The Umatilla Anadromous Fish Habitat Program (UAFHP) is responsible for the protection, enhancement, and rehabilitation of stream ecosystems on private lands within the Umatilla River Subbasin.  Project activities are implemented under long-term agreements with landowners.  Past activities include the construction of grazing control fences and off-channel watering facilities, fish passage barrier remediation, channel rehabilitation, native plant enhancement on riparian areas and management of noxious weeds.

Proposed activities for FY 2013-2014 by the UAFHP include Phase I - Engineering surveys and designs and possibly Phase II - project Implementation (upon funding) to remove one abandon irrigation dam in Birch Creek at Hoeft property. These project will include stream channel rehabilitation, removal of noxious weeds, and planting of native vegetation. With  the inventory of fish passage obstructions in Birch Creek Watershed done in 2011, negotiations with landowners to remove concrete irrigation dams and stabilize stream banks and channel  on Birch Creek Watershed will continue in order to accomplish projects in Phase I -Technical Assistance for Engineering surveys and designs. The UAFHP also proposes to maintain 336.47 acres of riparian and stream habitat within the Umatilla River Subbasin.  Specifically, 14 miles of fence, 16 off-channel watering facilities, and 130 acres of native vegetation will be maintained to meet program objectives.  Also, two surface flow monitoring systems and 9 temperature probes will be operated and maintained throughout the contract period to monitor the status and trends of water temperature, stream flows and fish habitat in the Birch and Meacham Creek watersheds.