The Hoko River is the largest and potentially most productive river in WRIA 19. The upper Hoko contains nearly 15 miles of low gradient, floodplain channel with several significant tributaries including Herman, Ellis, Bear and Cub creeks. Historically affected by logging and road impacts, salmon habitat has been degraded over time by the loss of large wood and pool structure as well as accelerated sedimentation. This project will restore spawning and rearing habitat in the upper Hoko and both Bear and Cub creeks for Chinook and coho salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Using a heavy lift helicopter, a total of 500 large conifer logs with root wads attached will be flown into pre-selected sites in the upper Hoko between river mile 16.0-20.0 as well as in the lower reach (river miles 0-1.5 in each creek) of Cub and Bear Creeks creating habitat complexity for sheltering spawning adults and rearing juveniles.

Bear and Cub creeks are low gradient tributaries in the Upper Hoko Watershed. Historically affected by logging and road impacts, salmon habitat has been degrading over time by loss of large woody debris and pool structure. This project will restore spawning and rearing habitat in both Bear and Cub creeks for Chinook and coho salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Using a heavy lift helicopter, a total of 150 large conifer logs with root wads attached will be flown into pre-selected sites in the lower reaches (river miles 0-1.5 in each creek) creating habitat complexity for sheltering spawning adults and rearing juveniles.