Deschutes Tributary Restoration Planning

This project was performed to identify, prioritize, and provide preliminary designs for actions that protect and restore a unique Deschutes River spring fed wetland and stream complex. This 22-acre tributary property belongs to the Meyer family, which worked with the project team to identify and implement protection and restoration actions that improve habitat quality while enabling them to continue farming their land (pasturing 8 cows, 2 horses). Restoration actions identified include removing three failing culverts, livestock exclusion fencing to protect streams and wetlands, instream LWD placement, and riparian restoration, along with a suite of farm management BMPs. We conducted a baseline fish use assessment and monitored water temperatures through summer 2021. The team began the permitting process, met on site with WDFW Habitat Bio, performed an assessment and wetland delineation.

The project improves access to, and enhances the quality and quantity of, off-channel spawning and rearing habitat in the upper Deschutes watershed.