APPENDIX B
EVALUATION OF PRIOR KLAMATH RIVER
BASIN FISH RESTORATION PROJECTS
1989 Klamath Field Review Comments
The following comments are based
primarily upon field observations made by Scott Downie and Andy Kier during
the summer and autumn of 1989. Some of the review was made accompanied
by personnel responsible for the projects and their comments are incorporated
as well. In many streams individual project sites are linked and/or similar
in nature. This review generalizes these in its comments and ratings, but
notes exceptions where required. Grades A-F were assigned, but like all
grades lacking set criteria and good base-line information, they are somewhat
subjective. Evaluations were based upon the observed or perceived physical
response made by the stream to the project, whether or not the project
satisfied the objectives of the proposal, and whether or not the project
appeared to have durable structure and function without maintenance or
modification. Biological evaluation was impossible except to note observed
fish at the time of the review. Cost effectiveness is again somewhat subjective
without more front-end information, but based upon personal experience
an attempt to measure product for cost entered into grade assignment. GENERAL:
1000, 1001, 1003: The racks on Bogus Creek, Scott River & Shasta River
were all operational Summer 1989. 1002: The Salmon River weir operations
were modified during our review period in response to public input: 1.
The trap and weir will be staffed 24 hours/day. 2. Weir and trap operations
will cease at 73 F. 3. Fishing will not be allowed below weir. 4. An alternate
site will be developed ASAP. LOWER KLAMATH SUBBASIN: Ah Pah Creek
(11006, 07, 08, 09, 10, 18-$123,928): A CCC, DFG, & Simpson Timber
Co. project to provide improved access for adults into upper Ah Pah Creek,
and to control sedimentation from failing banks in the treatment area.
In October 1989, the Hewitt Ramp structures were successfully passing coho
and steelhead adults and juveniles through a previous adult barrier section.
Large wood and boulder cover elements had been placed in the associated
pools. Treated banks were armored with rock filled gabions and planted
with alder, willow and conifers. No evidence of sediment production to
the stream from these treated slopes was observed. The workmanship and
construction are sturdy and of high quality. Grade A. (Since we visited
Ah Pah Creek the day after the RNP bypass failure, the stream was loaded
with suspended sediments) Bluff Creek (11022, 23, 24, 31, 32-$212,000):
Access provided through lower Bluff Creek's former barrier section is still
passing adults and juveniles following the February 1986 flood event. The
boulder weirs and boulder clusters near the yearling rearing facility are
providing limited spawning improvement, but they do contain pockets of
gravel utilized by spawners. Both the weirs and clusters have provided
some good quality summer rearing habitats, and also refuge areas during
winter flows. Two cluster groups are now buried under large streambank
failures. These events could have been exacerbated by the placement of
the boulders too close to the now failed right bank. No large wood or brush
cover elements were utilized in the structures, although some were available.
Personnel explained that the extreme velocities and power at high discharges
prevented incorporating these organic components into their instream structures
on Bluff Creek. Grade C. Camp Creek (11029, 30-$125,000): Six boulder
weirs were constructed by USFS to trap spawning gravels. Two of the six
weirs are now scattered boulder clusters, having been rearranged by the
stream. The surviving weirs have provided gravels and are being used by
fish. The boulder groups, both designed and incidental, are providing some
good quality rearing habitats and some pockets of gravel used for spawning
salmonids. Grade C. Cappell Creek (11027-$125,000): BIA artificial
propagation project. Project has operated for one year. It has released
17,035 CWT chinook. Typical of the lower river hatchery programs, securing
desired numbers of late running chinook brookstocks in very difficult.
A lot of money in terms of fry produced, but the facility start-up costs
are now over and the annual cost will be much less than the initial investment.
Grade C. Hunter Creek (11001, 11002, 11013-$19,328): A CCC, DFG,
and Simpson project to improve Hunter Creek on a basin scale. CCC now have
a thorough instream assessment and instream structure plan prepared by
Clearwater Biostudies, Inc. under contract to them. Instream structure
work is now underway by CCC crews. The construction is of excellent quality
and design. All upper stream barrier work is now completed. The dry lower
reaches of the stream pose a dewatered, complete barrier to all adults
running before early November in most years (T. Payne, 1989). Some concern
over future land management's effect on the stream in the event of a major
flood occurrence. Grade B. McGarvey Creek (11025, 11014, 11003-$24,264):
Status of the hatch box project is not known. The barrier work is all done
and passing fish. Grade C. Pecwan Creek (11021, 11036, 11028-$50,000):
A total of 21,626 yearling chinook were released from 1982-84 from this
facility. They were from Iron Gate stocks and deemed not suitable for the
restocking goals of the project area. Since 1985, the facility's production
is not well documented, but 27,000 for the period 1985-88 is estimated.
None of the releases from this site have been CWT. The Pecwan site has
been used as a broodstock source for Cappell Creek as well. Grade D. Red
Cap Creek (11033, 34, 35-$70,000): USFS project has produced some impressive
results. Failing banks have been armored and vegetated. A series of over
thirty boulder weirs and clusters have provided some high quality spawning
and rearing habitats. Large wood cover element shave been used somewhat
in the project. The project reach is in a streem section of former generally
poor habitats and low utilization by salmonids; they were abundant during
our visits. There is a yearling pond adjacent to the treatment section.
Grade A. Richardson Creek (11026-$25,000): This project removed
a barrier to salmonids and is functional. Seemed expensive. Grade C. Salt
Creek (11000, 11012-$18,944): CCC successfully stabilized failing banks.
All barrier work is completed and functional. One of the few upslope erosion
control projects in the review has controlled the sediment output from
the roadway. There is a lot of product here for the money. Grade. A. Surpur
Creek (11005-$3,456): CCC removed barriers at a bargain price. Still functional.
Grade. A. Tarup Creek (11004, 11011, 11015, 16, 17-$77,024): CCC
has a plan for the creek and instream treatments done under contract by
Inter-Fluv Inc. The work outlined in the plan is now completed, and is
of very high quality and design for the most part. The work involved barrier
modification, instream structures, revegetation upslope as well in the
riparian zone, and some upslope erosion control (one site upslope was quite
major, in fact). Tarup, reqardless of all these improvements, has a low
flow access problem in its delta. Grade B. Pine Creek (10019, 20-$-0-):
Not reviewed. Various streams (11019, 20-$550,000): This is the
CCC operation fund for the Lower Klamath program. This ongoing general
fund was not deemed suitable for field review or rating. However, our general
observation of the CCC/DFG Lower Klamath program has certainly produced
a positive impression of their work and approach. MIDDLE KLAMATH SUBBASIN:
Beaver Creek (6000-05, 6035, 6053, 6065, 6066-$124,400): The boulder
cluster groups and weirs constructed on Beaver Creek are not well utilized
at this time. Silts and sediments have impacted the quality of the gravel
associated with the structures to the extent that some cementing has occurred.
Therefore, it is believed that utilization by spawners has also been effected.
The structures designed for the provision of rearing habitats have done
better, and some of course do both, some neither. Grade C. The rearing
facility (6035) was closed in 1985, but there is now talk of re-opening
it. 1980-4 releases averaged 29,423 yearling chinook of Iron Gate origin.
Grade. C. The gravel seeding occurred in 1985 (6052) and no evaluation
was considered possible in 1989, nor was any proffered by staff. The two
screens (6065-66) are functional, but require regular upkeep and periodic
thorough maintenance. Grade B. Bluff Creek (6036-$-0-): This is
one of the Klamath system's highest production cooperative rearing facilities.
It has averaged 66,462 chinook yearlings for the past three years. These
fish are of Iron Gate origin. Although adult runs are up in Bluff Creek,
there is little baseline data, and until the current brood no CWT's were
done on the ponded fish. Grade B. Bogus Creek (6046-47, 6053-54,
6061-$94,750): Bogus Creek is heavily utilized by naturally spawning chinook
of Iron Gate Hatchery origin as well as by stocks of its own. The projects
designed to provide more and/or better gravels for these fish have met
with apparent success, since in almost all cases the projects are used
by the spawners, but so is everything else. What that means in real incremental
gains that can be credited to particular habitat treatment is therefore
difficult to assess. CWT and DSM evaluation programs are ongoing. Grade
C. Camp Creek (6037-$-0-): This rearing facility switched from Iron
Gate chinook stocks to natal stocks in 1987. Yearling releases dropped
from an average of 27,533 to 14,573 after the change. This can be attributed
to the difficulty in trapping adults in an open, high discharge system.
Still, the fact that they are now utilizing later running stocks that are
adapted to Camp Creek's flow regime and conditions counts for a great deal.
The natal brood have been marked with alternating maxillary clips (right
one year, left the next) prior to release and some have been recovered
as adults. Grade B+. China Creek (6008, 09-$9,300): Not reviewed.
Report is that the access is good throughout the stream now. No report
on the status of the structures. Clear Creek (6010, 6068, 69-$66,400):
Fish and Game's barrier removal is providing access successfully. Report
is that access is good throughout Clear Creek at this time. Grade B. Coon
Creek (6056-$30,000): This ladder passes steelhead, but DFG is not certain
about coho. It also requires some light upkeep. Grade B. Cottonwood
Creek (6049-$22,966): Gravel placed on these weirs needs to re-seeded periodically
at the cost of $2,000 each time. Grade D. (6057-$6,000): Not reviewed.
(6055-$5,000): Ladder is on line and working will. Grade B. (6058, 60-$29,500):
These screens are all on line and operational, but require light periodic
maintenance which is conducted by the Yreka Screen Shop on a rotating basis.
Grade B. (6070-$1,200): The potholes blasted to trap gravel have trapped
sand instead, so the goal of creating spawning habitat was not met. However,
fry, usage and survival seem to be good in the resultant pools. Not a high
cost projects. Grade C. (Total Cottonwood Creek budget: $64,666) Dillon
Creek (6071-$5,000): This functional project opened five miles of good
habitat now utilized by steelhead and chinook. Grade A. Doolittle
Creek (6011-$2,300): The treated log jam has not reformed and access is
still good for steelhead. Grade C. Elk Creek (6012, 6014-$41,000):
The boulder weirs and clusters are now all installed and need flows for
evaluation of performance. (6034, 6045-$10,000): The washout pond has averaged
31,205 released iron Gate chinook yearlings since 1984. Grade B. (Total
Elk Creek budget: $51,000) Grider Creek (6015, 6016, 6038-$18,500):
The falls are now passing fish successfully. Grade A. The boulder weirs
have been successful in trapping spawning gravel and are being used by
chinook. Grade A. The ponds have grown an average of 34,426 Iron Gate chinook
yearlings since 1987. Grade B. Horse Creek (6062, 6064, 6074-$35,000):
The three screens are installed and operational, but require light maintenance.
Yreka Screen Shop provides this on an lternating basis. Grade B. The log
jam is no longer an access problem. Grade A. (Extant diversion dam is a
major problem on this creek) Humbug Creek (6017, 6018-$5,300): The
boulder weirs are not successful and are physically failing. Grade F. The
log weirs have worked well and are providing spawning and rearing habitat.
Grade A. In any event, ten miles of good quality habitat are blocked to
salmonids by dredge tailing in lower Humbug Creek. Independence
Creek (6019-$5,000): The stream's mouth is still open and fish access it.
Grade B. Indian Creek (6006, 6020-28, 6039, 6040, 6067, 6072-$200,600):
All modified former barriers are now passing fish. Grade A. The recent
instream structures all appear to be performing to design; biological evaluation
is underway now. Grade B. The spawning channel is used extensively by steelhead,
and to a lesser extent by coho, but not by chinook. It is also a maintenance
item (i.e. supplemental gravel). Grade D. The rearing ponds have averaged
74,134 Iron Gate yearlings since 1985. Grade B. Irving Creek (6029-$9,300):
The use of small boulders to construct inadequately sized structures resulted
in no net gain from this project. Grade F. IronGate Hatchery
(6033-$-?-): The hatchery is modifying its operations to better cope with
problems associated with temperatures, density, and release timing according
to the hatchery manager. Grade C. BadgerFlat and TreeofHeaven (6050, 6051-$136,000): These spawning channels
have both been unsuccessful due to design flaws. They require constant
maintenance which is not possible during usage. Gravel seeding is an ongoing
project. Grade F. LittleBogus Creek (6048-$20,000): These
seeded weirs were not reviewed, but they are reported to be intensely utilized
by spawners. However, some maintenance is also required. Pearch
Creek (6041-$-0-): These ponds are operated by the Orleans Rod and Gun
Club and have good public involvement and educational value. About 9,000
steelhead of Salmon River origin are reared here. A lot of enthusiasm and
local stocks. Grade A. RedCap Creek (6042-$-0-): This rearing
pond has averaged 37,862 Iron Gate chinook yearlings since 1985 and is
operated in a system that has also had significant habitat improvement
projects recently completed. A CWT program would help evaluate both of
these aspects of the Red Cap Creek endeavor. Grade B. Seiad Creek
(6030, 6031, 6073-$5,100): The barrier project has been successful. Grade
A. The weir projects were not found and therefore not reviewed. Thompson
Creek (6032, 6043-$5,000): The rearing ponds were closed in 1985. The instream
structures were not reviewed. WestBranch Creek (6007-$5,000):
The weirs are used by steelhead for spawning, according to local observers;
they seem functional. Grade C. Wilson Creek (6007-$-0-): This private
rearing facility was not reviewed. According to locals, it is not in use
at this time. SALMON RIVER: BlackBear Creek (5000-$11,000):
This USFS project successfully provided access for steelhead into the creek,
and it is currently being utilized. Grade A. KellyGulch
(5002, 5003-$9,500): This project was not reviewed, but USFS staff reported
that the barrier was still not passing all fish attempting to access the
system. Their evaluation is underway now. Knownothing Creek (5004-06,
5021-$153,114): The removal of the diversion dams and other barriers resulted
in doubling the chinook and coho runs into the creek. Grade A. The weirs
(5006) were not completed at the time of the review. Delays were incurred
because the rock was overshot resulting in boulders too small for the structures.
Grade F. Nordheimer Creek (5507, 5008-$90,000): The log weirs (5007)
failed. Grade F. The fishway (5008) is successful and passing fish. Grade
A. Salmon River (5023, 5024-$8,000): This selective barrier was
modified at a very reasonable cost and has improved access for all fish.
Grade A. EastForkSalmon River (5013-$60,000): This
project was not reviewed; USFS is evaluating now. SouthForkSalmon River (5001, 5009-12, 5014-15, 5022-$176,200): (5001) The
Blind Horse Creek weirs have not all been successful in providing spawning
habitat. Many are trapping silt rather than spawning gravel. Rearing habitats
are being provided by most of them, however. Grade D. (5009) This natal
stock bioenhancement facility was located at a site with poor water temperature
conditions for intense fish culture. Broodstock acquisition was also very
difficult. The facility is now closed (equipment will be relocated in the
watershed, if possible). The project released 36,667 natal chinook smolts
in the period from 1985 to 1987. Grade D. The boulder group projects were
undergoing evaluation during the review period for biological response.
The initial physical evaluation was not conclusive because many of the
projects had not been subject to higher flows. Grade C. (5022) The "rough
passage" area currently allows fish to pass without undue struggle. Grade
B. Specimen Creek (5016-$500): Steelhead now pass the treated log
jam barrier. Another jam has formed above this site and requires monitoring
and possible modification. Grade B. St.Claire Creek (5017-20-$15,000):
Steelhead now pass the modified barrier. The log weirs are holding gravel
and in use by spawners. Juvenile cover is good associated with the weirs
as well as the cover elements used in the project. The boulder weirs and
clusters are also in place and in use. Grade A. SCOTT RIVER: Scott
River and tribs. (4031-4334 [not inclusive]-$2,715,810): These Soil Conservation
District projects primarily involved placing rip-rap armor at 304 different
sites in the upper Scott system. Not all were reviewed, and although the
rock is stable and in place, many were found to lack streamside vegetation
that would provide important shade and cover for the stream and aquatic
life. Some others were buried in decomposed granite, sand or silt and therefore
had little benefit for fish by way of providing complex micro-habitats.
The value of these projects would be much greater if some of these items
were addressed. Grade C. French Creek (4001, 4016-18-$32,000): The
sediment check dam initially filled in one storm event. It was excavated
but refilled during the next runoff event. A high maintenance approach
that treats the symptoms of the watershed's chronic erosion problem. Grade
F. The screens are all in place and functional, but are dependent upon
periodic light upkeep provided by the Yreka Screen Shop. Grade B. Kelsey
Creek (4002-04-$147,500): The weirs work well and are used by all speciers
for spawning and rearing. Grade A. The USFS spawning channel has not performed
as hoped. Problems have occurred relating to channel liner failure. The
average number of pairs using the channel during the period 1985-88 were:
nine chinook, three coho, and twelve steelhead. In 1989 no usage was observed.
It is also a very costly installation. Garde D-. Kidder Creek (4020-21-$26,000):
Both screens are in place and functional, but are dependent upon periodic
maintenance provided by the Yreka Screen Shop. Grade B. Patterson
Creek (4019-$9,000): This screen is in place and functional, but is dependent
upon periodic maintenance provided by the Yreka Screen Shop. Grade. B.
Scott River (4405-06, 4012-15-$94,800): Although the gravels were
'cleaned,' the sedimentation problem returned the next year. This treatment
does not address the problem, but rather the symptoms and would require
constant maintenance. Grade F. The boulder groups were not installed agter
gauging the rapid sedimentation rate. The four screens are in place and
functional, but are dependent upon periodic maintenance provided by the
Yreka Screen Shop. Grade B. EastForkScott River
(4010-11-$20,000): These two screens are in place and functional, but are
dependent upon periodic maintenance provided by the Yreka Screen Shop.
Grade B. Shakleford Creek (4009, 4022-4030 incl., 4323, 4329-$343,720):
(4009) The bank armor was not surveyed, but is reported to be stabilizing
the soft banks . The fishery benefits are not known. (4022-30) These nine
screens are in place and functional, but are dependent upon periodic maintenance
provided by the Yreka Screen Shop. Grade B. (4323, 4329) The rip-rap bank
armor is in place, but needs vegetation and cover elements added to increase
fishery values. Grade C. Tompkins Creek (4007-08-$6,500): The weirs
are installed but are not highly utilized because of the recruited fine
sediments now accumulated on them. Grade D. The fishway has provided access
and is currently functional. Grade B. SHASTA RIVER: Parks Creek
(3018-$42,000): These four screens are in place and functional, but are
dependent upon periodic maintenance provided by the Yreka Screen Shop.
Grade B. Shasta River (3000-04, 3005-08, 3009-17-$519,000): (3000-04)
These weirs have deteriorated over the past few years due to the use of
undersized boulders in construction. Only about 10% of the effective structures
remain. In 1989 only 32 redds were observed on the weirs. Very expensive
($363,000) spawning gravel. Grade D. The four fishways (3005-08-$17,000)
are all currently passing fish. Grade B. The nine screens \93009-17-$139,000)
are in place and functional, but are dependent upon periodic maintenance
provided by the Yreka Screen Shop. Grade B. UPPER KLAMATH RIVER: Fall
Creek (2000-$-0-): The Fall Creek hatchery facility is on line and ready
to augment Iron Gate's production. The site has very good water quality
and can be instrumental in relieving crowding problems at Iron Gate.