DESCRIPTION
This study examined the alluvial fan and floodplain reaches of the Prairie Creek Drainage, which is located in the Sauk Prairie WAU of the Skagit River basin. The study developed 7 clearly defined restoration project conceptual alternatives that removed or minimized disturbances that have altered watershed processes, and degraded habitat conditions in these reaches. The selected reaches were targeted because of these identified disturbances to watershed processes along the alluvial fan - floodplain interface, along with the potential for highly productive salmonid habitat upon restoration.
The need for this study was determined through habitat data collection that has identified: 1) That alluvial fans and associated floodplain wetlands are potentially very productive salmonid habitats, 2) That there are significant disturbances at this site, and 3) That eliminating these disturbances will require complex restoration actions. Current habitat conditions in the study reaches, which are closely associated with adjacent key habitats, appear to be simplified as a result of anthropogenic disturbance. Channels were steepened, shortened, and disconnected from the surrounding alluvial fan and floodplain. Removal of disturbances and restoration of watershed processes at the site could potentially restore channel forming processes, hydrology and sediment delivery, increasing channel complexity and floodplain connectivity. Thus, significant gains in salmon production potential could be realized.