The project team finished construction of Phase 1 in fall 2020. Approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of sediment was removed to expose historic floodplain habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon. Miles of seasonal and perennial side channel habitats were carefully engineered to provide additional rearing habitat for native fish.
Since completion, Chinook salmon and steelhead have been spotted spawning in the newly constructed side channels and their offspring have been seen schooling within the project footprint. Lamprey, osprey, deer, otters, beavers, and even a sturgeon and a bear have been seen enjoying the restoration!
Check out these videos of Phase 1:
Time-lapse of the Phase 1 middle training wall sediment removal from October 2019 to November 2020.
This fly over shows the Phase 1 pre- (top) and post- (bottom) fine grading completed in 2020 at the perennial channel in the upper half of the site. Note the perennial channel and connected alcoves now running in the previously dry floodplain, and the absence of the Middle Training Wall in the bottom video, now an open floodplain with a seasonal channel that can connect to the main channel off on the right.