Little River Off Channel Design Project

The project will develop 100% engineered designs for two identified sites and 30% conceptual designs for a third site. Designs will result in two restoration projects that will increase off-channel habitat by constructing several alcove features that provide refuge for salmonids. Designs at each site will address the need for rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. When constructed, the project will include several off-channel alcove features that provide refuge during winter high water events. Sites were prioritized based on access, inundation interval, feature size, and inputs from secondary perennial streams. Design features will be self-maintaining side channel or off-channel habitat features that mimic or replicate naturally formed and maintained fluvial features and will not replace or displace other functioning floodplain or riverine environments.

The project will complete designs that, when implemented, will improve off-channel habitats to create refugia habitat. Designs will consider 150 acres of off-channel and/or floodplain habitat. Coho and other salmonids would benefit immediately from the implementation of this project, as it would provide much needed slow water rearing habitat for juveniles (Coastal Multispecies Plan, NMFS 2016).