Cottonwood Creek Riparian Exclusion Fencing

The proposed project will remove and replace and/or install cattle exclusion riparian fencing in two sub-watersheds within the John Day River Basin. Worksite 1 will replace and/or install riparian fencing in several locations across the watershed, assisting to complete all riparian fencing for these HUCs. Worksite 1 is located on Cottonwood Creek, a tributary of the North Fork John Day River. The fencing will be located on several different landowners’ properties. Worksite 1 fencing will replace riparian fencing destroyed by fire, rebuild fencing destroyed and damaged by high flow events, and install fencing in areas where riparian fencing has never been installed. Cottonwood Creek is a 303(d) listed stream for temperature that provides spawning and rearing habitat to ESA-listed Mid-Columbia River steelhead. Worksite 1 will build approximately 16,000 feet of riparian fencing along a section of Cottonwood Creek to protect the creek from cattle-related damage and disturbance and protect vital steelhead habitat. This project will be completed entirely via subcontract to Monument Soil and Water Conservation District.



Worksite #1 Proposed Work:

Ron Robertson property boundary to Roy Vardanega Property boundary, Chad Engle property boundary to Gary Engle Property Boundary – Propose to replace and install approximately 16,000 feet of riparian fence along Cottonwood Creek to protect Steelhead habitat from cattle-related disturbance. Fence building will be constructed by a contracted crew that will purchase the necessary materials and construct the section of fence.

Cattle related disturbance is highly likely due to both Cottonwood Creek and the Middle Fork John Day River’s proximities to lands that are used for cattle grazing. This project will mitigate and prevent damage to fish habitat by keeping cattle out of the riparian areas.