DESCRIPTION
The Klickitat Floodplain Restoration Phase 2 project restored riparian and floodplain habitat between river miles 18.3 and 32.2 of the Klickitat River; specifically, the road removal work was accomplished 'between the breaches; located between river miles 25 and 27, and asphalt removal was accomplished between river miles 27 and 32. This portion of the river has the greatest habitat complexity of any reach in the lower Klickitat River and provides critical spawning, migration and rearing habitat for winter and summer steelhead (ESA-Threatened), chinook salmon (spring and fall runs), and coho salmon. The completed work was prioritized based on ecological benefits and has lead to greater floodplain diversity and function within the treatment areas. The project goals of restoring riparian and floodplain conditions that have been degraded by channel encroachment by road infrastructure have been accomplished including: 1.3 miles of road prism and fill removal/re-contouring, 4.7miles of road asphalt removal, and floodplain access has been reestablished within the restored floodplain areas (1.3 miles road prism removal area).