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• 51. [Article] Modeling Large Wood Impacts on Stream Hydrodynamics and Juvenile Salmon Habitat

  Large wood (LW) pieces are recognized as an important habitat component for salmon freshwater habitat. As such, they are often used in stream habitat restoration practices despite a lack of knowledge about ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling Large Wood Impacts on Stream Hydrodynamics and Juvenile Salmon Habitat Author: Bair, Russell Large wood (LW) pieces are recognized as an important habitat component for salmon freshwater habitat. As such, they are often used in stream habitat restoration practices despite a lack of knowledge about their impacts on spatial and temporal hydraulic characteristics relevant to fish habitat. In this thesis we present results on the impacts of LW on reach scale stream hydraulics. We use hydraulic models to identifying patterns and magnitudes of change in aspects of the flow field that are relevant to juvenile Coho Salmon after an addition of LW. The Nays2DH model was used because of its capacity to model unsteady flows around LW structures in-stream. Flow conditions after LW addition were modeled in three alluvial plane bed gravel reaches of Mill Creek in the Oregon Coast Range, a long term salmon life cycle study site. Study streams are small, with a bankfull (Q[subscript bf]) discharge between 2.2 and 8.7 m³/s and bankfull widths varying from 5.5 to 10.6 m. Survivable habitat was characterized for the flow field in terms of a) velocity (v) less than critical swim speed of juvenile Coho Salmon (v[subscript crit] = 0.5 m/s); b) and bed refuge estimated based on the likelihood of the movement of the reach median bed particle size (D₅₀). Spatial and temporal increases in wetted area were also determined. After the addition of LW, the area of acceptable habitat increased 17-26% in terms of velocity, 31-39% in terms of substrate stability, and 24-35% in terms of wetted area at Q[subscript bf]. Similar magnitudes of increase were observed over an entire storm hydrograph in each site. Patterns of change in the flow field showed deep pools of slower water forming upstream of LW jams which agreed with initial field observations of geomorphic change. Newly inundated flood plains and bars represented large portions of the additional habitat after the addition of LW. These areas had low velocity and shear stress values indicating that their contributions to additional habitat will be resilient to fluctuation even if acceptable habitat metrics were to be adjusted. Title: Modeling Large Wood Impacts on Stream Hydrodynamics and Juvenile Salmon Habitat Author: Bair, Russell Large wood (LW) pieces are recognized as an important habitat component for salmon freshwater habitat. As such, they are often used in stream habitat restoration practices despite a lack of knowledge about their impacts on spatial and temporal hydraulic characteristics relevant to fish habitat. In this thesis we present results on the impacts of LW on reach scale stream hydraulics. We use hydraulic models to identifying patterns and magnitudes of change in aspects of the flow field that are relevant to juvenile Coho Salmon after an addition of LW. The Nays2DH model was used because of its capacity to model unsteady flows around LW structures in-stream. Flow conditions after LW addition were modeled in three alluvial plane bed gravel reaches of Mill Creek in the Oregon Coast Range, a long term salmon life cycle study site. Study streams are small, with a bankfull (Q[subscript bf]) discharge between 2.2 and 8.7 m³/s and bankfull widths varying from 5.5 to 10.6 m. Survivable habitat was characterized for the flow field in terms of a) velocity (v) less than critical swim speed of juvenile Coho Salmon (v[subscript crit] = 0.5 m/s); b) and bed refuge estimated based on the likelihood of the movement of the reach median bed particle size (D₅₀). Spatial and temporal increases in wetted area were also determined. After the addition of LW, the area of acceptable habitat increased 17-26% in terms of velocity, 31-39% in terms of substrate stability, and 24-35% in terms of wetted area at Q[subscript bf]. Similar magnitudes of increase were observed over an entire storm hydrograph in each site. Patterns of change in the flow field showed deep pools of slower water forming upstream of LW jams which agreed with initial field observations of geomorphic change. Newly inundated flood plains and bars represented large portions of the additional habitat after the addition of LW. These areas had low velocity and shear stress values indicating that their contributions to additional habitat will be resilient to fluctuation even if acceptable habitat metrics were to be adjusted. Close

• 52. [Article] Ocean and Coastal Law Memo, Issue 46 : New Directions in Salmon Recovery Law and Policy

  30 p.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ocean and Coastal Law Memo, Issue 46 : New Directions in Salmon Recovery Law and Policy Author: Hildreth, Richard G., Reim, Paul Year: 2009, 1998 30 p. Title: Ocean and Coastal Law Memo, Issue 46 : New Directions in Salmon Recovery Law and Policy Author: Hildreth, Richard G., Reim, Paul Year: 2009, 1998 30 p. Close

• 53. [Article] A landscape-scale watershed assessment method to support fish passage restoration in Puget Sound, Washington State: An analysis for the Fish Barrier Removal Board

  Graduation date: 2016

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A landscape-scale watershed assessment method to support fish passage restoration in Puget Sound, Washington State: An analysis for the Fish Barrier Removal Board Author: Zweifel, Justin C. Graduation date: 2016 Title: A landscape-scale watershed assessment method to support fish passage restoration in Puget Sound, Washington State: An analysis for the Fish Barrier Removal Board Author: Zweifel, Justin C. Graduation date: 2016 Close

• 54. [Article] Native fish of the Upper Deschutes: Status and recommended restoration actions

  This report is intended for citizen advocates. The goal is to provide a concise summary of current issues and problems for native salmonids in the Upper Deschutes and describe the actions needed to resolve ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native fish of the Upper Deschutes: Status and recommended restoration actions Author: Bassett, Russell, Davis, H. Tom, Kunkel, Clair This report is intended for citizen advocates. The goal is to provide a concise summary of current issues and problems for native salmonids in the Upper Deschutes and describe the actions needed to resolve those problems. It is based on information from all federal and Oregon agencies involved in the upper Deschutes. Discussions were held with staff members from those agencies as needed to provide and interpret the hundreds of data sets, papers and reports pertinent to Upper Deschutes issues. Title: Native fish of the Upper Deschutes: Status and recommended restoration actions Author: Bassett, Russell, Davis, H. Tom, Kunkel, Clair This report is intended for citizen advocates. The goal is to provide a concise summary of current issues and problems for native salmonids in the Upper Deschutes and describe the actions needed to resolve those problems. It is based on information from all federal and Oregon agencies involved in the upper Deschutes. Discussions were held with staff members from those agencies as needed to provide and interpret the hundreds of data sets, papers and reports pertinent to Upper Deschutes issues. Close

• 55. [Article] Modeling Historical Meander Bends Reconnection on the lower Long Tom River in Lane Co. and Benton Co., OR

  Since the damming and channelization of the lower Long Tom River in the 1940s and 1950s, the quality and quantity of habitat for coastal cutthroat trout and spring Chinook salmon in the watershed has dramatically ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling Historical Meander Bends Reconnection on the lower Long Tom River in Lane Co. and Benton Co., OR Author: Appleby, Christina Year: 2016 Since the damming and channelization of the lower Long Tom River in the 1940s and 1950s, the quality and quantity of habitat for coastal cutthroat trout and spring Chinook salmon in the watershed has dramatically diminished. In order to better understand the potential for stream restoration, this study uses 2D hydraulic modeling to determine the impact of reconnecting historical meander bends to the main stem of the lower Long Tom River on localized flooding, sediment erosion and deposition, and salmonid physical habitat. These models compare the current conditions to two restoration scenarios that allow for fish passage given 1, 2, and 5-year flood events at two study sites. This study reveals important variations in the impact of restoration between the study sites and the reconnection methods. It also suggests that there is the potential for a large increase in the area of accessible habitat with stream restoration. Title: Modeling Historical Meander Bends Reconnection on the lower Long Tom River in Lane Co. and Benton Co., OR Author: Appleby, Christina Year: 2016 Since the damming and channelization of the lower Long Tom River in the 1940s and 1950s, the quality and quantity of habitat for coastal cutthroat trout and spring Chinook salmon in the watershed has dramatically diminished. In order to better understand the potential for stream restoration, this study uses 2D hydraulic modeling to determine the impact of reconnecting historical meander bends to the main stem of the lower Long Tom River on localized flooding, sediment erosion and deposition, and salmonid physical habitat. These models compare the current conditions to two restoration scenarios that allow for fish passage given 1, 2, and 5-year flood events at two study sites. This study reveals important variations in the impact of restoration between the study sites and the reconnection methods. It also suggests that there is the potential for a large increase in the area of accessible habitat with stream restoration. Close

• 56. [Article] Integrating Ecosystem Services, River Restoration and Community: A Case Study at Fisher's Bend

  Natural areas and ecosystem services at the edge of urban areas are threatened by increasing development. This paper examines how community based restoration partnerships can work to identify, protect ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Integrating Ecosystem Services, River Restoration and Community: A Case Study at Fisher's Bend Author: Carlson, Michael Year: 2011 Natural areas and ecosystem services at the edge of urban areas are threatened by increasing development. This paper examines how community based restoration partnerships can work to identify, protect and restore ecosystem services provided by salmon and our local rivers. Floodplains provide a wide range of ecosystem services to urban and rural communities and we should work collaboratively to protect and restore them. Floodplains are especially valuable and important for salmon recovery. By using a case study, we explore the process and feasibility of restoring off-channel salmon habitat at Fisher's Bend in the lower Clackamas river. A feasibility study was conducted to identify costs, benefits and risks of different design alternatives for the side channel. Hydrology of the river and hydraulics of the site were determined by estimating peak and low flow hydrology then running a HEC-RAS hydraulic model. Results indicate that the river overflows into the side channel near the 2 year recurrence interval. On average there is currently about a 50 % chance each year that the river will enter the side channel. These current flows do not provide much opportunity for juvenile salmon to access the side channel where they can grow and thrive in a protected habitat before their journey to the ocean. Further investigation produced results that indicate 95% of the time from 1959-2009 the river discharge was above 726 cfs from October to June. These results highlight that we will need to excavate about 9 feet from current elevations at the side-channel outlet to gain reasonable assurance of a one foot water depth for good salmon access. This depth will provide access from the river during critical periods when adult and juvenile salmon are seeking refuge from predators and high flood flows in the main channel. Although more design is needed for the inlet and outlet it appears the project is feasible and will meet the objective of providing salmonid access to critical habitat. In closing, I recommend investment in natural area protection and restoration at the edges of the urban growth boundary to maintain valuable ecosystem services provided by river floodplains and salmon. Title: Integrating Ecosystem Services, River Restoration and Community: A Case Study at Fisher's Bend Author: Carlson, Michael Year: 2011 Natural areas and ecosystem services at the edge of urban areas are threatened by increasing development. This paper examines how community based restoration partnerships can work to identify, protect and restore ecosystem services provided by salmon and our local rivers. Floodplains provide a wide range of ecosystem services to urban and rural communities and we should work collaboratively to protect and restore them. Floodplains are especially valuable and important for salmon recovery. By using a case study, we explore the process and feasibility of restoring off-channel salmon habitat at Fisher's Bend in the lower Clackamas river. A feasibility study was conducted to identify costs, benefits and risks of different design alternatives for the side channel. Hydrology of the river and hydraulics of the site were determined by estimating peak and low flow hydrology then running a HEC-RAS hydraulic model. Results indicate that the river overflows into the side channel near the 2 year recurrence interval. On average there is currently about a 50 % chance each year that the river will enter the side channel. These current flows do not provide much opportunity for juvenile salmon to access the side channel where they can grow and thrive in a protected habitat before their journey to the ocean. Further investigation produced results that indicate 95% of the time from 1959-2009 the river discharge was above 726 cfs from October to June. These results highlight that we will need to excavate about 9 feet from current elevations at the side-channel outlet to gain reasonable assurance of a one foot water depth for good salmon access. This depth will provide access from the river during critical periods when adult and juvenile salmon are seeking refuge from predators and high flood flows in the main channel. Although more design is needed for the inlet and outlet it appears the project is feasible and will meet the objective of providing salmonid access to critical habitat. In closing, I recommend investment in natural area protection and restoration at the edges of the urban growth boundary to maintain valuable ecosystem services provided by river floodplains and salmon. Close

• 57. [Article] Effects of stream restoration on macroinvertebrate communities in an Oregon Coast Range system

  Stream-restoration projects are usually designed to improve habitat quality for fishes. These projects manipulate flow patterns, substrate distribution, and amount and placement of large woody debris. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of stream restoration on macroinvertebrate communities in an Oregon Coast Range system Author: Christensen, M. Jo Stream-restoration projects are usually designed to improve habitat quality for fishes. These projects manipulate flow patterns, substrate distribution, and amount and placement of large woody debris. Consequently, they also affect the size and composition of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community. This research evaluates two types of fish habitat restoration: off-channel structures (alcoves) and in-channel structures (log weirs). I compared macroinvertebrate habitats and communities in natural and artificial alcoves in Upper and South Fork Lobster Creeks, Lane Co., and examined the effects of log weirs on in-channel habitat diversity, community composition, drift patterns, and fish consumption of macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from artificial and natural alcoves using hand pumps and D-nets. Within the channel, macroinvertebrates were collected from restored and unrestored reaches with a Hess sampler and using a stratified random sampling scheme. Forty-eight hour invertebrate drift samples were obtained at outlets of log-weir pools. Stomach contents were obtained from coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and cutthroat trout (O. clarki) in restored reaches. Although natural alcoves differed from artificial in location within the floodplain, morphology, permanence, and degree of interaction with the stream channel, both alcovetypes provided similar habitats and contained similar macroinvertebrate communities. Average densities and diversity within the alcoves depended on habitat and time of year. Average densities were higher in artificial than in natural. Alcoves contained 29% of species richness within Upper Lobster Creek. Within the stream channel, the diversity of macroinvertebrate habitat was lower in restored than in unrestored sections. Log weirs were associated with reduced taxonomic and functional feeding-group diversity. Composition of drift was not significantly different in restored and unrestored areas; however, drift densities were significantly lower in restored reaches. Diets of fishes in restored areas were composed primarily of organisms produced from outside restored areas. Although in-channel structures may enhance physical habitat for fishes, they may alter or reduce the availability of food for fishes feeding on drifting invertebrates. Recommendations are given for improving the design of stream restoration projects with respect to macroinvertebrates; however stream restoration should focus on restoring whole-system integrity and function, instead of targeting just one or two types of organisms. Title: Effects of stream restoration on macroinvertebrate communities in an Oregon Coast Range system Author: Christensen, M. Jo Stream-restoration projects are usually designed to improve habitat quality for fishes. These projects manipulate flow patterns, substrate distribution, and amount and placement of large woody debris. Consequently, they also affect the size and composition of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community. This research evaluates two types of fish habitat restoration: off-channel structures (alcoves) and in-channel structures (log weirs). I compared macroinvertebrate habitats and communities in natural and artificial alcoves in Upper and South Fork Lobster Creeks, Lane Co., and examined the effects of log weirs on in-channel habitat diversity, community composition, drift patterns, and fish consumption of macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected from artificial and natural alcoves using hand pumps and D-nets. Within the channel, macroinvertebrates were collected from restored and unrestored reaches with a Hess sampler and using a stratified random sampling scheme. Forty-eight hour invertebrate drift samples were obtained at outlets of log-weir pools. Stomach contents were obtained from coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and cutthroat trout (O. clarki) in restored reaches. Although natural alcoves differed from artificial in location within the floodplain, morphology, permanence, and degree of interaction with the stream channel, both alcovetypes provided similar habitats and contained similar macroinvertebrate communities. Average densities and diversity within the alcoves depended on habitat and time of year. Average densities were higher in artificial than in natural. Alcoves contained 29% of species richness within Upper Lobster Creek. Within the stream channel, the diversity of macroinvertebrate habitat was lower in restored than in unrestored sections. Log weirs were associated with reduced taxonomic and functional feeding-group diversity. Composition of drift was not significantly different in restored and unrestored areas; however, drift densities were significantly lower in restored reaches. Diets of fishes in restored areas were composed primarily of organisms produced from outside restored areas. Although in-channel structures may enhance physical habitat for fishes, they may alter or reduce the availability of food for fishes feeding on drifting invertebrates. Recommendations are given for improving the design of stream restoration projects with respect to macroinvertebrates; however stream restoration should focus on restoring whole-system integrity and function, instead of targeting just one or two types of organisms. Close

• 58. [Article] Restoring the Columbia River Estuary : Chinook Salmon Recovery and Invasive Species Management

  As highlighted in this study, shallow-water habitats and the prey they provide are important for juvenile salmon in the Columbia River estuary, but the spread of invasive species and large-scale changes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Restoring the Columbia River Estuary : Chinook Salmon Recovery and Invasive Species Management Author: Klopfenstein, Rachael As highlighted in this study, shallow-water habitats and the prey they provide are important for juvenile salmon in the Columbia River estuary, but the spread of invasive species and large-scale changes to the estuary influence how these habitats are utilized. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) (“PHAR” hereafter) is a highly invasive aquatic plant species that affects a number of emergent wetland habitats in the upper Columbia River estuary, and is of concern to those trying to restore important shallow-water habitats for juvenile salmon. The presence of PHAR undoubtedly reduces plant diversity, but this study seeked to elucidate how PHAR affects juvenile Chinook Salmon rearing success relative to natural emergent vegetation. The study further evaluated the importance of wetland-deriver prey to juveniles found in shallow-water habitats along a habitat gradient (i.e., back-water channel, confluence, and main stem). We conducted research at a floodplain wetland restoration site in the tidal-fluvial portion of the estuary, where a water control structure is used to manage water levels and the spread of PHAR. The goal of the research was to compare two microhabitats within the floodplain: areas dominated by PHAR and areas dominated by natural emergent vegetation. Using hatchery-raised juvenile Chinook salmon, we designed a series of feeding experiments in artificial enclosures to determine whether invasive PHAR and natural emergent vegetation provide similar foraging and growth opportunities for juvenile salmon. We further identified differences in physical and biological parameters of each habitat (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen, and invertebrate community) and examined feeding characteristics (e.g., diet composition and modeled growth rates) for juveniles through a stomach content analysis. Additionally, we conducted beach seining and diet analysis for fish collected along a habitat gradient and compared the diet composition and modeled growth rates between the sample areas. In the floodplain wetland, invertebrate prey compositions from the 2015-2016 (March- June) fallout and emergence traps were similar, but prey abundances and diversity varied seasonally. Across both years, for emergence traps, the average total density (per m²) of invertebrates in the natural vegetation and in PHAR was 154±18 m² and 225±34 m², respectively, and for the fallout traps was 664±95 m² and 662±64 m², respectively. Salmon diets were mostly similar, and a large proportion of diets in both habitats were made up of Copepoda/Cladocera (60-98% composition by biomass). Growth during the net pen experiment differed significantly between the two vegetation types (Kruskal-Wallis: p<0.001), with fish growing more in the natural emergent vegetation. In 2015, juveniles grew an average 6.4 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation, compared to 4.7 mm FL in PHAR, and consumed fewer Copepoda/Cladocera and more Diptera over the 10 days. In 2016, juveniles grew an average 9.2 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation compared to 7.6 mm FL in PHAR. In 2016, fish from both habitats consumed a higher abundance of Copepoda/Cladocera and grew more, despite poor water quality conditions at the site. Of the subyearlings (n=170) and yearlings (n=14) collected in habitats adjacent to the floodplain wetland, 48% were of known hatchery origin. Modeled potential growth rates for subyearlings were similar on average between February and May in the back channel, confluence, and main stem, ranging from 0.067–0.07 g/g/d, but the rates varied seasonally. Growth potential was higher in the back channel habitat earlier in the sampling season (February-March), as the modeled daily growth rates were 0.08 g/g/d compared to 0.06 g/g/d in the main stem. All fish collected prior to May were relatively small and unclipped, highlighting the seasonal benefits of shallow-water habitats to support a variety of life-history traits. When comparing modeled growth rates of the juveniles reared at the floodplain wetland compared to the in adjacent habitats, estimates from the floodplain wetland were higher across all months. Restoration of shallow-water habitats is important for the overall health of the estuary, but the effects of large-scale ecosystem changes (e.g., flow regulation and spread invasive species) on salmon recovery and estuary-management decisions are uncertain. For example, water control structures to limit the spread of PHAR also reduce fish access to floodplain habitats, and fewer high-flow events further limit fish access and may facilitate the spread of invasive species. PHAR has been shown to reduce overall plant diversity and, as observed in this study, may provide habitat that is less suitable to juvenile Chinook Salmon. The high density of important prey for salmon found at the site, regardless of the presence of PHAR, and high potential growth measured at the site, emphasize the importance of restoring shallow-water habitats that are accessible to juvenile Chinook Salmon in the upper estuary. Title: Restoring the Columbia River Estuary : Chinook Salmon Recovery and Invasive Species Management Author: Klopfenstein, Rachael As highlighted in this study, shallow-water habitats and the prey they provide are important for juvenile salmon in the Columbia River estuary, but the spread of invasive species and large-scale changes to the estuary influence how these habitats are utilized. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) (“PHAR” hereafter) is a highly invasive aquatic plant species that affects a number of emergent wetland habitats in the upper Columbia River estuary, and is of concern to those trying to restore important shallow-water habitats for juvenile salmon. The presence of PHAR undoubtedly reduces plant diversity, but this study seeked to elucidate how PHAR affects juvenile Chinook Salmon rearing success relative to natural emergent vegetation. The study further evaluated the importance of wetland-deriver prey to juveniles found in shallow-water habitats along a habitat gradient (i.e., back-water channel, confluence, and main stem). We conducted research at a floodplain wetland restoration site in the tidal-fluvial portion of the estuary, where a water control structure is used to manage water levels and the spread of PHAR. The goal of the research was to compare two microhabitats within the floodplain: areas dominated by PHAR and areas dominated by natural emergent vegetation. Using hatchery-raised juvenile Chinook salmon, we designed a series of feeding experiments in artificial enclosures to determine whether invasive PHAR and natural emergent vegetation provide similar foraging and growth opportunities for juvenile salmon. We further identified differences in physical and biological parameters of each habitat (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen, and invertebrate community) and examined feeding characteristics (e.g., diet composition and modeled growth rates) for juveniles through a stomach content analysis. Additionally, we conducted beach seining and diet analysis for fish collected along a habitat gradient and compared the diet composition and modeled growth rates between the sample areas. In the floodplain wetland, invertebrate prey compositions from the 2015-2016 (March- June) fallout and emergence traps were similar, but prey abundances and diversity varied seasonally. Across both years, for emergence traps, the average total density (per m²) of invertebrates in the natural vegetation and in PHAR was 154±18 m² and 225±34 m², respectively, and for the fallout traps was 664±95 m² and 662±64 m², respectively. Salmon diets were mostly similar, and a large proportion of diets in both habitats were made up of Copepoda/Cladocera (60-98% composition by biomass). Growth during the net pen experiment differed significantly between the two vegetation types (Kruskal-Wallis: p<0.001), with fish growing more in the natural emergent vegetation. In 2015, juveniles grew an average 6.4 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation, compared to 4.7 mm FL in PHAR, and consumed fewer Copepoda/Cladocera and more Diptera over the 10 days. In 2016, juveniles grew an average 9.2 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation compared to 7.6 mm FL in PHAR. In 2016, fish from both habitats consumed a higher abundance of Copepoda/Cladocera and grew more, despite poor water quality conditions at the site. Of the subyearlings (n=170) and yearlings (n=14) collected in habitats adjacent to the floodplain wetland, 48% were of known hatchery origin. Modeled potential growth rates for subyearlings were similar on average between February and May in the back channel, confluence, and main stem, ranging from 0.067–0.07 g/g/d, but the rates varied seasonally. Growth potential was higher in the back channel habitat earlier in the sampling season (February-March), as the modeled daily growth rates were 0.08 g/g/d compared to 0.06 g/g/d in the main stem. All fish collected prior to May were relatively small and unclipped, highlighting the seasonal benefits of shallow-water habitats to support a variety of life-history traits. When comparing modeled growth rates of the juveniles reared at the floodplain wetland compared to the in adjacent habitats, estimates from the floodplain wetland were higher across all months. Restoration of shallow-water habitats is important for the overall health of the estuary, but the effects of large-scale ecosystem changes (e.g., flow regulation and spread invasive species) on salmon recovery and estuary-management decisions are uncertain. For example, water control structures to limit the spread of PHAR also reduce fish access to floodplain habitats, and fewer high-flow events further limit fish access and may facilitate the spread of invasive species. PHAR has been shown to reduce overall plant diversity and, as observed in this study, may provide habitat that is less suitable to juvenile Chinook Salmon. The high density of important prey for salmon found at the site, regardless of the presence of PHAR, and high potential growth measured at the site, emphasize the importance of restoring shallow-water habitats that are accessible to juvenile Chinook Salmon in the upper estuary. Close

• 59. [Article] Oregon coastal salmon restoration initiative: Oregon's plan for conservation and restoration of anadromous salmonids in coastal river basins: draft.

  [v. 1. Text] -- [v. 2]. Summary of state agency measures -- [v. 3]. Land use designation and regulation -- [v. 4]. Watershed councils -- [v. 5]. Watershed projects -- [v. 6]. Science team information and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon coastal salmon restoration initiative: Oregon's plan for conservation and restoration of anadromous salmonids in coastal river basins: draft. Author: Oregon. Governor's Natural Resource Office. [v. 1. Text] -- [v. 2]. Summary of state agency measures -- [v. 3]. Land use designation and regulation -- [v. 4]. Watershed councils -- [v. 5]. Watershed projects -- [v. 6]. Science team information and products -- [v. 7]. Information related to habitat restoration projects -- [v. 8]. Responses of state agencies to external guidance in development of the CSRI plan -- [v. 9]. Planning team meetings and agency directors' reports -- [v. 10]. Outreach and education -- [v. 11]. Executive summary. Title: Oregon coastal salmon restoration initiative: Oregon's plan for conservation and restoration of anadromous salmonids in coastal river basins: draft. Author: Oregon. Governor's Natural Resource Office. [v. 1. Text] -- [v. 2]. Summary of state agency measures -- [v. 3]. Land use designation and regulation -- [v. 4]. Watershed councils -- [v. 5]. Watershed projects -- [v. 6]. Science team information and products -- [v. 7]. Information related to habitat restoration projects -- [v. 8]. Responses of state agencies to external guidance in development of the CSRI plan -- [v. 9]. Planning team meetings and agency directors' reports -- [v. 10]. Outreach and education -- [v. 11]. Executive summary. Close

• 60. [Article] Evaluating "nuisance" beaver relocation as a tool to increase coho salmon habitat in the Alsea Basin of the central Oregon Coast Range

  Many stakeholders involved with stream restoration in the Pacific Northwest have discussed the potential benefits of using beaver dam construction activities (Castor canadensis) as a management tool to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluating "nuisance" beaver relocation as a tool to increase coho salmon habitat in the Alsea Basin of the central Oregon Coast Range Author: Petro, Vanessa M. Many stakeholders involved with stream restoration in the Pacific Northwest have discussed the potential benefits of using beaver dam construction activities (Castor canadensis) as a management tool to improve degraded stream habitat for anadromous salmon species. In addition, there has been growing interest in using nuisance beavers, primarily controlled by lethal methods, to alleviate human-wildlife conflict issues and subsequently improve Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) rearing habitat. To understand the efficacy of using beavers as a stream restoration tool, I studied the movement, survival, and dam construction of nuisance beavers relocated to the Alsea Basin of the Oregon Coast Range. I trapped and transported 38 individuals to the nine release sites where dams constructed by beavers would benefit coho salmon productivity. All adult and sub-adult beavers were equipped with tail-mount transmitters. Beavers moved an average of 3.3 ± 0.2 (SE) stream km from release sites. The maximum distance moved from a release site was 29.2 stream km. Post-release movements did not differ significantly by age or sex. All radio-tagged individuals dispersed from their release sites. Survival 16 weeks post-release was 47%. Twelve of the radio-tagged beavers died within 90 days of release. Three cause-specific sources of mortality were identified including predation, natural causes, and human related. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) were responsible for the majority of predation based mortalities. Of the 38 nuisance beavers relocated, only five individuals contributed to the nine dams constructed post-release. Six of these dams were built by one male: female pair. All dams constructed by relocated beavers were ephemeral. In addition to monitoring post-release beaver responses, I also assessed the utility of pre-existing models to identify release site locations. Thus, I explored dam habitat relationships of extant and relocated colonies throughout the Alsea Basin. I determined the utility of locally developed spatial models was reasonable. Analysis revealed primary pool habitat and valley floor width variables as strong indicators of beaver dam sites. I conclude beaver relocation as a tool for stream restoration in the Alsea Basin may not offer an effective solution to lethal control measures and coho habitat enhancement due to low survival rates, unwanted movement and establishment outside of suitable release sites, and lack of dam construction. Title: Evaluating "nuisance" beaver relocation as a tool to increase coho salmon habitat in the Alsea Basin of the central Oregon Coast Range Author: Petro, Vanessa M. Many stakeholders involved with stream restoration in the Pacific Northwest have discussed the potential benefits of using beaver dam construction activities (Castor canadensis) as a management tool to improve degraded stream habitat for anadromous salmon species. In addition, there has been growing interest in using nuisance beavers, primarily controlled by lethal methods, to alleviate human-wildlife conflict issues and subsequently improve Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) rearing habitat. To understand the efficacy of using beavers as a stream restoration tool, I studied the movement, survival, and dam construction of nuisance beavers relocated to the Alsea Basin of the Oregon Coast Range. I trapped and transported 38 individuals to the nine release sites where dams constructed by beavers would benefit coho salmon productivity. All adult and sub-adult beavers were equipped with tail-mount transmitters. Beavers moved an average of 3.3 ± 0.2 (SE) stream km from release sites. The maximum distance moved from a release site was 29.2 stream km. Post-release movements did not differ significantly by age or sex. All radio-tagged individuals dispersed from their release sites. Survival 16 weeks post-release was 47%. Twelve of the radio-tagged beavers died within 90 days of release. Three cause-specific sources of mortality were identified including predation, natural causes, and human related. Mountain lions (Puma concolor) were responsible for the majority of predation based mortalities. Of the 38 nuisance beavers relocated, only five individuals contributed to the nine dams constructed post-release. Six of these dams were built by one male: female pair. All dams constructed by relocated beavers were ephemeral. In addition to monitoring post-release beaver responses, I also assessed the utility of pre-existing models to identify release site locations. Thus, I explored dam habitat relationships of extant and relocated colonies throughout the Alsea Basin. I determined the utility of locally developed spatial models was reasonable. Analysis revealed primary pool habitat and valley floor width variables as strong indicators of beaver dam sites. I conclude beaver relocation as a tool for stream restoration in the Alsea Basin may not offer an effective solution to lethal control measures and coho habitat enhancement due to low survival rates, unwanted movement and establishment outside of suitable release sites, and lack of dam construction. Close