Last Chance Ranch – Lower Pahsimeroi Phase Restoration (Phase 2)

Project Narrative

Project actions will increase habitat and channel complexity and establish lateral connectivity to side channels and the floodplain on a private conservation easement. Stream function and process will be restored by creating roughness and reducing velocities. Project actions prescribed include: 1) install several types of large and small woody debris to improve instream habitat and channel complexity through construction of islands, habitat benches, and Beaver Dam Analogs, and stabilize banks, 2) utilize both large wood and engineered riffles to raise grade and force a proportion of the flow into side channels and on the floodplain, 3) utilize existing disconnected and proposed excavated network of braided side channels to increase overall channel length, and lateral habitat connectivity, and 4) plant native riparian vegetation to help stabilize banks and provide long-term habitat and water temperature benefits to fish and other native species. Rehabilitation of the upper Pahsimeroi River on Last Chance Ranch is part of a multi-project effort to improve floodplain and riverine processes and functions on the mainstem Pahsimeroi River as well as several tributary spring channels on the property. This will directly increase habitat capacity for juvenile salmonids. Under the proposed project, current conditions will be improved by restoring instream channel habitat using woody habitat structures and engineered riffles to improve lateral connectivity to the floodplain and side channels. This will result in improved survival for all salmonid freshwater life stages. The project will provide increased foraging and rearing (summer and winter) opportunities for juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead.