Cowiche Creek has been the focus of restoration efforts by Mid-Columbia Fisheries and others for several years. In the Fall of 2023, Mid-Columbia Fisheries completed a large restoration project in Lower Cowiche Creek. The project removed over 7000 cubic yards of berm material, and nearly 40 tons of concrete, and aggressively planted native vegetation in the berm footprint. The reconnected floodplain and restored stream function will enhance water quality, riparian area, and salmonids using the system. The project will be in stewardship over the next few years so keep your eye out for volunteer activities!!!
The Initial PROblem
The old railroad berm that parallels Cowiche Creek throughout the lower reach causes long lasting impacts to stream and riparian health. The long standing berm has minimal native vegetation due to composition of berm, which causes reduced stream shading. Additionally by constricting the creek, the berm causes high stream velocities which reduce habitat complexity and cause the stream to downcut. The resulting stream condition provides poor habitat for native fish.
The solution
Remove berm, revegetate, and add habitat
The Department of Ecology included Cowiche Creek on its list of streams impacted by high water temperatures and bacteria. Mid-Columbia Fisheries plans to remove the confining berm from the floodplain and replant native trees in its footprint. The project will remove fill and concrete from teh floodplain and replace it with a native riparian forest and connected wetland mosiac. The restoration project will improve habitat and water quality. The work is funded by the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Program, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and the Washington Department of Ecology.
Project Update
The picture to the right is the new Cowiche Creek Floodplain which will reduce the 100-year flood flow in the project area by about one foot.
The project will also directly improve habitat for native fish, including coho and Mid-Columbia Steelhead, which are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Wood and rock structures will be placed to improve refuge and spawning habitat,
