Wetlands Program

Mission

To manage,  protect, and enhance wetlands and their associated ecological and cultural functions on the Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR) and within the Quinault Usual and Accustomed Area (U&A) for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) now and for generations to come.

The QIN Wetland Program consists of one full time Wetland Specialist position funded entirely by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Wetland Program Development Grants.

On Reservation

The Wetland Specialist reviews and monitors construction activities to ensure work is carried out using the most environmentally sensitive methods. It is a collaborative process working closely with other Divisions on projects, like the Village Relocation effort, timber harvest activities, and enforcement actions. Recent completed projects induce:

• Moses Prairie Burn Project
• QIN Wetland Management Plan
• QIN Wetland Program Plan (2022- 2027)
• Updating the United States Fish and Wildlife, wetlands mapping inventory within the QIR
• QIN Wetland climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
• QIN Wetland Climate Change Adaptation Plan
• Quarterly meetings of the Wetland Working Group
• Adoption of Quinault Wetlands Rapid Assessment protocol that includes a cultural plant species checklist
• Publication of Gifted Earth authored by Douglas Deur and the knowledge-holders of the Quinault Indian Nation and highlights culturally important plants of the Quinault and their uses. For limited distribution

Off Reservation

Providing comments and observations regarding projects within the U&A as they pertain to wetlands and any potential wetland impacts. Recent Completed projects include:  

• Providing comments on the Proposed BHP Potash Export project within Grays’ Harbor
• Wetland mapping of the Fiber Optic line 
• Participation and representation of QIN within the WDNR Kelp and Eelgrass Health Conservation Plan Working Group

Responsibilities Include:

The Wetlands Program continues to support and promote the mission of the QIN Wetland Program

• Provide wetlands training and education to QIN staff 
• Follow and update as necessary the QIN Wetlands Program Plan (2022-2027)
• Continuing participation with the Intertribal Wetlands Working Group
• Compile and report data to EPA as required
• Integrate wetland identification, classification, assessment and protection mechanisms with other QIN departments
• Evaluate wetland impacts historically and currently and present these findings to the governing body of the QIN
• Assist other Division staff with their analysis, and assessment of wetlands within project areas and ascertain potential impacts from those projects
• Continue to support and promote the development of the QIN Wetland Management Plan for Moses Prairie
• Continue to update QIN Geographic Information System (GIS) wetland mapping information
• Maintain and update appropriate records, communications and data as necessary

Quinault Wetlands Development History

The Quinault Wetlands Program began in 2013 with funding provided by Wetland Program Development Grant (WPDG) funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA funding made it possible for the development and adoption of the first Quinault Wetlands Program Plan that was approved in January 2016.  Subsequent WPDGs received every two years since have provided program funding. Current funding extends until January 2024.

 Functions and Values of Wetlands

• Cultural Traditional uses, including not limited to ceremonial location, plant gathering for food, medicine, baskets and clothes
• Shoreline stabilization
• Flood flow alteration
• Water Quality Improvement
• Groundwater recharge/discharge
• Nonpoint source runoff filtration
• Erosion control
• Sediment stabilization
• Sediment/toxic retention
• Nutrient removal/ transformation affecting adjacent and downstream waters
• Providing important biological habitat, nursery areas, food and protection from predators
• Education
• Recreation