South Fork Rowdy/Savoy Creeks Salmonid Habitat Improvement Project

This targeted instream project will characterize anadromous stream reaches and document the benefits and potential risks associated with LWM habitat structure design options. A comprehensive field investigation will be conducted to support the designs, which will characterize and prioritize stream reaches for treatment, identify constraints and yield design options to improve instream rearing and spawning habitat, channel complexity and sinuosity, accessibility to existing off-channel floodplain rearing habitat, and high-flow refugia for juvenile salmonids. Riparian conditions will be assessed and characterized to identify locations where large woody material (LWM) can be sourced for use to construct in-stream LWM habitat structures or where riparian restoration could significantly increase the rate of LWM recruitment into the stream system in the future. LWM habitat structures will be developed in coordination with CDFW and the landowner.

This project will locate and design instream habitat structures and riparian treatments to improve coho habitat and restore riparian function in stream reaches currently lacking quality salmonid habitat and LWM. LWM structures create habitat complexity and enhance valuable spawning and rearing habitat for all anadromous life stages. The LWM habitat designs and riparian treatments will address limiting factors by improving fluvial geomorphic function and instream habitat conditions.