Cultural Resources ICF was hired by TNC to conduct a cultural resource survey within the projects Area of Potential Effect, with the ground survey taking place on April 16, 2021. “The survey included a pedestrian survey of both sections of the APE, the excavation of 16 SPs, and a built environment survey. No archaeological or built resources were identified during the survey.” Recommendations: Based on the results of the cultural resources survey presented in this report, the Project is not expected to affect any archaeological resources. Therefore, no additional cultural resources studies are recommended for the project at this time.” Fish Passage Improvement (Culvert Installed or Improved) The original grant application included a funding request for the replacement of an undersized, failing culvert (Culvert ID #1320302) on a tributary to Nolan creek (Rd 1436/Nolan Mainline) that had been identified by the WDFW as a fish passage barrier. A subsequent formal fish survey was completed and revealed the presence of a significant natural barrier (waterfall) at the tributary mouth, effectively blocking fish migration to and through the site. RCO was consulted, and 2 additional sites (1 undersized fish pipe replacement and 1 road crossing removal) where added to the project scope of work. The added fish pipe replacement was located on a tributary to Anderson Creek along the 3992 road corridor and was implemented in 2021. The aforementioned failing culvert on the tributary to Nolan Creek was replaced with an upsized culvert (57”X38”X45’) in September 2022. Upland Habitat and Sediment Project (Road Drainage System Improvements) Cost savings realized throughout the course of the project allowed us to replace an additional 10 failing road drainage pipes within the 34 road system, with the majority of the localized streams/sediment flowing into Winfield creek to the south. This work focused on replacing non-functioning culverts that exhibited the highest hazard risk (potential and active) and highest potential for active sediment delivery into Winfield creek. An additional significant work item completed included the regrading, reshaping, and stabilizing of a failing 3 way intersection actively eroding and delivering road borne sediment into a major unnamed stream within the system. This intersection work also included a pipe replacement that reconnected the localized hydrology through instead of over the previously failing intersection. This work effectively reduced and in some cases halted chronic sediment delivery previously associated with the 34 road system. Fish Passage Improvement (Road Crossing Removal) This work item was located at the end of the 3997 road below Mosquito creek and implemented in conjunction with the additional fish passage pipe replacement on the 3992 road. (Rationale is detailed within the Fish Passage Improvement (Culvert Installed or Improved) section above) After consulting with the RCO it was decided that fish passage would be improved as much or more from completely removing the pipe versus installing a properly functioning fish passage culvert. The culvert pull itself was implemented in 2021. Riparian Habitat Project (Forestry Practices/Stand Management) We were able to exceed our proposed target of 500 acres and completed a total of 601 acres of precommercial thinning using hand crews. (2021/2022). Our ability to keep cost(s) down whenever possible during the entire project implementation phase allowed us to quickly identify and implement additional thinning in the Fall/Winter of 2022. The additional stands were located along lower Cassel Creek, above its terminus into the Hoh river. These stands were adjacent to major salmonoid-bearing tributaries that had both been final harvested under 15 years ago. Our thinning protocol focused on meeting goals for structural diversity and future large wood recruitment for adjacent streams. This was accomplished by creating openings and “skips” that will create spatial and structural heterogeneity as the stand grows, selecting for a wider variety of species including hardwoods and shade tolerant conifer, with the thinning prescription designed to increase future wind-firmness, and more rapidly drive an increase in tree diameter. Riparian Habitat Project (Riparian Plant Removal/Control) As part of this project, TNC conducted two years of invasive species control in the Hoh River property. In 2021, TNC contracted with Woodland Resources to treat 2 acres of severe Scotchbroom on over 2 miles of roads in the Hoh Watershed. The target was Scotchbroom that had grown over 8 feet high and posed a concern for seed spread throughout the watershed. In 2022, TNC followed up on these treatments, this time using Peninsula Environmental Group (PEG), and completed 40 acres of invasive species treatments in the Hoh watershed. These areas were densely populated with Scotch broom. The total acreage treated over the two years was 42 acres. TNC plans to conduct additional follow-up treatments on the Scotch broom this year in 2023, using non-grant funds. The seed bank of Scotchbroom can hold seeds for up to 80 years, and we are observing new sprouts from seeds. We anticipate that annual treatments will be necessary to control Scotch broom and prevent its spread to other areas of the watershed. This has become a priority in our management of the property.