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• 21. [Article] Lower Pony Creek Watershed Assessment and Potential Action Plan

  Abstract -- The Lower Pony Creek Watershed has been undergoing significant change in recent decades, as the area has transitioned from a forested coastal valley to urban and suburban in character. This ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Pony Creek Watershed Assessment and Potential Action Plan Abstract -- The Lower Pony Creek Watershed has been undergoing significant change in recent decades, as the area has transitioned from a forested coastal valley to urban and suburban in character. This transition has . ~I presented significant issues for the Cities of North Bend and Coos Bay and these issues are the focus of this project. Flooding in the Creek system has become an increasingly regular occurrence in specific areas. Water quality has deteriorated to the point that, in 1998, the Oregon Department of Water Quality listed Pony Creek and Pony Slough as being water quality limited for high bacterial counts. The Creek system supports or has supported salmon runs (now protected under the Endangered Species Act) and is o designated Essential Salmonid Habitat by the Oregon Department of State Lands and the Oregon Department ofFish and Wildlife. Citizens and agency staff have come together to better understand the current condition of the Lower Pony Creek, and to chart a course toward an ecologically healthier future for the watershed. Title: Lower Pony Creek Watershed Assessment and Potential Action Plan Abstract -- The Lower Pony Creek Watershed has been undergoing significant change in recent decades, as the area has transitioned from a forested coastal valley to urban and suburban in character. This transition has . ~I presented significant issues for the Cities of North Bend and Coos Bay and these issues are the focus of this project. Flooding in the Creek system has become an increasingly regular occurrence in specific areas. Water quality has deteriorated to the point that, in 1998, the Oregon Department of Water Quality listed Pony Creek and Pony Slough as being water quality limited for high bacterial counts. The Creek system supports or has supported salmon runs (now protected under the Endangered Species Act) and is o designated Essential Salmonid Habitat by the Oregon Department of State Lands and the Oregon Department ofFish and Wildlife. Citizens and agency staff have come together to better understand the current condition of the Lower Pony Creek, and to chart a course toward an ecologically healthier future for the watershed. Close

• 22. [Article] Little Deschutes Subbasin Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- Many of the impacts to fish and wildlife habitat and water quality in the Little Deschutes River Subbasin are concentrated in the areas of housing, roads, and other human development. Most ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Little Deschutes Subbasin Watershed Assessment Abstract -- Many of the impacts to fish and wildlife habitat and water quality in the Little Deschutes River Subbasin are concentrated in the areas of housing, roads, and other human development. Most of the human population in the subbasin is concentrated around the community centers of La Pine, Gilchrist, Crescent, and Crescent Lake. There is significant dispersed development along the lower reaches of the Little Deschutes River between the communities of Sunriver and La Pine -an area characterized by gentle topography and depressions with forested wetlands, marshes and shallow lakes. Streams in this area, as illustrated by the Little Deschutes River , are low gradient and originate in the high elevation areas in the southwest portion of the watershed where there is higher precipitation. This ownership pattern has significant implications for natural resource management, as lower gradient floodplain areas tend to provide important wetland, fish, and wildlife habitat. Key Findings Fuel Loading: Having homes safe from wildfires is a concern for many residents. Fire suppression has increased the amount of dry wood in the area, creating a ready source for major wildfires. Riparian Areas and Wetlands: Loss of wetland and riparian areas , especially in the lower areas along the Little Deschutes River , has affected a number of resources. Water quality has been affected by the reduced wetlands that act as filters of nitrogen; the loss of streamside trees and other vegetation reduces shade that helps to cool water temperatures. Finally, loss ofwetlands and riparian vegetation has reduced important fish and wildlife habitats. Wildlife: The growth and development have altered wildlife habitats. Loss of wetlands, streamside vegetation, and other changes in the watershed have reduced important wildlife habitat. Roads and development have impacted migrating mule deer, increasing collisions between deer and cars and altering their migration pathways. Fish: There has been a significant loss of native trout and an increase in introduced brook and brown trout in the Little Deschutes River and tributaries. Loss of native trout is from competition with introduced species and changes in aquatic habitat and water temperatures. Water Quality: A major concern about the water in the river is unusually high temperatures in the summer and the abnormal growth of algae. Other studies indicated that there are problems with groundwater loading ofnitrogen. The high water table (with associated wetlands), and porous pumice soils contributes to increased nitrates, a by-product of septic systems and an indicator of human pathogens. Title: Little Deschutes Subbasin Watershed Assessment Abstract -- Many of the impacts to fish and wildlife habitat and water quality in the Little Deschutes River Subbasin are concentrated in the areas of housing, roads, and other human development. Most of the human population in the subbasin is concentrated around the community centers of La Pine, Gilchrist, Crescent, and Crescent Lake. There is significant dispersed development along the lower reaches of the Little Deschutes River between the communities of Sunriver and La Pine -an area characterized by gentle topography and depressions with forested wetlands, marshes and shallow lakes. Streams in this area, as illustrated by the Little Deschutes River , are low gradient and originate in the high elevation areas in the southwest portion of the watershed where there is higher precipitation. This ownership pattern has significant implications for natural resource management, as lower gradient floodplain areas tend to provide important wetland, fish, and wildlife habitat. Key Findings Fuel Loading: Having homes safe from wildfires is a concern for many residents. Fire suppression has increased the amount of dry wood in the area, creating a ready source for major wildfires. Riparian Areas and Wetlands: Loss of wetland and riparian areas , especially in the lower areas along the Little Deschutes River , has affected a number of resources. Water quality has been affected by the reduced wetlands that act as filters of nitrogen; the loss of streamside trees and other vegetation reduces shade that helps to cool water temperatures. Finally, loss ofwetlands and riparian vegetation has reduced important fish and wildlife habitats. Wildlife: The growth and development have altered wildlife habitats. Loss of wetlands, streamside vegetation, and other changes in the watershed have reduced important wildlife habitat. Roads and development have impacted migrating mule deer, increasing collisions between deer and cars and altering their migration pathways. Fish: There has been a significant loss of native trout and an increase in introduced brook and brown trout in the Little Deschutes River and tributaries. Loss of native trout is from competition with introduced species and changes in aquatic habitat and water temperatures. Water Quality: A major concern about the water in the river is unusually high temperatures in the summer and the abnormal growth of algae. Other studies indicated that there are problems with groundwater loading ofnitrogen. The high water table (with associated wetlands), and porous pumice soils contributes to increased nitrates, a by-product of septic systems and an indicator of human pathogens. Close

• 23. [Article] Upper Nehalem Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The ODF watershed analysis process was designed to focus on functions and processes that influence aquatic and riparian habitat conditions on State Forest lands. The watershed analysis process ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Upper Nehalem Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The ODF watershed analysis process was designed to focus on functions and processes that influence aquatic and riparian habitat conditions on State Forest lands. The watershed analysis process is consistent with strategies identified in the FMP and includes consideration of natural disturbances that have helped to define the existing aquatic ecosystem. Under the FMP, aquatic and riparian strategies call for managing for "properly functioning" aquatic systems that are inherently dynamic and include a range of natural variability over space and time. The goal of the FMP strategy is to maintain or restore proper function in aquatic and riparian habitats such that they are capable of supporting native species. Correspondingly, the primary objectives of the watershed analysis were to identify where properly functioning habitat existed, where properly functioning habitat was lacking, and what management changes could be implemented to protect or as necessary, restore proper function to those habitats. Title: Upper Nehalem Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The ODF watershed analysis process was designed to focus on functions and processes that influence aquatic and riparian habitat conditions on State Forest lands. The watershed analysis process is consistent with strategies identified in the FMP and includes consideration of natural disturbances that have helped to define the existing aquatic ecosystem. Under the FMP, aquatic and riparian strategies call for managing for "properly functioning" aquatic systems that are inherently dynamic and include a range of natural variability over space and time. The goal of the FMP strategy is to maintain or restore proper function in aquatic and riparian habitats such that they are capable of supporting native species. Correspondingly, the primary objectives of the watershed analysis were to identify where properly functioning habitat existed, where properly functioning habitat was lacking, and what management changes could be implemented to protect or as necessary, restore proper function to those habitats. Close

• 24. [Article] Powder River-Powder Valley Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The area covered by this watershed assessment is a scenic region containing a wealth of I resources. Those resources include wildlife, scenery, fisheries, clean water, mineral deposits, forests, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Powder River-Powder Valley Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The area covered by this watershed assessment is a scenic region containing a wealth of I resources. Those resources include wildlife, scenery, fisheries, clean water, mineral deposits, forests, productive farmland, and people. The Powder River-Powder Valley Watershed Assessment is a compilation of existing information on three fifth field HUC's, minus 12,800acre HUC6 below Thief Valley Reservoir. The watershed encompasses approximately 300,000 acres. Title: Powder River-Powder Valley Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The area covered by this watershed assessment is a scenic region containing a wealth of I resources. Those resources include wildlife, scenery, fisheries, clean water, mineral deposits, forests, productive farmland, and people. The Powder River-Powder Valley Watershed Assessment is a compilation of existing information on three fifth field HUC's, minus 12,800acre HUC6 below Thief Valley Reservoir. The watershed encompasses approximately 300,000 acres. Close

• 25. [Article] Upper Chewaucan Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- Several assessment elements have good overall ratings and include the following: riparian vegetation/bank stability, Rosgen stream types, and pool numbers. However, the remaining elements need ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Upper Chewaucan Watershed Assessment Abstract -- Several assessment elements have good overall ratings and include the following: riparian vegetation/bank stability, Rosgen stream types, and pool numbers. However, the remaining elements need significant improvement to reach desired levels of high canopy coverage in forested sites, dense juniper woodlands, moderate road densities, lack of LWD, moderate to high stream temperatures, moderate to high spawning gravel fines, and culvert barriers. The less than desired conditions of these elements inhibit the Upper Chewaucan River Watershed from functioning appropriately as a redband trout reserve. As a result, this assessment element is functioning appropriately but-at-risk. Title: Upper Chewaucan Watershed Assessment Abstract -- Several assessment elements have good overall ratings and include the following: riparian vegetation/bank stability, Rosgen stream types, and pool numbers. However, the remaining elements need significant improvement to reach desired levels of high canopy coverage in forested sites, dense juniper woodlands, moderate road densities, lack of LWD, moderate to high stream temperatures, moderate to high spawning gravel fines, and culvert barriers. The less than desired conditions of these elements inhibit the Upper Chewaucan River Watershed from functioning appropriately as a redband trout reserve. As a result, this assessment element is functioning appropriately but-at-risk. Close

• 26. [Article] Project Completion Report McKenzie and Middle Fork Willamette Bull Trout Monitoring Grant, Grant Number: 209-3069

  Abstract -- This Bull Trout Monitoring Report summarizes and highlights monitoring, accomplishments in 2009 and 2010. It is our goal to be a proactive partner to a variety of interested parties; state, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Project Completion Report McKenzie and Middle Fork Willamette Bull Trout Monitoring Grant, Grant Number: 209-3069 Abstract -- This Bull Trout Monitoring Report summarizes and highlights monitoring, accomplishments in 2009 and 2010. It is our goal to be a proactive partner to a variety of interested parties; state, federal and private interests, whose goals and missions are aligned with ours to restore and strengthen not only our native fish populations, but the habitat they are found in and depend on. The fisheries department believes strongly in restoration, habitat improvement and success for our streams, rivers, watershed, and forest; dedicating ourselves daily to the strategic planning and goals of the bull trout monitoring program summarized in this report. Title: Project Completion Report McKenzie and Middle Fork Willamette Bull Trout Monitoring Grant, Grant Number: 209-3069 Abstract -- This Bull Trout Monitoring Report summarizes and highlights monitoring, accomplishments in 2009 and 2010. It is our goal to be a proactive partner to a variety of interested parties; state, federal and private interests, whose goals and missions are aligned with ours to restore and strengthen not only our native fish populations, but the habitat they are found in and depend on. The fisheries department believes strongly in restoration, habitat improvement and success for our streams, rivers, watershed, and forest; dedicating ourselves daily to the strategic planning and goals of the bull trout monitoring program summarized in this report. Close

• 27. [Article] Middle Rogue Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The Middle Rogue Watershed (MRW) encompasses nearly 607 squarel miles in the northern portion of Josephine County in southern Oregon from the just below Kelsey Creek on the border of Curry ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Middle Rogue Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The Middle Rogue Watershed (MRW) encompasses nearly 607 squarel miles in the northern portion of Josephine County in southern Oregon from the just below Kelsey Creek on the border of Curry and Josephine Counties to just below Evans Creek on the border of Josephine and Jackson Counties, excluding the Illinois and Applegate Watersheds. The area is mountainous and heavily forested with hot and dry summers and mide and wet winters. It is largely rural with one urban center, Grants Pass, and a number of small communities. In this assessment, we have divided the MRW into five subwatersheds: Grave Creek, Galice Creek, Jumpoff Joe Creek, Grants Pass and the Wild and Scenic watersheds. Title: Middle Rogue Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The Middle Rogue Watershed (MRW) encompasses nearly 607 squarel miles in the northern portion of Josephine County in southern Oregon from the just below Kelsey Creek on the border of Curry and Josephine Counties to just below Evans Creek on the border of Josephine and Jackson Counties, excluding the Illinois and Applegate Watersheds. The area is mountainous and heavily forested with hot and dry summers and mide and wet winters. It is largely rural with one urban center, Grants Pass, and a number of small communities. In this assessment, we have divided the MRW into five subwatersheds: Grave Creek, Galice Creek, Jumpoff Joe Creek, Grants Pass and the Wild and Scenic watersheds. Close

• 28. [Article] 2001-2012 Crane Prairie population assessment

  Abstract -- Crane Prairie is a large shallow reservoir fed by the Deschutes River, Quinn River, Cultus River, and Cultus Creek. When the reservoir was built in 1922 it engulfed a large meadow and forest ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2001-2012 Crane Prairie population assessment Abstract -- Crane Prairie is a large shallow reservoir fed by the Deschutes River, Quinn River, Cultus River, and Cultus Creek. When the reservoir was built in 1922 it engulfed a large meadow and forest area, leaving behind large areas of snags and fallen timber providing habitat for fish and insects. Bull trout, mountain whitefish, and redband trout were native to the reservoir when it was created, but bull trout were extirpated by 1955 due to stocking of non-native fish, loss of spawning habitat and fish passage, and selective management. The reservoir was soon well known for large numbers of large rainbows and was one of the state’s most popular fisheries through the 1970’s, however the Crane Prairie food web was increasing in complexity. The Department introduced coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), kokanee, and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as sport fish after 1950. Largemouth bass were then illegally introduced to the reservoir in the early 1980's. Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatis), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), brown bullhead (Ameirus,nebulosus), stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), and tui chub (Gila bicolor) were illegally introduced after the bass. All of the introduced species other than coho continue to reproduce naturally in the reservoir. The Department sets gill nets on annual basis to monitor managed fish populations. Our current goal is to determine fishery performance and growth differences between two diploid stocks and a triploid stock of rainbow trout. Title: 2001-2012 Crane Prairie population assessment Abstract -- Crane Prairie is a large shallow reservoir fed by the Deschutes River, Quinn River, Cultus River, and Cultus Creek. When the reservoir was built in 1922 it engulfed a large meadow and forest area, leaving behind large areas of snags and fallen timber providing habitat for fish and insects. Bull trout, mountain whitefish, and redband trout were native to the reservoir when it was created, but bull trout were extirpated by 1955 due to stocking of non-native fish, loss of spawning habitat and fish passage, and selective management. The reservoir was soon well known for large numbers of large rainbows and was one of the state’s most popular fisheries through the 1970’s, however the Crane Prairie food web was increasing in complexity. The Department introduced coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), kokanee, and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as sport fish after 1950. Largemouth bass were then illegally introduced to the reservoir in the early 1980's. Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatis), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), brown bullhead (Ameirus,nebulosus), stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), and tui chub (Gila bicolor) were illegally introduced after the bass. All of the introduced species other than coho continue to reproduce naturally in the reservoir. The Department sets gill nets on annual basis to monitor managed fish populations. Our current goal is to determine fishery performance and growth differences between two diploid stocks and a triploid stock of rainbow trout. Close

• 29. [Article] Lobster Creek Sediment Abatement Assessment of U.S. Forest Service Road-Stream Crossings

  Abstract -- All Forest Service road-stream crossings in the Lobster Creek drainage (Lower Rogue) were re-assessed for failure potential using the Councils' Road Inventory protocol and reprioritized based ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lobster Creek Sediment Abatement Assessment of U.S. Forest Service Road-Stream Crossings Abstract -- All Forest Service road-stream crossings in the Lobster Creek drainage (Lower Rogue) were re-assessed for failure potential using the Councils' Road Inventory protocol and reprioritized based on the likelihood of failure and quantity of sediment delivered to the stream network; chronic sediment sources were also considered. Title: Lobster Creek Sediment Abatement Assessment of U.S. Forest Service Road-Stream Crossings Abstract -- All Forest Service road-stream crossings in the Lobster Creek drainage (Lower Rogue) were re-assessed for failure potential using the Councils' Road Inventory protocol and reprioritized based on the likelihood of failure and quantity of sediment delivered to the stream network; chronic sediment sources were also considered. Close

• 30. [Article] MWBTRP - Middle Fork Willamette Basin Bull Trout Rehabilitation and Monitoring Project, Annual Progress Report 2005

  Abstract -- Bull trout in the Middle Fork Willamette Basin once moved uninhibited back and forth from spawning and rearing habitats near Diamond Peak to foraging and overwintering habitats lower in the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: MWBTRP - Middle Fork Willamette Basin Bull Trout Rehabilitation and Monitoring Project, Annual Progress Report 2005 Abstract -- Bull trout in the Middle Fork Willamette Basin once moved uninhibited back and forth from spawning and rearing habitats near Diamond Peak to foraging and overwintering habitats lower in the basin. Construction of Dexter, Lookout Point and Hills Creek dams in the 1950s and 1960s without fish passage fragmented the habitat and limited the range of the population to above Hills Creek Dam. This population declined and the last confirmed bull trout sighting above Hills Creek dam was a photograph taken by an angler in 1990. Buchanan et al. (1997) described bull trout in the Middle Fork Willamette River as “probably extinct” after extensive surveys from 1993 through 1997 failed to observe any bull trout. In 1997 the US Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife began a program to reestablish bull trout in the Middle Fork Willamette. More than 10,000 bull trout fry have been transferred from the relatively healthy McKenzie population to the Middle Fork Willamette River. Adult bull trout are once again present in the Middle Fork Willamette, although natural reproduction has not been documented. Title: MWBTRP - Middle Fork Willamette Basin Bull Trout Rehabilitation and Monitoring Project, Annual Progress Report 2005 Abstract -- Bull trout in the Middle Fork Willamette Basin once moved uninhibited back and forth from spawning and rearing habitats near Diamond Peak to foraging and overwintering habitats lower in the basin. Construction of Dexter, Lookout Point and Hills Creek dams in the 1950s and 1960s without fish passage fragmented the habitat and limited the range of the population to above Hills Creek Dam. This population declined and the last confirmed bull trout sighting above Hills Creek dam was a photograph taken by an angler in 1990. Buchanan et al. (1997) described bull trout in the Middle Fork Willamette River as “probably extinct” after extensive surveys from 1993 through 1997 failed to observe any bull trout. In 1997 the US Forest Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife began a program to reestablish bull trout in the Middle Fork Willamette. More than 10,000 bull trout fry have been transferred from the relatively healthy McKenzie population to the Middle Fork Willamette River. Adult bull trout are once again present in the Middle Fork Willamette, although natural reproduction has not been documented. Close