Meacham Creek RM10-11 Floodplain Restoration Project

The purpose of the project is to address the primary limiting factors identified for Meacham Creek, , a major tributary to the upper Umatilla River southeast of Pendleton, Oregon, as identified in the 2008 Fish Accords (Three Treaty Tribes-Action Agencies 2008), incorporating the primary touchstones described in the Umatilla River Vision (Jones et al. 2008), and consistent with the Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael and Taylor 2010), the Meacham Creek Watershed Assessment and Action Plan (Andrus and Middel 2003), and the Umatilla Subbasin Plan (NPCC 2005).



The watershed has been impacted by the presence of the UPRR railroad tracks, the road, and the extensive diking, channelization, and changes in vegetation that have occurred as a result. In addition, the natural condition of Meacham Creek has been affected by the presence of livestock in the riparian area and stream zone, where moderate to heavy grazing pressure occurred. These impacts have resulted in a decrease in channel complexity, a lack of woody materials, a substantial loss of floodplain connectivity and an overall simplification of floodplain processes. CTUIR completed an assessment of the project area and are working towards finalizing project design in 2023 with implementation anticipated for 2024.



The project is located along Meacham Creek RM 10-11. This project will build on prior restoration in Meacham Creek by restoring functional floodplain and secondary channel conditions and instream habitat enhancement along an additional 4,700 ft of Meacham Creek. The project has been designed to restore ecological processes by implementing process-based restoration based on concepts discussed in the CTUIR River Vision considering all restoration possibilities within the floodplain and active channel, given the existing hydrologic, geomorphologic, and land management constraints of the site. Proposed restoration action categories and conservation measures are intended to align with those identified in the USFS ARBO II ESA consultation process including: Channel Structure Placement, Off- and Side-Channel Restoration, Streambank Restoration, Fencing, Gravel Augmentation, Non-native Invasive Plant Control, and Revegetation. CTUIR will perform channel shaping strategies and incorporate large boulders and rootwads to increase complexity. We will utilize natural materials such as whole trees with rootwads and boulders in a variety of instream techniques. Another component is to maintain protection of the UPRR railway that lies adjacent to Meacham Creek. CTUIR has recently planted thousands of trees in neighboring areas of Meacham Creek downstream and will conduct more plantings when disturbance via implementation in the area is no longer a threat to vegetative survival.



Proposed actions are expected to specifically increase floodwater access to the floodplain, allowing for evolution of a more stable geomorphic streambed structure. The CTUIR expects measurable response in key touchstone characteristics of hydrology, geomorphology, and connectivity resulting in improved riparian vegetation conditions and improved conditions for key aquatic species. Expected outcomes include improved floodplain connectivity, channel form, sinuosity, complexity, geomorphic, and hydrograph stability; immediately increase in roughness elements of active channel and floodplain; increased hydrologic function and increased vegetative function in the floodplain and riparian. CTUIR also expects stream temperature reduction (e.g., pools and reaches downstream of meander bends or islands) with an increase in cold-water refuge areas for salmonids.

The goal of the Project is to improve floodplain function and instream habitat for Endangered Species Act (ESA)- listed and non-listed fish, benefit channel morphology and instream processes, increase floodplain connectivity and protect existing infrastructure along Meacham Creek.