Middle Fork Planting and Fencing Phase 2

This project, located within the Middle Fork John Day River, sought to increased riparian vegetation in order to increase stream shade for the purpose of maintaining cooler water temperatures. The methods deployed were planting native plants and fencing. Along Big Creek, riparian area was protected using 6ft buck and pole exclosures, with rooted willows and cottonwoods were planted within this exclosure. Additionally, large wood was placed instream from hillside toppling, This was not part of the proposed project activities, however, it was decided that the project needed to be adaptively managed because of a lack of large wood on the floodplain. In Phipps Meadow, the headwaters of the MFJDR, riparian acreage was protected with four 6ft buck and pole exclosures. No additional plants were installed, however, many stunted willows are now protected from browse. This project was originally submitted by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and was transferred to the North Fork John Day Watershed Council due to capacity constraints. Budgeting and some funding sources were therefore adjusted. Proposed metrics that were originally reported for a single proxy site were distributed to the final worksites.

This project will address the persistent legacy effects of former agricultural practices that occurred throughout much of the MFJDR. By revegetating these currently denuded riparian corridors, we will restore favorable temperature conditions that improve and increase rearing and spawning habitat for both salmon and steelhead.