Ochoco NF seeks input on Deep Creek restoration plans

The Paulina Ranger District of the Ochoco National Forest is seeking public comment on a proposal to restore fish habitat and floodplain conditions along 1 1/2 miles of Deep Creek, with the main project area located near Deep Creek Campground.

The proposed project would be similar to stream restoration work recently completed in the Ochoco National Forest along upper Deep Creek, Trout Creek and Dick Creek.

Land use practices over the past century have degraded Deep Creek and resulted in a downcut stream channel, abandoned side channels, and areas lacking streamside vegetation. The result is warmer water, degraded fish and wildlife habitat, and less water stored in soils and meadows adjacent to Deep Creek, officials said.

Under the proposal, heavy equipment would reshape the floodplain, reconnect side channels, and add logs and whole trees in the channel and floodplains. Streamside vegetation would be planted along the stream banks following restoration work.

The restoration would improve conditions for fish, wildlife and plants by increasing habitat, reconnecting the stream and floodplain, retaining water longer in wet meadows and helping to recharge the aquifer.

To learn more about this project proposal, contact Fisheries Biologist Mark Lehner at mlehner@fs.fed.us, or submit email comments to comments-pacificnorthwest-ochoco-paulina@fs.fed.us no later than February 29.