This Satsop River floodplain restoration project consists of approximately 100 ac. of floodplain habitat that is negatively impaired by approximately 5200 linear feet of constructed dike and approximately 2500 linear feet of riprapped riverbank. Since May 2001, the Satsop Committee (WDFW, Corps, Grays Harbor County, and local citizens) has met to develop a project approach to meet the needs of both fish and people. As a result, the committee has worked with the Corps to develop a Channel Migration Study, Preliminary Restoration Plan and has recently been notified of the Corps approval to fund this project under Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration. Throughout the past 1+ years, the Satsop Committee has identified the dike, riprap, ponds, and excessive eroding banks as areas to focus restoration efforts. Beginning Fall 2001 the Corps will begin a study phase that will characterize baseline habitat conditions and identify potential improvements to these conditions through restoration actions. Proposed restoration activities will be analyzed using standard modeling techniques to determine if there are potential adverse affects from the restoration project. Once this phase is complete, the Satsop Committee will decide on a restoration concept and design. The project is scheduled to be constructed the summer of 2004. The implementation of this project will restore floodplain functions and re-establish access to off-channel habitat.
