Beebe Island Side Channel Project
Introducing the Beebe Island Side Channel Reconnection Project! CRBC is in the planning and design phase for this project which will increase and improve habitat for threatened and endangered native fish species. The project, which will take place downriver from Carver Park in Clackamas, OR will involve enhancing connection of an existing side channel, installing large wood habitat structures, creating one or two alcoves in the side channel, and restoring a degraded riparian area.
We will also enhance habitat for native turtles (Painted Turtles and NW Pond 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.
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 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. Large woody structures that look natural, but maybe intentionally placed, can be observed.
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.
Technical assistance for this 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: