Steelhead support on the West Fork of Little Bear Creek
In 2016, you helped permanently protect 99 acres of lush forest and wildlife habitat, and 4/5 of a mile of the West Fork of Little Bear Creek between Troy and Kendrick. The Cooley Easement stretch of Little Bear Creek is home to some of the best steelhead spawning beds (redds) in the upper Potlatch watershed, and has been selected by Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) as the site of a major restoration project.
Downed timber already creating more shade in the Creek.
This summer, operators had the opportunity to play Mother Nature on an expedited timescale. Conifer trees were harvested onsite, selecting those that were stressed and unhealthy. The trees were placed in the streambed to increase shade and reduce water temperature. Cold water species such as steelhead need temperatures between 40- and 55-degrees Fahrenheit. Water temps above 60 degrees stress the fish and prevent a successful spawn. The logs also contribute to better shelter for smolts (baby steelhead). IDFG replicated beaver dam structures, which will aid in raising the overall water level of the stream.
The streambank stripped of reed canary grass and reinforced with boulders.
Bank destabilization and the invasion of reed canary grass and tansy are also playing havoc with the health of the stream. The historic railbed has greatly destabilized the bank, leading to big changes in stream flow and route. Logs and boulders have been strategically placed for stabilization, in addition to a major restoration planting of cottonwoods and other native plants, shrubs, and grasses.
If you’ve visited the Latah Trail into the canyon recently, you’ve no doubt noticed this massive undertaking at the end of the trail. And we know – it’s not exactly pretty right now. The major tree-falling and earth work took place in early August at the site is a little rough. But fear not, the expected outcomes for the Creek and steelhead are pretty exciting, and definitely worth the temporary eyesore.
With these projects, it is important to change our lens and keep long-term outcomes in mind. Imagine, if you will, a thriving stream with deeper cooler pools, less erosion, and a more diverse riparian flora that is flourishing and being able to witness the majesty that is anadromous trout. Won’t it be exciting to think back to these early days of chaos and how it was all worth it?
All involved partners are seriously invested in enhancing steelhead populations in the Potlatch River Basin, an area once rich with native fishes. The marine nutrients brought by these ocean-going fish is a massive nutrition dump for the ecosystem and its species.
Zoe and the late Jim Cooley, sharing their vision for the future in 2016.
Fortunately, Jim and Zoe Cooley had a long-term vision of conservation along Little Bear Creek. More work along this special stream is planned, meaning even greater benefits for native species in the years to come.
Your continuing support of the lands and waters that are the lifeblood of our region makes projects like this possible. Thank you for championing private land conservation that benefits us all!