This project by Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group will culminate instream fish habitat restoration work in Baird Creek, which is the furthest upstream of three imperative tributaries in the Coweeman watershed along with Mulholland and Goble Creeks.

The historic Baird Creek splash dam which has been in place since 1901, blocking fish passage updstream. The demolition of the dam established fish passage upstream, and sediment and LWD passage downstream. We then enhanced instream conditions in bedrock-dominant reaches by wood placement on 1.4 miles of stream, and created and implemented a riparian enhancement plan on 7.3 acres in the headwaters of Baird Creek upstream of the splash dam.

The riparian plan will encourage beaver establishment via BDA installation and revegetation efforts. Combined, this project will increase fish passage, release trapped sediment and LWD, increase water storage capacity, and improve overall habitat conditions that support ESA-listed Lower Columbia Chinook, coho, and steelhead.