Nooksack Recreation Plan Completed (WA)

Posted: 05/04/2015
By: Thomas O'Keefe

Following a two and a half year process, the  Upper Nooksack River Recreation Plan, has been finalized. This new, comprehensive plan will help guide the management of recreation and natural resources along the upper Nooksack River system in Washington state. The plan recognizes and supports the economic and health benefits of recreation, along with protection and restoration of the natural and cultural values of the upper river basin.

The recreation plan was developed through a collaborative planning process led by an advisory committee comprised of representatives from American Rivers, American Whitewater, Hydropower Reform Coalition, Mount Baker Club, National Park Service, Nooksack Tribe, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, the United States Forest Service – Mt. Baker Ranger District, Whatcom Chapter of Back Country Horseman of Washington, Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department, Whatcom Events (Ski to Sea Race), the Whatcom Land Trust, and Wild and Scenic River Tours. Planning assistance was provided by the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program.
 
The Nooksack River is the lifeblood for local communities that rely on the river for clean water for drinking and agriculture, and for tourism income from visitors drawn to the river’s world class whitewater boating, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and other recreation opportunities. Outdoor recreation opportunities are important to quality of life as well as economic growth in Washington’s Whatcom and Skagit counties and across the state. For example, outdoor recreation trips and equipment contribute $21.6 billion annually to Washington’s economy, $8 billion of which is spent on activities around water, including fishing, boating, swimming and diving.
 
 

Thomas O'Keefe

3537 NE 87th St.

Seattle, WA 98115

E-mail: okeefe@americanwhitewater.org
Phone: 425-417-9012
Full Profile

Associated Projects

Nooksack Stewardship (WA)

Public access, hydropower development, and resource stewardship are all ongoing issues on this river system.

Associated Rivers

Canyon Creek (NF Nooksack) WA
Canyon Creek Bridge to Glacier Springs. IV-V+
Clearwater (MF Nooksack trib.) WA
to MF Nooksack V
Glacier Creek WA
FR 39 Bridge to NF Nooksack III-IV
Nooksack, Middle Fork WA
Clearwater Creek to Heisters Creek V
Nooksack, N. Fork WA
1 - Mt. Baker Wilderness to Nooksack Falls V
Nooksack, N. Fork WA
2 - Nooksack Falls to Douglas Fir Campground IV+
Nooksack, N. Fork WA
3 - Douglas Fir Campground to Mt. Baker Highway milepost 27 II-III
Nooksack, N. Fork WA
4 - Milepost 27 (Maple Falls) to South Fork Nooksack II
Nooksack, S. Fork WA
River Mile 25 to Saxon Road II-III
Racehorse Creek WA
to NF Nooksack V+
Ruth Creek WA
Mt. Baker Wilderness Area to confluence with Nooksack River IV-V+
Skookum Creek WA
Above lower gorge to SF of the Nooksack IV-V

Documents

The Upper Nooksack River Recreation Plan (4/10/2015)

Complete Recreation Plan Document with Appendices.

Upper Nooksack Recreation Plan Summary (4/10/2015)

Summary of Recreation Plan.

Regions

Join AW and support river stewardship nationwide!