2007 Annual Update

October, 2007

Over the past 2 years, I've gotten to know the Hoh; I've fished it, floated it, hiked it, snorkeled it. Every encounter deepens my appreciation for this incredible river system, and further validates the work of the Hoh River Trust to preserve this inspiring place.

This summer I departed from the more accessible and comfortable confines of the lower river and journeyed to the river's source, Mt. Olympus. Sure, I've enjoyed many day-hikes over the years, but 3 days, 40 miles, 40 pound pack, 8,000 feet of elevation gain, crampons, belaying, rappelling, glissading - all new to me!

Long story short, it was perhaps the most inspiring, challenging and ultimately rewarding physical accomplishment in my life. I was accompanied by a small climbing party, including 2 other first timers to Mt. Olympus (albeit experienced climbers) and a wonderful guide from Mountain Madness. We hit it just right; beautiful blue bird days, comfortable temps, and a majestic 360 degree panorama from the mountain's summit. We drank the icy blue water from the glacial pools where the Hoh is born. The whole thing was a remarkable experience and I feel like I know the Hoh so much more.

It is with this backdrop that I enthusiastically report on the activities and accomplishments of the Hoh River Trust in 2007. I lead off by paying the highest compliment to our Director of Land Management, Mike Hagen, for his capable oversight of our on-the-ground restoration, stewardship, and outreach activities. Mike's extensive knowledge of and passion for healthy forest and river habitat and his soft-spoken, respectful demeanor are a perfect fit for advancing the mission of the Trust. And Mike gets stuff done!

Nolan Creek Tributary Culvert Replacement

In late September, we completed the replacement of a major fish blocking culvert with a concrete bridge on a tributary to Nolan Creek, an important spawning stream of the Hoh. At a total cost of approximately $250,000, this was one of the highest rated culvert repair projects in the State. We received funding from the Family Forest Fish Passage Program and we got strong support from the local community, state agencies, other environmental groups and the Hoh Tribe. By removing this culvert, we opened up over 2 miles of upstream fish habitat.  Click here to learn more.

 

Funding for Forest Restoration

This spring we received a $25,000 matching grant from the Environment Quality Incentives Program which is administered by the US Dept of Agriculture. This funding will enable us to restore a large second growth tract of spruce timberland infested with a tip weevil that stunts tree growth. Much of the affected acreage lines a section of the Upper Hoh Road as you travel up through the valley to the Hoh Visitor Center in the Park. In addition to improving the physical appearance of this forest, it will more importantly enhance habitat for the resident species. Our summer interns spent much of the summer mapping, marking and preparing the site for the restoration timber operations that will take place next year.

Summer Internship

This summer we had 2 young adults over a 10 week period working on a variety of tasks including the above tip weevil project, surveying and monitoring streams earmarked for culvert repair and controlling the spread of invasive plants. They were also able to spend time with the Hoh Tribe's field crew and with the Wild Salmon Center's biologists.

 

Land Trust Partnership

We are close to formalizing a partnership with the Jefferson (County) Land Trust where they will provide annual monitoring of our land management activities to ensure that we are meeting our conservation objectives. Since the entire Hoh River falls within Jefferson County, JLT would be an ideal partner given their mission to support conservation within the county. Organizationally, they are more suited to the work of facilitating conservation easements for private landowners, looking to preserve working farms and natural habitats. So, by involving JLT in our project, it could open up more opportunities for local landowners to choose conservation easements as a means to protect and preserve their land ownership legacy.

Community Connections

The Hoh River Trust is involved with several groups and projects that are important to the local community. We continue to work on securing major invasive plant control funding that will not only benefit Hoh River Trust land, but other Hoh River landowners as well. We are represented on local planning and oversight groups looking at water, fish and habitat issues. We are working closely with local, state, and federal officials and agencies to find solutions to important road issues impacting property and Park access along the Upper Hoh Road, which is threatened by the encroaching Hoh River. We partner with the Hoh Tribe around our shared restoration and stewardship missions.

Hoh River Book and Burke Museum Partnership

We are wrapping up the design and layout of our wonderful book entitled Fast Moving Water-Images and Essays of the Hoh River which is scheduled for release in spring 2008. The book will have over 120 beautiful images of the Hoh ecosystem taken by renowned nature photographer, Keith Lazelle, accompanied by a collection of essays contributed by a variety of folks who have a passion for the Hoh. We have partnered with the Burke Museum who will feature a Hoh River exhibit that will run at the museum next spring/summer. The exhibit will open in May around the launch of our book. The Burke is also marketing the exhibit to travel around Washington State, exposing the Hoh River and the work of the Hoh River Trust to a state-wide audience. We're thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the Burke on this exciting project and to spread the word on the importance of an intact and healthy Hoh River.

Hoh Down a Huge Success

We set out to have a fundraising event that was truly enjoyable to attend. From all accounts, we succeeded. The Pyramid Alehouse was the perfect venue for our inaugural Hoh Down held on May 10, serving up great food and beverages with a friendly and accommodating staff. The music was fantastic, opening with the incredibly talented Washington Middle School Jazz Combo followed by the foot-tappin' folk rockin sounds of Big Dirt. We had a great mix of folks, and when it was all said and done, we raised almost $100,000 to support the ongoing stewardship and outreach efforts of the Trust. A HUGE thanks to everyone who attended and supported the event. Watch for your invite to next year's Hoh Down later next spring.

Financial Condition and 2008 Plans

We are on track to end the year with approximately $400,000 in cash and cash equivalents on hand. We will have raised close to $600,000 from a variety of private and public sources in 2007, supporting the operations of the Trust and its restoration projects, including the $250,000 culvert project. We are in excellent financial condition, and well positioned to build on our financial and operational successes going forward. We have several restoration projects lined up for 2008, including culvert repairs, restoration forestry, invasive plant control, and more. We will continue our summer internship and deepen our community relationships. We will be releasing our book and distributing it through a variety of retail outlets throughout the state. We'll formalize our new partnership with Jefferson Land Trust. And we'll have a super fun second annual Hoh Down that we hope you won't miss! All in all, it will be a productive year that moves us further along our mission of helping to preserve the Hoh River.

2007 is just our second full year of operations at the Hoh River Trust. We are pleased with the progress we are making to help preserve and protect this important watershed and look forward to your continuing support of our efforts. As you begin to think about your year end donations, please consider the Hoh River Trust. Donations can be made online at www.hohrivertrust.org, or you can mail your donation to Hoh River Trust, 1512 46th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. The Hoh River Trust is a 501 (c) 3 organization and your donations are tax deductible.

Enjoy your fall!

Best,
Phil Davis
Executive Director