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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10-18 KRSMA Board PacketICEM 1 AVER ski ra~nag®nlonca2~e "WorltinD ltfge2her...4m the r2Y9r" a~do~~r~~? a ~r~a~ **x Meeting Agenda*** Thursday, October 18, 2001 ~~ 7:00 p.m. Kenai River Center ~~~~, L CALL TO ORDER ~~~~~ ~, ~~~~ P_`,„„„~ f lj d A. Ro11Ca11 ~'~~~~ ~°"^- A ,,.~. B. Approval of 9120!01 minutes "° ~~~~ ~ ~; ""^ C. Agenda Changes and Approval ~~~""°"`~`P"'~" ~tt`:;~ J~ IL PUBLIC COMMENT f III. NEFV BUSINESS A. HB 165, KRSMA Lands Additions, Rep. Ken Lancaster B. Russian River - CIRI Land Selection, Robin West C Kenai River Watershed Nutrient Study, Brett Huber D. Kenai River Field Report, 2001 Season, Ranger Bill Berkhahn E. Board Member Nominations IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Lower Kenai River Boat Launch Proposal, Chris Degernes B. Boat Wake Study-Update/Status, Larce .rasky C. Committee Reports: D. Recreation Study Committee E. Commercial Operators Committee F. Legislative Committee G. Borough Committee H. Water Quality Committee I. Kenai River Center Update, Suzanne Filler V. PUBLIC COMMENT VI. ADJOURNMENT A. Board Comments B. Date/Agenda of Next Meeting Committee Meeting: Recreation Use Committee, 10/18, 5:00 p.m., Kenai River Center r'Z Kenal Area Cffice, Boz 1247. Sottlotna, Ax &9869, Soldotna 2625581 t~l Kenai Ponmsula 3orough, Box &50, Soldotna, AK 99889, Soldo2rta 262444? Alpe:c9 Oiviirn ~,' Petty srq Outtlcer Axree.icr., Ocpamnsm o} Ns[uaf Rroorogs, In coppenJia+ vnth tM1p I~ei Pori vta 2aax}rt KENAI RIVER SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA ADVISORY BOARD Thursday, September 20, 2001 7:00 p.m. Kenai River Center CALL TO ORDER A. Roll Call Members present: Chris Degernes, Bill Shuster, Ted Wellman, Jeff King, Paul Shadura, Jim Golden, Janetfe Cadieux, Charles Quarre, Lance Trasky, Linda Snow, Deric Marcorelle, Bill Kent for Robin West, Tim Navarre. Members Absent: Brett Huber, Rick Wood, and Ann Whitmore-Painter. B. Approval o. 5024/01 minutes. The minutes were approved as written. C. Agenda Changes and Approval No changes were made. 11. PUBLIC COMMENT No comments. III. NEW BUSINESS A. Kenai River Water Quality Study Report, Robert Ruffner, Kenai Watershed Forum. Robert Ruffner provided a brief power point presentation on the history of water quality sampling done in the Kenai River by various entities, state, local and federal. He went over three main points: what has been accomplished, what has been learned and what remains to be done. Accomplishments: 1988 Synoptic studies by Fish & Game 1997- Kenai Watershed Forum -started talking about water quality monitoring programs. 1998- Water Quality Monitoring Framework was established for a Citizen monitoring program. 1999- Funding was received from DEC to begin program. 2000- Coalition of different agencies was formed to help contribute to the study, as DEC would not be able to fund this study annually to the level KWF recommended. 2001- Robert is writing the quality assurance project plan. All entities involved will get a copy. Robert then went over what has been learned from the agency baseline monitoring program. He said Northern Testing Labs was used as a contractor to evaluate the water samples taken twice per year. Of the many water quality parameters tested, hydrocarbons and fecal coliform tests have shown some elevated levels in some areas. The "enforceable standard" used for the Kenai River is the same as drinking dvater as there are no standards set for fish habitat. These end up being higher standards than others that might be used. Robert reviewed the results of hydrocarbon tests on the tributaries and all were shown to be well below detection lirr~its except Beaver Creek. However Beaver Creek was still below the acceptable standard. The mainstem of the Kenai River was tested from Kenai (_ake to the Kenai City Dock. The testing showed more and more detection of hydrocarbons the farther downstream one goes. Nothing was seen with the hydrocarbon tests that is alarmir~g, but it will be important to continue monitoring. The level of fecal coliform showed a couple ofi more serious results. The graph showed the area around Cunningham Park is about 20% above the acceptable Standard fOr fecal CoiifOiii~ levels. Elevated levels VdeY"e aISO Sean in SOIdOtna Creek and Funny River, with most of the highest values noted during the spring tests. Robert said he asked Mike Pollen (Northern Testing Lab) far his opinion on the test results. Mike told Robert the standards written are very conservative, meaning that numbers that are 10-20% above the standard are not alarming. Robert pointed out that one of the criticisms is that we can only afford to do the sampling once in the summer and once in the spring, so we are only getting two snap shots in time each year. However, this looks like a water quality parameter to keep an eye on. Robert then explained another aspect of the study: instrument monitoring. There is a tube thrown into the water which is programmed with a computer instructing it how to sample. This instrument will help for purposes of longer sampling rather than the twice a year sampling. He showed a graph that covered an 11-day period when he knew Chinooks would be spawning. The instrument plotted temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, ph and conductivity. KRSMA Advisory Board pale 2 September 20, 2001 Robert then talked about WRAS (Watershed Restoration Action Strategy) that DEC has asked them to put together as a recipient of the 319 grant which funds this work. It guides the EPA in what funding needs there are here on the Peninsula. This year Robert put in a grant request to have a prioritized bank restoration list and a culvert impediment list developed. Robert asked for the board to consider establishing a water quality committee to assist in the WRAS process. B. Planning the 2001-2002 Board Goals and Objectives Ted Wellman turned this over to Chris Degernes. Chris had several suggestions for the Board to consider. One goal might be to continue efforts to encourage local government (Cities of Soldotna and Kenai, and the KP Borough) to adopt the Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan. Another would be to work on seeking capital money for the recreation use study and phase two of the boat wake study. Plus, renewed efforts to get the KRSMA Lands Addition bill passed in the Senate should be a priority. Another goal would be working on a prioritized bank stabilization list to identify those bank projects that have the greatest needs for restoration. Ted then asked other members to think of items that may need to be identified and suggested e- mailing those to Chris. C. Establishing Standing Committees Last years' list was handed out and reviewed by Ted Wellman. He also pointed out that members of the public are encouraged to be on any of these committees. The following committees were re-established: PERMIT COMMITTEE: Suzanne Fisler, Chair, Lance Trasky, Ted Wellman, Bill Shuster, and Charles Ouarre. RECREATION IMPACT STUDY: Chris Degernes, Chair, Ted Wellman, Paul Shadura, Brett Huber, Charles Quarre, Jim Golden, Rick Wood, Janette Cadieux, Jeff King. COMMERCIAL OPERATORS: Jeff King, Chair, Suzanne Fisler, Ted Wellman, Jim Golden, Bill Shuster, Brett Huber, John Cho, Joe Connors, Greg Brush. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Ted said he wanted to reserve discussion about this committee since the past chair Ann Whitmore-Painter was not available this meeting. KRSMA Advisory Board page 3 September 20, 2001 BOROUGH COMMITTEE: Tim Navarre, Chair, Jeff King, Lance Trasky, Chris Degernes, and Ann Whitmore-Painter. A new committee formed as per the request of Robert Ruffner was formed, WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE: Charles Quarre, Chair, Janette Cadieux, Lance Trasky, Brett Huber, Chris Degernes, Robert Rufifner, Derio Marcoreile, Rick Wood. Ted requested the committees meet before the next meeting and be prepared to make a report. ®. Boat Wake Study -Where do we go fs~om here? Lance reported that Dr. Maynard is finalizing the Boat Wake Study report and hopes to have it completed in October.. Lance said Dr. Maynard had three of the top Corps statisticians look at the report. The next step is to discuss what the data means to us: How do boat wakes affect the different kinds of banks? Lance said what is needed is a definitive study by USGS, who is an agency well equipped to do that. He said the state would probably have to come up with some sort of a match. Ted asked what this board could do to get an official response from USGS. Lance will check into it. Bill Shuster asked if the river has been mapped out with the different kinds of banks. Lance said the Natural Resource Conservation Service has a very thorough map of soils along the Kenai River. Chris suggested adding to our capital improvement project (CIP) request for state funds to match federal. MOTION: Pau! motioned to request C(P funds through DNR's budget for state monies to do Boat Wake Erosion Study to match federal funds. Lance seconded. Discussion: Tim suggested making a review of all of the potential capital projects and submit a comprehensive list. Paul suggested we need to discuss this more.' He would like to see the recreational impact study idea funded also. Lance suggested requesting funding for a Kenai River Study package. Lance said an idea he'd like to see added would be to address how storm water can be managed, which has been along-term priority for Fish and Game and DEC. Ted reminded the board members that original motion addressed just an erosion study, so he asked if there were any objections to adding a storm water runoff study component into the request. After some discussion, it was decided to limit our request to studies recommended in the Management Plan, since they have already received substantial public input. Funding for additional water quality studies or storm water management would best be submitted to DEC anyway. KRSMA Advisory Board pale 4 September 20, 2001 The board consensus was to amend Paul's motion to add a funding request for the recreation use study. There was a break at this point in the meeting. Tim Navarre stated he would need to leave the meeting at this time for other obligations. He asked the Borough Committee to meet on October 9~h probably in Conference Room C at the Borough at 10 am. Another item he brought up is that the Army Corps of Engineers are looking for 1200 ft of office space. Do we want to add the ACOE to the KRC? E. Lower Kenai River Boat Launch Proposal -Update/Status Chris gave the update on Legislature's proposal that DNR purchase property near Cunningham Park for a boat launch. She said the last time the board spoke about this in May, we had just learned that $350K had been appropriated for the purchase of a 10.4-acre lot upstream from Cunningham Park for development of a boat launch facility. Chris said there are some concerns about the site because of extensive wetlands in that area. The likelihood of receiving permits to fill wetlands in this area is not great, as the City of Kenai requested permits for a launch on the adjacent property back in 1990-91 e Chris said she talked with Lance Trasky about the possibility of locating a launch on 5 acres of land just downstream from Cunningham, as there are currently 4 lots for sale there now. The benefit of considering these parcels is that there are no wetlands on the site, and it is adjacent to an existing public access facility. A drawback is that there is very thick peat underlaying this area and the bank is pretty high and steep. The old boat launch that existed at Cunningham was used by drift boaters: and there is no current access for this activity now at Cunningham. Chris said she met a couple of times this summer with the City of Kenai, Ports and Harbor Committee, the Park and Rec Committee and the City Council to see what they thought of this idea. She heard there are some significant concerns that a boat ramp facility might displace bank anglers. Chris said she thinks both activities can coexist because bank angling occurs later in the seascn vdhereas boating use would be in June and July. Chris said the City Council members asked for a site plan so they could visualize this idea. Other alternatives discussed with the Kenai City Council included a boat ramp at Warren Ames Bridge. Chris said the wetlands are too important at this site, and no permits for fill would be possible, plus the City of Kenai's Boat Ramp is only a mile further downstream. Chris said the fundamental question to be decided on is whether there is a real need for a new boat ramp in the lower river? Jim Golden said at the ground breaking for the Cunningham Park rehabilitation, Mayor Williams was given the blueprint of the adjacent property by KRSI that included a new boat ramp designed for drift boats only. KRSMA Advisory Board page 5 September 20, 2001 Janette Cadieux asked if KRSI intended that launch to be just a take out point? Jim said yes, it would be a take out for drift boats as there is only one presently at Eagle Rock. Janette asked why this funding was appropriated for a parcel with wetland permit problems? Chris said this was a proposal by Representative Mulder and she noted thaf he has stated that he does not want it restricted to jusf drift boats or as a take out point only. Chris said it is a political issue as the funding is specifically designated to buy the upstream piece of land for a boat launch facility. To request the legislation be amended to purchase something else for a drift boat take-out may be received with less enthusiasm. The second issue of funding is that the best source for funding to develop a boat ramp is the Wallop/Breaux funds, which requires the boat launch be open for powerboats. Linda Snow said the City Council understands the 10-acre parcel upstream from Cunningham is riot acceptable because permits might not be approved. The City also understands a launch at the Warren Ames Bridge would not be permitted either. Linda said the Mayor did mention that he would appreciate having some drawings that Director Stratton promised to provide. Once those are seen there will be more discussion. Jeff asked that kind of railroad do we have when you have one guy who delivers money to us for something that no one really wants or needs. He added it is another major footprint caused by government. The only people developing on the lower river are government. Jeff said if we have to have this facility, it does make sense to have it near a facility; therefore, the Warren Ames Bridge should be considered. He then read from the KRCMP: "The sense by both public land ~~~anagers and rile pUbiiC i8 that the river is at Capacity nOw In terms Cf heat iige and that additional facilities would only worsen an already serious overcrowding problem. The implication of these conclusions is that few additional facilities should be constructed. Increasing demands for new facilities has to be balanced...." Jeff said that he is speaking as a steward of the river. He wants the board to take a strong position on this deciding whether this is an acceptable plan or not. Linda read in the plan that recommendations were also made to expand existing facilities when overcrowding becomes an issue. She referred to a chart that showed Cunningham Park. She wondered if the board was thinking of this project from that perspective. Linda said she is not sure it is entirely fair to say that no one needs it or wants it. She has been to a lot of the meetings and people were interested. Ted agrees with Jeff because one of the things the plan envisioned restricting was the number of new boat launches on the river to prevent the whole series of social and overcrowding problems that are of concern. Ted said there is a KRSMA Advisory Board page 6 September 20, 2001 distinction between boat launches for motorized boat launching and retrieval, as compared to simple drift boat take-out facilities that might be a replacement for an existing use that was in place during the time the KRCMP was revised. Ted said the philosophy was there was a limited resource on the river and we did not. want to see any more intense development on the lower river. This project was brought up last spring and the board has not taken a position yet. Ted said the board is in the process of receiving more information, and he recommended that the Board continue to evaluate this issue. He requested that a briefing paper be developed for the board members so that the board may take appropriate action. This topic will be on the next agenda for further discussion. F. l4enai River Vdatershed Nutrient Study, Brett Huber In Brett's absence Jim Golden gave the update. The Contractor selected to do the nutrient study is the University of Victoria along with Mr. Jim Edmundsen who is with ADF&G Commercial Fish Division. ADF&G's Limnology lab will be used. The study could have major ramifications and implications worldwide. There appears to be a lot of funding potential for this from various agencies and sources. Jim promised that Brett will brief the board more thoroughly next month. G. Snow River Jokhulhaup -Update and Status of Lake Levels Bill Shuster said the Snow River Jokhulhaup started to release on September 12th. Even though the Take was at near record depth it has slowly released its water. This has been an unprecedented slow release, which is very fortunate. He said normally the release of the lake is a 5 to 7 day event. It has alread~r heen a week and it is prnjer_.teri to peak at the Snow River bridge on the ?~° , Bill said at Kenai Lake it is projected to be above minor flood stage by about 4 inches. Presently the water level is just starting to cover the Primrose Campground road, which is not unusual for typical high water on Kenai Lake. BiII said it is not projected this will be a very significant event this time, with two caveats: one is assuming the flow will continue slowly and the second is there would not be a major rain event in the next feud days. He said the National Weather Service is not predicting any rain event coming, however. Paul asked if contractor equipment has been moved from the tenuous areas they were staged at along the Seward Highway? BiII said they have moved everything except afront-end loader and pallets of railing, and it is not expected that there will be any difficulty in moving these items. It is fortunate that the road work is essentially complete. H. Board IVlember Nominations Chris said that Jim H. Richardson resigned last spring, creating a vacancy. Chris said she has done some checking around Cooper Landing for people that may KRSMA Advisory Board page 7 September 20, 2001 want to represent that part of the river, and has received some suggestions. Additionally, three board member seats expire on October 1St: Paul Shadura, Jeff King and Ted Wellman. Ted and Paul indicated they would like to be reappointed. Jeff said he would not renew but that he will ask around as he feels it is important to have a river guide representation. If any board member knows of interested people they can refer them'to the Kenai River Center or the Parks office to request that an application be sent. IV. OLCD BUSIPIBaS .4. Update - MP 45-60 Sterling Highway Project Suzanne said there was an abbreviated meeting on the 13th. There were many folks who could not get here from other states due to travel complications. The major part of the agenda that day was to vrork on determining the criteria to use to select the appropriate route. The ranges of alternatives were addressed, and wi11 be deferred to the next meeting, which will be October 29th in Anchorage. They also developed a technical document that they gave out to the agencies that addressed a lot of the questions agencies had brought up at their May 31St meeting. Noticeably absent from this document was information about brown bears. Suzanne said they have come up with several variances and routes that have not been addressed in this process yet: Juneau Creek Wilderness variance, which comes across Juneau Creek and drops back down to the highway in the Refuge. ® Juneau Creek Forest variance, which rejoins the highway at Sportsman's Landing. Kenai River Alternative, which includes a number of new bridges across the river. ® Juneau Creek "F" Alternative, which would cross below the falls on a lower bench rather than going up above the fails. ® Juneau Creek Alternative, which would come off Bean Creek road area and stay on the lower bench rather climbing up above or below the falls and drop back off. It would require another bridge on the river. ® Walls Alternative - a variation on the existing. alignment that would create large retaining walls along the highway, such as places on the river across from Princess Lodge, where walls up to 180 feet might be developed. Suzanne said there would be more information about the newest variances at the October meeting. Bill Shuster asked if the existing highway would still remain in place. Suzanne said it would and it would still be maintained by DOT. KRSMA Advisory Board Pabe 8 September 20, 2001 B. Kenai River Center Update, Suzanne Fisler The hot issues presently are with the City of Kenai dealing with the Unity Trail. It is stilt. in the design phase. Suzanne reported that they are looking at a "fill trail" at the base of the existing roadbed. it would start out on the west side of the Bridge Access Road, leaving from the City of Kenai. The trail would utilize a portion of the traffic shoulder room on the bridge deck, so the traffic lanes would be narrowed somewhat. On the KBeach side of the bridge, the trail would transition down into the Kenai River Flats park unit, loop around it and go underneath the bridge coming up on the east side toward K-Beach road. There are no official drawings or plans yet, but Suzanne promised to keep the Board informed as information becomes available. Suzanne said she is also working with the City of Soldotna on Centennial Park. The field review is just starting for expansions of their trails from the boat launctr area back to their park entrance station. There will also be new river access stairways and additional fishing platforms, plus bank restoration. Suzanne said it would not connect to the fish walk area at the bridge, yet, because there is a parcel of private property between. Another project is the City of Kenai's Coastal Trail, and although Parks is not an active participant since it is outside our permitting arena, it has become a big issue at the Kenai River Center for all the other agencies. DEC, F&G and the Borough have all sent requests for additional information in the permitting process. USFWS and the NMFS have recommended denial of the permit to the Corps. Suzanne said the concerns have all centered on the hardening of the coastal bluffs and the impact on marine mammals that use the lower river and the fish habitat in the est! nary tha+, is so essential for marine and fresh water species. Suzanne said another permit is the bank restoration project at the Kenai River Center's river bank. This project would continue to allow some responsible access for anglers who park on private property next door. It was estimated to cost around $200K, but because of ADA access requirements, the estimate is now $500K. Suzanne said Borough Mayor Dale Bagley just recently submitted a letter to ACOE asking for their assistance and potential to fund this project here. Suzanne handed out the guide statistics she compiled for this season. There were 374 Kenai River Guides, down from 382 last year. 66 Guides did not return this season compared to 57 from last season. There were 60 new guides this year compared to 64 last season. Suzanne also handed out a Kenai River Guide complaint summary. One guide had 9 complaints against him, mostly for his aggressive behavior. All were from people not fishing with him. Suzanne said there is no stipulation about behavior in the guide stips but maybe something can be developed to prevent or change this type of behavior. KRSMA Advisory Board page 9 September 20, 2001 Chris said it was a relatively safe summer. A few canoes overturned. There were no fatalities and no recorded boating accidents. The Boating Safety program has created more awareness of safe boating. Rangers spent time in schools during the year and spent their efforts educating folks as part of their patrols. Ranger Bill Berkhahn will have a report next month. !f. PUBLIC C®Ml~ENT None V1. da®J®URNNiBNT /~. Board Comments Paul: Received information on the proposed Cock Inlet area wide lease sales for 2002. A good portion of the Ken~:i River is included. Deric: None Bill: Forest Service is looking at Russian River tomorrow, September 21, to determine if there should be a tram down to the river or a trail, to provide improved access for persons with disabilities and for servicing a restroom facility. The USFS is moving forward on additional restoration along the riverbank upstream toward the power line, plus there is a little bit of work that needs to be finished at the confluence of the Kenai River. Second, is the Russian River Mineral withdrawal -they are working with BLM to complete EA this spring, and signed by next fall. There will be two public meetings: one in Soldotna on October 30~h, and one in Anchorage on November 2°d. No details on locations or time yet. Third, Fails Creek, which is south of ivioose Pass and flows into Trail River -the Forest Service will be doing hazardous waste mine clean up. The tailings have arsenic, etc. in them. They are hoping to get that contract out in the next week or so. Linda: None Charles: None Jeff: When he came tonight he did not realize this would be his last meeting. He said he hoped we have done some good here. He encouraged the board to "think generationally". Jim: None Lance: F&G is doing a study in cooperation with FWS and DOT looking at all the stream crossings on the Kenai Peninsula. The intention is to fix all the culverts as 40% of them are blocking fish passage. KRSMA Advisory Board page 10 September 20, 2001 Janette: Remind board members she is happy to hear comments about the bypass route for Cooper Landing so that she can better represent the board there. Chris: Update on the Recreation Study from last year. She has been in touch with Greg Brown at APU. He encouraged Parks to buy a GPS unit and give it some testing. Chris said some basic testing has been done. Greg has the GPS now to test the runs made. She will have more next month on how well the testing went. A second item is that there will be boat ramp repairs at the Cooper Landing launch this fall to make it more user-friendly with high water conditions. ADF&G is helping to fund the repairs. Tim: None Bill Kent: The Moose Range Meadows facility opened in July. Thanks to KRSI for funding for signs, landing nets and PFD's. Sportsmen's Landing ramp is also not working well and repairs will be done. Bill invited everyone to attend the Kenai Wildlife Refuge 60t" birthday party on the 29t"f Ted: Asked Jeff King to attend meetings until he can be replaced! 8. Date/Agenda of Next Meeting October 18t", 2001 at the Kenai River Center Respectfully submitted, Denise Dutiie, rr<ecording Secretary for The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation KRSMA Advisory F3oard page I1 September 20, 2001