DESCRIPTION
This project developed a suite of construction alternatives to reduce fine sediment input to the South Fork Stillaguamish from the Gold Basin Landslide. This glacial deposit has been characterized as the largest single source of sediment input to the South Fork Stillaguamish for several decades (Williams et al 1975) and impacts downstream habitat to the confluence with salt water. More recent work has indicated that it is still a significant source of fine sediment, much of which is deposited in the primary Chinook spawning reaches (Purser 2009, in prep.). The biggest hurdle to treating the landslide and its interaction with the South Fork is the location of a very popular campground immediately adjacent to the river. Any efforts to move the river in a southerly direction away from the landslide and the depositional material at the base of the slide has a potential impact to the campground facility. Working with the USFS, the Tribe developed a suite of alternatives for treating the landslide and its alluvial deposits, picked a preferred alternative, and developed a conceptual design for future construction. All design alternatives addressed impacts to the campground and will be thoroughly analyzed during the NEPA process.