Evaluating Ecological and Geomorphic Responses to Stage 0 Restoration Monitoring Project Phase 2

The Evaluating Ecological and Geomorphic Responses to Stage 0 Restoration Monitoring Project is a multi-disciplinary study to examine the linked physical and ecological responses to the multi-phase Stage 0 SFMR restoration project. Phase 2 will continue this study by applying lessons learned and increasing understanding of ecological responses to Stage 0 restoration. Partners include the US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNWRS), US Forest Service (USFS) Willamette National Forest (WNF), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Oregon State University (OSU), and the McKenzie Watershed Alliance (MWA). The MWA is the fiscal sponsor of the McKenzie Watershed Council.
Because the projects scheduled start date is before the PCSRF FFY 2023 award period begins, no funds allocated for this project are reported as match to PCSRF funds.

The proposed monitoring project directly benefits salmonid habitat by informing future restoration. Juvenile salmonid monitoring will provide data regarding migration timing and life-history patterns. Restoration practitioners can use this information to design restoration features or monitoring for specific habitat types (e.g., winter refuge habitat) to enhance future projects. Similarly, physical habitat monitoring (e.g., wood dynamics) directly informs future wood volume and placement designs by providing data on post-restoration wood function. Also, water temperature data helps restoration practitioners plan design elements such as leave islands, side channel reconnection, and riparian forest clearing or replanting.