DESCRIPTION
Five high priority parcels in the Gray and Stormy Reaches of the Middle Entiat "Stillwaters" were acquired between RM 16-19 for protection and in preparation for future restoration efforts. CDLT successfully protected 94.5 acres in perpetuity, with 1.18 miles of riverbank and associated wetlands, side channels, alcoves and upland areas consistent with maintaining and improving habitat for endangered salmonids. The outcomes from this permanent protection are to permanently prevent degradation of the existing habitat from development, to facilitate restoration activities to enhance the habitat, and to have compatible public access and education activities. The project terminated the rights of two adjacent landowners to use the Cottonwood Bridge, which had never been finished and had resulted in areas of fill for roads at both ends of the bridge and for planned residential street on the far side of the river. After termination of these rights, the Bridge was removed as part of this project. CDLT acquired several parcels adjacent to other CDLT-protects lands in the floodplain north of the Potato Morraine at River Mile 16. These portions are in much less altered condition, with excellent wetland, side channel and alcove habitat and potential for habitat enhancement.
The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust acquired a total of five high priority properties in the Gray and Stormy reaches of the middle Entiat "Stillwaters," critical habitat for spring Chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout (Biological Strategy 2013). These properties, from River Mile 16 to 19, are low in gradient and a largely unconfined floodplain (Entiat Tributary Assessment, BOR Jan, 2009). The Stillwaters, from RM 16-25, is first priority for land protection and acquisition, with large pristine areas as the highest priority. (UCRTT, Feb. 2007)
In all, #11-1415 resulted in the protection of 5 properties including 94.5 acres of prime habitat with 1.18 miles of riverfront. Each of the properties is connected to others acquired by CDLT with funding from the SRFB, as well as the Chelan, Douglas and Grant County Public Utility Districts since 2000, and to Forest Service properties. All told, CDLT has protected over 8 miles of riverfront in the spawning and rearing heart of the Entiat.
Project was started with PCSRF 2010 funds on 12/8/2011. Project also has PCSRF 2011, 2012, and 2013 funds.