From: McKenzie River Trust News
Last week, we launched a major restoration project on Quartz Creek—a key tributary of the McKenzie River. This work is part of a larger effort to bring back healthy floodplain forests along the middle McKenzie, helping the land and water return to a more natural, thriving state.
The goal of this project is to reconnect the creek with its historic floodplain. By doing this, we’ll create more diverse habitats, slow down the flow of water, and allow sediments to settle out naturally. These changes help improve water quality and make the area more welcoming for fish and other wildlife.
Construction will take place throughout the summer months. If you’re driving or boating nearby, you might notice large equipment at work—moving soil, rocks, and trees as part of the restoration process.
As we seek to revive the creek, we’ll excavate new channels to allow water to spread back into the surrounding forest. As the water slows down in these channels, it creates calm areas where sediment can settle and fish can thrive. We’ll also place large logs and wood structures throughout the area. These not only help guide the flow of water, but also create shelter for native animals like salmon, trout, lamprey, beavers, and more.
This project is made possible by committed community partners and funders, including the Eugene Water & Electric Board, Haley Construction Company, Inc., the McKenzie Watershed Council, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the U.S. Forest Service, and Wolf Water Resources. Read the full story >>>
