Shelikof Creek Stream Restoration

This project resulted in construction of 50 instream large wood structures and two floodplain structures along the banks of 2.5 miles of Shelikof Creek, a major sub-watershed of the Iris Creek watershed on Kruzof Island in Southeast Alaska. These large wood structures have created habitat complexity for primarily juvenile coho salmon and steelhead trout, but will benefit other anadromous and resident fish species within the watershed. Structures also provide bank protection and will greatly reduce erosion and sedimentation from channel widening. Two culverts were replaced and a third was removed, which has reopened approximately 1.1 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous and resident fish species. All activities were able to be completed in a single field season, so the project ended earlier than expected.

Expected benefits of this project include: improved overwintering conditions for juvenile coho salmon and steelhead trout; accelerated recovery of fluvial processes currently leading to bank erosion and channel widening; improved instream pool complexity and cover through placement of rootwad trees and large woody structures; improved year-round low velocity adult salmonid holding habitat and juvenile rearing habitat through pool creation; expanded partnerships with stakeholders having an expressed interest in improving watershed conditions in Sitka Ranger District watersheds; restoration of fish passage to approximately 2,000 feet of inaccessible fish habitat,
restoration of natural stream function on two tributaries; and restoration of natural drainage patterns and reduction of sedimentation from nearby roads.