South Fork Scott River Floodplain Restoration Project - Phase 4

The strategy of reconnecting the Scott River to its floodplain by restoring natural channel form and function is identified as a high priority in the Final Recovery Plan for SONCC coho salmon. To address this SONCC coho recovery plan priority, this project will restore floodplain and secondary channel connectivity and increase in-stream habitat complexity by constructing a series of log jams and removing mine tailings (Figure 2). The project reach has a long history of mining activity dating back to the early 1900s. This project will excavate two side channels, totaling approximately 700 feet on river left through mine tailings that are currently precluding access to the river left floodplain except during high flow events. The southern side channel will reconnect directly to the South Fork Scot River and the northern side channel will connect to an existing side channel. A log jam will also be constructed where the side channels diverge to maintain the integrity of the side channels. The side channels will be excavated to a depth that will allow them to be inundated during moderate flows. Approximately 40 pieces of large wood will also be buried into the banks of the side channels to increase habitat diversity. Willows will be planted within the wood structures and along the margins of the side channel to increase the depth and function of the riparian corridor. This project will also construct five log jams, four channel spanning and one Type A structure, through approximately 400 feet of the mainstem of the South Fork Scott River. The channel spanning structures will provide overhead cover, establish pools, create velocity refuge for rearing salmonids, sort spawning gravels, and facilitate activation of the excavated side channels. The Type A structure will also add instream complexity and anchor the southern side channel reconnection point with the South Fork Scott River.