We propose to install logjam and boulder structures requiring 150 trees and 225 boulders to restore instreamhabitat complexity, long term stability, and enhance fish habitat quality in a 0.8 mile…

This $201,910 federal Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Tribal Wildlife Grants (CFDA 15.639) program supports the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians in Maine to install logjam and boulder structures to restore in-stream habitat complexity and enhance fish habitat quality in a 0.8-mile stretch of the North Branch of the Meduxnekeag River. The key products and services to be delivered under this grant include: (1) gathering and acquiring 150 trees and 225 boulders, (2) obtaining necessary state and federal permits, (3) installing the logjam and boulder structures to create shade, riffles, and pools, and (4) conducting 3 years of pre- and post-installation monitoring. This project aims to mitigate the legacy impacts of logging and dams in this historical salmon stream and improve aquatic habitat conditions for cold-water fish species like wild brook trout. The grant award period is from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

We propose to install logjam and boulder structures requiring 150 trees and 225 boulders to restore instreamhabitat complexity, long term stability, and enhance fish habitat quality in a 0.8 mile stretch of the northbranch of the meduxnekeag river. This project continues an established and long term effort by hbmi to restoreaquatic habitat and improve water quality in the meduxnekeag water shed by mitigating legacy impacts of loggingand dams in this historical salmon stream. Hbmi will continue contracting with john field, fluvialgeomorphologist and certified USDA, nrcs technical service provider for project design and implementation. Fieldis the author of our aquatic habitat study for the meduxnekeag watershed. Natural, existing logjam and boulderstructures field observed in the watershed will be replicated to improve habitat conditions for wild brook troutat the restoration site. Main project tasks include 1 gathering and acquiring project materials boulders andtrees with root wads, 2OBTAINING state and federal permits, 3 installing hydromodification bmps boulderand log structures that create shade, riffles, and pools, and 4 repeat photograph for 3 years. A considerableamount of boulders and wood were removed from the meduxnekeag in the 1800S. This lack of pool and riffle formingfeatures created wide, shallow stream channels with little structural complexity and impaired aquatic habitat .the shallow, s l OW moving water warms more quickly contributing to temperatures also unsuitable for the river scol d water fish and other aquatic organisms. Anticipated environmental outcomes include 1 improved aquatichabitat pools, riffles, shade and 2 increased opportunity for cold water fish such as salmon to migrateupstream into tribal waters and to reach coldwater refugia in adjacent tributaries. One of hbmi s overarchingnatural resource goal s is salmon in our waters. Restoration work will be accompanied by 3 years of pre andpost installation monitoring and ongoing education and outreach activities.