and values (RCW.0A.0(1)(e)). The key functions and values provided by the critical areas in the County can be summarized into four major functions, which include: 1) water quality; ) hydrology; ) soil; and ) fish and wildlife habitat (Figure XX). The goals and benchmarks developed for this Work Plan, included in Section XX, are based on protection and enhancement for these four key functions. Figure XX VSP Crosswork Areas Connection with Functions and Values 1 Functions And Values Critical Areas Stewardship Strategies and Practices Goals and Benchmarks Each critical area provides one or more of these key functions and values, which are summarized in Table -. The relationship between each critical area with key functions and values is discussed further in the following sections. See Section XX for further discussion on the baseline conditions, and practices improve these key functions Table - Critical Areas Functions Critical Areas Wetlands Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas Geologically Hazardous Areas (Erosion) Frequently Flooded Areas Key Functions Water Quality Hydrology Soil Habitat

10 Water Quality Function Critical areas, such as stream channels, riparian areas, and wetlands, are part of the aquatic ecosystem that filters and retains excess fine sediments and cycles out excessive nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrogen) and other pollutants. These functions provide cleaner water, which is essential for supporting habitat for fish and other aquatic species. Functioning critical areas also help moderate water temperatures by providing vegetative shade and cooler water from recharged groundwater, which helps maintain cooler in-water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels needed to support native aquatic species. In Okanogan County, some water bodies (including the Methow River, Okanogan River, and several tributaries and lakes) are identified by the Washington Department of Ecology for having one or more beneficial uses impaired. Common impairments include high water temperatures, low dissolved oxygen, elevated ph, presence of DDT (and derivative breakdown products) and PCBs, and low stream flow. The full list of impaired waterbodies are included in Appendix XX. Agriculture can affect surface and groundwater water quality through excess nutrients from fertilizers, bacteria from livestock (e.g., fecal coliform), toxins from chemical inputs, and sediment from soil erosion. Stream temperatures are affected by agricultural and non-agricultural land uses, as well as natural causes. Fertilizer, sediment, and toxin inputs are also commonly associated with paved or turfed landscapes, and failing septic systems can also contribute to nutrient, chemical and fecal coliform issues. Agriculture preserves lands from more intensive development, and often provides an opportunity for water quality protection and improvement. All five of the County s critical areas provide water quality functions, as summarized in Table -. Table - Critical Areas Providing Water Quality Functions Critical Area Wetland FWHCA CARA Water Quality Functions Reduces siltation and erosion Provides water filtration Moderates water temperature by providing shade and cool water recharge Reduces siltation by stabilization of streambanks from riparian vegetation Provides water filtration Moderates water temperature by providing shade Infiltration through soil column and underlying geology improves groundwater quality and protects public drinking water supplies GHA FFA Affects rate of soil erosion and associated movement of sediment deposited in surface water bodies Vegetation in FFAs holds underlying soil in place and also provides area for new sediment depositions to settle out Moderates water temperature by shallow groundwater infiltration and slow release of cooler groundwater from unconfined aquifers back to streams, and by vegetation that can provide shade

11 Hydrology Function Hydrology refers to the processes of water delivery, movement, and storage. In an ecosystem, hydrology is affected by landform, geology, soil characteristics and moisture content, and climate (including precipitation). Water is delivered to streams primarily from surface and shallow subsurface runoff and, in some cases, from groundwater. Stream channels, riparian areas, and wetlands are also a part of the aquatic ecosystem that stores and transports water and sediment, maintains base flows, and can support vegetation and microorganism communities. In Okanogan County, hydrology is primarily a factor of winter snow fall, mountain snow pack, valley rains in the fall and spring, and groundwater flow. Most precipitation in Okanogan County occurs October through April. Autumn rainfall replenishes near surface soil moisture that has been used by plants or evaporated in the hot summer months. At this time, the highest elevations begin to accumulate snow. During the coldest winter months snow is common at the lowest elevations near Brewster and Pateros. In early spring, high elevation mountains in Okanogan County and British Columbia, Canada that are part of the Okanogan and Kettle River Watersheds continue to get snow while low elevations warm and get rain. Valley rain provides soil profile moisture for crop and native plant production through the spring and into early summer. In the arid climate of Okanogan County, evapotranspiration claims most of the precipitation during storm events (Walters, 1). Insert language about how timing of precipitation combined with ambient soil and air temperatures greatly affects hydrology in Okanogan County. Also insert common hydrographs for the Okanogan and Methow Rivers. Springtime snow melt is the primary contributor to stream and ground water aquifers. Peak flows in tributary streams in Okanogan County generally occur from late April through late May. However, due to the topography and location of its upper headwaters in British Columbia, peak flows in the Okanogan River occur in June. Year to year and seasonal discharges vary substantially in rivers and tributaries. Average maximum flows can be three to four times greater than average minimum flows. Low stream flows occur in late summer and fall, and then peak with spring snow melt. The Methow River Watershed hydrology is greatly impacted by exchanges between surface and shallow ground water aquifers located in unconsolidated sediment. These shallow aquifers provide water for domestic and agricultural supply but also are an integral component to maintain stream flows and lower stream water temperatures. The County also has numerous lakes with no stream outlets, resulting in relatively mineralized water. Omak Lake is the largest of these lakes, which provide unique fish and wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities (Walters, 1). A low winter snow pack is a significant threat to stream flows and groundwater levels, and can impact critical area functions and agricultural irrigation. Irrigation diversions affect the flow discharge and timing of many surface water ways. Irrigation withdrawals and conveyance canals can also impact groundwater levels and soil moisture.

12 Figure -XX. Okanogan and Methow River hydrographs. Peak flows in the Okanogan and Methow Rivers occur in late spring. Figures show mean annual discharge from January 000 to November 01, recorded at USGS monitoring stations in Malott and Twisp. cfs (ft /second) cfs (ft /second) All five of the County s critical areas provide hydrology functions, as summarized in Table -. Table - Okanogan River Mean Monthly Discharge at Malott, WA Averaged Jan Nov 01,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 1,000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mean Monthly Discharge 1,0 1,0 1,0,0,0,0,0 1, 0 1, 1,0 1,0 Month Methow River Mean Monthly Discharge at Twisp, WA Averaged Jan Nov 01,000,000,000,000,000 1,000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mean Monthly Discharge,0,00,0 1, Month 1

13 Critical Areas Providing Hydrology Functions Critical Area Hydrology Functions Wetland Stores water to reduce flooding and contributes to base flows FWHCA Stores and retains water to reduce flooding and support base flows in streams CARA Recharges groundwater resources GHA Affects rate of groundwater infiltration and rate of surface water runoff FFA Stores and retains surface water in floodplain, reducing velocities and modifying discharge rates Recharges groundwater that can later return to streams and help maintain base flow Soil Function Soil provides an underground living ecosystem, which is essential for preserving plants, animals, and human life. Soil conservation is essential in the County to support healthy soils that have the following characteristics: Reduce susceptibility to erosion Hold and slowly release water (see hydrology function section for more detail) Filter pollutants and, in many cases, detoxify them Store, transform, and cycle nutrients Physically support plants In Okanogan County, agriculture preserves lands from more intensive development, and farmers can be the County s most effective soil managers by effectively managing grazing, tillage, and pesticide and fertilizer applications. Intensive tillage reduces surface residue, can lead to increased erosion and soil loss, and intensifies loss of soil organic matter. High concentrations of fertilizers can inhibit nitrogen fixation and stimulate nitrification, and improperly applied pesticides can impact beneficial soil organisms. Overgrazing by livestock can reduce vegetative cover and expose soils to erosion. Three of the County s critical areas provide soil functions, as summarized in Table Table - Critical Areas Providing Soil Functions Critical Area Soil Functions FWHCA Reduces rate of erosion by providing vegetative cover GHA Improves structure of soil to minimize some types of erosion FFA Supports moisture content in soils, reduces rate of erosion, and supports plant growth that can increase organic inputs to soil 1

14 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Habitats are the natural environment in which a particular species or population can live. Habitat requirements are unique for different species and different life stages of a species. Habitat loss is the primary threat to the survival of native species. In the County, habitats include diverse In Okanogan County, intensively managed agricultural land is forest and aquatic habitats, eastside interspersed with rural home development, and areas of (interior) grasslands, shrub-steppe, diverse native landscape. Diverse hunting and fishing wetlands, and riparian areas that opportunities are valued by residents and visitors. support aquatic and terrestrial species. (WDFW, 00) Grasslands, shrub-steppe, riparian-wetlands, and ponderosa pine forest are common in the County and are considered Common fish and wildlife species in priority one habitats, which indicates that they have a greater Okanogan County include: number of associated Species of Greatest Conservation Need (WDFW, 00b). Mule Deer Habitat conversion, fragmentation, and degradation post the Whitetail Deer most serious statewide threat to Washington s native fish Moose and wildlife resources (WDFW 00a). Agricultural practices Elk can contribute to these factors when native habitat is Bighorn Sheep Bald Eagle removed and waterways are altered. Once native habitat is Golden Eagle converted to other uses, the remaining habitat is often left as Black Bear isolated fragments in a matrix of multiple land uses, which Cougar blocks wildlife movement patterns. Bobcat Dams and water diversions impact many of our fish species Coyote through the disruption of flow cycles on rivers and streams. Cutthroat Trout Excess nutrient loading from agricultural activities can also Rainbow Trout impact water quality and fish habitat. Chinook Salmon Sockeye Salmon Croplands can provide benefit as a food source for species such as deer and migrating birds. Properly managed grazing can be neutral or even beneficial to wildlife (WDFW, 00a). See appendix XX, Figure XX, and Appendix XX, Tables X for a summary of priority habitats and species data mapped or documented by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 1

15 Four types of critical areas provide habitat functions, as summarized in Table -. Table. Critical Areas Providing Habitat Functions Critical Area Habitat Functions Wetland Provides aquatic and woody vegetated habitat for fish and wildlife FWHCA GHA Provides in-stream spawning, rearing and migratory habitat for fish Provides upland and riparian migration corridors, refuge, forage, nesting. And rearing areas for wildlife Provides aquatic habitat by supplying organic inputs (e.g., leaf fall, insects, and large wood) Supports sensitive species life cycles Affects rate of erosion as it relates to sediment inputs to stream and wetland aquatic habitat FFA Provides aquatic and riparian habitats for wildlife, plants, and fish 1

16 References: United States Census Bureau. (01). Quick Facts, Population Estimates, July, 01. Web. September Meseck, Donald. Okanogan County Profile. Employment Security Department Washington State. U.S. Census Bureau. May 01. Web. September Morgan, Laurie. Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas Guidance Document. Washington State Department of Ecology (00): 1-1. Pdf. NOAA. Climate of Washington. National Climatic Data Center. NOAA. Web. October Okanogan County Assessor. (0) Parcel Data. (Data File). Okanogan County Assessor.. Web. March 01. ftp://1..1.1/assessor/ Okanogan County. Appendix A.1 Okanogan Shoreline Characterization. Okanogan County (00): 1-0. Pdf. Okanogan Watershed Planning Unit. Okanogan Watershed Plan. (June 00): 1-. Pdf. USDA Census of Agriculture. Okanogan County Washington. 01 Census of Agriculture (01): 1-. Pdf. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Conservation Service. 10. Soil Survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington. Web. September Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. Critical Areas Assistance Handbook. (00):1-0. Paper. Washington State Department of Agriculture. 0. WSDA Cropland Data 0. (Data File). WSDA. Web. March Western Reginal Climate Center (WRCC). (01) Cooperative Climatological Data Summaries Web. October Fouts, Donna. Re: Land use information. Message to Rachel McClure. 1 November McFetridge, Lowell D. Re: Land use information. Message to Rachel McClure. 1 November Haug, Justin. Re: Seeking land use information. Message to Rachel McClure. November Troyer, Brandon C. Re: Seeking land use information. Message to Rachel McClure. November

17 Derting, Brian. Re: Public land use information. Message to Rachel McClure. November Walters, KL. 1. Water in the Okanogan River Basin, Washington. Water-Supply Bulletin. USGS. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 00a. Washington s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). 00b. Wildlife-Habitat Relationships in Oregon and Washington DwAAAAMAAJ Cornett, Richard. Re: BOR leased land. US Bureau of Reclamation. Message to Amy Martin. December