Environmental Degradation of Spawning Gravels in the Tucannon River

The important relationship between upstream soil and water conservation measures and salmonid habitat conditions in the Pacific Northwest is illustrated by way of computer simulations of habitat supported by the Tucannon River. The analysis was carried out with a physically-based mathematical model which incorporates all the important processes which affect the grow and survival of salmonid embryos and fry. Results from prognosis runs conducted using different Tucannon River watershed scenarios demonstrate that restoring the watershed to its pristine condition would result in a significant habitat recovery in terms of emerging fry reaching the stream.