Cispus-Yellowjacket Phase I

Update the actual descripton to: Cowlitz Tribe received PCSRF funds directly for this project as well as RCO state SRFB funds. Reported metrics for this project have been halved to prevent duplication in the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund database.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe collaborated with the USDA Forest Service to build in-stream structures in 1,800 of main stem Cispus River to scour pools, sort gravels, support floodplain forest succession, and provide cover. The mainstem structures increased flows in a 3,100 long side channel, providing rearing habitat for spring Chinook, winter steelhead, and coho. This project followed on a first-phase consensus recommendation of stakeholders identified and consulted during a SRFB-funded design for the Cispus-Yellowjacket reach. Cascade Forest Conservancy staff and volunteers planted locally-adapted native riparian trees and shrubs in 22.5 acres of disturbed areas and areas identified by Forest Service staff as lacking in riparian forest diversity or density.

This project restored habitat forming processes through the 1,800’ phase 1 project reach, characterized by stable, well-vegetated islands within a network of channels active at a range of flows. This channel form better supports the full range of life history stages for spring and fall Chinook, coho, and winter steelhead by providing pools for pre-spawn holding, well sorted gravel tail-outs for spawning, and low velocity habitat, cover, and side-channel access for juvenile rearing.