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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-19 KRSMA Board PacketS~ciat Management Area "WO!Being togethec..for theriver" -3 GQD~I~~OG°3~I ~ OO L°QG3D ** Meeting Agenda*** Thursday, October 19, ?000 7:00 p.m. City of Soldotna -Council Chambers r.. __..._._...,~ I. CALL TO ORDER '~ _... ~m3 A. Roll Call ~ A ;~ ~~"'~ B. Approval of 9/21/00 minutes C. Agenda Changes and Approval ~ ~ ~'~ ~ '. II. PUBLIC COMMENT IIL NEW BUSINESS A. Recognition of Kenai Riverbend Resort and River & Sea Marine -Boat Wake Study Assistance B. Sportfishing License Trends -Jim A. Richardson, Doug. Vincent-Lang C. Recreation Impact Study Discussion -Doug Vincent-Lang, ADF&G, Chris Degernes D. City of Soldotna's Kenai Riverbank Project Update, Dick Bower IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Kenai River Water Quality Funding -Michelle Brown, The Nature Conservancy B. Commercial Operator Committee Report, Jeff King V. PUBLIC COMMENT VI. ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments B. Date/Agenda of Next Meeting NOTE: This is a tentative agenda. Please contact Ted Wellman or Chris Degernes prior to 10/19/00 with any agenda changes. e Kenai Area Office, Box t247, Soldotna, AK 99669, Soldotna 2625561 Kenai Poninsula Borough, Box 850, Soldotna, AK 99669, Soldotna 2624441 Alaska Division of Perks and Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, In cooperation with the Kenai Peninsula Borough. KENAI RIVER SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA ADVISORY BOARD Thursday, September21;2000 7:00 p.m. City of Soldotna's City Council Chambers I. CALL TO ORDER A. Roll Call Chairman Wellman called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm Members Pzesent: Jeffrey King, Ted Wellman, Jim H. Richardson, Peggy Mullen, Brannon Ames, Arn Whitmore-Painter, Paul Shadura, Jm Golden, Robin West, Bill Shuster, Lance Trasky, Richard Ross, Chris Degernes Members Absent: Tim Navarre, Deric Marcorelle, Jim Stogsdill for Ken Lancaster B. Approval of 5/11!00 minutes The minutes were approved as written. Paul said he was present and not listed on the roll call. C. Agenda Changes and Approval The agenda was revised. Bill Shuster added an update on Cooper Creek. II. PUBLIC COMMENT III. NEW BUSINESS A. Kenai River 2000 Field Season Report -Suzanne Filler & Bill Berkhahn Bill said it was a pretty good year on the river. He updated the board on projects, incidents, statistics and accomplishments of the Kenai River District Staff. This year there was a slight increase in the volunteer staff with 18 volunteers and an estimated 8600 volunteer hours contributed. The volunteers assist with fee compliance; painting; litter patrol and many other duties. He said the volunteers do an amazing amount of work for Alaska State Parks and we cannot manage what we do without them. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Page 1 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000 The Kenai River District has maintained paid staff levels this year with 4 Park Rangers and 1 Ranger assistant. Currently there is a vacant ranger position, which he expects to fill in October. Bill listed priorities for field operations program as being: a: Protecting the resources. b. Insuring parks are well maintained, clean, safe and accessible to the public. a Public education on resources and regulations via public contacts in campgrounds and river patrols. d. Educate the public via interpretive programs in our campgrounds. e. Promote boating safety and educate the public regarding safety issues such as navigation lights and hfe jackets. f. Enforcing State Park and Fish & Game regulations. Brannon asked about expanding the boating safety to bank safety, primarily targeting the dip netters. Bi11 said it is outside the park, but someone should be down there. He said the rangers have been down therein the past, but not this year. He has worked with the US Coast Guard this year and had them out on patrols with the rangers at least once a week. Bill listed the accomplishments of the Kenai River District. At the Pillars we completed the contract work including float repairs and connections. At Slikok, the second phase of the bank restoration project was completed including the elevated walkways, river access stairways and upland trail improvements. At Izaak Walton, a contractor repaired most of Che asphalt. We have maintained the Kid's Don't Float program aC all of our boat launch facilities and the boat storage shed at Morgan's Landing was completed. The second year of the Guide Orientation program went smoothly and the boating safety programs are getting better. Watercraft safety programs have been given to Fish & Game and various school groups. These are in addition to normal day-to-day items. Statistics compiled by Bill included 175 incidents requiring a citation or other report such as park or fish and game violations, non-payment of fees, thefts, vandalism, impounds, minor consuming and firearnz violations. Only 9 were related to Kenai River guides. Two of those incidents are serious enough for possible suspension next year. This number is down from last year. Other incidents involving guides were minor such as non-payment of fees and parking in wrong area. On the river this year we had more incidents of people in the water and a couple cases of minor hypothermia. No drownings. On Memorial weekend there were two canoeing incidents, which involved an overturned canoe and people in the water. None had life jackets on, only on board the canoes. They were pulled out near Alaska Wildland Advenhires and Che Russian River area. July 17 on the middle river, a powerboat with two people hit a rock in the Naptowne Rapids area and were thrown in the river. One swam to shore and Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2A00 other was caught in an eddy and pulled to shore. July 13 on the middle river, canoe overturned below Funny River with two people in the water. A ranger responded to the incident, but the people had pulled themselves to shore, refused assistance and left to finish their trip: A boat on the middle river broke its moorings and was seen hung up later along the bank. There were a lot of complaints regarding Che lower river such as fishing lines cut and wakes hitting boats. There were river wide complaints of anchoring in channels. We are working with landowners and guides to come up with solutions. There were also complaints with conflicts in fishing methods, boats drifting in areas traditionally used by back trollei-s and vise versa. We have been targeting navigational light use on the river. More boats are using lights compared to 10 years ago. Almost all of the guides are using lights. Safety equipment use is better than in the past. There has been progress in the guide community with the sanitation problem. Generally Chere are less guide violations compared to last year. Jim G. reiterated about the drifting and back trolling problem and said that the KRSMA board and/or State Parks needs to take a look at. Also wanted to commend State Parks on the guide orientation. He is interested in more public education and is concerned with a shortage in staffing for this education such as with the Junior Ranger program since Rick Conover has left. Jeff asked how many of Che 175 incidents involved rental boats, and of the other incidents that were not formal complaints were some rental boat related. Bill stated that there were rental boat occupants cited for fishing violations, but none were operator violations. He did not have an exact number to give. He also Said we may have to 1vok flt orienting thie rental boat operators and concessionaires. Jeff said his end of season report told him of aC least 10 serious rental boaC incidents such as snagging, over limit and rudeness. Suzanne said we have not put an emphasis on educating the rental boat owners about every fishing regulation that exists. She said we work more from the safety aspect and having the safety equipment on board. She stated that Bill Berkhahn and the Coast Guard will sit down with each rental boat company this spring and make sure they understand the requirements for boating safety including checking all their boats and gear. Most of the rental boat complaints she received were regarding the lack of lights and shoddy safety equipment on board. Peggy asked that out of the 175 incidents and perhaps the verbal ones, how many were social rudeness complaints as compared to violations. Bill stated there are complaints about rudeness, but there is little we can legally do about those complaints. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Page 3 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000 Paul said he appreciated Bill's report every year. He said last year Bi11 made the comment of not enough personnel at peak times and at night. He asked if this is still a problem. Bill agreed Ghat itis still a problem, due Co the large area to cover with his staff. Ted asked if the Kenai River District maintains records of public complaints and can give statistics of complaints. Suzanne stated she does keep guide complaints on file and can produce guide complaint numbers. Jim R. said his observation is that most boating accidents occur early in the season. He asked if there can be more education and safety checks at the boat launches by State Parks in cooperation with other agencies during the early fishing season. Brll agreed it is a good idea and stated the Coast Guard would be easy to work with in setting up a station on our ramps to educate the boating public. Tim G. asked that of the majority of 175 incidents mentioned that involved non-guided anglers, how many were fishing infractions versus boating safety infractions. And if they were non-fishing related, it stresses the importance of public education and the effectiveness of the guide orientations. Bi11 stated that about 50% were park and resource violations and 50% fishing violations. Ann asked that of those violations, what percent were resident verses non- resident. Bill said the majority are residents. Suzanne went over a handout regarding the Kenai River guide trends and numbers. She said a packet with further analysis with additional statistics would be mailed out for the next meeting. Suzanne stated that 57 guides dropped out and 64 new guides registered this year. She stated that many businesses are focusing on Deep Creek and the Kenai River, so if they cannot get out on the inlet due to bad weather they will guide on the Kenai River. There was a large turnover in guides with the Cooper Landing rafting companies this year. She will have a complete analysis of the rental and guide businesses at the next meeting. Suzanne world like to convene the Commercial Operators Committee prior to the next board meeting and expand the group membership to include Joe Connors and possibly a property owner to bring some of thaC perspective to the guide orientations which will start in February next year. She will orient new guides on all issues. She proposes a half-day orientation for returning guides and a full day for new guides. She stated there are more rental boats on the river than before. Letters will go out to rental boat operators making them aware of our boating requirements and standards and that of the Coast Guard as well. Bill will be meeting with rental boat owners to inspect their equipment. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Page 4 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000 Chris reviewed the Kenai River District revenue spreadsheet comparing the last few years, which reflects an increase in guide permits and other park fees. B. Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan Progress Status Reportl5etting 2000-2001 Board Priorities Chris reviewed a 10-page status report of the progress made toward implementing the recommendations of the 1997 Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan. Suzanne had first prepared a list in 1998, and this report is an update since that time. Chris reviewed some of the recreation recommendations that have passed such as the upper river non-motorized area expansion; let Ski `s restrictions on Kenai Lake, "per boat" fee for rental boats and the completed boat wake study. She stated there is a growing concern for safety and operations of the rental boat users. She said there is a recommendation for a competency test for rental boat operators and the possibility for hour and day limits also, which have not been implemented. Other recommendations that have not been implemented include additional rangers for law enforcement, increasing guide fees, revising the permit terms for commercial operators. She recommended that the most important item we should put on Che `to do' list is the Recreation ImpacC Study. Chris said a variety of habitat restoration projects have been completed and bank closures implemented to protect habitat. Lance stated that 325 permits for projects have been issued annually, up from about 100 before the Kenai River Center opened. Chris satd nne Plan recOmmendatiOn that neerlc to be cprnplated ie to maet with all the river land managers and prioritize sites for habitat restoration, and assist each other with accomplishing them. Chris also recommends the board concentrate this year on working with the cities and borough on adopting the management plan. Acquiring property continues, as opportunities arise, such as the 40 acres of wetlands donated next to Morgan's Landing and another 26 acres pending nearby. There are no purchases pending. Recommend the borough classify some lands adjacent to the river as recreation or equivalent. Chris said the highest priority for the board is to pursue the legislation to expand the KRSMA in the upper Kenai River/Trail Lakes system. Other recommendations discussed were the City of Soldoma's recent engineering study to evaluate future sewage treatment plant changes, construction of new storm water treatment pond, river user fees, the organized and efficient Kenai River Center, deadline for commercial operator permits and consolidating an application form between the USFS, Parks and the Forest Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Soard -Page 5 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000 Service and develop the Kenai River Task Force to coordinate public education. Jim G. said Terry Carter just received national recognition for the work she has done in the education of elementary school children. KRSI has agreed to fund her school and the borough school system to make these educational programs available to all the students in the borough. Chris says the board needs to find a group to coordinate these education programs. The Boat Wake Study field work has been completed, with the reports expected in early winter. The Board will need to analyze the study results and determine the next step. Chris said the Recreation Impact Study is key on the list to spend time on this winter also. Chris summarized by stating she recommends that the Board concentrate on four key areas to work on this winter: the Boat Wake Study results, the Recreational Impact Study, working with the City of Soldotna, Kenai and the Borough on the management plan and the KRSMA land additions. C. Board Vacancies Chris said there are four board members currently up for re-appointment on October 1: Jim G., Ann, Peggy and Brannon. There is also one vacant board seaC. She said two applications have been received, and two others are pending from previous recruitments. Chris said she has talked to Marty Rutherford regarding the challenge of getting appointments made in a timely fashion and Marty has said she would do her utmost to get these appointments made in a timely manner. Ted said the board needs people who are active and have time to work on committees. Bill S. asked what happens if the re-appointments do not get thru the Governor's office in a timely manner. Ted stated that some board members appointments were expired for months before the Governor's Office re- appointed or replaced them. He said we are hoping to do better this time. IV. OLD BUSINF,SS A. Boat Wake Study Update -Chris Degernes/Lance Trasky Lance said all the fieldwork was completed this summer. Over 900 tests were done on Johnson Lake and the Kenai River. Boats were tested at maximum speed with different loads and three different distances from shore. Sandbags were used as passengers and the. speed of the boats was checked with a radar gun and GPS. Chris and Lance recommends sending letters of appreciation and having plaques made for Kenai Riverbend Resort and River & Sea Marine Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Page 6 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000 for donating the boats, motors and detuning for the study. Chris said three volunteers from Parks joined staff from Fish & Game and the Corps, working up to 18 hours a day to provide consistent Cests. Dr. Maynard will be starting October 1 to create a draft that should be-available in December. Instruments were used to collect data on the wake height, angle of the wake and speed Co calculate the energy to differentiate the relative difference between motors, hulls, passenger loading and distance from the bank. Lance said the hull design seemed to be the most important over weight in generating wakes. Boat speeds were clocked between 17 and 28 mph and the river speed was 4 to 11 feet per second. One problem they had on the Kenai River was trying to keep the boat used to make speed measurements from pulling the anchor so the GPS speed was used instead. Lance said the River Ranch was a wonderful site for the study. Paul asked if additional studies are needed after the draft comes out, would that be an extra cost. Lance said the report on the Boat Wake Study is included in the cost of the project, which was close to $200,000.00. Any additional studies will cost extra he stated. Ted said the next step after the report is out is to decide what impact does that have on the habitat, if any, and where. Ted said he was impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the people conducting the study and was sorry that more board members could not attend some part of the study. Paul asked if the 309 study is in a phase of re-evaluation. Lance said the 309 study was redone and the report is still being finalized. B. Update on Cooper Creek -Bill Shuster Bill S. said as a result of a contact by Parks regarding siltation taking place at Cooper Creek USFS, placed some boulders and a siltation fence to try Co reduce vehicle access to the creek. An analysis will be conducted to scope out the next phase of work needed here. A large gravel hillside is steadily eroding and introducing silt into Cooper Creek and a number of options could be considered in addressing this. Also the contract with Fish & Game Co run the fish weir will continue for another month and has been extended for another 2 years on Cooper Creek. Robin asked if Bill S. has closed the area to boat launching. Bill S. said the area has been closed to vehicles driving to the creek bank, but people can carry rafts down beyond the boulders. During the restoration project the area may be closed to all vehicles, which includes the road that follows the east side of Cooper Creek. That area may also be closed to campers to allow for re- vegetation. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Soard Page 7 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000 v. PUBLrc coMME1vT Brett Huber said that we often focus onihe problems and do not reflect on the rest of the story. He said he heard a little of everything except visitors who had a good experiences this summer on the river. Brett said we are winning the battle of awareness through the schools. He said that as we think about what is left to be done, let's not overlook what we have accomplished because that is a powerful message to the people and it helps involve the community. VI. ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments Peggy said she is hoping that sometime soon we could get an update on the Soldotna Creek salt pile and what is happening now. She said she will commit to spending more time this winter on committee work and is interested in the boat wake and recreational impact studies. Peggy said she would be able to spend time in September, October and January thru May with the local govemmenC and Borough on getting the management plan adopted. Ann said she has lots of time to help this year. Bill S. said the draft on the Chugach National Forest Plan is out for review. Bill said he could arrange for a presentation on the portion involving the Kenai River. He said the Sterling Highway Mile 45-60 scoping is continuing. The Fnrest Service hac taken the nncitinn of elevating the, lead rnntaeta to the r .. _.__.. _ ~ regional office because if the re-route takes place it would impact roadless areas and that is considered more of a national than a local issue. Robin went over the letter from Michelle Brown regarding the water quality work and said he assumes she will come and talk to the board in the near future about continuing the work. Also, there is an open house at the Refuge office on Saturday September 3C from 11-3 pm. Jim R. said he was impressed with the Kenai River Center and potential of it for future public education and for future board meetings. Chris introduced Cyndy Ayer as the new board secretary. Lance thanked Chris for giving the report on what has been accomplished. Jim G. said he sees the importance of tackling the `to do' list, through increased funding, and we need to figure out how are we going to generate those funds to do these projects. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Page 8 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000 Ted discussed the letter from Jim A. Richardson that was in the laydown packet regarding why resident licenses are going down. He said we have the report now and maybe we can get Doug Vincent-Lang to explain it at next months board meeting. Suzanne thanked all the board members for attending the opening of the Kenai River Center. S. IDate/Agenda of Next Meeting October 19.... location may be KRC if furniture available, otherwise City of Soldotna Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Page 9 Meeting Minutes September 21, 2000