American Whitewater supports protection of rivers in the Nooksack drainage through Wild and Scenic designation. In their 1990 evaluation, the Forest Service determined that all three forks of the Nooksack, plus Wells Creek on the North Fork and Bell Creek on the South Fork were eligible for Wild and Scenic designation for their outstanding fisheries, wildlife, recreation, scenic and historical/cultural values. Although key tributaries that include Glacier Creek, Clearwater Creek, Warm Creek, and Wanlick Creek were not studied, we believe they are suitable candidates for Wild and Scenic designation.

For more than 3 decades hydro developers have had their eyes on the Nooksack and its tributaries for hydropower development. The following projects have all been explored or considered in the Nooksack basin. Those for which a formal application was filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are indicated by project number below:

• Smith Creek
• Sygitowicz Creek
• Mirror Lake
• Diamond Creek
• Warm Creek, P-10865, Dismissed March 7, 2003
• Clearwater Creek, P-11495, Dismissed February 12, 2003
• Skookum Creek, P-11850, Surrender of Preliminary Permit November 19, 2003
• Nooksack Falls (on the NF Nooksack), P-11857, Project Determined to be Non-Jurisdictional March 25, 2004
• Boulder Creek, P-4270, Dismissed November 10, 1999
• Deadhorse Creek, P-4282, Dismissed February 10, 2000
• Canyon Creek, P-4312, Dismissed February 10, 2000
• Wells Creek, P-4628, Dismissed February 10, 2000
• Heislers Creek (on the MF Nooksack), P-11389
• Glacier Creek, P-4738, Dismissed February 10, 2000
• Swamp Creek
• Ruth Creek

American Whitewater has been a formal stakeholder on several of these projects dating back to 1992 given the potential direct impacts to whitewater boating opportunities. As one of the most undeveloped and intact river systems in Puget Sound, our goal is to keep the river and its major tributaries in their wild and free flowing condition.

The diversion weir on the Middle Fork Nooksack is a barrier to fish passage and navigation. American Whitewater supports removal of this structure. In the alternative, public access and safety must be considered with any modifications.

Access to the North Fork Nooksack has presented challenges because the take-out for the run is downstream of the Forest Service boundary. We are exploring opportunities to provide access with the Forest Service and other stakeholders. Access to the South Fork has also been a challenge.

American Whitewater has worked with the Forest Service to develop guidelines that protect salmon while providing opportunities for paddlers to enjoy the North Fork Nooksack River.

The Nooksack River is an important river for Chinook salmon which are protected under the Endangered Species Act. These fish are particularly vulnerable when spawning (August thru September). American Whitewater has developed the following guidelines with the US Forest Service for recreational activities on the North Fork Nooksack for the protection of these fish:

• Avoid recreational activities that include contact access on the water (e.g. paddling, fishing, wading) from August 15th to October 15th. During this period of low water, which occurs during the Chinook spawning period, fish are particularly vulnerable to disturbance from boats that pass overhead or individuals wading in the river. An exception is allowed at higher flows above 1000 cfs (as measured by the USGS gauge).
• An exception to the above guidelines is made for the short high gradient Horsehoe Bend section. Because this reach is of higher gradient than that typically used by spawning salmon it may be used by paddlers during the period August 15th to October 15th (paddlers are asked to carefully review the information on access points in the run description).
• Following the completion of spawning in mid October, eggs in gravel are vulnerable through the end of March. Do not get out of your boat or wade in the river in areas where the substrate is smaller than the size of a grapefruit as you could crush eggs by walking in areas with gravel.

By following these voluntary guidelines we can protect fish and provide recreational opportunities. By demonstrating cooperation with these guidelines we can avoid mandatory river closures and retain this more flexible alternative.