DESCRIPTION
Re-establishing native forest is crucial to the long term restoration of the stream corridor. Recent efforts to remove abandoned buildings from the property create opportunity to re-plant riparian vegetation. The addition of large wood to the stream will not only increase the number of pools and cover, but raise water elevations and improve floodplain connectivity. Minor excavation work can restore ephemeral side channels and wetlands along the left bank floodplain that were filled when the site was farmed. Beavers have been very active in the area and restoration designs at this site (as well as some other locations in the watershed) will need to consider how beavers utilize the area and alter the channel, floodplain, and riparian characteristics of the stream corridor. The site may be ideal for public access where visitors can see a very rare Puget Lowland stream in near-pristine condition (upstream of homestead) and see a locally impacted area in the process of being restored.
The project terminated prior to spending any funds. The proposed project was for the Mountaineers Foundation to complete the preliminary design, final design, and permitting of the Chico Creek confluence project. The overall goal was to improve stream, riparian, and floodplain habitat over 1,000 feet of channel length for coho and chum salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat. The site provides passive recreation and public education opportunities.
The preferred alternative (3b in attached 30% design report, June 2017) was expected to restore channel habitat complexity; stabilize banks; restore riparian vegetation to provide shade, a source of wood recruitment, and organic matter; partially reconnect the floodplain; increase channel sinuosity and capacity at flood flows; and provide flood flow refuge for salmonids. In response to TAG (technical advisory group) feedback, the preferred alternative would have minimized site disturbance compared with full connection with the floodplain yet accelerated recovery to full connection. Design and construction of the pavilion and the pedestrian bridge, mentioned in the June 2017 report, will be funded privately. However, their locations are informed by the channel and riparian restoration final design.
It is not possible for the Mountaineers Foundation to move forward with the project at this time. We completed Phase 1 (30% design) using Foundation funds in 2017. In 2018, we were ready to proceed to Phase 2, but we received pushback from stakeholders on the design alternative selected by the TAG. Since we do not have a clear path forward at this time, we would like to have our RCO grant cancelled so that the funds can be used for other salmon projects.
