We propose to install log-JAM and boulder structures requiring 100 trees and 150 boulders to restore in-streamhabitat complexity, long term stability, and enhance fish habitat quality in a 3/4 mile…

The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (HBMI) will receive $100,000 through a Cooperative Agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program (CFDA 15.631). HBMI will install 100 trees and 150 boulders to restore in-stream habitat complexity and enhance fish habitat quality in a 3/4 mile stretch of the Meduxnekeag River in Maine. Specifically, HBMI will replicate natural log-jam and boulder structures observed in the watershed to improve conditions for brook trout. Key tasks include acquiring materials, obtaining permits, installing hydro-modification best management practices like boulder and log structures, and monitoring channel changes. The funding will support HBMI's long-term efforts to restore aquatic habitat and water quality degraded by historical logging and dams in the salmon-bearing Meduxnekeag River watershed.

We propose to install log-JAM and boulder structures requiring 100 trees and 150 boulders to restore in-streamhabitat complexity, long term stability, and enhance fish habitat quality in a 3/4 mile stretch of the main stem ofthe meduxnekeag river just south of maliseet riverside village extending south and upstream half way to wherei-95 crosses the river. This stretch is just upstream 3.8 miles restoration completed on the main stem as OF2020. This project continues an established and long term effort by hbmi to restore aquatic habitat and improvewater quality in the meduxnekeag watershed by mitigating legacy impacts of logging and dams in this historicalsalmon stream. Hbmi will continue contracting with john field, fluvial geomorphologist and certified USDA, nrcstechnical service provider for project design and implementation. Field is the author of our aquatic habitatstudy for the meduxnekeag watershed. Natural / existing log-JAM and boulder structures field observed in thewatershed will be replicated to improve habitat conditions for wild brook trout at the restoration site. Mainproject tasks include (1) gathering /acquiring project materials (boulders and trees with root wads), (2)obtaining state/federal permits, (3) installing hydro-modification bmps (boulder and log structures that createshade, riffles and pools), and (4) photographing and resurveying the channel and channel features to documentresulting changes. A considerable amount of boulders and woody debris were lost from the meduxnekeag in THE1800S. This lack of pool and riffle forming features created wide, shallow stream channels with littlestructural complexity and impaired aquatic habitat. The shallow, slow-moving water warms more quicklycontributing to temperatures also unsuitable for the river's cold water fish and other aquatic organisms.anticipated environmental outcomes include: (1) improved aquatic habitat (pools, riffles, shade) and (2)increased opportunity for cold-water fish such as salmon to migrate upstream into tribal waters and to reachcold-water refugia in adjacent tributaries. One of hbmi's overarching natural resource goals is "salmon in ourwaters."