DESCRIPTION
The Quillayute River Historic Oxbow Project is part of a multi-phased restoration action plan utilizing an
Integrated Floodplain Management approach for multi-benefit outcomes. The
project restores natural riverine processes through a partial reactivation
& restoration of the Historic Oxbow to 1) improve floodplain function &
connectivity; 2) alleviate erosion; 3) reduce flood hazards; 4) improve salmon
habitat; 5) improve access to Tribal & recreational fishing; 6) increase
climate resiliency.
To reduce flood risks and prevent continued habitat degradation of the Quillayute River, the Quileute Tribe is working to restore natural riverine processes through implementation of prioritized reach-scale restoration projects.This project builds on previous projects including: #18-2156, #20-1200R, and #22-1196. This project will facilitate implementation of #22-1196 by: a) acquiring and mobilizing some of the large wood necessary to construct installation of large wood structures to deflect flows and enhance habitat by reactivating a historic oxbow when flows meet or exceed the 0.5-year flood recurrence interval; b) replacing a fish-passage-barrier culvert with a passable culvert to reconnect 0.7 miles of stream habitat and 10-acres of beaver-pond wetlands; c) rehabilitating 1.16 miles of a gravel access road; d) decommissioning 2,065 linear feet of unsuitable road; e) decommissioning a boat launch which contributes to suspended sediment run-off; and f) installing a new concrete boat ramp.This work will improve habitat for 23 stocks of salmonids including Chinook, steelhead, coho, chum, pink and sockeye. Once complete, the restoration work from this phase of the overall project will reduce flood risk for the tribal village of La Push and portions of the National Park Service owned Mora Road, while simultaneously maintaining optimal fishing conditions for Tribal fishermen. This project is submitted to Ecology's Floodplain by Design for 2/3 funding for entire project.