If a Tree Falls in the Forest…Let it Become Part of the Sandy River Basin
One of the best ways to restore habitat function in our rivers and streams is to strategically place woody debris and logs instream. While woody debris had historically been removed from many rivers, its reintroduction has proven to have many significant ecological benefits. Deep pools created in and around the logs serve as critical spawning habitat and valuable refuge.
Freshwater Trust understands this principle and, with help from Lottery dollars, are making rivers and creeks cleaner and salmon and trout habitat healthier. In 2019, $175,000 in Lottery funds helped restoration programs take fallen trees and place them in the watershed basin to create new habitat for salmon and steelhead. So the next time you’re in the forest and notice that big log in the river or creek, don’t think of it as a barrier, think of it as a good home for fish.
Impact of the Sandy River Basin restoration
- Stream function in the Sandy River Basin has been increased by more than 17,700 functional linear feet.
- In 2019, more than 650 logs were flown in by helicopter and strategically placed to form 33 new logjams.
- The population of steelhead smolts (young salmon) in the Salmon River have increased by 710% between 2010 and 2018.
Some Logs you can Walk Across
If you find yourself touring the Sandy River basin, you might consider traveling a few more miles east of the Sandy River toward Wyeth to travel an old-fashioned log bridge spanning Gorton Creek on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. It’s a nice little hike that will have you surrounded by these helpful trees on all sides.
It’s a Beautiful Drive
Whether you take the Scenic Hwy or I-84, it’s a wonderful trek alongside the mighty Columbia. On your way back from Wyeth, don’t forget to swing by Cascade Locks to pick up some road trip snacks and a few Scratch-its. Your lottery play helps keep our fish healthy and happy.
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