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 historic side channels and disconnected flood plain areas, thereby increasing the complexity of associated riparian and instream habitat. Four project sites were identified in the 2007/2009 solicitation application (Fender Mill Phase 2, Chain of Lakes, Jennings, and Upper Beaver Creek).  The application also included a "programmatic" element for reconnection of side channels and flood plain habitat site(s) for which specific project information and designs were not then known.  Project site selection completed since the contract was initially approved led to inclusion of Upper Beaver Creek Operskalski, Lower Twisp Yoakum-Doran, Upper Methow BVRA Riley-Green and Sletten, Chewuch River sites and Petes Creek and Winthrop Confluence.

The contract proposes to complete work components at these sites in two periods, period 1 being July 2009 - June 2010, and period 2 being July 2010 through June 2011. The budget in this Pisces SOW is for the first period only.

Upper Beaver Creek (channel) - Batie
The project area has been simplified, straightened, and armored, with resulting loss to riparian habitat quantity and quality.  Project proposes to relocate the existing armored reach into a constructed meandering channel about 2300 feet long, that will occupy historic floodplain channels. Improvements within the constructed channel will include excavation necessary to establish grade, placement of LWD structures, and planting native riparian vegetation in disturbed areas. Additional work required will include relocation of the Batie diversion structure, including replacing the existing fish screens and fish bypass structures to meet WDFW criteria. Two earthen berms will be constructed to isolate the section of the former stream channel to be abandoned . Following construction, temporary access roads, culverts, and areas of disturbance will be restored.

Period 1 proposed components:
permitting and consultation
construction of specified components
site restoration

Period 2 proposed components:
monitoring
adaptive management implementation

Upper Beaver Creek - Operskalski
Streambank failure within the confines of the Operskalski property has resulted in loss of riparian habitat and retreat and over-steepening of existing creek bank due to increased rate of erosion. This condition has resulted in simplification of the stream channel and increased sedimentation to Beaver Creek. The project proposes to address the failure mechanisms by adding habitat complexity (LWD and rock), stabilizing stream banks to restore riparian health, and establishing exclusion fencing to prevent failure due to livestock watering.

Period 1 proposed components:
permitting and consultation
construction of specified components
site restoration

Period 2 proposed components:
monitoring
adaptive management implementation

Chewuch River
Winthrop Confluence - Project site is located on the left bank of the Chewuch River at its confluence with the Methow River in the Town of Winthrop.  Site has been historically modified by construction of a vertical bulkhead structure used to retain fill for parking, access, and accessory structures. As a result, natural vegetation and riparian function has been heavily degraded. Vertical bulkhead is in the process of failing resulting in increased sediment deposition and the potential for bank failure and loss of structure and utilities. Goal is to increase instream complexity and restore riparian vegetation structure to a more natural condition. This will be accomplished through a series of instream LWD structures, bank resloping, removal of unstable / threatened structures, and revegetation.

Period 1 proposed components:
design and permitting and consultation

Period 2 proposed components:
complete landowner agreements / easements
construction of specified components
site restoration

Marquardt / Petes Creek
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.  Acquisition of a 10.23 acre parcel at the lower end of the side channel complex was completed in January of 2009, under BPA contract. Acquisition of 2 additional private properties at the leading edge of the side channel complex is currently underway through Washington State RCO. Additional conservation agreements are currently being pursued on the remaining properties in the center section of the identified side channel complex. This process may lead to additional requests for conservation easements or acquisitions.

Period 1 proposed components:
design and permitting and consultation

Period 2 proposed components:
complete landowner agreements / easements
construction of specified components

Lower Twisp River
Yoakum / Doran - Residential construction, land clearing, and bank hardening in the flood plain have resulted in loss of complexity within the lower reach of the Twisp River. MSRF has identified and targeted 11 individual properties within a contiguous grouping adjacent to the boundaries of the Town of Twisp, for protection efforts.  Between 2002 and 2009, MSRF completed acquisition and initiated restoration efforts on 7 of the targeted properties with funding from a variety of agencies, including BPA.  Acquisition of the final 4 properties (Yoakum / Doran) is currently in escrow (April 2009) under grants from RCO and Tributary Fund. BPA funds awarded under the complexity contract will be used to remove placed material and structures that limit re-establishment of natural flood plain processes across these properties. Materials and features to be removed will include rip rap and placed fill, residential accessory structures and roads, and other debris associated with long term residential use of the property. Additional work efforts will include re-establishment of appropriate native riparian plantings and protective fencing.

Matching funding has been requested from RCO and Tributary Fund.

Period 1 proposed components:
permitting and consultation
completion of specified demolition / construction
establish riparian plantings and protective fencing

Period 2 proposed components:
monitoring
adaptive management

Methow River
BVRA 56-0 Riley/Green - The Big Valley Reach Assessment (BVRA) was completed by the Bureau of Reclamation in August of 2008. (The Big Valley Reach is defined as extending from RM 55 to RM 62.) and prioritized the subject treatment area.  Effort on these properties 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.  Though a side channel reconnection component originally planned at this project site occurred in 2007-2008 as a natural action, complexity components are still required to ensure that side channel function can be maintained, given potential conflict with existing residential developments adjacent to the reactivated side channel. Relocation of the Riley home will be completed under separate funding through the YIN/BPA MOA as a prerequisite for restoration actions.

Construction elements will include placement of LWD, and constructed channel structures (weirs, barbs, J veins, etc.) instead of traditional bank armoring. Acquisition of easements or real property may be identified as a preferred alternative at some project locations within this reach.

Period 1 proposed components:
permitting and consultation
completion of specified habitat efforts
relocate existing structures (by others during same contract period)

Period 2 proposed components:
monitoring
adaptive management

BVRA 60-25 Sletten - Property is the site of two constructed lwd / rock barb structures placed in the early 1990s by USFWS. The lower structure has partially failed, resulting in bank failure and loss of riparian vegetation. Landowner has submitted application to rip rap the exposed bank areas through the JARPA process.  Resource agencies (WDFW, Okanogan County) requested MSRF work with landowner to explore opportunities for a more natural alternative to rip rap. BVRA 60-25 has been identified by WDFW as providing significant spawning habitat within this reach of the Upper Methow River. WDFW is recommending against simplification of habitat by rip rap bank armoring in this area. Project proposes to reconstruct the downstream lwd / barb using larger diameter wood and re-using placed rock and increase riparian vegetation plantings, as directed by WDFW.

Period 1 proposed components:
permitting and consultation
completion of specified habitat efforts

Period 2 proposed components:
monitoring
adaptive management