DESCRIPTION
This is a continuation of the work completed during PRISM project #12-1641. Project area was identified as a tier 1 project in the Tucannon Conceptual Restoration Plan (Anchor QEA 2011 Nov) and Washington Department of Wildlife sponsored final design and implementation with completion in 2014. Project Area 14 was characterized by over simplified habitat lacking floodplain connectivity or in channel complexity. The 1.64 mile reach was treated with LWD (712 pieces >6m long & 0.30cm dia) to increase complexity and connectivity. A variety of side channels were created and formed as a direct result of the project as well as the reconnection of floodplain. The project was designed by a SRFB grant managed by the SRSRB and implemented by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project was funded under the SRSRB Tucannon River Habitat Programmatic.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) constructed a series of engineered log jams (ELJ's), log complexes, and individual habitat trees; removed dredge spoil dikes that constricted the floodplain; and planted 4 acres of native riparian plants in a 1.64 mile reach of the Tucannon R within the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area. Implementation was completed in 2014 by WDFW, and involved the placement of > 712 key piece-sized logs and an additional 65 smaller logs into the channel and side channels. WDFW placed 239 unanchored mobile trees in 49 locations and 544 trees in 37 Engineered Log Jams (ELJ's) to promote bar formation and aggradation in the project reach. Additionally, 1.54 miles of side channel were reconnected or enhanced as a result of the project. The goals of the project were to increase instream habitat complexity and pool frequency, to increase the availability of off-channel habitat for juvenile salmonids through improved floodplain and off-channel habitat connectivity, and to improve the linkages between the river and the riparian area.
This stream channel and floodplain restoration project was identified as a high priority in the Conceptual Restoration Plan (Anchor 2011) funded through the Columbia Conservation District. The project reach comprises a 1.64 mi. portion of the 2 mi long section of stream known as Project Area 14, which is a high priority for Snake R Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, and Bull Trout recovery (SRSRB Recovery Plan 2011). Prior to project implementation, the project reach was characterized by an incised plain bed channel which lacked large wood or off channel habitat. Matching funds for construction was provided through Bonneville Power Administration.