Salmon-Trout 11 Enhancement Program · salmon, steelhead and trout, the Oregon Legisla-ture created...

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Salmon-Trout Enhancement Program • 427

Salmon-TroutEnhancement Program11

“The times of a river are measured by the salmon,and the stages in a salmon's life are measured by its color.”

— Kathleen Dean Moore

What is STEP?Recognizing that volunteers could play an impor-tant role in the restoration of native stocks ofsalmon, steelhead and trout, the Oregon Legisla-ture created the Oregon Department of Fish andWildlife’s (ODFW) Salmon-Trout EnhancementProgram (STEP) in 1981.

Since that time thousands of volunteers haveassisted Oregon’s fisheries through their involve-ment in STEP. They have donated money, mate-rials, equipment, and countless hours of time andlabor. STEP volunteers have completed streamhabitat restoration work, conducted surveys,helped with education projects, and hatched andreared several million salmon and trout eggs—allbecause they care about fish and fish habitat.

What can a STEP volunteer do? Interested citizens can help out in a variety ofways, from data collection and management tohabitat restoration or education.Volunteer projects and opportu-nities are defined by the diver-sity of fish resource managementneeds found throughout Oregon.

Each of Oregon’s water-sheds has its own fish manage-ment priorities. Local biologistsdetermine what must be doneand are always on the lookoutfor ways volunteers can help.

Many fish projects simplycould not happen without volun-teers. Volunteers provide the

extra effort needed to get the job done. Volunteerparticipation also frees up ODFW staff time anddollars for other important work.

SurveysVolunteers help determine the status of fish popu-lations and the condition of stream and lake habi-tats through a variety of survey projects. AquaticHabitat Inventories provide information about thequality of fish habitat in streams. Fish PopulationSurveys determine the species present, their abun-dance, and distribution within a given stream.Spawning Surveys document the amount ofspawning activity in a stream system. Some sur-veys are part of annual efforts to track a popula-tion trend within a basin. Others determine thepotential impacts of proposed land use activities.

Another survey might document migrationbarriers caused by poorly functioning culverts.Others measure streamflows or monitor watertemperatures to develop stream temperature

profiles, and photographic sur-veys follow habitat changes overtime.

Habitat restorationBiologists use the informationgathered during surveys to iden-tify factors that may limit fishproduction. For example, astream survey might show fewpools or a lack of spawninggravel, barriers to fish passage,or summer monitoring might

428 • The Stream Scene: Watersheds, Wildlife and People Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

reveal extreme water temperatures. Once needsare identified, habitat restoration projects can bedesigned to address those needs. Volunteers canassist with all phases of habitat restoration.These include help with funding, site selection,project design, construction and placement,equipment donation and operation, photo moni-toring and report writing.

Fish cultureIn those waters where natural production doesnot meet fish management needs, STEP volun-teers may be asked to help with fish cultureefforts. Volunteers can assist ODFW personnelwith broodstock collection, egg incubation, andfish rearing activities. The work may take placeat an ODFW facility or at a volunteer-operatedsite that complements public hatcheries.

EducationEducation and information materials are essentialto promote public awareness and understandingof fish and wildlife habitat needs. The STEPprogram distributes a number of publications tomeet this need and to show how citizen volun-teers can participate in STEP activities. StreamScene is a curriculum package about watersheds,upland and riparian areas, streams, and aquaticorganisms. Storm Drain Marking is a program to

educate citizens about the ecological hazards ofdumping household chemicals into storm drains.From Fish Eggs To Fry is a tool for setting upand maintaining a classroom aquarium to hatchfish eggs; Why Wild? is a supplement to helpstudents understand how fish are adapted to theirnative streams. Stream Care is a landowner’sguide for protecting and enhancing stream habi-tat. Related materials are also available throughODFW’s Aquatic Education Program.

Other projectsMany fish management tasks provide opportuni-ties for volunteer involvement. Some volunteersmay snorkel a clear mountain stream in search ofan endangered native trout or perhaps othersenjoy entering data at a computer terminal. Stillother volunteers might try fish salvage, fin clip-ping, fish stocking, or equipment maintenance.Volunteers also suggest projects like streamsideplantings, identifying fish passage barriers, andacquiring access for anglers.

What’s in it for me?STEP is a growing program and Oregonians areeager to contribute time, muscle, money, andperseverance. The combined effort of all STEPvolunteers has made an important and measur-able impact toward conservation of Oregon’svaluable fish resources. Participants also benefit.Volunteers come away with a better understand-ing of fish and the systems upon which theydepend. And, they achieve a strong sense ofpersonal accomplishment through their hardwork. Do you want the satisfaction of knowingyour stewardship helps fish? Come join us.You’ll be glad you did.

How can I get involved?Contact the nearest ODFW office or STEP Bi-ologist to learn more about the needs in yourarea. Sign up today as a STEP volunteer—Oregon’s fish need your help now!

Author’s suggestion: Use a classroomincubator project as part of a lesson on fish


STEP Biologist Districts

efildliW & hsiF fo tnemtrapeD nogerOelpoeP dna efildliW ,sdehsretaW :enecS maertS ehT • 034

STEP CoordinatorSalem Headquarters

3406 Cherry Avenue N.E.Salem, OR 97303-4924

(5003) 947-6232

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & WildlifePO Box 642Gold Beach, OR 97444Phone: (541) 247-7605Fax: (541) 247-2321

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife17330 SE Evelyn StreetClackamas, OR 97015Phone: (971) 673-6000Fax: (503) 657-6808

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife61374 Parrell RoadBend, OR 97702Phone: (541) 388-6363Fax: (541) 388-6049

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife4909 Third StreetTillamook, OR 97702Phone: (503) 842-2741Fax: (503) 842-8385

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife1495 E Gregory RoadCentral Point, OR 97502Phone: (541) 826-8774Fax: (541) 826-8776

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife7118 NE Vandenberg AveCorvallis, OR 97330-9446Phone: (541) 757-4186 Ext. 251Fax: (541) 757-4252

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife4192 N Umpqua HwyRoseburg, OR 97470Phone: (541) 440-3353

(541) 440-3355Fax: (541) 673-0372

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife3150 E Main StreetSpringfield, OR 97478Phone: (541) 726-2539 Ext. 26Fax: (541) 726-2505

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & WildlifePO Box 5430Charleston, OR 97420Phone: (541) 888-5515Fax: (541) 888-6860

STEP BiologistOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife2040 SE Marine Science Dr.Newport, OR 97365Phone: (541) 867-4741 Ext. 253Fax: (541) 867-0311

STEP BiologistPO Box 422Mapleton, OR 97453Phone: (541) 902-1384Fax: (541) 268-3044


Fish habitat restoration

Aquatic habitat restoration activities areone of the key issues in the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The concept

of “habitat restoration” covers a multitude ofways to improve watershed function—waterquality, water quantity, increased channel com-plexity, flood plain interaction, and the quality ofriparian vegetation. Reintroducing wood tostream channels, repairing culverts, planting treesand shrubs, and opening up historical streamchannels are all examples of habitat restorationprojects.

A stream’s or estuary’s ability to support fishand other forms of aquatic life is affectedby its ability to function properly.Stream or estuary habitat conditionsare dependent on land and watermanagement actions includingroad building, development,grazing, agricultural practices,forestry practices, controlledfires, and other human andnatural activities within a water-shed.

Fish survival in aquatic habi-tats is dependent on water tempera-ture, water quality and quantity, cover,and food supply. Fish have different require-ments at various stages of their lives and differ-ent species use different habitats for spawningand rearing. Understanding the different lifecycle requirements and interactions among spe-cies plays an important role in sound habitatrestoration.

Successful spawning and development fromegg to fry require:

• absence of barriers at all flows to up-stream migration of adult fish;

• spawning areas with sediment-free sub-strate and adequate water flows;

• a balance of pools and riffles to providespawning and holding areas, especiallydeep, cool pools for species like springchinook salmon;

• instream and streamside cover to protectadult fish from predators and to provideshaded resting areas; and

• an adequate flow of cool, well-oxygenatedwater through the spawning gravel.

Development from eggs to fry is a delicate pro-cess. Many things can happen to limit the num-ber of fish that survive this stage of the life cycle.

High water flows may scour eggs fromthe streambed. Low water can

expose the redd and allow theeggs to die from temperatureextremes. High sedimentsloads may smother the eggsin the redds and large num-bers of adults spawning in alimited area may uncovereggs in one redd whilebuilding another.

Young emergent fryrequire quiet, slow stream

flows, backwaters, or streammargins. Juvenile migratory fish live and grow inthe stream for one to three years, while residentfish need suitable habitat throughout their lives.Rearing fish also need clear access to move upand down the stream, including access to theocean for migratory fish.

Productive fish rearing habitat requires:• low to moderate slope and streamflow

velocity;

• a balance of pool and riffle habitat toprovide food and cover appropriate to thespecies;

• a variety of substrate types to providehiding cover for young fish and places foraquatic insects to live;


• undercut banks, stable natural debris suchas fallen trees, and overhanging plants toprovide cooling shade, protection foryoung fish and leaf litter for aquatic insectfood;

• nutrients, particularly from salmon andlamprey carcasses in areas where thesespecies were historically found, to pro-mote growth of naturally occurring plantsand other organisms beneficial to thestream;

• barrier-free migration for upstream anddownstream movement;

• a stream channel that interacts with thefloodplain during high water periods; and

• meandering streambanks and backwaterchannels to slow streamflow, add diver-sity, and increase the amount of habitatavailable to fish.

What is fish habitatrestoration?Habitat restoration is the repair of altered streamsor creation of productive habitat in streams,riparian areas, uplands, and estuaries. In a prop-erly functioning natural system, habitat restora-tion can help watersheds produce and supportincreased numbers of salmon, trout, and otherwildlife.

Why are fish habitatrestoration projects needed?Many of Oregon’s watersheds have sufferedfrom the effects of human activities and supportfish populations well below their historic levels.Loss of wetland and estuary habitat, spawningareas, rearing areas, streamside vegetation,instream woody debris, beaver ponds, and accessto former fish production areas are all results ofour treatment of the land, aquatic environment,and aquatic wildlife

To understand the need for habitat restora-tion, we must first recognize how land use activi-

ties affect a stream’s character and how fishpopulations respond to reduced habitat qualitywithin a stream. Certain aquatic and riparianhabitat conditions, or limiting factors, establishthe number of fish a stream can support — itscarrying capacity. Limiting factors are consid-ered for all phases of a salmon or trout’s lifecycle. For example, the amount and quality ofgravel-rich areas are limiting factors for spawn-ing habitat. The amount and quality of deeppools, backwater pools, or beaver dam areas limitrearing habitat for young fish.

Varying environmental factors cause fishpopulations to fluctuate from year to year withinthe limits of their habitat. Extremes in stream-flow can cause wide variations in survival andproduction. Extended low flows may keep adultsfrom reaching spawning areas. High winter flowscan destroy eggs by scouring spawning beds ordepositing sediments. Stream temperatures alsoaffect survival. Variable ocean conditions affectsmolt and adult survival. Fish populations inhealthy habitats generally recover quickly fromthese natural events. But when habitat quality isdegraded, serious reductions in fish numbersoccur.

Many fish habitat problems are overcomewith changes in land and water managementpractices, but habitat restoration activities mayget the stream system on a fast track to recovery.Restoration projects are not an alternative to


improvements in land and water management,but can bridge the time between past distur-bances and a return of natural functions that willmaintain productive fish habitat.

It is important to understand which manage-ment activities or habitat conditions are limitingfish populations so efforts to improve the situa-tion are not misdirected, harmful, or wasted.Once limiting factors are identified by surveys orother evaluation processes, habitat restorationprojects can address specific habitat needs in agiven stream. Restoration practices should targetthe most limiting factors first.

What are some fish habitatproblems?✔✔✔✔✔ Water quality and quantityMost aquatic organisms rely on a relativelynarrow temperature range for survival. Shadeplays an important role in determining watertemperature. Air temperature, adjacent landforms, upslope vegetation, and land and wateruse also affect water temperatures. Various typesof pollution negatively affect fish and aquaticinsect production. Minimum streamflows arenecessary to maintain good fish habitat, espe-cially during natural low flow periods of theyear. Lack of beneficial nutrients, such as those

from salmon and lamprey carcasses in areaswhere these species were historically found, alsoaffects water quality.

✔✔✔✔✔ Abused riparian areasHealthy streambank conditions are important tofish production. Good riparian plant growthalong a stream helps the soil store water for latesummer flows, provides shade to keep watercool, holds the soil together to reduce sedimentinput to the stream, and contributes insects to thefish food menu.

✔✔✔✔✔ Barriers to migrationRoadway culverts, dams, dikes, and other man-made structures may artificially block spawning,rearing, and smolting migrations of fish.

✔✔✔✔✔ Lack of natural instream structureLarge and small woody debris accumulationscreate resting areas, scour deep pools, providecover for fish, collect gravel for spawning beds,and are homes for aquatic insects.

✔✔✔✔✔ Lack of spawning or rearing areasSalmon and trout species have different habitatrequirements during the various stages of theirlife cycles. They need a balance of spawning andrearing areas with both riffles and pools in agiven stream section. Suitable spawning areashave clean, porous, proper-sized gravels with an

adequate flow of cool well-oxygenated water. Rearingareas with undercutstreambanks, side channels,beaver ponds and otherpools, instream cobble andboulders, and large woodystructures, such as fallentrees, provide young fishwith an environment suit-able for survival and growth.


Does a fish habitat problemexist?Before starting a habitat restoration project, findout if a habitat problem exists. Volunteers canhelp determine the status of fish populations andthe condition of aquatic habitats through a vari-ety of survey projects. Aquatic Habitat Invento-ries provide information about the quality of fishhabitat in streams. Fish Population Surveysdetermine the species present and their abun-dance and distribution within a given stream.Spawning Surveys document the amount ofspawning activity in a stream system. Anothersurvey might document migration barriers causedby poorly functioning culverts. Others measurestreamflows or monitor water temperatures todevelop stream temperature profiles. Biologiststrain volunteers to conduct the surveys and helpevaluate the results.

Information gathered during the surveyshelps biologists identify and assess factors limit-ing fish production. If habitat restoration isappropriate, proceed with the following steps.

✔✔✔✔✔ Identify the problemWhat is missing and what are associated limitingfactors? What are the “most limiting” among thelimiting factors?

✔✔✔✔✔ Develop a planWhat actions can correct the problem? Identifythe best approach and develop an organized planwith clear objectives and measurable outcomes.Consider the cost/benefit factors of your actions.Use a Habitat Restoration Project PlanningWorksheet provided by your local Oregon De-partment of Fish and Wildlife STEP biologist orhabitat biologist to guide your thought process.ODFW staff can also provide a copy of theOregon Aquatic Habitat Restoration and En-hancement Guide, which includes information

about permits, approvals needed, and who tocontact.

✔✔✔✔✔ Implement the planCarry out the selected action under the supervi-sion of the STEP Biologist or other experiencedhabitat biologist.

✔✔✔✔✔ Evaluate the projectInclude time and dollars in your plan to evaluateboth the short and long term success of theproject. Is it accomplishing the desired results?Are more fish present in the stream following theproject? What are the measurable outcomes ofthe project?

✔✔✔✔✔ Maintain the projectSome projects require periodic inspection andmaintenance to assure the project or structurefunctions properly. Include time and funding tocover maintenance costs in your plan.

Remember, stream habitat is dynamic overtime. Collections of gravel, large wood, andstream meanders will change seasonally and overthe years. Large wood or other instream struc-tures often work best if allowed some movementwith natural flow events. In less heavily degradedwatersheds nature can place the wood and otherstructures in arrangements that work best forfish.

What next?Each project requires individual consideration totailor the action to the need and the site. Thereare many techniques for accomplishing thevarious actions. Consult the Oregon AquaticHabitat Restoration and Enhancement Guide forsuggestions and ask your local ODFW fish biolo-gist, STEP biologist, or habitat biologist forassistance in planning a restoration project.


Remember one very important thing when considering habitat restoration work: Mother Nature has taken care of her

watersheds and streams for a long time. Onlywhen human interaction began affecting thepicture did the function go awry.

If the problem with the stream is one ofhuman management, that is, convincing people tochange their actions or management strategies(such as limiting livestock access or restrictingtimber harvest), then the best form of habitatrestoration is to follow nature’s lead and allowthe stream to recover naturally. There is noreason to place structures in the stream, justbecause it seems like the thing to do.

If the stream has time to recover on its own,any remaining problem areas will be evident.Those areas should be evaluated and receiveappropriate attention. A “light touch” is best andall work done in the stream should blend into thenatural pattern. Never underestimate the powerof flowing water when planning your habitatwork.

Habitat restoration is the repair of damagedstreams so they may produce and support in-creased numbers of salmon and trout. Habitatenhancement is the creation of better or moresuitable habitat within a stream. Habitat enhance-ment may not mean more fish, but may mean anincrease in other values related to overall water-shed health.

Various techniques exist for restoring andenhancing fish habitat. For any habitat rehabilita-tion or enhancement work to be successful, itmust meet two criteria. It should be placed whereit will best aid creation of the desired habitatcondition and it should be designed to last for arelatively long period of time.

Restoration techniquesFollowing are a few examples of habitat restora-tion techniques. Many other techniques exist forspecific problem areas in streams. If you andyour students want to get involved with habitatrestoration work, contact the local STEP biolo-gist or district fish biologist for assistance.

BouldersVery large irregular boulders create “pockets” orhiding and resting places for fish. Boulders alsochange the flow pattern of the water, creatinggreater habitat diversity. They are most oftenused when there is too much riffle and limitedpool and hiding areas. Depth is increased byscouring, a result of the faster water velocitiesaround the rock.

Habitat restoration techniques

A “light touch” is best and all

work done in a stream should

blend into the natural pattern.


Generally, boulders are placed in clusters oralong the edges of streams to create small back-water areas. Streambanks should be stable orwell protected in areas where boulder placementis considered.

Rock weirs (or boulder berms)Rock weirs are constructed in areas where longshallow riffle areas exist and sufficient spawninggravel is limited.

A rock weir consists of a collection of rocksand cobble used in combination with large boul-ders (which may already be found in the stream)to form a dam-like arrangement. Rocks are piledacross the stream using already present bouldersas a base. The rock weir is constructed with asomewhat vertical, downstream face and a gradu-ally sloping upstream side. This design spreadsthe water’s force over the entire structure, lessen-ing the chance of wash out. The height of theweir varies depending upon the channel.

A rock weir reduces a stream’s velocity,collects spawning gravels, and help restore thewater table. Downstream, water plunging over aweir scours a pool and recruits gravel that is sentdownstream by the flow to the next collectionsite.

Rock weirs are best used in series to createhabitat diversity (increased pool-to-riffle ratios).Streambanks must be stable or well-protected inrock weir placement areas.

Log sills (or log weirs)Log sills are placed across or at an angle to thestream flow, unless flow or bank stability arecontrolling factors. They are anchored to thestream bottom, to stable boulders, or to treetrunks along the edge ofthe stream.

To be most effective,the logs should be at least12" to 16" in diameter,well placed in the streambottom to reduce wash-outs under the logs andkeyed into the banks at

least a third of their length. Often, a layer ofheavy wire and erosion fabric is anchored to thelog. This is placed on the streambed on the up-stream side of the log sill to help complete theseal, reducing washouts under the log. Gravelcollects behind the log, providing spawning areaabove the structure and a rearing pool on thedownstream side.

PlantingsStabilizing stream banks with tree plantings orreseeding with other vegetation can help restorestreamside vegetation. Consult with local profes-sionals, like the Natural Resources ConservationService, to select the right species for the site.

The condition of the streambanks is relatedto water quality and fish production. Shadeprovided by the vegetation helps keep streamscool. Root systems help control erosion thatwould add sediments to the stream. Silt can cloggravel, smother eggs and reduce aquatic insectproduction.

Impact of zone is away from the boulders

Flow

Gravel seal

Rock covering gravel seal


Cover logsCover logs provide overhead cover insections of a stream where the waterdepth is adequate but cover is lacking.

Cover logs can be any shape,length or size, but the best results areobtained by using large crooked logswith limb stubs extending severalinches. Root wads are also used. Bothprovide an irregular surface resulting inmaximum turbulence and spot scouringalong the edge of the structure.

Logs are anchored to the streambottom or the bank. Ideal locations areopen pools or glides at least 6" to 8" indepth. Logs are placed parallel or at slight anglesto the flow. Cover logs have the added advantageof presenting a natural appearance in the stream.

Cut trees (juniper) that are placed against andanchored to the banks are beneficial in bankstabilization. Green trees with a bushy crownwork best.

The trees and their branches reduce watervelocities, allowing sediments to collect. Nativeplants then colonize these new seed beds, im-proving banks, narrowing and deepening thechannel, and enhancing salmonid habitat.

Streambank fencingFencing, or otherwise limiting usage of disturbedstreamside areas, can help restore deterioratedstreambanks, reduce excessive or unnaturalnutrient and sediment loads, and protect riparianvegetation. Healthy riparian vegetation shadesthe stream, reduces bank erosion, and providesother benefits to fish. Fencing may be necessaryto reduce impacts from agricultural or otherhuman activities on streambanks, but it is mostoften used to control livestock grazing in termsof numbers of animals, season, and timing of use. Location of riparian fences should take intoaccount potential damage from ice, high flows,floodplain levels, and debris.

Some grazing systems and/or techniques(such as alternative water developments, uplandimprovements, planting of nutritious, palatablespecies well away from riparian areas, and/orriding and herding practices) can reduce the needto fence.

Source: Stream Enhancement Guide, Government of Canada, Provinceof British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., 1980.

Salmon-Trout 11 Enhancement Program · salmon, steelhead and trout, the Oregon Legisla-ture created...

Documents

Transcript of Salmon-Trout 11 Enhancement Program · salmon, steelhead and trout, the Oregon Legisla-ture created...