Elk Creek: This stream historically supported large numbers of Coho and Chum salmon. By the 1970's the salmon population were effectively eliminated. Our organization started Remote Site Incubators (RSI) in the 1990's and observed fish populations returning, but without stable spawning habitat the returning salmon were unable to sustain their populations. We received funding in 2001 to restore about 2,300 ft of the stream.
Before:
After:
This Oct 2001 through Jan 2002, after the restoration of the streams spawning capability, we observed large numbers of both Coho and Chum salmon using the newly restored stream. We have also planted Coho and Chinook eggs in the stream.
Photos show students monitoring the stream before restoration and the same site after restoration salmon spawning in the same site.
Partners: Willapa Bay Fisheries Enhancement Group, Mike Howell, Washington Department of Fish and wildlife, and South bend School District.
Funded by: Washington State Salmon Recovery Board, WDFW, FishAmerica Foundation, Willapa Bay Fisheries Enhancement Group, Weyerhaeuser.