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Bird Track Springs Restoration

Part of a phased effort on the Bird Track Reach, the Bird Track Springs restoration project played a critical role in enhancing habitat conditions and access for native Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Grande Ronde River. Working with the US Bureau of Reclamation and local partners, we focused on improving the surrounding landscape as well as the condition of the river itself, which had become degraded and disconnected it from the floodplain.

Along with several bank treatments and revegetation approaches for floodplain and channel margins, we prepared final plans, specifications, and engineering cost estimates for 18 different types of main channel, side channel, and floodplain log structures. Overall, the project encompassed 5,000 feet of main and 9,800 feet of side channel construction as well as construction of 300 large wood habitat structures.

Through the successful reestablishment of side channel habitat, floodplain connectivity, hyporheic flow, and creation of sustainable alcoves and off-channel ponds, the Grand Ronde River once again provides a thriving home to native fish and wildlife.