North Fork Mad River Instream Salmonid Habitat Improvement Design Project

This project will develop shovel-ready 100% final design plans for instream large wood restoration along most of the contiguously accessible anadromous habitat (2.7 mi) in the NF Mad watershed. The specific engineered and nonengineered LWM designs will be developed based upon detailed biological, geomorphic, and hydrologic characterization of the project reach in consultation with members of the Project Team, CDFW Grant Manager, and CDFW Engineer.

Implementation of project designs will benefit North Coast steelhead by enhancing the quality of instream habitats for all life stages in the NF Mad River. Instream large wood is known to assist with sorting and storage of stream gravels, providing cover, and facilitates pool formation. Studies have shown that these attributes associated with large wood can increase the quality and quantity of instream habitats for salmonids, which has been positively linked to survival rates.