Vinegar to Vincent Fish Habitat Improvement Phase 1.5

Vinegar to Vincent Phase 1.5 was part of a greater project that was completed in whole in 2022.

The Vinegar to Vincent Fish Habitat Improvement project is located on the Middle Fork John Day River on land that is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Grant County, approximately three miles northwest from the town of Bates. Phase 1.5 of the Vinegar to Vincent project is focused on floodplain complexity and vegetation. The goal of willow trenches is to help slow and retain floodplain flow, promoting groundwater recharge, in addition to encouraging vegetation growth through the use of willow cuttings. The wildlife fencing installed as part of phase 1 will also assist with the natural recruitment of these willows. Collectively across all phases, this project addresses the persistent legacy effects of former agricultural practices that occurred throughout this reach.

Phase 1.5 of the Vinegar to Vincent project is focused on floodplain complexity and vegetation. The installation of willow trenches will help to slow and retain floodplain flow, promoting groundwater recharge, in addition to encouraging vegetation growth through the use of willow cuttings. The wildlife fencing installed as part of phase 1 will also assist with natural recruitment of these willows.

Collectively across all phases, this project will address the persistent legacy effects of former agricultural practices that occurred throughout this reach. Through the activation of historic channel scars, the addition of off-channel habitat in the form of side channels, and installation of large wood structures, this project will increase the amount of quality rearing and spawning habitat for both salmon and steelhead. The removal of the railroad grade and rerouting the channel, the MFJDR will be reconnected to its historic floodplain. Groundwater storage will increase and provide a cold source to the river throughout the year. The introduction of large wood will provide slow water refuge for both juvenile and adult salmon and steelhead, and the installation of riffles will provide spawning habitat. An extensive planting effort, coupled with fencing to exclude both cattle and wildlife, will allow the riparian corridor to recover, providing cover and thereby reducing stream temperature.