Instream Habitat Enhancement

The Mattole River is subject to high sediment loads, warm water temperatures, low flows and minimal protective cover for fish.  MSG implements instream habitat enhancement projects to improve salmonid habitat and restore watershed functions.

Streambank Stabilization: Staff installwing deflectors and rock wall structures to stabilize eroding river banks and provided additional fish habitat.

Large Woody Debris Structures: Staff place large complex wood and rock structures throughout the watershed, especially in the headwaters and estuary, to re-create cold pool habitat and provide protective cover for salmonids.

Fish Passage: Staff divert a percentage of outmigrating Chinook salmon into rearing ponds for the summer to increase survival and protect them from degraded estuarine and lower mainstem habitat conditions.