CG&A members volunteered 40 hrs in November, and helped the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group disperse 4,700 carcasses on the Kalama and over 8,000 carcasses into Toutle basin.
This project is part of the SW Washington Nutrient Coalition Project which will increase the rearing success of natural-origin juvenile salmonids in the East Fork Lewis, Kalama, Toutle, and Washougal sub-basins over a three year period. LCFEG will direct and coordinate the dispersal of a minimum of 60,000 surplus hatchery salmonid carcasses during this time. In total, a minimum of 40 river-miles of high priority “Tier 1” reaches will be enhanced, alongside another 50 miles of “Tier 2-4” reaches. This project benefits Lower Columbia coho, Chinook, steelhead, and chum salmon species.
Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group staff and volunteers have worked closely with WDFW to accomplish nutrient enhancement goals for the 2021/2022 season. To date, we have dispersed approximately 20,100 salmon carcasses across four basins, East Fork Lewis, Kalama, Toutle, and Washougal. Fall Chinook nutrient enhancement began in late September, followed by early Coho.
Key nutrients supplied by anadromous salmonid carcasses and supplemented with SCA’s (Salmonid Carcass Analogs) play a crucial role in increasing the size and survival of salmonids, increasing productivity in riparian zones, and benefiting anadromous fish populations within each target watershed.
For more information, check out the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group’s web site.
A trailer of salmon ready to go back into the river!