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13330-2007-033 - Native Trout Habitat Enhancement through Beaver Reintroduction in the Methow Watershed

State(s):
  • Washington
Managing Agency/Organization:
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Type of Organization: Federal Government
Project Status: Completed
Project type: WNTI Project
Project action(s):
  • In-stream and riparian habitat
Trout species benefitted:
  • Westslope Cutthroat
Population:
  • Chinook Salmon
  • Columbia River
  • Methow River
  • Steelhead

Proposed Accomplishment Summary:
This innovative project would help to restore the ecosystem utilizing beavers to improve streams and wetlands naturally.
The importance to the Resource:
Habitat complexity has been identified as a limiting factor in the Methow Watershed. Beaver colonies are vital links that are currently missing in may of the small tributaries to the Methow River.
The problem
Loss of wetland and habitat simplification has taken its toll on the Methow Ecosystem. It has been documented that wetland provide cool late season in-stream flows. Additionally, these types of projects provide complex habitat for over wintering and rearing of our native trout.

The method
A holding/bonding facility will be built on WDFW land. This facility will be constructed by the Washington Conservation Corps. Nuisance beavers will be relocated to holding facility. Once the beavers have formed new family groups, the groups will be relocated to the restoration sites. While in captivity, beavers will be supported by volunteers.

Further description
Beaver will be relocated to restoration sites located on public lands in the Chewuch, Methow and Twisp rivers. Monitoring will be conducted by the Washington Audubon Society and the U.S. Forest Service. Work on the project will begin in 2008 and will continue for the next ten years. Funding will be secured on an annual basis. There is an extensive outreach program associated with this project.

Objectives:
  • Restore natural wetlands utilizing beaver reintroduction.
Partners:
  • Community Volunteers - Matching $0 - In Kind $4,000
  • Methow Conservancy - Matching $0 - In Kind $1,500
  • U.S. Forest Service - Matching $0 - In Kind $15,000
  • Wahington Audubon Society - Matching $0 - In Kind $0
  • Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife - Matching $0 - In Kind $2,000
  • Washington State Conservation Corps - Matching $0 - In Kind $2,575
Measures:
  • Number of instream miles enhanced - 1
  • Number of riparian miles enhanced - 1
  • Wetland acres restored/enhanced for candidate populations - 4.8
Funding Source(s):
  • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Project cost: $58,940.00
Start Date: 01/01/2009 Completion Date: 01/01/2010
AttachmentSize
13330-2007-033 R1#7 Native Trout Habitat Enhancement through Beaver.pdf22.65 KB

Project contact

Kent Woodruff
Unknown, Washington
Phone: 509-996-4043
Submitted on: Nov 20, 2008
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