FINAL REPORT Project No. 2011-01W Project Name: Methow River Acquisition 2011 RM 48.7 (Bird) Project Summary Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation (MSRF) received funding support from the HCP Tributary fund to complete the acquisition of riparian and floodplain habitat adjacent to the Methow River at RM 48.7 (Bird). Funding provided by the Tributary Committee ($111,680) was utilized to leverage funding ($162,220) from WA RCO needed to complete the acquisition, survey and associated costs. Additional funding was provided by Bureau of Reclamation ($10,000) to identify restoration opportunities. MSRF had prioritized acquisition of approximately 17.13 acres on the right bank of the middle Methow River near RM 48.7 due to the presence of a large established side channel area. The property includes areas of active floodplain, a seasonal side channel with isolated overwintering rearing opportunities and limited upland area. This acquisition secured protection for more than 2,100 linear feet of waterfront on the main stem of the Methow and over 1500 linear feet of both sides of existing side channel. The acquisition objectives were to facilitate long term recovery of natural processes through the Middle Methow (M2) Reach, create opportunities for implementation of reach based habitat improvements, and prevent future degradation of functioning habitat for ESA listed species. Challenges: The original proposal sought funding support to acquire the floodplain and side channel portions of the Bird Property while preserving two (2) building sites for the Bird Family. During the appraisal process, the landowners decided that they would prefer to limit the retained holdings to a single parcel without potential for future subdivision. This option, while slightly more expensive, provided increased certainty of success for the restoration project in the long-term and greater flexibility in access in the short-term. The property had not previously been surveyed and was poorly described. During survey, it was discovered that multiple areas of encroachment existed between the Bird property and an adjacent holding owned by Peters. These issues were required to be resolved prior to closing. Successful restoration of the side channel portion of the property was, at least in part, contingent upon demonstrating ownership of the bed of that channel. Discussions with WA DNR were slow to materialize but ultimately did result in clear determination of non-navigability needed to clearly determine ownership.
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FINAL REPORT
Project No. 2011-01W Project Name: Methow River Acquisition 2011 RM 48.7 (Bird)
Project Summary Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation (MSRF) received funding support from the HCP Tributary fund to complete the acquisition of riparian and floodplain habitat adjacent to the Methow River at RM 48.7 (Bird). Funding provided by the Tributary Committee ($111,680) was utilized to leverage funding ($162,220) from WA RCO needed to complete the acquisition, survey and associated costs. Additional funding was provided by Bureau of Reclamation ($10,000) to identify restoration opportunities. MSRF had prioritized acquisition of approximately 17.13 acres on the right bank of the middle Methow River near RM 48.7 due to the presence of a large established side channel area. The property includes areas of active floodplain, a seasonal side channel with isolated overwintering rearing opportunities and limited upland area. This acquisition secured protection for more than 2,100 linear feet of waterfront on the main stem of the Methow and over 1500 linear feet of both sides of existing side channel. The acquisition objectives were to facilitate long term recovery of natural processes through the Middle Methow (M2) Reach, create opportunities for implementation of reach based habitat improvements, and prevent future degradation of functioning habitat for ESA listed species.
Challenges: The original proposal sought funding support to acquire the floodplain and side channel portions of the Bird Property while preserving two (2) building sites for the Bird Family. During the appraisal process, the landowners decided that they would prefer to limit the retained holdings to a single parcel without potential for future subdivision. This option, while slightly more expensive, provided increased certainty of success for the restoration project in the long-term and greater flexibility in access in the short-term. The property had not previously been surveyed and was poorly described. During survey, it was discovered that multiple areas of encroachment existed between the Bird property and an adjacent holding owned by Peters. These issues were required to be resolved prior to closing. Successful restoration of the side channel portion of the property was, at least in part, contingent upon demonstrating ownership of the bed of that channel. Discussions with WA DNR were slow to materialize but ultimately did result in clear determination of non-navigability needed to clearly determine ownership.
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Suggestions to the Committee: The Committee process was streamlined and understandable. This was greatly appreciated. The Committee’s flexibility in exploring a suite of acquisition options was also tremendously helpful. Final Work Products: MSRF has acquired all portions of the property lying within the riparian and floodplain of the Methow River and adequate areas within the upland to ensure access to the property (Approximately 17.13 acres). Deed of Right protections have been prepared for the property assigning conservation rights to the Tributary Committee and RCO separately. A Stewardship Plan was developed in coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation Middle Methow (M2) Project that protects the integrity of the side channel and floodplain and establishes standards for riparian management. A noxious weed inventory was completed in the Spring, 2012 and will be updated annually to determine success of interplanting as a control strategy. A dedicated public access point will be established in place of previous trespass. This area will also serve as an outreach portal to river users. Initial site restoration and enhancement work has been completed with funding and technical support form BPA and Reclamation.
Attachments:
Statutory Warranty Deed Site Exhibit Photo Points
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Whitefish Island Photo Points
View of seasonal side channel from public access point prior to acquisition and restoration.
Looking at forest stand on island adjacent to the side channel at mid-point.
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Side channel entrance allowing seasonal flows through center of property.
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Draft concepts for habitat improvement project at Whitefish Island property.
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