Impacts: disturbance of soil and removal of vegetation on steep soils, roads, wildfire, fine sediment in spawning grounds and compaction or impervious surfaces can impact GHAs functions and values. Key Functions GHA Functions Potential Impacts Water Quality Rate of soil erosion and associated movement of sediment deposited in surface water bodies Domestic animals and wildlife damages Excessive cropland erosion Unstable streambanks Road impacts Hydrology Rate of groundwater infiltration and rate of surface water runoff Compaction Soil Health Rate of erosion as it relates to slope and depth Wildfires Excessive cropland erosion Habitat Rate of erosion as it relates to sediment inputs to stream and wetland aquatic habitats Lack of suitable spawning habitat Lack of rearing habitat Lack of floodplain connection Frequently Flooded Areas: FFAs protect public health and safety with temporary flood water storage and conveyance and riparian habitat and other wildlife benefits. Improve water quality by filtering contaminants and recharge of groundwater. FFAs affect surface and ground water quality and hydrology (timing, magnitude of flows, and alluvial aquifer recharge), and habitat diversity. Potential Impacts: reduced floodplain vegetation and root structure, unstable streambanks, lack of shade, excessive sedimentation, chemicals and nutrients that are not filtered, and lack of suitable instream habitat can impact FFAs functions and values, Key Functions FFA Functions Potential Impacts Water Quality Vegetation in FFAs holds underlying soil in place and provides area for new sediment depositions to settle out Moderates water temperature by shallow groundwater infiltration and releases from unconfined aquifers of cooler groundwater back to streams, and vegetation for shade Domestic animals and wildlife damages Lack of floodplain grasses Lack of large trees and willows Unstable streambanks Large floods Hydrology Stores and retains surface water in floodplains, reducing velocities and modifying discharge rates Recharges groundwater that can later be returned to the stream to help maintain summer base flows Compaction Impervious surfaces Soil Health Supports moisture content in soils, reduces rate of erosion, and supports plant growth with organic matter inputs to soil Wildfires Domestic animals and wildlife damages
Key Stewardship Strategies Critical Area Function Metrics Critical Area Protections Agriculture Viability Aims Type NRCS Code Key Practice Soil Hydrology Water Quality Habitat WET FWHCCA CARA GHA FFA Indirect Intersects Residue and Tillage Management 329 No-Till/Direct Seed/Two Pass Systems 3 0.8 2 1.67 Protect against erosion risk Protect soil function Reduce invasive and nuisance species Promote yield and fertility Pest Management 595 Pest Management 2 0 4 2 Protect soil function Reduce invasive and nuisance species Provide pollinator species/beneficial organism habitat Nutrient Management 590 Nutrient Management 0.83 0 3.5 0 Protect soil function Reduce invasive and nuisance species Reduce input costs Water Management 441 System, Micro 0.5 2 2 1 Protect soil function Reduce input costs Promote yield and fertility Livestock Management 528 Prescribed Grazing 2.83 1.5 1.3 2.67 protect against erosion risk Protect soil function Reduce invasive and nuisance species promote yield and fertility 550 Range Planting 3.1 0.75 1.33 2.67 614 Watering Facility 1.1 0 1.71 4 382 Fence 2 0 2 1 Soil Management 381 Pasture and Hay Planting 2.9 1.6 1.5 1 Protect against erosion risk Protect Soil Function Direct Intersects Habitat Management 327 Conservation Cover 2.77 1.25 2.89 3.33 Protect against erosion risk Protect Soil Function Reduce invasive species Provide pollinator species/beneficial organisms habitat ESA Listed Summer steelhead habitat 342 Critical Area Planting 3.63 0 2.33 2 315 Herbaceous Weed Control 1.6 2 -0.025 1.67 612 Tree and Shrub Establishment 3 1.2 1.17 2.33 644 Harvest Allowing Wildlife Escapes 0 0 0 5 645 Upland Wildlife Management 1.2 -0.5 2 5 472 Access Control 2.95 1.75 1.44 2 395 Stream Habitat Improvement 2.5 0 2 3 580 Streambank Protection 2 0 1.25 1.5 Table 3-4 Key Stewardship Strategies and Practices Crosswalk to Function Scores, Critical Area and Agriculture Viability +5 Substantial Improvement 0 No Effect -5 Substantial Worsening Irrigation
Table 3-5 Protection Benchmarks and Enhancement Goals Stewardship Strategies NRCS and CD Historic Practices - Garfield County (2005 – 2011) Protection Benchmarks Enhancement Goals Average Yearly Participation in Key Practice Estimated Yearly Reduction of Key Practice Benchmark 2021 Protection Objectives (total acres) 2026 Protection Objectives (total acres) Benchmark 2021 Enhancement Objectives (total acres) 2026 Enhancement Objectives (total acres) Indirect Intersects Residue and Tillage Management 1,942 acres 58 acres (3%) No net loss of acres managed under agriculture strategies and practices. No net loss of feet or units managed for habitat protection or restoration. 4,200 acres 5,200 acres Protection Benchmarks with help with future reporting of Enhancement Goals. There is very little if any yearly reduction of Key Practices from both NRCS and CD project implementation. The estimated Enhancement Goals are sufficient to estimate future landowner participation and having the funding to off-set implementation costs will result in Enhancement Goals being met and, in most cases, exceeded. 9,700 acres 19,400 acres Pest Management 1,700 acres 51 acres (3%) 3,400 acres 5,200 acres 8,200 acres 16,600 acres Nutrient Management 1,700 acres 51 acres (3%) 3,400 acres 5,200 acres 8,200 acres 16,600 acres Water Management 1 acres 0 acres (2%) 1 acre 1 acre 4 acres 6 acres Livestock Management 1,000 acres 10 watering facilities 30 acres (3%) 0 watering facilities (2%) 1,100 acres 2,200 acres 5,600 acres 11,000 acres Soil Management 100 acres 3 acres (3%) 30 acres 40 acres 150 acres 400 acres Direct Intersects Habitat Management Conservation Cover, Tree and Shrub Planting, Upland Wildlife Habitat, and stream Habitat 50 acres 1.5 acres (3%) 25 acres 35 acres 300 acres 900 acres 12,356 feet 247 feet (2%) 2,700 feet 4,300 feet 13,500 feet 27,300 feet 100 acres 3 acres (3%) 30 acres 40 acres 100 acres 275 acres 0 ft 0 feet (2%) 5,280 feet 7,500 ft 31,680 feet 47,520 feet All Stewardship Strategies were identified in the previous planning and prioritization processes in Garfield County, including BPA subbasin summaries and plans, WRIA #35 Plan and Detailed Implementation Plan, Snake River Salmon Recovery Plan and 3-Year Work Plan and Ecology water quality and TMDL plans.
Table 4-1 Examples of Critical Areas Conservation Practices in Garfield County (Implemented under NRCS/FSA and CD Programs) NRCS # & Practice Applicability Description Critical Areas Function Agricultural Viability Water Quality Hydrology Soil Health Habitat 590 Nutrient Management Dryland Rangeland Managing nutrients to minimize loss to runoff ● ● ● Soil quality Increased yield and fertility Reduced input costs 340 Cover Crop Dryland Irrigated Planting grasses, legumes, and forbs for seasonal cover ● ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Weed management Pollinator/beneficial organisms Increased yield and fertility 595 Integrated Pest Management Dryland Range and Private Timberlands Managing pesticide use to reduce runoff ● ● ● Soil quality Weed management Pollinator/beneficial organisms 329 Residue and Tillage Management Dryland Rangeland Managing crop and plant residue and limit soil disturbance (e.g., no- or reduced-till, direct seed, and system) ● ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Weed management Increased yield and fertility Reduce fuel loads 528 Managed Grazing Range and Private Timberlands Managed grazing and vegetation to improve native plants and manage weeds ● ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Weed management Increased yield and fertility 614 Watering Facility Range and Private Timberlands Providing off-site watering for livestock (e.g., pipelines, wells, storage, and pumping plants) ● ● ● Soil conservation Increased yield and fertility 382 Fencing Range and Private Timberlands Constructing a barrier for domestic animals (usually to protect streams or wetlands) for managed grazing ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Pollinator/beneficial organisms
Monitoring and Reporting Monitoring performance, reporting progress, and implementing adaptive management measures are part of this Work Plan. Tracking program performance and reporting includes the following tasks: Conducting a program evaluation and providing a written report on the status of the Work Plan, including accomplishments to Garfield County and to the WSCC within 60 days (by the end of September) after the end of each biennium. Based on a January 2016 receipt of funding date, 2-year reports are due by end of September in 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2026 (on-going). Developing and providing to Washington State Conservation Commission 5-year progress reports on Work Plan performance in meeting goals and benchmarks. Based on a January 2018 start date, 5-year progress reports would be due in early 2023 and 2028 (on-going). The timelines for this implementation process is shown in Table 6-2. Table 6-2 Timelines for Implementation Process Category Schedule Roles and Responsibilities Periodic Evaluations 2-Year Status Reports Finalize Work Plan in 2018 (latest due date is May 2018 per WSCC) Work Group VSP Coordinator Pomeroy CD 2018, 2020, et seq. Work Group Report on Goals and Benchmarks 5-Year Performance Funding receipt date in 2016 Work Group oversees; VSP Coordinator prepares report Pomeroy CD 2021, 2026 Adaptive Management or Additional Voluntary Actions Ongoing after 2021 Work Group oversees Work Plan adjustment recommendations to WSCC Other Reporting Requirements On-Going Work Group VSP Coordinator Pomeroy CD The monitoring, reporting and adaptive management processes outlined in this Work Plan are intended to evaluate whether the goals and benchmarks of this Work Plan are being met and
WRIA #35 Middle Snake Instream Habitat Assessment 2009 WSU and Middle Snake Watershed Planning Unit The WRIA 35 Instream Habitat Assessment evaluated tributary streamflows and fish needs. Streamflow recommendations and habitat restoration projects. WRIA #35 Middle Snake Watershed Plan 2007 HDR The Middle Snake Watershed Plan identified, prioritized, and developed solutions to water resource management issues within Garfield County watersheds. This plan was used to assess existing conditions and management recommendations for the VSP Work Plan WRIA #35 Streamflow Management 2006 HDR and EES The WRIA 35 Streamflow Management report provides management objectives and instream flow recommendations Salmon Recovery Plans Endangered Species Act (ESA) Recovery Plan for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead 2016 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries The Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead Recovery Plan provide recovery goals and strategies, including site-specific actions for restoring salmonid populations in the Snake basin. This includes strategies to improve habitat and water quality critical to recovery of salmonids. Snake River Salmon Recovery Region Work Plan 2012 Snake River Salmon Recovery Board The 3-Year Work Plan identifies priority restoration reaches and actions from Snake River Plan Snake River Salmon Recovery Plan 2011 Snake River Salmon Recovery Board A coordinated effort for recovery strategies and actions to restore ESA listed fish habitat in SE Washington. Pataha Creek Subbasin Plan 2004 Pomeroy CD BPA Plan to provide a healthy ecosystem and recovery of fish and wildlife species Lower Snake Mainstem Subbasin Plan 2004 Pomeroy CD BPA Plan to provide a healthy ecosystem and recovery of fish and wildlife species Existing Conservation Programs As described in the Garfield County Work Plan, VSP provides a voluntary framework for critical area protection and enhancement actions. Agriculture producers are key and participation is vital for protection and restoration of critical areas while maintaining and
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) financial assistance to agricultural producers Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Provides voluntary partners with financial and technical assistance through agricultural land easements to restore, protect and enhance wetlands. Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) Voluntary program providing financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers for implementing agricultural activities. Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Program (WHIP) Voluntary program for wildlife habitat conservation and enhancement on agriculture land, nonindustrial private forest land and Native American land. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) FSA oversees several voluntary conservation programs Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Voluntary reserve program to conserve environmentally sensitive land through agriculture practices and plant species to provide wildlife habitat and improve environmental health. Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Voluntary enhancement program similar to CRP that targets high priority conservation issues within riparian areas that support ESA listed salmonids. State and Local Farm and Conservation Programs Lead Description Programs Details Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) WSCC works with local CDs to provide voluntary, incentive-based programs for implementation of conservation practices Coordinated Resource Management (CRM) Program Voluntary and locally led program for landowners seeking to resolve land-use and natural resource issues through local coalitions and consensus building Irrigation Efficiencies Grant Program Provides financial incentives to landowners willing to install irrigation systems that save water. Natural Resource Investments Grants Cost-share grant program for landowners to complete natural resources enhancement projects necessary to improve water quality. Office of Farmland Preservation The OFP identifies and addresses farmland loss through agriculture conservation easement programs, providing technical assistance, developing farm transitions programs and providing data Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Program Voluntary program for wildlife habitat conservation and enhancement on agriculture land, nonindustrial private forest land, and Native American land. State and Local Conservation District Conservation Programs - Continued Lead Description Programs Details WA State Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) WDFW provides financial assistance for habitat projects that restore or Aquatic Land Enhancement Account (ALEA) Grant program for qualifying landowners who undertake projects that benefit Washington’s fish and wildlife habitats.
If Yes, Provide Critical Areas: Future Practice Interest: Potential Practices: Cover Crop, Range Plantings, Sediment Basin, Gully Plugs, Others? Residue and Tillage Management Practices Existing Practices: Types of Practices: Direct Seed, 2-Pass, Reduced Till, Precision Agriculture, Others? Acres: Critical Area Nearby? (within 500 feet) Circle those that Apply: Yes No Maybe Don’t Know If Yes, Provide Critical Areas: Future Practice Interest: Potential Practices: Direct Seed, 2-Pass, Reduced Till, Precision Agriculture, Others? Garfield County VSP Checklist Water Management and Filtration Practices Existing Practices: Types of Practices: Grassed Waterway, Filter Strips, Terraces, Sediment Basins, Gully Plug, Others? Acres:
Existing Practices: Streambank Protection, Others? Number of Structures: Critical Area Nearby? (within 500 feet) Circle those that Apply: Yes No Maybe Don’t Know If Yes, Provide Critical Areas: Future Practice Interest: Potential Practices: Post Assisted Log Structures, Beaver Dam Analogs, Streambank Protection, Others? Other Management Practices Existing Practices: Types of Practices: Acres: Feet of fence: Critical Area Nearby? (within 500 feet) Circle those that Apply: Yes No Maybe Don’t Know If Yes, Provide Critical Areas: Future Practice Interest: Potential Practices:
Voluntary Practice Examples Stewardship Practices Type Example Practice Critical Areas Function Agricultural Viability Water Quality Hydrology Soil Health Habitat Soil Management Cover Crop Reduced Till, No-Till/Direct Seed, Precision Ag Fuel Reduction with thinning and pull back on save trees for timberlands ● ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Weed management Pollinator/beneficial organisms Increased yield and fertility Reduced input costs Residue and Tillage Management Reduce Till, No-Till/Direct Seed Precision Ag ● ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Weed management Increased yield and fertility Reduce input costs Chemical and Nutrient Management Nutrient Management Integrated Pest Management Precision Ag ● ● ● Soil quality Weed management Increased yield and fertility Reduce input costs Water and Filtration Management Grassed Water Ways, Filter Strips, Terraces Sediment Basins, Gully Plugs, Fuel Reduction with thinning and pull back on save trees for timberlands ● ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Weed management Increased yield and fertility Reduce fuel loads Range Management Prescribe or Managed Grazing, Range Plantings, Fencing, Watering Facilities ● ● ● ● Soil quality and conservation Weed management Increased yield and fertility Wildlife Habitat Management Conservation Cover, Tree/Shrub Plantings Range Plantings, Fencing, Off-Stream Water ● ● ● Soil conservation Weed management Increased yield and fertility Riparian and Instream Habitat Management Tree Planting, Soft Streambank Protection Instream Habitat (PALS, BDAs, etc) ● ● Soil and water quality and conservation Weed Management Pollinator/beneficial organisms