DESCRIPTION
The Little River is a large, low to moderate gradient tributary to the Elwha River. The Little River flows into the Elwha River at the delta of the former Aldwell Reservoir and was one of the first locations colonized by salmon following the removal of Elwha Dam in 2012. Although the headwaters of Little River are protected in Olympic National Park, a significant proportion of the drainage has been historically affected by riparian logging, intentional wood removal from the channel and road construction impacts. As a result, salmon habitat has degraded over time. Reductions in large woody debris have led to increased channel incision and subsequent reductions in pool frequency and complexity. Increases in sheer stress on the channel bed associated with reductions of in-channel wood have led to a coarsening of the channel bed and increase in substrate dominated by cobble and small boulder size particles (loss of spawning gravels). This project will restore spawning and rearing habitat in Little River for multiple salmonid species. Using a combination of ground based and heavy lift helicopter techniques, a total of 150 large conifer logs with root wads attached will be placed 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.