Enhancing design to restore fish passage and ecosystem function in Miesen Creek
Status: In Progress
Location:
This project is located where the St. Joe River Road crosses Miesen Creek (tributary to the St Joe River) approximately 8 miles east of St. Maries, Idaho.
Background:
Miesen Creek faces several critical challenges stemming from a problematic culvert at its junction with St. Joe River Road, compounded by historical alterations to its stream channel. This undersized and deteriorating culvert leads to water backup during high runoff events, causing flooding near the residence of the adjacent upstream private landowner. By backing up the water and slowing down the velocity, sediment deposits on the upstream and downstream side of the culvert. Sediment accumulation at the culvert's outflow obstructs the primary and historic stream channel, diverting water into an old diversion ditch effectively creating a barrier to fish passage between spawning and rearing habitat in Miesen Creek and fish populations in the St. Joe River.
Focusing on the engineering aspects of fish passage and stream channel restoration, this project seamlessly integrates with a recently completed wetlands enhancement project, led by Idaho Fish and Game and Ducks Unlimited, and funded by AVISTA. The ultimate goal is to leverage the integrated designs from both projects and consolidate them into a single implementation effort. This strategic project represents a unique opportunity for all stakeholders involved to achieve a multitude of respective goals and contribute to the holistic restoration of Miesen Creek's ecosystem.
Restoration Completed:
Planning in progress
Benefits:
This project will re-establish the hydrological connection between Miesen Creek watershed with the St. Joe River and surrounding wetlands. Specifically, replacing the culvert will provide year-round passage for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and other fishes to spawning and rearing habitat and restore proper sediment transportation to increase water quality and reduce potential flooding risks.
Contact:
Carlos Camacho
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
2885 West Kathleen Ave.
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
p: 208-769-1414
carlos.camacho@idfg.idaho.gov
Sponsor:
Partners
