Project: Eastside Type N Riparian Effectiveness (ENREP)

This project will help inform if, and to what extent, the prescriptions found in the Type N Riparian Prescriptions Rule Group (Np streams) are effective in protecting water quality and some riparian functions, particularly as they apply to sediment and stream temperature in eastern Washington. The discharge regime of headwater streams influences a number of functions including water temperature and sediment transport. Although the effect of forest management on discharge has been studied for more than half a century, it is not possible to fully predict management-related changes in discharge timing or magnitude, because of the large variability in headwater attributes and functions and relative paucity of research on the colder and drier eastside systems. 

In December 2024, CMER passed the following motion: "To approve the collection of a total of three additional years of post-harvest data for ENREP, beyond the approved study design two years post-harvest, contingent upon availability of funds in the 2025-2027 biennium budget. The additional data and information will be included as a separate appendix to the original study. The TFW Policy Committee reaffirms its commitment to respond to the ENREP study report as originally scheduled, two years post-harvest, and will follow the timelines outlined in the DNR AMP Board Manual (Section 22) in determining the type of action to be taken based on this report. The approval of this extended monitoring does not negate or imply that the original study design will fail to produce sufficient information for TFW Policy to act as required."

A report on the original two years post-harvest study is expected in December 2028. The appendix on the additional data collection is expected in December 2030.