Finalizing Floodplain Restoration Designs & Permitting for Elijah Bristow State Park - Phase 1

This project within Elijah Bristow State Park (EBSP) is at the confluence of the Middle Fork Willamette River with Lost Creek, below Dexter Dam, and between the Lane County towns of Jasper and Lowell. Historically, a dynamic floodplain existed with multiple, braided channels and sloughs, ephemeral gravel bars and islands, and extensive cottonwood gallery forests. Due to its location below three large dams that have modified flows and altered the natural sediment regime, the dynamism of this floodplain has been lost. Activities such as gravel mining and building berms have also led to a more static environment. After the completion of a feasibility analysis, modeling and alternative analysis, and the creation of initial conceptual designs, the MFWWC conducted a Stakeholder Engagement process to foster tribal and community input and involvement in Elijah Bristow Floodplain Restoration. This project will contract Wolf Water Resources to finalize engineered designs and complete project permitting for Upper Zone restoration efforts. Partners include Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, US Forest Service, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

EBSP currently provides habitat for spring Chinook salmon. Salmon and steelhead need a diversity of habitat to satisfy needs within their various life stages. Currently, the project area lacks dynamic off-channel, side channel and slow water habitat which are important for spawning, rearing and protection from high flows. Large wood is infrequent within the project area. Due to the location below the dams, the lower Middle Fork Willamette River is also starved of gravel. If degradation of this site continues, it will negatively impact these spring Chinook salmon and other species. The floodplain restoration design that will result from this Technical Assistance project will identify how to increase the frequency and quality of floodplain connectivity, elevate the water table, connect side channels and alcoves, and mobilize trapped sediments. By restoring these processes, the habitat will follow, benefitting salmon and steelhead at all life stages.