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Your river guide to news, tours, & volunteer events
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Winter sunset just north of Norwood Island on the Willamette
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From The Riverkeeper
Hello River Folks-
February - a marker of sorts. Perhaps the notion that we've made it out of the worst of the Western Oregon style winter is the first seasonal thought at hand. Of course, we have several weeks to go before Spring arrives - officially. For weeks, our eyes have been on the river gauges. "How high is it in Harrisburg?" (thinking of those southern Greenway properties and how much flooding occurs) and... "Is Willamette Mission flooding today?" If the river is too high at Willamette Mission, it affects or ability to access the restoration project that is in full swing there.
Along with these high flows, the idea of all of that water coursing across the wider landscape also has us thinking. The massive flows that surge through the valley from the tributaries are astounding in their volume. The flooded farm fields can be striking, as pools of brown water can be seen stretching across thousands of acres. As water people, we think about what is in that water, and where that water goes. Reducing any pollutants that come off the streets of Eugene, to the farm fields near Brownsville, is on our minds. It also brings to mind such questions as, "how do the agricultural tile systems really work?" Many fields in the Willamette Valley have what are in essence plumbing systems built underneath them to help to keep fields from collecting standing water.
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Amazing Willamette agate!
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As we rush into February, stay tuned for news of new partnerships, new progress on existing restoration efforts, and our continued fight for reducing toxic exposure in Portland Harbor. I look forward to seeing some of you this rainy Saturday on our Portland Harbor Bridges & Big Ships River Discovery Trip (which is now full!).
For the River,
Travis
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Big Win For Willamette River Habitat
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Floodplain forest in action at Willamette Mission last month
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We are thrilled to share the news that in late January, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) awarded a grant to the Willamette Mainstem Anchor Habitats program totaling $2,351,100.
The award, part of a new agency initiative to support landscape scale habitat improvements for native fish and wildlife, will focus on the mainstem Willamette River from south of Eugene-Springfield to Newburg. Ecological outcomes will include, rehabilitated floodplain and riparian forests; increased side-channel complexity; and a reconnection of the river to its historic floodplain.
Restoration actions will support the recovery of Chinook Salmon, steelhead, Pacific Lamprey and Oregon Chub, as well as numerous avian and wildlife species.
A portion of these funds will go to Willamette Riverkeeper, a partner in the Willamette Mainstem Anchor Habitat Working Group, to continue the ongoing restoration of the floodplain forest at Willamette Mission State Park. Once restored this will be one of the largest tracts of healthy floodplain forest in the Willamette Valley.
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Superfund Community Forum: Monday, 2/8
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Captivating view of a portion of the Superfund site, taken on last month's walking tour, by Doug Owen
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What: Community Forum on Willamette River Superfund with EPA
When: Monday, 2/8 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
As many of you know, the Portland Harbor Superfund site is a highly contaminated stretch of the Willamette River that extends approximately 10 miles, starting near the confluence with the Columbia River and extending to the Fremont Bridge. Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to determine how the river will be restored to health, and how much the parties who polluted the river will pay to clean up their mess.
Come and learn more about the Willamette Superfund Site and the options the EPA is considering for cleaning up the river. The session will include a Portland Harbor background presentation by EPA staff that includes information on health risks and why EPA is taking action. In addition, the EPA will present information on cleanup options, and next steps for public participation/comment during the proposed plan release this spring. A discussion with the EPA, Audubon Staff and Willamette Riverkeeper will follow.
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Volunteers Needed- dig in and help us plant this winter!
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January Spring Park planing
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@ SPRING PARK
When: Saturday, 2/13, from 9:00am - 12:30pm
Where: Meet us at the entrance to Spring Park (1880 SE Sparrow St, Milwaukie)
Details: Help us plant several hundred bare-root trees and shrubs while learning more about the comprehensive restoration efforts underway at this small natural area situated along the banks of the Willamette in Milwaukie. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and a brown bag lunch. We'll provide gloves, tools, coffee, snacks, and a FREE lunch!
@ WILLAMETTE MISSION
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Contractors begin the big task of planting at Mission in early February
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When: Saturday, 2/27 from 9:30am - 1:00pm
Where: Meet by the restrooms next to the Filbert grove inside the park
Details: We need your help to make our first native planting at Willamette Mission State Park a success! In an effort to restore one of the largest Floodplain forests in the Willamette Valley we will be planting over 126,000 native trees and shrubs this winter with the help of volunteers and contractors. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and a brown bag lunch. We'll provide gloves, and tools. If you are looking to carpool from the Portland Area please let us know when you register.
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River Discovery- Scappoose Bay Paddle: Saturday, 3/12
Join us as we explore the lowest reach of the Willamette system- Scappoose Bay!
When: Saturday, March 12th, meet at 9:30am - about 1:30pm
Details: Breaking from the mainstem Willamette a few miles before the confluence with the Columbia, Multnomah Channel eventually spills into the low, tidal estuary of Scappoose Bay. Adjacent to Sauvie Island National Wildlife Area, the bay teems with wildlife. Here juvenile salmonids seek refuge from strong river currents before migrating to the ocean, and bald eagles, herons, and tundra swans grace the skies. Scappoose also claims a compelling Northwest history that includes thriving Chinook villages, Lewis and Clark, and the Hudson Bay Company. We'll explore the Bay's many back channels as the water levels allow, and visit the remains of an old wooden ship.
Bring: $5 for the Marina parking fee, your camera, binoculars, water, lunch, and a hot drink. Dress WARM; tall rubber boots are suggested to keep your feet warm and dry. It can be very muddy here when stepping out of your boat. We also recommed packing a hat, gloves, extra warm/dry layers. Splash wear such as a rain coat and pants with fleece underlayers is a good choice for those using our canoes.
Need a Boat? Riverkeeper canoes are available upon request for $20 (per canoe) for non-members, or FREE for current members. You must recruit your own paddling partner.
BYOBoat? Non-members are welcome to participate with a $10 donation, or choose to become an active Riverkeeper member for a one time fee of just $35.
Your support makes our work and outreach possible! Become become a member TODAY!
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We Are Hiring!
Do you appreciate working on/for rivers? Then you may be a good fit for our team! We're hiring a part-time Development/Administrative Assistant. Position closes on 2/10.
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Paddle Oregon News
Thumbs up for Paddle Oregon!
We've been nominated for the Gene Leo Memorial Sustainable Tourism Award as part of the Oregon Travel & Tourism Industry Achievement Awards. We are truly honored to be considered as an event that highlights the natural beauty of Oregon, while promoting stewardship and low-impact recreational practices. Wish us luck!
August 15th - 19th 2016
Look for Trip Details + Registration this March
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