Luckiamute Confluence Cultural Resources Assessment

The Luckiamute Confluence property, recently acquired by Greenbelt Land Trust, is a key addition to a growing network of protected lands, located just five miles north of Albany at Willamette River mile 110.5. Nestled between two sections of the Luckiamute Landing State Natural Area (LSNA), this 106-acre parcel is the missing piece that connects and extends over 1,000 acres of protected floodplain habitat. With 0.42 miles of Willamette River frontage and the Luckiamute and Santiam rivers confluence just upstream, this is one of the most significant sites for fish and wildlife in the mid-Willamette Valley. The Willamette Planning Atlas highlights it as one of the best opportunities for restoration on the Willamette River.
This property has been in active farmland production as far back as 1936 with only a thin band of riparian forest remaining along its edges. As a critical first step to permanently retire all agriculture activities and create 89 acres of prime floodplain forest habitat, Greenbelt has partnered with SWCA Environmental Consultant (SWCA) Cultural Resource Team to conduct a cultural resources assessment of the Luckiamute Confluence property. This assessment will adopt a thorough and comprehensive approach to meet Section 106 compliance requirements and will ensure that floodplain forest and connectivity restoration actions are well-informed and culturally responsible. It will include background research, field surveys, and reporting and coordination with the Tribes, OWEB and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This assessment is a key foundational step in preparation for the companion OWEB Restoration grant and project proposal ‘Luckiamute Confluence Floodplain Restoration Phase 1’.

The watershed problems to be addressed by this proposal are floodplain deforestation and the lack of floodplain connectivity that negatively impact salmonid habitat and water quality. For over forty years, two key sections of the Luckiamute Landing State Natural Area have been separated, creating a significant disconnection between the state’s north and south tracts. The Luckiamute Confluence property represents the missing puzzle piece, offering a unique opportunity to restore over 1,000 acres of contiguous floodplain forest habitat and dramatically improve river-to-floodplain interactions. The goal of this project is to conduct a cultural resources assessment of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) to meet Section 106 compliance for the companion OWEB Restoration grant and project proposal ‘Luckiamute Confluence Floodplain Restoration Phase 1’ and potential grading areas that could result from the River Design Group (RDG) hydrologic restoration analysis. The Phase 1 restoration project will retire 89 acres of agricultural land and establish a diverse, multi-canopy hardwood forest that will improve rearing habitat and refugia for salmonids by enhancing water quality, providing shade and cool water, and rebuilding complex food webs necessary for their survival and growth. The RDG hydrologic restoration analysis currently underway will explore ways river to floodplain interactions could be enhanced to improve habitat for salmonids. Conducting a cultural resources assessment is the key foundational step to meet Section 106 compliance in preparation for floodplain restoration. The assessment will help guide effective planning and mitigation efforts, ensuring that the cultural resources on site are recognized, protected, and preserved.