{"id":4149,"date":"2025-12-14T19:06:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T03:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/northwest\/?p=4149"},"modified":"2026-04-10T09:20:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T16:20:05","slug":"river-restoration-in-the-pilchuck-river-and-the-challenge-of-sourcing-wood-for-instream-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/northwest\/river-restoration-in-the-pilchuck-river-and-the-challenge-of-sourcing-wood-for-instream-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"River Restoration in the Pilchuck River and the Challenge of Sourcing Wood for Instream Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Instream restoration projects often rely on large volumes of wood, and sourcing that material can be one of the largest challenges of an instream project. Two examples in Washington, the Pilchuck River restoration project and the Instream Wood Bank Network, highlight how collaboration, early coordination, and creative use of available material can help address these challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pilchuck River Project<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Washington\u2019s upper Pilchuck River, the Tulalip Tribes recently led a project to restore natural river processes and improve habitat for seven species of anadromous fish. The effort installed 28 large wood structures using approximately 400 trees. These engineered logjams were intended to slow water, form pools, capture sediment, create habitat for salmon and other aquatic species, and reintroduce complexity to a river system affected by historic timber harvest and the legacy of a now-removed dam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many projects of this scale, securing materials can be one of the most difficult aspects of implementation. Depending on the funding source, cost can be a limiting factor, and in other cases the challenge lies in finding nearby trees that meet project specifications. In some situations, restoration teams rely on logs from clearcuts, which can raise thorny questions about ecological tradeoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To secure materials for the Pilchuck project, the Tulalip Tribes partnered with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A recent blowdown event on nearby lands created a supply of downed trees that met project needs. Because the partners were already coordinating closely, they were able to take advantage of this opportunity by collecting the trees and arranging delivery via helicopter to the project site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This effort highlights the value of collaboration and the opportunities that can arise when partners think creatively about sourcing solutions. But these kinds of situations are not always available, which underscores a broader regional need for more consistent and accessible ways to connect available wood with restoration work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanding Sourcing Options: The Instream Wood Bank Network<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Trees
Trees in the Pilchuck River create new habitats. Photo supplied by the Tulalip Tribes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Aerial
Aerial view of the Pilchuck River restoration project. Photo supplied by the Tulalip Tribes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"An
An aerial view of the winding Pilchuck River. Photo supplied by the Tulalip Tribes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A mass of trees in the Pilchuck River. Photo supplied by the Tulalip Tribes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

One effort addressing this need is the Instream Wood Bank Network in southwest Washington. The Wood Bank is an initiative managed by Cascade Forest Conservancy which identifies sources of salvaged and non-lumber-grade wood and makes these materials available to restoration groups. Since 2019, it has supplied materials for projects led by the Cowlitz Tribe, Yakama Nation, Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group, Underwood Conservation District, the U.S. Forest Service, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood has been sourced from a range of places, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n