Lower Milton Creek Oxbow Reconnection

July 1, 2021 – December 1, 2025

Coho and Steelhead were historically abundant in Lower Milton Creek, but over time, a loss of summer rearing habitat has had a negative impact on the health of the stream and salmon populations. This project will provide a number of ecological benefits to the watershed along the creek. Reconnecting the channel to the main-stem and increasing the amount and diversity of native vegetation, will create reduced water temperatures needed to provide cold water refuge for salmonoid species.

Project Details

The goal of this project is to help restore natural stream function and improve available salmon habitat.

The Oxbow Reconnection project will be beneficial in several ways.

The project will:

  • Reconnect 600 ft of historic oxbow channel to Milton Creek.
  • Install fencing to protect 1.5 acres of riparian area from livestock.
  • Stabilize 50 ft of stream bank to allow reestablishment of riparian vegetation.
  • Remove invasive species.
  • Improve riparian habitat by planting native conifers, small trees and shrubs.
  • Create more canopy cover over the stream channel as trees mature to reduce water temperatures providing needed cold water refuge.

Location

The project site is on 1.5 miles of Milton Creek.

Milton Creek is located in central Columbia County; it contains 17.8 miles of mainstem stream and 6.6 miles of streams within five major tributaries that support Coho, Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Pacific Lamprey. It drains into the north end of Scappoose Bay, less than 2 miles upstream from the Lower Columbia River.

 

Timeline

July 1, 2021 – December 1, 2025

Date Task
August 2021 Remove plugs in Oxbow and install logs
Winter 2021-2022 Plant native conifers, small trees, and shrubs
2022-2025 Plant care and monitoring

Photo Gallery

More Information

For more information, contact the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council at 503-397-7904, or email info@scappoosebay-wc.org.

Partners

Scappoose Bay Watershed Council will be working with landowners and the following resources.