The Trout Creek Watershed Restoration Project’s primary goal is to increase the abundance of ESA listed Middle Columbia River DPS Summer Steelhead. The status of the summer steelhead population in Trout Creek, within the Deschutes River eastside DPS is currently rated as a viable population (Oregon Mid-C Steelhead Recovery Plan, 2010). The confidence for making this population assessment “viable” is largely the result of the BPA funded programs associated with this project. Past project work, the continued maintenance and monitoring of this work, along with the proposed future habitat restoration work will hopefully put the MCR DPS up for consideration of de-listing.

This project satisfies the goals listed in the Deschutes River Sub-basin Summary (Nelson, 2001), that portion of the draft Deschutes Subbasin Plan (2004) that addresses Trout Creek, and the Trout Creek Watershed Assessment (2003). This project satisfies the objectives of Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives 34 and 35 of the 2008 FCRPS Biological Opinion calling for protection and improvement of tributary habitat based on biological needs and prioritized actions. This project also follows the habitat strategies and actions found in the Oregon Middle Columbia (Mid-C) Steelhead Recovery Plan (2010).

Following the goals and objectives of the numerous plans and documents will ensure the viability of the summer steelhead that utilize the Trout Creek Watershed. Continued work in this area will promote healthy populations of numerous species of fish and wildlife, while simultaneously promoting the use of sustainable agricultural practices on private land. Successful agriculture and extraordinary habitat can and does coexist in the Trout Creek Watershed, and needs to continue well into the future for all parties involved if there is to be true “restoration.” The work done here also has a huge impact on the region’s financial income. The Deschutes River is one of the single largest recreational summer steelhead fisheries in the United States, with over 50,000 angler days per season, bringing millions of dollars annually to the region. Trout Creek accounts for approximately 25-33% of the entire run of wild summer steelhead found in the Lower Deschutes River Subbasin (ODFW). Sustaining or better yet, improving this run of fish is critical to the economy of central and north-central Oregon.

We plan to accomplish these goals with the implementation of demonstration projects located throughout the Trout Creek Watershed on private lands. Priority areas have been identified in previous studies and assessments. We give preference to these areas when selecting projects to implement, but it should be noted that all of our work hinges on the permission and desire of the landowner. Some landowners are more willing than others. Since the inception of this project in 1998, there have been massive gains in trust and willingness throughout the watershed and we have recently gained access to numerous acres that were previously off limits to us and our work. This gain in trust is a huge benefit for all when it comes to the restoration of our habitat. The demonstration projects we plan to implement include: Habitat Improvement Projects that include in-stream work, riparian and floodplain enhancements, fish passage improvements, upland vegetation management, spring developments and conservation easements such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). We have been very successful in the improvement of irrigation practices throughout the watershed, and there are still more opportunities that exist in Trout Creek. Improving efficiencies of irrigation systems is critical to the overall reduction of water withdrawals. Also, improving individual points of diversion, not only aid the irrigator, but hugely benefit the species of concern, juvenile summer steelhead.

These demonstration projects should continue until all of the habitat, including upland, riparian, and in-stream, can sustain ample fish and wildlife populations and summer steelhead can become de-listed. This may take many years for all of this to come to fruition, however we are making great strides in the right direction and each and every year, we gain trust and access to habitats that were previously inaccessible.

The Jefferson SWCD (JCSWCD) has successfully implemented many large scale projects in the past decade. This has accomplished at an extremely low cost to the BPA. We have been able to keep costs very low because of our in-house knowledge and experience. This, combined with our partnership with ODFW – Trout Creek Project, we can put conservation on the ground at the lowest costs seen anywhere in the Columbia Basin. Combined with our ability to secure funding from other sources to help offset costs from BPA, we have been an extremely efficient project over the years. JCSWCD does not charge for administration fees on our contracts, a unique quality for sure.

This fiscal year, the costs of the proposed actions are shared heavily with landowners and PGE and work is completed in coordination with the BPA funded ODFW Trout Creek Project. BPA will fund approximately forty-three (43) percent of the habitat improvement work JCSWCD does in the Trout Creek Watershed this fiscal year.


Planned Projects:
All projects are designed to improve fish habitat, water quality and quantity in the Trout Creek basin. Projects within the riparian zone that directly impact the stream will be conducted during the in-water work period (July 1 - October 31) as dictated by ODFW guidelines. All projects will be in compliance with all pertinent state and federal law, regulations and executive orders.


Opal/Trout Creek Complex:
This project will replace undersized round culverts at two stream crossing locations, using appropriately sized open arch (bottomless) culverts.  The current road location impinges upon the stream and adjacent floodplain and will be removed and relocated out of the channel and active floodplain.  Opal Creek will then be put back into its historic channel and confluence location with Trout Creek.  The entire project footprint will be re-vegetated with native trees and shrubs as well as seeded with native grasses and forbs.  Primary project funding has been secured by ODFW from PGE’s Pelton Fund.  Jefferson SWCD will assist ODFW in project design and implementation by providing additional funds where needed, including equipment rental, supplies and materials.  ODFW is the project lead on this and will account for all cost share dollars supplied to this project from non-BPA sources.  All facets of this project will pass the HIP 3 BiOp and NOAA Fisheries review prior to implementation.  

Little Trout Creek Habitat Improvement Project:
This is going to be a large-scale restoration project located north of Ashwood on Little Trout Creek. The project consists primarily of fish habitat structure placement with some streambank and floodplain shaping. Fish habitat and streambank structures will be constructed using juniper trees and root wads from the site. A stream crossing consisting of a hardened ford will be constructed at the lower end of the project area. Equipment used will include a tracked exactor, a medium sized bulldozer, and an off-road dump truck. The excavator will be used to pull the junipers out of the ground and then load them into the dump truck, and then transported to the creek. The bulldozer will be used to smooth out the berms and shape the floodplain. The excavator will be used to place the log structures and slope the vertical banks back away from the channel. All disturbed areas will be re-vegetated with native seed and the area within the CREP boundary will be planted with native trees and shrubs as well. We will continue to work to work to assure the project meets the BPA Habitat Improvement Program Biological Opinion throughout the design process to ensure the best possible project for the resource. The final design of this project has been scrutinized by BPA’s HIP 3 process and NOAA Fisheries.  During this process, the owner of the property has changed hands.  Our goal this fiscal year is to develop a relationship with the new owner and coordinate an effort to get this project on the ground during the next contracting period (FY20).


Trout Creek Vegetation Improvement:
This project will involve planting native trees and shrubs by hand and spreading native seed in designated riparian and upland sites throughout the Trout Creek Watershed. Riparian planting will be focused in areas with low existing plant densities and will be planted in clumps with an overall density of 300-500 plants per acre. Tree planting will occur in sites previously surveyed for cultural resources. Areas that have been freshly scoured with recent high-water events may be re-seeded with native seed mix. Areas that have been treated for noxious weeds will be a priority for this work element. We will locate areas with exposed soil or little vegetation and broadcast native seed in those areas within the Trout Creek Watershed. These sites may coincide with sites treated through the Trout Creek Noxious Weed Program. Re-vegetating the disturbed ground will help stabilize the soil and reduce overall erosion and sediment entering the streams/waterways in the watershed. This fiscal year, this effort will be focused on the revegetation of the Opal/Trout Creek Complex Project.


Trout Creek Noxious Weed Program:
Continue the noxious weed program for the Trout Creek Watershed for the 9th year, the 7th in conjunction with the Jefferson Co. Public Works and local licensed applicators. Collaborate with the County to provide them with herbicide to be used in the Trout Creek Watershed on "A" list weeds. The County will disperse herbicide to approved landowners and also apply the chemical as well. Coordinate with local licensed applicators that are spraying on private property in the Trout Creek Watershed to potentially provide herbicide for "A" list species. The SWCD will continue to apply chemical to known weed patches throughout the watershed. Implementing this program will attempt to control noxious weed species that are found on the county's "A" list. These include Scotch Thistle, Spotted Knapweed and Yellow starthistle. We will continue to monitor areas with known biological control on certain weed patches to determine if more biological control is necessary or if herbicide will need to be used. Ensure the proper reporting from the SWCD and the County in order to provide accurate accounting of herbicide use to EC.  This program has continued to be a huge success and we hope it can continue to grow in future years.  It is important to note the effects of controlling noxious weeds in the watershed.  Killing noxious weeds allows the native vegetation to utilize the available nutrients and water found on site. This enables them to thrive and continue to provide cover and prevent soil erosion, both major factors in improving the habitat for summer steelhead in the Trout Creek Watershed. All herbicides and adjuvants will be applied in accordance with HIP conservation measures.

Produce Designs and/or Specifications:
Collaborate with ODFW in the design of the Foley Creek Complex Project.  This project will consist of re-setting a bridge that failed due to extreme flooding and poor abutments, re-locating the road, replacing undersized culverts and re-configuring the confluences of Dutchman, Big Log, and Foley Creeks.  Design work will include field data gathering consisting of topographical surveys and sediment transport data for each stream to be used in the design process.  Design will be subject to Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) review, which includes NOAA fisheries.

Identify and Select Projects:
The Jefferson SWCD is constantly looking for projects to benefit ESA listed Middle Columbia River DPS Summer Steelhead in the Trout Creek Watershed.  This involves coordinating with different landowners and agencies to identify different projects and locations.  This also involves the seeking of additional funding to implement these projects.  Typical funding sources include Portland General Electric’s Pelton Fund and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. The Jefferson SWCD is currently working on several of these projects.  These projects include the Stenersen Upland Habitat Improvement Project, The Beaver Creek Restoration Project, and the Priday Summer Steelhead Preserve-Land and Water Right Acquisition.


Watershed Coordination:
The Jefferson SWCD has a tremendous working relationship with the BPA funded ODFW Trout Creek Project.  We assist ODFW in their normal operations when they need an extra hand.  This includes their operation of the smolt trap, video fish weir, redd surveys, and herbicide application.  In return, ODFW provides the SWCD with manpower to help implement the many work elements we perform annually without having to contract the work to outside sources, saving BPA many thousands of dollars for habitat work completed.  With both of these contracts working hand in hand on the same projects, special attention is giving to not double report on metrics as well as cost share from outside sources.  It should be noted that with this special relationship between ODFW and the SWCD, much more “on the ground” conservation and habitat improvement can be achieved annually for much lower costs that can be found in the entire Columbia Basin.