Eagle Island Sites B and C

The goal of this restoration project was to enhance existing side-channel habitat, and reconnect a former side channel to provide critical rearing habitat necessary for the survival and recovery of salmonid species on the North Fork Lewis River, in Cowlitz and Clark Counties. The project area, in total, stretches across approximately 2,600 linear feet of the right bank of the South Channel of the North Fork Lewis River. Site B includes 860 of reconnected side channel and approximately 500 of enhanced mainstem margin habitat while Site C enhances 1,229 linear feet of existing side channel. This is a Tier 1 reach in the Lower Columbia Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan and has been identified as a critical rearing reach for Chinook Salmon. The project increased the quantity and quality of rearing and holding habitat for juvenile coho, chum, Chinook and steelhead through the construction of numerous large woody debris (LWD) jams. Bar apex jams ensure long term water supply to both side channels. Lateral scour jams and individual in-stream LWD pieces provide rearing and holding cover. Placement of LWD in the floodplain, per the landowners insistence, decreases the likelihood that the South Channel will avulse through Eagle Island during a flood event. Taken together, these structures provide cover and refuge from high flows, promote the formation of scour pool habitat and increase overall habitat complexity within the reach. While Tribe staff and contractors conducted invasive species control at the site, knotweed persists in thick patches well inside of the shoreline, and continues to recruit on gravel bars from upstream sources. Tribe staff planted native woody vegetation over the course of two winters to restore riparian area functions and improve habitat values for resident and migratory wildlife.

Enhance existing side-channel habitat, and return to function former side-channel habitat to provide critical rearing habitat necessary for the survival and recovery of salmonid species on the North Fork Lewis River, Clark County.