Camp Polk Meadow Whychus Creek Restoration
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The Land Trust is just finishing working with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Deschutes National Forest to restore Whychus Creek at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. A brief overview of the restoration can be found below or you can dig deeper into the details.
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How will this stretch of Whychus Creek benefit from restoration?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. |
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In February of 2012, we "flipped the switch" and redirected the water from Whychus Creek into the restored channel. Watch videos from the historic day! Restoration crews finished the excavation of the restored channel where it connects with Whychus Creek's current channel while volunteers and ODFW biologists transferred the fish from the existing channel to the restored channel, and crews decommissioning the existing channel by filling it with rocks, trees, and soil.
Another round of plantings took place in the spring of 2012 and now the Land Trust will monitor the restoration and see how it responds over time. We’re eager to see what happens to our once dry meadow as it should continue to be radically transformed even without the bulldozers! Most of all the Land Trust will continue to take care of the meadow ensuring that it is protected and remains great habitat for fish and wildlife.
During spring, summer and fall, we offer tours of the restoration project. Visit our event page to find a tour.
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.
