Little Van Duzen Instream Habitat Enhancement Project

The project reach extends 0.5 miles up the Little Van Duzen with 8 total features (16 structures) in the reach. The LW features were designed to increase shelter, add habitat complexity and enhance pools. In addition to the installed structures, 150 conifers were planted along the stream bank to provide shade and future LW recruitment.



The 2018/2019 winter storms produced flows in this reach that caused the channel to change position and bypass three of the structures (Feature 4033, 4304, and 4408). From August 27th to September 4th, 2019 additions feature 4408 were completed. The additions included 10 pieces of anchored LW, including 5 key pieces, bring the project total to 58 pieces of LW and 28 key pieces. These additions are intended to provide additional fish habitat and refugia, hydraulically reconnect flow with the previously established channel and provide fish access to the bypassed habitat structures and maintain overall habitat objectives as originally intended.

The LWD features will increase shelter, add habitat complexity, and enhance pools. In addition, plant 150 conifers along the stream bank to provide shade and future LWD recruitment.