Introduction

During the 1915 construction of the dam for the La Grande Reservoir, fish passage was not a consideration. Installation of the dam and associated diversion structures created five barriers that inhibit access for aquatic species, namely Mid-Columbia steelhead and spring Chinook salmon, to approximately 12 miles of protected watershed. These facilities are located on USFS property; however, the City of La Grande owns and operates the facilities. The goal of this project is to remove fish passage barriers at five diversion structures, open approximately 12 miles of native habitat to aquatic species, and augment in-stream flows, while continuing to protect the City of La Grande’s drinking water source. The project will be completed in three phases: Phase I will address fish passage and screening on the main intake and upper diversions and fish passage at the dam; Phase II will address the two small intakes located on Cove and West Beaver Creeks; and Phase III will address fish screening at each intake.

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is to manage the La Grande watershed such that ecological processes support aquatic productivity and diversity while a reliable drinking water source for the City of La Grande is maintained. Fish passage for aquatic species is the main focus of the project. Other benefits include fish screening on all diversions and restoring native fish populations by providing connectivity. The proposed Improvements will bring the reservoir into regulatory compliance, allowing the City to continue operating this water storage resource, and will open 12 miles of spawning habitat for salmonids while supporting in-stream flow augmentation during low flow periods of the year.

The City of La Grande owns and operates the La Grande Reservoir, an impoundment on Beaver Creek in the Upper Grande Ronde River watershed in Union County. Beaver Creek is home to multiple Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species including spring Chinook, summer steelhead, and bull trout. The Beaver Creek Dam was constructed in 1915 to create the reservoir that provides water storage for domestic use during dry periods of the year. Several diversion structures in the watershed feed a pipeline to the City for municipal water. At the time of construction, fish passage was not considered. The completed project created seven barriers, five of which inhibit aquatic access to approximately 12 miles of watershed, an area that has potential for quality habitat and historically was a spawning and rearing area for spring Chinook salmon and steelhead.

Benefits

•   Improved fish passage.
•   Restored connectivity to approximately 12 miles of pristine habitat.
•   Improved water quality and stream diversity.
•   Augmentation of in-stream flows during low flow periods.
•   A secure, continued water supply for the City of La Grande.
•   Enhancement in water storage infrastructure and public resource lands.