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• 1. [Article] Salt Creek Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The Salt Creek watershed assessment is a publication of the Yamhill Basin Council (YBC) and is a reference tool for landowners, watershed residents, and council members. It contains factual ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salt Creek Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The Salt Creek watershed assessment is a publication of the Yamhill Basin Council (YBC) and is a reference tool for landowners, watershed residents, and council members. It contains factual and interpretive information about the condition of the watershed, both past and present. The assessment includes the topics of a Watershed Overview, Historical Conditions, Channel Habitat Types, Vegetation, Riparian and Wetland Conditions, Channel Modifications, Sediments, Hydrology and Water Use, Water Quality, Fish Habitat and Barriers, Restoration and Enhancement Projects, and a Watershed Conditions Summary. Title: Salt Creek Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The Salt Creek watershed assessment is a publication of the Yamhill Basin Council (YBC) and is a reference tool for landowners, watershed residents, and council members. It contains factual and interpretive information about the condition of the watershed, both past and present. The assessment includes the topics of a Watershed Overview, Historical Conditions, Channel Habitat Types, Vegetation, Riparian and Wetland Conditions, Channel Modifications, Sediments, Hydrology and Water Use, Water Quality, Fish Habitat and Barriers, Restoration and Enhancement Projects, and a Watershed Conditions Summary. Close

• 2. [Article] Williams Hydrologic Assessment

  Abstract -- The Assessment is divided into two Phases. Phase 1 is a Hydrologic Assessment of the community of William to determine how human development in the Williams areas has altered the natural drainage ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Williams Hydrologic Assessment Abstract -- The Assessment is divided into two Phases. Phase 1 is a Hydrologic Assessment of the community of William to determine how human development in the Williams areas has altered the natural drainage pattern and contributed to frequent flooding in downtown Williams. Assessing sediment sources, loss of wet areas, water storage capacity, and the condition of streams identified potential restoration opportunities. Phase 2 will use information from Phase 1 to build a flood management and restoration plan. Title: Williams Hydrologic Assessment Abstract -- The Assessment is divided into two Phases. Phase 1 is a Hydrologic Assessment of the community of William to determine how human development in the Williams areas has altered the natural drainage pattern and contributed to frequent flooding in downtown Williams. Assessing sediment sources, loss of wet areas, water storage capacity, and the condition of streams identified potential restoration opportunities. Phase 2 will use information from Phase 1 to build a flood management and restoration plan. Close

• 3. [Article] Steelhead Habitat Surveys in Mill Creek Monitoring Project Completion Report (OWEB #205-125)

  Abstract -- This project added to the existing information about steelhead in Mill Creek in the following ways: • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife completed an instream habitat inventory from the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Steelhead Habitat Surveys in Mill Creek Monitoring Project Completion Report (OWEB #205-125) Abstract -- This project added to the existing information about steelhead in Mill Creek in the following ways: • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife completed an instream habitat inventory from the mouth to the forks, up the South Fork to Mill Creek Falls, where anadromy ends, and up the North Fork for the first 7,370 meters. • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted steelhead redd surveys in the mainstem and South Fork in 2005 and 2006, while the US Forest Service conducted redd surveys in the federally-owned upper reaches of the North Fork. • Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District installed depth and temperature monitors on the mainstem and North Fork, while relying on the City of The Dalles to monitor flows in the South Fork. Title: Steelhead Habitat Surveys in Mill Creek Monitoring Project Completion Report (OWEB #205-125) Abstract -- This project added to the existing information about steelhead in Mill Creek in the following ways: • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife completed an instream habitat inventory from the mouth to the forks, up the South Fork to Mill Creek Falls, where anadromy ends, and up the North Fork for the first 7,370 meters. • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted steelhead redd surveys in the mainstem and South Fork in 2005 and 2006, while the US Forest Service conducted redd surveys in the federally-owned upper reaches of the North Fork. • Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District installed depth and temperature monitors on the mainstem and North Fork, while relying on the City of The Dalles to monitor flows in the South Fork. Close

• 4. [Article] Indian Creek Aquatic Restoration (OWEB #205-144)

  Abstract -- Like many streams in this area, these creeks have experienced considerable habitat degradation due to past land management practices that removed large wood from the channels. Without the large ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Indian Creek Aquatic Restoration (OWEB #205-144) Abstract -- Like many streams in this area, these creeks have experienced considerable habitat degradation due to past land management practices that removed large wood from the channels. Without the large wood, spawning gravels have washed away leaving a mostly bedrock substrate. The down-cut stream is no longer connected to its former floodplain and fish have little refuge during high flows. Additionally, aquatic insect life, the basic food source for young salmonids, is limited without the diverse habitats formed by complexes of wood and gravel. Goals associated with this restoration proposal include: • Address limitation to anadromous fish production in Indian Creek tributaries o Enhance spawning, rearing, and overwintering habitat for anadromous and resident fish species o Restore storage capacity (water, substrates, and detritus) of the selected streams to levels more closely expected with unaltered systems in the Coast Range. • Establish a connection between past small scale restoration efforts • Maintain a network of organizations, stakeholders, and individuals who will participate in watershed restoration efforts. Widened channel floodplain from newly derived gravel, side channel formation / channel alteration (with more sinuosity), and additional scour pools were observed throughout the structure sites we monitored since the project implementation from high water events. Especially, the amount of gravel that was delivered to the project reaches and the degree to which they were sorted in large concentration directly adjacent to the helicopter structures was far more prominent than what we have observed in previous years from other helicopter projects. Title: Indian Creek Aquatic Restoration (OWEB #205-144) Abstract -- Like many streams in this area, these creeks have experienced considerable habitat degradation due to past land management practices that removed large wood from the channels. Without the large wood, spawning gravels have washed away leaving a mostly bedrock substrate. The down-cut stream is no longer connected to its former floodplain and fish have little refuge during high flows. Additionally, aquatic insect life, the basic food source for young salmonids, is limited without the diverse habitats formed by complexes of wood and gravel. Goals associated with this restoration proposal include: • Address limitation to anadromous fish production in Indian Creek tributaries o Enhance spawning, rearing, and overwintering habitat for anadromous and resident fish species o Restore storage capacity (water, substrates, and detritus) of the selected streams to levels more closely expected with unaltered systems in the Coast Range. • Establish a connection between past small scale restoration efforts • Maintain a network of organizations, stakeholders, and individuals who will participate in watershed restoration efforts. Widened channel floodplain from newly derived gravel, side channel formation / channel alteration (with more sinuosity), and additional scour pools were observed throughout the structure sites we monitored since the project implementation from high water events. Especially, the amount of gravel that was delivered to the project reaches and the degree to which they were sorted in large concentration directly adjacent to the helicopter structures was far more prominent than what we have observed in previous years from other helicopter projects. Close

• 5. [Article] AI - Oregon Coast Coho Assessment: Habitat

  Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Oregon Coast Coho Assessment: Habitat Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review is threefold: 1) provide an analysis of the current status and trend in coho populations, their habitat, and related threats; 2) provide NOAA Fisheries with information it requires to determine whether formalized conservation efforts within the ESU justify not listing coho under the Endangered Species Act as outlined in their Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts; and 3) provide information to state agencies, watershed councils, and others participating in the Oregon Plan for and Watersheds (OPSW) so they may assess the success of their OPSW programs and modify them where necessary to better achieve their objectives (i.e. adaptive management). This report describes the current status and trend of instream physical habitat for coho in the ESU as well as summarizes and evaluates instream habitat restoration activities conducted from 1997-2003. Persistence of coho salmon populations in coastal drainages during periods of poor ocean conditions is dependent on the distribution and carrying capacity of freshwater habitat. Coho salmon are sensitive to the quality of habitat during each life stage and seasonal effects on survival are propagated through subsequent life stages (Nickelson et al. 1992). In this chapter, we use measures of habitat quality and quantity to determine overall carrying capacity of freshwater habitat at two juvenile coho life stages: 1) fry through summer parr; and 2) over-winter parr to smolt. From this information we identify life stages at which habitat may limit the coho smolt production capacity for the coho salmon populations considered independent by NOAA Fisheries Technical Recovery Team. Title: AI - Oregon Coast Coho Assessment: Habitat Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review is threefold: 1) provide an analysis of the current status and trend in coho populations, their habitat, and related threats; 2) provide NOAA Fisheries with information it requires to determine whether formalized conservation efforts within the ESU justify not listing coho under the Endangered Species Act as outlined in their Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts; and 3) provide information to state agencies, watershed councils, and others participating in the Oregon Plan for and Watersheds (OPSW) so they may assess the success of their OPSW programs and modify them where necessary to better achieve their objectives (i.e. adaptive management). This report describes the current status and trend of instream physical habitat for coho in the ESU as well as summarizes and evaluates instream habitat restoration activities conducted from 1997-2003. Persistence of coho salmon populations in coastal drainages during periods of poor ocean conditions is dependent on the distribution and carrying capacity of freshwater habitat. Coho salmon are sensitive to the quality of habitat during each life stage and seasonal effects on survival are propagated through subsequent life stages (Nickelson et al. 1992). In this chapter, we use measures of habitat quality and quantity to determine overall carrying capacity of freshwater habitat at two juvenile coho life stages: 1) fry through summer parr; and 2) over-winter parr to smolt. From this information we identify life stages at which habitat may limit the coho smolt production capacity for the coho salmon populations considered independent by NOAA Fisheries Technical Recovery Team. Close

• 6. [Article] Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008

  Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008 Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential winter rearing capacity of streams within those population units, and described the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. Sample sites were randomly selected and spatially balanced within the distribution of coho salmon (juvenile and adult) in Oregon coastal watersheds south of the Columbia River. Twenty five sites were targeted within each of the four population units. Each survey was approximately 1000 m in length and adhered to protocols in Moore et al (2007). The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (HLFM) was used to estimate habitat capacity and quality for rearing juvenile coho. The HLFM predicted that the Nehalem and Siuslaw basins could support the highest density of juvenile coho, and the South Umpqua the least. Seasonal changes in habitat were similar to that reported in a previous study. Winter surveys facilitated the assessment of habitat status and estimating capacity because the surveys were conducted at the time when habitat is most limiting to survival of juvenile coho. Winter surveys were particularly valuable in capturing secondary channel and slow water habitat units such as beaver ponds and alcoves. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence range of 30% recommended in the Coho Conservation Plan. Twenty five target sites were not adequate to describe the winter parr capacity within a 95% confidence interval of +30% in each population unit. Confidence intervals of estimates of parr per km ranged from 34 to 60% and mean parr per m2 ranged from 20 to 45%. Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008 Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential winter rearing capacity of streams within those population units, and described the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. Sample sites were randomly selected and spatially balanced within the distribution of coho salmon (juvenile and adult) in Oregon coastal watersheds south of the Columbia River. Twenty five sites were targeted within each of the four population units. Each survey was approximately 1000 m in length and adhered to protocols in Moore et al (2007). The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (HLFM) was used to estimate habitat capacity and quality for rearing juvenile coho. The HLFM predicted that the Nehalem and Siuslaw basins could support the highest density of juvenile coho, and the South Umpqua the least. Seasonal changes in habitat were similar to that reported in a previous study. Winter surveys facilitated the assessment of habitat status and estimating capacity because the surveys were conducted at the time when habitat is most limiting to survival of juvenile coho. Winter surveys were particularly valuable in capturing secondary channel and slow water habitat units such as beaver ponds and alcoves. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence range of 30% recommended in the Coho Conservation Plan. Twenty five target sites were not adequate to describe the winter parr capacity within a 95% confidence interval of +30% in each population unit. Confidence intervals of estimates of parr per km ranged from 34 to 60% and mean parr per m2 ranged from 20 to 45%. Close

• 7. [Article] Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5

  Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5 Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds was initiated in response to the petition to list Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), monitoring was subsequently expanded to include other salmonids. Through coordinated surveys we are able to evaluate freshwater habitat, fish distribution, and abundance of juvenile and adult coho salmon and steelhead trout. The habitat survey project has the broadest geographic scope of inference and ties to other program components as well – basin surveys, surveys at habitat restoration sites, adult and juvenile coho surveys, and life cycle watersheds (Flitcroft et al. 2002). The Oregon Plan facilitated cooperation and partnerships to study the contemporary life history dynamics of coho salmon in the Oregon coastal ESU (Evolutionary Significant Unit). A viability and status assessment of Oregon coastal Coho (Chilcote 2005) and the Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (Nicholas 2006) evaluated the relationship of aquatic habitat to the productivity of coho salmon populations and recommended actions to promote recovery. The habitat portion of the viability assessment was based on a review of aquatic and riparian habitat collected by the Aquatic Inventories Project (ODFW) from 1990 to 2004 (Rodgers et al. 2005). The authors of the habitat assessment (Rodgers et al 2005) and viability assessment (Chilcote 2005) concluded that coho productivity in 22 coastal coho populations was limited by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The term “stream complexity” integrates geomorphic and structural characteristics of streams and associated aquatic habitat. Complex geomorphic features may be observed in low gradient streams flowing through wide valley floors with multiple channels and off-channel habitats. Structural complexity refers to the size and configuration of pools, large wood pieces and jams, substrate, and undercut banks. The combination of geomorphic and structural features provides cover and refugia during high winter flows for juvenile coho. Stream reaches that can or have the potential to create these conditions are commonly located in lower reaches of moderate size streams in areas with wide valley floors and are considered to contain high quality habitat for juvenile coho. Burnett et al. (2007) developed spatial models to estimate high-quality habitat rearing potential, termed intrinsic potential, in coastal streams. A stream’s intrinsic potential was modeled using valley width, gradient, and stream flow. Historically, streams identified as having high intrinsic potential may have been the most productive for juvenile coho salmon; restoration of these reaches may be the key to recovery of coho salmon. The viability assessment and Coho Plan recommend that we monitor the trends in total amount and spatial distribution of these habitats in coastal drainages. This report discusses the findings from aquatic habitat surveys conducted in summer 2005 in coastal drainages. Our objectives are to describe and compare channel morphology, instream habitat and complexity, and riparian conditions in all wadeable streams in five monitoring areas. The sample design permitted us to post stratify the sample sites into three additional frames: sites within coho and steelhead distribution, sites outside coho distribution, and sites within high intrinsic potential for coho. We also used two habitat models to integrate habitat attributes to describe the habitat quality and capacity for different life stages of juvenile coho and steelhead. Title: Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5 Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds was initiated in response to the petition to list Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), monitoring was subsequently expanded to include other salmonids. Through coordinated surveys we are able to evaluate freshwater habitat, fish distribution, and abundance of juvenile and adult coho salmon and steelhead trout. The habitat survey project has the broadest geographic scope of inference and ties to other program components as well – basin surveys, surveys at habitat restoration sites, adult and juvenile coho surveys, and life cycle watersheds (Flitcroft et al. 2002). The Oregon Plan facilitated cooperation and partnerships to study the contemporary life history dynamics of coho salmon in the Oregon coastal ESU (Evolutionary Significant Unit). A viability and status assessment of Oregon coastal Coho (Chilcote 2005) and the Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (Nicholas 2006) evaluated the relationship of aquatic habitat to the productivity of coho salmon populations and recommended actions to promote recovery. The habitat portion of the viability assessment was based on a review of aquatic and riparian habitat collected by the Aquatic Inventories Project (ODFW) from 1990 to 2004 (Rodgers et al. 2005). The authors of the habitat assessment (Rodgers et al 2005) and viability assessment (Chilcote 2005) concluded that coho productivity in 22 coastal coho populations was limited by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The term “stream complexity” integrates geomorphic and structural characteristics of streams and associated aquatic habitat. Complex geomorphic features may be observed in low gradient streams flowing through wide valley floors with multiple channels and off-channel habitats. Structural complexity refers to the size and configuration of pools, large wood pieces and jams, substrate, and undercut banks. The combination of geomorphic and structural features provides cover and refugia during high winter flows for juvenile coho. Stream reaches that can or have the potential to create these conditions are commonly located in lower reaches of moderate size streams in areas with wide valley floors and are considered to contain high quality habitat for juvenile coho. Burnett et al. (2007) developed spatial models to estimate high-quality habitat rearing potential, termed intrinsic potential, in coastal streams. A stream’s intrinsic potential was modeled using valley width, gradient, and stream flow. Historically, streams identified as having high intrinsic potential may have been the most productive for juvenile coho salmon; restoration of these reaches may be the key to recovery of coho salmon. The viability assessment and Coho Plan recommend that we monitor the trends in total amount and spatial distribution of these habitats in coastal drainages. This report discusses the findings from aquatic habitat surveys conducted in summer 2005 in coastal drainages. Our objectives are to describe and compare channel morphology, instream habitat and complexity, and riparian conditions in all wadeable streams in five monitoring areas. The sample design permitted us to post stratify the sample sites into three additional frames: sites within coho and steelhead distribution, sites outside coho distribution, and sites within high intrinsic potential for coho. We also used two habitat models to integrate habitat attributes to describe the habitat quality and capacity for different life stages of juvenile coho and steelhead. Close

• 8. [Article] Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7

  Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7 Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited primarily (13) or secondarily (8) by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006), written in response to the assessment, concluded that recovery of coho populations will depend largely on improvement of freshwater habitat. The Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006) presents population specific goals for the amount and quality of winter habitat needed to achieve desired status of coho populations. Monitoring objectives in the Plan are 1) describe the status of freshwater habitat in each population unit with a focus on features important to overwinter survival of juvenile coho, 2) estimate carrying capacity in each population unit with + 30% confidence, and 3) measure progress towards meeting the habitat goals of the Conservation Plan. This report describes the first two monitoring objectives for winter habitat in four population units: the Coquille, South Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Nehalem. Winter habitat surveys are conducted to describe the freshwater habitat conditions that may limit the survival of juvenile coho during the season at which the conditions are limiting. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Nickelson et al. 1992a, Nickelson et al. 1992b, Nickelson 1998) estimates the capacity of streams to support juvenile salmon based on quantitative descriptions of summer and winter habitat. The model assigns value to the size, type and complexity of habitat units, giving highest value to slow water pools such as alcoves and beaver ponds, and pools with large wood. Because winter habitat limits the capacity of most coastal streams to support juvenile coho (Rodgers et al. 2005), accurate estimates of winter habitat are essential to life cycle modeling and to meet objectives of the Conservation Plan. Rodgers et al. (2005) estimated potential carrying capacity of stream habitat within each coastal coho population unit, but statistical confidence was limited by the source and manipulation of the data. Although the data set was extensive, most of the reaches were not randomly selected, and a regression model was used to extrapolate conditions from summer to winter (Rodgers et al. 2005). Summer surveys provide applicable information, but at low flow conditions. Summer weather and stream flows are predictable and conducive to field work; study sites are more accessible, work days are longer and warmer, lower water levels enable walking in the channel more easily, and water clarity is high. However, while more difficult logistically, winter surveys provide estimates during high flow conditions thought to be most important to juvenile coho survival. The winter surveys are conducted during “base flow” when off-channel habitats and secondary channels are inundated, but not over floodplain. The winter 2007 survey sites were selected using the Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sample design (Stevens 2002) from a pool of sites previously surveyed during summer. This provided an opportunity to describe status within coho population units and refine the summer to winter conversion regression model. More sites are visited during summer than winter, and the sample pool will expand if we can use summer surveys to predict winter conditions. A thorough description of seasonal habitat variation will determine the appropriateness of using summer habitat data to assess habitat conditions during the winter. The objectives of this report are to provide the status of winter habitat surveyed in 2007 in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua), estimate the potential winter capacity of streams within those population units, and describe the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence recommended in the Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006). Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7 Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited primarily (13) or secondarily (8) by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006), written in response to the assessment, concluded that recovery of coho populations will depend largely on improvement of freshwater habitat. The Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006) presents population specific goals for the amount and quality of winter habitat needed to achieve desired status of coho populations. Monitoring objectives in the Plan are 1) describe the status of freshwater habitat in each population unit with a focus on features important to overwinter survival of juvenile coho, 2) estimate carrying capacity in each population unit with + 30% confidence, and 3) measure progress towards meeting the habitat goals of the Conservation Plan. This report describes the first two monitoring objectives for winter habitat in four population units: the Coquille, South Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Nehalem. Winter habitat surveys are conducted to describe the freshwater habitat conditions that may limit the survival of juvenile coho during the season at which the conditions are limiting. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Nickelson et al. 1992a, Nickelson et al. 1992b, Nickelson 1998) estimates the capacity of streams to support juvenile salmon based on quantitative descriptions of summer and winter habitat. The model assigns value to the size, type and complexity of habitat units, giving highest value to slow water pools such as alcoves and beaver ponds, and pools with large wood. Because winter habitat limits the capacity of most coastal streams to support juvenile coho (Rodgers et al. 2005), accurate estimates of winter habitat are essential to life cycle modeling and to meet objectives of the Conservation Plan. Rodgers et al. (2005) estimated potential carrying capacity of stream habitat within each coastal coho population unit, but statistical confidence was limited by the source and manipulation of the data. Although the data set was extensive, most of the reaches were not randomly selected, and a regression model was used to extrapolate conditions from summer to winter (Rodgers et al. 2005). Summer surveys provide applicable information, but at low flow conditions. Summer weather and stream flows are predictable and conducive to field work; study sites are more accessible, work days are longer and warmer, lower water levels enable walking in the channel more easily, and water clarity is high. However, while more difficult logistically, winter surveys provide estimates during high flow conditions thought to be most important to juvenile coho survival. The winter surveys are conducted during “base flow” when off-channel habitats and secondary channels are inundated, but not over floodplain. The winter 2007 survey sites were selected using the Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sample design (Stevens 2002) from a pool of sites previously surveyed during summer. This provided an opportunity to describe status within coho population units and refine the summer to winter conversion regression model. More sites are visited during summer than winter, and the sample pool will expand if we can use summer surveys to predict winter conditions. A thorough description of seasonal habitat variation will determine the appropriateness of using summer habitat data to assess habitat conditions during the winter. The objectives of this report are to provide the status of winter habitat surveyed in 2007 in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua), estimate the potential winter capacity of streams within those population units, and describe the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence recommended in the Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006). Close

• 9. [Article] The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5

  Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5 Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon coastal streams. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) implemented a monitoring program that utilized a random, spatially balanced survey design to provide statistically rigorous information on the status and trend of habitat conditions in Oregon coastal streams. In response to the ESA listing of coho salmon, the State of Oregon published a comprehensive review of aquatic habitat in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) in 2005 (Rodgers et al 2005). The NOAA Fisheries more recently published a request for additional information in the 2009 Federal Register notice (Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009). This report will serve as an update to Rodgers et al (2005), and will provide an analysis of the current status and trends in aquatic habitat from 1998 through 2008 within the Oregon Coastal Coho ESU. The status and trend of instream physical habitat conditions in the Oregon Coastal coho ESU were assessed from twelve variables collected by the ODFW habitat monitoring program from 1998-2008. Habitat conditions were described at the scale of the ESU, four monitoring areas/strata within the ESU, and by six land use categories (agriculture, urban, private non-industrial and industrial forest, and public state and federal forest). The condition of habitat was compared among monitoring areas and land use categories. In addition, the habitat condition at random survey sites was compared to that at sites experiencing minimal human disturbance (i.e. reference sites). Potential winter rearing capacity for juvenile coho salmon was calculated for all available habitat and for high quality habitat at the monitoring area scale and in selected population units. We calculated the rearing potential from high quality habitat because modeling (Nickelson and Lawson 1998) demonstrated that during periods of prolonged poor ocean survival, only areas with high quality habitat will be able to support coho at full seeding during poor marine conditions. The final objective of this report is to discuss whether sufficient habitat capacity exists to support productivity of juvenile coho at the monitoring strata scale during periods of low marine survival. Title: The Status and Trend of Physical Habitat and Rearing Potential in Coho Bearing Streams in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-5 Abstract -- In 1997, the Oregon Coastal Restoration Initiative (OCSRI 1997) identified the quality of stream habitat as a potential factor influencing the decline of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Oregon coastal streams. In 1998, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) implemented a monitoring program that utilized a random, spatially balanced survey design to provide statistically rigorous information on the status and trend of habitat conditions in Oregon coastal streams. In response to the ESA listing of coho salmon, the State of Oregon published a comprehensive review of aquatic habitat in the Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) in 2005 (Rodgers et al 2005). The NOAA Fisheries more recently published a request for additional information in the 2009 Federal Register notice (Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 81 / Wednesday, April 29, 2009). This report will serve as an update to Rodgers et al (2005), and will provide an analysis of the current status and trends in aquatic habitat from 1998 through 2008 within the Oregon Coastal Coho ESU. The status and trend of instream physical habitat conditions in the Oregon Coastal coho ESU were assessed from twelve variables collected by the ODFW habitat monitoring program from 1998-2008. Habitat conditions were described at the scale of the ESU, four monitoring areas/strata within the ESU, and by six land use categories (agriculture, urban, private non-industrial and industrial forest, and public state and federal forest). The condition of habitat was compared among monitoring areas and land use categories. In addition, the habitat condition at random survey sites was compared to that at sites experiencing minimal human disturbance (i.e. reference sites). Potential winter rearing capacity for juvenile coho salmon was calculated for all available habitat and for high quality habitat at the monitoring area scale and in selected population units. We calculated the rearing potential from high quality habitat because modeling (Nickelson and Lawson 1998) demonstrated that during periods of prolonged poor ocean survival, only areas with high quality habitat will be able to support coho at full seeding during poor marine conditions. The final objective of this report is to discuss whether sufficient habitat capacity exists to support productivity of juvenile coho at the monitoring strata scale during periods of low marine survival. Close

• 10. [Article] Effectiveness Monitoring Report for the Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program, 1999-2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2010-6

  Abstract -- State and federal agencies have invested millions of dollars to restore streams and watersheds in the Pacific Northwest over the past two decades. In Oregon alone, over 500 million dollars ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effectiveness Monitoring Report for the Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program, 1999-2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2010-6 Abstract -- State and federal agencies have invested millions of dollars to restore streams and watersheds in the Pacific Northwest over the past two decades. In Oregon alone, over 500 million dollars has been spent on completed projects from 1995 to 2007 (Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 2009). Restoration practitioners have distributed the investment among watershed scale activities such as road repair, dam removal, and upland management, and stream scale activities such as passage, instream complexity, and riparian plantings. The Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program (WOSRP) was established to work in cooperation with private and corporate landowners to restore stream habitat for juvenile and adult salmonids. In addition to the WOSRP, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) funds restoration projects with local watershed councils, who commonly partner with state and federal agencies. Eight WOSRP restoration biologists in Tillamook, Newport, Charleston, Gold Beach, Roseburg, Clackamas, and Salem select sites and implement projects consistent with the criteria described in Thom et al (2001). A monitoring component is integrated in the program, with surveys coordinated and reported by a biologist in Corvallis. The goal of the monitoring program is to assess the long term effectiveness of instream restoration projects implemented by WOSRP, and to evaluate progress towards salmon conservation and recovery goals in Oregon’s coastal basins. The WOSRP restoration sites are distributed throughout the Willamette, Lower Columbia, and coastal drainage's. Restoration treatments added large wood and/or boulders, improved fish passage, planted trees in riparian areas, or were a combination of the three. Large wood was placed in complex jams at intervals throughout the stream to increase stream roughness and complexity. Boulders were sometimes used in conjunction with wood jams to provide stability to the structures, and prevent large wood from moving downstream and posing a hazard to culverts and bridges. Bedrock dominated streams were often treated with boulders to collect gravel and cobble, intended to aggrade the streambed. In the future, large wood may be added to these streams. Fish passage projects opened previously inaccessible habitat to juvenile and/or adult salmonids while riparian plantings and fencing were designed to improve riparian vegetation and bank structure. The project length varied from site to site. Fish passage sites were quite short, but provided access to kilometers of fish habitat, and large wood sites were up to several kilometers in length. Large wood and boulder placement projects have become commonplace in the Pacific Northwest to restore complex stream habitat for juvenile coho and other salmonids (Katz et al. 2007, Roni et al. 2008). Detailed assessments have been published for individual projects or experiments (e.g. Moore and Gregory, 1988, Nickelson et al. 1992, Cederholm et al.1997). More extensive evaluations have used a post treatment design (Hicks et al 1991, Roni and Quinn 2001), but none have used a pre- and post treatment design. In this paper we evaluate habitat changes at 103 restoration projects in western Oregon from pre-treatment to one year post treatment to 6 years following treatment. Projects commonly treated 0.5 – 1 km of stream, but some extended up to 6 km. The projects we evaluated in this paper were treated with large logs, usually arranged in jams, and were not cabled or driven into banks or bottom. As of 2008, the OWEB and WOSRP projects have treated approximately 750 km of stream with large wood (Figure 1), 120 km with boulders, and over 4,000 km of stream have been made accessible by replacing and/or removing culverts. Each year, OWEB receives 210 grant applications for restoration projects. These projects generally adhere to a similar selection process and design, so the results of this study can be expected to apply more broadly within the Pacific Northwest. Roni et al (2008), in a synthesis paper, summarized many of the potential physical benefits of restoration; these include pool depth and frequency, habitat complexity, woody debris, and sediment retention and quality of spawning gravel. Some projects in deeply incised channels have reduced the incision and increased bed elevation. Evaluations of biological responses have been confounded by natural variability of populations, duration of study, or length of stream examined. For example, determination of success based on spawning ground counts is problematic because of variation in ocean survival. However, longer duration and watershed scale studies have shown positive responses of juvenile and adult salmon (Johnson et al 2005). Burnett et al. (2008) conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles to examine the effects of large wood placement on salmonid abundance, growth, or survival, or on overall stream habitat complexity. Few publications were both relevant and met the rigorous standards outlined in their review. Although the review supported short term improvements in habitat complexity, the relationship to salmonid productivity was less definitive. Notable exceptions included Johnson et al. (2005) cited above, and Solazzi et al. (2000). An alternative approach to directly assessing biological response is to model potential changes in abundance or productivity. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Reeves et al. 1989, Nickelson et al.1992a, Nickelson 1998) was developed to quantify the carrying capacity of coastal streams for juvenile coho during the summer and winter. Use of this model is appropriate because most of the instream restoration projects in western Oregon were intended to improve habitat for juvenile coho. In this paper, we evaluated the physical response directly, and quantified the potential response of juvenile coho salmon by application of the Habitat Limiting Factors Model. Project effectiveness monitoring requires linking the restoration treatment to improved physical conditions for and biological response of salmon (Katz et al. 2007) and defining desired outcomes (Rumps et al. 2007). Because the WOSRP projects were designed to improve ecological and hydrologic stream function specifically for salmonids, we evaluated 1) retention of wood structures, 2) natural recruitment of additional wood, 3) increase in pool number, area, and depth, 4) retention of gravels and sorting of finer substrates, and 5) increase in channel complexity – secondary channels and off-channel habitats. Biological evaluation was based on estimates of the potential carrying capacity for juvenile coho during the overwinter life stage. The primary objectives of this evaluation are to test for these changes one year following treatment and 6 years following treatment. Secondarily, we evaluated the response of the projects by geographic location and position along the stream network. Previous WOSRP monitoring reports (e.g. Jacobsen and Jones 2003, Jacobsen et al. 2007) have focused on conditions one year following treatment, with relatively few sites assessed 2-3 years following restoration. Since 2003, the restoration projects have increased in complexity – more and larger pieces and jams, and treated more kilometers of stream length per site. The WOSRP program has provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects of restoration projects over longer times and broader geographic scales than previously feasible. We have been surveying the restoration sites in both summer and winter to monitor changes in stream habitat and evaluate the success of treatments, such as the placement of wood and/or boulders and fish passage. Surveys are logistically easier to manage in the summer, but surveys conducted during the winter provide a more timely and accurate assessment of over-winter rearing potential for juvenile coho. Because we have paired surveys, we are able to assess the added value of revisits across seasons. We test the hypothesis that habitat characteristics at the restoration sites do not change from summer to winter. The findings permit us to modify the survey program if the information is duplicative, and use the resources in another fashion. Title: Effectiveness Monitoring Report for the Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program, 1999-2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2010-6 Abstract -- State and federal agencies have invested millions of dollars to restore streams and watersheds in the Pacific Northwest over the past two decades. In Oregon alone, over 500 million dollars has been spent on completed projects from 1995 to 2007 (Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 2009). Restoration practitioners have distributed the investment among watershed scale activities such as road repair, dam removal, and upland management, and stream scale activities such as passage, instream complexity, and riparian plantings. The Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program (WOSRP) was established to work in cooperation with private and corporate landowners to restore stream habitat for juvenile and adult salmonids. In addition to the WOSRP, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) funds restoration projects with local watershed councils, who commonly partner with state and federal agencies. Eight WOSRP restoration biologists in Tillamook, Newport, Charleston, Gold Beach, Roseburg, Clackamas, and Salem select sites and implement projects consistent with the criteria described in Thom et al (2001). A monitoring component is integrated in the program, with surveys coordinated and reported by a biologist in Corvallis. The goal of the monitoring program is to assess the long term effectiveness of instream restoration projects implemented by WOSRP, and to evaluate progress towards salmon conservation and recovery goals in Oregon’s coastal basins. The WOSRP restoration sites are distributed throughout the Willamette, Lower Columbia, and coastal drainage's. Restoration treatments added large wood and/or boulders, improved fish passage, planted trees in riparian areas, or were a combination of the three. Large wood was placed in complex jams at intervals throughout the stream to increase stream roughness and complexity. Boulders were sometimes used in conjunction with wood jams to provide stability to the structures, and prevent large wood from moving downstream and posing a hazard to culverts and bridges. Bedrock dominated streams were often treated with boulders to collect gravel and cobble, intended to aggrade the streambed. In the future, large wood may be added to these streams. Fish passage projects opened previously inaccessible habitat to juvenile and/or adult salmonids while riparian plantings and fencing were designed to improve riparian vegetation and bank structure. The project length varied from site to site. Fish passage sites were quite short, but provided access to kilometers of fish habitat, and large wood sites were up to several kilometers in length. Large wood and boulder placement projects have become commonplace in the Pacific Northwest to restore complex stream habitat for juvenile coho and other salmonids (Katz et al. 2007, Roni et al. 2008). Detailed assessments have been published for individual projects or experiments (e.g. Moore and Gregory, 1988, Nickelson et al. 1992, Cederholm et al.1997). More extensive evaluations have used a post treatment design (Hicks et al 1991, Roni and Quinn 2001), but none have used a pre- and post treatment design. In this paper we evaluate habitat changes at 103 restoration projects in western Oregon from pre-treatment to one year post treatment to 6 years following treatment. Projects commonly treated 0.5 – 1 km of stream, but some extended up to 6 km. The projects we evaluated in this paper were treated with large logs, usually arranged in jams, and were not cabled or driven into banks or bottom. As of 2008, the OWEB and WOSRP projects have treated approximately 750 km of stream with large wood (Figure 1), 120 km with boulders, and over 4,000 km of stream have been made accessible by replacing and/or removing culverts. Each year, OWEB receives 210 grant applications for restoration projects. These projects generally adhere to a similar selection process and design, so the results of this study can be expected to apply more broadly within the Pacific Northwest. Roni et al (2008), in a synthesis paper, summarized many of the potential physical benefits of restoration; these include pool depth and frequency, habitat complexity, woody debris, and sediment retention and quality of spawning gravel. Some projects in deeply incised channels have reduced the incision and increased bed elevation. Evaluations of biological responses have been confounded by natural variability of populations, duration of study, or length of stream examined. For example, determination of success based on spawning ground counts is problematic because of variation in ocean survival. However, longer duration and watershed scale studies have shown positive responses of juvenile and adult salmon (Johnson et al 2005). Burnett et al. (2008) conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles to examine the effects of large wood placement on salmonid abundance, growth, or survival, or on overall stream habitat complexity. Few publications were both relevant and met the rigorous standards outlined in their review. Although the review supported short term improvements in habitat complexity, the relationship to salmonid productivity was less definitive. Notable exceptions included Johnson et al. (2005) cited above, and Solazzi et al. (2000). An alternative approach to directly assessing biological response is to model potential changes in abundance or productivity. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Reeves et al. 1989, Nickelson et al.1992a, Nickelson 1998) was developed to quantify the carrying capacity of coastal streams for juvenile coho during the summer and winter. Use of this model is appropriate because most of the instream restoration projects in western Oregon were intended to improve habitat for juvenile coho. In this paper, we evaluated the physical response directly, and quantified the potential response of juvenile coho salmon by application of the Habitat Limiting Factors Model. Project effectiveness monitoring requires linking the restoration treatment to improved physical conditions for and biological response of salmon (Katz et al. 2007) and defining desired outcomes (Rumps et al. 2007). Because the WOSRP projects were designed to improve ecological and hydrologic stream function specifically for salmonids, we evaluated 1) retention of wood structures, 2) natural recruitment of additional wood, 3) increase in pool number, area, and depth, 4) retention of gravels and sorting of finer substrates, and 5) increase in channel complexity – secondary channels and off-channel habitats. Biological evaluation was based on estimates of the potential carrying capacity for juvenile coho during the overwinter life stage. The primary objectives of this evaluation are to test for these changes one year following treatment and 6 years following treatment. Secondarily, we evaluated the response of the projects by geographic location and position along the stream network. Previous WOSRP monitoring reports (e.g. Jacobsen and Jones 2003, Jacobsen et al. 2007) have focused on conditions one year following treatment, with relatively few sites assessed 2-3 years following restoration. Since 2003, the restoration projects have increased in complexity – more and larger pieces and jams, and treated more kilometers of stream length per site. The WOSRP program has provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects of restoration projects over longer times and broader geographic scales than previously feasible. We have been surveying the restoration sites in both summer and winter to monitor changes in stream habitat and evaluate the success of treatments, such as the placement of wood and/or boulders and fish passage. Surveys are logistically easier to manage in the summer, but surveys conducted during the winter provide a more timely and accurate assessment of over-winter rearing potential for juvenile coho. Because we have paired surveys, we are able to assess the added value of revisits across seasons. We test the hypothesis that habitat characteristics at the restoration sites do not change from summer to winter. The findings permit us to modify the survey program if the information is duplicative, and use the resources in another fashion. Close