Lake Quinault Management Plan

The Quinault Indian Nation Division of Natural Resources (QDNR) is developing a Lake Quinault Management Plan to guide future management of the Lake. QIN is teaming up with consulting services, Saturna Watershed Sciences, along with NSD and Blum Environmental, to carry out this work. The plan will be based on best available science and be informed by the input of tribal members, managing jurisdictions and the Lake community.

The Quinault Indian Nation owns and manages the waters and bed of Lake Quinault up to its Ordinary High Water Mark (generally the natural vegetation line on the shore). The management and regulatory authority for areas around Lake Quinault above the Ordinary High Water Mark is shared between the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Grays Harbor County, and the Quinault Indian Nation (within its reservation).

Habitat

Lake Quinault provides important habitat for Blueback - a culturally, ecologically, and economically vital sockeye species to the Quinault Indian Nation. Activities below the Ordinary High Water Mark, like bulkhead construction, docks, dumping debris, poaching, introducing non-native plants or animals, and disturbing the nearshore areas, can cause harm to the Lake and Blueback population. Activities above the Ordinary High Water Mark, like vegetation clearing, leaking onsite sewage systems, and herbicide use can also cause harm to the Lake ecosystem.

Public Input 

We want to make sure the Lake Quinault Management Plan reflects the community's values and concerns.

Community outreach began in 2021.  In 2021 and 2022, QDNR staff and consultants met with agency personnel and community members to discuss the plan and gather ideas for what should be included. Two in-person meetings were held with community members in August of 2021. In general, recommendations from community engagement meetings focused on a few specific topics: onsite sewage systems, control of predator fish, control of aquatic invasive species, dock building, drift log management, boating, access, and communications. Meetings with agencies often delved deeper into procedural authorities, such as which jurisdiction regulates onsite sewage systems in different upland areas around the lake.

After a draft Plan is completed, QDNR staff will host open house public meetings to share the content and draft recommendations of the Plan. It will be critical to  continue to receive feedback so that the important topics that Quinault members and the larger community value are addressed.

More information to come later on open house dates and more opportunities for input!

Contact Lauren Macfarland, QDNR Environmental Protection Manager, for more information.