East Branch North Fork Big River Coho Habitat Enhancement Project - Large Wood (Phase III)

157 pieces of large wood, consisting of 96 key pieces, will be utilized to create 53 instream features within 5,665 feet of East Branch North Fork Big River. The addition of large wood will achieve the wood loading target criteria outlined in coho recovery plans. These instream features will increase the quantity, quality, and complexity of salmonid spawning and rearing habitat.

This project will improve habitat for adult and juvenile salmonids by increasing pool depths, pool frequency, and complex shelter. LW features will sort gravels for spawning, promote sinuosity, and provide velocity refugia. Features are expected to increase channel roughness, improving geomorphic function and habitat diversity through increasing floodplain and side channel connectivity. Small wood and sediment retention will promote aquatic insect production, a food source for salmonids.