Methow Valley: Group releases watershed study

By Don Willson
Methow Valley News

4/3/03

Is the Twisp watershed a good home for fish?

"Some parts are in good shape," says Pacific Watershed Institute hydrologist Patricia Olsen, "and other parts need some help."

The soon-to-be-released Twisp Watershed Assessment aims to answer that question in more detail, and to help guide future efforts at restoring fish habitat in the watershed.

For the last two years PWI, a local non-profit organization, has been counting fish, measuring sediment, locating salmon redds, analyzing aerial photos, and collecting historical information on the Twisp River watershed to establish past and present conditions for fish in the watershed. The group will present its findings to the public April 8 at the Senior Center in Twisp.

The study arose out of a consensus that there needed to be a better understanding of the watershed before restoration efforts could go forward.

"We needed to find out what was functioning well in the watershed, and what was hindering watershed health," says PWI director Sandra Strieby, "to create clear strategies and priorities for restoration." PWI took the initiative to seek money for the project, which was funded by the state Salmon Recovery Board and time donated by PWI.
The April 8 meeting has a dual purpose. The first is to give residents a report on current watershed health. The second is to invite landowners to work with PWI to improve habitat on their property.

"For landowners who want to see something good happen in the watershed for wildlife, this presentation will help them see what the opportunities are for them to participate in watershed restoration," says Strieby. "It is also an opportunity for landowners to simply ask questions about how this might affect them."

The meeting is April 8, at 6 p.m., at the Methow Valley Senior Center. For more information about the meeting contact Sandra Strieby at 996-3452.