McKinney Post-Fire Restoration Project at McConnell Bar and Humbug Creek

McKinney Post-Fire Restoration Project at McConnell Bar and Humbug Creek

This project proposes in-stream and floodplain habitat enhancements. Restoration activities will be implemented to provide habitat complexity, provide refuge for fish during high flows, improve hydrologic and hydraulic diversity and complexity, and enhance sediment sorting processes that are critical for all life stages of fish and other aquatic species in the Klamath River system. Proposed activities include: Reconnect the floodplain to increase viable juvenile rearing habitat; Remove McKinney Fire floods-caused debris, fine sediments and refuse in the Humbug Creek confluence area and on the McConnell Bar elevated floodplain where materials from the fire were deposited; Realign the Humbug Creek channel from below the bridge to the confluence, and install habitat features in the creek; Excavate to reconnect historic channels in the greater floodplain of the Klamath River to enhance sinuosity and channel length, and to promote habitat complexity (construct meander; construct 50/50 split flow channel; open disconnected side channel, and create pool (backwater alcove)); Remove an upstream embankment (likely a historical mining remnant) to eliminate an unnatural constriction and lessen the velocity; Divert flows temporarily from the work areas to prevent excess turbidity; Install features such as gravel, and large wood (structured log jams) to improve spawning and rearing conditions; and Remove invasive plant species during construction and salvage onsite native vegetation (such as willow bundles) to be replanted post-construction along with additional native plant seeds and other propagules to both stabilize the site and enhance riparian areas.

unincorporated area

Siskiyou

Northern California