Beaver Dam Analogs are simple artificial structures designed to mimic the form and function of natural beaver dams. They are built into existing wetlands and channels to encourage channel rejuvenation and support beaver reintroduction.
Wild Fish Conservancy worked with an environmental engineering firm to assess the feasibility of large wood (LWD) supplementation in the Snoqualmie River from its confluence with the Tolt River, downstream to Harris Creek near Chinook Bend Natural Area (River Mile 21-25). The assessment laid the foundation for conceptual designs that will detail instream LWD treatments in the Chinook Bend -Tolt reach of the Snoqualmie River. Public outreach was conducted to assess recreational boater usage in a 4-mile reach of the Snoqualmie River that is critical salmon habitat. The information gained from the public outreach was used to inform the design of conceptual Large Woody Debris (LWD) habitat restoration treatments in the reach.
This project identifed, prioritized, and provided preliminary designs to restore a unique Deschutes River spring fed wetland and stream
complex. Restoration actions identified include removing three failing culverts, livestock
exclusion fencing to protect streams and wetlands, instream LWD placement, and riparian restoration, along with a suite of farm management BMPs.
During this project WFC placed large wood within a half-mile reach of Grant Creek. The large wood complexes will encourage the development of new scour pools and to improve overall channel complexity.
WFC seaks to to restore the natural processes in lower Finn Creek that create and sustain habitats used by wild fish populations, while meeting County (landowner) flood and park amenity objectives.
Spawning surveys were conducted in Kitsap and Pierce County to identify pre-spawn mortality in coho.
WFC conducted a rapid watershed assessment, analyzed the current status of salmon stocks, and developed a comprehensive suite of restoration actions intended to quickly improve habitat conditions for native wild fish in the Little Quilcene River basin
WFC ground truthed and corrected water type classifications in approx. 90 mi of streams that drain the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Additionally, WFC filled critical data gaps on ESA-listed fish species composition and distribution via field observations and through the use of environmental DNA (eDNA).
The project goal is to improve wild fish access to over ten miles of habitat that has been blocked for several decades, restoring a self sustaining wild salmon and steelhead population to Gheer Creek while providing an excellent outreach and education opportunity for the community. In addition to implementing fish passage improvements, Wild Fish Conservancy will work long-term with WA Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure hatchery practices in Gheer. Creek are compatible with wild fish recovery efforts there.
Within the SF Newaukum project area, WFC 1) Used the state sanctioned water type protocol to survey 123 miles of stream: data which will improve the regulatory maps used by state and local government agencies for planning critical areas protection and recovery efforts around streams and wetlands; and 2) Identified and prioritized habitat restoration projectswithin survey watersheds we will identified and prioritized nine fish habitat restoration projects.
WFC engineers and ecologists developed restoration treatment designs including Engineered Log Jams (ELJs) to capture and retain sediment in the mainstem of the Beckler river channel, which when implemented, will improve aquatic habitat diversity and reconnect the channel to its historic floodplain.
Removal of a fish passage barrier on this tributary to the Skookumcheck River that will allow salmonids to migrate up and downstream to spawn and rear on habitat that is opened as a result of the removal of this barrier and replacement with a fish passable structure.
During summer 2011 WFC removed the barrier culvert and intalled a 14′ x 30′ steel bridge. A short section of the channel was realigned to
improve alignment with the road, and bioengineering techniques were used to stabalize the affected banks. During fall 2011, WFC observed
several pairs of adult coho upstream from the new bridge.
To accomplish the restoration goals, approximately 2,100 lineal feet of bank armorment along the right bank was removed, the bank was re-sloped to the natural shoreline gradient, flood fence poles were installed on the uppermost bench of the river bank area, native trees were planet, and a failing culvert was replaced.
WFC removed the undersized culverts and installed a 13’x12’x6′ precast box culvert to restore the passage of fish, water, sediment, and wood through this stream reach.
Project partner Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) designed and constructed fish passage improvements at the culverts at both crossings, removing the undersized culverts and replacing them with steel bridges. WFC designed and implemented a bank stabilization project using extensive coir wrapping, large woody debris (LWD) placement, and native riparian planting.
This project examined current nearshore habitat usage patterns of juvenile salmonids to evaluate potential habitat restoration projects.
The goal of the project is to improve instream morphology and habitat in salmon bearing streams. The objective of the project is to increase instream cover, spawning, and resting areas.
The primary objective of this project was to increase the amount and quality of salt marsh habitats available to juvenile salmon in Admiralty Inlet.
WFC removed a partial barrier to fish passage (two undersized round culverts) at the Kuhlmann Property on Thomas Creek and installed a
10′ span x 12′ long x 5′ high precast box culvert.
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