Nesbit Tree Farm Stream Restoration

This restoration project did not get completed. The property owner created a family trust of the tree farm. We coordinated with all of the family members with respect to the proposed project and the project commenced. The site was surveyed to establish cross section and longitudinal profile data. This data was incorporated into a HEC-RAS flow model. The results were communicated to the family members along with proposed design elements. One of the more influential family members had concerns with anchoring wood and or rock into the stream reach. We organized a family field tour to a neighboring project site to observe the finished product and the results. Facing opposition with anchoring of structures, Cowlitz CD attempted to design structures without anchors. The confined nature of the reach resulted in extreme flow depth and velocity through the project reach. The only alternative that would remain stable involved introducing old-growth whole tree wood along the channel margins. This type of wood was not availalbe on site and extremely difficult to import. Inability to generate an agreeable design resulted in the project not being constructed.

Project was initially funded with NOAA 2010 grant funding but no 2010 funding was spent. NOAA 2011 and NOAA 2012 funds were spent. No NOAA 2011 funds were spent after July 1, 2016, and all NOAA 2012 funds were spent after July 1, 2012.

Placement of large woody debris and felling of whole trees from the riparian zone to trap sediment on exposed bedrock which will address stream temperature concerns in the watershed and provide improved habitat quantity and diversity for both adult and juvenile salmonids.