West Fork Cow Creek Watershed Restoration Collaborative implementation (Phase I)

1. Worksite West Fork Cow Creek, Bear Creek: implement .65miles of instream restoration using log jams and root wads.

2. Worksite West Fork Cow Creek, Gold Mountain Creek; implement .85miles of instream restoration using log jams and root wads.

The invasive species removal and native species planting did not occur for either worksites. After surveying the project areas, invasive plant species were not as prevalent as initially thought. After discussing the survey results with project partners it was decided that these funds would provide more benefit to salmon if they were reallocated to a different project activity.

The project proposed in this application will simultaneously improve habitat complexity and water quality and address fish passage, while providing a long-term strategic prioritization plan for future restoration activities. Instream structure (logs and boulders) placement will help to collect gravel suitable for spawning habitat, increase the amount of pool habitat essential to juvenile fish in both the summer and winter, and increase the amount of refuge habitat available during peak winter flows. The overall approach of the Project in addressing the OC coho salmon limiting factors is to combine short-term treatments such as instream structure placement, with the restoration of watershed processes such as floodplain connectivity and fish passage. This approach will be used to comprehensively restore OC coho salmon critical habitat and secure viability of this population within the large ESU.