DESCRIPTION
This planning and acquisition project is the initial phase of restoring floodplain connectivity, salmonid
spawning and rearing habitat, and riparian vegetation in the Moon Valley Reach of the Big Quilcene River. Four agricultural parcels encompassing approximately 100 acres of the historic floodplain and channel migration zone (CMZ) of the Big Quilcene River will be acquired. A stakeholder supported habitat restoration design that addresses hydrologic and geomorphic processes, salmon habitat, water quality, a functioning riparian zone, flood resilience, and recreational access will be developed. Later phases will restore floodplain connectivity, salmonid spawning and rearing habitat, and riparian vegetation in the Moon Valley Reach.
This project phase will include outreach to landowners downstream of the parcels set for acquisition in the Moon Valley Acquisition and Planning project (#16-1494) and site assessments to determine whether additional acquisitions or easements will be needed to maximize habitat benefits achieved through the future restoration. All lands within the floodplain and downstream of the Moon Valley reach will be evaluated for their actual and potential habitat value in support of developing the restoration scope and design. This project will lay the foundation for a restoration project that addresses habitat limiting factors of stream channel conditions, lack of floodplain connectivity, and sediment processes. These limiting factors affect spawning habitats for adult summer chum and other salmonids, egg incubating conditions, and rearing conditions (both winter and summer) for juveniles, especially, steelhead and coho. Future restoration in the Moon Valley Reach will reconnect at least 100 acres of floodplain, restore the channel migration zone, increase the river length and decrease its gradient, addressing the major limiting factors and improving conditions for summer chum spawning and juvenile salmonids rearing in the system.
Jefferson County- Big.Little Quilcene
