Upper Elochoman River Salmon Conservation Project

The Upper Elochoman River Conservation Project purchased and conserved 151 acres of riparian land along 2.6 miles of the upper Elochoman River outside of Cathlamet in Wahkiakum County, Washington. The forested riparian habitat is relatively natural with enhancement and restoration potential, offering a significant watershed benefits to the Elochoman Watershed as a whole. It is adjacent to Washington Department of Natural Resources Trust Lands of which 400 acres adjacent to the project site are managed for marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl. This reach of the Elochoman River and its many tributaries on the property are important habitat for juvenile and adult coho, chinook, and steelhead, including for spawning. Spawning occurs in tributaries in and near the property. Endangered marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl are also in the near vicinity. Columbia Land Trust purchased the property in March 2012 and will provide conservation stewardship of the site’s habitat values in perpetuity. While the property is in fairly natural condition, there are ample opportunities to restore it further through activities such as road removal, culvert upgrades and tree thinning. Long term stewardship will include implementing a plan to maintain and enhance existing conservation values, and monitoring as part of an adaptive management program. Restoration activities may include removing ditching and road fill, planting conifers, and weed control.

Acquisition of 151 acres of riparian land along 2.6 miles of the upper Elochoman River