Using a Watershed-Based Feasibility Assessment to Identify and Prioritize Restoration Projects in Day Creek, Washington

The Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group partnered with the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to conduct the Lower Day Creek Feasibility Study, building on information compiled by the USFS in their 1999 Watershed Analysis. The purpose of the Lower Day Creek Feasibility Study was to examine the historical floodplain, alluvial fan and low gradient portions of Day Creek and Day Creek Slough between Skagit River miles 32.5-37 in order to identify, evaluate and prioritize a range of restoration and protection actions to improve salmonid habitat. Four natural processes were evaluated to determined their level of impairment in the Lower Day Creek watershed, including: floodplain function, riparian habitat, hydrology and sediment transport, and to a lesser degree water quality (primarily temperature). All of these processes have been impaired by human impacts such as forestry practices, hydromodification, residential development, and land clearing for agricultural purposes. The study determined objectives that needed to be met to restore these processes and described five potential methods in which the objectives could be met and natural processes could be restored or enhanced in the Lower Day Creek watershed. The five potential methods include: improving fish passage, removal of riprap, riparian planting, large woody debris additions and one public road improvement. Protection actions associated with the potential restoration activities are also identified. Evaluation was completed by using the objectives for habitat benefits, economic costs, and likelihood of implementation due to social or political constraints. Specific projects were identified and evaluated for each of these potential restoration methods. Use of the feasibility analysis has been invaluable for leveraging community support and grant funding to complete these projects.