Watershed Management Plan - Mason County

Sub-basin Summaries
Appendix
A
ISSUES
much sediment out to the estuary as in historical times (Skokomish
Tribe, personal communication, December 23, 2004).
Based on the existing technical information in the Skokomish sub-basin, the
following key issues emerge:
• Uncertainties about water quantity and water right allocations make
water resource planning in the sub-basin difficult; in particular,
significant water allocations, diversion at Cushman Dam, and
uncertainty about the quantity of the Skokomish Tribe’s federal water
right all contribute to the difficulty;
• Water temperature measurements in Lebar Creek and in the South
Fork of the Skokomish River have exceeded state water quality
standards;
• Fecal coliform is a concern in Hunter Creek; animal waste is one
contributor;
• Roads, residential development, and agriculture have degraded and
limited fish access to habitat in the estuary and in riparian areas;
• The construction of dikes, channeling of the stream, and removal of
large woody debris have led to decreased habitat quality; and
• The South Fork of the Skokomish River experiences significant
sediment aggradation; mass wasting and road failures are sources of
the excess sediment; and
• Culverts and other structures block fish passage in several creeks.
• Population growth and future development may place further strain
on water resources in the sub-basin.
Final Plan for County Adoption – May 11, 2006 page 85