The purpose of this project is to potentially identify and develop conceptual designs and, if appropriate, a preferred alternative for a project that will increase habitat complexity between RM 37.0 and RM 35.8 on the Methow River (Methow - Alder).  If it is determined by BPA and MSRF that no feasible project exists, both parties agree to end contract without developing designs.

The Methow River (Alder Reach) is an important rearing and overwinter area for spring Chinook.  Spring Chinook fry from redds in the spawning reaches upstream can enter the reach shortly after emerging.  The results from the EDT model indicate this is an important rearing reach for both Chinook and Steelhead.  The reach is within a priority Assessment Unit according the to 2014 Upper Columbia Biological Strategy, and was identified as restoration priority 2A in the 2017 Twisp to Carlton Reach Assessment.  The reach is a major spawning area for steelhead.

Landowner concerns about channel migration have resulted in scattered placement of bank armoring materials within the Alder reach, which may be increasing erosion downstream of treated areas.  Several of the landowners within this reach have inquired about armoring their properties.  An objective of this project will be to evaluate channel complexity features that could reduce the need for additional bank armoring treatments.

Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation (MSRF) will work with BPA to identify project features that will protect and improve off-channel rearing habitat and increase complexity in the main channel for juvenile spring Chinook and steelhead.  Potential project concepts include identifying locations for engineered logjams, developing project elements that would re-activate floodplain surfaces, and designing features that would re-connect a river left side channel.  MSRF will also coordinate with other partners and watershed stakeholders to review potential reach-based actions that could incorporate additional actions on downstream properties.

MSRF Contract Manager and MSRF's design consultants will all cooperate, coordinate, collaborate, and maintain effective communication with BPA PM/COR, EC Lead, RRT Lead, and Hydraulic Engineer during the entire length of this contract with regards to project design.  MSRF and its subcontractors will address BPA comments and concerns, and the two entities will arrive at a mutual beneficial consensus.  MSRF contract manager will upload all the subcontracts being executed under this contract.