This study evaluates the one-year survivorship of deep-planted cottonwood poles installed by the Skagit River System Cooperative at the Skiyou Island Restoration site. With increasing drought associated with climate change, we are researching new strategies to overcome challenging growing conditions, such as well-drained alluvial soils. This is important as climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of droughts in the Pacific Northwest. Summer precipitation is decreasing, (Littell et al. 2011) while reduced snowpacks melting earlier reduces summer stream flows creating high water stress conditions.
The United States Forest Service acquired the Skiyou Island property in 2003 under the Land and Water Conservation Fund program to contribute to the management goals of the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System. The 280-acre property is three miles east of Sedro Woolley, Washington, within the floodplain of the Skagit River
