We abbreviate “engineered log jam” as ELJ. The photos collected today show the final length of the structure, and the progression of work as slash, cobbles, and boulders are used to fill in the ELJ. (Technically speaking, this is actually a “vegetated log matrix,” but only the specialists understand that term, so I’ll stick with ELJ for now!)
In some photos, the water looks muddy, but the creek has been diverted around the work area and that flowing water is running clear. We’ve seen fish of various sizes and species in the pond above the project site, and have salvaged a few that were found from the dewatered stream channel.
The landowner barbecued lunch for the crew today, and we celebrated great progress made on this project. Water quality will improve, fish habitat will be enhanced, and private property will be better protected: it’s a win all the way around!
Why is this project needed?
Here’s what we wrote in one of the funding applications to describe the need for the work:
The project is on Milk Creek, a major stream in the Lower Molalla River watershed in western Clackamas County. Work will take place on three adjacent private properties on both sides of the creek. Milk Creek is a primary production stream for coho, listed spring chinook, listed winter steelhead, and resident cutthroat trout. Assessment, TMDL, and salmon recovery plans for the Molalla and Milk Creek watersheds recommend riparian and in-channel restoration, sediment reduction, large wood placement, and restoration of channel hydrology.
Watershed issues this project will address: lack of in-stream habitat, simplified channel structure, changes in stream hydrology, sediment inputs from bank erosion, high water temperature, and need for watershed stewardship education of local residents.
Proposed solutions: bank shaping; placement of a vegetated log matrix; removal of invasive non-native vegetation; heavy planting of native trees, shrubs, and cuttings; outreach and education.
Success measured through: photopoints, plant surveys, water sampling, pebble counts (gravel deposition), landowner response to workshops and site tours.
What are the benefits of this project?
We expect these environmental benefits from this restoration project:
- Reduce bank erosion and sediment inputs into the creek.
- Reduce water temperature by providing shade.
- Provide cover, shade, and refugia for fish during various life stages.
- Restore habitat diversity and complexity.
- Provide a source of large wood for future fish habitat.
- Enhance the long-term process and function of Milk Creek.
- Increase habitat diversity for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Photos taken September 6, 2012
- Team conference at project site
- Looking upstream from downstream end of ELJ
- We found more cobbles at the downstream end
- New photo monitoring point aimed at center of structure
- Placing boulders into ELJ
- Boulder slips right into place between logs
- Placing boulder
- Engineer directs rock placement
- Jenne and Meghan hamming it up for the camera
- Unloading slash from truck
- Moving slash to the ELJ
- Placing slash into ELJ
- Returning bank spoils to ELJ
- ELJ showing slash, cobble fill, and boulders
- Fish are using this pool upstream from the project
- When the channel is reopened the creek will run along this rough bank
- Diversion channel around project is flowing clear water
- Sequoia root wads are distinctive with reddish color
- It’s the march of the excavators!
- Everyone is watching the retrieval of willow cuttings with the excavator
- The operator didn’t crush or damage any cuttings!
- Placing willow cuttings before returning bank spoils to ELJ
- See the willow stakes before adding fill?
- Driving more vertical logs into ELJ
- Checking elevations is vital
- Good look at what the ELJ looks like
- Driving another pin
- Great to be protecting property, improving water quality, and enhancing fish habitat!
- More root wads being delivered
- Landowner barbecued burgers for the crew today!