DESCRIPTION
This is a restoration project with elements of blocked culvert removal, riparian restoration, floodplain enhancement and road decommissioning. The site is located on the Oil City Rd (approx 4 MP), in Jefferson County, WA. Latitude is 47.773102, Long -124.314685. Hydrologically it is connected to a large side channel system near Anderson Cr. We propose removal of the blocked culvert and roadbed up to the County road, riparian tree planting and addition of both secured and loose conifer LWD to the floodplain. Primary habitat affected by sedimentation and flow blockage is a mile long side channel system extending downstream and connecting with Anderson Cr. Forest is mature alder-dominated with a dense salmonberry understory. Salmonid species present are Chinook, Coho, Cutthroat, and steelhead. Coho were seen at the culvert, but none upstream. The main outdoor recreation here is fishing, with the road occasionally used as a boat takeout. Bank fishermen are the main users. Vehicle use has resulted in deep mud though the steelhead season and a few stuck vehicles. Over the years the road has shortened as the river has advanced. We would limit access to foot traffic via an easy foot trail. Land use on this parcel is restricted by a Riparian Open Space Easement, which allows a trail. Grant funds will pay for decommissioning the old road bed, floodplain and riparian restoration. The site will also be used to enrich science education by local natural resource classes.
This is a restoration project with elements of blocked culvert removal, riparian restoration, floodplain enhancement and road decommissioning. The site is located on the Oil City rd (approx 4 MP), in Jefferson County, WA. Latitude is 47.773102, Long -124.314685. Hydrologically it is connected to a large side channel system near Anderson Cr. We propose removal of the blocked culvert and roadbed up to the County road, riparian tree planting and addition of both secured and loose conifer LWD to the floodplain. Primary habitat affected by sedimentation and flow blockage is a mile long side channel system extending downstream and connecting with Anderson cr. Forest is mature Alder dominated with a dense Salmon berry understory. Salmonid species present are Chinook, Coho, Cutthroat, and steelhead. Coho were seen at the culvert, but none upstream. The main outdoor recreation here is fishing, with the road occasionally used as a boat takeout. Bank fishermen are the main users. Vehicle use has resulted in deep mud though the steelhead season and a few stuck vehicles. Over the years the road has shortened as the river has advanced. We would limit access to foot traffic via an easy foot trail. Land use on this parcel is restricted by a Riparian Open Space Easement, which allows a trail. Grant funds will pay for decommissioning the old road bed, floodplain and riparian restoration. The site will also be used to enrich science education by local natural resource classes.
NOTES
Proposed for funding, but not approved. In wastebasket status in PRISM.