Clackamas River Basin Council Lower Columbia River Conservation and Recovery Plan Implementer’s Perspective August 19, 2013
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Clackamas River Basin Council Lower Columbia River Conservation and Recovery Plan Implementer’s Perspective August 19, 2013 Clackamas Watershed Our Mission: To foster partnerships for clean water, to improve fish and wildlife habitat , and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and recreate within the Clackamas River Basin • • • • Size Fish species Fish populations Limiting factors Why We Do What We Do: The Clackamas Is an Ecological Gem • Recognized as a Salmon Stronghold with Coho, Chinook, and Steelhead species • Clackamas River is a high priority area and federallyrecognized critical habitat for salmon recovery • Important to the Greater Willamette and Lower Columbia Systems • Clackamas River is the source of water for over 400,000 people • “Wild and Scenic Designation” and a valuable recreation resource close to the Metro population center Our Council Activities • Participate on Community Advisory Committees where planning for future benefits to the watershed occurs • In-stream and stream-side restoration projects for improved fish habitat and protections for our water quality • Monitor stream health • Outreach to landowners, community members, and school programs and engage volunteers What We Do: Outreach Outreach, Education and Stewardship • 11th Annual Down the River Clean Up - September 8, 2013 • Tour de Clack- watershed restoration project bike tour • Community work parties and events • Student education • Landowner outreach, education, and assistance • Watershed hikes • Restoration site tours What We Do: Monitoring Water Quality • Monitoring and reporting - nutrient levels and macroinvertebrates • Pesticide factsheets, education and Pesticide Round-Up • Stream channel (DEQ monitoring) What We Do: In-Stream Fish Passage Restoration • Remove culverts, fords, and weirs • Over 150 miles of habitat opened/60 crossings addressed since 1997 2006 Spring Creek Culvert removal 2011 Little Clear Creek Fish passage 2010 Spring Creek Culvert removal 2011 Delph Creek Culvert removal What We Do: In-Stream Habitat Enhancement • Install large wood debris (LWD) jams • Alcove and off-channel habitats • Complexity riffles and pools 2010 Upper Clear Creek, LWD 2012 Eagle Creek, LWD 2012 Lower Clear Creek, LWD/Alcove Enhancement What We Do: Riparian Vegetation Restoration • Invasive species treatments, maintenance and monitoring • Native plantingsover 100,000 planted in 2013 Upcoming Projects Rock Creek Confluence Habitat Restoration: LWD, floodplain connectivity, 12 AC riparian revegetation Fisherman’s Bend SideChannel Habitat Enhancement: historic offchannel rearing habitat Challenges • Funding!!- general, technical assistance, maintenance & monitoring • Clackamas ‘urban watershed’ misconception • Compounding limiting factors- where to start? • Evolving priorities- geographic, Action Plan • Long term project planning • Taking advantage of opportunistic priorities • Landowner outreach and support Next Steps • Involve partners in the PIP Team (CRBC Project Implementation and Planning Team) • Technical assistance grant to update Basin Action Plan, identify anchor habitats, prioritize geographic areas and identify projects • Involvement with OWEB Willamette SIP (Special Investment Partnership) • Diversify funding to support restoration projects • Continue project implementation to support and contribute to LCRCRP Clackamas River Basin Council Partners Questions?