This proposal will allow for continuation of salmonid habitat restoration in the Tucannon and Touchet watersheds. The Tucannon, a 208,000 acre watershed excluding Pataha Cr., is currently home to ESA listed spring & fall Chinook salmon, Steelhead & bull trout. The Touchet, within Columbia County, is a 243,000 acre watershed home to Steelhead and bull trout. Numerous inventories completed by NRCS and WDFW concluded there are three main limiting factors to fish production in the Tucannon: high water temperatures; excess sediment; poor pool habitat for resting and rearing. WWC limiting factor assessment currently in progress in the Touchet indicate similar limiting factors. Utilizing this information, the following goals for in stream salmonid habitat restoration were developed: 1) increase natural stability and pool quality and quantity; 2) reduced water temperatures, stream bank erosion and sedimentation rates. FY 2001 projects will augment past projects toward desired habitat conditions within the Tucannon and Touchet River Watersheds. Individual project sites are evaluated for critical limiting factors and corrective actions identified by an interdisciplinary Team (district, WDFW & NRCS staff & landowner). This team uses bio engineering methods of structural design applicable to stream type and conditions. Site re-vegetation will use native tree & shrub varieties. Past projects have resulted in active landowner support for watershed salmonid habitat restoratation.
