DESCRIPTION
The Quinault Indian Nation continues to prioritize floodplain restoration and community resilience in our programmatic approach to comprehensively restore natural habitat forming processes in channels and shorelines of the Upper Quinault River in Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties. This Phase 6 proposal builds off a 15-year effort that has installed approximately 100 engineered log jams and nearly as many acres planted in conifers.
In Phase 6, we propose to complete final design, permitting, and construction of up to 20 ELJs in the Community and Wilson's Slough Reaches of the Upper Quinault River. We would also plant and maintain up to 20 acres of floodplain forest in these same reaches. We are completing a retrospective analysis assessing progress towards our restoration goals for both the geomorphic floodplain and reforestation components, which will drive current and future priorities as we adaptively manage this work of completing the 2008 Upper Quinault Restoration Plan. Primary aquatic species benefitted include sockeye, coho and Chinook salmon and steelhead and native char. We propose to include implementation of the communications and outreach plan currently in development.
The Quinault Indian Nation continues to prioritize floodplain restoration and community resilience in our programmatic approach to comprehensively restore natural habitat forming processes in the floodplains of the Upper Quinault River in Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties. This Phase 6 restoration proposal builds off a fifteen-year effort that has installed 102 engineered log jams, planted 732 acres with conifers and protected 4 miles of stable side channels and 235 acres of forested islands. In Phase 6, we propose to complete final design and construction of twelve ELJs in the Wilson's Slough Reach of the Upper Quinault River, including updates to permits and Cultural Resource documentation obtained during Phase 5. We will also plant, maintain and perform conifer release on 20 acres of floodplain terraces. These actions are intended to protect up to 2 miles of existing side channel habitat and promote the formation of new side channels. In 2024, we are completing a basin-wide, retrospective assessment of progress towards our restoration goals for the geomorphic, forest, and fisheries components of the Upper Quinault project, which will drive current and future priorities as we adaptively manage this work of completing the 2008 Upper Quinault Restoration Plan. Primary aquatic species benefitted include sockeye, Chinook, and coho salmon and steelhead and native char. We propose to complete and implement the communications and outreach plan currently in development.
