Rogue River Ranch Side Chanel Restoration Project phase III

Proposed Outcomes from 2022 Funding:

1. Construct rock and wood toe and fabric encapsulated soil lifts on the eroding bank

2. Remove invasive species within project foot print and replant with native species appropriate for the site

3. Construct large wood structures

This project will take a comprehensive approach to restoration by improving SONCC Coho critical habitat, by halting bank erosion to prevent find sediment delivery to the stream, restoring the native vegetation in the riparian areas and increasing stream complexity and side channel rearing habitat. We will be using a phased approach to address two of the highest priority recovery actions for the population: improving agricultural practices and increasing instream structure. Phase 1 of this project will include site surveys to determine the current existing habitat conditions and species that utilize the area. Phase II will be the development of design plans that will address the following: high summer water temperatures in rearing habitat through riparian planting and improve water quality by eliminating chronic source of sediment delivery to the stream; lack of spawning and pool habitat through the placement of instream structures, which will also increase the amount of refuge habitat available during peak winter flows. Phase III (funded by this grant) will implement the designs produced during earlier phases. The approach of the project in addressing the SONCC salmon limiting factors is to combine short-term treatments such as instream structure placement, with the restoration of altered riparian processes. This approach will be used to comprehensively restore Coho salmon critical habitat and secure viability of this population within the larger ESU.