Catching Creek Riparian Restoration Project

The project restored riparian function through riparian planting and fencing and improved fish passage and off-channel habitat through the replacement of an undersized culvert on Catching Creek and one of its tributaries. Catching Creek, a tributary to Catching Slough near Coos Bay, is situated in a narrow agricultural valley that has been heavily impacted by past and current land management practices which have resulted in stream channelization and removal of riparian vegetation. The project installed livestock exclusion fencing along the mainstem and tributary with a 20’ and 14’ setback that will be planted with a variety of native tree and shrub species according to the planting plans developed. Prior to planting, invasive blackberry was addressed along this reach of stream and a section with steep bank received a pull-back treatment. Plant establishment activities occurred for 5 years after the planting in hopes of meeting the goal of 80% plant survival. An undersized culvert on mainstem Catching Creek was upgraded to meet all state and federal fish passage standards, and a small agricultural bridge was installed just downstream to assist with livestock and farm equipment access from the barn to the pasture. Fish passage crossing metrics were inadvertently reported incorrectly at proposed due to miscommunication. Tributary channel reconfiguration removed one undersized crossing, connected existing drainage, and provided channel habitat and connected a cold water seep. OWEB funds were be used for project management, contracted services, engineering designs, plant establishment, travel, project materials, and indirect costs. Match from the landowner and OYC will cover a portion of contracted services and cover the costs of a summer youth crew for plant stewardship activities. Because the projects scheduled end date is after the PCSRF FFY 2016 award closes, no funds allocated for this project are reported as match to PCSRF funds.

This project is located in lowland habitat accessible to Chinook, coho, and steelhead. Riparian plantings will improve bank stability and reduce sediment loads, which is important for salmon survival. Other long-term benefits from riparian plantings include toxin filtration, an increase in shade to help cool the water and outcompete noxious weeds, and future recruitment of organic and woody debris for macroinvertebrates, an essential part of the salmonid diet. Fencing the channel will cut off livestock access which will improve water quality and bank stability, therefore improving instream habitat and decreasing sediment loads. Upgrading an undersized culvert will prevent future issues that may occur such as plugging and velocity barriers to improve access to 1.2 miles of spawning and rearing habitat. Connecting existing drainage features and redirecting the tributary through existing drainage will provide approximately 1150’ of off-channel habitat for juveniles and establish a connection to a cold water seep while providing better drainage for the landowner.