Heath Floodplain Restoration

Tributary Committee Index

Contact Us

• E-mail Tracy Hillman
• Email Becky Gallaher

Project Sponsor:
Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation

Funding:
Wells Tributary Fund

Project Location:
The project site is located on the left bank of the Upper Mainstem Methow River.

Project Description/Purpose:
The Heath property is located within a Category 2 watershed where the protection and restoration of salmonid habitat is of the highest priority . This project will address the limiting factors of habitat connectivity, habitat complexity, over wintering habitat, and high-water refugia.

Several year-round springs originated on the Heath property, with a total flow of 4 to 8 cfs. These stream flows have been dammed by small earth berms less than 6 ft. in height, creating three separate artificial ponds.  In addition, the lower sections of the spring outflows have been dammed by beavers, creating five smaller ponds. Snorkel surveys have revealed that juveile spring Chinook and steelhead were found in decreasing numbers from the confluence up through the beaver ponds, and none were found upstream of the first constructed berm. The apparent barrier eliminates access to approximately 2/3 of the entire pond/spring system, thereby restricting juvenile rearing habitat complexity and access to high water refugia.

This project will provide access to spring-fed ponds and creeks that are currently unavailable to juvenile salmonids, thereby creating additional habitat complexity, high water refugia, juvenile rearing, and over-wintering habitat. It will also restore channel conditions at two road stream crossings, improving habitat conditions at these sites and preventing harm to listed salmonids from vehicle crossings.

The Heath floodplain restoration project will include improvements to two creek vehicle crossings and providing fish passage through an existing earth embankment.

Final Report:
Project is not yet completed.

For more information, please contact Chuck Peven or Becky Gallaher at (509) 663-8121, or Tom Kahler at (509) 884-8171.

BACK TO HCP