Project is multi-faceted, targeting specific properties along the main channel of the Methow River, and three tributaries -- the Chewuch River, the Twisp River, and Beaver Creek. Each site will be treated with prescribed methods specific to that site, the overall objective being to reconnect several historic side channels, thereby increasing the complexity of associated riparian and instream habitat. Four project sites were identified at the outset: Fender Mill Phase 2, Chain O Lakes, Jennings, and Upper Beaver Creek. Also written into the application was a "programmatic" element for reconnection of side channels, the site(s) for which was not then known. Presently, four sites are identified for reconnection of side channels under the "programmatic" heading -- Hess, Heath, Wolf Creek, and Windhaven. Wolf Creek is a tributary of the Methow River. The Heath and Hess sites are on the Methow mainstem, and Windhaven is on the Chewuch. Several other properties are potential participants under the programmatic element. Acquisition in fee simple or of conservation easement(s) may be necessary prior to treatment. Treatment of sites will be spread over at least three years. Specific contract period activities are described in the SOW. For the current contract period, 5 project sites are identified, 4 of which fall in the "programmatic" group.
Upper Beaver Creek - Connect the upstream end of a straightened and rip-rapped section of creek to its historical stream channel and reroute some or all flows into the currently dry channel to improve floodplain connectivity and encourage the deposition of sediment. This also includes permitting activities, pre-project and post-project habitat and fish monitoring, revegetation, and adaptive management. This is a multi-year project.
Hess - Fender reach of Methow main stem - reconnect side channel. The Hess project represents a portion of historic side channel to the Methow River constrained by landowner bank protection activities and Department of Transportation bridge and culvert construction. This project proposes to address the passage barriers on private property upstream and downstream of the WDOT facilities at Weeman Bridge. Full reconnection of this side channel area will be contingent upon subsequent WDOT actions. This is a multi-year project.
Heath - Big Valley reach of Methow main stem - reconnect side channel. Side channels in this property meander through historic agricultural areas. Side channels have been modified to allow vehicle crossings and to charge irrigation pond / reservoirs for agricultural purposes. This project proposes to remove the human made barriers to fish passage through the side channels by construction of bridges, fish passage channels, and other habitat complexity features as directed by project biologists. This is a multi-year project.
Wolf Creek - Methow main stem - reconnect side channel. Effort on this property is proposed to address channel migration impacts in a developed residential area adjacent to the Methow River. Past landowner protection measures (rip rap armoring and bulkhead construction) have exacerbated erosion problems. This project seeks to provide financial support to affected landowners to approach channel migration on a reach basis rather than parcel by parcel. Construction elements will include placement of LWD, and constructed channel structures (weirs, barbs, J veins, etc.) instead of traditional bank armoring. Project includes permitting activities, pre-project and post-project habitat and fish monitoring, and revegetation. Documentation of post project conditions will be completed on an annual basis throughout the funding cycle for this project.
Windhaven - Chewuch - reconnect side channel. This project aims to reconnect historic side channels at the confluence of the Chewuch River and Petes Creek, to a level necessary to achieve TES species access to overwintering and rearing habitat. The project will require access across multiple private landowner holdings, and will require acquisition of development rights. This is a multi-year project.
Potential acquisition properties: Chewuch River - Marquardt, Doran. Methow River - McNae, O'Bannion, Comstock
In general, project objectives and methods include the following:
Increase and Improve Riparian Habitat
The loss of riparian habitat and floodplain connectivity severely diminishes large wood recruitment to the river. Large wood in the channel provides cover for fish, slows water velocities, creates pool and off-channel fish habitat, provides nutrients for invertebrate populations, and gathers spawning gravels. Intact riparian areas provide stream shading to the river, which decreases summer maximum temperatures.
Key features of activities at the various project sites include planting vegetation, increasing the water availability to the existing riparian growth in side channels and beaver pond areas to improve riparian habitat, and using
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