Keeton Creek Diversion Fish Passage , Culvert, and Aquatic Habitat Uplift

1)This project is located in the Mountain Creek Watershed, along Keeton Creek approximately 10 miles east from the town of Mitchell, OR in Wheeler County. 2) Keeton Creek is categorized as essential habitat for ESA listed Mid-Columbia summer Steelhead. ODFW district staff conducted a rapid survey on random short sections of the creek using backpack electro-shockers, and at each site several O. mykiss were found, although overall abundance was low. Fish presence did increase significantly in the upper portions of the timber line which suggests habitat conditions in the lower reaches may be contributing to the lower number of fish presence. The property also has nine fish passage concerns, 7 Point of Diversion (POD) and 1 culvert, that are impeding fish passage in addition to needing fish screens. 3) This project will develop two designs - one design will correct eight passage barriers and install seven screens that are needed to support fish passage, and one design will incorporate habitat components to enhance riparian conditions and salmonid use. This project will also support Wheeler SWCD staff to begin applying for all required permits and complete cultural resource obligations to obtain clearance for implementation. POD designs will reduce landowner maintenance within the riparian zone. LTPBR structures will recruit LWD, attenuate flows, improve floodplain connectivity, aggregate sediment, and increase riparian woody productivity. This increased complexity within the channel will provide greater uplift for Steelhead utilization, protecting high quality habitat throughout the project site. 4) Project partners will include OWEB, ODFW, BPA, USFS, and Wheeler SWCD.

This project will develop two designs - one design to correct nine passage barriers and install eight screens that are needed to support fish passage during all flows, and one design will incorporate habitat components to increase and enhance riparian conditions and salmonid use. In addition, all required permit applications will be submitted and cultural resource surveys/reporting will be completed. The blended suite of habitat work and fish passage/screening actions will bring Keeton Creek to its full potential and allow Steelhead abundance to grow throughout the whole stream system. New PODs, added fish screens, and the culvert replacement will ensure fish passage at all times during all flows throughout the whole reach. Creating stable PODs will also reduce landowner instream maintenance by minimizing heavy machinery being used near or within the riparian zone. Stable PODs also will lead to bank stability. The habitat elements will increase physical complexity instream, increase floodplain connectivity, and overall provide key habitat for Steelhead. LTPBR structures slow water transportation maximizing hydraulic diversity by creating upstream ponds and ultimately expanding vegetation increasing floodplain connection. LWD will create scour pools increasing spawning gravels, pool depth, and habitat cover for Steelhead to occupy.