Forrest Conservation Area Riparian Protection

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are committed to preserving and enhancing the natural resources within their tribal lands. In line with this mission, the Forrest Conservation Area Riparian Protection Project aims to safeguard critical habitat for anadromous steelhead while concurrently enhancing tribal resources. This effort involves installation of buck-and-pole riparian fencing along streams within a tribally owned Forrest Conservation Area. By delineating and protecting these sensitive riparian zones, the project seeks to mitigate habitat degradation, bolster ecosystem resilience, and foster the recovery of anadromous steelhead populations.



Objectives:



Habitat Protection: The primary objective is to establish riparian fencing along targeted streams to promote riparian regeneration and shield critical steelhead habitat from adverse anthropogenic impacts such as grazing, trampling, and erosion, by both cattle and ungulates (deer and elk). By restricting access to these areas, the project aims to engender riparian establishment and improve on-site and downstream water quality.



Water Quality Improvement: Riparian vegetation plays a vital role in stabilizing streambanks, filtering pollutants, and moderating water temperature. By safeguarding riparian zones through fencing, the project aims to improve water quality within the watershed, creating a healthier aquatic environment conducive to steelhead survival and reproduction.



Erosion Control: Unrestricted livestock access to riparian areas can exacerbate erosion, leading to sedimentation and habitat degradation. Through the installation of riparian fencing, the project seeks to mitigate erosion by preventing livestock from accessing sensitive streambanks and vegetation. This proactive approach will help maintain the integrity of aquatic habitats essential for steelhead migration and spawning.



Tribal Resource Enhancement: Beyond steelhead conservation, the project aims to enhance tribal resources by promoting ecosystem health and resilience. Healthy riparian zones contribute to biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and ultimately to cultural values integral to the Warm Springs Tribe. By preserving these natural assets, the project aligns with tribal values and fosters sustainable resource management practices.



Implementation:

The project will commence with thorough site assessments to identify priority areas for riparian fencing installation based on ecological significance and vulnerability to degradation.



Key considerations will include the selection of fencing materials, installation techniques, and maintenance protocols to ensure durability, effectiveness, and minimal ecological disturbance. Buck-and-pole fencing has been identified as a preferred exclusion method because it utilizes locally-sourced materials, requires minimal disturbance during installation, and minimizes potential harm to ungulates and livestock.



Monitoring and Evaluation:



Continuous monitoring and evaluation will be integral to assessing the projects effectiveness in achieving its conservation goals. Long-term monitoring protocols will track changes in riparian vegetation, water quality, fish populations, and overall ecosystem health. Adaptive management strategies will be employed to refine project implementation based on monitoring data and evolving environmental conditions.



Worksite #1: Mainstem John Day Forrest Conservation Area



Propose to install 4,500 feet of buck-and-pole style fencing within the riparian corridor of Slaughterhouse Creek. Exclusion areas will protect 2.5 riparian acres, all of which are located on the tribally-owned Forrest Conservation Area.

The Upper Mainstem John Day River is home to two anadromous fish species: ESA-listed summer steelhead and spring Chinook salmon. High water temperature is a widespread concern throughout the John Day River basin, and is a primary limiting factor to Chinook and steelhead recovery in the Upper Mainstem John Day River. The tributaries targeted through this project lack adequate shading from riparian vegetation, resulting in high solar inputs to the stream and increasing water temperatures significantly. Late summer temperatures verge on the upper thermal tolerances of salmonids, commonly reaching up to 21*C. This contributes to not only the reduced survival of salmonids, but increases stress on spawning adults.