Middle Fork John Day Private Lands Revegetation: Phase 1

Limiting factors at this site included degraded floodplain and riparian vegetation, water temperature quality, and the presence of invasive species. Riparian acreage along Middle Fork John Day River were protected with a 4 wire, wildlife friendly livestock fence. Rooted plants (willows, cottonwood, blue elderberry, chokecherry, red-osier dogwood) were planted in the riparian area, and weed treatments were completed to target scotch and Canada thistle.
Pasture management activities were proposed but not completed, as fencing fully excluded grazing.

Removal of invasive species on the project site will stabilize soil, preventing erosion and improving water quality in salmon and steelhead migratory habitat. Removal of intensive grazing made possible by fencing will prevent further degradation of stream banks, increasing water quality in salmon and steelhead migratory habitat. Finally, establishment of woody riparian vegetation will shade the stream, lowering water temperatures and mitigating the potential for thermal barriers. Additionally, as woody vegetation matures its presence will increase the potential for large woody debris recruitment and habitat establishment.