Establishing Baseline Data for Aquatic Habitat Restoration and Evaluating Riparian Planting Success in the McKenzie Watershed

Facilitator: Drew Terhune

Salmon are valued not only as food and symbol, but as bioindicators of broad ecological functions related to aquatic systems. Countless projects across the Pacific Northwest focus on creating quality habitat and connectivity for salmonids and other aquatic species. Thus, pre and post project monitoring of stream restoration techniques such as large woody debris placement and riparian plantings provides crucial information on the success and validity of current techniques. We are partnering with the McKenzie Watershed Council and the US Forest Service at two sites of active restoration in the McKenzie Watershed. At the Berggren Watershed Conservation Area we conducted riparian vegetation effectiveness monitoring as well as in-stream baseline monitoring. At Cougar Creek we conducted in-stream baseline monitoring as well as snorkel surveys for fish inventory. The results of our in- stream monitoring will allow for quantifiable measurements of change in stream channel morphology and substrate due to restoration activities. Snorkel survey data will inform future efforts with site specific data on fish presence and demographics. Results of vegetation monitoring will guide future riparian vegetation plantings. This research will give our community partners valuable information to improve future restoration of aquatic habitat.