DESCRIPTION
Project implements Phase 1 of previously funded design project. Potter Rd. bridge replacement planned for 2013-2015. Actively working with County Public Works River/Flood and bridge sections to integrate with that project. Implementing upstream structures first to avoid negatively impacting bridge construction, and to allow time to work with landowners conduct hdyraulic modeling of both current bridge and proposed new bridge conditions.
The South Fork Nooksack River (Nuxw7íem) Black Slough reach extends from the Nooksack Tribal Five Cedars housing site at River Mile (RM) 3.2 on the South Fork Nooksack River in Whatcom County downstream to the Potter Rd. Bridge at RM 1.8. This proposal is for construction of 6 engineered log jams which includes replacing 280 feet of riprap with wood as part of Phase 1 restoration in the Black Slough reach. The primary goal of this project is to implement restoration actions that will address early Chinook limiting factors of lack of habitat diversity, key habitat (primary pools) and high temperature in the project reach. The project is designed for spring Chinook but other species would benefit as well. Approximately, 1.0 River Mile of mainstem South Fork Nooksack River habitat will be restored with Phase 1 of the Black Slough Project. Project outcomes are expected to improve survival and productivity of Chinook in the long run by increasing the quantity and quality of pools and thereby improving the extent and connectivity of important summer holding refuge habitat in the lower South Fork Nooksack River.
