After decades of planning and nearly two years of construction, a major restoration project along the East Fork Lewis River has reached completion, reconnecting floodplain habitat, creating new channels and providing improved conditions for salmon and steelhead in Southwest Washington.
The $23.5 million East Fork Lewis River Reconnection Project, led by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership in collaboration with Clark County and numerous public, private and tribal partners, celebrated the completion of construction during an event attended by project leaders, elected officials, contractors and community members on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The project restored portions of the river's floodplain that had been altered by gravel mining and the historic floods of 1995 and 1996, creating a network of side channels, wetlands and connections to the main river. The work is intended to improve fish habitat, restore natural floodplain processes and help protect downstream communities from flooding, as well as erosion of the river's banks.
State Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, said the project's benefits extend beyond improving fish habitat, after sharing early skepticism on floodplain restoration, he explained how restoring the floodplain's natural functions can also help reduce flooding risks for downstream communities.
“I was a little skeptical, but I listened to their presentation and I realized how true floodplains by design is to improving our environment,” Orcutt said. “And if you look at what they're all about, it's restoring floodplain function, which is very critical not only to salmon habitat, but to downstream flooding issues because a properly functioning floodplain will store water during high periods of flow and protect downstream communities.”
The project's results are already becoming visible. Chum, coho and Chinook salmon have been observed spawning in the restored and reconnected river, while juvenile salmonids have begun using the new habitat.
“This is a very exciting moment for our tribe and for the citizens surrounding this habitat,” said Dean Reynolds, vice chairman of the general council of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, during the completion celebration.
“For the Cowlitz people, the rivers, waterways of Southwest Washington have always been central to who we are,” Reynolds added. “Since time immemorial, our ancestors have lived alongside these rivers, caring for the land, water, and natural resources that have sustained our people.”
Reynolds said the restoration carries significance beyond the ecological benefits, connecting the river's future with the cultural traditions and responsibilities of the people who have lived alongside it for generations.
“To see three miles of this river restored with improved habitat for salmon and steelhead, a healthier floodplain, and greater protections for surrounding communities is truly something worth celebrating,” he said.
The project also represents years of work to restore the East Fork's natural processes after past gravel-mining operations altered portions of its floodplain.
Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall said the project reflects a vision that dates back more than four decades to establish a greenway along the river, protect habitat and provide opportunities for recreation.
“Clark County had a vision that goes back 40 years or more to develop a greenway along the length of the East Fork to provide an opportunity and nurture partnerships to restore the river, to improve fish and wildlife habitat, and to encourage people to enjoy remarkable recreational opportunities on this river,” Marshall said.
Toward that goal, the county has acquired or contributed to the acquisition of nearly 2,500 acres of land along the river, she said.
Marshall said the East Fork is the largest free-flowing river in Clark County and plays an important role in supporting steelhead and other wildlife.
She also thanked community members who continued to support the effort while portions of the river were closed during construction.
“The East Fork is an ecological gem,” Marshall said.
Marshall said the restored river will allow future generations to experience a landscape closer to the one that existed before gravel mining altered the area.
“If you're floating or fishing, you will be experiencing what our great-grandparents and people who go back even further experienced on this river,” she said. “So it's a remarkable legacy for us to enjoy, and I know there will be future projects we can all get involved with.”
Early signs of ecological recovery
While the completion celebration marked the end of construction, the landscape will continue to evolve as water moves through the newly connected channels and vegetation becomes established.
Kari Dupler of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership said work on the eastern side of the property was completed this year, including filling gravel pits known as pits seven, eight and nine. The east floodplain channel and its associated side channels are now open to the river.
The organization plans to install more than 100,000 plants during the current planting season, with additional planting and interplanting work planned on the western floodplain side channel and along the main river.
Dupler said the area around a former gravel pit known as pit six has transformed into a meandering side channel connected to a wetland. Wetland vegetation has grown well in the year since construction was completed in that area.
Wildlife also has begun taking advantage of the changing landscape.
Dupler said a beaver recently established a small dam downstream of the western side channel, backing up some water while allowing the channel to remain connected to the main river.
Juvenile salmonids have been gathering near newly installed wood structures, where cold water and vegetation provide shelter.
“It's a nice little hangout spot for those guys,” Dupler said.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Chinook monitoring team has been surveying the river weekly, mapping the redds, or nests, created by adult salmon as they lay their eggs. Dupler said monitoring has identified redds within the project area, including in sections where fish were observed last year.
“We're seeing fish use them again this year,” Dupler said. “We're seeing adults hanging out and hiding under the wood structures that are in the main stem. So it feels a little bit like, you know, if you build it they will come.”
The restoration includes a variety of native plants selected to match differences in elevation and water exposure across the floodplain. Dupler said the planting plan includes roughly five or six types of willows and upwards of 25 species of woody plants, ranging from shrubs to trees.
A long-term investment
Steve Manlow, executive director of the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, said the project builds on decades of efforts to conserve the East Fork watershed and restore its floodplain.
He recalled observing the river during the 1996 floods, when it broke through a haul road and flowed into abandoned gravel pits. The event demonstrated how the river would eventually reclaim parts of its former floodplain, although restoration work would be needed to help the landscape recover.
The importance of floodplain restoration was incorporated into salmon recovery planning adopted in 2004, Manlow said. The plan recognized the project's scale and complexity, along with the need for additional funding, land conservation and cooperation among property owners, tribes and organizations.
“This is one of the most important projects, and I'll put my recovery manager hat on here, that was called for when the recovery plan has been completed,” Manlow said. “The floodplain has been reset. Cold water sources have been connected, and fish are already returning to their new home.”
Orcutt said the project demonstrates how a functioning floodplain can benefit both fish and people by storing water during periods of high flows and reducing pressure on downstream communities and habitat.
Orcutt helped secure more than $5 million for the project, according to the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership.
The project received support from state and federal agencies, Clark County, tribal governments, conservation organizations, private partners and volunteers.
Dupler said the next phase will focus on planting and observing how the river responds to seasonal flows. Recent high-water events have already moved sediment and deposited sand and gravel beyond the riverbanks, changes she said are part of the restoration's intended outcome.
“I think the biggest thing that I'm excited to see is just how the landscape continues to change over time,” Dupler said.
As the project matures, she hopes visitors will recognize how side channels, wetlands and the main river work together to create interconnected habitats.
“I hope that when people look at these areas they see nature restoring itself,” Dupler said. “I just hope that they see that and understand that's what was here historically and then I hope that they get to enjoy seeing the return of fish and mink and beaver to the system and get to see more of that.”
