DESCRIPTION
Wild Fish Conservancy water typed over 30 miles of stream channel in selected sub-basins and floodplain areas of the Stillaguamish to verify and update Washington Department of Natural Resources, Snohomish County, and United States Forest Service stream classifications and hydrolayers. Additionally, a subsample of fish species composition and relative abundance were sampled at selected low gradient tributary sites using single pass eletrofishing, single pass pole seins, fyke nets, and minnow traps to determine Chinook presence or absence.
To select study areas and sub-basins for watertyping, WFC conversed via e-mail and in person with representatives from the WRIA 05 Technical Committee, Stillaguamish Watershed Council, Snohomish County and the United States Forest Service. Match funding was required to be utilized on US Forest Service lands. Consequently, the focus area on USFS lands (which included some stream reaches which were greater than 4% gradient) were identified by the USFS, reviewed by the Stillaguamish Technical Advisory Group and approved by the Stillaguamish Watershed Council.
The primary goals of this project included: 1) produce accurately mapped and classified hydrolayers within the Stillaguamish so that headwater streams and floodplain habitats represented on these maps can receive the protection and planning warranted under existing regulations 2) protect streams which support salmonids and listed species by providing data which can be used to make informed decisions 3) document the use of nonnatal tributaries by Chinook in the Stillaguamish 4) develop a foundation for a better dialog and understanding between the agricultural community and fish biologists 5) identify at least five significant restoration/protection opportunities and produce conceptual designs for at least one of the opportunities approved by the TAG.
Project deliverables for the conceptural designs met Manual 18 Appendix D-1 standards for conceptual designs.