INTRODUCTION

KWEP works to restore, enhance, and protect watershed function within the Klickitat subbasin. Project work emphasizes restoration and protection in watersheds and reaches that support native salmonid stocks, particularly steelhead (Oncorhyncus mykiss; listed as "Threatened" within the Mid-Columbia ESU), spring Chinook (O. tshawytscha) salmon, and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus; ESA "Threatened").  Restoration activities are aimed at restoring stream processes by removing or mitigating watershed perturbances and improving habitat conditions and water quality.  Watershed and habitat improvements also benefit fall Chinook (O. tshawytscha) and coho (O. kisutch) salmon, resident rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout (O. clarki) and enhance habitat for many terrestrial and amphibian wildlife species.  Protection activities compliment restoration efforts within the subbasin by securing refugia and preventing degradation.  Since 90% of the off-reservation project area is in private ownership, maximum effectiveness is accomplished via cooperation with state, federal, tribal, and private entities. The Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project (KWEP) addresses goals and objectives presented in the Klickitat Subbasin Plan, Klickitat Lead Entity Strategic Plan, and the 1994 NPCC Fish and Wildlife Program.  


PROJECT GOALS
The overall goal of KWEP is to restore watershed health to aid recovery of salmonid stocks in the Klickitat subbasin.  There are three sub-goals:
•  Assess watershed and habitat conditions to prioritize sites for restoration activities.   This involves data collection, compilation, and review of existing as well as historic habitat and watershed conditions.  Identification and filling of data gaps is also a component of KWEP.
•  Protect, restore, and enhance priority watersheds and reaches to increase riparian, wetland, and stream habitat quality.  In-situ and watershed-scale restoration activities mitigate or resolve conflicting historic, present, and/or future land-uses.  Protect areas of existing high-quality habitat condition and prevent further deterioration of degraded habitats.  Restore areas of degraded stream channel and/or habitat condition.
•  Monitor watershed conditions to assess trends and effectiveness of restoration activities.  Monitoring is a critical component to evaluating project success and guiding adaptive practices.  Site-specific and basin-wide spatial scales are addressed.  KWEP augments the Klickitat M&E project by assisting data collection and providing QA/QC and analysis of channel morphology, streamflow, temperature, habitat, and channel substrate.


ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Most of the projects in which KWEP is involved involve partners and cost-sharing.  The nature of KWEP involvement is noted for each project.  A categorical exclusion was completed for KWEP planning, design, data management, and monitoring activities on January 26, 2004.   BPA determined that such actions do "not present any extraordinary circumstances that may affect the significance of the environmental effects," and, "that the proposed action may be categorically excluded from further NEPA review and documentation."  Projects involving KWEP-funded ground disturbance beyond the scope of the categorical exclusion are noted accordingly.  


NARRATIVES FOR MAJOR PROJECT WORK

Klickitat River (RM 18 to 32) Floodplain Conservation and Restoration Project

On the ground goal:  The Klickitat River Floodplain Conservation and Restoration (Phase 1) project will protect and restore habitat between river miles 18.3 and 32.2 of the Klickitat River.  Phase 1 will protect 320 acres of floodplain, riparian and associated upland through a SRFB-funded acquisition, acquisition and removal of a 14 mile-long road segment that encroaches on the floodplain, and revegetation of 7.5 acres of riparian and floodplain habitat.  Phase I implementation (acquisition and planting) is being funded by a SRFB grant sponsored by CLT that KWEP personnel helped author in 2004.  Phase 2 will enhance and restore riparian and floodplain habitat by modifying 2.1 miles (cumulative) of road to reduce channel confinement and restore floodplain access along 0.94 miles of the road to increase off-channel habitat for steelhead and salmon.

Partners: CLT and the John HancockLife Insurance Co. are immediate project partners.   KWEP is contributing to the project as the technical lead for design and construction oversight of restoration actions and assisting planning activities.  

FY07 KWEP activity:  KWEP involvement in FY07 will include planning and design.    

Background:  This portion of the river has the greatest habitat complexity of any reach in the lower Klickitat River and provides critical spawning, migration and rearing habitat for winter and summer steelhead (ESA-Threatened), Chinook salmon (spring and fall runs), and coho salmon. The project area is encompassed by the "Lower Klickitat Mainstem: Little Klickitat to Leidl Bridge" reach which is in the top tier of geographic priorities identified in the 2005 Klickitat Salmon Recovery Strategy. The project addresses both limiting features and functions identified in the 2005 draft Klickitat Salmon Recovery Strategy for this reach by breaching portions of the road to restore connectivity and pulling -back and re-vegetating fill materials in other portions to enhance riparian vegetation. This reach provides a high proportion of the basinwide spawning habitat for all three species, accounting for roughly 30%, 51%, and 38% of the annually observed basinwide spawning for steelhead, fall Chinook, and coho, respectively.  Riparian and floodplain conditions have been degraded by a combination of 1996 flood deposits and channel encroachment by road fill, although the absence of other floodplain development coupled with somewhat less-confined valley conditions has afforded the river in this reach greater resiliency than downstream reaches.  Phase 1 of the project was initiated in 2004.  




Lower Klickitat River Riparian Re-vegetation Project

On the ground goal:  The goal of this project is to increase native riparian and floodplain vegetation, woody debris recruitment, and potential for trapping fine sediment between river miles 2.6 and 18.3 of the Klickitat River.  Phase I activities will occur on seven sites and total 6.9 acres with 1.45 miles of stream bank being planted with species such as willow, cottonwood, dogwood, and alder.

Partner: Mid-Columbia Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group (MCRFEG)

FY07 KWEP activity:  KWEP involvement during the FY07 contract will consist of design and permitting assistance for phase 2.

Background:  This project addresses limiting habitat features (poor riparian and floodplain vegetation) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  This reach is a migration and rearing corridor for nearly 100% of migratory fish in the Klickitat watershed and has accounted, on average, for 10% of observed basin wide steelhead spawning. The project area occurs within a reach identified by the Klickitat Technical Advisory Group (KTAG) as fourth out of 21 priority areas within the Klickitat Lead Entity's scope.  Riparian conditions in this reach are generally poor due to a combination of 1996 flood deposits and channel encroachment by highway and railroad fill. Many of the flood deposits are well above the 2-year flood surface and at a comparable elevation to surfaces that are well-vegetated and are generally stable.  Vegetation has been very slow in colonizing these coarse, well-drained substrates. Similar deposits from flooding in 1974 along Swale Creek (a Klickitat River tributary) are still bare.



Klickitat River (RM12) Salmon Habitat Restoration Project

On the ground goal:  Improve habitat quality for spring Chinook, summer steelhead, and winter steelhead (Tier 1 priority species). In addition to the Tier 1 species listed, the project will improve rearing, holding, and migratory habitat for fall Chinook and coho salmon between river miles 12.1 and 13.6.  Project actions will include construction of six large woody debris (LWD) jams (Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, white fir) and revegetation of 2.2 acres of floodplain along 1,625 feet of bank. An additional 2.8 acres of adjacent upland will be planted with ponderosa pine.  

Partner: MCRFEG and private landowner

FY07 KWEP activity:  During the FY07 contract, KWEP will provide assist MCRFEG staff with planning and design.

Background:  This project addresses limiting habitat features (lack of channel complexity and poor riparian vegetation) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  Implementation and related oversight will occur during FY07 pending approval of SRFB funding.  This project occurs within the "Lower Klickitat Mainstem: Mouth to Little Klickitat" reach identified as a top-tier geographic priority in the Klickitat Lead Entity Salmon Recovery Strategy (KLESRS) along the Klickitat River.  Riparian and floodplain plantings will increase bank stability, floodplain roughness, and bank cover. Upland plantings will increase long-term woody debris recruitment potential.  LWD treatments will enhance channel complexity and help maintain a side-channel; the cost-share aspect of this project includes at least 10,000 bf of wood donated by the property owner.  Construction will be funded by a SRFB grant sponsored by MCRFEG  that KWEP personnel helped author in 2005.  Implementation is anticipated for 2008.



Lower White Creek Restoration Project

On the ground goal:   This project is aimed at restoring channel complexity and improving rearing habitat for Tier 1 priority species (summer and winter steelhead) identified in the KLESRS, but is anticipated to benefit adult holding and spawning habitat as well.  The project reach occurs along the mainstem of White Creek between RM 3 and RM 6 and will involve treatment at 18 sites.   Treatments will involve LWD jams construction within existing pools.  Excavation will be conducted at some sites to increase residual pool depths.

FY07 KWEP activity:  During the FY07 contract, KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, planning, and administration.  

Background:  The proposed project addresses limiting habitat features (bed degradation, pool structure, and LWD abundance) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  White Creek, a 3rd order tributary of the Klickitat River, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia River steelhead.  The White Creek watershed as a whole is likely the most important spawning and rearing tributary watershed within the Klickitat subbasin. In recent years, the White Creek watershed has accounted for up to 40% of the observed steelhead spawning in the entire Klickitat subbasin.  Implementation is anticipated in 2008 and will be funded by a SRFB grant sponsored by YNFP.



Tepee Creek - IXL Meadows Restoration Project

On the ground Goal:  Increase floodplain storage, reduce severity of active channel hydraulic conditions during high flows, and potentially restore base flows to this and downstream reaches.  This will be achieved by restoring floodplain connectivity via elevating the bed along a 1800' reach immediately downstream of the IXL road crossing.

FY07 KWEP activity: KWEP will provide funding for construction oversight.  It will also assist with funding materials and supplies as necessary.  

Background:  The proposed project addresses limiting habitat features (bed degradation and pool structure) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  Tepee Creek, a tributary to White Creek in the Klickitat River subbasin, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia River steelhead. The White Creek watershed as a whole is likely the most important spawning and rearing tributary watershed within the Klickitat subbasin. In recent years, the White Creek watershed has accounted for up to 40% of the observed steelhead spawning in the entire Klickitat subbasin. Tepee Creek has accounted for up to 21% of the observed spawning in the Klickitat subbasin in recent years, however in most years it likely accounts for between 5 and 10%.  Extensive reaches of Tepee Creek have become incised and are now intermittent in many places that anecdotal evidence suggests were once perennial. Implementation was initiated in fall 2006 and will be completed during the summer of 2007.   Construction is being funded by a YNFP-sponsored SRFB grant.



Tepee Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project

On the ground goal:  To restore juvenile salmonid access to 8.7 miles (cumulative) of upstream habitat.  This project will replace culverts (identified as partial barriers to fish migration using WDFW protocols) at three sites in the Tepee Creek watershed and also re-grade/resurface a cumulative total of approximately 0.4 miles of related road.

FY07 KWEP Activity:  During the FY07 contract KWEP will fund planning, design, administration, and construction oversight.  It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  

Background: The proposed project addresses limiting features (passage) identified for this reach in a top geographic priority identified by the Subbasin Plan and KLESRS.  Tepee Creek, a tributary to White Creek in the Klickitat River subbasin, provides important spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed Middle Columbia River steelhead. The White Creek watershed as a whole is likely the most important spawning and rearing tributary watershed within the Klickitat subbasin. In recent years, the White Creek watershed has accounted for up to 40% of the observed steelhead spawning in the entire Klickitat subbasin. Tepee Creek has accounted for up to 21% of the observed spawning in the Klickitat subbasin in recent years, however in most years it likely accounts for between 5 and 10%.   However, post-emergence movement by steelhead fry and juveniles is critical to their survival and in some areas of Tepee Creek there is very low to nonexistent base flow conditions at spawning areas and rearing sites.  Construction is being funded by a YNFP-sponsored SRFB grant.  



Upper Klickitat River In-Channel and Floodplain Enhancement Project

On the ground goal:  Enhance instream habitat and water quality to benefit mid-Columbia steelhead (ESA - Threatened) and spring Chinook (WDFW - Depressed) at three priority sites totaling 0.29 river miles (cumulative) along the Klickitat River between RM 70 and 74.5.  Work will involve reshaping and replanting 0.62 miles (cumulative) of bank and 2.1 acres of floodplain.

FY06 KWEP Activity:  KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, and administration. It will also assist with funding materials and supplies.  A YNFP-sponsored PCSRF grant will cost-share in-stream implementation actions.  

Planning and design actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.  NEPA and HIP Bi-Op checklists will be prepared to cover implementation actions which are expected to occur in FY07.  

Background:  Work will restore ecosystem characteristics and processes and address priority factors identified as limiting salmonid production in the Klickitat Subbasin Plan as well as the Klickitat Lead Entity Salmon Recovery Strategy.  The core EDT reach that encompasses project sites ranks third overall in the Klickitat subbasin in restoration potential for combined performance of steelhead and spring Chinook.  Project work addresses most of the top limiting factors identified for the reach.  Proposed activities build upon the experience of recent large woody debris (LWD)-based habitat projects completed in upper reaches of Klickitat River and its tributaries.

The intent of the project is to reduce the interaction between the 255 Road and the Klickitat River in three locations and improve in-channel habitat conditions.  The 255 Road is the arterial road for the upper third of the Klickitat watershed and is the primary access route for tribal members to access reservation lands for ceremonial, subsistence and economic purposes as well as for transporting forest products.  Relocation of the road would be a more desirable option and allow for evolution of a more stable planform and profile.  However, the size of the road and valley morphology make relocation cost prohibitive.  

The project will involve a combination of construction of floodplain between the active-channel and fill slope and channel relocation away from the fill slope.  The finished grade of the new floodplain will be constructed to be inundated by 2-year recurrence (and greater) floods and provide a 15 to 30 horizontal foot buffer from road fill.  A base layer of boulders and LWD will be placed to create the core of the new floodplain surface.  This surface will be backfilled and graded with native cobble and gravels generated from channel excavation.  The new surface will be planted with dormant hardwood cuttings.



Swale Canyon Upland and Riparian Habitat Enhancement Project

On the ground goal:  Enhance instream habitat to benefit mid-Columbia steelhead (ESA - Threatened) along 1400 feet of Swale Creek in the vicinity of RM 2.0.  The project scope involves creation of large woody debris (LWD) jams at up to six sites along roughly 600 feet (discontinuous) of stream.  Pools adjacent to LWD jams will be deepened to depths of 3 to 5 feet.   Banks will be pulled-back to decrease hydraulic forces on the active channel and promote floodplain regeneration.  Disturbed surfaces will be planted with native vegetation.  

Partners: MCRFEG and private landowner

FY07 KWEP Activity:  KWEP will provide funding for survey, design, permitting, and administration.  It may also assist with funding materials and supplies.  

Background:  Swale Creek provides spawning and rearing habitat for mid-Columbia steelhead (ESA - "Threatened").  Habitat conditions are poor with pools being particularly limited. Data collected by the YN Fisheries Program indicates that in the portion of Swale Creek that includes the project reach, there are 7 pools per mile which account for only 4.2% of the habitat by channel length. During FY04, KWEP personnel assisted a Swale Creek landowner prepare a Washington State Landowner Incentive Program grant proposal. Funding for the grant was approved and in FY05 the work is being done.  The proposed work will effectively speed channel recovery by simulating the effects of several large floods by reconstructing the floodplain and channel to emulate natural processes that occur over a long period of time.  Floodplain surfaces generated by the project will provide growing environments that will increase survival of riparian vegetation during major flood events and assist breaking the current dis-climax cycle where vegetation recovery is reset every time there's a major flood.


OTHER RELATED PROJECTS


Improve Farming Practices - Administer MOA with Central and Eastern Klickitat County Conservation Districts (CEKCCD) for operation of a no-till dril.  The goal is to increase residual ground cover (stubble) in agricultural fields between crop cycles and reduce disturbance to the soil profile.  The net result is greater infiltration of precipitation into the soil profile and less surface runoff and soil erosion.  This project targets smaller farmers (typically 80 ac or less) for whom it is not economical to purchase such equipment.  Outcomes will reduce fine sediment contributions to streams


Habitat Assessment and Monitoring - Augment monitoring and assessment of physical watershed characteristics in the Klickitat subbasin.  Supplement data and analysis of the Klickitat M&E project by assisting with collection, QA/QC, and analysis.  Conduct effectiveness monitoring at past KWE-related project sites.  
Assist data collection and management of channel morphology, streamflow, temperature, habitat, and channel substrate data.  KWEP actions are encompassed by a categorical exclusion completed by BPA Environmental Compliance staff in 2004.