clackamas river basin council lower columbia river conservation and recovery plan implementer’s...
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Clackamas River Basin CouncilLower Columbia River Conservation and Recovery Plan
Implementer’s PerspectiveAugust 19, 2013
Clackamas WatershedOur Mission: To foster partnerships for clean water, to improve fish and wildlife habitat , and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and recreate within the Clackamas River Basin
•Size•Fish species•Fish populations•Limiting factors
Why We Do What We Do: The Clackamas Is an Ecological Gem
• Recognized as a Salmon Stronghold with Coho, Chinook, and Steelhead species
• Clackamas River is a high priority area and federally-recognized critical habitat for salmon recovery
• Important to the Greater Willamette and Lower Columbia Systems
• Clackamas River is the source of water for over 400,000 people
• “Wild and Scenic Designation” and a valuable recreation resource close to the Metro population center
Our Council Activities
• Participate on Community Advisory Committees where planning for future benefits to the watershed occurs
• In-stream and stream-side restoration projects for improved fish habitat and protections for our water quality
• Monitor stream health
• Outreach to landowners, community members, and school programs and engage volunteers
What We Do: OutreachOutreach, Education and Stewardship•11th Annual Down the River Clean Up - September 8, 2013•Tour de Clack- watershed restoration project bike tour•Community work parties and events•Student education •Landowner outreach, education, and assistance•Watershed hikes•Restoration site tours
What We Do: Monitoring
Water Quality •Monitoring and reporting - nutrient levels and macro-invertebrates•Pesticide factsheets, education and Pesticide Round-Up •Stream channel (DEQ monitoring)
What We Do: In-Stream
Fish Passage Restoration•Remove culverts, fords, and weirs•Over 150 miles of habitat opened/60 crossings addressed since 1997
2006 Spring Creek
Culvert removal
2011 Little Clear Creek
Fish passage
2010 Spring Creek
Culvert removal
2011 Delph Creek Culvert removal
What We Do: In-Stream
Habitat Enhancement•Install large wood debris (LWD) jams•Alcove and off-channel habitats•Complexity riffles and pools
2012Lower Clear Creek,
LWD/Alcove Enhancement
2010Upper Clear Creek, LWD 2012
Eagle Creek, LWD
What We Do: Riparian
Vegetation Restoration•Invasive species treatments, maintenance and monitoring•Native plantings- over 100,000 planted in 2013
Upcoming Projects
Rock Creek Confluence Habitat Restoration: LWD, floodplain connectivity, 12 AC riparian revegetation
Fisherman’s Bend Side-Channel Habitat Enhancement: historic off-channel rearing habitat
Challenges
• Funding!!- general, technical assistance, maintenance & monitoring
• Clackamas ‘urban watershed’ misconception• Compounding limiting factors- where to start?• Evolving priorities- geographic, Action Plan• Long term project planning• Taking advantage of opportunistic priorities• Landowner outreach and support
Next Steps
• Involve partners in the PIP Team (CRBC Project Implementation and Planning Team)
• Technical assistance grant to update Basin Action Plan, identify anchor habitats, prioritize geographic areas and identify projects
• Involvement with OWEB Willamette SIP (Special Investment Partnership)
• Diversify funding to support restoration projects• Continue project implementation to support and
contribute to LCRCRP