Stream and floodplain restoration at the reach scale has ranged from expensive, heavy‐handed modification of the channel and floodplain to simple, longer‐term revegetation efforts. We have developed and implemented a simple approach that emulates the ecosystem engineering effects of beaver. This approach is less expensive and disruptive than typical large‐scale engineering efforts and has the potential to restore both fish habitat and floodplain vegetation more rapidly than simply revegetating and waiting for the riparian zone to mature. The approach involves constructing log flow‐choke structures that mimic the hydraulic function of a natural beaver dam during flooding. By placing these structures throughout a naturally entrenched stream reach at locations promoting increased frequency of flood connection with floodplain swales and relict channels, we set the stage to restore the riparian corridor and floodplain more quickly than could be achieved through revegetation alone. Monitoring shows that within just one to two years of implementation, beaver are building more persistent dams in close proximity to our structures, and we are seeing increased hydraulic connectivity with the floodplain. Our technique may therefore provide a cost‐effective, natural process‐based restoration tool with potential large‐scale benefits.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe purpose of this study was to conduct physical and biological surveys of streams located on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation. Surveys were designed to collect information on improving spawning habitat, rearing habitat, and access to spawning tributaries for bull trout and cutthroat trout and to evaluate the existing fish stocks.

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for the general public within the Coeur d'Alene Reservation to facilitate a "holistic" watershed protection process; 4) Develop an interim fishery for tribal and non-tribal members of the reservation through construction, operation and maintenance of five trout ponds; 5) Design, construct, operate and maintain a trout production facility; and 6) Implement a five-year monitoring program to evaluate the effectiveness of the hatchery and habitat improvement projects. Since that time, much of the mitigation activities occurring within the Coeur d'Alene sub-basin have had a connection to the project entitled "Implement of Fisheries Enhancement Opportunities on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation", which is sponsored and implemented by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Fisheries Program and is the subject of this report. These activities provide partial mitigation for the extirpation of anadromous fish resources from usual and accustomed harvest areas and Reservation lands.