The re-naturalization project focused on channel reconstruction, with emphasis on 

 natural channel morphology, habitat complexity and included an aggressive revegetation 

 of disturbed banks. The primary objective of the project was to stabilize the stream to 

 allow riparian vegetation to encompass the stream over a 10-15 year period and thus 

 provide long-term stability. Our review of the project indicates that surface water is now 

 reestablished to the lower portion of the reconstruction project where the channel was 

 braided and intermittent prior to reconstruction. 



Catch/100 feet 

 6- 



mm 



Figure 23. CPUE for bull trout in Dunham Creek 

 (mile 2.3), 2000-2003. 



Fish Populations 



Dunham Creek supports 

 populations of genetically pure fluvial 

 WSCT. fluvial bull trout and brook 

 trout. In 2002 and 2003, we completed 

 bull trout redd counts and continued to 

 monitor fish populations at mile 2.3. 

 The 2.3-mile survey is located 0.6 

 miles downstream of the project, 



Sixteen bull trout redds were 

 counted during the 2002 redd surveys 

 in Dunham Creek, of which six were 

 located in the newly constructed 

 charmel. The 2003 surveys counted 6 redds in Dunham Creek, with none in the project 

 areas. Early fish population monitoring at mile 2.3 shows an initial positive bull trout 

 response to the project (Figure 23). 



Elk Creek 



Restoration objectives: eliminate significant sources of sediment; improve management 

 of livestock; improve reproduction, rearing and recruitment of all species to the Blackfoot 

 River. 



Project Summary 



Elk Creek originates in the Garnet Mountains and enters the Blackfoot River at 

 river mile 28.0 with a base flow of -2-3 cfs. Elk Creek, an "impaired" stream on the 

 DEQ 303(d) list, has a long history of adverse land management activities (placer mining, 

 channelization, road construction and improper maintenance practices, undersized 

 culverts, road drainage problems and concentrated riparian livestock grazing) with well- 

 documented negative influences to fish populations (Pierce et al. 1997, this report). 



To begin improving water quality in lower Elk Creek, a major erosion control 

 project was undertaken in a channelized section of lower Elk Creek (mile 1 .3-2.9) in 

 1994. This project included the reconstruction of 8,600' of new channel as well as some 

 livestock management changes. Although this necessary project addressed a major 

 sediment problem, subsequent monitoring of water temperature, tlsh populations, and 

 suspended sediment all confirm Elk Creek failed to meet intended project benefits. 

 Objectives were not met, as grazing prescriptions were not adhered to. Other grazing 

 plans on adjacent riparian pastures were not implemented. 



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