South Fork Usal Creek Instream Enhancement Design Project

The overall objective of this project is to create shovel-ready conceptual designs for approximately 200 large wood (LW) structures and 100% final engineered design plans for approximately five engineered log jams (ELJs) to restore geomorphic function along approximately 3.5 miles of South Fork Usal Creek. Designed LW structures will provide elements of instream habitat and enhance fluvial geomorphic processes by conducting detailed characterizations of the biologic, geomorphic, topographic, and hydrologic conditions. It is expected that the lowest 0.5-mile of the project area will require development of 100% final engineered LW structures (~5) to produce the greatest ecological benefit. The upper 3.0 miles of the proposed project area is considered conducive to non-engineered structure implementation, and it is anticipated that these LW structures (~200) will consist of a combination of woven complex spider jams and accelerated recruitment structures.

Project designs will improve rearing requirements for salmonids and will address riparian dysfunction, habitat complexity, and water quality impairments.