Salmonid Habitat Recommendations: Russian River Basin, California, 1994-2002

Crews that conducted the inventory were trained in standardized habitat inventory methods and supervised by CDFG. The methodology utilized in the Russian River basin follows the procedures in the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual (Flosi et al. 1998).

CDFG has established “benchmarks” to define target habitat objectives established for north coast salmonid bearing streams. These benchmarks were adapted from the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual (Flosi, et al. 1998), and the Oregon Watershed Assessment Manual (OWEB, date) by Robert Coey, Associate Fish Biologist, CDFG, May 2000. Recommendations were developed from a limiting factors analysis which determined the condition of each stream, relative to how close each variable met the benchmark criteria (CDFG 2002).

Recommendations for fish habitat improvement are listed based on an analysis of the channel and habitat tying data, the biological inventory, and a review of the comments. The criteria for making and prioritizing each recommendation and treatment alternatives are documented in the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual (Flosi et al. 1998).Habitat restoration recommendations generally fall into the subsequent categories. 1 = Highest priority, 2 = 2nd highest priority, etc. (* = need has been identified from existing historical information or data, but no priority exists at this time.)