Habitat Assessment
and Culvert Analysis
There are many factors leading to
the loss of native plants and animals, including salmon, in our
streams. Poor water quality is another issue facing our region. Many
times, these are caused by the same underlying problems. Habitat loss
is one of the major contributors to these losses. Adopt-a-Stream
Ecologists and Technicians have been specially trained in habitat
assessment. Typically, we use Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
(WDFW) protocols, but stream typing following any protocol can be done
by our staff.
Non-passable barriers (usually a culvert) can impede fish migration, cutting off miles of habitat where they once spawned
or reared. These barriers
may be impassable due to a variety of reasons. Our staff is well trained at
determining whether a culvert is problematic for fish migration. We have
completed exhaustive surveys of many watersheds including Bear Creek, McAleer
Creek, Lyon Creek, and we are currently working on North Creek, Quilceda Creek
and Allen Creek.
In
addition to culvert assessment, our staff can readily identify other habitat
issues. While many problems can be addressed with simple remedies such as
planting native vegetation or limiting fertilizer usage, some problems require
more aggressive action. Whatever the case, the Fish & Wildlife Division
can accurately assess any situation and provide suggested solutions.
Habitat
Assessment
|
|
|
|
Fish trapping.
Traps set overnight can give surveyors an idea of juvenile fish species in the stream. |
|
|
|
Juvenile coho collected prior to a construction project.
These coho were captured prior to commencement of a bridge installation project. They were moved downstream of block nets which remained in place for the duration of the project. |
|
|
|
Electrofishing a habitat enhancement project.
This method assures that fish are removed from a project area prior to de-watering. |
|
|
|
Walking a stream reach.
Surveyors collect habitat data, such as ratios of pools, riffles and glides as well as riparian characteristics. This data is later used to prioritize projects. |
|
|
Culvert
Analysis
|
|
|
|
Measuring the outfall of an undersized culvert.
Culverts can be a barrier to fish passage for a variety of reasons. Size, slope, and bottom material all play a factor. |
|
|
|
Measuring upstream of an undersized culvert.
Once identified, barriers can be removed or replaced. |
|
|
|
Measuring a culvert width.
|
|
|
Culvert
Replacement
|
|
|
|
This culvert was discovered to be a barrier to fish passage by AASF crew.
|
|
|
|
New culvert installed by AASF crew.
The landowner was approached and agreed to replace the culvert with an adequate diameter for the stream. AASF completed the installation with grant funding. |
|
|
|
Road bed construction in progress.
|
|
|
Project
Gallery
Fish
& Wildlife Division
Return
to AASF Home Page
