Barton Natural Area Stream Restoration Project

Metro completed a habitat restoration project on its 95-acre Barton Natural Area property on the lower Clackamas River near Barton, Oregon. This first phase of the project focused on improving habitat conditions for steelhead, salmon and Pacific lamprey. Future phases of work will be to protect and expand western pond turtle habitat at the site.

This project was constructed to increase the availability and improve the quality and quantity of off-channel habitat on Metros property, by excavating an alcove aimed at providing off channel rearing habitat, increasing the connectivity and water quality of a side channel beaver dam complex that provides quality habitat only when it is connected to the mainstem, and installing large wood to increase habitat complexity, cover and shading in the two off-channel water bodies listed above, as well as along a 1,500-foot-long side channel.
Asphalt and industrial debris was additionally removed from the riparian area.

The proposed restoration project is aimed at addressing limiting factors for native fish in the lower Clackamas River, specifically by increasing the quality and quantity of off-channel rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids and increasing the amount of wood within side channel and off-channel areas. The restoration project objectives would include the following elements: increase abundance of large wood; expand off channel habitat; and restore riparian vegetation.

Increase abundance of large wood - Replacing large wood in off-channel habitat areas, side channels and along the mainstem Clackamas River will provide salmon and steelhead complex overhanging cover and recruit gravels for improved substrate complexity. Upland downed wood is also important for amphibians and other terrestrial species that require escape cover and areas for hibernation. Significantly increasing the density of large wood on the site would greatly enhance biological conditions for native fish and wildlife.

Expand off channel habitat: Rearing juvenile salmonids moving downstream from primary spawning areas in the upper basin need areas in the lower river to rear before making their way to the Pacific ocean. Expanding access to alcoves and improving the conditions of side channels greatly enhance biological conditions for native fish.

Restore riparian vegetation: Removal of invasive plants and reestablishment of native trees and shrubs will increase instream shading, replenish the large wood cycle, and reestablish more naturally moderated channel migration rates. Each of these will benefit native fish by improving the quality and future sustainability of available habitat.