Natural Resources
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
Floodplain Restoration:
Upper Watershed Alluvial Reservoir Pilot:
- East Fork Mission & Poison Canyon Assessment
- Poison Canyon Basis of Design Memo
- East Fork Mission Design Concepts May 2021
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 G Specific Restoration Sites
Technical Resources and Links:
- Mission Creek Watershed Map
- Washington Department of Ecology 303(d) listings map in Mission Creek
- Washington Department of Ecology Mission Creek Watershed DDT TMDL Report
- WA DOE TMDL Homepage
Riparian Buffers:
- NRCS Factsheet: Purpose and Utility of Riparian Buffers
- Opportunities for Improving Water Quality Through Riparian Plantings
- Study: Effects of Riparin Buffers on Stream Temperature
Septic System Information and Guidance:
- Septic System Basics
- How Your Septic System Works
- How to Inspect Your System
- Signs of Septic System Failure and What to Do
- Hiring a Septic System Professional
Information Regarding Noxious Weeds:
Posted: 01/18/2018 10:03 AM
Last Updated: 01/11/2022 09:15 AM