The Witte riparian restoration project is located along the left bank of the Methow River just north of Twisp. The project is sponsored by a group of restoration partners including MSRF, USFWS, Ecology and the Methow Conservancy. The riverbank is composed of a sandy substrate reinforced with riprap. The armoring is failing and the bank is actively eroding. There are two small groups of mature cottonwoods, but otherwise no existing riparian species in this area. The long term goals of this project are to improve anadromous fish habitat and water quality by providing riparian shade, increasing large woody debris potential and improving bank stabilization. In the long term, this riparian planting will also enhance habitat values for other wildlife species and reduce noxious weed cover. The project has revegetated approximately 600' linear feet of riverbank. The planting aids stabilization of the eroding bank and provides future shading and nutrient input to the Methow river system.


Native riparian shrubs and trees were planted in two larger fenced enclosures and additionally in individual tree cages beginning in the fall 2009. Two view corridors were established amongst the plantings to accommodate landowner wishes. Drip irrigation or hand line sprinklers supplies water to these plants, which have been mulched and protected with girdle guards. The bank at the site continues to erode, necessitating moving the deer fence and contributing to some plant mortality. However most plants demonstrated solid growth rates. Weeds have been controlled through regular hand-pulling, and the site was mowed several times to reduce competition with grass and weed species. Knapweed is a problem at the site, and several methods, including the release of knapweed seedhead weevils, and spraying, have been implemented to control this weed. In addition, patches of Canada thistle and whitetop were spot sprayed in areas adjacent to the enclosures. In 2014, follow up weed control measures should continue in all areas outside of planting enclosures. Many trees are starting to release indicating that some plants are beginning to reach down to the low water table. Survival rates are at 82% in the fenced enclosures. Regular maintenance should be continued in 2014 and will include weed control, supplemental irrigation, and fence maintenance. At the end of 2014 it is expected that the entire site will be self sufficient. It is recommended to keep the fence maintained for a couple of more seasons to ensure release from deer browse.