For this project THI restored the native trout fishery and created a self-sustaining wetland complex and spring creek system. THI designed and installed more than 1/2 mile of spring creek system, several acres of wetland, removed migration barriers and reconnected the system to the mainstem river. For decades, this property was disconnected from the river by a dam and stocked with non-native species to serve as a hatchery. THI worked with landowners to discontinue stocking and restore the ecological and hydrologic function of the system. THI restoration work included baseline assessment, riparian inventory, permitting, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, design, and installation of channels, sloughs and islands.

Native vegetation, including wetland rollsods and prevegetated coir logs were installed to increase diversity and stabilize bank areas throughout the project. Construction of this lake focused on creating diverse edge and depths, installation of large woody debris, biostabilization of banks, revegetation of wetland species, as well as creation of fry/juvenile/spawning habitats above and below the basin. A management plan, created by THI, will reduce livestock grazing impacts.

Top: THI constructed channel 90 days after installation; Center: THI constructed wetland complex 90 days after installation; Right: THI constructed confluence to the mainstem river.