Beebe Island Side Channel Reconnection Project

CRBC completed the Beebe Island Side Channel Reconnection Project in summer of 2025. The project increased and improved habitat for threatened and endangered native fish species. Located downriver from Carver Park in Clackamas, OR the project involved enhancing the connection of an existing side channel, installing large wood habitat structures, creating an alcove in the side channel, and restoring a degraded riparian area.

We also enhanced habitat for native NW Painted Turtles and other species in nearby former gravel ponds with vegetation management and pond edge grading. The photo above shows Beebe Island, the side channel is on the left of the island.

Outcomes of this project include:

• Reconnection and enhancement of a 2,782’ side-channel
• Enhancement and/or creation of alcoves
• Increased fish access to riparian floodplain areas
• Removal and management of approximately 26 acres of weeds
• Replanting approximately 26 acres with native trees and shrubs
• Installation of large wood structures along the side channel for added habitat complexity.

Is this project be visible from the river?

Recreationist and anglers can see evidence of the enhanced side channel while they enjoy a float from Carver Park to Riverside Park. CRBC’s contractors deepened the channel on the right side of the river while heading downstream. You may be able to see willow stakes sticking up out of the ground where we replanted the area. 

What are side channels?

Side channels are offshoots of a main river channel, splitting off and reconnecting futher down. They have slower water, more shade, and more abundant food for all types of wildlife.

Isaac Sanders, CRBC’s Restoration Projet Manager says, “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.”

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.

How are salmon doing in the Clackamas River?

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.

How is the project funded?

This project was funded by the Oregon Water Enhancement Board through their Focused Investment Partnership (FIP). 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.  

Please help support our salmon recovery work!