Properly Functioning Condition Matrix A goal of the Aquatics Conservation Plan is to ensure a healthy habitat for fish in our streams. One tool used to monitor stream habitat health is the Properly Functioning Conditions Matrix (PFC).

PFC refers to an optimum state of aquatic habitat health as defined by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Presence of properly functioning conditions can enhance the long-term survival of anadromous salmonids - salmon and trout that are born in rivers, migrate to the sea, then return to rivers to spawn in freshwater.

This optimum state of stream health is identified by key variables that provide the best possible environment for fish:

• Water temperature
• Canopy cover
• Sediment
• Instream large wood
• Large wood recruitment
• Pool frequency
• Pool quality

Our team of environmental scientists regularly monitor and study these key variables to ensure that we are continually working toward the best possible habitat conditions for fish in our streams.