SW Washington Nutrient Enhancement

The Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG) dispersed 58,492 surplus hatchery salmon carcasses during a three-year period to increase the rearing success of natural-origin juvenile salmonids in the Kalama, North Fork Lewis, East Fork Lewis, Toutle, and Washougal sub-basins. LCFEG coordinated all of the nutrient enhancement activities, tracked carcass numbers, and carcass placement locations. We worked closely with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), local groups, and community volunteers to maximize the dispersal efforts of the MDN. A minimum of 40 river-miles of high priority main stem and tributary habitats, in addition to over 50 miles of mid to low priority reaches, were enhanced with surplus hatchery salmon carcasses. More nutrient enhancement effort was focused on placing surplus carcasses in the upper reaches of the five target sub-basins to ensure that the MDN could cycle downstream and through the surrounding bed material and riparian areas. This project benefited populations of Chinook, Chum, Coho, and Steelhead (winter and summer).

The 2016 PCSRF funds were spent within the award period.

Carcass distribution in the riparian area increased available nutrients for plant uptake. These nutrients are expected to encouraged growth of the riparian corridor which increases overhanging vegetation and decreases stream temperature.