Phase 2 Vincent to Caribou Habitat Improvement

These PCSRF grant funds were divided between two work sites. The Vincent To Caribou Phase II (V2C2) worksite and the Vinegar to Vincent (V2V) worksite.

The V2C2 site finalized construction with all work elements being completed in the fall of 2020. PCSRF funds supplemented BPA funds for the implementation of this worksite. Major worksite components funded with this grant are as follows: 79+ Large wood instream habitat structures, 8000 cubic yards of a historic railroad grade that bisected the floodplain removed, 1200 cubic yards of rip rap and rock barb removed, 700 cubic yards of instream gravel placed, & 22 pilot channels excavated. Native riparian grass seed was also purchased with PCSRF funds. The worksite timeline was delayed until the 2020 instream work window due to delays in permitting and difficulty securing a tree harvest contract in 2019.

The V2V site finalized construction and planting in December of 2020. PCSRF funds supplemented Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and BPA funds for the implementation of this worksite. PCSRF funds were used exclusively for the planting effort associated with this worksite. A total of 23,301 riparian and transitional/upland plants were installed throughout the restoration area.

The project seeks to restore hydraulic and ecosystem processes for riparian and instream habitats critical for Mid-Columbia summer steelhead, spring Chinook salmon, Pacific Lamprey, and bull trout. This multi-phased project is located in the heart of spring Chinook salmon spawning, adult holding, and juvenile rearing. This property is used by steelhead for both juvenile rearing and spawning in the river and six perennial tributaries within the property boundaries. The property has exceptional juvenile rearing potential, stemming from its location in the watershed and the six perennial tributaries entering the river within the property, but degraded habitat conditions limit current production. Pacific lamprey juveniles are also commonly present in the river and tributaries throughout this property.

The project primary goal is to restore instream habitat conditions and structure for salmonid production, and set the stage for processes needed to sustain habitat features. This project seeks to greatly enhance instream habitat for salmonids in terms of rearing habitat, as this is the main identified bottleneck in population recovery. Pools with large wood structure, complex riffles, and targeted use of cold-water alcoves and spring channels will be the features to aid in rearing habitat for salmonids. Water temperature will also be buffered through an extensive vegetation plan, which promotes stream shading and appropriate channel widths on the constructed channel segments.