WRIA 1 FY2008 Priority Project Implementation

The goal of the project is to address the habitat factors most limiting the Nooksack early chinook population: low habitat diversity, lack of deep pools with cover, and high summer water temperatures in the South Fork and lack of stable spawning habitat and low habitat diversity in the North Fork. Specifically, the project partially funded: (1) design and construction of 14 complex log jams in the South Fork Nooksack River Van Zandt Reach (RM 0.9-1.4); and (2) feasibility and design of restoration in the North Fork Nooksack River Wildcat Reach (RM 53.3-54.8) and Farmhouse Reach (RM 46.8-49.4). Remainder of the funds needed came from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB). The Van Zandt reach log jams were constructed in summer 2010 and designed to form deep holding pools with complex cover, persist through high flow conditions (100-yr event), and not increase flood risk to adjacent landowners. Nooksack Tribe contracted with Herrera Environmental Consultants to provide engineering design, hydraulic modeling and geomorphic assessment, and construction oversight. Areas disturbed during construction, as well as the tops and sides of the logjams, were replanted with native forest species. As such, the project is expected to provide immediate cover in the low-flow channel, with pools and associated temperature refugia forming during bank full and higher discharge events. The Wildcat Reach feasibility and design project entailed site reconnaissance visits, preparation of a feasibility report, technical materials, procurement of materials, development and review of a reach-scale conceptual design, and preliminary and final designs, hydraulic modeling, and geomorphic assessment for the Phase 1 project. The Farmhouse Reach project entailed site visits, review of technical information, and work to develop the reach-scale conceptual design.

Project will address the habitat factors most limiting in the highest priority reach for the highest priority salmonid population in WRIA 1: South Fork Nooksack early chinook. Specifically, project will increase the frequency and depth of pools, availability of instream cover, and availability of temperature refugia by encouraging formation of complex pools with cover in a zone of groundwater and tributary influence to the river. Life stages affected are primarily adult migration and holding, and juvenile rearing. Other salmonids that use the reach will also benefit, including ESA-listed steelhead, as well as coho, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon.