Hoh Tribe FY2022 Owl Creek Restoration Phase 2 – Final Design and Implementation

Phase 1 of this project evaluated the current conditions of the Owl Creek channel and floodplain from River Mile 0.0 to 1.9 and developed preliminary designs for restoration actions. eDNA metabarcoding showed the presence of at least 7 different fish species, including Steelhead and Coho. Owl Creek has also historically supported runs of Chinook. Due to very large flood incidents, the Owl Creek system is lacking adequate spawning sediments, large wood, and associated habitat structures creating severely degraded channel conditions and disconnection with the floodplain. Final design will be developed by a licensed environmental engineer and the balance of funds will be utilized to acquire and place large wood into the stream channel, remove invasive species, and conduct riparian enhancement through conifer plantings.

Project will increase areas of stable gravel deposits through the placement of large wood and increase the availability of off channel floodplain salmon habitat to provide rearing opportunities for juveniles and additional habitat for spawning adults. This project will increase instream habitat complexity, extent, and quality for juveniles and spawning adult salmon and steelhead.