Tillamook Estuaries PartnershipA National Estuary Project

2011ANNUAL REPORT

On the Cover: Smell aside, the ubiquitous wetland denizen, the western skunk cabbage, is a strikingly beautiful plant. Yellow flowers resembling the calla lily are surrounded by huge, waxy green leaves. Its distinctive odor attracts insects necessary for pollination. Look for blooms dotting wet and boggy sites in early Spring.

Message from the Director...

I am delighted to present the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership’s first ever Annual Report. This Report briefly highlights some of this year’s programs and successes. From restoring lost habitat to teaching 3rd graders about macroinvertebrates through “Build a Bug”, the work we do at TEP is about building partnerships. As the cornerstone of our organization, partnerships in the community and at the state and local level allow us to leverage our grant dollars to do more and to do it more efficiently. As we look at the mechanics of a restoration economy and how it can be part of local economic development, I am pleased to report that since 2002 over $3,000,000 has gone back into the local economy through the use of local contractors and retailers; not to mention keeping 4 full time and 4 part time staff, an education event coordinator, a contractor, and 3 seasonal employees, all active members of our community, gainfully employed.

While the Annual Report talks about programs and dollars, I would like to take one more moment of your time and thank the many people behind these efforts: our dedicated volunteer board, our staff who take the projects from concept to reality, our many volunteers who support our efforts, most notably our k-12 events, and our partners who provide support, resources, and energy to carrying out the Tillamook Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and our mission:

TEP is dedicated to the conservation and restoration ofTillamook County’s estuaries and watersheds in their entirety.

This was an exciting year for TEP and as we look to the future, we will be engaging in strategic planning to ensure that we remain a sustainable and viable partner in the community and in the nation as we carry out our mission and implement strategies to restore habitat, improve water quality, minimize impacts from flooding and encourage stewardship at every age.

Lisa Phipps

Executive Director

Formed when freshwater rivers mix with the saltwater of the ocean, estuaries are some of Earth’s most diverse ecosystems. Concerns for water quality, key habitat loss, erosion and sedimentation, impacts to fisheries and shellfish, and flooding led the way for Congress to designate the Tillamook Bay as an “Estuary of National Significance”. One of only 28 in the country with this designation, the Tillamook Bay holds a special place not only locally, but across the state and nation.

Born out of a commitment by local citizens and community leaders and supported by state and federal agencies, the TEP brings stakeholders together to assess, prioritize, and begin to solve the problems facing this estuary of national significance. TEP collaborates with partners on jointly held goals of improving water quality, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, reducing the frequency and impacts of flooding, and encouraging stewardship while balancing economic and social impacts.

TEP now implements a variety of programs to establish healthy ecosystems and improve salmon runs in all five Tillamook County estuaries and their associated watersheds. TEP monitors and tracks improvements in water quality throughout the watersheds as well as identifies areas of concern. TEP’s habitat restoration projects create healthier riparian areas, remove fish passage barriers, create complex fish habitat and stream channels, and enhance and protect wetlands. Through its education program, TEP encourages citizen stewardship and provides opportunities to raise awareness of pertinent environmental topics. Working with local schools, TEP focuses on using the surrounding natural environment as a source for inspiration, education, and life-long learning.

“Follow the river and you will find the sea” French Proverb

Bacteria Monitoring in

Tillamook BayWhat would possess an individual to leave the warm confines of their home twice a month, braving wind, rain, sleet and occasional sun to gather water samples? The realization that the data they collect is key to understanding the overall health of our estuaries and helps direct energy and resources to those areas where they are most needed.

In 1998, the lower reaches of all major rivers flowing into Tillamook Bay were found to have bacteria concentrations at a high enough level to pose a human health threats. Diseases can be spread directly to humans through contact with polluted water or from food products, such as shellfish, that are exposed to polluted waters. In response to these findings, TEP began a bacteria monitoring program.

The foundation of success for this program is a dedicated core group of volunteers. After receiving appropriate training, these individuals are tasked with collecting samples from pre-determined sites along rivers and sloughs in the TEP study area. Thanks to the diligence of our hardy volunteers, 15,000 water samples have been collected from 43 locations in the five major river systems of the Tillamook Bay Watershed, and analyzed for E. coli bacteria at the TEP laboratory. Through a partnership with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. (DEQ), E. coli data from 1997 through 2008 were evaluated to determine if waters were meeting the State

water quality standard for recreational use and if E. coli levels were changing over time.

The good news…the bacteria concentrations in the Wilson River have decreased to a point where the river has been meeting standards for recreational use since approximately 2005. We credit this success to the application of several Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented by TEP and its partners. Some of the BMPs implemented include, but are not limited to, riparian habitat enhancement, livestock exclusion, wet and dry manure storage, off-channel livestock watering stations, and buried manure mainlines.

Although progress is being made in much of the watershed, bacteria concentrations in some streams continue to exceed standards for recreational contact. Over the past 14 years, TEPs monitoring program has grown to include temperature, toxics, dissolved oxygen, and sediments. Recently, TEP began monitoring bacteria the Nehalem Bay watershed to begin the long process of identifying trends. As they say, “this is just the beginning.” TEP and partners will continue to focus our restoration efforts on all of our waterways to improve water quality and the health of our watersheds. In fact, efforts to replicate this program were started in the Nehalem Watershed in 2009 and will begin in the Nestucca Watershed in Fall of 2012.

To conserve and restore...The World English dictionary provides the following definitions for “conserve” and “restore”: to protect from loss or harm and to bring something back to an earlier or better condition. Conservation and restoration of our county’s watershed are the foundations of the work TEP does and sometimes seem unattainable in the context of the preceding definitions. TEP, through our programs and with the support of partners, volunteers and resident, is making significant progress towards resolving some of the priority problems identified by our community supported management plan. The following synopses shine a spotlight on TEP projects that embrace the meanings of “conserve” and “restore” and put them into practice.

Why are water trails important? Tillamook County watersheds are interwoven with inlets, sloughs and rivers. These waterways served as the foundation for an intricate transportation system, first for native peoples and then for the pioneers that followed. In almost every aspect of life, water was essential to the conveyance of food, trade goods and other items throughout the region. It is from these traditions that the Tillamook County Water Trail concept was formed.

Eight years ago, TEP was approached by a consortium of citizens, local agencies, and recreational enthusiasts, all seeking a common source of information about the area’s waterways. TEP began working with these partners designing a water trail system that encompasses each of the County’s five estuaries and is detailed in waterproof, full-color guidebooks. This series of guidebooks serve as a tool to explain sensitive environmental issues in the watersheds, provide safety information, depict the location of public access, offer suggested paddle trips and describe amenities. The first two in the series, the Nehalem Water Trail guidebook and the Tillamook Bay Water Trail

guidebook, released this year, were met with great acclaim. Work has begun on the Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake estuaries guidebook with publication tentatively scheduled for early 2013.

The traditional characterization of a water trail is a path on a waterway connected through signs, maps and access points providing a scenic and educational experience for recreational users. For the Tillamook County Water Trail (TCWT) the vision has grown beyond this description. The TCWT has become a touchstone not only for recreationalists, but for individuals interested in sustaining this region’s vital natural resources. Users are in now in closer contact with the water and it is human nature to care for and care about what one knows. Potential new economic opportunities a water trail can bring serve to increase the perceived value of a healthy, accessible river, influencing both public policy and personal action. As with the native peoples and pioneers before us, Tillamook County waterways are once again providing connections – to natural resources, to native species and to each other.

The Tillamook county

Water Trail

Design -Vigil Agrimis, Inc.

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TheMiamiWetlandsWhy should we care about wetlands? What’s so significant about some mud and murky water? Wetlands support a vast array of fish, birds, and wildlife, and are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Coastal wetlands are essential for bird migrations and serve as nurseries and breeding grounds for many species, including threatened and endangered salmon. Waterways containing natural wastes and pollution are cleaned as they pass through wetlands. By absorbing large volumes of water following a heavy rainfall, wetlands protect surrounding areas from flood damage and erosion. Wetlands also have great economical significance. About 66% of the commercial fish taken in United States depend on wetlands for survival.

Diking, draining, and other human activities have adversely affected much of Tillamook County’s wetlands. An estimated 85% of Tillamook Bay salt marsh wetlands have been altered. TEP recognizes wetland habitat loss as a priority problem in its CCMP and has made enhancement of wetlands a primary focus of TEP’s Habitat Enhancement Program. To this end, TEP felt privileged when it was approached by a private landowner to lead the charge of restoring wetlands on their property in the lower Miami Watershed.

Although a seemingly straightforward project at its conception in 2004, it has grown to surpass the ecological benefits and design scope originally envisioned. Historic logging and farming practices, infrastructure development, and the introduction of non-native plant species have impacted the site resulting in degraded water quality, habitat, and wetland function. Poor water quality in part impacts salmon, especially Chum and Chinook, which spend a substantial portion of their juvenile life-stage in the estuary. Tillamook Bay represents the southernmost boundary of the Chum’s range, and the Miami is one of only three Tillamook Bay subwatersheds to support this species.

To address these problems, TEP is leading and implementing the 58-acre Miami Wetlands Enhancement Project. This project represents the only opportunity to protect and enhance tidal/freshwater wetlands along the Miami, a habitat type critical to outmigrating smolts. The design strives to eliminate as many human alterations as possible and allow natural forces to restore long term wetland function. Enhancements include ditch filling, stream re-meandering, tidal channel excavation, large wood placement in the channels and floodplain, non-native plant removal, native plant establishment, and overhead utility system removal. On-the-ground construction work is complete and the remaining planting work will be in spring 2012. TEP continues to implement a five-year monitoring plan to document the project’s effectiveness.

Concurrent with the on-the-ground construction efforts, one of the landowners sold his property to The Nature Conservancy. TNC is finalizing a conservation easement on the remainder of the project site, thereby ensuring the entire Miami Wetlands are protected perpetually. This high profile project blends the needs and desires of a diverse group of partners and landowners and provides public education and monitoring opportunities. Economically, the project has infused $1.7 million dollars into the economy and supported 30 full-time family wage jobs.

Thanks to the foresight of progressive landowners, the support of numerous partners, and TEP’s leadership, the Miami Wetlands will once again provide habitat, filter and absorb water, and enhance the quality of life along the lower reaches of the Miami River. That mud and murky water has significance after all.

Miami by the Numbers

Permanently protected land39.5 acres

Wetlands restored44 acres

Ditches filled2,600 linear feet

New channels created4,500 linear feet

Large wood placed183 stumps and logs

Native species planted13,000

Partners involved26

Jobs supported30

Dollars spent regionally$1.7 million

Working Together towards a common Vision

Tillamook County sits tucked between the rugged Coast Range and the mighty Pacific Ocean. Scenic rivers flow from majestic mountain peaks through green pastures in their journey to the sea. Our watersheds include some of North America’s richest timber and dairy land and are home to many species of fish, birds and wildlife. After reading that description you might be wondering - “What could possibly be wrong with this picture?”

Loss of salmon habitat, degraded riparian areas, poor water quality, erosion, sedimentation and flooding have all been identified as significant issues faced by our estuaries. These and other problems posed by human impact provide the foundation for the work of the TEP. At times, the efforts can seem overwhelming. But as that old adage goes “many hands make light work”. Agencies, business and citizens all have a vested interest in restoring the health of our watersheds and are implementing projects in support of CCMP priority actions. Collaborative solutions are leading to long-term sustainable results.

In 2011, TEP and partners were instrumental in restoration projects that encompassed 174 acres of riparian habitat and 17 linear miles of instream habitat. In-stream projects ranged the gamut from large wood placement to replacing fish barrier culverts. Riparian plantings were established on 45 streamside acres representing 20 distinct landowners. and over 86 acres of freshwater and tidal wetlands were acquired for inclusion in larger restoration efforts.

TEP also supports partners either with direct monetary investment or through its local grant program. Since 2002, over $513,800 was disbursed to watershed councils, state agencies, local municipalities, school districts and special districts. These dollars were leveraged and resulted in a diverse set of projects including, development of a nature trail, upgrades to fish ladders, large wood placement, environmental education, riparian restoration and salmon life-cycle monitoring. Each successful project adds another piece to the puzzle and our combined efforts at conservation and restoration are enhanced.

Volunteers and Community MembersEnvironmental Protection Agency - National Estuary ProgramOregon State Dept. of Environmental QualityTillamook Bay Watershed CouncilU.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceOregon Dept. of AgricultureOregon Dept. of Parks & RecreationOregon Dept. of Fish & WildlifeOregon Dept. of ForestryPort of GaribaldiOregon Watershed Enhancement BoardOregon State University Extension Service

Tillamook CountyNational Fish & Wildlife FoundationU.S. Bureau of Land ManagementNatural Resource Conservation ServiceLongview TimberThe Nature ConservancyTillamook County Soil and Water

Conservation DistrictNestucca, Neskowin, and Sandlake

Watersheds CouncilLower Nehalem Community TrustLower Nehalem Watershed CouncilPrivate Landowners

PARTNERS MAKE IT HAPPEN IN 2011

Restoration – fortifying the environment and the economy

Healthy estuaries provide many ecological benefits – clean water, habitat for fish and wildlife,and protection from storm damage and flooding. Restoration projects undertaken by the TEP and partners, including tree plantings, culvert replacements and re-connection of wetlands, work towards the goal of allowing Tillamook Bay to remain a vital ecosystem. These efforts provide economic benefits as well. Adequate habitat leads to sustainable fisheries from which flow more income for commercial and recreational fisheries Functioning wetlands can buffer against storm damage and flooding, reducing property damage. On-the-ground restoration relies on local contractors and vendors to supply the needed labor and materials. By investing in our estuary, TEP is contributing to the prosperity of our community.

Acres replanted30

Jobs Supported49

Volunteer Hours3,460TEP removed invasive species

and planted native vegetation on 16 acres of tidal wetland habitat and 14 acres of riparian habitat.

Through its riparian and wetlands restoration projects, TEP provided for a portion of 49 family wage jobs.

TEP volunteers participated in a wide range of activities, including monitoring, education events and estuary clean-ups.

In 2011, TEP supported projects reached the following milestones...

Culverts Surveyed 1,100

People Educated1,220

Dollars Spent inTillamook County

$729,100

Trees Planted9,000

A crew of six college students spent their summer gathering information on local culverts.

TEP utilizes local and regional contractors wherever possible in implementing its mission.

All 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade students in Tillamook County benefits from TEP’s targeted education events.

Over 2.3 miles of riparian areas were re-vegetated with native plants through TEP’s Backyard Planting Program.

$1

=(Leveraged)

NEP Dollars Spawning More In 2011, each National Estuary Project (NEP) dollar expended in Tillamook County leveraged 11 additional dollars for projects implementing our Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.

$11

Each NEP dollar spent

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

$1

Statement of ActivitiesFor the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011

REVENUEFederal $ 845,800 State $ 147,727

Local/Private $ 90,447 Donations $ 12,564

Total Revenue $1,096,538

EXPENSESProgram Services:

Research and Monitoring $ 160,625

Habitat Restoration $ 510,234

Education and Outreach $ 82,365

Local Grant $ 40,448

Total program expenses $ 793,672

Support Services:

Management and Administrative $ 232,687

Development and Fundraising $ 9,428

Total Expenses $1,005,758

Change in net assets $ 60,751

Net assets beginning of year $ 114,344

Net assets end of year $ 175,095

For complete audited financial statements, please contact Tillamook Estuaries Partnership

Habitat Restoration 49%

Mgt and Admin22%

Research andMonitoring

16%

Education and Outreach

8%

Local Grant 4%

Development and Fundraising1%

FY 2010 Expenses

FY 2010 Revenue

Federal 77%

State14%

Local/Private

8%

Donations1%

Over 130 fishing enthusiasts gathered this past May for TEP’s Annual Bounty on the Bay fund-raiser. Great food, fishing and a sunny day resulted in net proceeds of $12,564 which will be distributed to partners through our Local Grant Program.

Fun and Funds from Fish

Current Board of Directors Chris Knutsen, President Pat Vining, Vice President Lenora Lawrence, Secretary/Treasurer Valerie Folkema Mayor Robert McPheeters Bob Rees Shawn Reiersgaard

Current Staff Lisa Phipps, Executive Director Scott Bailey, Project Manager Julie Chick, Water Trail Coordinator Rachel Hagerty Habitat Restoration Manager York Johnson, Monitoring Coordinator Claudine Rehn, Accounting Manager Don Reynolds, Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator Sierra Lauder, Administrative Assistant

Thanks to our Advisory Committee and Partners for all

of their work in the watersheds of

Edited by Claudine Rehn with input from TEP staff and Board This document made possible by a Section 320 Grant from EPA.For more about the National Estuary Program visit: www.epa.gov/nep

We regret any errors or omissions; please contact lphipps@tbnep.org

Cover photo and other photographs by Roger Ross Photography.

Miami Wetlands aerial photo provided by Don Best/Best Productions.

The Tillamook Estuaries Partnershipis dedicated to the conservation and restoration

of the five Tillamook County estuaries and their watersheds

Tillamook Estuaries Partnership613 Commercial Street

PO Box 493Garibaldi, Oregon 97118

503-322-2222 • fax 503-322-2261www.tbnep.org

Printed on 100% recycled fiber paper.

Tillamook Estuaries PartnershipA National Estuary Project

The Tillamook Estuaries Partnership is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Tillamook County’s estuaries and watersheds in their entirety.