Willamette bridge construction, no-wake zone will slow river traffic, increase 'river rage' potential. "Bridge construction at both ends of Ross Island and a relatively new slow-speed no-wake zone on the Holgate Channel will slow traffic on a stretch of river that normally churns with water skiers, wakeboarders and other pleasure-craft users on hot days and balmy evenings. Add a growing armada of human-powered craft -- stand-up paddle boards, rowing shells, outrigger canoes, kayaks and dragon boats -- that favor the same stretch of scenic water, and the potential grows for accidents and 1river rage.' "Watch video tips for safe Willamette boating.  OregonLive.com, June 15
(Image: Oregon State Marine Board)

Harbor cleanup stirs possibilities for all. "Plans to clean up the Portland Harbor could include new recreation areas and industries along the Willamette River. It took more than 100 years to pollute the Portland Harbor to the point where it was declared a national Superfund site. Portland-area residents hope it will take considerably less time to restore the northernmost stretch of the Willamette River to a better condition. Local residents, though, want something more than just clean water and unpolluted sediment following a river cleanup. They appropriately desire other benefits from one of this community's greatest resources." Portland Tribune Opinion, June 14

How Toxic Is This Catfish From Columbia Slough?"Daniel Pop doesn't care for salmon. He grew up in Romania catching carp, catfish, perch. They're bottom-feeders that like dirty water, he said: 'They've got the stink.' " OPB Ecotrope, June 13  

Creative umbrella sculpture handles stormwater. "Many Oregonians know of the $1.4 billion Big Pipe public works project in which Portland's built environment was replumbed. But smaller stormwater management systems also are needed around the city to prevent raw sewage and stormwater from spilling into the Willamette River and Columbia Slough. KPFF Consulting Engineers is taking a new, artistic approach to spread the word about its creative stormwater projects. The firm recently released the first short video in a planned series, called "Stormwater Cinema," that focuses on innovative stormwater collaborations." DJCOregon.com, June 6

Industrial-Size Eco-Roofs Near Portland Harbor. "Two eco-roofs at the Gunderson train and barge manufacturing plant in Portland add about 3,500 square feet of habitat and stormwater control to the industrial property on the Willamette River." OPB Ecotrope, June 13

How does a forest recover? Lewis & Clark study of River View Natural Area may yield answers. "River View Natural Area was purchased last year from River View Cemetery for $11.5 million ... by the Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks and Recreation, Metro and the Trust for Public Land. ... The 146 acres are home to seven streams, which play a role in reducing water temperatures in the Willamette River, and it provides critical habitat for wildlife. ... Lewis & Clark College ecologists [will] go about tracking the forest's progress after the initial removal of invasives...by doing annual surveys -- observing how the abundance of plant species changes over time." OregonLive.com, May 30   

2012 Johnson Creek State of the Watershed Report released. "This report discusses the Johnson Creek Watershed area in terms of fish and wildlife, shade and temperature, streamflow, turbidity, pollution and a 2020 vision for the creek." Johnson Creek Watershed Council, June 11  

UP tries new approach for master plan.  "The University of Portland is eager to start developing the 35-acre parcel along the Willamette River that it purchased in 2008 - so much, in fact, that it's using a unique approach. By the end of summer, university officials hope to build a baseball field on the new "River Campus" - a former industrial site at the foot of a steep bluff that runs along the edge of the main campus. ...In order to build the baseball field on the new riverfront property, the university  ... decided to create an ambitious new master plan ... The new master plan also provides room for the university to continue expanding further along the Willamette River. The proposed northern boundary would be a 45-acre site that the university does not own. ... But the university may someday be interested in purchasing the site, known as McCormick and Baxter, in order to expand its recreation facilities." DJCOregon.com, June 11    Subscription req'd for entire article.      

PDC hopes to identify Centennial Mills developer in July.  DJCOregon.com, June 5  Subscription req'd for entire article.

City water lab celebrates quiet anniversary. "...the $13 million building has become a landmark in the St. Johns neighborhood since it opened in 1997. ... 'It's sort of a conspicuous building, but most people have no idea what goes on inside of it,' says Brian Laurent, a permit manager in the lab's Industrial Source Control Division. ... People walk past the lab each day using the riverside Willamette Greenway Trail. Lab staff and community groups use the building's multipurpose conference rooms daily. Nonprofits are allowed to use it for free." Portland Tribune, June 14   

Portland Water Bureau plans to build pump station in Willamette Park.
OregonLive.com, June 7

Vanport flood left changes in wake-Portland's history, institutions owe a debt to 1948 disaster. "A railroad embankment serving as a levy gave way, and within 45 minutes, the entire city of 18,500 people was under several feet of water and gone for good." Portland Tribune, June 7 

NOTE: River News Digest is a compilation of interesting items and announcements relating to rivers-with a focus on better understanding, enjoying, and caring for our local rivers, while touching on items from around the country and the world. Please note much of the information is from sources other than the City of Portland [like news media, non-profit organizations, and other government agencies]. The Rivers Office lists these items for information purposes only and is not responsible for their content.