Area closure for Whychus Creek floodplain restoration work

Beginning this week, the Deschutes National Forest will put a temporary closure in place to conduct stream work and replace a trail bridge on Whychus Creek. The closure is anticipated to be in place until the end of September.

Construction will begin Monday and is scheduled to end by Sept. 30.

The temporary closure surrounds the creek, the bridge crossing the creek and the gravel pit along the Three Creeks Lake Road (see attached map and attached closure order). The entire area will be closed to public access, including day-use and camping, for safety concerns.

This is the final phase of a 1.25-mile river and floodplain restoration project. This final phase involves filling old ditches with gravel and adding whole trees to the stream for fish habitat.

Along with the stream work, the Forest Service is replacing a trail bridge over Whychus Creek on the Mainline Road. The existing bridge is in need of repair and will be replaced with a wider spanning bridge to better pass large floods. This project supports a long-term effort to restore the historic native fisheries in Whychus Creek.

Questions about the project can be directed to Mike Riehle, Project Manager, Sisters Ranger District, 541-549-7702.