Funded habitat recovery projects

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Elwha River Engineered Log jams (Funded 1999)
Current Status: Closed Complete

This project proposes reconstructing a logjam at the head of a critical side channel to the Elwha River, restoring the river's most important remaining spawning & rearing site for salmon, the Hunt Road Side Channel (HRSC). The logjam will be designed to allow appropriate river discharge for fish production, as well as provide cover for both adult and juvenile salmonids. Additionally, at least 4 engineered logjams will be constructed upstream of the entrance of the side-channel, to divert flow from away from the entrance. The completed structures will encompass a total area of between 0.5 - 1.0 acre. We will utilize the largest trees available (with rootwads attached) with which to build a complex matrix of wood. Each key piece will be secured to large boulders to provide ballast. Smaller logs and rootwads will be added as layers to complete the logjam. The logjam will be designed to allow at least 20-30% of the Elwha River's discharge into the side-channel, thus maintaining its productive characteristics for fish. This project will protect existing habitat features and increase habitat utilized by a number of salmonid species.