Upper Bear River Riverscape Restoration Phase 1
Anabranch Solutions Assessment, Design, and Implementation, and Monitoring
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East Fork Bear, Hayden Fork, North Fork Mill Creek, Mill Creek, Stillwater Fork
Stillwater Fork - Bear River
Jun. 20, 2024
19144
518
Project Goals and Objectives
The overall goal of restoration implementation in the Upper Bear River are to improve riverscape health for the benefit of native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout as well as other native fish species, beaver, and other species of management concern. Indicators of improved riverscape health are increases in channel and floodplain complexity, floodplain connection, and expansion of riparian areas.
Structure Construction Elements
Structures throughout this project consisted of Post Assisted Log Structures (PALS), Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs), Wood Jams, and Tree Felling. PALS and BDAs were mostly constructed in Mill Creek and North Fork Mill Creek. For East Fork Bear, Stillwater Fork, and Hayden Fork, structures consisted entirely of wood jams and tree fells. Where possible, Wood Jams were created by pulling trees over using a grip-hoist, in which the root ball generally stays intact, creating additional habitat and anchoring the tree. Individual trees were then selectively felled upstream of the griphoisted tree, creating a jam. Individual trees were also strategically felled between griphoisted trees to create additional jams and complexity.
Project Photos
Cover Photo