CURLEW LAKE WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Background

Curlew Lake is a close-to-Republic natural gem with easy access for many Ferry County residents. Visitors looking for recreational opportunities can look forward to enjoying time in a peaceful, clean-air setting.

At least three resorts and a State Park are available to meet the needs of guests and locals alike. It is the only lake in the County big enough for water skiing and larger powerboats.

About Thirty years ago, a few year-round residents and a few summer cabins rested on the shores of Curlew Lake. Much of the surrounding lands were still held in large parcels. In those days, human impact was significantly less. As the years have passed, population and activity have increased around Curlew Lake, bringing many changes. Residential growth and visitors now roam areas that used to hold large ranches.

These changes raise important questions to the whole community of Ferry County, and especially to those who live on and visit Curlew Lake. Has the increase in population growth and recreational activities impacted Curlew Lake? Have land use changes around the lake affected its health? Is the water quality as good as it was in the past? If there have been any negative impacts, can we make any changes to soften the blows?

Monitoring

The Ferry Conservation District, in funding partnership with the Washington State Department of Ecology, will attempt to answer some of these questions. Over the next three years, a water quality study on the lake and its major tributaries will be performed. The goal is to conduct a scientifically sound water quality analysis and to present the information to the interested parties.

Improvement

The Ferry Conservation District is non-regulatory. If problems exist, we will work with landowners to help find solutions. We are looking forward to this Curlew Lake Assessment Project (CLASP) and to working with the people who have interests in and on Curlew Lake. We can all benefit if we work together to keep one of our nicest natural gems clean and healthy for everyone!

We are looking for landowners who want to improve the water quality of the lake. We offer cost-share to those willing to take steps to improve the water quality of the lake. Contact us for more information contact us.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR COST-SHARE PROJECTS.

If you live in the Curlew Lake Watershed or one of its tributaries and have a project that could improve water quality, you may qualify for cost share funds. We are currently accepting project applications and will continue to do so until all cost share funding has been awarded. Projects are evaluated for their ability to improve water quality, need, effectiveness of proposed solution, and cost effectiveness. Even if you are not awarded cost share funds, we can help you plan and design your project. Please contact us for more information.