Construction on the Landslide Toe Side Channel Reconnection Project will commence during July 2024 and complete in August 2024. This reconnected side channel will increase and improve habitat for threatened and endangered native fish species in the Clackamas basin. The project, which will take place just upstream from Bonnie Lure State Recreation Area, will involve digging out a historic side channel off the Clackamas River, installing large wood, and restoring a degraded riparian area.
Lack of quality side channel habitat has been identified by the Clackamas Partnership as a primary limiting factor to salmon recovery and young fish need access to these off channel habitats. The Clackamas River Basin Council’s Restoration Program Manager Isaac Sanders puts it this way, “If you think of the Clackamas River like a freeway, these side channels are like rest areas where juveniles can eat, rest, and avoid predators. Fish species such as Chinook and Coho Salmon, steelhead and Pacific lamprey will benefit from these side channel rest areas and get stronger and more equipped to handle their road trip to the ocean.”
Outcomes of this project include:
- Reconnection and enhancement of a 5,280’ side-channel.
- Increased fish access to riparian floodplain areas.
- Increased large wood habitat for fish and other wildlife.
- Removal of invasive weeds.
Will this project be visible from the river?
It is possible that recreationist and anglers will see construction while they enjoy a float from Milo McIver State Park to Barton Park. This project does not pose a threat to river users, however, anyone on the river is asked to please avoid the side channel area and any equipment.
What are side channels?
Side channels are complex habitat systems consisting of floodplains, ponds, and woody habitat that provide the necessary rearing environment for young fish as they migrate downstream. Today, few high quality side-channel habitats remain in the Clackamas River below River Mill Dam. Development, land management, power generation and other habitat altering activities change natural river systems and contribute to the loss of these side-channels.
While salmon and many other fish populations are declining to the point of being listed on the federal Endangered Species List (ESA), the Clackamas River and its tributaries support some of the healthiest fish populations in the region. Side channel enhancement projects such as this further our efforts to recover these populations.
The project is funded by the Oregon Water Enhancement Board through their Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) Implementation grant. The newly constructed side channel will be further stewarded by landowners who have been champions of this project since its inception. We thank all our partnering residents for their support through this project!
The Clackamas River Basin Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of fostering partnerships for clean water and to improve fish and wildlife habitat and the quality of life for those who live, work and recreate in the watershed.
Support our salmon recovery work!
You can read more about this project on the Clackamas Partnership’s website: