University of Oregon Environmental Leadership Program
Stream Stewardship 2017
Springfield Oxbow and Deer Creek Final Reports
Management Suggestions
Springfield Oxbow
Deer Creek
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Springfield Oxbow:
Deer Creek:
We recommend that invasive species management efforts start in areas populated mostly by native species and work out from there. This will prevent the native area from being overtaken by prioritizing removal small invasive populations.
Management of side channels should start by addressing issues of vegetation. This would consist of adding native riparian vegetation to the stream banks to increase shaded habitat within the channels. Next, woody debris should be added and the under-sized culverts on the property should be addressed. Lastly, we recommend the removal of the man-made plugs at the upper and lower ends of the side channels so that flow can be restored. This will require cooperation from landowners and may be difficult to accomplish.
The floodplain restoration project at Deer Creek has shown a remarkable recovery in a short period of time. The restoration techniques used are efficient and, based on our qualitative analysis, have a lot of potential to increase habitat for salmon in this creek and other basins. The benefits seen from the placement of logs in this system are vast and have occurred quickly. The extent of the improvements seen in such a short timeframe make this restoration strategy highly viable.
It would be our recommendation to carry out these restoration activities in the untreated sections of Deer Creek as well as other systems when applicable, and to continue to monitor this site for overall effectiveness, and the possible return of ESA listed salmon species.