Upper Potlatch Restoration

Salmonid Habitat Restoration and Acquisition

Instream Habitat Riparian Habitat
Project ID009 07 CW
Recovery DomainsSnake River
Start Date05/23/2008
End Date03/31/2012
Year2007
StatusCompleted
Last Edited01/14/2025
 
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Description    


Implementation of the projects began in September of 2009. LWD structures were installed at 47 sites within the East Fork, along approximately one mile of this stream reach. Structure composition included 100 rootwads, 25 barb logs and 20 tree tops. This phase of the implementation took approximately two weeks to complete. Photo points were taken to evaluate structure integrity and function. Sites were revegetated in the fall of 2009 and 2010 and additional revegetation took place in the spring of 2011.

All banks disturbed by the woody debris installation and other eroding banks within this one mile stream reach were stabilized using erosion control matting, pine tree revetments, willow fascines, or brush mattresses. These areas were also planted with willow and red osier dogwood poles as well as seeded with a native grass mix. A total of 450 Western Red Cedar, 400 Western white Pine, 400 Grand Fir, and 400 Blue Spruce trees were planted in the riparian area. In addition 1,600 sedges and rushes were planted along the stream as part of the 319 Grant.

As this forested area is heavily grazed, a cattle exclusion fence was installed around the entire perimeter of the LWD riparian area in the fall of 2010. Approximately 2.5 miles of fencing was installed. The fencing was completed to allow for wildlife access, while preventing cattle encroachment. Additional fencing repairs were completed in the spring of 2011.

This project was coordinated with another PCSRF project (05505CW) and an Idaho Department of Environmental Quality 319 grant. The overall goal of these three project was to add complexity to the stream reach and to improve fish habitat for spawning and rearing steelhead. Those goals were met.

Project actions deviated from the original proposal as the Bob’s Creek phase of the project was not completed. This phase of the project was evaluated by IDFG and NMFS personnel and determined to not reach criteria for project implementation. Additionally, a second section of the East Fork was planned for large wood installation. However it was not completed due to time constraints and personnel changes at IDFG and Potlatch Corp. It will be reevaluated for possible future funding proposal.

Project Benefit    


The EFPR is limited in juvenile steelhead overwintering habitat as indicated by a low pool/riffle ratio (Schriever & Nelson 1999). The limited overwinter habitat results in a lower than expected production of yearling and older juvenile steelhead. It is the goal of this project to improve in-stream habitat and channel complexity through the addition of LWD structures. Expected benefits are increases in juvenile steelhead survival, overwintering habitat, in-stream complexity and pool/riffle ratios.
The Potlatch River TMDL identified the EFPR as exceeding three beneficial uses categories for temperature criteria, they are: salmonid spawning and incubation in the spring and fall, and cold water aquatic life. Existing shade estimates are 10% - 40% in the lower fish bearing reachs of the EFPR. Excessive temperatures limit juvenile steelhead production.This project will decrease the thermal load to the stream thereby decreasing summer temperatures that limit juvenile steelhead survival.

Accomplishments

Metric Completed Originally
Proposed
Instream Habitat
  Stream Miles Treated 1.00 6.00
Riparian Habitat
  Stream Miles Treated 2.00 6.00
  Acres Treated 12.0 35.0

Funding Details

SourceFunds
PCSRF$110,207
Other$41,088
Report Total:$151,295


Project Map



Worksites

1. Upper Potlatch Drainage    


  • Worksite Identifier: 1. Upper Potlatch Drainage
  • Start Date: 12/01/2008
  • End Date: 03/31/2012
Area Description

No Area Description data was found for this worksite.

Location Information

  • Basin: Clearwater (170603)
  • Subbasin: Clearwater (17060306)
  • Watershed:
  • Subwatershed:
  • State: Idaho
  • Recovery Domain: Snake River
  • Latitude: 46.8601
  • Longitude: -116.2992

ESU

  • Snake River Basin Steelhead DPS

Map

Photos

Metrics

Metrics
  • C.0 Salmonid Habitat Restoration and AcquisitionY (Y/N)
    •      . . C.0.a Habitat restoration and acquisition funding 151,295.00
    •      . . C.0.b Length of stream treated/protected 1.00
    •      . . C.0.c
      Project identified in a Plan or Watershed Assessment
      Northwest Power and Conservation Council. 2005. “Clearwater Subbasin Management Plan.” In Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program. Portland, Oregon. Also Latah SWCD. 2007. Potlatch River watershed management plan. Moscow, ID.
    •      . . C.0.d.1 Project Monitoring (LOV)
    •      . . C.0.d.2 Monitoring Location (LOV)
    •      . . C.0.d.3
      Monitoring text (from Phase I)
      Monitoring and evaluation activities for this project are comprehensive and are included in IDFG's umbrella Potlatch River Basin M&E project funded by PCSRF and NOAA IMW grants.
    •      . . C.4 Instream Habitat ProjectY (Y/N)
      •      . . . . C.4.a Instream Habitat Funding 124,295.00
      •      . . . . C.4.b Total length of instream habitat treated 1.00
      •      . . . . C.4.e.1 Streambank stabilization Y (Y/N)
        •      . . . . . . C.4.e.2 Material Used For Streambank Stabilization (LOV)
        •      . . . . . . C.4.e.3 Miles of streambank stabilized 2.00
      •      . . C.5 Riparian Habitat ProjectY (Y/N)
        •      . . . . C.5.a Riparian Habitat Funding 27,000.00
        •      . . . . C.5.b.1 Total riparian miles streambank treated 2.00
        •      . . . . C.5.b.2 Total Riparian Acres Treated 12.0
        •      . . . . C.5.c.1 Riparian plantingY (Y/N)
          •      . . . . . . C.5.c.2
            Species of plants planted in riparian
            Salix spp.; Cornus sericea; Carex amplifolia; Carex aquatilis; Carex lenticularis; Carex nebrascensis; Carex utriculata; Juncus effuses; Juncus ensifolius; Scirpus microcarpus; Pinus monticola; Picea pungens; Abies grandis
          •      . . . . . . C.5.c.3 Acres planted in riparian 12.0