Richey Viewpoint Marine Preserve

WAC 220-16-870: "Richey Viewpoint Marine Preserve" is defined as those tidelands owned by the City of Seattle and the water column above those tidelands down to 4.5 feet below MLLW at Richey Viewpoint city park, bounded on the southeast by a line projected due west from 122° 24' 49.0" W, 47° 34' 20.2" N, and bounded on the northwest by a line projected southwest from 122° 25’ 8.8" W, 47° 34' 30.0" N. Effective since 5/1/2005.

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(Note: this is the same map as used for the Emma Schmitz MP)

Geographic Statistics Area Type Acres Hectares Intertidal 6.34 2.56 Subtidal None None Total 6.34 2.56 Links to other imagery about this site Oblique aerial photos from the WA Dept. of Ecology Satellite photos of the area from Terraserver at Microsoft
The southern entrance to the park. The southernmost portion of the park. The boundary lies along the wooden fence, and the coordinate in the WAC lies at the intersection of the fence and the seawall. A view from the point of the southern boundary coordinate, facing NW. The view to the NW from a bend mid way in the MP. A view of the northern end of the MP. The northern WDFW boundary coordinate is at the corner of the landing in the sidewalk, seen here in shadow. An overview of most of the park, seen from the Emma Schmitz MP.	Recreational Restrictions / Openings Species Status Comments, notes... Salmon Limited Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. Trout Limited Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. Bottomfish Limited Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. Shellfish Closed Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location. Forage Fish Limited Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. Unclassified Closed Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location. Commercial Restrictions / Openings Species Status Comments, notes... Salmon Limited Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. Bottomfish Limited Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. Shellfish Closed Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location. Forage Fish Limited Fin fishing by hook and line only is allowed. Unclassified Closed Note: inadvertent takes by hook and line must be returned to the same location.
Prominent and unique features Richey Viewpoint Marine Preserve is composed primarily of sand, gravel and cobble with scattered boulders. Uplifted bedrock and extensive clay benches occur on the northwestern section. The backshore is formed by a continuous seawall. A line of large boulders extend from the seawall into the subtidal at the southeastern park boundary, while a defunct drainpipe angles west over the beach in the eastern half. The upland in the northwestern half is dominated by a sewage treatment facility that discharges offshore during wet weather conditions near the lighthouse. Description of fish, bird, and mammal resources at the site The beach supports a wide variety of invertebrate species plus a moderate growth of seaweeds. The lower intertidal hosts eelgrass beds that extend into the subtidal supporting additional invertebrates, residential and migratory waterfowl and numerous fishes, including juvenile salmon. Adult salmon may also be present just offshore. The low-subtidal also provides substrate for seasonal kelp beds, providing habitat for dozens of species of fishes. Harbor seals, California sea lions and orca whales have been observed in offshore areas. Programs in place to manage the site The Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist program provides extensive beach interpretation in the late spring and summer. In addition, Seattle Aquarium Citizen Science staff and volunteers conduct periodic ecological surveys at the site for long-term monitoring and science education opportunities. Issues of concern Educating the public about the boundaries of these closed areas as well as their purpose will be crucial to success. The Seattle Aquarium Beach Stewards program will be important in addressing this. Due to the popularity of these areas, impacts from increased non-consumptive use are a potential concern (trampling, etc.). Performance measures Continued or increasing use for education, watchable wildlife users, and non-consumptive uses. Maintenance or increase in numbers and diversity of intertidal organisms.