Reach Assessments

Stream specific assessments are developed to assist in the recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed bull trout, spring-run Chinook Salmon, and steelhead. The goal of these reach assessments is to understand current conditions and develop a prioritized strategy for improving habitat in a particular stream to benefit threatened and endangered fish.

Lower Methow Reach Assessment

From the early homesteading period to the current time, human development (primarily agricultural, residential, and transportation related) has diminished the extent, quality, availability, and connectivity of instream and riparian habitat within the lower Methow River. These changes have combined to reduce both the quality and quantity of habitat vital to fish production and contribute to the observed population declines in these species.

There are numerous opportunities to improve habitat to benefit ESA-listed species in the lower Methow River. Specifically, the reach provides spawning habitat for steelhead and rearing and migration habitat for all three of these imperiled species. The reach is also valuable for spawning, rearing, and migration by summer Chinook Salmon, coho salmon, and Pacific lamprey.

Specific objectives of the Lower Methow Reach Assessment (LMRA) include:

 

  • Developing a comprehensive inventory and assessment of the hydrologic, geomorphic, aquatic, and riparian habitat conditions including past, present, and future conditions and trends.

  • Initiating contact and coordination between landowners, resource managers, and other stakeholders to set the foundation for the development of collaborative efforts that contribute to the implementation and success of restoration strategies presented in the assessment.

  • Prioritizing strategies and actions that address identified aquatic habitat impairments that are believed to limit the abundance and productivity of ESA-listed spring Chinook, bull trout, and steelhead. 

  • Prioritizing strategies and actions that protect and restore the ecological form and function of the lower Methow River.

  • Providing data resources for stakeholders engaging in implementation of the LMRA habitat improvement strategy.

 

Methow Salmon completed the reach assessment in 2019 with funding from Bonneville Power Administration. A digital copy of the Lower Methow Reach Assessment - August 2019 can be downloaded from UCSRB’s website.

Lower Methow River downstream of French Creek.

Lower Methow River downstream of French Creek.

Additional Reach Assessments

Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Foundation maintains an online archive of reach assessments that have been completed in the Methow Subbasin.

  • Winthrop (W2) Reach Assessment (2011)

  • Middle Methow Reach Assessment (2010)

  • Lower Twisp Reach Assessment (2010)

  • Chewuch Reach Assessment (2010)

  • Methow Tributary Assessment (2008)

  • Big Valley Reach Assessment (2008)

  • Lower Methow Reach Assessment (2019)

  • Twisp to Carlton Reach Assessment (2017)

  • Middle Twisp Reach Assessment (2015)

  • Upper Methow Reach Assessment (2015)

  • Silver Reach Assessment (2015)

  • Lower Libby Reach Assessment (2012)

Solutions with Lasting Value