(Table of Contents)

II.5 Transportation

II.5.1 Rail Transportation

The types of material transported through the basin may vary since railroads are common carriers that must transport any shipment that is properly prepared and documented. (Chapman, 1999) The greatest risk to source water quality from rail transportation comes from an accident that results in leaking or ruptured containers. Source water impairment will depend to some extent on 1) the volume of material finding its way to the river; 2) the materials being transported at the time of the accident; and 3) the chemical properties of the spilt material.

Review of a single year's hazardous material traffic flow summary for Burlington Northern Santa Fe identifies a variety of material types that have been transported through the Nooksack Basin by rail. Materials transported include propane, butane, liquefied petroleum gas, ammonium nitrate, sulfur dioxide, and materials identified as "hazardous waste". A preliminary review of the fate of materials listed in the transport summary provides some information on potential risks to water quality from material transport through the Nooksack Basin by rail.

The environmental fate of butane in aquatic systems indicates low to zero occurrence of bioconcentration. (Prager, 1995; TOXNET, 1999) Volatilization and to some extent adsorption are expected to be the more important fate processes. In studies, butane has been shown to partition from the water column and adsorb to organic matter contained in sediments and suspended materials. The volatilization half-life of butane from a model river is relatively short and has been estimated to be 2.2 hours. (TOXNET, 1999)

Ammonium nitrate is quite soluble in water. Therefore, if precipitation occurs prior to cleanup of a spill or if water is used to disperse the spilled chemical, the solution of ammonium nitrate produced can readily migrate to a groundwater supply or into a surface water source. A spill of ammonium nitrate could result in massive algal blooms in static water and affect local fish populations. The acute hazard presented from a spill is directly related to the level of un-ionized ammonia present in the water. (Prager, 1995). Major water uses that may be threatened as a result of ammonium nitrate entering a water system include both fisheries and potable water supplies. (Prager, 1995; TOXNET, 1999)

Sulfur dioxide is the final material identified in the BNSF traffic summary report for which information on transport and fate processes was reviewed. Major water uses threatened by contamination of sulfur dioxide to a water source are recreation, fisheries and potable water. Acute and chronic hazards related to public health are through ingestion (Prager, 1995).

Although the materials were reviewed from the perspective of source water protection, it needs to be noted that both butane and ammonium nitrate are highly flammable and explosive and may present additional public safety concerns. In addition, materials listed in the traffic summary report as "hazardous materials" are unknown in terms of their potential to impair source water quality. Burlington Northern is in the process of revising its System Preparedness Plan with an expected completion date of June 1999. A request for a copy of the completed plan has been filed with Burlington Northern on behalf of the PUD and the City of Lynden. In addition, the PUD and Lynden should work closely with Burlington Northern and Whatcom County Emergency Services to further identify and assess risks associated with materials transported via rail through the Nooksack Basin.

II.5.1.1 North Fork Nooksack Subbasin

There currently does not appear to be active rail transport in the North Fork Nooksack Subbasin.

II.5.1.2 Middle Fork Nooksack Subbasin

There currently does not appear to be active rail transport in the Middle Fork Nooksack Subbasin.

II.5.1.3 South Fork Nooksack Subbasin

There are sections of Burlington Northern's Sedro Woolley to Sumas route that come within less than half a mile of the South Fork Nooksack. From about the Saxon Road north to the intersection of Mt. Baker Highway and Highway 9, the rail parallels the South Fork. In addition to paralleling the river, the rail crosses the South Fork near Acme.

II.5.1.4 Lower Nooksack Subbasin

From the South Fork Nooksack Subbasin, the Sedro Woolley - Sumas route enters the Lower Nooksack Subbasin at the intersection of Mt. Baker Highway and Highway 9. The rail follows the mainstem of the Nooksack River from the intersection to the Nooksack Road where it turns and heads north to Sumas. On the stretch that parallels the Nooksack River, there are areas where the rail comes within less than half a mile of the water. The rail crosses the mainstem of the Nooksack River at the boundary with the South Fork Subbasin.

Burlington Northern also has an Everson - Sumas route. Although most of the tracks are outside of the Nooksack Basin, there is a spur off this route that enters Lynden from the west side of the city limits approximately one-half mile north of the Nooksack River. The track crosses Kamm Creek, which drains to the Nooksack just above Lynden's intake. In addition, the tracks for the Everson - Sumas route cross the Nooksack River at Everson.

A Burlington Northern rail route also extends north from the Skagit County line to the British Columbia border through western Whatcom County. Most of the route is not within the Nooksack Basin. However, the tracks do cross the Nooksack River at Ferndale and for approximately 0.8 miles run within less than a half-mile from the river. In addition, a rail-switching yard is located within this stretch of the rail route.

II.5.2 Vehicular Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in the Nooksack Basin varies by subbasin. The Lower Nooksack is the most developed of the four drainages - South Fork, Middle Fork, North Fork, and Lower Nooksack - and has the highest population density. Consequently, the transportation system has the greatest number of roads and the most miles of pavement. The steep terrain of the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork subbasins along with the zoning, result in lower levels of service for vehicular transportation in these subbasins.

Transportation may be a source of contamination to water quality. Direct runoff of stormwater from roads into waterbodies can lead to impairment of source water quality by contributing hydrocarbons, metals, and other chemical contaminants. In addition to road runoff, transportation systems present a potential risk to source water quality through accidental material spills. This may be of particular concern in areas where the road is in close proximity to the river or its tributaries, the road is part of a regular route for trucks hauling potentially hazardous chemicals, or where bridges span the Nooksack River, North Fork, Middle Fork, or South Fork. To further evaluate vulnerability of source water from these areas, the state highway and county sheriff patrols should be contacted to determine frequency of vehicular accidents in these areas.

II.5.2.1 North Fork Nooksack Subbasin

Figure 18 identifies major and minor arterials in the North Fork Nooksack Subbasin and River Miles (RM). State Road 542 (Mount Baker Highway), which is the major arterial in the North Fork Nooksack subbasin, is the primary route for reaching the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mt. Baker Recreation Area and the unincorporated communities of Kendall, Maple Falls, and Glacier.

Of the approximately 40 miles of the Mt. Baker Highway located within the North Fork Nooksack Subbasin, approximately 45% of the miles represented are within approximately 1,000 feet of the North Fork Nooksack River.

Stretches of the Mt. Baker Highway that are within two tenths of a mile, or approximately 1,000 feet (ft), of the banks of the North Fork Nooksack River are identified below

• The first stretch of highway extends about 2.5 miles (mi.) and begins at approximately River Mile 43 to about River Mile 45.75 (just below the Kendall Fish Hatchery). The average distance between the North Fork Nooksack and the highway is 0.19 mi. with the shortest distance on this stretch being 0.05 mi. or 264 ft. WADOT traffic counts are available for the Mt. Baker Highway just prior to the junction for Kendall Road (Highway 547) which is just above the Kendall Fish Hatchery. Traffic volume at this point averages 3500 vehicles per day. The 3500 count is likely to be traveling on the 2.5-mile stretch that parallels the North Fork since there are not any roads transecting Mt. Baker Highway in this stretch. Traffic volume on the Mt. Baker Highway at this post would be representative of a variety of vehicle types including fuel transport, septic pumpers, and materials and supplies for activities identified in the land use inventory (Appendix B). The proximity of the North Fork to the Mt. Baker Highway along this 2.5-mile stretch makes the river vulnerable to spills occurring as a result of a vehicular accident.
  
• The second stretch of the highway extends about 4.35 mi. It begins at approximately River Mile 50.5 and extends to the bridge at approximately River Mile 55. The average distance between the North Fork Nooksack and the highway is 0.09 mi., or 475 ft, with the shortest distance being 0.04 mi. (211 ft) and the furthest distance being 0.22 mi. (1,162 ft). There is not a WSDOT traffic count past Maple Falls. However, there is a post just past the Kendall Road junction that shows an average daily traffic (ADT) count of 2400. The junction for Silver Lake Road is prior to the section of the Mt. Baker Highway that parallels the North Fork in close proximity. Whatcom County Council of Governments (WCCOG) shows an ADT count of 754 vehicles on the Silver Lake Road at the Mt. Baker Highway. Therefore, the potential ADT count for the stretch north of Maple Falls may be as high as 1646 vehicles.
  
• The last stretch of highway begins at approximately River Mile 59.5 (at the bridge at Coal Creek) and extends for about 11 mi. to the point where the highway heads in a southerly direction to the Mount Baker Ski Area. The average distance to the North Fork Nooksack on this stretch of highway is 0.09 mi. (475 ft) with the shortest distance being 0.04 mi. (211 ft) and the furthest distance being 0.19 mi. (about 1000 ft). The closest post at which WADOT has taken traffic counts is at the Gallup Bridge, which is at Glacier. ADT counts at this point were 990 vehicles. Since there is little commercial activity beyond this point, it is probable that most of the traffic is headed to recreational destinations.

In addition to the stretches of Mt. Baker Highway that are in close proximity to the North Fork Nooksack, the river is vulnerable to vehicular activities at points where the road crosses the North Fork Nooksack. The Mt. Baker Highway in these areas is a winding, two lane highway. ADT counts for the Mt. Baker Highway are discussed above. The three bridges crossing the North Fork Nooksack occur at the:

• Mt. Baker Highway near the mouth of Canyon Creek at RM 55.
• Mt. Baker Highway above Glacier near RM 59
• Mt. Bakery Highway near RM 71.

The minor arterials in the subbasin include Kendall, Silver Lake, South Pass and Limestone Roads. North Fork Road parallels the North Fork Nooksack for approximately 8.5 miles and serves as access to a number of residences along the river. With the exception of the North Fork Road, none of the minor arterials runs within 1000 ft of the North Fork Nooksack for any significant distance. In terms of its close proximity to the North Fork Nooksack River, the North Fork Road is not as great a concern as the Mt. Baker Highway since it is a lightly, traveled road. WCCOG traffic counts for the North Fork include a daily average of 411 vehicles at Mosquito Lake Road and 274 on the North Fork Road where the pavement transitions to gravel. In addition to the scattered residences along North Fork Road, the road is used to access private timber land and state lands.

There are also numerous forest service roads, logging roads and private roads scattered throughout the North Fork Nooksack Subbasin.

Since several of the arterials cross into other subbasins, the mileage associated with each of the arterials listed in Table 22 represents only that portion located within the North Fork Subbasin.

II.5.2.2 Middle Fork Nooksack Subbasin

Figure 19 identifies major and minor arterials and RMs for the Middle Fork Nooksack Subbasin. Mosquito Lake Road is the only maintained arterial crossing through the Middle Fork Nooksack subbasin. The approximately eight miles of arterial that traverses the subbasin are paved. Of this, approximately one mile of the road is within an average of 0.12 mi., or 634 ft, of the Middle Fork Nooksack River. Traffic on Mosquito Lake Road is fairly light. WCCOG traffic counts for crossings over the Middle Fork Bridge indicate an average of 260 vehicles daily.

Although the Middle Fork Bridge discussed in the previous paragraph is the only crossing over the Middle Fork, there are approximately seven small bridges that span a number of tributaries draining directly into the Middle Fork. The tributaries crossed by these bridges include Canyon, Porter, and Heislers Creeks. All of the bridge crossings referenced are downstream of the City of Bellingham's diversion dam.

A light duty unpaved arterial parallels the Middle Fork Nooksack for approximately 12.5 miles until it turns in a northeasterly direction away from the river approximately one-third mile from the Mount Baker National Forest Boundary. The City of Bellingham has an access road to their diversion dam from this road. This unpaved road is the only arterial that extends above the diversion.

In addition to the arterials previously discussed, there are a number of unimproved logging roads and private access roads scattered throughout the Middle Fork Nooksack Subbasin.

II.5.2.3 South Fork Nooksack Subbasin

Figure 20 identifies major and minor arterials and RMs for the South Fork Nooksack Subbasin. State Road 9 (Valley Highway) is the major arterial for accessing the unincorporated communities of VanZandt, Acme, and Wickersham. An average daily vehicle (ADV) count of 4700 was measured by WADOT at a post on Highway 9 near the South Fork Bridge.

Minor arterials in the subbasin include Mosquito Lake, Strand, Saxon, and Homesteader Roads. WCCOG traffic counts are only available for two locations in the South Fork Nooksack Subbasin: Strand Road and the south end of Mosquito Lake Road. On the Strand Road, the ADV count is 152 and for Mosquito Lake Road the ADV count in 1997 was 542.

Numerous logging roads and private roads are also scattered throughout the South Fork Nooksack Subbasin.

Of the major and minor arterials in the subbasin, only Saxon Road has a stretch that runs adjacent to the South Fork Nooksack River within a relatively close distance. The average distance between the road and the riverbank on this 2-mi. stretch is 0.07 mi., or 370 ft. The shortest distance on this stretch of Saxon Road is 0.04 mi. (about 210 ft) with the furthest distance being 0.13 mi. (686 ft). There are no traffic counts available for this stretch of road or for any areas within a close proximity of this site that can be used as an indicator of traffic volumes. Saxon Road is a minor arterial that provides access to Lummi Tribe's Skookum Creek Hatchery, the Arlecho Creek Forest Conservation Area[1], and commercial forestry sites.

Two bridges cross the South Fork Nooksack: one is on Potter Road at approximately RM 2 and the other bridge is at Acme at approximately RM 8.5. WADOT traffic counts for Highway 9 at the South Fork bridge is approximately 4700 ADT. There is not a traffic count for crossings at Potter Road. There are also bridges on minor arterials that cross tributaries of the South Fork Nooksack. Tributaries with bridges spanning them include Jones, McCarty, and Hutchinson Creeks. Traffic counts for the South Fork Nooksack Subbasin are not available for these bridge areas with the exception of a count taken by the WCCOG at the south end of Mosquito Lake Road. At that location, the ADT is 542 and is representative of the number of vehicles crossing over the Hutchinson Creek Bridge.

Table 24 lists the major and minor arterials along with their respective miles of road surface.

II.5.2.4 Lower Nooksack Subbasin

The Lower Nooksack Subbasin has the most significant road network of all four subbasins in the Nooksack Basin. Figure 21 identifies major and minor arterials and RMs in the Lower Nooksack Subbasin. In addition to the arterials located in the unincorporated areas of Whatcom County, there are numerous arterials within the boundaries of the cities located in the Lower Nooksack Subbasin: Everson, Lynden and Ferndale.

For purposes of the NSPP developed for the City of Lynden and PUD, information presented in this section is for areas above the PUD's water intake at RM 5.5. In addition, arterials identified are those which support the greatest traffic volume, which run in close proximity or cross the Nooksack, or which run in close proximity or cross a major tributary to the Nooksack. Among the arterials fitting the criteria are the federal and state highways: Interstate 5, State Road (SR) 539 (Guide Meridian), SR 542 (Mt. Baker Highway), SR 544 (E. Pole Road), and SR 546 (E. Badger Road). County arterials that fit the criteria listed above include Hannegan, Noon, Everson-Goshen, Mission, Axton, E. Hemmi, and Birch Bay-Lynden Roads.

There are six bridges spanning the mainstem of the Nooksack River:

• The Ferndale bridge spans the Nooksack River at approximately RM 6 and is the main route into the City of Ferndale. According to City of Ferndale figures, average daily counts over the bridge in 1996 were 17,900 per day for an average workweek. The counts do not specify whether the vehicles are trucks or automobiles. The high traffic counts at this location is likely due to the fact that this is a main route to the Cherry Point industrial area.
  
• The Interstate-5 bridge spans the Nooksack River at approximately RM 6.5. The 1997 WADOT traffic count taken at a post just north of the Axton Road exit (Ferndale) approximately 0.40 miles prior to the bridge was 31,000 vehicles.
  
• SR 539 (the Guide Meridian) spans the Nooksack at approximately RM 15.3 and is one of the primary routes between Bellingham and Lynden. It is also a route used for travel between Bellingham and British Columbia. WADOT traffic counts for 1997 at a post just north of the Wiser Lake Road junction shows an ADT count of 13,000 vehicles.
  
• Hannegan Road spans the Nooksack River at approximately RM 18 and is one of the primary routes from Bellingham to Lynden. Traffic counts collected by the City of Lynden for the period of 1992-1996 show an average of 7,000 vehicles per day crossing the bridge on a typical weekday. Traffic counts jump to an average of 9,900 vehicles per day in August during Northwest Washington Fair week.
  
• The location of the next bridge spanning the Nooksack River is at Everson just below RM 24. The closest post for WADOT traffic counts is SR 544 at the Washington Street junction. ADT counts taken at this point in 1997 were 7,300 vehicles.
  
• The final bridge location is on SR 542 (Mt. Baker Highway) at RM 31. The closest WADOT traffic count post to the bridge is taken before the junction of Highway 9. Counts at this point in 1997 shows an ADT volume of 8,700.

Other arterials with high traffic volumes include:

• WADOT traffic counts on SR 546 (Badger Road) just past the junction of Depot Road in 1997 were 6,400 vehicles. The Badger Road is a primary east-west arterial just north of the Lynden city limits and crosses three of the primary tributaries of the Nooksack River: Bertrand, Fishtrap, and Kamm Creeks.
  
• Based on WADOT traffic counts, volume on the SR 544 (Pole Road) between the Guide Meridian and the Everson-Goshen Road in 1997 was an average of 5750 vehicles. The Pole Road crosses through the Ten-Mile Creek watershed, which is a primary drainage to the lower Nooksack River.

Table 25 lists major and minor arterials along with their respective miles of road surface.

^aInformation presented is for that segment of the arterial that is within the Lower Nooksack Subbasin.

II.6 Forestry-Related Activities

The Whatcom County Assessor's Office classifies all forest zones under the single heading of forestry rather than classifying rural and commercial forest zones separately. This means that parcel information, including ownership, is not broken down to correspond with Whatcom County zoning designations for forest uses. Therefore, for purposes of better evaluating forestry in the subbasins, ownership information was split into two categories: large forestry parcels and smaller forestry parcels. The criterion used for designating large forestry parcels is ownership that is primarily corporate holdings greater than 200 acres and Washington State holdings. The criterion for categorizing smaller forestry parcels ownership is parcels less than 200 acres.

The potential sources of contaminants from forest-zoned properties used primarily for commercial timber harvesting include sediment transport, nutrients, and pesticides. During timber harvesting periods, which includes road-building activities, soil erosion is a primary concern. In addition, phosphorus loading to streams is frequently associated with soil erosion from forested areas. Post-harvest impairment to source water may result from debris torrents from the cut areas if proper measures are not taken during the harvesting period.

II.6.1 North Fork Nooksack Subbasin

There are approximately 62,828 total acres in forestry in the North Fork Subbasin of which approximately 57,628 are categorized as large forestry parcels. Table 26 identifies ownership based on Whatcom County tax records and approximate acreage for the holdings greater than 200 acres. Of the total number of acres in forestry, approximately 33,136 acres, or 53%, are Washington State holdings. The other large forestry parcels are owned by private timber companies or corporations with a timber-interest with the exception of about 495 acres, which are owned by Whatcom County Parks.

TABLE 26.  NORTH FORK NOOKSACK SUBBASIN - LARGE FORESTRY PARCEL OWNERSHIP

^aInformation obtained from the Whatcom County Assessor's office. Information may not reflect recent changes in ownership.
^bWashington State holdings are listed under a number of different names. The acreage listed is a consolidation of all of those holdings.

On county tax records, the Washington State holdings are listed under different ownership names such as Washington Indemnity Lands, Washington Land for Scientific Schools, Washington Forest Board, Washington Department of Public Land, and Washington Department of Natural Resources. The name under which the state holdings are recorded on county records is not based on how the forest is managed (Murley, 1999). The difference in how the holdings are recorded has to do with how the revenue from the harvested timber is allocated to the state budget.

A review of parcels by Township, Range, and Section indicate that of the nine landowners of large forestry parcels, only Tilbury Cement, Zender Logging, and Albert J. Firchau do not own property within a land section that has the North Fork Nooksack or a tributary of the North Fork flowing through the section. In addition, although Tilbury Cement owns 749 acres of forest-zoned property, the primary activity appears to be mining of crushed rock and not harvesting of timber for commercial purposes. Landowners of large forestry parcels that are within 100 feet of the North Fork Nooksack include Crown Pacific, Trillium, Whatcom County Parks and Washington State.

The remaining 5,200 acres of forestry parcels in the North Fork Subbasin fit the criterion of the smaller forestry parcels previously identified. Although the parcels are zoned forestry, county zoning allows for uses in addition to timber harvesting. It is on the smaller forestry parcels that the non-forestry activities are typically evidenced. These activities include such uses as residential, agricultural, and recreational activities. A review of the Whatcom County Assessor's records indicates that the tax valuation on approximately 840 acres was based on the primary use being a use other than commercial or designated forestry.

II.6.2 Middle Fork Nooksack Subbasin

There are approximately 36,592 total acres in forestry in the Middle Fork Subbasin of which approximately 35,322 are categorized as large forestry parcels. Table 27 outlines the large forestry parcels and ownership. Of the total number of acres in forestry, approximately 21,530 acres, or 59%, are Washington State holdings. The other large forestry parcels are owned by private timber companies or corporations with a timber-interest.

TABLE 27.  MIDDLE FORK NOOKSACK SUBBASIN - LARGE FORESTRY PARCEL OWNERSHIP

^aInformation obtained from the Whatcom County Assessor's office. Information may not reflect recent changes in ownership.
^bWashington State holdings are listed under a number of different names. The acreage listed is a consolidation of all of those holdings.

On county tax records, the Washington State holdings are listed under different ownership names such as Washington Indemnity Lands, Washington Land for Scientific Schools, Washington Forest Board, Washington Department of Public Land, and Washington Department of Natural Resources. The name under which the state holdings are recorded on county records is not based on how the forest is managed (Murley, 1999). The difference in how the holdings are recorded has to do with how the revenue from the harvested timber is allocated to the state budget.

A review of riparian ownership[2] within 100 feet of the Middle Fork show John Hancock Insurance, Merrill & Ring, Washington School Indemnity Lands and Washington State Department of Natural Resources as having timber land within the identified riparian area.

The remaining 1,270 acres of forestry parcels in the Middle Fork Subbasin fit the criterion of the smaller forestry parcels previously identified. Although the parcels are zoned forestry, county zoning allows for uses in addition to timber harvesting. It is on the smaller forestry parcels that non-forestry activities are typically evidenced. These activities include such uses as residential, agricultural, and recreational activities. A review of the Whatcom County Assessor's records indicates that the tax valuation on approximately 132 acres was based on the primary use being a use other than commercial or designated forestry.

Of the 132 acres with a primary use other than forestry, approximately 43 of the acres are owned by the City of Bellingham for their municipal water diversion system. Land ownership adjacent to and near the City's diversion includes John Hancock Ins., Washington State Forest Board and Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

II.6.3 South Fork Nooksack Subbasin

There are approximately 51,140 total acres in forestry in the South Fork Subbasin of which approximately 48,095 are categorized as large forestry parcels. Table 28 outlines the large forestry parcels and ownership. Approximately 20,568 acres, or 40%, of the total acres in forestry are Washington State holdings. The other large forestry parcels are owned by private timber companies or corporations with a timber-interest, Lummi Nation, and Nature Conservancy.

TABLE 28.  SOUTH FORK NOOKSACK SUBBASIN - LARGE FORESTRY PARCEL OWNERSHIP

^aInformation obtained from the Whatcom County Assessor's office. Information may not reflect recent changes in ownership.
^bWashington State holdings are listed under a number of different names. The acreage listed is a consolidation of all of those holdings.

On county tax records, the Washington State holdings are listed under different ownership names such as Washington Indemnity Lands, Washington Land for Scientific Schools, Washington Forest Board, Washington Department of Public Land, and Washington Department of Natural Resources. The name under which the state holdings are recorded on county records is not based on how the forest is managed (Murley, 1999). The difference in how the holdings are recorded has to do with how the revenue from the harvested timber is allocated to the state budget.

Large parcel timber land owners within 100 feet of the South Fork Nooksack River include Lummi Nation, Crown Pacific LP, John Hancock, and Washington State. Ownership of forest zoned lands by the Lummi Nation and the Nature Conservancy is part of the Arlecho Creek Forest Conservation Partnership[3].

The remaining 2,493 acres of forestry parcels in the South Fork Subbasin fit the criterion of the smaller forestry parcels previously identified. Although the parcels are zoned forestry, county zoning allows for uses in addition to timber harvesting. It is on the smaller forestry parcels that non-forestry activities are typically evidenced. These activities include such uses as residential, agricultural, and recreational activities. A review of the Whatcom County Assessor's records indicates that the tax valuation on approximately 743 acres was based on the primary use being a use other than commercial or designated forestry.

II.6.4 Lower Nooksack Subbasin

As compared with the North, Middle and South Fork Nooksack Subbasins, there is very little acreage zoned commercial forestry in the Lower Nooksack Subbasin.

A review of the Whatcom County Assessor's records indicates that approximately 10,268 acres are zoned forestry in the Lower Nooksack Subbasin. Of this total, approximately 9,187 are categorized as large forestry parcels. Table 29 outlines the large forestry parcels and ownership. Approximately 368 acres, or a little less than 4%, is owned by Washington State. The largest landowner is Crown Pacific LP.

TABLE 29.  LOWER NOOKSACK SUBBASIN - LARGE FORESTRY PARCEL OWNERSHIP

^aInformation obtained from the Whatcom County Assessor's office. Information may not reflect recent changes in ownership.
^bWashington State holdings are listed under a number of different names. The acreage listed is a consolidation of all of those holdings.

On county tax records, the Washington State holdings are listed under different ownership names such as Washington Indemnity Lands, Washington Land for Scientific Schools, Washington Forest Board, Washington Department of Public Land, and Washington Department of Natural Resources. The name under which the state holdings are recorded on county records is not based on how the forest is managed (Murley, 1999). The difference in how the holdings are recorded has to do with how the revenue from the harvested timber is allocated to the state budget.

Large parcel forest owners with holdings within 100 feet of the Nooksack River include Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Crown Pacific LP.

The remaining 1,081 acres of forestry parcels in the Lower Nooksack Subbasin fit the criterion of the smaller forestry parcels previously identified. Although the parcels are zoned forestry, county zoning allows for uses in addition to timber harvesting. It is on the smaller forestry parcels that non-forestry activities are typically evidenced. These activities include such uses as residential, agricultural, and recreational activities. A review of the Whatcom County Assessor's records indicates that the tax valuation on approximately 110 acres was based on the primary use being a use other than commercial or designated forestry.

In addition to county-zoned parcels, individual cities in the Lower Nooksack Subbasin may have acreage within their boundaries in forestland. For example, Lynden's Berthusen Park has over 140 acres in timber.

(Section II- Part III)

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[1]The Arlecho Forest Conservation Partnership is discussed in Section V: Watershed Controls and Recommendations.

[2]Refers to large parcel ownerships as defined in the opening paragraph of the Forestry section.

[3]The Arlecho Forest Conservation Partnership is discussed in Section V: Watershed Controls and Recommendations.

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