Klamath River Coho Habitat Enhancement Project

A stepped approach was used to fulfill the project objective of enhance off channel habitats through input of in-stream and overhanging cover elements such as small woody debris and vegetation cover. The first step of the project to occur was gathering baseline information such as mapping and habitat evaluation of each site. The information gathering phase was conducted during the summer and fall of 2008 and products included detailed maps of each sites describing habitat attributes including water depths, temperature, water velocity (ft/sec) and in stream cover values (total area). KTFP biologists utilized this information to develop implementation plans for each site. The goal of sites assessments was to understand the habitat in order to maximized benefits to rearing coho salmon through strategic tree planting and woody debris placement. The plans identified enhancement areas within each site that align with juvenile coho salmon rearing preferences known from the body of literature regarding coho rearing. For example; areas with preferred coho rearing water depth, water velocity and water temperature, but lacking preferred in stream cover values were targeted for enhancement work.

The KTFP field crews utilized the implementation plans to guide where tree planting and woody debris bundle placement would occur so that benefits to rearing coho salmon were maximized.

The project provides direct benefits to coho salmon by increasing in stream cover complexity within key cold water refugia and winter habitats located along the mainstem Klamath River corridor. Increasing the habitat cover values will benefit overall performance of juvenile coho by increasing fitness and survival of fish using the sites affected by the project.