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This project will restore riparian habitat and reduce surface and bank erosion to a new stream channel. Omak Creek, a tributary to the Okanogan River and historically fished by the members of the Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT), has been identified as a priority for restoration in the Mid-Columbia Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). During the 1920's Omak Creek was routed under a timber mill site via an 1800 foot section of corrugated metal pipe (cmp), which created a velocity barrier to migrating salmonids. Adult steelhead, an endangered species, have been observed at the outlet of this section of cmp (G. Marco, CCT-Fish and Wildlife, personal communication). In 1998 the timber mill was purchased by Quality Veneer and Lumber. Owners decided to relocate Omak Creek away from the mill. The new open channel is approximately 3,000 ft. in length and includes meanders and "step" pools. The new channel will consist of one 200 ft. section of bottomless arch culvert which will not impede fish migration. Complications and increased cost during the construction of the channel and installation of the culvert have postponed certain restoration practices (erosion control methods, vegetation planting, in-stream structures). If not completed, the new channel and adjacent land surfaces would be susceptible to erosion and bank instability and the result would adversely impact in-stream habitat in Omak Creek and the Okanogan River.
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