Vinegar to Vincent Fish Habitat Improvement Phase 2

Phase 2 of the Vinegar to Vincent fish habitat improvement work was primarily restricted to the north side of the historic Sumpter railroad grade. A series of (main and side) channels were excavated, a portion of the historic channel was filled, and large wood was placed throughout the channels. Willow trenches were also implemented throughout the floodplain, and the historic railroad grade within the project was removed. Torrent sedge sod was also transplanted to the banks of all newly created channels.

This project will address the persistent legacy effects of previous agricultural practices that occurred throughout this reach. Through the activation of historic channel scars, the addition of off-channel habitat in the form of side channels, and installation of large wood structures, this project will increase the amount of quality rearing and spawning habitat for both salmon and steelhead. The removal of the railroad grade and rerouting the channel, the MFJDR will be reconnected to its historic floodplain. Groundwater storage will increase and provide a cold source to the river throughout the year. The introduction of large wood will provide slow water refuge for both juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead, and the installation of riffles will provide spawning habitat. An extensive planting effort, coupled with fencing to exclude both cattle and wildlife, will allow the riparian corridor to recover, providing cover and thereby reducing stream temperature.