BPA Contract 64314. The goal of this project is to design geomorphologically appropriate instream habitat treatments to enrich habitat complexity within 1.5 river miles of the Lower Entiat River. The objectives are to increase summer and winter rearing habitat for juvenile steelhead and spring Chinook salmon and increase resting and holding are for various life stages of spring Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. The project works in synchronization with the Intensively Monitored Watershed (IMW) study and is planned for construction the summer of 2014. The Lower Entiat has been identified as a Category 2 watershed area. It is an important spawning reach for both spring Chinook and steelhead, and core area for bull trout (Revised UC Biological Strategy - Table A1, 2008).

The proposed actions consist of installing a total of nine instream boulder clusters within two over-widened channel segments, and enhancement of side channel connections at RM 0.85 and RM 1.7. Associated engineered log structures are proposed at the enhanced inlet of the side channel at RM 1.7. In addition, two individual habitat logs are planned along the opposite channel margin at the RM 1.7 side channel area to increase roughness and cover (complexity). Native plantings are planned within the riparian buffer area to replace vegetation that will be disturbed during the installation of the proposed treatments.

The scope of the work outlined will engage Tier 1 habitat action recommendations including instream/LWD pool forming structures and side channel reconnection (Revised UC Biological Strategy, 2008). The following limiting factors will be addressed; (1) lack of overwintering juvenile rearing habitat especially pools and cover, (2) lack of instream complexity especially LWD and pools, (3) off-channel rearing for spring Chinook, (4) lack of adult holding habitat, and (5) lack of steelhead spawning habitat (Reclamation 2009, Nelle et al 2009, CCCD 2004, UC Recovery Plan 2007, and revised UC biological Strategy 2008). US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is designing the project and a partnership between Chelan County Natural Resources Department and Cascadia Conservation District has been established for the implementation of instream structures, side-channel reconnection, and removal of levee projects associated with this area. This involves coordination of efforts relating to permitting, staging, access, and landowner outreach.