Reach 8 Washougal Restoration-Ostenson

This project addressed mainstem and tributary spawning and rearing habitat on a 80 acre property in Reach 8 of the Washougal River. During mainstem restoration, we installed installed of one large logjam, 3 boulder clusters, and place 10 single logs along the toe of bank to increase habitat complexity in addition to storing/sorting gravel. Since completion, we have observed numerous a pairs of fall Chinook, coho, and steelhead utilizing the cover provided by the LWD and spawning in the newly accumulated gravel. The log jam has successfully endured a numerous large flood events and scoured a 8 ft deep pool that provides excellent adult holding habitat and overhead cover for rearing juveniles.
The restoration of the spring-fed tributary restored access to nearly > 4,000 sq/ft of off channel habitat, created 3 acres of pond habitat for juvenile rearing and 1,400 newly planted trees will provide shade and LWD inputs in the future. The restoration the spring fed creek and constuction of the off channel ponds required the excavation of nearly 3,500 cubic yards of material, installation of 23 plank weirs, and the placement of over 60 pieces of LWD. Two months after construction was completed, approximately 23 adult coho and 2 steelhead accessed the newly opened spring channel and spawned in the new gravel placed at the head of each of the plank weirs. Fish utilization was nearly immediate and successfully seeded the system during the first year! LCFEG staff has observed both juveniles and adult salmonids spawning in the new habitat during the last 3 years. This reach is a high priority for coho salmon and a medium priority for chinook and steelhead, all of which are ESA listed as threatened.

The goal of the project is to connect isolated freshwater in-stream habitat to increase the range and distribution of salmon. The objective of the project is to increase access to freshwater in-stream side channels, oxbows, and other channels.