McDowell Creek Restoration Project

The McDowell Creek Restoration Project will enhance stream habitat conditions in this tributary to the South Santiam River.  McDowell Creek is best known for it’s stunning waterfalls and park system, but in it’s lower reaches it runs through several miles of private land.  Lower McDowell Creek holds winter steelhead as well as resident trout species.

This ongoing project involves “shaping” an eroded stream bank and placing log jams and habitat structures to improve fish habitat as well as help protect the bank from future erosion events.  Once secure, the riparian area will be planted with native vegetation which will assist in stabilizing the bank as well as providing habitat for fish and wildlife.  Project partners include the landowner, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and the Farm Service Agency.

Restoration and conservation efforts along the <name of> tributary to the South Santiam River are part of a larger regional initiative to improve watershed health.  Learn more about the Calapooia-Santiam Collaboration here.