B.1 From WRIA
18 Watershed Plan, 2004, section
2.6, pp 27, 28.
For
more info about
these stocks, click here.
• Spring/summer Chinook. Morse Creek Chinook salmon has been aggregated
with Elwha River summer/fall Chinook, resulting in the stock being
rated as healthy. Data from recent ground surveys, however, suggest supplementation
efforts have not been successful. Only 10 fish per year have been observed
(McHenry et al 1996). Spring Chinook salmon were last observed by local
informants in 1983. The Salmon and Steelhead Limiting Factors (1999)
lists it as extinct in 1993. Fall Chinook is listed as threatened.
Fall
Chinook is a non-native species in Morse Creek. It has been planted
once or twice, but has failed.
•
Fall Coho Salmon. Morse Creek Fall Coho are a composite of native and
introduced non-native stocks. Their run time is considered ‘normal.’ These
fish were typically large, with specimens to 20 pounds. Although the
stream once supported between 4000 and 5000 fish, recent Lower Elwha
Klallam Tribe surveys for 1993 and 1994 found 0 and 40 Coho respectively
McHenry et al 1996). Morse Creek coho include those coho spawning in
McDonald, Siebert, Bagley, Morse, Lees, Ennis, Valley, and Tumwater
creeks. The Morse Creek coho salmon stock does not demonstrate unique
temporal
or biological characteristics.
• Fall Chum Salmon. WDFW et al (1994) group the Morse Creek run with other
eastern Strait chum populations. Sporadic surveys generally report
less than 10 fish a year. Historic abundance was about 1000 fish (McHenry
et al 1996).
• Summer Chum Salmon. Strays on the fringe of the threatened Strait/Hood
Canal summer chum population may occur.
•
Pink Salmon. Recent surveys show small numbers of pinks returning to
Morse Creek in odd years. Morse Creek Pinks are not currently recognized
as a separate stock by state and tribal managers, although evidence suggests
the contrary. Historic estimates of abundance are approximately 10,000
to 15,000 fish during strong years. The Pinks run in August and September,
around the same time as the upper Dungeness River and extinct Elwha Stocks.
Morse Creek’s Pink population shows no sign of recovery (McHenry
et al 1996).
• Winter Steelhead Trout. WDFW et al (1994) lists Morse Creek winter steelhead
as a depressed stock. It is supplemented by WDFW using the Chambers
Creek stock.
• Summer Steelhead Trout. The most recent observation of Morse Creek summer
steelhead by TAG members was approximately four years ago by Dick Goin
(Haring 2000). Based on the location and size of the observed fish
in Morse Creek, the steelhead observed four years ago were thought to be
native. These may be stray hatchery fish from the Elwha or Dungeness
(Randy Cooper), or may be true Morse Creek returns that should be considered
for designation as a separate stock. The current status is unknown,
but the consensus of the TAG is to consider the stock status as critical.
They spawn upstream to the falls at RM 4.9, but the lower extent of
spawning is unknown (McHenry 1996).
•
Bull Trout. Bull trout are listed as threatened by US Fish & Wildlife.
It is not clear whether Morse Creek supports bull trout.
B.4 From WRIA 18 Limiting Factor Analysis at p. 134-135:
Ranked Action
Recommendations for Morse Creek
The TAG identifies the following habitat restoration components as most
important to the restoration of Morse Creek:
• Restore floodplain function downstream of RM 1.7, including the removal/pull
back of
dikes, elimination of floodplain constrictions, and restoration of natural
banks
• Restore LWD presence throughout the channel downstream of the natural
falls at RM
4.9; develop and implement a short-term LWD strategy to provide LWD presence
and habitat diversity until full riparian function is restored; ensure
that LWD is passed downstream of the railroad trestle
• Reestablish estuarine characteristics and function similar to historic
conditions
• Restore riparian function by encouraging conifer regeneration in deciduous
stands that historically had a conifer component
• Restore longshore littoral drift from marine bluffs to the west of Morse
Creek.
These are ranked with equal importance, although it is recognized that
floodplain recovery will likely be needed in order for LWD restoration
efforts to be successful. LWD restoration could be locally successful
upstream of Four Seasons Park independent of floodplain recovery efforts.
LWD restoration efforts should focus on recruitment of key piece sized
conifer capable of remaining stable in the channel, creating in-channel
diversity, and retaining gravel and smaller LWD.
B.4 From WRIA 18 Watershed Plan,
2004, section 3.11, pp 3-4
Morse Creek Recommendations -- Habitat
1. Habitat Restoration: Respecting existing property rights and working
with willing property owners, seek opportunities to restore habitat and
recover salmonids. Where possible and as needed, based on habitat and changing
conditions, achieve the following objectives using tools such as conservation
easements, donations, purchases, and City or County planning, zoning and
critical areas ordinances and regulations:
a. Restore stream meanders in the lower river, below and immediately above
the Highway 101 bridge (the WDFW properties).
b. Encourage conifer regeneration in deciduous stands along the creek.
c. Restore and protect natural stream banks, including natural riparian
vegetation.
d. Restore and protect estuarine and nearshore marine properly functioning
conditions. Eliminate or mitigate nearshore and shoreline structures where
these impair properly functioning conditions.
However, continue to protect the Olympic Discovery Trail. Restore drift
processes and recruitment of marine sediments to the west of Morse Creek.
i. Conduct a feasibility study addressing both estuary and drift cell restoration.
ii. Determine sediment sources (whether from Morse Creek or longshore drift).
iii. Collaborate with and educate landowners. Encourage affected landowner
involvement
e. Eliminate artificial fish passage barriers.
f. Restore large woody debris (LWD) throughout the channel.
g. Restore side channels.
h. Implement BMPs where vegetation management is necessary (e.g., under
powerlines) to minimize effects on properly functioning conditions throughout
the watershed.
2. Stream gaging: Clallam County, working with the Department of Ecology,
USGS, and others, should (1) maintain the existing stream gage in lower
Morse Creek; and (2) place a continuous recording, telemetered flow gage
in the bypass reach of Morse Creek.
3. Collaboration with homeowners: Initiate work with Four Seasons Ranch
and Four Seasons Park homeowners associations to integrate flood control
and road maintenance with habitat restoration on Lower Morse Creek.
B.6 Port Angeles Regional Plan, at 31.04.340
31.04.340 4 Seasons neighborhood – Port Angeles urban
growth area.
(1) Neighborhood Concerns Identified in the Planning Process. The 4 Seasons
neighborhood is located within the ravine of Morse Creek. It consists of
two (2) urban density subdivisions, 4 Seasons Park and 4 Seasons Ranch.
Open space amenities were designed into both subdivisions. 4 Seasons Ranch
has a nine (9) hole golf course bordering Morse Creek which provides views
of open space from many of the residences in the Ranch. Stables and pasture
are available to area residents that own horses. 4 Seasons Park has open
space bordering Morse Creek. Neighborhood concerns include flooding of
Morse Creek, hilltop development visible from the Ranch, road failures
near the entrance to 4 Seasons Park, traffic access and noise from Highway
101. The neighborhood is almost totally residential with the single exception
of a real estate sales office. 4 Seasons Ranch is nearly built out while
4 Seasons Park has more vacant lots for sale. Average density is over four
(4) units per acre with many lots under 10,000 square feet in size.
The neighborhood has a strong desire to retain its residential character
and maintain the scenic views available of the mountains from these developments.
Commercial development on Highway 101 is not a preferred land use. The
appearance of the Highway 101 corridor through the Morse Creek curve is
excellent. State-owned right-of-way contributes to this natural appearance
and should be retained. The State right-of-way at the entrance to 4 Seasons
Ranch could be utilized as a park site along the waterfront trail.
The waterfront trail from Port Angeles will utilize the old railroad right-of-way
providing this neighborhood with excellent bicycle access to downtown Port
Angeles. Commuters utilizing this trail to access downtown from 4 Seasons
would likely experience travel times equal to cars traveling to the same
point utilizing Highway 101.
Egress from the 4 Seasons is becoming increasingly difficult due to heavy
traffic volumes on Highway 101. Installation of a traffic light at Deer
Park might improve this situation.
(2) Boundary. [Policy No. 1] The 4 Seasons neighborhood is bounded by the
ravine walls of Morse Creek.
(3) Land Uses.
(a) [Policy No. 2] Low density development of up to nine (9) units per
acre should be permitted within the developed portions of 4 Seasons neighborhood
which is in accord with current development patterns.
(b) [Policy No. 3] Further commercial land use should not be allowed in
the Morse Creek curve to protect the scenic nature of this gateway entrance
into Port Angeles and to prevent the potential for extreme traffic problems
in this tight curve.
(c) [Policy No. 4] The steep, unstable slopes of the Morse Creek Ravine
should be designated for urban very low residential densities with an open
space overlay zone to indicate that they are areas which will be targeted
for transfer of development rights in order to further protect these largely
unbuildable sites and allow them to remain in a natural state. Allowing
for transfer of development rights addresses the issue of a taking occurring
when minimal development will be allowed.
(4) Critical Areas.
(a) [Policy No. 5] The steep-sided creek ravines and creek bottom lands
of Morse Creek should be protected for public safety, maintenance of water
quality and as linear wildlife corridors through the neighborhood. These
areas when left in a natural state stabilize the geologically unstable
ravine and bluff environments, filter out sediments before they reach streams
and shorelines and provide critical habitat for eagles, falcons, and other
birds utilizing trees for perch or nesting. Allowing transfer of development
rights from these areas and providing open space tax benefits to owners
will further the protection of these critical areas.
(b) [Policy No. 6] Stormwater runoff is causing considerable bluff-front
gully erosion and deposition. Controlling the scale of commercial development
in urban neighborhood commercial land use designations located on Highway
101 should limit the impacts of stormwater on adjacent residential developments
to the north. When developments are reviewed, maintenance of natural water
control in the form of wetlands should be a prime concern along with ensuring
on-site retention and slow release of stormwater from urban development.
(5) Morse Creek.
(a) [Policy No. 7] ? Assign high priority to Morse Creek for restoration
efforts due to potential for salmon habitat. Build support for restoration
activities among agencies, organizations, and residents.
? WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Elwha S’Klallam Tribe,
Clallam County
(b) [Policy No. 8] ? Focus education and technical assistance on the
lower two (2) miles of this creek. Discourage residents from “cleaning” the
riparian corridor. Provide landowners with information about shoreline
management, riparian corridors, flood management, and other pertinent
issues. Provide technical assistance to insure that existing habitat
is protected.
Revegetate with stabilizing plants; establish view corridors. Pursue
development of off-channel fish habitat.
? Clallam Conservation District, WSU-Cooperative Extension, Elwha S’Klallam
Tribe, Clallam County, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife
(c) [Policy No. 9] ? Encourage the Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association
to “adopt” the creek, by assuming some responsibility for
observation and monitoring of creek conditions, restoration projects,
and pollution
prevention. Publicize their positive efforts.
? WSU-Cooperative Extension, Clallam County
(d) [Policy No. 10] ? Because fish populations in this stream are particularly
vulnerable to habitat degradation, establish limitations on surface water
withdrawals to maintain optimum instream flow for fish. Encourage water
conservation during low-flow months.
? WA Department of Ecology, Clallam County, City of Port Angeles, PUD #1
of Clallam County
(6) Public Services and Facilities.
(a) [Policy No. 11] Water service is provided in this portion of the urban
growth area by the PUD.
(b) [Policy No. 12] Sewer service is not available in this portion
of the urban growth area. There is concern that the community on-site
sewage
disposal
systems under the golf course and in Four Seasons Park may fail. The
City of Port Angeles should provide sewer service to new land divisions
in the
4 Seasons neighborhood and should plan for the eventual extension of
the sewer line from the Rayonier mill site into the 4 Seasons’ developments
utilizing the waterfront trail corridor. Use of utility extension agreements
would allow an incremental upgrade of area services until such time
as a sufficient area was under agreement to allow annexation. Should
the
City be unwilling to provide such service, the PUD should become a
sewer service
provider for the area and hookup to PUD systems would be required for
new land divisions. CCC 31.04.310(12)(a), Policy No. 30, should be
followed in regard to hookup to PUD or City sewer systems for new land
divisions.
(c) [Policy No. 13] Pollution from failing sewage systems should be addressed.
Septic systems in 4 Seasons Park and the community system in 4 Seasons
Ranch should be carefully monitored to ensure that no untreated materials
reach Morse Creek or the Strait. Clallam County should develop an education
program to make homeowners aware of low-cost loans available for on-site
sewage disposal system repair or replacement through the Water Quality
Cleanup Fund.
(7) Open Space and Greenbelts.
(a) [Policy No. 14] The steep-sided creek ravines, Morse Creek bottoms,
the golf course and marine shoreline form natural greenbelts for this neighborhood.
(b) [Policy No. 15] Owners of wetlands, marine bluffs and ravines should
be encouraged to file conservation easements on these portions of their
property to protect them from development, provide open spaces and gain
tax advantage. Owners of critical areas identified by an open space overlay
should receive the advantage of qualifying for open space taxation regardless
of property size.
(c) [Policy No. 16] Public access along the saltwater shoreline should
be encouraged through completion of this section of the waterfront trail.
(8) Transportation.
(a) [Policy No. 17] Development of a new east-west local access road located
primarily within the urban growth area providing an additional entry point
into the Port Angeles area from the east could relieve some of the traffic
congestion at the Morse Creek curve.
(b) [Policy No. 18] Additional commercial development at the Deer Park
intersection should be accompanied by a traffic light which would reduce
congestion on the Morse Creek Curve.
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