A Recipe for Maximum Benefit from Restoration Dollars in Support of Fish Passage and Fish Habitat

Authors: Docken, Lisa V. Copper River Watershed Project; Morse, Kate. Copper River Watershed Project

Video Presentation

Abstract

Improperly designed or deteriorating culverts can block fish passage and degrade water quality in fish streams. A 2002 survey by Alaska Departments of Fish & Game and Transportation surveyed all culverts on state roads in the Copper River watershed and determined 64 percent of them were inadequate for passing juvenile fish at all flows. With the potential for a single failed culvert to block miles of upstream spawning and rearing habitat, and limit productivity of that fish stream, the Copper River Watershed Project (CRWP) and partners saw a need for evaluating these culverts with respect to watershed health and productivity. Our assessment project determined culverts that should be replaced to achieve maximum benefit for fish habitat in relation to the anticipated cost of replacing a given culvert. From 2011- 2016, CRWP utilized their developed Culvert-Ranking Protocol that factored in ecological and culvert conditions and surveyed every crossing in the Copper River watershed. By identifying poorly functioning culverts on high quality fish habitat, we are able to identify priority restoration projects that maximize the benefit for fish and use limited resources efficiently. Work stemming from the culvert ranking system in the watershed has resulted in CRWP being nationally recognized by our partners USFS and USFWS, celebrating this impactful partnership and the subsequent restoration outcomes. CRWP will share their recipe for success building on 15 years of fish passage and restoration experience, describing effective tools for identifying top projects in a way all partners agree, the methods for transparent and consistent communication, the importance of an inclusive table, creative ways to lift up partners and how and why we are emphasizing habitat components throughout each project to make the most of restoration dollars.

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