La Grande Ranger District announces 2024 aquatic restoration projects
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Information from the U.S. Forest Service) The La Grande Ranger District of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest has released its 2024 aquatic restoration project proposals. Currently, two projects are being proposed, the Mccoy Creek Riparian Exclosure, and the Dark Canyon/Small Streams Restoration.
The description for the Mccoy Creek project is as follows:
“LOCATION
Restoration activities within McCoy Creek are within the Dark Ensign Allotment of the LaGrande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The project is located within the Meadow Creek Watershed (1706010402); Upper McCoy Creek Subwatershed (170601040203).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To improve control of livestock access to approximately 0.6 miles of McCoy Creek, the forest service proposes to construct approximately 0.87 of livestock fence. This fence will follow the south side of McCoy creek and connect to a private boundary fence on the north side of the stream. The fence will be constructed as a four wire, barbed wire fence with no water gaps.
TIMING FENCE CONSTRUCTION
June 2024 through November 2025”
The description for the Dark Canyon project is also as follows:
“LOCATION
The 2024 Dark Canyon/Small Streams Project involves Spring Creek (4.5 miles), South Fork Spring Creek (2 miles), Dark Canyon Creek (3.5 miles), Little Dark Canyon Creek (1.25 miles), Pelican Creek (.25 mile), California Gulch (1.5 miles), Dry Creek (2 miles) (total of 15 miles). The project is located within the Meadow Creek Watershed (1706010402), Beaver Creek – Grande Ronde River (1706010403), and Five Points Creek – Grande Ronde River (1706010404).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To improve spring/summer chinook and summer steelhead through restoring hydrologic function and fish habitat. Large woody structures will be placed in strategic locations to back up water to improve floodplain water storage with the intent of moderating extreme high and low seasonal temperatures. The structures should also improve scour pool habitat, cover, and floodplain connection.
TIMING
Wood Felling
May through October 2024 (following raptor avoidance guidance described in supplemental PDCs).
In water work window
June 2024 through November 2025.”
Feedback will be accepted on both proposals through February 20, 2024. Questions and concerns can be sent to Aric Johnson (Aric.johnson@usda.gov) for the Mccoy Creek project and to Jospeh Platz (Joseph.platz@usda.gov) for the Dark Canyon project.
