Patterson Creek, a tributary to the Scott River in northern California, has been identified as
a high priority stream for endangered coho salmon spawning and rearing habitat rehabilitation
efforts. In October 2018, the Scott River Watershed Council introduced instream woody debris
structures to Patterson Creek in order to enhance the suitability of streambed substrates for coho
Salmon spawning and pools for juvenile rearing habitat. This research was conducted to determine
whether artificially-introduced log jam structures in Patterson Creek are impacting coho habitat
parameters, particularly spawning gravel suitability and juvenile rearing habitat quality. The study
resulted in the creation of a thorough stream habitat profile for Patterson Creek, including
quantification of current discharge, water temperature, streambed substrate composition, pool
frequency and quality, and vegetative coverage with the intention of establishing a protocol for
monitoring the continued effects of the instream woody debris structures on coho salmon habitat
in the creek. Qualitative descriptors of stream habitat were also documented, including stream
channel type, habitat unit classification, log jam descriptive inventory, photo point establishment,
and fish presence documentation. Recommendations are provided for future data collection in
Patterson Creek as well as in similar restoration project implementations.
Patterson Creek Wood Recruitment Tag Photos
| Funder | Contract # | Start Date | End Date | Funding Source | Land Ownership | Award Amount |
| USFWS | F18AC00201 | 8/1/2018 | 9/30/2023 | Federal | Public | $51,436 |