Project located at RM 1.2, Big Quilcene River. Objective is to enhance salmon habitat through the stabilization of transient large woody debris and to encourage deposition along the toe of a severely eroded bluff. Bluff is 20-40 feet high, 1,000 ft. long and is an active sediment source. The project entails constructing 12 floating log groins, one rock groin, and modifying 3 existing rock groins to recruit LWD and sediment at the toe of the bluff. Floating log groins are comprised of two floating logs (Y-log systems) tethered at each end to large rocks. The logs float during high water events, breaking up the line of flow and dissipating energy, thereby encouraging gravel/sediment deposition. They also have the potential to recruit wood floating downstream that may otherwise pass through the system. Of particular value at this site, floating log groins offer the advantage of not needing to be keyed into the bank in order to function. No excavation is required to install the y-log systems; boulder ballast is placed on the surface of the existing bed. As such, they require a stable, keyed-in upstream control point and relatively close spacing for optimal performance. The rock groins will serve as the upstream control point. Project design has been completed by WDFW. Targeted species are summer chum, Chinook, coho, steel head, cutthroat. Partners include the Cons. Dist, Wild Olympic Salmon, WDFW and USFS. Project construction planned for summer 2000.
