Watershed Characterization Studies

Watershed Characterization Studies in Thurston County

A watershed characterization is a science-based examination of the features of a watershed, and how those features interact to affect the watershed's natural environment.

Characterization studies provide baseline science for policymakers to use when making regulatory and land-use decisions -- for example, the data may be used to identify which areas of a watershed have the best chance of being restored, or which areas are most vulnerable to development.

Methodology to a Watershed-Based Approach to Federal and State Clean Water Act Regulations:

Methods - May 2012 - Complete Document   (PDF 1.3MB)

Methods - May 2012 - Sections:	Introduction
	Part One	Landscape Characterization
	Part Two	Characterize Condition of Ecological Processes in Study Area
	Part Three	Characterize Natural Resources in Study Area
	Part Four	Assess Potential Sites within the Context of the Landscape
	Part Five	Potential Uses of Watershed Characterization Results

A PowerPoint presentation on how watershed characterizations help protect watersheds, water quality and aquatic resources from impacts of growth.  (PDF 4.3MB)

View the Watershed Characterization Data Process & Analysis flow chart.  (104KB PDF)

Thurston County Watershed Characterization - A Guide for Local Planners

Other Landscape Characterizations include:

  Department of Ecology’s Puget Sound Watershed Characterization Project: Description of Methods, Models, and Analysis (in review).  It is available under Guidance Documents at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/mitigation/landscapeplan.html.

  Squaxin Island Tribe Nearshore studies:

• Juvenile Salmon Nearshore Project Selection Tool

• WRIA 13 and 14 Pocket Estuary Identification and Rating Project

Questions or concerns about this GIS product should be directed to:

Brian McTeague Quantitative Services Manager Squaxin Island Tribe Natural Resources Department bmcteague@squaxin.us (360) 432-3800

Squaxin Island Natural Resources 2952 Old Olympic Hwy SE Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 432-3802

Contact Us

 Staff contact: Barb Wood (360) 754-3355 ext. 6809. E-mail: woodba@co.thurston.wa.us