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• 31. [Article] Umpqua Fish Management District Guide to Restoration Site Selection

  Abstract -- Research in Oregon coastal areas indicates there is potential to improve the productive capacity of freshwater rearing streams, principally by improving the quality of over-winter rearing habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Umpqua Fish Management District Guide to Restoration Site Selection Abstract -- Research in Oregon coastal areas indicates there is potential to improve the productive capacity of freshwater rearing streams, principally by improving the quality of over-winter rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. The objective of this document is to identify stream reaches where habitat restoration work may improve the status of anadromous salmonids. This document also represents a contribution to the Oregon's Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative. In this report, we identify stream reaches in the Umpqua basin with habitat restoration potential. We also discuss selection of appropriate restoration techniques. The list of potential restoration reaches was compiled based on analysis of Aquatic Habitat Inventory Data and recommendations of ODFW biologists. Our work is designed to complement ongoing habitat protection and restoration efforts by ODFW personnel. The selected reaches may be suitable for various instream and riparian-zone restoration activities specific to perceived limiting factors, thereby increasing capacity to produce salmonids. The reaches have relatively low gradient (<5%), moderate active channel width (3-12 m), and are within relatively broad valleys. These physical characteristics offer the highest potential capacity to support juvenile anadromous fish. The proposed work is intended to help restore natural stream and riparian processes to a condition that will support more production of anadromous fish than is currently possible. Data from almost 1,200 stream reaches were screened to identify the 215 potential restoration sites described in this report. The sites are primarily on private industrial timberlands. A full description of each potential restoration site was limited by our timetable. As work proceeds on these reaches in the future, prioritization of current sites and identification of additional restoration reaches will occur. In guides prepared for other basins, the sites or reaches were presented as "probably suitable" for restoration activities to begin immediately. In this guide, however, we could not reduce the list to those sites appropriate for immediate project design. Consequently, the reaches described should be evaluated further before making any commitments to project design. An approach to further evaluation of the proposed restoration sites is described in this report. Title: Umpqua Fish Management District Guide to Restoration Site Selection Abstract -- Research in Oregon coastal areas indicates there is potential to improve the productive capacity of freshwater rearing streams, principally by improving the quality of over-winter rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. The objective of this document is to identify stream reaches where habitat restoration work may improve the status of anadromous salmonids. This document also represents a contribution to the Oregon's Coastal Salmon Restoration Initiative. In this report, we identify stream reaches in the Umpqua basin with habitat restoration potential. We also discuss selection of appropriate restoration techniques. The list of potential restoration reaches was compiled based on analysis of Aquatic Habitat Inventory Data and recommendations of ODFW biologists. Our work is designed to complement ongoing habitat protection and restoration efforts by ODFW personnel. The selected reaches may be suitable for various instream and riparian-zone restoration activities specific to perceived limiting factors, thereby increasing capacity to produce salmonids. The reaches have relatively low gradient (<5%), moderate active channel width (3-12 m), and are within relatively broad valleys. These physical characteristics offer the highest potential capacity to support juvenile anadromous fish. The proposed work is intended to help restore natural stream and riparian processes to a condition that will support more production of anadromous fish than is currently possible. Data from almost 1,200 stream reaches were screened to identify the 215 potential restoration sites described in this report. The sites are primarily on private industrial timberlands. A full description of each potential restoration site was limited by our timetable. As work proceeds on these reaches in the future, prioritization of current sites and identification of additional restoration reaches will occur. In guides prepared for other basins, the sites or reaches were presented as "probably suitable" for restoration activities to begin immediately. In this guide, however, we could not reduce the list to those sites appropriate for immediate project design. Consequently, the reaches described should be evaluated further before making any commitments to project design. An approach to further evaluation of the proposed restoration sites is described in this report. Close

• 32. [Article] The size of the Oregon coastal salmon runs in the mid-1800s

  Abstract.- Increasing the abundance of salmon in coastal Oregon rivers and streams is a high priority public policy objective. Salmon runs have been reduced from pre-development conditions (typically defined ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The size of the Oregon coastal salmon runs in the mid-1800s Author: Meengs, Chad C. Abstract.- Increasing the abundance of salmon in coastal Oregon rivers and streams is a high priority public policy objective. Salmon runs have been reduced from pre-development conditions (typically defined as the 1 850s), but it is unclear by how much. Considerable resources have been allocated to restoring salmon runs, but it is uncertain what the current recovery potential is because much of the freshwater and estuarine habitat for salmon has been altered. The goals of all recovery efforts are based on assumptions, often unstated, for what the size if the runs were prior to significant habitat alteration, coupled with an estimate of the amount and quality of freshwater and estuarine habitat currently available. At one extreme, it may be that current run sizes reflect the recovery potential of the existing salmon habitat. At the other extreme, the recovery potential may be as high as the mid 1800 levels. Historical salmon runs sizes on the Oregon coast were estimated using two methods: (1) Converting aboriginal population levels and their salmon consumption rate into numbers of salmon; (2) Extrapolating cannery pack into numbers of salmon. Annual aboriginal harvest of all salmon species is estimated to have been approximately 10 million pounds/year or between 1.75 million and 5.36 million salmonids, a harvest level similar to that occurring during the height of commercial fishing on Oregon's coastal rivers in the late 1 800s and early 1 900s. Extrapolating cannery pack data, the estimated size of the late 1 800s aggregate runs of coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was 1.5-2.5 million. The estimated size of aggregate runs of chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) runs was 290,000-517,000. Compared to mid 1 800s coho estimates, current runs (during favorable ocean conditions), are 11-19%. During poor ocean conditions, current coho runs are 3-6% of the historical size. Title: The size of the Oregon coastal salmon runs in the mid-1800s Author: Meengs, Chad C. Abstract.- Increasing the abundance of salmon in coastal Oregon rivers and streams is a high priority public policy objective. Salmon runs have been reduced from pre-development conditions (typically defined as the 1 850s), but it is unclear by how much. Considerable resources have been allocated to restoring salmon runs, but it is uncertain what the current recovery potential is because much of the freshwater and estuarine habitat for salmon has been altered. The goals of all recovery efforts are based on assumptions, often unstated, for what the size if the runs were prior to significant habitat alteration, coupled with an estimate of the amount and quality of freshwater and estuarine habitat currently available. At one extreme, it may be that current run sizes reflect the recovery potential of the existing salmon habitat. At the other extreme, the recovery potential may be as high as the mid 1800 levels. Historical salmon runs sizes on the Oregon coast were estimated using two methods: (1) Converting aboriginal population levels and their salmon consumption rate into numbers of salmon; (2) Extrapolating cannery pack into numbers of salmon. Annual aboriginal harvest of all salmon species is estimated to have been approximately 10 million pounds/year or between 1.75 million and 5.36 million salmonids, a harvest level similar to that occurring during the height of commercial fishing on Oregon's coastal rivers in the late 1 800s and early 1 900s. Extrapolating cannery pack data, the estimated size of the late 1 800s aggregate runs of coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was 1.5-2.5 million. The estimated size of aggregate runs of chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) runs was 290,000-517,000. Compared to mid 1 800s coho estimates, current runs (during favorable ocean conditions), are 11-19%. During poor ocean conditions, current coho runs are 3-6% of the historical size. Close

• 33. [Article] AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Tillamook Study Area

  Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Tillamook Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Tillamook drainage to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Tillamook Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Tillamook drainage to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Close

• 34. [Article] AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry North Cascade Study Area

  Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry North Cascade Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the North Cascade management areas to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry North Cascade Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the North Cascade management areas to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Close

• 35. [Article] AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Lower Nehalem and Necanicum Study Area

  Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Lower Nehalem and Necanicum Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Lower Nehalem and Necanicum River drainages to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Lower Nehalem and Necanicum Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Lower Nehalem and Necanicum River drainages to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Close

• 36. [Article] AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Elliot Study Area

  Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synt hesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Elliot Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synt hesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Elliott State Forest study area, which includes portions of the Coos, Umpqua, and Tenmile Lake drainages, to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish abundance, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Elliot Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synt hesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Elliott State Forest study area, which includes portions of the Coos, Umpqua, and Tenmile Lake drainages, to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish abundance, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Close

• 37. [Article] AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Upper Nehalem and Clatskanie Study Area

  Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Upper Nehalem and Clatskanie Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the upper Nehalem and Clatskanie River drainages to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department of Forestry Upper Nehalem and Clatskanie Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the upper Nehalem and Clatskanie River drainages to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities form the basis of the analyses. Close

• 38. [Article] AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department Of Forestry Miamii Study Area

  Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department Of Forestry Miamii Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Miami River drainage to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities will be the basis of the analyses. Title: AI - Fish Habitat Assessment in The Oregon Department Of Forestry Miamii Study Area Abstract -- A collaborative project between the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was initiated to synthesize aquatic habitat and fisheries information for the Miami River drainage to assist in the development of operational management plans, stream habitat restoration projects, habitat conservation planning, and watershed analysis. The project summarizes the condition of stream habitat, the distribution and abundance of salmonid fishes, and the potential for restoration. The ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project has conducted stream habitat surveys as part of its basin survey project and habitat assessment project under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The goal of these surveys was to document the status and trends of stream conditions in coastal drainages. These surveys in conjunction with fish distribution, fish presence, potential barriers to passage, and past restoration activities will be the basis of the analyses. Close

• 39. [Article] Responses of juvenile coho salmon and larval lamprey to instream habitat restoration in a Pacific Northwest stream

  Large wood has been utilized in many restoration projects to improve in-stream habitat in the Pacific Northwest for salmon. However, the benefits of this practice remain the subject of ongoing debate and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Responses of juvenile coho salmon and larval lamprey to instream habitat restoration in a Pacific Northwest stream Author: Gonzalez, Rosalinda Large wood has been utilized in many restoration projects to improve in-stream habitat in the Pacific Northwest for salmon. However, the benefits of this practice remain the subject of ongoing debate and evaluation of these projects has scarcely been done for non-salmonid species such as lamprey. In this study we look at the impacts of a large wood restoration on larval Pacific Entosphenus tridentaus and Western Brook Lamprey Lampetra richardsoni and juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch by 1) identifying instream habitat characteristics that influence the presence of larval lamprey and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon; and 2) evaluating how these characteristics are influenced by wood. To address habitat use, we determined presence of larval lamprey in 92 pools and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon in 44 pools during summer low flows in a small coastal Oregon stream. We focused on a reach of stream where large numbers of large wood pieces and wood jams were introduced to retain sediment in the channel. Results indicate that presence of laval lamprey was associated with availability of fine sediment (P < 0.001) and deeper substrate (P < 0.001). The abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon (fish/pool) was associated with pool area (r[subscript s] = 0.78; P ≤ 0.001) and to a weaker extent with the proportion of cobble and boulder substrates in pools (r[subscript s] = -0.39; P ≤ 0.01). Pools with wood, regardless of whether they were formed by wood, had greater coverage of fine and deeper substrate (P < 0.001) and greater pool area (P = 0.016). Taken together, these results suggest that instream wood can provide habitat conditions that larval lamprey and juvenile Coho Salmon use, and thus provide benefits to these species. Title: Responses of juvenile coho salmon and larval lamprey to instream habitat restoration in a Pacific Northwest stream Author: Gonzalez, Rosalinda Large wood has been utilized in many restoration projects to improve in-stream habitat in the Pacific Northwest for salmon. However, the benefits of this practice remain the subject of ongoing debate and evaluation of these projects has scarcely been done for non-salmonid species such as lamprey. In this study we look at the impacts of a large wood restoration on larval Pacific Entosphenus tridentaus and Western Brook Lamprey Lampetra richardsoni and juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch by 1) identifying instream habitat characteristics that influence the presence of larval lamprey and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon; and 2) evaluating how these characteristics are influenced by wood. To address habitat use, we determined presence of larval lamprey in 92 pools and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon in 44 pools during summer low flows in a small coastal Oregon stream. We focused on a reach of stream where large numbers of large wood pieces and wood jams were introduced to retain sediment in the channel. Results indicate that presence of laval lamprey was associated with availability of fine sediment (P < 0.001) and deeper substrate (P < 0.001). The abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon (fish/pool) was associated with pool area (r[subscript s] = 0.78; P ≤ 0.001) and to a weaker extent with the proportion of cobble and boulder substrates in pools (r[subscript s] = -0.39; P ≤ 0.01). Pools with wood, regardless of whether they were formed by wood, had greater coverage of fine and deeper substrate (P < 0.001) and greater pool area (P = 0.016). Taken together, these results suggest that instream wood can provide habitat conditions that larval lamprey and juvenile Coho Salmon use, and thus provide benefits to these species. Close

• 40. [Article] Floodplain emergent wetlands as rearing habitat for fishes and the implications for wetland enhancement

  Seasonal emergent wetlands in the Pacific Northwest have not been regarded traditionally as fish rearing habitat, despite access to such habitat when river flows overtop riverbanks and connect to the floodplain. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplain emergent wetlands as rearing habitat for fishes and the implications for wetland enhancement Author: Henning, Julie A. Seasonal emergent wetlands in the Pacific Northwest have not been regarded traditionally as fish rearing habitat, despite access to such habitat when river flows overtop riverbanks and connect to the floodplain. As a result, restoration and enhancement projects to remediate for the loss of such wetland habitat are being implemented for waterfowl and other wildlife with little consideration for fishes such as juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.). The objectives of this study were to examine the degree to which fish utilize emergent wetlands and to determine the influence of wetland enhancement on fish communities in the Chehalis River floodplain. Furthermore, I quantified the influence of enhanced wetlands on juvenile coho salmon. A minimum of 18 fish species utilized floodplain wetlands, and the most abundant were three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi). Both enhanced and unenhanced emergent wetlands had higher abundances of nongame native fishes than oxbow habitats. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was the dominant salmonid at all sites and enhanced wetlands had significantly higher abundances of yearling coho salmon than unenhanced wetlands. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased in emergent wetlands throughout the season and were near lethal limits for juvenile salmon by June each year. Survival of fishes utilizing emergent wetlands was dependent on movement to the river before water quality decreased and/or the wetland became isolated and stranding occurred. Emigration patterns suggested that coho salmon yearling and young-of-the-year emigrated as habitat conditions declined. This was further supported by the results of the experimental release of yearling coho salmon. Yearling coho salmon benefited from rearing in enhanced wetland habitats where their growth and survival were comparable to studies of juvenile coho off-channel habitats. Title: Floodplain emergent wetlands as rearing habitat for fishes and the implications for wetland enhancement Author: Henning, Julie A. Seasonal emergent wetlands in the Pacific Northwest have not been regarded traditionally as fish rearing habitat, despite access to such habitat when river flows overtop riverbanks and connect to the floodplain. As a result, restoration and enhancement projects to remediate for the loss of such wetland habitat are being implemented for waterfowl and other wildlife with little consideration for fishes such as juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.). The objectives of this study were to examine the degree to which fish utilize emergent wetlands and to determine the influence of wetland enhancement on fish communities in the Chehalis River floodplain. Furthermore, I quantified the influence of enhanced wetlands on juvenile coho salmon. A minimum of 18 fish species utilized floodplain wetlands, and the most abundant were three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi). Both enhanced and unenhanced emergent wetlands had higher abundances of nongame native fishes than oxbow habitats. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was the dominant salmonid at all sites and enhanced wetlands had significantly higher abundances of yearling coho salmon than unenhanced wetlands. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased in emergent wetlands throughout the season and were near lethal limits for juvenile salmon by June each year. Survival of fishes utilizing emergent wetlands was dependent on movement to the river before water quality decreased and/or the wetland became isolated and stranding occurred. Emigration patterns suggested that coho salmon yearling and young-of-the-year emigrated as habitat conditions declined. This was further supported by the results of the experimental release of yearling coho salmon. Yearling coho salmon benefited from rearing in enhanced wetland habitats where their growth and survival were comparable to studies of juvenile coho off-channel habitats. Close