Instream Flow Needs for Recreation
Recreation on the Green River takes many forms including canoeing, fishing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, swimming. The ability of the public to enjoy many of these activities is flow dependent and Friends of the Green is currently working on a recreational flow study as part of the Settlement Agreement. As part of this effort we are currently conducting a survey of boater experiences on the Green River. If you boat the Green during the 2007-2008 season please fill out the survey. The study will be based on the methodology published by the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program (Flows and Recreation: A Guide to Studies for River Professionals, NPS 2005). Additional information on water-based recreation can be found in the US Forest Service publication, Assessing and evaluating recreational uses of water resources: implications for an integrated management framework (USFS PNW-GTR-536).
Public Access
While the river itself is a navigable waterway public access needs exist all along the river from the Tacoma Headworks to the Lower Duwamish where it enters Elliott Bay in downtown Seattle. View the Boater Access Map for the Green River. Part of the Settlement Agreement includes funding for public access and the flow study will include an assessment of needs. This assessment will include the section from the Tacoma Headworks to Elliott Bay. The National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program recently published a manual providing design guidance for developing canoe and kayak launches (Logical, Lasting Launches, NPS 2004).