Whychus Creek at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Photo: Byron Dudley.

The Land Trust is currently working with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Deschutes National Forest to restore Whychus Creek in Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. A brief overview of the restoration can be found below or you can dig deeper into the details.

 
Why are we restoring Whychus Creek? 

Historically salmon and steelhead made their way to the streams of the upper Deschutes basin to spawn and then rear. With the construction of dams on the lower Deschutes in the 1960's, fish passage to the upper basin was blocked.

Today, the relicensing of these dams has provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to restore native fish to their original range. The Land Trust acquired Camp Polk Meadow with the intent to restore the creek for the return of salmon and steelhead. The stretch of Whychus Creek that runs through Camp Polk Meadow will be some of the highest quality spawning and rearing habitat on Whychus Creek.

How will this stretch of Whychus Creek benefit from restoration?

Camp Polk Whychus Creek restoration project.

Whychus Creek is currently restricted to a narrow, straight and fast channel at the south edge of the meadow. The creek was moved to this channel as a result of agricultural and flood mitigation activities. Historically, the creek meandered throughout the meadow. Restoring it to its original channel will re-establish natural meanders, reconnect the creek with its historic floodplain, and create much better fish habitat than currently exists. It will also restore more than 70 acres of high quality wetland habitat, benefiting many wildlife species. 

Where are we currently with restoration? 

Restoring 1.7 miles of stream is no small project! In May 2009, crews began digging the restored channel. Photo: Land Trust.

In 2009 crews re-constructed a restored channel that followed the historic Whychus Creek path through Camp Polk Meadow. This year we continue to plant and water new vegetation around the restored channel. This vegetation will be allowed to grow for several years prior to allowing Whychus Creek to flow through the channel. 

In 2013, once the restored channel is ready, we will close off the existing channel and Whychus Creek will be redirected into its new route through the meadow. Beyond 2013, our hope is to monitor the project and perform any required maintenance.

During our spring, summer and fall tour season, we offer tours on the restoration project. Visit our event page to find a tour, watch a video on the project, or visit our restoration details page for time-lapse camera views and updated weekly slideshows.

Who is restoring Whychus Creek? 

The Land Trust has partnered with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Deschutes National Forest on this restoration project. Additionally, a technical advisory team has been involved to offer specific scientific expertise where needed. Members of this team include representatives from The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, University of Oregon, Oregon State, and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.