Inland Subbasin Overview
The Inland Subbasin is the largest of the Big River Subbasins. Additionally, land use impacts in this subbasin
occurred later in time than the other two subbasins due to its location further inland, away from easy ocean
access. Much of this subbasin is owned and managed by the JDSF and large timber companies. Salmon and
steelhead habitat conditions in the Inland Subbasin are generally degraded, but support some salmonid
production. Salmonid populations are currently being limited by reduced habitat complexity, high water
temperatures, low summer stream flows, embedded spawning gravels, and artificial passage barriers. However,
historical accounts indicate that stream conditions were favorable for salmonid populations in the past.
There are many opportunities for improvements in stream conditions in this subbasin as well as a great need to
restore areas of stream refugia. Surveys by landowners, water temperature monitoring, riparian canopy
restoration, improvements to channel complexity such as additional LWD are examples of such opportunities.
The stability and erosiveness of terrain should be considered before project implementation and appropriate
BMPs should be followed to minimize erosion and sediment delivery to streams. Conditions beneficial to
salmonids may be further enhanced in this subbasin through encouraging all motivated subbasin landowners to
use good land stewardship practices and enlisting the aid and support of agency technology, experience, and
funding opportunities.
