Assess chum salmon spawning ground habitat and potential spawning channel sites in the lower Cowlitz River. Typically, this work would start with a review of either LiDAR and/or topographical maps to identify likely locations for an improved chum salmon spawning channel (disconnected oxbows, abandoned/ disconnected channel scars, and side channels). Identify and contact landowners of likely areas to gauge interest. If there's landowner interest, conduct site visits to collect preliminary survey data and document habitat types. Participate in stakeholder meetings, including coordination with WDFW, tribal, local agencies, and public to share findings and gather feedback. Review all available sites and chose up to four (4) sites with the highest likelihood of success to conduct more intense evaluation, geo-referenced elevation surveys, pit pump tests to estimate available groundwater, install piezometers and data loggers to collect information on water temperatures and ground water depths over the course of one or more spawning and incubation seasons. Generate a report summarizing this work and site potential for a spawning channel.
