|
KWEP Presentations and Publications Annual Reports 199705600 2015-2016 Annual Report 199705600 2012-2013 Annual Report 199705600 2010-2011 Annual Report Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project Annual Report 2004-2005
Other Reports and Publications
"Alluvial fan hydroperiod as a control on migratory fish passage, Klickitat River Subbasin, Washington State, USA", presented by Will Conley at the 5th International Conference on Alluvial Fans, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, Nov. 30 – Dec. 4, 2015. Abstract. The Klickitat River Subbasin is located along the margin of the Columbia River Basalt Province and Cascade Mountains in southern Washington State, USA. Salmonid fishes of various species and migratory forms (steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (O. kisutch) utilize these small tributaries (typically <20km2) for various life-history purposes. Surface flow seasonality, duration, and frequency across alluvial fans are key elements in the nature and duration of fish use. Pairing of hydrographic data with PIT tag detection of fish tagged upstream in tributaries and the Klciktiat River mainstem have provided insights into habitat utilization by documenting timing, frequency, and duration of fish movements which tend to be strongly correlated with freshets. "Fluvial Reconnaissance of Rock Creek (Klickitat County, WA) and Selected Tributaries with Implications for Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Management" presented by Will Conley at the Columbia Gorge Fisheries and Watershed Science Conference, April 2015. Abstract. A study was undertaken for Rock Creek, a Columbia River tributary approximately 12 river miles (RM) upstream of John Day Dam, to develop recommendations and identify areas needing further investigations of stream restoration, protection, and enhancement potential for Mid Columbia River Distinct Population Segment (DPS; ESA Threatened) steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) habitat.
"Proactive Contract Management Through the Development of a Customized Software Application", presented by David Lindley at the Columbia Gorge Fisheries and Watershed Science Conference, April 2014. Abstract. Construction management involves planning, coordinating, and directing multiple activities simultaneously, often within compressed timeframes due to site sensitivities and/or regulatory constraints. Documentation of restoration implementation actions is critical for monitoring and accounting purposes. Traditional paper-based methods of documentation are tried-and-true, but can be inefficient, particularly for information transfer between individuals and for final settlement of contracts. The presentation demonstrates a standardized but flexible data management structure from point-of-collection through summary reporting.
"Effectiveness Monitoring at Multiple Temporal and Spatial Scales to Quantify Biotic and Abiotic Responses to Stream Enhancement" presented by Nico Romero at the Klickitat and White Salmon Rivers (Columbia Gorge) Fisheries and Watershed Science Conference, March 2012. Abstract. The Tepee Creek/IXL Meadows Restoration Project was completed in 2007 to address channel incision along a 573-meter stream reach. The treatment involved importing gravels to raise the channel bed elevation and addition of LWD structure to enhance in-channel habitat conditions for rearing Oncorhynchus mykiss, spawning steelhead, and restore flood plain-channel connectivity. "Design Considerations for In-stream Wood and Boater Safety" presented by Will Conley at River Restoration Northwest Conference, February 2012. Abstract: Safety of recreational river users is receiving increased attention in stream restoration design. While some woody debris in rivers has the potential to be hazardous, most of it is not. A myriad of environmental and user-specific conditions factor into any river safety incident. However, recent regulations passed under the auspices of improving boater safety assume a one-way causal or deterministic relationship between project actions and user safety. The presentation will put risk to boaters into context, and discuss simple, effective mitigation options. Content draws on the experience of the speaker who has floated over 3,500 miles as a recreational rafter and placed over 2,000 pieces of large woody debris as a stream restoration practitioner. "Effectiveness Monitoring at Multiple Temporal and Spatial Scales to Quantify Biotic and Abiotic Responses to Stream Enhancement" presented by Nicolas Romero at River Restoration Northwest Conference, February 2012. Abstract: The Tepee Creek/IXL Meadows Restoration Project was completed in 2007 to address channel incision along a 573 meter stream reach. The treatment involved importing gravels to raise the channel bed elevation and addition of LWD structure to enhance in-channel habitat conditions for rearing Oncorhynchus mykisss, spawning steelhead, and restore flood plain-channel connectivity.
"Rapid Aquatic Habitat Assessment Protocol (RAHAP)" poster presented by David Lindley at River Restoration Northwest--Stream Restoration Design Symposium, February 2012.
Abstract. This presentation will draw on the experience of the speaker who has floated over 3,000 miles as a recreational rafter and placed over 2,000 pieces of large woody debris in rivers as a restoration practitioner. While some woody debris in rivers has the potential to be hazardous, most of it is not. “Safety” and “hazard” are buzz-words that, while sometimes appropriate, are frequently used to stimulate political action and cause good science to be trumped. The presentation will emphasize a thoughtful approach to woody debris in rivers, put risk into context, and cover hazard assessment and mitigation. "In-stream wood: Thoughts from a recreational rafter and restoration practitioner" presented by Will Conley at Salmon Habitat Conference, April 2011. Abstract: This presentation will draw on the experience of the speaker who has floated over 3,000 miles as a recreational rafter and placed over 2,000 pieces of large woody debris in rivers as a restoration practitioner. While some woody debris in rivers has the potential to be hazardous, most of it is not. “Safety” and “hazard” are buzz-words that, while sometimes appropriate, are frequently used to stimulate political action and cause good science to be trumped. The presentation will emphasize a thoughtful approach to woody debris in rivers, put risk into context, and cover hazard assessment, and hazard mitigation.
"Restoring Klickitat River Floodplain Connectivity - Technical Considerations and Challenges", presented by Will Conley at the Klickitat & White Salmon Rivers Fisheries and Watershed Science Conference, March 2011. Abstract. Some of the best rearing and spawning habitat in the mainstem Klickitat River occurs between river miles 20 and 32.2. This reach has the greatest degree of channel complexity and the least amount of human infrastructure in the floodplain. The major element negatively affecting river and floodplain processes is a private valley-bottom road embankment constructed in the 1930s. YN Fisheries personal have been involved in assessment and planning for restoration in this reach since the late -1990s and partnered with Columbia Land Trust in 2004 to begin implementation. "Habitat Enhancement Effectiveness Monitoring Klickitat River Subbasin", presented by David Lindley and Nicolas Romero at the Klickitat & White Salmon Rivers Fisheries and Watershed Science Conference, March 2011. Abstract: The Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project (KWEP) is broad-based restoration and enhancement implemented by the Yakama Nation Fisheries Program (YNFP) to enhance and restore watershed health and function in the Klickitat River subbasin. A three-pronged approach to restoration is used: (1) assess watershed conditions and prioritize sites for restoration activities, (2) protect, restore, and enhance priority watersheds and reaches, and (3) monitor to assess watershed conditions and effectiveness of restoration activities. Monitoring is done collaboratively by Klickitat Monitoring and Evaluation Project (M&E) and KWEP. Twenty-three projects across 34 sites have been completed to date, to address fish barriers, instream habitat degradation, riparian condition, wetland function, isolated side-channels, and livestock impacts. "The Snyder Creek / Klickitat Mill Fish Passage Project", presented by Will Conley at Salmon Habitat Conference, April 2011. Abstract: The Snyder Creek / Klickitat Mill project involved restoration of fish passage through a defunct lumber mill in the lower (approximately) ½-mile of Snyder Creek. The project was successfully implemented in 2004 and 2005 and backwatered an outfall drop from a concrete flume, converted a 2000’+ concrete flume into a fishway, removed a low-head dam, and replaced two culverts with channel-spanning bridges. This presentation will focus on lessons learned from the variety of challenges associated with the project, including a high degree of personnel turnover, uncertainty regarding the presence of toxic compounds on a former industrial site and the involvement of state, tribal, and local governments, as well as a non-profit entity and a private landowner.
Abstract. The first phase of in-stream restoration in Tepee Creek (the Tepee/IXL Meadows Restoration Project) was completed in August 2007 to address channel incision on an 1880’ stream reach. Unlike traditional treatment approaches for incised reaches that involve excavation of new floodplain or the use of channel-spanning structures, the approach at Tepee Creek involved importing gravels to raise the bed elevation to raise the water table, enhance in-channel habitat conditions for rearing steelhead, and restore suitability of valley bottom for medicinal and traditional food plants. "The Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project", presented by Will Conley at the Klickitat & White Salmon Rivers Fisheries and Watershed Science Conference, March 2009. Abstract: Klickitat River subbasin. Project actions target stream reaches and watersheds that support steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss; ESA- listed as “Threatened”) and/or spring Chinook (O. tshawytscha). Implemented by the Yakama Nation Fisheries Program (YNFP) and funded by Bonneville Power Administration, KWEP addresses Yakima-Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) as well as Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Program habitat goals of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. KWEP has completed over 18 projects encompassing over 60 sites, resulting in fish passage restoration, side channel and floodplain reconnection, instream habitat restoration, road improvements, wetland creation, livestock control, revegetation, and erosion control. Project highlights include:
In addition to restoration implementation, KWEP continues to provide technical support to local, state, federal agencies and private entities, as well as conducting outreach in local schools and youth camps.
"Turning Cobble into Functioning Floodplain along the Lower Klickitat River", presented by Will Conley at SRFB Salmon Habitat Conference 2009. Abstract: In 2006, the Yakama Nation and Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement group initiated a cooperative effort to turn bare gravel and cobble deposited by 1996 floods into functioning riparian and floodplain habitat. Crews used a 20-ton excavator, ripping tooth, and hydraulic stinger attachment to plant 10.6 acres of trees at nine different sites. Survival averaged about 73 percent through the first growing season. This presentation will provide an overview of project rationale, site identification, installation method, and plant material selection, and discuss lessons learned in the course of their efforts to increase bank cover, long-term woody material recruitment, and floodplain roughness. "Reversing Channel Incision and Enhancing Steelhead Habitat in Tepee Creek", presented by Will Conley at SRFB Salmon Habitat Conference 2009. Abstract: This presentation will discuss a multi-element project that restored a reach of Tepee Creek that was incised, frequently dry, and had poor habitat. The project included importing gravel, reconstructing pool-riffle sequences to raise the bed by an average of 3 feet, and adding 300 pieces of large woody materials. In the two years since project completion, the pool habitat has been maintained, fish now have winter access to four side channels, there's a 65 percent increase in pool abundance, two wetlands have been created, and more fish are spawning in the reach.
"An Overview of the Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project", presented by Will Conley at the Klickitat & White Salmon Rivers Fisheries and Watershed Science Conference, March 2008.
"Why Wood is Good (or not as bad as you thought)", presented by Will Conley at White Salmon Riverfest & Symposium, June 2007. |