The proposed project is a reach-scale restoration effort on three miles of the Snohomish River downstream from the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers. Dikes, bank armoring and clearing of riparian forests have substantially degraded the quantity and quality of habitat along this critical reach. Recognizing the importance of this area to chinook salmon and other salmonids for spawning, rearing holding and migration, the Snohomish Basin Salmon Recovery forum identified it as a focus area in the Near Term Action Agenda (SBSRF, 2002). Restoration efforts in this reach are based on a comprehensive reach-scale analysis conducted by Snohomish County. This analysis included data collection on habitat characteristics, detailed survey of channel and floodplain morphology, and two-dimensional hydraulic modeling. Three primary restoration sites were identified and modeled as part of this analysis: A) Twin Rivers floodplain; B) Crabb meander; and C) Bob Heirman Wildlife Park. Restoration at these sites will include riparian planting, bank restoration, large woody debris placement, and reconnection of off-channel areas. We propose a three-phased approach to implementing these restoration project and request funding for the first two phases through this grant. The phases are as follows: Phase I planting, wetland enhancement, riprap removal and LWD placement at two sites. Phase II breach design at two dike sites Phase III (not part of grant) dike breaching.
