This project addresses the shortage of high-quality salmonid-rearing habitat along Cedar Creek, a major tributary of the lower Lewis River and one of its most productive for anadromous fish. Historic logging, land use changes, and residential development have reduced large woody debris (LWD) in the system—including at the project site.

Located about eight miles upstream from the Cedar Creek–Lewis River confluence near Amboy, the Masser property spans both the north and south banks of Cedar Creek within the Cedar Creek 3 reach, between John and Brush Creeks. While much of the lower reach is forested, this site lacks the riparian forest needed for LWD recruitment and habitat complexity.

Aerial imagery shows the area was logged before 1950 and later converted to agriculture. Today, hay production dominates the land north of the creek, offering little habitat benefit. Although some small woody debris is present, it is transitory, and both banks are eroding due to inadequate riparian buffers and invasive species—contributing to channel incision and sedimentation. While LCFEG is advancing long-term LWD recruitment through a separate riparian project, this instream design component will provide more immediate habitat improvements.