Final Report: Expansion of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe s Lower Lewis River PacifiCorp ACC projects

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1 Final Report: Expansion of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe s Lower Lewis River PacifiCorp ACC projects LCREP Contract Number , Amendment 1 Project Proponent: Cowlitz Indian Tribe Natural Resources Dept th Ave, Suite C Longview WA, Contacts: Nathan Reynolds, CIT Ecologist, nreynolds@cowlitz.org Rudy Salakory, CIT Biologist rsalakory@cowlitz.org FUNDING AGENCY: Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership 811SW Naito Parkway, Suite 120 Portland OR Contacts: Evan Haas, LCREP Project Manager, haas@lcrep.org Summary The Natural Resources Department of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe used LCREP funding to plant a total of 2580 willow, 297 Black Cottonwood, 240 Red-Osier Dogwood and 140 Oregon Ash at three sites along the lower mainstem Lewis River of southwest Washington State These numbers total, in all, 3257 plants. The $33, of funding provided by LCREP was matched by $118,500 in additional secured and implemented funds and $18,000 in in-kind contributions. Combined restoration project value implemented by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in the lower mainstem Lewis River now totals $169,698.84, of which this LCREP project proportion comprises roughly 19.5 %.

2 Background/Need for Project In the watershed of the North Fork and lower mainstem of the Lewis River, there is scarce riparian habitat, which is essential for several ESA-listed salmonids such as: Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Chum (Oncorhynchus keta), Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These species have endured many impacts which threaten their persistence in the watershed. These impacts arise from various sources and include: alteration of natural flow regimes, degradation of riparian habitat function, loss of floodplain and off-channel habitat areas, inputs of point source and non-point source pollution, and impacts of urbanization. The North Fork Lewis River habitat assessment prepared for the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board (LCFRB) identifies several opportunities (section 3.3.3) that have the greatest potential to benefit salmonid production in the basin (Keefe et al 2004). Item 2 on this list is Preservation/restoration: north and south banks, RM 2.0 to 3.1. This report specifically identifies a portion of intact forest along the margin of a point bar located on the inside of a tight meander bend at RM 2.9 to 3.1. This is the area our Project targeted. The LCFRB habitat assessment further states, Historic maps suggest [this area] may have supported overflow channels, and notes that the [p]reservation/restoration of floodplain habitats in this area is given a relatively high priority due to the scarcity of functional habitat throughout the first 7.3 miles of Lewis River mainstem channel. Therefore, this small, undiked portion of floodplain habitat was also targeted for our project. The Executive Summary of the Habitat Limiting Factors, Water Resource Inventory Area 27 (Kalama, North Fork Lewis River, And East Fork Lewis River) states that the second most important recommendation to address limiting factors in the Lewis River is: Increase and/or enhance off-channel and rearing habitat within the lower Lewis River. (WCC 2005). Section 7 of the WRIAs 27 and 28 Watershed Management Plan states, Restoring lowland floodplain function, riparian conditions, and stream habitat diversity is a priority action in the lower Lewis River. In table 7.1 of that document, it prescribes, Within authorities, conduct floodplain restoration where feasible along the [lower Lewis] mainstem and in major tributaries that have experienced channel confinement. Build partnerships with landowners and agencies and provide financial incentives. Implementation of this prescription will result in restoration of floodplain function, habitat diversity, and habitat availability, with a high level of certainty (LCFRB 2006). In-Kind/Matching Projects PacifiCorp ACC 2007 Project locations were identified and site-specific needs assessments were developed in late 2006 by the Tribe, with the goal of enhancing riparian function and preserving scarce off-channel habitat in the lower mainstem Lewis River. In early 2007, three Tribal proposals were selected for funding by the Lewis River Aquatic Coordination Committee (ACC) of PacifiCorp and bundled into a combined budget of $75,000. The three linked projects were: the Martin Access Riparian Forest and Off-channel Habitat Enhancement, the Two Forks Access Riparian Forest Enhancement, and the Plas Newydd Farm

3 Riparian Forest Enhancement. A collection agreement between the Tribe and PacifiCorp was signed in June 2007; the Tribe obtained necessary rights of entry and access permission, and restoration on the three sites commenced in fall of The Tribe also was able to utilize a WDFW truck for three months (valued in-kind at $5,000) and landowner Rhidian Morgan of Plas Newyyd Farm provided over 400 cut willow poles 4 in length, ranging from 1 to 4 in diameter (also valued at $5,000 in-kind). Total project value was $85,000. PacifiCorp ACC 2008 Locations for PacifiCorp 2008 project proposals were again drawn from the lower mainstem Lewis River needs assessment of In early 2008, one Tribal proposal was selected for funding by the Lewis River Aquatic Coordination Committee (ACC) of PacifiCorp with a budget of $43,500. This Project was the Mud Creek Enhancement. The original design of the project was to install 30 small anchored and engineered logjams in Mud Creek, a small tributary entering into the Lewis River. During subsequent site review, however, riparian conditions within Mud Creek were found to have improved dramatically since the time of the original survey and assessment. Therefore, seven large logjam structures were installed along the left bank of the Lewis River within a off-channel, backwater area surrounding the confluence of the Mud Creek with the Lewis River, on the end of a pendant sandbar on the Plad Newydd property. This effort has significantly increased the suitability of this off-channel area for use as refuge and perhaps even rearing habitat. This project was implemented near-simultaneous with, and within close proximity to, one of the principal planting areas of the LCREP project described below. Though this PacifiCorp ACC 2008 Mud Creek project was never counted as match in the Tribe s application to LCREP, we detail it here as part of a suite of in-kind and match, since it was moved from it s original location into the mainstem Lewis River. The total award from PacifiCorp was $43,500; PacifiCorp contributed LWD materials from Swift Reservoir valued at $4,000 and landowner Plas Newydd Farm contributed more than 30 mature cottonwood trees with rootwads, and much shrub/brush materials, also valued at $4,000. Total project value was therefore $51,500. The ultimate goal of these two companion projects was enhanced riparian function; subsidiary goals included reduced water temperatures, increased water quality, and the preservation of habitat quality and function in the mainstem and off-channel habitat. Enhanced riparian function will also increase organic inputs to the system, in turn boosting nutrient levels in both the mainstem and proximal downstream off-channel habitat. The opportunity to restore riparian zones addressed in these projects benefit fish recovery and habitat integrity throughout the North Fork Lewis River, with priority for federal ESA-listed species. Both the enhancement of riparian forest and scarce offchannel habitat will support larger populations of anadromous fish. These projects also increase the abundance of functional habitat in the lower river, an area of great need.

4 Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership-Funded Project Scope of Work LCREP funding was used by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to expand riparian enhancement on three land parcels, in off-channel habitat, and on several small sandbars/islands on the lower Lewis River, within four miles of its confluence with the Columbia River. As with the companion projects noted above, the ultimate goal of this LCREP-funded project was enhanced riparian function; while subsidiary goals included reduced water temperatures, increased water quality, and the preservation of habitat quality and function in the mainstem and off-channel habitat. Enhanced riparian function also increases organic inputs to the system, in turn boosting nutrient levels in both the mainstem and proximal downstream off-channel habitat. Our focus on riparian restoration in the lower Lewis River watershed is intended to benefit fish recovery and habitat integrity throughout the entire North Fork Lewis River watershed, with priority towards ESA-listed species. To these ends, riparian restoration plantings were established in three areas along the lower mainstem Lewis River: Plas Newydd West, Plas Newydd East (accessed from Pekin Ferry), and Martin Access (Map Figure One). Timeline Due to the long winter of 2007 and abundant spring rainfall, Lewis River water levels did not lower to a level that allowed for archaeological surveys at planting sites until early August Those surveys were finally implemented and the planting sites were cleared for ground-disturbing activity. Our initial Tribal application to LCREP proposed planting at the same four sites planted in the PacifiCorp ACC 2007 effort. The spring high water in the Lewis River had also kept the Tribe from being able to assess the success of previously implemented plantings. When finally conducted in August 2008, initial review of the success of those planting revealed that survivorship at the Two Forks site was not high, and likely would not rapidly contribute to the enhancement of riparian processes. This planting site was dropped from our LCREP planning. In addition, the original completion deadline for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe s LCREPfunded project was September 15 th, Given time constraints, we asked LCREP for an amendment that would encompass both an extension of our contract timeline, and allow the Tribe to sub-contract installation of riparian plantings to a business specializing in riparian restoration. The choice to go with a sub-contractor allowed the Tribe to increase efficiencies given limited resources and time. This extension allowed the Tribe until Decemeber to complete the contract scope of work. Budget The original contract value of $35, was reduced in the amendment to $33,

5 Plas Newydd West Plas Newydd East (Accessed via Pekin Ferry) Martin Access Total Number of Plants 3030 plants: 2348 willow 265 cottonwood 283 dogwood 134 ash Two Forks: Planting area now withdrawn from the LCREP project Figure One General Methods Species Planted Five species were selected for planting: Willow (Sitka willow Salix sitchensis, and Scouler s Willow Salix scouleriana), Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), Black Cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp.trichocarpa) and Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia). These species were selected to accomplish multiple goals including: rapid growth for summer shade to shelter other plantings (cottonwood), hardiness to withstand inundation and predation (willow and red-osier dogwood), and creation of complex and dense shrub layers. Oregon ash will, in time, provide the large structure and woody input into the system needed. In the long term, these plantings will vegetatively armor and anchor the transient sandbar ridge structures and enhance their persistence. The lower mainstem Lewis River is tidally-influenced and river water levels can also fluctuate greatly with dam drawdowns and rainfall. Plant species selection and site-specific planting elevations took into account these important factors. Finally, these five species are well-represented in the area and make up the vast bulk of existing riparian tree and shrub species near the planting areas. Our trees and shrubs were purchased from, and delivered by, the Clark County Public Utility District s Environmental Resources Program, whose grows only locally-obtained Clark County stock for restoration; hence there was no risk of inappropriate genetic materials used in this project. Planting methods Willows, dogwood and ash were nursery-grown in Dpot cones 30 cm deep, and 7cm in diameter. These plants were around 45cm in height above the surface of the soil. Willows had been treated to stimulate root growth by cutting the mainstem. Willow

6 leaders growing out of the cut mainstem were also approximately 45cm tall. Cottonwoods were delivered in rectangular pots, 12cm to a side, 45cm deep. Aboveground growth was around one and a half meters in height. No stakes or tubes were used for protection against beavers, voles, or other herbivores. Our examination of the success of plants from the previous year s ACC project in these specific areas showed minimal impact from herbivory and girdling. In fact, many survivors we encountered from the previous year s efforts seemed invigorated or stimulated by browsing. It was also felt that using tubes or fencing would create a potential source of restoration debris that would find its way down the Lewis and into the Columbia River and its estuary. Our detailed survivorship assessment in the spring of 2009 of this LCREP-funded effort should provide the answer to the effectiveness of our choice in this matter. All plant stock were installed in the middle of September, weeks before the rainy season began. The plants were irrigated as needed until the middle of October. We expected that an extra hardening-off period would enhance the persistence of the majority of plantings. Plants were installed in areas of sandy soils where there was a potential for poorly-established plants to wash away during a heavy flooding event; the extra time for root development was felt to be important factor contributing to success. Our regular examination of these plants throughout the post-installation and pre-inundation period revealed little evidence of drought or transplant stress. Soil water levels could be easily assessed by digging with bare hands until wet sand was reached, which was never greater than 4-6 below the surface. Trees and shrubs were installed by creating holes with an augur bar in the desired grid pattern to a depth and width of the root wad. Plants were then stuffed into the augured holes. Because the plants were grown and planted with potting soil no amendments or fertilizers were added to the planting sites. All three sites were planted in a high density fashion, with the trees and shrubs planted in a hex grid with sides of.5 meters in length. Our objectives in planting in such a high density were two-fold. First, a high density of planting will allow future canopy cover, and therefore shading, to be maintained even in the event of higher than expected mortality (greater than 20%). Second, the installation of plants in such a high density may allow the tree/shrub complex to reach canopy before reed-canary grass does. Controlling or reducing the presence of reed-canary grass in our planting sites was not a primary goal of our project. The reduction of a highly invasive plant species is a necessary part of any long-term strategy for riparian restoration along the Lower Columbia River. However, effective treatment of reed-canary grass typically involves a multi-year process of herbicide application and scalping or discing. We were constrained by a limited time window and concerns over the destabilization of the banks that reedcanary grass was growing in. Our intent is that our plantings will reach canopy height before any reed-canary grass can take hold in our sites, thereby shading out any reedcanary grass colonizers. Reed-canary grass density is notably reduced in areas where trees and shrubs have reached canopy first.

7 Restoration Sites Plas Newydd West Plas Newydd West consists of a pendant sandbar and an off-channel area approximately 400 meters long, which stays connected and watered year round providing an excellent potential backwater refuge for both juvenile and returning adult salmonids. Addition of trees and shrubs along the bank provides further structure and complexity to this refuge. During the high water parts of the year the western end of the bar is an island; however continuous sediment accumulation (approximately 6 inches a year) connects this island for longer periods of time; it will eventually stay connected year-round. Planting goals for this site were focused on providing shade and complexity as well as facilitating sedimentation and bank-armoring in the space between the intermittently connected island and the rest of the bar. A secondary goal is the reduction of reed-canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) by competition for canopy. 904 trees and shrubs were planted at this site consisting of 674 willows, 40 ash, 97 dogwood, and 93 cottonwood. Two sections were planted in rows conforming to the hex grid pattern mentioned previously. Another area was planted in smaller clumps with spacing between plants also around.5 meters (figure two). Thirty-five ash trees were planted in an area to the east of the plantings on a high ridge of elevation more appropriate to ash. These plantings are not shown in figure two. The western-most section consists of long rows of willow that follow along the southern edge of the bar, followed inland by alternating rows of dogwood and cottonwoods. The central planting area in the area between the now-connected island and the rest of the pendant bar consists of rows of willow and cottonwood. This area is the lowest point of the bar, and is frequently inundated. We planted willows and cottonwoods here to help to facilitate the already significant accumulation of sediment to the bar. Willow and cottonwood are well-acclimated to inundation; in addition, the amount of sedimentation occurring here provides us with the confidence that there will be high survival of these plants and that the structure of the bar overall will be enhanced. Plas Newydd East (Accessed from Pekin Ferry) Our second planting site is on a side channel of the Lewis River near to Pekin Ferry, also on the Plas Newydd property. This side channel is similar to the first site in that the tail end of the channel is large and open to the Lewis River year-round. The head end of the side channel is usually open except at low-river levels in the driest part of the year. The channel also provides excellent fish habitat which we hope to enhance by establishing a cover of woody plants. The planting area at this site was dominated by reed-canary grass. This site sits at a slightly higher elevation with a much more established tree/shrub population than the Plas Newydd West site. The focus on this site is shared between shading and complexity with an eye towards reducing reed-canary grass cover through competition. The planting site was initially treated by mowing the reed-canary grass. 574 willows were then planted into the treated site in off-set rows with.5 meters between each plant.

8 No other species were planted at this site because of the proximity of already established populations of trees and shrubs. The focus at this site was to beat reed-canary grass to canopy with fast-growing willows. Martin Access The Martin Access site sits farther upstream from the two previous sites, and is near the confluence of the East Fork Lewis River and the North Fork Lewis River. This site is also an off-channel waterway approximately 100 meters in length. The off-channel sits on the inside of a large pendent bar forming on the tight bend of the Lewis River near to the confluence of the East Fork Lewis and the North Fork Lewis. The off-channel is 100 meters long and consists of two sections, the mouth, which stays connected year round, and a pond which stays connected except for a few hours a day during the driest parts of the year. These two sections are part of a larger complex of partially connected offchannels that span the area and are watered intermittently throughout the year. The absence of any kind of cover or complexity makes this off-channel a particularly lethal trap for juveniles and returning salmonids which attempt to utilize the area as refugia. This area is un-colonized by trees and shrubs along the bank, which presents an excellent opportunity to introduce plants to provide shading and complexity for thermal regulation and cover for juvenile and returning salmonids. This is our primary goal at this site. Our secondary goal is to reduce reed-canary grass through competition for canopy cover. Plantings on this site followed the contour of a network of off-channel ponds that are persistent year round willow, 190 red-osier dogwood, 168 black cottonwood, and 98 Oregon ash were planted in two sections. The bulk of the plantings were set in a hexgrid ribbon approximately 40 meters long in an area devoid of reed-canary grass. The hex grid had sides.5 meters long, the ribbon was composed of 7 rows of willow, a row of cottonwood, a row of red-osier dogwood, then finally a mixed row of black cottonwoods, red-osier dogwoods, and Oregon ash. The second area was planted in short rows between existing willow along a ridge that was cleared of reed-canary grass. Conclusion The Natural Resources Department of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe used LCREP funding to plant a total of 2580 willow, 297 Black Cottonwood, 240 Red-Osier Dogwood and 140 Oregon Ash at three sites along the lower mainstem Lewis River of southwest Washington State These numbers total, in all, 3257 plants. The $33, of funding provided by LCREP was matched by $118,500 in additional secured and implemented funds and $18,000 in in-kind contributions. Total restoration project value implemented by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in the lower mainstem Lewis River is now $169,698.84, of which this LCREP project proportion is roughly 19.5 %.

9 Figure Two

10 Figure Three

11 Figure Four