Restoring Natural River Function for Fish and Wildlife Enhancement

Spawning and rearing habitat for spring/summer chinook salmon in the lower Red River meadow has been severely degraded over the past 60 years due to ranching and mining activities. Restoration of the stream channel within four parcels of property in the lower meadow would greatly benefit resident and anadromous fish species. Red River is a tributary of the South Fork Clearwater River which is located in north central Idaho. Preparation of the project design package was based on the overall project design philosophy that the stream channel should be constructed and revegetated with native plant species to create conditions that allow the re-establishment of the dynamic equilibrium inherent to the meadow ecosystem. Using 1938 aerial photos, a comparison of historic and existing channel meander patterns was completed to identify the best alignment for the restored channel. Information needed to prepare the design package was collected and analyzed in a defined process to ensure all components were incorporated into the design. This project was managed by the Idaho County Soil and Water Conservation District and funded by Bonneville Power Administration. Interagency review and coordination was provided by Idaho Fish and Game, Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Division of Environmental Quality and the Nez Perce National Forest.