Oxbow Conservation Area Tailings Restoration, Phase 3

Phase III of this project was very successful. These funds specifically paid for construction on the Phase 3 portion of the channel (~1000 feet). In October, 2014 the last elements of the construction contract was completed consisting of the ditch grading and erosion control measures (straw and tackifier applications on the disturbed surfaces). The ungulate fence was also completed in October 2014. Specifically, 0.53 stream miles were treated which connected five acres of off-channel habitat and seven insert pools were created. Four acres were planted with riparian plants and restoration materials were purchased for future restoration projects, specifically 910 whole trees with root wads attached, 3,700 containerized plants and 10,000 feet of eight-foot woven wire fencing (CRITFC funding). 47 structures of anchored logs and boulders were placed in channels over .53 miles of stream length. 3,755 cubic yards of spawning gravel were placed over .13 miles of stream length.

In December 2014, the project received a sizable flood event in the 2- to 5-year flow stage (not calculated yet). The project exhibited excellent floodplain connectivity, as designed, and no significant erosion issues were seen. Phase 5 is planned for 2016, which will complete the restoration of the project site.

This project was featured in the Blue Mountain Eagle, and Bureau of Reclamation put a video together to showcase this project. This video may be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35so1rcI1R8. Another project video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DcGA4kOBz8

Four spring Chinook Salmon redds counted within the completed river channel of Phase 3.

The project seeks to restore hydraulic and ecosystem processes for riparian and instream habitats critical for Mid-Columbia summer steelhead, spring Chinook salmon, and bull trout. This multi-phased project is located in the heart of spring Chinook salmon spawning, adult holding, and juvenile rearing. The property averages 14% of spring Chinook salmon spawning in this critical habitat zone of the MFJD watershed, but spawning is below site potential due to past dredging. This property is used by steelhead for both juvenile rearing and spawning in the river and five perennial tributaries within the property boundaries. The property has exceptional juvenile rearing potential, stemming from its location in the watershed and the six perennial tributaries entering the river within the property, but degraded habitat conditions limit current production. The Phase 3 Project site restores connectivity to the river on Ruby Creek with channel construction and habitat enhancement of the lower 400-500 feet of the creek. Pacific lamprey are also present in the river and tributaries on this property.

The project primary goal is to restore instream habitat conditions and structure for salmonid production, and set the stage for processes needed to sustain habitat features. This project seeks to greatly enhance instream habitat for salmonids in terms of rearing habitat, as this is the main identified bottleneck in population recovery. Pools with large wood structure, complex riffles, and targeted use of cold-water alcoves and spring channels will be the features to aid in rearing habitat for salmonids. Water temperature will also be buffered through an extensive vegetation plan, which promotes stream shading and appropriate channel widths on the constructed channel segments.