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

The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (HBMI) will receive $118,698 under a Project Grant award from the Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5's Tribal Wildlife Grants program (CFDA 15.639). The funding will support HBMI's efforts to install 100 trees and 150 boulders to restore one mile of instream habitat complexity in the Meduxnekeag River, a historical salmon stream. Specifically, HBMI will replicate natural log jam and boulder structures observed in the watershed to improve aquatic habitat conditions for brook trout. Anticipated outcomes include improved pools, riffles and shade; and increased opportunity for cold-water fish like salmon to access tributary refugia. The work furthers HBMI's long-term goal of restoring the Meduxnekeag's degraded habitat and water quality to support salmon populations. The award period is from June 1, 2023 through December 31, 2026.

We propose to install log JAM and boulder structures requiring 100 trees and 150 boulders to restore in stream habitat complexity, long term stability, and enhance fish habitat quality in a mile stretch of the main stem of the meduxnekeag river below where i 95 crosses the river and south and upstream of maliseet riverside village. This stretch is just upstream of another 3 4 mile stretch we expect to complete in 2022 and 3.8 miles of restoration completed on the main stem as of 2020. This project continues an established and long term effort by hbmi to restore aquatic habitat and improve water quality in the meduxnekeag watershed by mitigating legacy impacts of logging and dams in this historical salmon stream. Hbmi will continue contracting with john field, fluvial geomorphologist and certified USDA, nrcs technical service provider for project design and implementation. Field is the author of our aquatic habitat study for the meduxnekeag watershed. Natural existing log JAM and boulder structures field observed in the watershed will be replicated to improve habitat conditions for wild brook trout at the restoration site. Main project 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 create shade, riffles and pools),(4) photographing and resurveying the channel and channel features to document resulting changes (5) conducting long term monitoring field trial, and (6) providing education and outreach to our tribal and watershed communities. A considerable amount of boulders and woody debris were lost from the meduxnekeag in the 1800S. This lack of pool and riffle forming features created wide, shallow stream channels with little structural complexity and impaired aquatic habitat. The shallow, slow moving water warms more quickly contributing to temperatures also unsuitable for the rivers 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 reach cold water refugia in adjacent tributaries. One of hbmis overarching natural resource goals is salmon in our waters.