DESCRIPTION
Phase 5 of knotweed survey and treatment on the lower Quinault River from river mile 11 to river mile 20 (9 river miles). To control invasive species in order to restore healthy riparian ecosystem function for salmon habitat. Phase 5 survey and treatment extent is 6 river miles.
The Quinault Indian Nation Division of Natural Resources, department of Environmental Protection, Invasive Species program conducted one-year of survey and treatment of Knotweed in the lower Quinault River floodplain. The proposed project area was located from approximately river mile 14 to 20 (6 miles). Of the proposed project area, river miles 15.5 to 20 (4.5 miles) were treated. At the time of the project application, the extent of knotweed infestation in the proposed project area was unknown. We found it is still difficult to accurately predict the extent of knotweed infestations in floodplain, side channels, and oxbows until the survey is completed. Accessibility, infestation density, and other factors go into how much can get done in any given year. Match funding allowed for two additional crews to work in the project area, thus increasing the overall cost of the project. However, the factors of access and unknown extent of infestation contributed to the actual treatment area being smaller than originally proposed. The restoration funding allowed the sponsor to continue its invasive plant treatment and control program in the lower Quinault River watershed. Quinault River salmonid species that will benefit from improved floodplain forest conditions and aquatic habitats include Chinook, Chum, Coho, Sockeye, Steelhead, and Cutthroat. Knotweed treatment locations were mapped using GPS in order to continue with next year’s treatment where this year’s ended.