Nason Ck RM12 Floodplain Reconnection-Final Design

This project on Nason Creek at ~RM 11.7-12.2 will continue evaluation of the mainstem channel and adjacent floodplain areas on river left and right, and complete other work needed to identify and develop restoration actions that will improve in-stream conditions and reconnect the floodplain. It seeks to address identified habitat limiting factors for priority spring Chinook, steelhead and bull trout life stages (i.e., spawning and incubation, winter rearing, summer rearing, holding and maturation, and BT natal rearing) in Reach 11 of the Lower Nason Creek AU including Pool Quantity and Quality, Cover-Wood, Floodplain Connectivity, and Off-Channel- Side-Channels. The project will complete a variety of tasks needed to prepare draft final and final designs, conduct studies and prepare reports in support of permit applications (cultural resources survey and wetland delineation), and complete environmental compliance tasks needed to implement subsequent restoration actions at the site (including consultation with regulatory agencies, preparation of in-water work permit applications [e.g., JARPA and HPA] and completion of a CLOMR process with FEMA and Chelan County Community  Development).

The proposed project will complete work needed to develop final designs for restoration actions that address Limiting Factors identified for Reach 11 of the Lower Nason Creek AU including pool quality and quantity, cover-wood, floodplain connectivity, off-channel side channels, temperature and others. The project will complete cultural resource survey and reporting, identify and delineate wetlands, and prepare and submit permit applications (including state and federal in-water work permits and a CLOMR needed to construct such a project within a designated Special Flood Hazard Zone). Upon completion of this phase, we will have a construction-ready plan set for enhancing conditions along an ~0.30 mile reach of the creek, permit support tasks will be complete, and permit applications will be submitted.
The designs will identify actions intended to improve habitat quality for a variety of spring Chinook, steelhead and bull trout life stages including summer & winter rearing, holding/maturation, subadult rearing, natal rearing, & adult non-spawning life stages. Benefits from actions likely to occur are realized very quickly, persist for decades and are year-round in nature.
Goal 1: Increase quantity and quality of adult holding and spawning habitats.
Goal 2: Increase quantity and quality of juvenile rearing habitat.
Goal 3: Improve floodplain connectivity to improve aquatic habitat quality, water storage, and riparian health.
Goal 4: Reduce stream temperature impacts.