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.

 
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? 

The planning phase of the restoration is complete. After much research and data collection, the restoration team decided that the best way to to restore the creek is to return it to its original channel through the meadow.

Ryan Houston from the UDWC gives a talk about the Whychus Creek restoration at Camp Polk. Photo: JW Visuals.

In 2008, we will be working to permit the project and do the necessary preparatory work. This includes, but is not limited to, invasive weed removal, temporary bridge installation and collecting trees to place in the stream.  During 2009-2012, we will begin the actual implementation of the restoration. This includes digging the new stream channel, planting it with native vegetation, and then closing off the older stream channel. Beyond 2012, 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. Or watch the brief (3 min) Wahoo Films video on the project.

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.