This contract is for habitat restoration and protection actions at two work sites in tributaries of the Upper Yakima River -  Cle Elum River and Swauk Creek.

Lower Cle Elum River - Increase Instream Habitat Complexity and Stabilization, Reactivate Side Channel Habitat
         Two large Engineered Log Jams (ELJ) will be constructed in the lower Cle Elum River to direct perennial flows into a two-mile historic side-channel downstream of Cle Elum Dam.  Six smaller ELJs will be constructed along the pilot channel that will be excavated to initiate flows into the restoration channel. Installation of wood habitat structures in the re-activated Domerie side-channel will serve to begin the rejuvenation of natural floodplain processes.
          Flows in the lower Cle Elum River are controlled by releases from Lake Cle Elum Dam.  The resulting regulated flow scenario delivers an annual hydrograph that is radically skewed from a natural flow scenario.  The artificial flow regime in the lower Cle Elum River, over time, has reduced the complexity of the channel which impacts aquatic and riparian habitat diversity and floodplain functions.  The two large engineered log jams to be constructed in the main channel, one on each bank, will create channel complexity, refugia from extreme water velocities, and ensure perennial flow into the right bank Domerie side channel.  Salmon rearing habitat quantity will be significantly increased. Aquatic habitat quality will be upgraded by creating new reliable, slow water, side channel rearing and foraging habitat. Stranding mortality caused by the flip-flop flow scenario should decrease dramatically.
         Engineering design, construction costs and oversight, revegetation and post construction monitoring will be subcontracted through the Kittitas Conservation Trust.  Periodic reports will chart progress of the ELJ construction and site revegetation.  Environmental compliance is nearly complete as of July 1, 2009.  The large primary ELJ’s will be located on property managed by the USDA Forest Service (Cle Elum Ranger District.  

Swauk Creek Habitat Restoration and Protection
     This contract will enable implementation of salmon habitat restoration actions in a 1.7 stream mile reach between RM 5.5 and 7.2 in Lower Swauk Creek.  Habitat protections in the form of a 37 acre riparian corridor conservation easement will ensure that the restoration investment will not be compromised by future development or habitat degradation.
     Strategic placement of approximately 167 logs in engineered log jams, grade control structures bank-habitat structures will restore floodplain connectivity, create complexity and instream roughness and enhance existing functional habitat. Sight available shade will be maximized by revegetation leading to increased canopy closure and bank stabilization.  Reactivation of meanders and wetlands will create bank storage of seasonal high flows.
       Conservation easement protections will be put in place within the Swauk Creek Riparian Corridor, a buffer 125’ from the ordinary high water mark on both sides of the project reach for 0.9 miles, and the left bank for another 0.8 miles.  Nearly 37 acres of riparian acreage will be protected from habitat degradation.  This contract will facilitate the pre-acquisition tasks leading up to easement purchase.

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