Big River and Umbrella Creek Riparian Restoration

The Makah Tribe completed work over 3 years (2016-2018) to help restore native vegetation to Umbrella Creek and Big River, tributaries that flow into Lake Ozette and support threatened sockeye salmon. Initial work included landowner contacts to seek approval for access to property. Once we received permission to access properties, we conducted a complete inventory of both tributaries for invasive species identification and extent of infestations. Work started on Umbrella Creek from the headwaters at Elk Lake to the outlet at Lake Ozette, then worked on Big River from the outlet of Lake Ozette to the headwaters on Sekiu Mountain. Information was collected on location, species of invasive plants, and extent of infestation based on estimated stem count and/or area of cover, as well as several other characteristics. At the time of application it was estimated that a maximum of 436 acres would need to be treated for invasive species, assuming that 18 miles of of stream with 100 feet on either side would require treatment. After surveying the project area a total of 233 acres were able to be treated.

The sponsor treated all invasive knotweed species found along Big River in all 3 years of the project. Species treated includes reed canary grass, Himalayan and evergreen blackberry, English Ivy, Scotch broom, herb Robert, and tansy ragwort along Umbrella Creek and adjacent roads, using approved herbicides or hand pulling in years 2 and 3. We worked with a private landowner on Big River to pull tansy ragwort and treat Himalayan and evergreen blackberry along their property. The sponsor selected several sites on Big River that were severely infested with reed canary grass and treated these sites in the fall and spring between years 2 and 3. In late spring of year 3 trees and shrubs (spruce, cedar, alder, willow, Indian plum, elderberry) were planted to promote the growth of native species ultimately providing shade and large tree recruitment to the system. A 10-year maintenance plan was developed to monitor changes and implement restoration activities of enhancement sites and on Umbrella Creek property owned or managed by the Makah Tribe, as needed through 2028.

At the time of application the sponsor was hoping to develop a comprehensive habitat restoration strategy for the project area. Due to unforseen time constraints this project element was not completed and was removed from the project deliverables at project closeout.

The primary goal of this project is to improve riparian habitat conditions and promote mature native plant communities along Big River and Umbrella Creek. This will benefit the recovery of sockeye salmon by improving primary spawning habitat. Ultimately, restored areas will provide long-term benefits through tree retention and wood recruitment to the streams.