From McKenzie River Trust
Phase II of the Finn Rock Reach Floodplain Enhancement Project is underway. The Project will enhance habitat conditions across more than 80 acres adjacent to the McKenzie River and restore historic floodplain connections between the main stem McKenzie River and Elk Creek. Phase II builds upon the work completed during Phase I in 2021 that successfully reconnected more than 50 acres of floodplain.
Beginning around July 20th, contractors will temporarily reroute a section of Elk Creek into a diversion channel that bypasses the Phase II project area and returns flow into the Phase I project area. Phase II project activities, including the diversion, are anticipated to continue until no later than August 30th, 2023.
Project managers expect that the initial diversion may cause short-term turbidity impacts on the McKenzie River immediately downstream of the project area located near river mile 56. Minimal turbidity impacts were seen during Phase I implementation in 2021 and project managers expect similar results in 2023.
The Project will take several steps to minimize downstream turbidity impacts. The diversion will take place over a period of several days beginning around July 20th. The slow drawdown of the water levels in the project prior to the full diversion will allow for natural fish escapement prior to fish salvage operations within the project area.
For more information, please contact McKenzie River Trust by calling their office at (541) 345-2799 or emailing info@mckenzieriver.org.
