Skookum Creek RM 6.5 Restoration

This stream and riparian restoration project includes main-stem, riparian, and off-channel treatments along a ~400 foot reach of Skookum Creek at River Mile (RM) 6.5. While gravel abundance is high within the project reach, there are very few wood pieces that provide gravel retention, pool-formation, and other functions. Wood key pieces and wood clusters will be installed to benefit in-stream processes. Portions of the riparian zone are lacking in conifers and native tree cover, instead shrouded by blackberry and other non-native vegetation. This project includes a riparian weed control and planting plan. A network of groundwater channels on the right-bank of the downstream side of Skookum Creek are known to be used by rearing juvenile salmonids however the condition of this off-channel area has been semi-degraded by reed canary grass, lack of native riparian structure, and a lack of floodplain roughness. We propose to remove reed canary grass sod and to place large wood pieces in strategic locations in the floodplain to provide roughness to maintain the groundwater channels. Additional riparian work will include removing blackberry and reed canary grass thickets and planting native trees and shrubs in the floodplain. The collective project treatments will benefit the egg, juvenile, and adult life stages for coho and chum salmon, and cutthroat trout.

Goals are to increase habitat diversity and complexity. Desired future condition: More edge habitat in main channel, more refugia and cover, less homogeneous sections of main stem, more and/or better off-channel rearing habitat; increase the quantity of wood in the project reach. Desired future condition: More key pieces and more overall pieces. Increase the quantity of and quality of pools. Desired future condition: More pools per lineal distance; more pools maintained by wood.