Natural Resources

Mission Creek Restoration

Mission Creek Restoration

Chelan County, with support of Washington State Depart of Ecology’s (DOE) Water Quality Program, has convened a Mission Creek Watershed Council in effort to address and develop solutions for the myriad of water quality factors and associated issues within the Mission Creek Basin. 

The Council is made up of a broad group of stakeholders representing local, state, and federal agencies, private landowners as well as irrigation and agricultural interests.

Background:

Mission Creek is the smallest tributary to the Wenatchee River but is home to approximately 21 percent of the Wenatchee watershed population, including the City of Cashmere. The U.S. Forest Service manages most of the uppermost portion of the watershed, with some privately owned forest. The lower watershed is dominated by commercial agriculture and urban development.

Mission Creek has a long history of very low stream flow and water quality issues including 303(d) impairment listings for in-stream flow, DDT/DDE, fecal coliform, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH.  The Department of Ecology has completed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies in 2004, 2008, and 2012 for temperature, fecal coliform, and DDT/DDE which established target reductions of contamination and recommended actions to achieve those reductions. Most of the improvements rely on voluntary Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be implemented by landowners.  Please see links to technical resources regarding the TMDLs, Riparian Buffers, Septic Systems and Noxious Weed Eradication for more information.

Upcoming Meetings and Contact Information:

The Chelan County Natural Resources Department held a community meeting for landowners within the Mission Creek Watershed on May 30th, 2018 at the Riverside Center in Cashmere. For presentation notes and more meeting information please refer to the links below.

 

Current Project Development:

The Chelan County Natural Resource Department in conjunction with the Mission Creek Watershed Council, is currently reviewing projects in order to develop an integrated project list. This list will be founded in improving conditions in Mission Creek that will meet the multiple stakeholder needs. Currently, appraisal level evaluations and pilot projects aimed at ground truthing these solutions are underway. As these project appraisal and pilot reports become final, they will be uploaded below.

East Fork Mission Creek Trail Re-route and Floodplain Restoration

                     Trail Re-Route:

                     Link to Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice

                     SEPA Checklist

                  Floodplain Restoration:

 

Upper Watershed Alluvial Reservoir Pilot:

 

Mork Property Streambank and Floodplain Restoration

During early December 2015, an unprecedented rain event caused historic high flows in Mission Creek. Recent fires in the area had also created instability in the upper watershed, resulting in a large amount of debris to enter Mission Creek and be carried downstream. This resulted in the formation of a debris jam at 3308 Mission Creek Road, causing Mission Creek to avulse on its right bank to the east undermining the main residence that was in place at the time. The main access point to the house was compromised forcing the occupants to evacuate immediately. In 2016, Chelan County Natural Resources Department (CCNRD) in conjunction with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) secured funding to complete an emergency, temporary barrier to prevent further erosion and damage the streambank, main house as well as surrounding infrastructure and property owners. This included the placement of a rock berm made of heavy, loose rip rap along approximately 100’ of streambank. In 2017, CCNRD secured additional funding from the FEMA-Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in order to complete the purchase of the vacant property. Upon the purchase of the property, an Open Space Designation for the entire property was put into place to ensure that Mork property will provide a natural riparian zone in perpetuity. In May of 2018, Chelan County contracted for the demolition of the house, concrete foundation and septic system. The final phase of the project is projected to take place the summer of 2019 and will include the permanent restoration of the site using the installation of a bio-engineered streambank treatment, the creation of a floodplain bench and the planting of at least a 35-foot wide riparian zone. This project will create both erosion control and floodplain connection during future high flow events as well as in-stream habitat for ESA listed salmonids and native fish species. In addition, debris removal will be completed within the project zone, potentially removing over 100-lbs of garbage and debris from in and near Mission Creek.

For the current design plans for this project, please refer to the link below. For any questions or additional information pertaining to this project, please contact Hannah Pygott at 509-667-6346 or via email at hannah.pygott@co.chelan.wa.us

Mork Restoration Conceptual Design Plans

 

Mission Creek Water Quality Restoration Plan

Mission Creek Water Quality Restoration Plan

Appendix A Instream Flow Improvement Appraisal

Appendix B Water Bank Appraisal

Appendix C Streamflow Augmentation and Water Right Conversion Pilot Project

Appendix D Regional System Conversion Technical Memorandum

Appendix E Vegetation Management Plan

Appendix F Outreach Plan

Appendix G Specific Restoration Sites

Technical Resources and Links:

Riparian Buffers:

Septic System Information and Guidance:

Information Regarding Noxious Weeds:

Posted: 01/18/2018 10:03 AM
Last Updated: 01/11/2022 09:15 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 26
    Apr 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - April 24th, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Entiat and North Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee Valley Fire Station No. 11
  • 23
    Apr 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Special Election Day - Manson Parks & Recreation District voters only

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

  • 15
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.