Yainix Ranch Stream Restoration Project

Yainix Ranch Stream Restoration Project - The purpose of the project was to reduce impacts of cattle grazing on the riparian area along the Sycan River and reconnect a spring to the Sycan River that had been blocked off.
A livestock watering well was drilled and an off-stream watering facility installed including a solar powered pump and trough connected to the well, a large concrete culvert was removed from the Sycan River on this property, an old non-functional riparian fence was removed and 410 feet of new fence installed, a cool water spring was reconnected to the Sycan River, and an existing off-stream watering trough was moved farther from the river. The outcome of the project is that by providing off-stream watering and riparian fencing cattle generally stay out of the river and riparian area resulting in better riparian habitat conditions, reduced sediment and nutrient loading to the river and reconnection of spring habitat to the Sycan River.

PROJECT BENEFIT:

This project is considered a crucial step towards achieving the tribal restoration goal of reintroduction and restoration of the Klamath Tribes historic salmonid fisheries, including Chinook, lamprey, and steelhead species that have been extirpated. Specifically, installing off-stream watering facilities, moving an existing off-streaming cattle watering trough further from the river, and replacing an old riparian fence further from the Sycan River protects and restores riparian habitat along the Sycan River. A cool water spring that had been dammed up was reconnected to the Sycan River providing refuge habitat for fish and other organisms.