Forest partners with nonprofits, tribes on stream restoration

The Sisters Ranger District on the Deschutes National Forest has partnered with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and the Deschutes Land Trust for a stream restoration project in Whychus Canyon.

This restoration project includes the removal of several large trees near the gravel pit off of Forest Road 1514 on the Sisters Ranger District.

Trees that blew down over the winter near the gravel pit off of Forest Road 1514 and near the west end of Forest Road 1516 will be removed and hauled to the Whychus Canyon Preserve.

The public is encouraged to stay out of the area fromJune 13-17 while trees are cut and removed and Metolius-Windigo and Peterson Ridge Ridge Trail users should be caution when crossing Forest Roads 1514, 16, and 4606 (Brooks Scanlon Road).

This is the first phase of a six mile stream restoration project on Deschutes Land Trust property known as Whychus Canyon. All parties have coordinated restoration efforts to ensure the trees placed in the stream will create and enhance fish habitat. Additionally, placing the downed timber on the floodplain will reduce stream energy during high water flows. Subsequent phases will include further habitat improvements.

For more information on the project, contact Cari Press at541-549-7720orcpress@fs.fed.us