Eagle Rocks Habitat Enhancement Project

Eagle Rocks is the first phase of construction for the Sugar Channels Reconnection Project. Work on this project started in mid-August and is expected to last six weeks. Work areas will be isolated from the main channel and will not intefere with boaters and tubers enjoying this section of the river.

Where is this project?

The Eagle Rocks Project is being constructed on the Methow River in the vicinity of the Riverbend RV Park, just north of the town of Twisp. The project area includes both sides of the river and bed lands controlled by WA Department of Natural Resources. Work outside the active river channel is on privately-owned lands and is being constructed with support of the landowners.

Why is this project being constructed?

Historically, the river migrated side to side across the entire valley floor, and the alignment of the river was continuously changing. This movement would create important habitat for salmon, including floodplain areas, side channels and wood accumulations. Restoring habitat for steelhead and spring Chinook within the Methow River between Twisp and Winthrop has been identified as a high priority in the Upper Columbia Biological Strategy.

The project will address the highest priority ecological concerns identified within the reach including:

Increase the quantity and availability of floodplain and side channel habitats
Increase instream channel complexity
Increase the quantity of native riparian buffer
Reduce impact of anthropogenic barriers

Location of Eagle Rocks relative to local landmarks

What will this project do to address ecological concerns and improve fish habitat?

Channel grading to increase side channel connectivity

An existing mid channel bar splits the main channel into two flow paths at this location. The primary flow path is to the west, and the eastern channel goes mostly dry in late summer and fall. The project will excavate the eastern channel to increase the amount of water flowing into this channel. This grading in conjunction with strategically placed engineered wood structures will promote year round flow through this channel.

Floodplain Grading to increase floodplain connectivity

The floodplain on the eastern side of river is relatively high and only gets water during very high water. This project will excavate a portion of the floodplain adjacent in the river. This newly constructed lower floodplain will get wet each spring during high water and increase the flood capacity of the river channel. Water flowing on the newly constructed floodplain bench will be shallow and slow moving. This will provide great habitat for young fish and help to establish riparian vegetation.

Engineered logjams and other wood placements to increase complexity

Large wood structures wood structures will be placed along the banks and on a mid channel bar. Some wood structures are designed to encourage flow into the eastern flow channel, but most wood structures of designed to mimic naturally occurijng wood accumulations and provide habitat for endangered salmon.

Planting of native riparian species

A restored riparian will increase instream shading, replenish the large wood cycle and re-establish more naturally moderated channel migration rates

When will this project be constructed?

Generally, work within the Methow River is limited to the month of July in each year to protect fish species, but special exemptions allow these projects to be constructed in late summer and early fall to take advantage of low flow conditions while still protecting fish. Construction began in mid-August and is expected to be completed by early October. Revegetation and planting work will extend into the fall and spring. Crews will continue to maintain plantings for a 3-5 years as the plants get established.

Sheet piles, giant corrugated metal plates, are driven into the ground to isolate the work areas and help control water and sediment and prevent fish from entering the work area.

Who is doing this project?

This project was developed by the Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation in coordination with a multi-agency Project Development, landowners and project partners. Bureau of Reclamation, Bonneville Power Administration, and Salmon Recovery Funding Board have provided funding and technical support for project design. Project construction is funded by HCP Tributary Committees, Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and Ecology Floodplain by Design.

This project will be built by Pipkin Construction, a crew based out of Wentachee. Plantings will be completed by Methow Natives, a local supplier of native plants and restoration expert. Methow Salmon prioritizes working with local and regional contractors. Contractors are encouraged to contact us to be placed on our contractor list.