Cedar Creek Fish Passage Restoration 04

The Cedar Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project restored fish passage to approx. 10 mi. of proposed bull trout Critical Habitat by removing the Cedar Creek Dam, reconstructing the stream channel, and restoring riparian vegetation. Other benefits of the project are: restored stream channel form and function, reduced water temperatures below the dam, and elimination of risk to public health/safety from potential dam failure.

Cedar Creek is a tributary to the Pend Oreille River in northeastern Washington State (WRIA 62). Historically, bull trout from the Pend Oreille River and Lake Pend Oreille spawned and reared in WRIA 62 tributaries such as Cedar Creek. The Cedar Creek Dam has functioned as a barrier to fish migration for more than 50 years. In 1995 an adult bull trout was found above the dam and in 2003 an adult was found below the dam. This indicates that bull trout are utilizing the stream and that at least limited reproduction of resident bull trout has/is occurring above the dam.

The Draft Bull Trout Recovery Plan (USFWS 2002) identifies restoration of fish passage at the Cedar Creek Dam as an action necessary for recovery of bull trout in the Pend Oreille Core Area.

This project was identified in the Pend Oreille Lead Entity strategy as the top priority action for bull trout habitat restoration in the Cedar Creek subbasin, a high priority area in WRIA 62 (ranked #4 of 38 subbasins). The project enjoyed a high level of community support.

The goal of the project is to connect isolated habitat to increase the range and distribution of salmon.

The objective of the project is to increase access to areas blocked by human-caused impediments.