The MacPherson side channel restoration project is located in the lower Chewuch River drainage. Objective of the side channel restoration project is to provide off-channel rearing habitat and restore floodplain connectivity. The Chewuch River is an historic and (currently) important spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead spawning stream. Among many reasons for the decline of Chinook and steelhead runs is the reduction of off-channel rearing habitat that occurred as a result of channel clearing and debris removal as response to high water events of 1948 and 1972.

The project will benefit Upper Columbia spring Chinook, Upper Columbia summer steelhead, and bull trout by enhancing rearing habitat for juvenile fish. The spring Chinook rear for a year or longer in freshwater habitat before migrating to the ocean. Steelhead juveniles rear generally for two to three years, but possibly up to seven years before migrating. Optimal conditions for rearing habitat occur in low gradient, meandering streams.

Project objective is to enhance approximately 2,000 feet of low gradient, meandering side channel habitat that flows from a diversion point on the Skyline Canal Company's waste ditch into the Chewuch River. The side channel currently has an average depth of 0.5 to 1 feet, and a width of 3 to 5 feet, with an average gradient of 1%. The gradient is higher at the confluence of the channel and Chewuch River; therefore, modification of the channel at the mouth is needed.

Enhancement of the side channel habitat will be accomplished by creating a more defined channel with excavation work. The placement of rocks and woody debris in the channel will develop pool formation and habitat complexity and provide cover. The project may also include creation of one rearing pond estimated to be 100 feet by 200 feet, although this decision will be based upon side channel performance evaluation by WDFW following phase 1 efforts. Streamflow will be controlled by construction of a head gate control and diversion box at the point of divergence from the Skyline waste ditch.  The head gate structure will divert 2 to 4 cfs into the side channel under a "public benefit" water agreement authorized by the WA Department of Ecology. In addition, an upgrade will be required to at least one road culvert to create fish passage.

The project will extend the benefit provided by improvements to the current fish return channel extending from the Skyline screens across private property to the Chewuch River. The project also seeks to develop a public access location on the Chewuch River with interpretive materials addressing fisheries activities underway in the Chewuch Basin. Project partners include the Chewuch Basin Council, Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, and WA Department of Fish and Wildlife.