Rudio Creek Ranch Habitat Restoration Project

The overall Rudio Creek Habitat Restoration project objectives to increase stream length and channel complexity, restore riparian and floodplain vegetation, improve channel­ floodplain connectivity and improve the altered thermal regime were all met. This CRITFC PCSRF funded project (along with using funds from BPA and the Fish America Foundation), resulted in 0.26 miles of stream treated, 0.28 miles of instream habitat creation, 3.33 acres of off-channel floodplain connection, 8 instream pools created through channel reconfiguration, and nine logjams placed creating nine pools. Riparian plantings of 2.44 acres and 0.4 miles of streambank were treated with the following species: Salix exigua, Cornus serica, Populus balsamifera L., Alnus incana, Alnus rhombifolia, and Symphoricarpos oreophilus. 0.2 miles of livestock exclosure fencing was constructed which will protect 2.22 acres of riparian vegetation. CRITFC PCSRF funds ($18,742) were used specifically to pay for subcontracts for excavator placement of the logjam structures (50 hrs at $130/hr = $6,500), channel excavation (1,052 cu yds removed @ $8/yd =$8,416), and for the Warm Springs Tribes indirect costs ($3,826). OWEB funding paid for many other tasks related to this project and is documented in their PCSRF database information (OWEB 211-6012-8168).

Primary limiting factors for summer steelhead and spring Chinook salmon were addressed by taking advantage of natural hydrologic and sediment characteristics, capitalizing on the stabilizing effects of healthy native riparian vegetation, restoring the natural channel geometry and incorporating natural materials such as large wood to increase habitat complexity. The restoration approach was to use the lightest touch possible” in returning Rudio Creek to a riffle-pool dominated stream type within a diverse and well-connected floodplain. Large wood habitat structures were located where they are expected to occur under natural conditions and all restoration elements were designed to be self-sustaining in the future.

The goal of this project is to increase the abundance and productivity for NFJDR population summer steelhead and spring Chinook by addressing Rudio Creek basin-scale limiting factors. Originating in the Blue Mountains the North Fork John Day River (NFJDR) is the John Day River’s largest tributary and flows 107 miles before entering the John Day River. North Fork John Day salmon and steelhead populations have declined over the last century due to degradation of habitat and other factors. NFJDR summer steelhead are a component of the Mid-Columbia steelhead ESU and were listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on March 25, 1999 (see 64 FR 14517). NFJDR spring Chinook are part of the Mid-Columbia River Spring-run ESU. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NFJDR subbasin is designated essential fish habitat for Chinook salmon. This stock of spring Chinook is the healthiest component of the Mid-Columbia River Spring-run ESU. However, NFJDR spring Chinook have lost 66% of their historic productivity and 72% of their historic abundance (see John Day Subbasin Revised Draft Plan March 15, 2005). Rudio Creek is a perennial tributary of the lower NFJDR and provides 14.3 miles of anadromous fish habitat.

The project site was selected after evaluation of restoration potential, land ownership, land use and risk assessment, and the proposed restoration project will implement high priority recovery plan actions to benefit summer steelhead. The Rudio Creek Ranch Habitat Restoration Project will increase pool habitat, habitat complexity, floodplain connectivity, and riparian vegetation by restoring Rudio Creek to its historic channel alignment, constructing large wood habitat structures, and restoring riparian vegetation. River Design Group (RDG) completed a site review and data collection including remote sensing (air photos) and survey grade GPS to characterize existing and historical channel and floodplain conditions. Terrain modeling of existing conditions and proposed channel alignment was performed using AutoCAD Civil 3D and Eagle Point civil design software. A hydraulic model was prepared for the channel design using USACE HEC RAS river modeling software. The design has been completed, and the restoration approach is to use the lightest touch possible in returning Rudio Creek to a riffle-pool dominated stream type within a diverse and connected floodplain.

The restored site will mimic pre-disturbance conditions to the greatest extent possible. Structures will be located where they would be expected to occur under natural conditions and are designed to be self-sustaining. The new channel alignment will connect Rudio Creek to springs that come off of the west hill slope so as to increase summer base flows and reduce temperature. Beavers are present at the project site, though their numbers and influence on the aquatic and floodplain has been greatly reduced. Anecdotal accounts indicate Rudio Creek and its floodplain were significantly influenced by beavers prior to channel modification and floodplain/riparian clearing. It is anticipated that the proposed restoration project will result in habitat conditions that will support a larger beaver population and perennial dam complexes.