CTWS Side Channel Project
Construction on the CTWS Side Channel Reconnection Project completed in August 2024. This reconnected side channel, which which took place in the upper Clackamas watershed in the Mt. Hood National Forest, increases and improves habitat for threatened and endangered native fish species in the Clackamas basin.
Mitigating Unmanaged Recreation
This site was heavily impacted by unmanaged recreation. Over the years unauthorized users built concrete and steel reinforced dams and soaking pools which trapped and killed fish. But through this project, we obliterated ⅓ miles of roads, demolished soaking pools, placed logs in the unauthorized parking area, and reclaimed 8-acres of riparian area.
Outcomes of this project include:
The project involved digging out a historic side channel off the Clackamas River, installing large wood, and restoring a degraded riparian area. This effort nearly doubled side-channel habitat along the upper Clackamas, placed 500 pieces of large wood, and created seven large woody habitat structures that drive water into the new and existing side channels.
- Reconnection and enhancement of a 2,350’ side-channel.
- Increased fish access to riparian floodplain areas.
- Increased large wood habitat for fish and other wildlife.
- Removal of invasive weeds and replanting with 20,000 native plants on 7 acres of riparian habitat.
Replanting Process
After construction, we partnered with the Indigenous-led contractor MAD Bears to remove blackberries, restore the soil, and plant more than 20,000 native trees, shrubs, and sedges. Even with a late start, the care they put into planting shows in how the new plants are thriving.
Is the project on private property?
Yes. The project occured on lands owned by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and is closed to the public. Illegal tresspassing has been observed at this site and has caused considerable damage to the habitats in this sensitive area.
Success Through Partnership
This project would not have been possible without the support and involvement of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. We are grateful to have them as a partner in restoration of these important lands.
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.
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.”
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 this project funded?
The project is funded by the Oregon Water Enhancement Board through their Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) Implementation grant, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
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.
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You can read more about this project on the Clackamas Partnership’s website: