Canyon Creek Riparian Restoration

Project Narrative

The purpose of this project was to improve riparian vegetation and floodplain condition along the lower reaches of Canyon Creek.With the exception of re-vegetating the riparian area with the appropriate number of willows, all objects of the project were completed by the end of June 2011. A contractor was hired to shape the stream banks to create a more natural floodplain on lower Canyon Creek. The landowner seeded the riparian area along where stream banks were disturbed. As part of the project cost share, the landowner also installed a metal post and rail fence along Canyon Creek to exclude livestock. IDFG completed some willow planting in early summer, but limited the number of willow cuttings placed in the ground because source plants has already leafed out. Since the most optimal time for successful planting and growth is when cuttings and plants are dormant from fall though early spring, IDFG will schedule a second planting period for early April 2012 to place the appropriate number of cuttings along the remaining sections of Canyon creek.This project was one of several actions prescribed in a restoration plan for Canyon Creek to address fish limiting factors in the watershed. Specific benefits of this project include 1) creation of a functional riparian area resulting in decreased erosion, decreased sediment load, and more stable stream temperatures, 2) providing the opportunity for the stream to become a more sinuous, restructured channel over time with more complex fish habitat, and 3) establishment of a re-vegetated stream corridor that provides fish cover via overhanging branches and deadfall. Partner projects include 003 08 SA, Canyon Creek Reconnect and 005 07 SA, Improved Flow in BT Creek. These three projects are included in the prescribed restoration plan for Canyon Creek.Increased spawning and rearing habitat for ESA-listed spring-summer Chinook salmon, summer steelhead and bull trout as a result of the riparian restoration and fencing the along the stream. These actions will decrease erosion, sediment load, channel width, stream temperatures and protect the restored riparian area.