The proposed goal of Phase 2, Bourgault/North Channel Restoration Project, is to restore & maintain the surface hydrologic connectivity between a historic river meander bend and the Skokomish River during all hydrologic flows throughout the year. The restoration of this process provides for a goal of increased salmon refuge over wintering & summer rearing requirements, as well as increased spawning area. The location of this site is within the Skokomish Indian Reservation boundaries, located on USGS Skokomish Valley 7.5 minute map, Mason County, within 4 river miles of Hood Canal. WRIA 16 includes the Skokomish watershed, a Tier -1 Key watershed in the Presidents Forest Plan. The objectives for the above goal are to: provide channel maintenance for Phase 1 activities of this project; provide an increase in rearing area for salmon; increase spawning area; implement design of protective mechanisms and structures such as engineered log jams (ELJs) at the head of the restore channel, removing exotic invasive vegetation, planning native species, installing sediment and livestock fencing, and other erosion control features. Resource Technicians employed from economically distressed counties and or other distressed vocations, i.e. fishing and timber will provide the labor in FY 2000 and FY 2001. Multiple salmon species and stocks are anticipated to make use of this restored area, including ESA listed threatened species Hood Canal summer chum & Puget Sound Chinook salmon
