This project has been developed by Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation in consultation with WDFW field Engineer Gina McCoy to address continuing shoreline erosion and avulsion that impact these residential properties in the mainstem of the Methow River in the Big Valley reach. The project goal is to increase bank complexity by constructing buried rock and wood structures. These structures are designed to interact with the active channel increasing localized scour, improving pool development during high flow while limiting shoreline erosion. The new strucutres will enhance the function of similar structures placed in mid 90's and 2007.

Green:
The project features include the following design elements:
Install conifer root wads (approximately 24" dia) in excavated trenches landward of the OHWM. Backfill excavated trenches with angular rip-rap (24" minus) to ballast the root wads. Revegetate areas disturbed by construction

The affected area has been previously impacted by flood erosion events. Past bank stabilization work was completed in 2006-7. Prior to that the site lost 100 feet of bank width. The existing structures are not associated with active channel formation at present. The new installation will be intermingled at a steeper angle to improve function.
The project will require excavation of trenches approximately 4-5 feet in width and 4-5 feet in depth for placement of root wads and ballast. Excavation will be timed for late summer low flows to reduce potential impacts to construction from river seepage into excavated trenches. Extensive riparian vegetation will be planted on disturbed areas.

Sletten:
The Project site contains two constructed LWD barb structures and one rock barb bank stabilization structure placed in the mid-1990s by USFWS. The lower LWD structure has partially failed, resulting in bank failure and loss of riparian vegetation. The upper rock barb structure has deformed with several large rocks having dislodged over time. Despite a relatively healthy riparian forest on the floodplain, the landowner was concerned about the exposed bank areas.

Resource agencies (WDFW, Okanogan County) suggested Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation work with the landowner to continue use of more natural alternative to riprap. The resulting project has been developed by MSRF in consultation with WDFW field Engineer Gina McCoy to repair and augment the two large wood structures with additional LWD and reposition 4-5 medium to large rocks within the original footprint of the one rock barb structure. The project should increase bank complexity while reducing bank erosion. MSRF will assit in restoration of riparian vegetation in the area.

The project features include the following design elements:
Add conifer root wads (24" dia) to two existing LWD and rock structures,
Add 24" minus riprap, with a significant percentage of smaller material, landward of the OHWM and buried in two approximately 30' long trenches. Revegetate riparian areas disturbed by construction with native vegetation.