Potential Aquatic Resource Mitigation Sites

for Southeast Alaska

1. Develop a tool to support SAWC to identify, rapidly assess and map potential mitigation projects in Southeast Alaska

2. Create a database to store mitigation site information and data

3. Utilize tool and conduct assessments in the communities of Haines, Skagway and Juneau

Goals of Project:

Study Area: Southeast Alaska

Compiled a list of potential mitigation projects

Developed and field tested a standardized assessment form and project vignettes

Generated a template of a user-friendly map on Google Earth*

Completed site assessments and project reports in Skagway, Haines and Juneau

Utilized GIS layers to understand potential functions of sites

Outcomes of Project:

Mitigation Site Assessment Form

Haines

10 sites have been identified

RESTORATION SITES

LATITUDE

LONGITUDE WETLAND TYPE

SIZE (acres) HUC

PORCIPINE BRIDGE POND 59.411361 -136.002845

R3USC, Riverine Upper Perennial Unconsolidated Shore Seasonally Flooded 81901030310

7 ECHOES SITE 59.157693 -135.36176E2EM1P, Estuarine Intertidal Emergent Persistent Seasonally Flooded   1901031308

SHEEP CANYON LAKE SLOUGH 59.466352 -135.987244

PEM1F, Palustrine Emergent Persistent Temporarily Flooded 1.1 19010303

3-MILE FILL 59.242371 -135.494195PEM1R, Palustrine Emergent Persistent Seasonally Flooded-Tidal 1.81901030313

7-MILE SADDLE TRAIL 59.266208 -135.601389

PSS1C, Riparian Shrub Forest Broad-leaved deciduous seasonally flooded 0.071901030313

5-MILE DRIVEWAY 59.259444 -135.560833PSS1C, Riparian Shrub Forest Broad-leaved deciduous seasonally flooded 0.00461901030313

10-MILE FLORESKI PROPERTY 59.2836 -135.680153

PEM1B, Palustrine Emergent Persistent Saturated 2.011901030313

DOT CULVERT 59.236087 -135.456433Stream 0.041901031308JONES POINT SITE 59.233024 -135.473507Stream 1.31901031308HAINES PRIVATE LANDFILL SITE 59.219707 -135.426743Palustrine 0.45190103031314-MILE SIDE ROADS    Riverrine   19010303HAINES SAWMILL 59.285311 -135.479246Estuarine-E1UBL   1901030317-MILE CULVERT    Riverine   19010303WELLS BRIDGE 59.412364 -135.931716GH VHNBC 1.05 19010303

Identified Restoration Projects in Haines

Site Efficacy in Haines

10-Mile Fill Site

GREEN: No obstaclesYELLOW: Potential obstaclesRED: Major obstacles

Porcupine Bridge Fill Site

Case Study #1

Case Study #2

“GREEN” “YELLOW”

Case Study #1:Porcupine Pond Site

Located 26 miles north of Haines on Haines Highway

1. Located adjacent to an anadromous fish stream2. No major obstacles3. Owned by the Alaska State Parks4. Straight forward project goals and objectives

Reasons this site was chosen:

Improve rearing habitat for salmonids and maintain productivity of amphibians.

Goal of Potential Restoration Project:

Map of Porcupine Pond Site

Case Study #2:10-Mile Fill Site

2-acre Fill Area

10-acre Wetland area

Project Objectives:

1. To remove fill2. To re-establish vegetation

Final Project Report

Ecological Suitability of Restoration Sites

Ecological Suitability: (refer to 332.2(d) Site Selection of the 2008 Final Rule)

a. Hydrological conditions: The west bank of the Skagway River is predominantly gravel beds and a large dike, which is not conducive to riparian or fish habitat productivity. The river is trying to make new channels but cannot based on the location of this dike.

b. Watershed scale features: Islands with vegetation increase habitat productivity. Gravel causes less productivity and has a negative impact on the diversity of riparian and fish habitat. The river has created several natural channels but the vegetation needs to be more abundant to support life.

c. Size and location in relative to other hydrologic sources: This restoration site is 1500 linear feet along the Skagway River which is nearly ½ mile wide.

d. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and watershed management plans: Unknown. e. Foreseeable affects this project with have on aquatic or terrestrial resources: This project

would have a very positive impact on both aquatic and terrestrial resources by way of creating natural cover and restoring structural habitat.

f. Other habitat relevant factors including, habitat trends, stream impact, habitat corridor for wildlife, habitat for state or federally listed threatened and endangered species, etc.; This section of the river is heavily impacted by the gravel extraction company on the west side, which has transformed the river into a gravel desert which is not amenable to wildlife habitat.

g. Other human use relevant factors including, land use changes, development trends, local or regional goals for water quality and floodplain management, relative potential for chemical contamination of the aquatic resources: Gravel extraction company is creating a “desert” effect to the river, where the fish and wildlife do not thrive.

Google Earth Perspective

Skagway

Skagway Sites

10 sites identified

Case Study in Skagway: Revetment and Re-

vegetation on the Skagway River

“GREEN”

Site location on the Skagway River:

Revetment andRe-vegetation Project area on Skagway River

Revetment and Re-vegetation on the

Skagway River

Area along dike to add soil and red alders to the bank along revetment area.

Riparian functions fish and wildlife habitat organic matter input to

streams structural habitat

restoration.

Functions to be restored:

Where do we go from here?Study Areas

Using Google Earth as a user friendly way for the public to view

mitigation projects

Best approach to identifying site: Communication with community groups to get local information is key.

Asking the right questions: 1. What is the history of the site?2. What functions need to be restored?3. What obstacles are involved with potential

restoration?

Be prepared when going out to site: Have map of site with coordinates, project assessment form (can be partially filled out ahead of time), get permission from property owners prior to site visit and know site features ahead of time.

Lessons learned:

Contact Info…..

Melany ZimmermanSoutheast Alaska Watershed Coalition(406) 529-5225melany.alaskawatersheds@gmail.comwww.alaskawatershedcoalition.org