DESCRIPTION
Riparian forests form the foundation of lowland floodplain and channel systems. They provide shade, nutrient input, and large wood critical to maintaining channel morphology and habitat complexity for salmonids. The goal of this assessment is to understand the threat of riparian forest loss caused by river regulation and floodplain land use and identify forest restoration opportunities. Cottonwood recruitment occurs primarily in the active floodplain; since 1942, 33% of the active floodplain has been lost in the project reach. We have little information on the current condition or extent of cottonwood forests. Where are forests regenerating by seed-pulse events in the active floodplain, and how can this be enhanced? What is the cover of forest stands? What are limitations to recruitment and cover? Where are opportunities for forest restoration? This assessment addresses Basinwide Action #12 of the Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan . MCFEG proposes to assess riparian forest extent and condition on the Yakima River, Kittitas County, from the Teanaway River confluence (RM 176) to the Yakima Canyon entrance (RM 146), to identify relative risk to riparian forest and restoration opportunities. Conditions in the reach affect steelhead, bulltrout, spring Chinook, coho, sockeye, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. We will use results to create reach-wide and site-specific recommendations, including one conceptual restoration plan, for improving cottonwood regeneration and persistence in
Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group (MCFEG) investigated the relationship between river regulation and floodplain land use and riparian forest loss on a 30-mile reach of the Yakima River, from the Teanaway River confluence (RM 176) to the Yakima Canyon entrance (RM 146) in Kittitas County. Cottonwood recruitment occurs primarily in the active floodplain; since 1942, 33% of the active floodplain has been lost in the project reach. With funding, MCFEG assessed, identified, and mapped 1) current condition and extent of cottonwood forests; 2) where forests are regenerating by seed-pulse events in the active floodplain, and enhancement opportunities; 3) cover of forest stands; 4) limitations to recruitment and cover; and 5) relative risk to riparian forest. MCFEG used results to complete a reach-wide Riparian Restoration Assessment with site-specific recommendations, including one conceptual restoration plan, for improving cottonwood regeneration and persistence in the project area. This assessment addresses Basinwide Action #12 of the Yakima Steelhead Recovery. Conditions in the reach affect steelhead, bulltrout, spring Chinook, coho, sockeye, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout.Riparian forests form the foundation of lowland floodplain and channel systems. They provide shade, nutrient input, and large wood critical to maintaining channel morphology and habitat complexity for salmonids.
