Upper Savoy Creeks Salmonid Habitat Improvement Design Project

This project will create 100% design plans that are shovel-ready for the future implementation phase. Data from the field-based stream reach characterizations will help determine the types of LWM structures to be designed and their appropriate locations to generate the best biological outcomes. Up to 20 conceptual design plans will be developed for stream reaches characterized as low risk and where smaller bank-based instream non engineered LWM structures will suffice. These conceptual design plans will follow guidelines and protocols from Chapter 7 in CDFWs Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual and be generated from the initial field characterization. Up to 2 engineered LWM structures (i.e., ELJs) will be designed for stream reaches characterized as high risk or requiring larger and more complex instream structures.

The LWM designs from this project will address limiting factors identified from characterizing existing conditions to specifically enhance coho habitat quality and quantity for all life cycle stages. Implementing LWM projects as designed will directly benefit coho and other salmonid populations through enhancing their habitats. LWM is known to create habitat complexity, enhance habitat complexity and increase pool depth scour which has been positively linked to increasing survival rates.