Klochak, J., Tanner, C. and Cagney, P., 1999. Deepwater Slough Restoration Project Monitoring Plan. Skagit River System Cooperative, La Conner, WA. pp. 50.

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This plan presents all tasks required to adequately monitor the success of the Deepwater Slough Restoration Project. The plan is based on a conceptual model linking watershed processes to habitat conditions and functions, and biological responses to those functions. Thom and Wellman (1996) suggest using such an ecosystem model to identify linkages between controlling factors, structure and function when developing a restoration monitoring program. We use the general watershed model developed by the Skagit Watershed Council (1998) to link controls, processes, and habitat conditions and then focus the model on our project area.
We link the restoration of disrupted watershed processes to the restoration of habitat conditions, and then to ensuing biological responses. We describe processes and conditions as they historically existed and currently exist at the Deepwater Slough Restoration Project site. We develop a restoration goal and objectives, and describe restoration actions with which we hope to meet them. Finally, we monitor restored processes, habitat conditions, and biological responses in order to determine the success of the project and to recommend adaptive management measures.
The Watershed Model
Within any watershed or river reach, habitat conditions are created and maintained via landscape processes that vary spatially and temporally and fixed controlling factors that do not vary (Naiman et al 1992, Reeves et al 1995, and Beechie 1998). These controlling factors and variable processes act upon the watershed to create and maintain a dynamic mosaic of different habitat conditions.
Watershed size, topography, geology, and climate are controlling factors that dictate the gross morphology of the river network. Processes important in creating and maintaining riparian habitat conditions and functions include river hydrology, sediment supply, vegetation community composition (stand type and age for forested areas), animal activity (i.e., beavers), and large woody debris recruitment. In lower river reaches subject to tidal influence, tidal hydrology is an important process. All processes may be and usually are altered by land use and other human activities.

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Categories: Restoration Planning Documents
Tags: 1999.