Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-13 KRSMA Board Minutes.~ IfC Ie11 RIVER Special Management area "Working togethec.Jor the river" G^QDM~~OG°3~ ~ ©GQG3D Y'~`~Tentative Agenda Only'~"~ =F ~ry_ J ,h"K Meeting Agendas°p* t ~ ~ ~ ~_" Thursday, January 13, 2000 „~~ ~` ~ 2 s `7:00 p.m. ~ ~,::~ ° '~; City of Soldoma -~ -~ ~ ~-~ City Council Chambers I. CALL TO ORDER A. Roll Call B. Approval of 12/16/99 minutes C. Agenda Changes and Approval II. PUBLIC COMMENT III. NEW BUSINESS A. Boat Wake Study Update, Bob Sanders, Army Corps of Engineers, 7anet Kmin, USGS B. uenai F.rea P1anResponse To KpB's request for K~2SivIA-De~~anated Lands C. Funnv River Bridge Discussion - Tirn Navarre B. Election of Officers IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Recreation Impact Committee -Study Organization, Chris Degernes V. PUBLIC COMMENT VI. ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments B. Date/Agenda of Next Meeting *^~*Note: Tentative agenda only. Please contact Ted Wellman or Chris Degernes prior to 4 pm on January 12 with any additions or changes to the agenda.~`~`* < Kenai Area Office, Box 1247, Soidotna, AK 99669, Soidotna 2fi2-5581 Kenai Faninsula Borough, Box 850, Soidotna, AK 99669, Soidotna 2624441 ~~ C Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Kenai Paninsula Borough. ~__~ KENAI RIVER SPECIAL MANAGEMENT Thursday, December 16, 1999 City of Soidotna. Council Chambers I. CALL TO ORDER A. Ro11 Call: Chairman Wellman called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Members PresenC: Jeff King, Ted Wellman, Jim H. Richardson, Peggy Mullen*, Tim Golden, Ann Whitmore-Painter, Paul Shadura, Tim Navarre, Ken Lancaster, Robin West, Bill Shuster, Richard Ross, Derr Marcorelle, Chris Degernes Members Absent: Brannon Ames, Lance Trasky *Note: Mullen arrived at 7:15 pm and lefC again at 7:50 pm B. Approval of 11(18/99 Minutes: The minutes stood approved as submitted. C. Aeenda Chances and Approval: Chairman Wellman desired to add under New Business A) Board Appointments. The amended agenda was unanimously accepted. II. PUBLIC COMMENT -None III. NEW BUSINESS A. Board Appointments: Chairman Wellman announced that the board members up for re-appointment have now been approved and re-appointed. He then introduced and welcomed the newly appointed board member, Paul Shadura. Shadura stated he appreciated the opportunity to participate and hoped he can bring a positive approach on issues in the future. Degernes noted there is still one more vacancy to fill and desired to send in a pending application from Tim Fassler'For consideration. The Board gave their approval to send in Mr. Fassler's application. B. Proposed Gulf Ecosystem Monitorine Plan -Molly McCannon, EVOS Trustees Molly McCannon and Phil Mundy from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustees, noted that although it has been ten years since the spill, one could still see some lingering effects from it. They spoke on the Gulf Ecosystem Monitoring (GEM) Program, which is a long-term monitoring and research program for the northern Gulf Coast. The Trustee Council will oversee the spending of the fund that will help to coordinate existing efforts, as well as efforts, which help to foster the biologically diverse marine ecosystem in the northern Gulf Coast. The goals and objectives of the program are: 1) to track lingering effects from the oil spill, 2) to detect long-term changes in the marine ecosystem, 3) to improve fish and wildlife management, 4) to integrate information regarding the health of marine populations, 5) to provide continuing information on the effects of contaminants, and 6) to help identify important marine habitats and provide a life history of marine mammals. Navarre liked Che idea of coordinating agencies and was interested in partnering with the program. Richardson stated the Exxon Valdez oil spill revealed there was no comprehensive baseline information on population levels. He supported the program. Shadura was interested in monitoring the natural stock vs. hatchery stock. With improved technology, bar codes could be put on wild salmon without causing much stress. He hoped the program could help in this area. Anyone desiring to have more information or having ideas for input was instructed to contact Chem either by phone at 1-800-478-7745 or on the Internet at www ffemCoilspill.state.as.us. C. Kenai River Water Quality Monitoring Framework Plan Kenai River Center Education Plan Updates -Michelle Brown, The Nature Conservancy Michelle Brown stated she would get the new board members a copy of the Water Quality Monitoring Framework Plan. She stated now Chat most of the agencies have signed off on the Statement of Cooperation, it is time to find an agency willing to Cake on the project and then go speak with the Governor and the Legislators. The program will cost approximately $15,000 (not including salaries) to have 15 to 20 sites monitored for dissolved oxygen and heavy metals. Petro chemicals will noC be monitored because of cost restraints unless additional funding is provided. There are no other water quality monitoring programs on the Kenai River, although Cook Inlet Keepers are doing some monitoring on the tributaries. Their information would be very valuable Co this program. Kenai River Special ManagemenE Area Advisory Soard Minutes December 16, 1999 I:ancaster stated the CiCy of Soldotna may be able to offer some assistance. Degernes stated her agency could help with the collection effort with staff and boats. It is hoped that the AlaskaDepartment of Fish & Game can assist. with lab/technical support. Ms. Brown also spoke on a coordinated efforC to do watershed science education in Che community. They are currently creating a resource list of all information, maps, brochures, and other materials available for teachers and homeschoolers. In addition, they are in the beginning stages of establishing workshops, a library within the Kenai River Center and an education erail along the river. Shuster noted that the Streamwatch Program has done a lot with educating the public on the Kenai River. He suggested contacting tiSFS to be a coaition member to work on this issue. D. Kenai River Research Summary -Tim McKinley, ADF&G, Sportfish Div. ADF&G Fishery Biologists Tim McKinley and Dave Athons discussed a piece of property near Thompson's Hole (RM 45), which was recenCly acquired by USFWS from Che Kenai Native Association with EVOS funding. ADF&G has had along-term study ae this site to study the impacts of anglers. Once purchased, the banks were scheduled to be restricted due to habitat protection interests; however, because of the study, the Refuge agreed to leave itopen for 1999. 1Vow, however, the Refuge has stated that unless there is supportfrom a number of parties, they will need to close the area to bank angling during peak times to protect the riparian habitat of this parcel. McKinley and Athons came to the Board to explain the nature of their study and appeal for support for its continuation. In measuring impacts from anglers, ADF&G monitors the site both before and after the fishing season to compare the differences, as well as Co compare year-to-year changes. They are measuring soil compaction, and percent of vegetation present during the study plots at several sites along the river. EighC sites are high use sites, while other sites are non use sites for comparison. A few of the other high use sites are jeopardized due Co on-going or planned restoration projects, so they are particularly interested in maintaining ±he 2 sites a€ Thompson's Hole. ~Nitheut the opportunity to study a site over a number of years, Chey do not have the ability to distinguish between long term and short-term angler impacts. ADF&G has not seen high bank loss at the Thompson Hole site but they have seen trampling and shrubs taken out. To date, the area has been able to bounce back between seasons. If the banks were restricted or rehabilitated, the data at that site will become null and void. Shadura noted that the KNA shareholders were very sensitive regarding bank protection when they sold the parcel into public trust. Part of the deal was that the property would be protected. He pointed out that EVOS funding was to be used for habitat protection and it's not appropriate Co allow for continued degradation of a site for the sake of a study. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Minutes December 16,1999 Lancaster did not support the continued study at that location. He did not believe thaC the site should be allowed to be trampled on only to see if it bounces back for the next season. Athons stated that they were looking at oycles from year to year and then .Waking comparisons. He stated they were not asking that it be kept open for the long term, but just for a couple of more cycles. King noted it was aboat-in area and primarily only used during the sockeye season so it doesn'C sustain high use like the bank along Centennial Park. He commented the site is used but it is not trashed. Wellman questioned if other strategies such as closing Che area to camping could be used to reduce the impact of the area without closing the area to fishing. He felt closing the site and disbtusing the fishermen that used rile site woiildjast create other problems elsewhere. He supported Che continued study and felt Che damage at that site was done more from boat wakes rather than from trampling. He asked if there would be any accounting for erosion due to boat wakes vs. trampling of banks. He was informed ADF&G hasn't seen calving of banks, which is typical for boat wake erosion, at this site. MOTION: ROSS MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT TIIE BANKS REMAIN OPEN TO SUPPORT THE ADF&G STUDY FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS.DEGERNESSECONDED. There was discussion that if the banks were closed, it would only move people to other areas and would impact those areas also. It was suggested to allow the study next year and then get feedback before allowing the study to continue. MOTION: ROSS MOVED TO AMEND HIS MOTION TO RECOMMEND THAT ADFRcG BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THEIR STUDY NEXT YEAR ONLY, AND THEN OBTAIN FEEDBACK BEFORE ALLOWING ANY FURTHER STUDY AT THE LOCATION. DEGERNES SECONDED. Shuster stated it would be helpful if ADF&G would define exactly what it is that they are looking for and determine at what point they would stop and take action. VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION TO RECOMMEND: Yes King, Wellman, Richardson, Golden, West, Whitmore-Painter, Navarre, Shuster, Ross, Marcorelle, Degernes No: Shadura, Lancaster' " -_ Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Minates December 16, 1999 MOTION PASSED: 11 Yes, 2 No Shadura requested_quantitative figures and a baseline be established. He also requested thaC the test be kept ow-keyed fearing that if more of the public finds out the area is open, then thew could be stibstahtially higher use and greater damage. Degernes noted that two more of these test sites are located at Slikok Creek where a bank restoration project will be occurring nexC summer. It is possible that the restoration project will be conducted downstream from the two study plots. Originally, Parks had thought to close the unprotected upstream section, but has agreed to keep it open to bank angling for another season so ADFScG can conduct their study. At the end of the season, the site will be re-evaluated and a decision will be made whether to keep it open or clew it prior to the 2001 season. E. Soldotna Urban Project Discussion -Ken Lancaster Lancaster is still very concerned about the River Terrace RV Park property contamination. Anew hot spot was discovered up by the building and now it looks like the contaminents went down through the drain system. He said the City is not very happy that it will be at leasC Cwo more seasons before anything is done beyond moving the contaminated dirt piles. Due to the discovery of more contamination and the inability to get the cleanup process moving, the City is recommending that DOT postpone the Bridge Project uhti] the site is cleaned up. Lancaster is in the process of asking Senator Stevens to get involved by getting some Superfund money to clean up the area. Wellman concurred and stated the contanmation was discovered years ago and yet they are no closer to a solution. He believed the Board should do all in their power to encourage that Che problem be fixed now; litigation can always be done later. Navarre agreed the problem needs to be corrected; and if it takes the Superfund, then the Board should encourage it. iL10TION: DEGE RNES MOVED TO SUPPORT THE CITY OF SOLDOTNA AND URGE DOT TO CEASE FROM ALL ACTIVITY AT THE SITE, TO CEASE FROM DISTURBING SOIL AROUND THE BRIDGE, AND TO URGE THAT THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES MOVE TO GET THE SITE CLEANED UP BEFORE DEVELOPING A NEW STORM DRAIN SYSTEM. LANCASTER SECONDED. VOTE ON MOTION OF SUPPPORT: MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUS WITHOUT OBJECTION. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Minutes December 16, 1999 Marcorelle stated it can be done but it will be expensive. West stated if they have to go to Che top and use Che Superfund, then'do it. He did not want to wait 15 years for Che site to be cleaned, and stated he's witnessed plenty of projects on the Refuge that have taken years to clean up. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Boat Wake Stud~Update Degernes reported that the Corps hasn't really moved on the projecC because they don't have a person dedicated to the project. She stated that Lance has suggested that the Board send a Letter to the Corps to put pressure on them so that the Boat Wake Study could be performed next season. MOTION: DEGERNES MOVED TO SEND A LETTER TO THE U. S. CORPS OF ENGINF,ERS WITH A COPY TO ADF&G COMMISSIONER RUE TO URGE THEM TO MAKE THE BOAT WAKE STUDY A HIGH PRIORITY AiVD TO COMPLETE IT IN THE 2000 SEASON. ANN WHITMORE-PAINTER SECONDED. Navarre wanted the Corps to give a status update at the next meeting. B. Commercial Operator s Committee Update -Jeff King King reported the committee met to streamline Che suspension language for guide violations. C. Permit Committee Update Fisler announced a letter was written to Mr. Marv SCratton informing him to remove his floating dock, as required in his park use permit. There will be an enforcement fly over this spring, which will document, which docks have or have noC been removed. Navarre felt there should be a penalty for those who do not remove their docks. Fisler also announced there will be a meeting regarding the Cooper Landing by-pass, and she will advise the date once the meeting is set. D. Recreation Tm~act Committee Update -Chris Degernes Degernes stated the committee meC earlier in the day to discuss goals and objectives, but it was clear that additional perspectives would be needed to get this study organized. She was looking for volunteers to participate on the committee. Wellman and Shadura volunteered. Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Minutes December 16,1999 V. PUBLIC COMMENT -None VI. ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments Navarre wished everyone a Merry Christmas. King thanked Denise Dutile for the candy and wished all happy holidays. Degernes stated that Ranger Berkhahn has been getting some good feedback from his research regarding user fees on rivers throughout the country. Shadura stated he was glad to he on the Board and stated he will be on a Teaming curve for a while. Lancaster Chanked everyone for their support on the contamination issue. Golden will be unable to attend the next meeting B. Date/Agenda of Next Meeting The next meeting will be January 13, 2000. Chairman Wellman adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Eartene Reed, Recording Secretary For the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board Minutes ~ December 16, 1999