Title: Pataha Creek Model Watershed : January 2000-December 2002 Habitat Conservation Projects.

Abstract

The projects outlined in detail on the attached project reports were implemented from calendar year 2000 through 2002 in the Pataha Creek Watershed. The Pataha Creek Watershed was selected in 1993, along with the Tucannon and Asotin Creeks, as model watersheds by NPPC. In previous years, demonstration sites using riparian fencing, off site watering facilities, tree and shrub plantings and upland conservation practices were used for information and education and were the main focus of the implementation phase of the watershed plan. These practices were the main focus of the watershed plan to reduce the majority of the sediment entering the stream. Prior to 2000, several bank stabilization projects were installed but the installation costs became prohibitive and these types of projects were reduced in numbers over the following years. The years 2000 through 2002 were years where a focused effort was made to work on the upland conservation practices to reduce the sedimentation into Pataha Creek. Over 95% of the sediment entering the stream can be tied directly to the upland and riparian areas of the watershed. The Pataha Creek has steelhead in the upper reaches and native and planted rainbow trout in the mid to upper portion. Suckers,more » pikeminow and shiners inhabit the lower portion because of the higher water temperatures and lack of vegetation. The improvement of riparian habitat will improve habitat for the desired fish species. The lower portion of the Pataha Creek could eventually develop into spawning and rearing habitat for chinook salmon if some migration barriers are removed and habitat is restored. The upland projects completed during 2000 through 2002 were practices that reduce erosion from the cropland. Three-year continuous no-till projects were finishing up and the monitoring of this particular practice is ongoing. Its direct impact on soil erosion along with the economical aspects is being studied. Other practices such as terrace, waterway, sediment basin construction and the installation of strip systems are also taking place. The years 2000 through 2002 were productive years for the Pataha Creek Model Watershed but due to the fact that most of the cooperators in the watershed have reached their limitation allowed for no-till and direct seed/ two pass of 3 years with each practice, the cost share for these practices is lower than the years of the late 90's. All the upland practices that were implemented have helped to further reduce erosion from the cropland. This has resulted in a reduction of sedimentation into the spawning and rearing area of the fall chinook salmon located in the lower portion of the Tucannon River. The tree planting projects have helped in reducing sedimentation and have also improved the riparian zone of desired locations inside the Pataha Creek Watershed. The CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) along with the CCRP (Continuous Conservation Reserve Program) are becoming more prevalent in the watershed and are protecting the riparian areas along the Pataha Creek at an increasing level every year. Currently roughly 197 acres of riparian has been enrolled along the Pataha Creek in the CREP program.« less

Authors:

Bartels, Duane G

Publication Date:

Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 2003

Research Org.:

Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR (US)

Sponsoring Org.:

US Department of Energy (US)

OSTI Identifier:

823099

Report Number(s):

DOE/BP-14994-2
TRN: US200415%%182

DOE Contract Number:  

99AP14994

Resource Type:

Technical Report

Resource Relation:

Other Information: PBD: 1 Apr 2003

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; CONSTRUCTION; HABITAT; IMPLEMENTATION; MONITORING; PLANTS; REARING; SALMON; SEDIMENTATION; SEDIMENTS; SETTLING PONDS; SOILS; STREAMS; TROUT; WATER; WATERSHEDS; STREAM CONSERVATION - WASHINGTON (STATE) - PATAHA CREEK WATERSHED