Rulemaking - Outstanding Resource Waters, Chapter 173-201A WAC

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Comment From: Chris Korbulic

9/27/23 @ 10:30 PM

In June 2016 I made a descent of the Napeequa River by whitewater kayak. Alone, I carried my kayak along much of the wild river to avoid hazards of the descent. Off the river, I walked the amazing valley and forest nurtured by the backbone of the riv...↓

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Comment From: Multiple Outdoor Recreation Or... (Thomas O'Keefe)

9/27/23 @ 10:29 PM

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Comment From: American Exploration & Mining ... (Sidney Smith)

9/27/23 @ 9:17 PM

Attached please find comments from the American Exploration & Mining Association, opposing the proposed rule to designate the Green River as an Outstanding Resource Waterway. Thank you for your consideration.

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Comment From: Gordon Iverson

9/27/23 @ 9:08 PM

I attended your presentation in Mount Vernon and have followed the outstanding water designation. I do have some familiarity with Cascade river But my comments would apply to other rivers. Cascade river has several layers of Protection . These inclu...↓

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Comment From: Hampton Lumber (Douglas Cooper)

9/27/23 @ 8:52 PM

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Comment From: Carter Manning

9/27/23 @ 8:22 PM

Until clear transparency has been met. Given that this is the first time ever that Ecology is designating these waters, a very high standard and clear and specific information should be available so we can have both meaningful public participation an...↓

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Comment From: Laura Ackerman

9/27/23 @ 8:10 PM

I strongly support the nomination by the Soap Lake Conservancy and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Designation Soap Lake for Tier 111 designation. I have read it, and the nomination is well written, researched and most especially it informs u...↓

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Comment From: The Nature Conservancy in Wash... (Justin Allegro)

9/27/23 @ 8:03 PM

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Comment From: Hunter/Angler ORW Support Lett... (Tom Uniack)

9/27/23 @ 6:07 PM

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Comment From: Cascade River Local Stakeholde... (Tom Uniack)

9/27/23 @ 5:40 PM

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Comment From: Napeequa River Joint Local Sta... (Tom Uniack)

9/27/23 @ 5:36 PM

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Comment From: Debra Anderson

9/27/23 @ 5:29 PM

I grew up in Soap Lake 1956-1973. My entire childhood was spent swimming, diving for mud, and water skiing, in Soap Lake. The town hosted a population of many WW1 veterans who had limbs amputated from the war. They also had skin disorders that bath...↓

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Comment From: Kyra O'Haegher

9/27/23 @ 5:06 PM

Please postpone any designations of Tier III waters.

Until clear transparency has been met. Given that this is the first time ever that Ecology is designating these waters, a very high standard and clear and specific information should be available ...↓so we can have both meaningful public participation and transparent analysis. Right now there is a lack of sufficient water quality data to support the designations and the benefits of this proposal are unclear since many of the waters already have protection. There will be significant economic impacts, the environmental impact on land and shoreline use is undisclosed, and the potential restriction of human activities without adequate public and legislative approval is troubling. We urge the Department of Ecology to pause the rulemaking, conduct a thorough and transparent analysis of site-specific data, and consider public input to ensure benefits outweigh costs and regain public confidence in the rule-making process.

Ecology is not being transparent.
Please pause this proposed rulemaking until transparent, objective, and robust analysis is conducted. Ecology should not designate these waters without giving the public clear and direct information about how it is making these designations, the costs of designation, and the implications for local communities.
Ecology has not demonstrated a clear benefit.
We encourage you to stop this rulemaking as Ecology has not identified a quantitative benefit for designating the waters. Ecology water quality standards are purportedly already being met in these waters although there is no site-specific data to demonstrate it. In any case, they are already subject to state and federal protection. Ecology's Preliminary Regulatory Analyses could not quantify the degree to which designation would improve water quality, increase recreational visits, or increase fish and wildlife populations.
Ecology has not revealed economic costs.
Please halt this rulemaking until Ecology has established a high standard for designations which will have significant economic impacts that have not been disclosed. Ecology's Tier III rulemaking acknowledges that Tier III designation would significantly impact current and future human activities adjacent to protected waters in public spaces, potentially preventing public use and access for recreation or other uses. Ecology also acknowledges that Tier III protection potentially has major implications on the economies of the state, acknowledging that designation will prevent large-scale development and may increase costs for small-scale development. But Ecology's Regulatory Analyses does not discuss economic impacts on adjacent communities of permanent protection. It does not acknowledge the square miles affected. Ecology will require activities to use "all applicable structural and nonstructural best management practices," but has not identified what those are or what they will cost.
Ecology has not disclosed environmental impacts – good or bad.
Please wait on the rulemaking until the environmental impacts of these designations are disclosed. Ecology is required by the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to disclose impacts on land and shoreline use. Yet its SEPA decision does not acknowledge that the designation would likely prevent roads and public access for human activities adjacent to these waters. It also does not discuss potential impacts on forest management practices to prevent or fight catastrophic wildfires.
Ecology's action would be unprecedented and poorly defined.
This is the first time Ecology has designated waters since its rules were adopted 20 years ago. Failure here to identify a quantitative need and identify the cost of designation sets a precedent for overreaching in other waters. This is mainly a concern because Ecology's standards for designating waters as Tier III are vague and subjective.
Ecology's recent history of misapplying regulatory standards casts a shadow over this new action.
Ecology has recently been misusing its "Tier II" regulation to prevent measurable change in waters that are meeting state standards. Ecology's expanded use of Tier III designations could essentially prevent human activity in large portions of the state from headwaters to the ocean without any express approval by the Legislature, demonstrable benefit for water quality, and demonstrated support in affected communities.

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Comment From: Carolyn Gastellum

9/27/23 @ 4:39 PM

I strongly support the designation of the upper portion of the Cascade River as an Outstanding Resource Water. Because the Cascade River is a major tributary of the Skagit River protecting its exceptional water quality is an essentially smart choic...↓

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Comment From: Dave Chamberlain

9/27/23 @ 4:39 PM

This proposal is being unduly rushed through the process even though it is clear that the people of Skagit County are not convinced that this is an appropriate action. Our County representatives are in opposition to the proposed designation and furth...↓

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Comment From: US EPA (Lindsay Guzzo)

9/27/23 @ 4:36 PM

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Comment From: Kittitas County (Cory Wright)

9/27/23 @ 4:36 PM

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Comment From: Judith Dunham

9/27/23 @ 4:28 PM

I strongly urge the DOE to hold off on designating these rivers/waters as Tier III Outstanding Resource Waters. This designation would give the DOE almost unlimited power to restrict use of or to allow possibly deleterious uses of these waters, with...↓

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Comment From: Patrick Paulson

9/27/23 @ 4:19 PM

We support the Department of Ecology's proposed rule to designate Soap Lake as a Tier III(B) outstanding resource water. We agree with all the points made by Soap Lake Conservancy and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in their nomin...↓

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Comment From: Skagit County Commissioners (Ron Wesen)

9/27/23 @ 4:13 PM

September 27, 2023

Re: Public Comment on Cascade River Tier III Designation Rulemaking Sept 27,2023
WDOE Rulemaking Administrator,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Cascade River nomination for an "Outstanding Resource Water" ...↓

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Comment From: Jeff Sinker

9/27/23 @ 4:03 PM

This comment is in support of the proposed designation of Outstanding Resource Water for the upper Cascade River. The proposed section of the river is entirely within North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. No p...↓

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Comment From: Ann Quinn

9/27/23 @ 4:00 PM

Please honor the requests of our Indigenous relations. They were here first, and need this area for their well-being , physical, emotional, spiritual. Enough suffering. Let's be responsible to them and learn too, how to live a flourishing life...↓

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Comment From: David Nielsen

9/27/23 @ 3:57 PM

1. Please postpone any designations of Tier III waters until clear transparency has been met. Given that this is the first time ever that Ecology is designating these waters, a very high standard and clear and specific information should be available...↓

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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

9/27/23 @ 3:46 PM

I am apposed to the outstanding resourse water rules.

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Comment From: American Forest Resource Counc... (Matt Comisky)

9/27/23 @ 3:30 PM

Please see the attached file for our comments.

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Comment From: Western Washington University (John McLaughlin)

9/27/23 @ 3:26 PM

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Comment From: Chelan County (Mike Kaputa)

9/27/23 @ 2:49 PM

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Comment From: E. Beckwith

9/27/23 @ 2:36 PM

I support Soap Lake's Tier III B Outstanding Resource Water designation. This highly mineralized lake is known for the relief it provides for those with certain ailments, in particular psoriasis. Its mineral content is diminishing due to a variety...↓

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Comment From: Carla Helm

9/27/23 @ 2:31 PM

Please designate the upper Cascade River an Outstanding Resource Water. It meets the criteria for this designation and is a critically important tributary of the Skagit River. Residents of Skagit rely on the Skagit for drinking water, which makes it ...↓

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Comment From: Ghayda Mirzaa

9/27/23 @ 2:25 PM

Washington's rivers, streams, and wetlands supply drinking water to residents across the state, sustain wildlife habitat, and provide an economic boost to local communities.
As a Washingtonian, I want to see the state's precious freshwater resources...↓

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Comment From: Washington Wild (Chris Chappell)

9/27/23 @ 2:14 PM

Hello, please accept comments from 60 organizations and businesses in support of Outstanding Water Resource designations for the Green, Cascade, and Napeequa Rivers.

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Comment From: Hampton Lumber (Anjolene Ngari)

9/27/23 @ 2:03 PM

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Comment From: Multiple Organizations

9/27/23 @ 1:09 PM

Comment letter attached as PDF.

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Comment From: Conservation Northwest (Paula Swedeen)

9/27/23 @ 12:55 PM

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Comment From: Lorraine Johnson

9/27/23 @ 12:45 PM

Please act in a caring thoughtful way so we citizens can live and be and enjoy and pleasure in living here.

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Comment From: Steve Verbarendse

9/27/23 @ 11:55 AM

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Comment From: Marilyn Herke-Canterbury

9/27/23 @ 11:43 AM

Dear Sirs, Please postpone or even better STOP ALL plans to implement any Tier III water plans. There are two many regulations already. As a private timberland owner I've have witnessed first hand the over regulation of land use. TRANSPARENCY is KEY...↓

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Comment From: Ann Skinner

9/27/23 @ 11:23 AM

I support designating the Upper Cascade as an Outstanding Resource Water for a variety of reasons. The Cascade is a major tributary of the Skagit River important for salmon, Harlequin Ducks, and other wildlife. The Cascade's upper watershed proposed ...↓

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Comment From: Jennifer Chamale

9/27/23 @ 10:40 AM

As a Washingtonian, I want to see our state's precious freshwater resources safeguarded.

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Comment From: Brenda Cunningham

9/27/23 @ 10:22 AM

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposal to designate the Cascade River an Outstanding Water Resource. As a long-time resident of Mount Vernon and consumer of water from the Skagit River I am very concerned about water quality and ava...↓

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Comment From: Anne Winkes

9/27/23 @ 10:09 AM

I fully support the designation of the upper Cascade River as a Washington State Outstanding Resource Water (ORV).

Per the federal Clean Water Act, pristine waterways that have exceptional water quality, are of statewide ecological importance, and...↓/or have unique recreational value can be designated as an outstanding state resource. The upper Cascade River clearly meets all three criteria for designation as an Outstanding Resource Water.

The Cascade River originates in the South Cascade Glacier on Sentinel Peak in the North Cascades National Park and then flows through the wilderness of the North Cascade National Park, Glacier Peak Wilderness and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest before emptying into the Skagit River. You can't get much more pristine than that.

The Cascade River's water quality is exceptional. Its cold (42 degrees), clear, fast-moving waters provide excellent habitat for salmon and other wildlife, including Harlequin Ducks, whose population numbers in Washington State are low per the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Repair of logging roads and culverts in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest have improved the Cascade's water quality and fish passage.

There can be no doubt that the Cascade River has unique recreational value. The many types of salmon found in the Cascade River -- including Chum, Coho, Summer Steelhead, Winter Steelhead, Rainbow trout, Summer Chinook, Coastal cutthroat, Pink, Bull trout, Sockeye and Spring Chinook – make it important to fisherfolk and to the Upper Skagit, Swinomish and Samish Tribes. Additionally, campers and hikers enjoy recreating in its environs and whitewater paddlers enjoy the challenge of navigating its swift water.

Designating the Cascade River an OWR will not only protect the waters of the Cascade River and its tributaries, but it will also help protect the water quality of the Skagit River into which it flows. The health of the Skagit River is important not only to the residents of Skagit County who drink its water, but to the recovery of its Chinook salmon population which in turn is vital to the health of the declining Southern Resident Orca population.

In 2007, the Skagit County Commissioners approved Resolution R20070499 directing county departments to work to proactively engage in salmon recovery efforts. Skagit County continues to work with the Department of Ecology to comply with water quality standards for Skagit tributaries, ensuring that the Skagit has cool, clean water. Certainly, designating the Cascade River, one of the Skagit's tributaries, an OWR is in line with and will aid the county in its salmon recovery efforts.

In summary, for all the above reasons, I urge you to please designate the Cascade River an Outstanding Resource Water, which will ensure the protection of its waters and the waters of its tributaries, thus protecting one of our State's most extraordinary and unique watersheds.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Anne Winkes

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Comment From: Krysta Verbarendse

9/27/23 @ 10:04 AM

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Comment From: Tyler Forman

9/27/23 @ 9:55 AM

Washington's rivers, streams, and wetlands supply drinking water to residents across the state, sustain wildlife habitat, and provide an economic boost to local communities. As a Washingtonian, I want to see the state's freshwater resources safeguard...↓

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Comment From: JANE NICOLAI

9/27/23 @ 9:32 AM

Take care of the beautiful gifts and natural resources we have. It's not a resource if it is despoiled or destroyed. We all live downstream and depend on the clean water, recreation opportunities, $26.5 billion in annual expenditures, and 264,000 job...↓

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Comment From: kristine nesse

9/27/23 @ 9:30 AM

I support Soap Lake's Tier III(B) Outstanding Resource Water designation.

Soap Lake, a highly mineralized lake formed following the Ice Age, is renowned for its exceptional healing properties. The lake has always been an essential destination for in...↓

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Comment From: Rayonier (Holli Johnson)

9/27/23 @ 9:25 AM

Thank you for the opportunity to provide the Department of Ecology our concerns with Tier III Outstanding Resource Water (ORS). I am writing on behalf of Rayonier. Rayonier was founded in 1926 in Shelton, Washington. Rayonier is responsible for pract...↓

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Comment From: Delvina Jackson

9/27/23 @ 9:22 AM

The history of government action has been to use laws passed to the most liberal extent of the ruling parties understanding of those laws.
Do not change the designations of these water sources which will cause future problems for the citizens of th...↓

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Comment From: John Miller

9/27/23 @ 8:17 AM

I strongly support Ecology's advancing rule making on protection of "Type III" streams. The recent rains are putting an end to the declared drought in Western Washington counties; but, that may become the seasonal pattern. Proliferating wildfires, in...↓

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Comment From: Richard Whitmore

9/27/23 @ 8:06 AM

I am disturbebdby the unscientific and political way this rule is being made. The dept. of ecology and others have been very nontransparent and conspiritorial against the management of our forests. How can you be so destructive to an industry with ou...↓

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Comment From: Pete Franett

9/27/23 @ 8:02 AM

Marla,

I am opposed to adding additional environmental protections to the Green River near Spirit Lake and to the other waters listed in The Longview Daily News September 24 article "Pristine Waterway ..."

There were just two billion people on earth ...↓

Sincerely,

Pete Franett

144 Young Road

Kelso, WA 98626

pbfranett@gmail.com↓

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Comment From: Deanna Wolf

9/27/23 @ 7:47 AM

Dear Marla Koberstein:
I am writing in opposition to the proposal for Tier III designation of the Cascade River.
I have read the proposal and participated in the informational meetings and do not believe the proponent has adequately met the qualifica...↓

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Comment From: Skamania County Board of Commi...

9/27/23 @ 7:47 AM

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Comment From: David Gordon

9/27/23 @ 7:13 AM

"Dear Washington Department of Ecology, Washington's rivers, streams, and wetlands supply
drinking water to residents across the state, sustain wildlife habitat, and provide an economic boost
to local communities. As a Washingtonian, I want these are...↓

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Comment From: Grant County Commissioner (Danny Stone)

9/27/23 @ 5:54 AM

I am concerned that there has not been enough understanding of just what this designation means. Local officials and residents really need to be aware of just what the two organizations that applied are concerned about and want to happen to this body...↓

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Comment From: Val Alexander

9/27/23 @ 5:01 AM

Please designate the green river as an ORW now. We, in north Clark county have a difficult time with water being in short supply and have seen the effects of that in our rivers that are critical to fish survival. The green river is an important part ...↓

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Comment From: Burden-Brant Families (Lys Burden)

9/27/23 @ 1:07 AM

My family and I (four tax-paying and voting citizens of this state) understand that your agency, the Washington State Department of Ecology, is considering the establishment of the first Outstanding Resource Waters in our state. We are excited that t...↓he following: Cascade (Skagit watershed), Green (Toutle watershed), and Napeequa (Wenatchee) rivers have been nominated. They are wonderfully appropriate for this designation.

We are very supportive because the Outstanding Resource Waters designation will protect the existing high water quality for the wildlands and wildlife and safeguard this freshwater from future degradation. We applaud the protection of these waters, as the designation will help ensure that these streams retain their high quality and preserve their exceptional ecological and recreational values.

We have been white water enthusiasts for decades, and while we do not currently participate in paddling these waterways, we appreciate that they provide a multitude of ecosystem services These include: clean drinking water for downstream communities, healthy habitat that is critical to the abundance and diversity of fish and wildlife, healthy forests, and scenic beauty that is a defining attribute of our quality of life. We also appreciate the numerous recreational opportunities for residents and visitors that include fishing, paddling, hiking and camping.

We agree that protecting unimpaired headwaters is critical to the health of our rivers, riparian systems, and everything downstream. We are grateful that the Clean Water Act recognizes the unique value of waterways of exceptional water quality and provides this opportunity for states to identify them.

Although Washington has an abundance of high-quality waters that are important to protect, we understand that to date DOE has not designated any Outstanding Resource Waters. We learned that other western states, including Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona have taken advantage of this opportunity under the Clean Water Act to protect their priority rivers. We think it is high time that Washington State does the same.

We understand the Cascade, Green, and Napeequa Rivers in Washington State all meet the multiple regulatory criteria for Outstanding Resource Waters designation and are deserving of protection. All three of the river systems are pristine and located in protected areas; have excellent water quality, regionally unique recreational value, and have statewide ecological significance. We hope you will find more to nominate for this protection.

As impacts from climate change become increasingly more evident, we believe protecting our high-quality rivers and streams and the forests and wildlands that they support is an essential investment for our future.

Please make it so!

Dan and Lys Burden
Mike and Dan Brant

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Comment From: Board of Clallam County Commis... (Randy Johnson)

9/27/23 @ 12:00 AM

Comment letter mailed on Sept. 27, 2023.

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Comment From: Janet Thompson

9/27/23 @ 12:00 AM

I am writing today in support of the proposed rulemaking to designate parts of the Cascade, Green, and Napeequa River systems as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW).

As Washington State grapples with a booming population, the plight of our endangered s...↓

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Comment From: Cynthia Roberts

9/27/23 @ 12:00 AM

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Comment From: Pierce County Council (Amy Cruver)

9/26/23 @ 10:48 PM

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Comment From: Kerry French

9/26/23 @ 10:25 PM

I would like answers to these questions. I do not trust that this government will do what is best for the people of Washington that will preserve their individual rights as mandated by article 1, section 1 of the state constitution. These waters and ...↓

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Comment From: Harry Anonymous

9/26/23 @ 10:23 PM

Let's protect our Washington rivers, as Oregon has already done with their rivers, by designating them as Outstanding Resource Waters under the Clean Water Act. Everyone and everything will benefit ... the economy, the environment (habitat), wild sal...↓

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Comment From: Virgene Link-New

9/26/23 @ 10:00 PM

To Whom It Concerns:

Resource waters have a high water quality for the environment, wildlife, and recreation, and safeguard freshwater from future degradation. Protection of these waters is a huge step forward to ensure that these streams retain the...↓

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Comment From: Andrea Montgomery

9/26/23 @ 9:59 PM

Please move forward to designate outstanding resource waters in Washington State. The designation will place important conservation emphasis on these waters and help protect them for their intrinsic and habitat value and for the enjoyment and appreci...↓

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Comment From: Mary Sinker

9/26/23 @ 9:54 PM

This comment is in support of designation for the upper Cascade River as an Outstanding Resource Water. The part of the Cascade which is being proposed for this designation is entirely within North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker-Snoqualm...↓

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Comment From: Spencer Hoyt

9/26/23 @ 9:33 PM

I have helped with research on the North Fork Toutle River, a prime example of what happens when a river is developed for human purposes without minding the impacts on the ecology of the river. Increased development, especially a mine, will have diff...↓

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Comment From: Heather Bergstrom Falendysz

9/26/23 @ 9:29 PM

These waterways provide a multitude of ecosystem services including clean drinking water for communities, habitat that is critical to health and abundance of fish and wildlife species, scenic beauty that is a defining attribute of our quality of life...↓

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Comment From: Jose Nunez

9/26/23 @ 8:35 PM

Please protect our waterways for recreational use.

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Comment From: Talking Rocks Outdoor Company (John McLarty)

9/26/23 @ 8:29 PM

Every time I visit the wild lands south Hwy 12, whether for my own pleasure or with clients, I am struck with what a treasure we have in the forests and rivers in this region. It seems to me that extending the protection of Outstanding Resource Water...↓

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Comment From: Timothy Manns

9/26/23 @ 8:22 PM

As a resident of Mount Vernon I strongly support designation of the Cascade River as an Outstanding Resource Water. I wish the proposed designation included more of the Cascade than the portion on lands managed by the National Park Service and the U....↓

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Comment From: Gary Proctor

9/26/23 @ 8:10 PM

During this time of severve climate, it is imperative to protect our remaing outstanding water resources. Now is the time for action.

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Comment From: Andronetta Douglass

9/26/23 @ 7:54 PM

I support proceeding with designating type III waters. The water situation and supply is changing rapidly due to the climate crisis. We need to respond quickly. The problem is worsening due to loss of glaciers and the shorter rainfall season. The cri...↓

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Comment From: Chris Hoex

9/26/23 @ 7:53 PM

Please protect our waterways that are vital to multiple species including humans for recreational and edjucational purposes. Its getting harder to find areas that have not been impacted by humans in a negative way. We need these water ways protected ...↓

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Comment From: Anonymous Anonymous

9/26/23 @ 7:10 PM

We recommend putting comments in your own words, and establishing your personal connection to any of the rivers nominated (e.g. if you kayak the Cascade River) but here are additional points you can consider incorporating:

These waterways provide a ...↓

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Comment From: Rich Lague

9/26/23 @ 6:12 PM

The Cascade River should be protected in it's current pristine state. This river has beautiful water quality and an outstanding canyon. I am a whitewater kayaker and I hope to paddle the Cascade River soon. I have lived most of my adult life in Orego...↓

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Comment From: r wood

9/26/23 @ 6:01 PM

Protecting unimpaired headwaters is critical to the health of our rivers and everything downstream. The Clean Water Act recognizes the unique value of waterways of exceptional water quality and provides an opportunity for states to identify waterways...↓

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Comment From: Lisa Parsons

9/26/23 @ 5:58 PM

Green river in Washington State all meet multiple regulatory criteria for Outstanding Resource Waters designation and is deserving of protection as Outstanding Resource Waters. This river system is pristine and located in protected areas; has both ex...↓

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Comment From: Tina Champeaux

9/26/23 @ 5:47 PM

This is an aggressive expansion of the waters it designates as "Type III," a category typically reserved for parks, wilderness areas, and scenic rivers.

Such a move could set a precedent of essentially preventing human activity in large portions of...↓

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Comment From: Alison Gooding

9/26/23 @ 5:39 PM

As a local resident and preservationist, I support the proposed Outstanding Resource Water Tier III (B) designation that is being considered for Soap Lake.

It's clear from personal knowledge, Ecology's detailed report and many of the individual tes...↓

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Comment From: Matt Hancock

9/26/23 @ 5:37 PM

I am in support of protecting our most pristine waterways - the Cascade (Skagit watershed), Green (Toutle watershed), and Napeequa (Wenatchee) rivers - as Outstanding Resource Waters under the Clean Water Act. These waterways provide a multitude of ...↓ecosystem services including clean drinking water for communities, habitat that is critical to health and abundance of fish and wildlife species, scenic beauty that is a defining attribute of our quality of life, and numerous recreational opportunities for residents and visitors including fishing, boating, hiking and camping.

Outdoor recreation supports $26.5 billion in annual expenditures and 264,000 jobs throughout Washington State and clean water is critical to this economic sector.
Protecting unimpaired headwaters is critical to the health of our rivers and everything downstream. The Clean Water Act recognizes the unique value of waterways of exceptional water quality and provides an opportunity for states to identify waterways as Outstanding Resource Waters.

The rivers being considered, the first for Washington State, represent outstanding state resources due to their extraordinary water quality, ecological, and recreational values.
Although Washington has an abundance of high-quality waters that are important to protect, to date Ecology has not designated any Outstanding Resource Waters. Other western states, including Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona have taken advantage of this opportunity under the Clean Water Act to protect priority rivers.

The Cascade, Green, and Napeequa rivers in Washington State all meet multiple regulatory criteria for Outstanding Resource Waters designation and are deserving of protection as Outstanding Resource Waters. All three of the river systems are pristine and located in protected areas; have both excellent water quality and regionally unique recreational value; and have statewide ecological significance.

Designation of these river systems would benefit the state's people, its economy, its wildlife, and its salmon. It is essential that the state take steps now to protect some of its remaining high-quality rivers that provide numerous benefits to Washingtonians.
As impacts from climate change become increasingly more evident, protecting our high-quality rivers and streams is an essential investment for our future.

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Comment From: Martha Bray

9/26/23 @ 5:37 PM

I am very much in favor of the designation of the Cascade River as an Outstanding Resource Water. I have lived in rural Skagit County for forty-five years. I have been in awe of the beauty and vitality of the Cascade River from the first time I saw ...↓

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Comment From: The Pew Charitable Trusts (Brett Swift)

9/26/23 @ 5:34 PM

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Comment From: Jennifer Corrigan

9/26/23 @ 5:32 PM

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Comment From: Niki Vogt

9/26/23 @ 5:17 PM

Please protect these special and unique waterways. Washington state is so fortunate to even have waterways to protect. The Green offers world class whitewater in convenient proximity to Seattle, and provides outstanding recreation opportunities. W...↓

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Comment From: Carolyn Riddle

9/26/23 @ 5:14 PM

Washington's rivers, streams, and wetlands supply drinking water to residents across the state, sustain wildlife habitat, and provide an economic boost to local communities. As a Washingtonian, I want to see the state's precious freshwater resources ...↓

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Comment From: Andy Zahn

9/26/23 @ 5:04 PM

I am writing in support of the designation of the Green River as Outstanding Resource Waters. As a lifelong resident of Toutle, Washington, I grew up exploring the Green River, and I care deeply about its health. From precious, ancient old growth for...↓

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Comment From: Lyle Anderson

9/26/23 @ 4:45 PM

It appears that all of the organizations that nominated these areas for Outstanding Resource Waters are known for their desire to retain what pristine environments that are left, whereas most comments against the nominations are motivated by financia...↓

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Comment From: Debbie Edge

9/26/23 @ 4:40 PM

We must be on the proactive side of keeping our waters safe!! Washington's waters are under increasing threat as the climate warms and the population grows, placing greater stress and demand on freshwater resources. Now is the time to protect some o...↓

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Comment From: Cascade Forest Conservancy (Ashley Short)

9/26/23 @ 4:38 PM

Comment attached as PDF

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Comment From: Ian Tefft-Meeker

9/26/23 @ 4:24 PM

My name is Ian, and I am a student in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences program at Bellingham Technical College. I have worked as a commercial raft guide, enjoyed many days of private boating, and volunteered with the Wild and Scenic Institute f...↓

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Comment From: Richard Curtis

9/26/23 @ 4:12 PM

I support the proposed designation of the Green River and its tributaries as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) and strongly urge the Department of Ecology to adopt the new rule for the river. As a fly fisherman I support designation of the Green Riv...↓

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Comment From: Mark Soutter

9/26/23 @ 3:56 PM

The Cascade, Green, and Napeequa rivers are some of the most scenic and pristine waters in the state and deserve protection under the ORW designation.

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Comment From: The Molpus Woodlands Group, LL... (Ruth Cook)

9/26/23 @ 3:52 PM

Molpus sustainably manages approximately 17,000 acres of timberlands in eastern Washington and is troubled by the department's aggressive expansion of the waters it is planning to designate as Tier III waters. Please pause this proposed rulemaking u...↓

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Comment From: Quentin Dills

9/26/23 @ 3:48 PM

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Comment From: Trevor Kostanich

9/26/23 @ 3:46 PM

As a Washington citizen, I want to see our precious fresh water sources protected. The Cascade, Napeequa, and Green Rivers are some of our state's most outstanding waterways with high water quality in critical old growth habitat. Important for the ...↓

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Comment From: Ellen Bynum

9/26/23 @ 3:12 PM

The proposed designation of the Cascade River in Skagit County contains contradictory and inaccurate information about the proposed uses of the area being designated. The maps provided do not show the county zoning designations or any of the private ...↓

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Comment From: Richard Beauman

9/26/23 @ 3:04 PM

Protect WA waters!!

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Comment From: Upper Skagit Indian Tribe (Marilyn Scott, Chair)

9/26/23 @ 2:45 PM

Unsigned comment letter received Sept. 26. Signed Comment Letter received Nov. 7. Ecology is attaching the signed letter in final submission.

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Comment From: M West

9/26/23 @ 2:44 PM

Washington's rivers sustain wildlife habitat. With climate change and growing population, there is greater stress on our waters which will threaten our lives and the lives we share in this state.
The forests along the Green River contain some of ...↓

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Comment From: North Cascades Audubon Society (Robert Kaye )

9/26/23 @ 2:15 PM

On behalf of the members of North Cascades Audubon Society I am commenting on the Cascade River Water Quality Standards Review pursuant to WAC 173-201A.

Even though the Cascade River is in Skagit County, and ultimately flows into the Skagit River,...↓

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