A major river restoration project will start in early May along the South Fork McKenzie River, reconnecting water to over 335 acres of floodplain. The USDA Forest Service, McKenzie Watershed Council, and other partners are leading the Lower South Fork McKenzie River Valley Reconnection Project – Phase 3, which builds on a decade of collaborative efforts. The 1.8-mile project aims to restore complex habitats for species like spring Chinook salmon and bull trout, which have been affected by land use and Cougar Dam.
Utilizing “Stage 0 Floodplain Restoration,” the initiative will redistribute sediment, introduce large wood structures, and reactivate side channels to restore natural river functions. Benefits include improved water quality and habitat for wildlife, particularly threatened species. The total cost is about $6.4 million, funded by federal, state, and local sources. Preliminary work is ongoing, with in-water activities set for June and completion expected by early September. The project emphasizes long-term environmental and community health through collaborative efforts.
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