John Day Basin Project Effectiveness Monitoring

This project proposes the adoption of the Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration Design and Monitoring (LTPBR) Protocol (Riverscapes Studio 2024 https://qris.riverscapes.net/getting-started/) across multiple sites within the John Day Basin. The LTPBR protocol is an open-source QGIS tool which enables precise mapping and quantification of key riverscape features, facilitating rigorous monitoring and evaluation of restoration effectiveness.



Key geomorphic features assessed using the LTPBR protocol include:

• Active Channels: Delineating active channel extents to derive metrics like channel length, sinuosity, and primary/non-primary channel ratios, indicators of channel complexity and habitat diversity.

• Channel Junctions: Identifying confluences and diffluences to measure riverscape complexity, including anastomozing and braiding patterns.

• Geomorphic Units: Classifying and mapping features like pools, riffles, and bars to assess habitat complexity and availability.

• Active Valley Bottom Extents: Monitoring changes in the active areas of channels and floodplains over time, a key indicator of restoration success.

• Inundation Extents: Mapping surface-flow types (e.g., ponded, free-flowing, overflowing) to evaluate habitat complexity, quantity, and floodplain connectivity.

The protocol also addresses non-geomorphic elements:

• Vegetation Extents: Mapping and classifying valley-bottom vegetation to monitor changes in extent and composition, which reflect riparian health and ecosystem function.

• Structural Elements: Identifying and characterizing natural and artificial structures, such as beaver dams and woody debris jams, to evaluate their influence on riverscape processes.

By adopting the LTPBR protocol, restoration practitioners can effectively monitor and visualize riverscape evolution in response to restoration activities. Comparing UAV-derived data collected over time allows for robust assessments of project outcomes and restoration effectiveness.



Funds supplied via this proposal will be used to contract the analysis of existing datasets for projects implemented by CTWS and other organizations using the LTPBR protocol. Funds may also be used for additional data acquisition if necessary.



Worksite #1 Middle Fork John Day River:



Analyze data collected at Camp Creek Reach 1, Phipps Meadow, Middle Fork Private Lands Revegetation, Butte/Ruby Beaver Restoration, Camp Creek Planting, and Middle Fork Planting and Fencing 1-3 project sites through JDPB FIP funding. Identify and analyze additional datasets collected by partner organizations. Summarize and report upon pre/post restoration conditions to evaluate project effectiveness and identify potential adaptive management actions or lessons learned.



Worksite #2 North Fork John Day River:



Analyze data collected at Bull Run Mine Tailings Restoration, Desolation Reach 3 Restoration, and Granite RM 7.5 project site through JDPB FIP funding. Identify and analyze additional datasets collected by partner organizations. Summarize and report upon pre/post restoration conditions to evaluate project effectiveness and identify potential adaptive management actions or lessons learned.



Worksite #3 Thirtymile/Butte Creek Watershed:



Analyze data collected at Butte Creek Riverscape Restoration project site through JDPB FIP funding. Identify and analyze additional datasets collected by partner organizations. Summarize and report upon pre/post restoration conditions to evaluate project effectiveness and identify potential adaptive management actions or lessons learned.

The CTWSRO Fisheries Habitat Program’s comprehensive watershed management strategy, as well as the JDBP’s Strategic Action Plan, seek to benefit target salmonid species by 1) directly generating vital spawning and rearing habitat; 2) directly mitigating deleterious environmental effects; and 3) restoring ecosystem processes and function. Monitoring salmonid productivity is paramount in assessing the performance of restoration efforts and guiding the implementation of future projects. This effort contributes to maximizing the realized benefits of restoration to target salmonids by informing the adaptive management and restoration design processes, ultimately contributing to efficient and effective restoration practices.