date adopted 2/21/2017 - elkcreekwatershed.org · landowner technical assistance. the program...

Elk Creek WC Work Plan for 07/01/2017 - 06/30/2019Date Adopted 2/21/2017Watershed Limiting Factor(s) Habitat Access - Impaired access to habitat; Hydrograph/water quantity - Altered

hydrology; Knowledge Gaps - Lack of Information; Physical habitat quality - Altered quailtyof physical habitat; Water Quality -Altered physical, chemical, or biological watercharacteristics.

Watershed Source Document(s) Oregon Coast Coho Recovery Plan - NOAA - December 2016Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan - ODFW - March 2007Umpqua Basin Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan - ODA - October 2016Umpqua Basin TMDL - ODEQ - October 2006Umpqua Basin Habitat Restoration Guide - ODFW - 1996Elk Creek/Umpqua River Watershed Analysis - Roseburg District BLM - March 2004East Elk Watershed Analysis - Roseburg District BLM - October 1996Summary of the Watershed Health Indicators for the Oregon Coast Coho EvolutionarySignificant Unit - Watershed Professionals - 2006Elk Creek Watershed Council Fisheries Summit - Elk Creek Watershed Council -November 2006Umpqua Basin Fish Access Team Culvert Inventory Database - OngoingODFW Aquatic Habitat Inventories Project - ODFW - Ongoing

Organizational Limiting Factor(s) Board capacity development; Staff capacity development; Staff skill developmentOrganizational Source Document(s) Elk Creek Watershed Council Bylaws - November 2013

Elk Creek Watershed Council Policies and Procedures Manual - October 2014Elk Creek Watershed Council Self Evaluation - February 2017

Watershed Action Plan(s) Elk Creek Watershed Council Action Plan - November 2012Elk Creek Watershed Council Action Plan - April 2014Elk Creek Watershed Council Action Plan - September 2016

Project Category: Community Engagement (outreach and education)Project Title Elk Creek Community Outreach and Education OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority Medium

of 35 Printed by OWEB Grant Management System (OGMS) on 3/6/2017 11:39:28 AM

Elk Creek WC Council Support Work Plan

Project Description This project incorporates four separate projects from the 2015-2017 WorkPlan: Meeting Presentations, Project Tours, Landowner Seminars, andLandowner Technical Assistance. The program includes the goals from eachof these and is designed to expand outreach and education to thecommunity. Outreach actions include informative or educationalpresentations at regular monthly watershed council meetings, specialpresentations on topics of interest to the local community, public tours ofselected watershed council projects, and technical assistance to landownersand the public on natural resource and land management.

In CouncilAction Plan

Yes

Key Partners Various public and private agencies and organizations involved with naturalresource issues.

Limiting Factor(s) Knowledge Gaps - Lack of Information

Original Date 2/6/2017 % Complete 100% -Post grantreportingcomplete

Challenges Outreach and education in our sparsely-populated, rural watershed is mosteffective when approached one-on-one. Attendance at regular watershedcouncil meetings is limited, and attendance at educational meetings isusually determined by how contentious the political ramifications of thesubject are to local landowners and their property rights. For these reasons,public educational meetings have been a low priority for the watershedcouncil. Direct interaction with individual landowners with questions on landmanagement, through requests for technical information, or throughquestions raised at the Landowner Lunch program, have been far moreproductive.



Opportunities One of the most effective outreach tools has been soliciting permission fromlandowners for the rapid bioassessment surveys. These one-on-oneinteractions are an opportunity to introduce the watershed council and itswork, and to open dialog about salmon in our watershed. Most landownersare interested in and support salmon, but are afraid that allowing agencypeople on their land may expose some regulatory violation that they will haveto contend with. But only two have denied permission to let us survey fish.

To follow up on this opportunity, the watershed council has been awarded agrant from the BLM RAC to analyze the results of the bioassessment survey,and to present individual landowners with specific data on fish use on theirproperties. We feel this additional level of contact will help build therelationships that will convince landowners to agree to projects to improvesalmon habitat on their properties.

Planned Deliverables In 2016, the Council sponsored public presentations featuring the DouglasSWCD's Invasive Weed Control Program, a BLM presentation on theimportance of beavers (and beaver relocation) in the Umpqua Basin, andODFW's habitat restoration project on Camp Creek. The watershed councilwill continue to sponsor public presentations on topics of interest.

The Council will also continue to provide technical assistance to landownerswhen requested, or to direct them to resources that might allow them toimprove their management of their natural resources.



Project Category: Community Engagement (outreach and education)Project Title Elk Creek Landowner Lunch Program OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description Each spring the Elk Creek Watershed Council mails invitations to all

landowners in the watershed with more than four (4) acres. In addition to the"Free Lunch," a chicken dinner prepared and served by members of theSunnydale Grange, landowners are given a presentation on the watershedand the projects of the watershed council. Since the Elk Creek watershedhas a very high percentage of high intrinsic potential coho salmon habitat, farmore than any other fifth-field in the Umpqua Basin, the presentation coverscoho life history, limiting factors, and the importance of habitat restoration. Itis also an opportunity for local landowners to meet members of the council, toask questions about the council and its projects, and to see what might bepossible on their properties. The Council has sponsored this program for thelast seven (7) years, and has decided to make it a yearly event.


Yes

Key Partners Sunnydale Grange, Douglas SWCD, ODFWLimiting Factor(s) Knowledge Gaps - Lack of Information


Challenges The Landowner Lunch program has previously been held in late April or earlyMay. The council felt that attendance could be increased by moving the dateto early March, so we wouldn't be competing with the first nice weekends ofspring.



Opportunities The Landowner Lunch program has provided an opportunity to make locallandowners more aware of the watershed council and its projects andprograms through the mailing. Those that have attended were able to learnmore about the watershed, the importance of salmon, and the projects thatthe council has completed: projects that have not only improved salmonhabitat, but have also improved the aesthetic and economic value of thelandowner's land.

Much of the program is devoted to questions and answers about thewatershed council, about conditions in the watershed, and concerns of locallandowners. Even some landowners that were not able to attend, wereinterested enough call and find out more.

Attendance has ranged from 40 to 80. Relationships established with locallandowners have led to on-the-ground restoration projects and new recruitsfor the watershed council's Board of Directors.

Planned Deliverables Last year's program was held on April 30, 2016. Lunches were prepared andserved by the Sunnydale Grange. Invitations were sent to nearly 800landowners; about 50 attended. Presentations were made by Lee Russell(Elk Creek Watershed Council) on salmon life history and watershed councilprojects, and by Crissy Morgan (Douglas SWCD) on the Douglas Countyinvasive weed program. Walt Barton (Douglas SWCD) and GeorginaKennedy (Douglas County CREP Technician) shared informational literaturewith participants.

The 2017 program will be held on March 11, 2017. Presentations will includesalmon life history and council projects by Lee Russell, and the ODFWHabitat Restoration Program by Eric Himmelreich, ODFW Habitat Biologist.Walt Barton and Georgina Kennedy will be promoting the CREP program.



Project Category: Community Engagement (outreach and education)Project Title Elk Creek Rapid Bioassessment Outreach Program OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority MediumProject Description Collecting rapid bioassessment data on private lands requires the approval of

the landowner. When we ask for this approval, it presents an opportunity totalk to landowners about salmon, and to start a more personal relationship.Nearly all landowners are supportive of salmon, though many distrustgovernment agencies. Most have given permission to the watershed councilto conduct the surveys, and are interested in whether salmon are using thecreeks on their land. The council has been awarded a BLM RAC grant thatwill allow us to assemble data, and to generate maps, that are specific toindividual landowners. These will be used to initiate a meeting withlandowners to show them how salmon are using their creeks, how that use isconnected to salmon populations in their sub-watershed, and what we areproposing to improve habitat. We hope this will increase landowner trust withlandowners, and lead to voluntary participation in restoration projects.


Yes

Key Partners Local landowners, Cascade Environmental, Roseburg District BLM (Title II)Limiting Factor(s) Knowledge Gaps - Lack of Information

Original Date 3/4/2017 % Complete 30% -Fundingsecured

Challenges Funding for this type of project is limited. Data analysis and map productionmay be expensive.

Opportunities This is an opportunity to engage landowners one-on-one with information thatis specific to their lands. Landowners will be able to see, with fish counts,maps, and photos, how many fish are using their streams, where the besthabitat is located, why that habitat is significant, and perhaps mostimportantly, what actions might be taken to improve the habitat and increasethe numbers of fish. This brings the whole issue of watershed restoration toa very personal level for these landowners, and emphasizes the fact thatevery individual landowner can play a part.

Planned Deliverables Data and maps on individual properties in select sub-watersheds.



Project Category: Community Engagement (outreach and education)Project Title Elk Creek Watershed Council Website and Facebook Page OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description Design and build a website that will make information about the council and

its activities available to both the Board of Directors and to the general public.Directors will be able to access documents such as agendas and minutes inorder to prepare for meetings, access project reports to keep informed aboutcouncil projects, and access other legal information to manage theorganization. The general public will be able to learn about the council andits activities, and to find contact information and meeting schedules.


Yes

Key Partners Board of DirectorsLimiting Factor(s) Staff capacity development, Board capacity development, Knowledge Gaps -

Lack of Information


Challenges The Elk Creek Watershed Council has always relied on the the DrainEnterprise, the local newspaper, to print notices about the council's meetingsand publish articles about special events. In the fall of 2016, the DrainEnterprise stopped publication. In order to maintain contact with the localcommunity, the development of the website seemed to be the bestalternative, and the project was raised to "high" priority.

Funding for a private consultant to organize and produce the website was notavailable.

Opportunities The website is now up and accessible to the Board of Directors, and providesinformation on the watershed council, on watershed restoration, and oncouncil resources.

Associated with the website is the watershed council's Facebook page, thatoffers more current information about what the council is doing, and whereviewers can comment.

Planned Deliverables Information and photos of new projects and events will be added regularly tothe web site (elkcreekwatershed.org) and Facebook page(facebook.com/elkcreekwatershed).



Project Category: Monitoring and AssessmentProject Title East Elk Creek LiDAR OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description Work with Oregon BLM LiDAR Coordinator to collect LiDAR data on the

eastern tributaries of the Elk Creek Watershed.In CouncilAction Plan

Yes

Key Partners Oregon BLM, Oregon DOGAMI, Roseburg District BLM, North DouglasBetterment

Limiting Factor(s) Knowledge Gaps - Lack of Information


Challenges Funding. Collection of LiDAR is very expensive. The Elk Creek WatershedCouncil was able to contract with DOGAMI to include some of the easternportions of our watershed in the flights that were being conducted for theEugene District BLM. We were fortunate enough to get this funded as part ofa grant from the Roseburg District BLM.

Opportunities There has been talk that LiDAR may soon be available for the RoseburgDistrict BLM. This will give us valuable data on such features as channelincision, and present opportunities to design structures to reconnectfloodplains.

Planned Deliverables LiDAR data for the eastern portion of the Elk Creek watershed has beencollected and has been provided to the Elk Creek Watershed Council and toOregon Department of State Lands. This data will be used in thedevelopment of restoration action plans for these areas.



Project Category: Monitoring and AssessmentProject Title Elk Creek Bacteria Study OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority MediumProject Description This project was formerly two (2) projects, the Elk Creek Bacterial DNA Study

and the Elk Creek Sediment Bacteria Study. These projects have now beencombined into this more general project to monitor bacteria pollution in thewatershed.

The project is collecting and analyzing water quality samples in the Elk Creekwatershed using standard analytical techniques and DNA source tracking todetermine the sources of excessive bacterial loads in the watershed. Theproject will also try to examine the impact of bacteria present in the streamsediments on the spacial and temporal distribution of bacteria in thewatershed.


Yes

Key Partners ODEQ, ODA, Roseburg District BLM (Title II)Limiting Factor(s) Water Quality -Altered physical, chemical, or biological water characteristics.,

Knowledge Gaps - Lack of Information

Original Date 2/6/2017 % Complete 60% -Implementation inprogress

Challenges The technology for meaningful source tracking analysis is very limited. Eachof the two methodologies, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and comparisonto known DNA samples, has limitations in how conclusive the results are.Working with ODEQ to find a methodology that they felt was reliable still didnot solve this problem. We have sent samples for source tracking analysis totwo labs to see how the two methods compare. We have received someresults back from the PCR analysis, but the lab that does the comparison toknown samples has been terribly slow in getting us the results. We willcontinue this project until funding runs out at the end of 2017.



Opportunities The watershed council worked with Sandy Lyon, the PUR MonitoringCoordinator, to develop the bacteria monitoring program for the Elk Creekwatershed. The council continues to meet with Sandy to analyze the datathat has been collected, and to plan the next steps for the program.

The general bacteria sampling part of the project has gone very well. Thecouncil has purchased an incubator, and is now capable of testing samplesdirectly. We now have more than a year of data that were collected attwenty-five (25) sites in the watershed, and we have been able to identifythose areas where there may be problems, and where more testing needs tobe done.

Planned Deliverables Data from more than a year of intensive sampling of the major tributaries inthe watershed has been collected. Sampling for DNA analysis is ongoing.



Project Category: Monitoring and AssessmentProject Title Elk Creek Habitat Assessment OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description The Elk Creek Habitat Assessment project combines several BLM RAC

grants that were previously reported separately, the Elk Creek HabitatAssessment and Elk Creek Action Planning - Phase I. The Action Planninggrant was used to identify data gaps needed to be filled to developrestoration action plans at the sub-watershed scale, and to develop theprotocols to collect this data. The Habitat Assessment grant funded the pilotstudy that surveyed 10 miles of streams in 2015, tested the protocols, andproduced action plans based on the data. Another BLM RAC grant funded10 miles of survey in 2016; another will fund additional work in 2017.

The habitat assessments, referred to later as rapid bioassessments, havetwo main components, a snorkel survey to determine fish numbers anddistribution, and extensive habitat data that is compatible with ODFWprotocols so that habitat conditions can be compared over time. This canprovide measurable data on the effectiveness of restoration actions.


Yes

Key Partners Roseburg District BLM (Title II), ODFW, BLM, Cascade EnvironmentalLimiting Factor(s) Knowledge Gaps - Lack of Information


Challenges Funding. Getting the OWEB Regional Review Team to recognize the valueof our bioassessment protocols has been a challenge. Some of this may bedue to the association of the "rapid bioassessment" name with work that hasbeen done by Steve Trask in the Willamette Valley. Those surveys focusedmainly on fish numbers and distribution, collected limited habitat data, andwere not so GIS-oriented. Our protocols collect the same fish-use data, butalso extensive GIS-compatible habitat data that can guide sub-watershed orreach-scale restoration goals.



Opportunities This project provides quantitative data about fish use and habitat conditionsin selected sub-watersheds. This data is GIS-compatible to facilitateanalysis, and can be used to formulate restoration goals that address factorslimiting coho capacity at reach, or site-specific, scales.

This project is part of an outreach strategy to engage landowners inwatershed restoration. Getting permission to survey on private landsestablishes a relationship with these landowners, and sharing data about"their" land builds trust.

This project has opened discussions about restoration strategies amongfisheries biologists in the Umpqua Basin. Many provided comments andsuggestions during the development of the survey protocols and the 2016survey included work on BLM lands that may lead to cooperative projects inthe future. The Elk Creek Watershed Council is planning to work withRoseburg District BLM on a collaborative project developed from datacollected on Hardscrabble Creek in 2016.

Planned Deliverables The gap analysis and protocol development has been completed, and a pilotstudy surveyed approximately 10 miles of stream in August 2015. The datacollected was used to develop restoration action plans for the Jack Creekand Cox-Curtis Creek sub-watersheds.

The action plan for the Jack Creek watershed was used as the basis for theJack Creek Habitat Improvement project.

In 2016, another 10 miles of streams were surveyed, and action plans arebeing developed for the Hardscrabble and Ellenburg Creek sub-watersheds.

Though the OWEB application was not funded, the SW Oregon RAC fullyfunded the application for survey work in 2017. This will fund an additional10 miles in priority watersheds.

Funding is being sought for additional assessment work in the future.



Project Category: Organizational Development and ManagementProject Title Elk Creek Watershed Council Board Development OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Board Member Priority HighProject Description This category incorporates three (3) activities that were listed separately in

the 2015-2017 Work Plan: Board Recruitment, Executive CommitteeDevelopment, and Personal Services Contracting.

The watershed council regularly seeks to recruit new board members andalternates to sit on the Board of Directors. The goal is to recruit membersthat represent a cross section of the important interests in the watershed.New members may be added as alternates so that they can participate in thediscussions and be engaged in council activities.

All board members are invited to participate in the weekly ExecutiveCommittee meetings. At these meetings, individual projects and tasks arediscussed and problems solved. It is an opportunity to utilize the knowledgeand expertise of board members to move projects forward.

Action on organizational issues such as action planning, strategy, orpersonnel priorities is also discussed.


Yes

Key Partners Board of DirectorsLimiting Factor(s) Board capacity development


Challenges The Elk Creek watershed is sparsely populated, and agriculture and forestryare the foundation of the local economy. These occupations are difficult andtime-consuming, especially for agricultural landowners. Getting volunteers tocontribute their time to the watershed council is a challenge.

There are still landowners in the watershed that deny the existence of climatechange, question the need for watershed restoration, and view the watershedcouncil as a government agency intent on usurping their land rights.



Opportunities The outreach efforts of the watershed council, especially through the annual"Landowner Lunch" program, have broadened the council's recognition in thelocal community.

In the last biennium, three (3) new board members have been added, all ofwhom have implemented restoration projects on their properties. They willprovide a positive example to their neighbors and promote restoration in thecommunity.

The addition of Susan Applegate, an active environmentalist, to the ElkCreek Board of Directors broadens the perspective of the board.

Planned Deliverables In the last biennium, three (3) new board members have been recruited forthe council's Board of Directors. Outreach efforts will fill any vacant positionson the board, and will encourage new landowners to participate inmaintaining the organization.

The Executive Committee continues to meet weekly to keep board membersand staff motivated and moving forward.



Project Category: Organizational Development and ManagementProject Title Elk Creek Watershed Council Partnership Development OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description The Elk Creek Watershed Council is exploring ways to develop partnerships

with other natural resource groups with common interests in the watershed.The council is also committed to contributing to conservation and restorationefforts at larger scales than the boundaries of our watershed. The council isactively involved in a wide range of partnerships, both to implement individualprojects, and to further regional goals. The Elk Creek Watershed Council isactively involved in the Umpqua Basin CREP Partnership, the UmpquaFocused Investment (FIP) Partnership, the Umpqua Basin Beaver WorkingGroup, and several local work groups in the Umpqua Basin.


No

Key Partners Douglas SWCD, Umpqua SWCD, PUR, ODFW, BLM, NRCS, FSA, CowCreek Tribe, ODF

Limiting Factor(s) Staff capacity development


Challenges The three (3) watershed councils in the Umpqua Basin currently compete forboth project funding and for access to technical assistance from federal andstate agencies. Opportunities for collaboration on grant-funded projects arelimited.

Opportunities More emphasis is being placed on the need for increased cooperation andcollaboration among natural resource groups, both by OWEB and state andfederal agencies. Participation from most of these groups and agencies inthe Umpqua Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) has increasedcommunication, and the group is currently looking for ways to work togetherto prioritize restoration actions within the Umpqua Basin. The council iscurrently working with PUR on developing a project to replace a failing culvertin Elk Creek.

The Elk Creek Watershed Council is the fiscal agent for the Douglas CountyCREP program. Lee Russell, Executive Director, attends the monthlymeeting of the CREP Partnership (ECWC, Douglas SWCD, NRCS, FarmServices Agency, Oregon Department. of Forestry) which reviews CREPcontracts and applications in Douglas County. As applications for CREP arediscussed by the Partnership, there are opportunities to coordinate instreamhabitat improvements with the CREP project.



Planned Deliverables The Elk Creek Watershed Council will continue its role as fiscal agent for theDouglas County CREP program, and will continue to attend the monthlyplanning meetings of the Douglas County CREP Partnership.

The council will continue its participation in the Umpqua Basin FIPPartnership, and the Umpqua Basin Beaver Working Group, and will look foropportunities to improve communication and collaboration among thepartners.

The council will continue its participation in the NRCS Local Workgroup, withthe Cow Creek Tribe's Lamprey Workgroup, and with other groups promotingrestoration in the region.



Project Category: PlanningProject Title Ellenburg Creek Action Plan OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project will develop a restoration action plan for the Ellenburg Creek

watershed. A rapid bioassessment survey of fish use and habitat conditionsin Ellenburg Creek was conducted in 2016. This data will be used as thebasis for the action plan which will be developed by Cascade Environmental.Planning will be a cooperative effort involving Cascade Environmental, theElk Creek Watershed Council, Roseburg District BLM, and ODFW.


Yes

Key Partners Cascade Environmental, Roseburg District BLM, ODFWLimiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat


Challenges This project is in the initial planning stages. Rapid bioassessment data onthe watershed was collected in 2016. Cascade Environmental is analyzingthe data and developing the action plan.

Opportunities Tom Woolley, a private landowner in the Ellenburg Creek watershed, is astrong supporter of habitat restoration. In 2013, log and boulder structureswere constructed at seven (7) sites on Tom's land. The action plan forEllenburg Creek will include plans for restoration on the remainder.

This project will build a stronger working relationship with Seneca-JonesTimber Company, a major industrial timber landowner in the Elk Creekwatershed.

Planned Deliverables Ellenburg Creek Watershed Restoration Action Plan



Project Category: PlanningProject Title Hardscrabble Creek Action Plan OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project will develop a watershed restoration action plan on private and

BLM land in the Hardscrabble Creek watershed. The plan will be based onrapid bioassessment data collected in 2016. This data will be used as thebasis for the action plan which will be developed by Cascade Environmental.Planning will be a cooperative effort involving Cascade Environmental, theElk Creek Watershed Council, Roseburg District BLM, and ODFW.


Yes

Key Partners Hardscrabble Ranch, Cascade Environmental, ODFW, Roseburg DistrictBLM

Limiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat


Challenges This project is in the early planning stages. Rapid bioassessment data wascollected in 2016. Cascade Environmental is entering the data into GISformat to facilitate analysis, and is developing the action plan. No specificchallenges have been identified at this time.

Opportunities This project will expand the relationship between the Elk Creek WatershedCouncil and Hardscrabble Ranch LLC, the property owner and a majorlandholder in the Elk Creek watershed.

Roseburg BLM Hydrologist, Sidney Post, has expressed an interest indeveloping a major restoration project with the Elk Creek Watershed Council.His expertise, and focus on stream hydrology, will allow us to use the rapidbioassessment data collected on Hardscrabble Creek in 2016, and todevelop project goals specific to coho limiting factors in Hardscrabble Creek.This will be incorporated into the final action plan.

With baseline data from the bioassessment, a future survey of the projectarea after implementation, can show the effectiveness of the project designs.

Planned Deliverables Hardscrabble Creek Watershed Restoration Action Plan



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Buck Creek Fish Passage Improvement OWEB Grant # 07-16-006Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project will improve fish passage over a large section of bedrock in Buck

Creek. Currently this section of the creek is a barrier to upstream migrationof both adult and juvenile coho. Both electro-shocking and snorkel surveyshave documented juvenile coho below this barrier, but not above. There aremore than four (4) miles of high intrinsic potential coho habitat above thisbarrier that will be made accessible.


Yes

Key Partners Roseburg BLM (Title II), ODFW, NMFSLimiting Factor(s) Habitat Access - Impaired access to habitat

Original Date 2/6/2017 % Complete 50% -Design/Permitcompleted/materialsdeveloped

Challenges Finding an effective design for this fish passage project has been animmense challenge. Construction of a new channel that would bypass thissection of the creek was proposed, but rejected by the landowner. Severalalternative designs were considered by fish biologists and hydrologists fromODFW and NMFS. Engineering advice was given by Don Porior (PoriorEngineering) and Walt Barton (Douglas SWCD Engineer). Don Poriordrafted the final design drawings from concepts provided by Aaron Beavers,NOAA Fisheries Hydraulic Engineer. The plan calls for cutting a fishway,with several widened resting pools, into the sandstone bedrock. Cutting thisdesign into the bedrock may also be difficult.

Opportunities It is expected that this project will not completely eliminate the fish passagebarrier, but it may allow adult salmon to access more than four (4) miles ofhigh intrinsic coho habitat in Buck Creek during some flows.

The project has built stronger relationships between the Elk CreekWatershed Council, ODFW, and NOAA Fisheries.

Planned Deliverables A fishway that will improve passage for adult coho in Buck Creek.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Curtis Creek Habitat Improvement OWEB Grant # 07-12-011Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project was previously included in the 2015-2017 Work Plan as Curtis

Creek - Phase I, Curtis Creek Phase II, and the Dean Habitat Improvementproject (OWEB small grant #07-12-011). These projects completedrestoration work in nearly two miles of Curtis and Thief Creeks, andconnected to another two miles of restoration that was completed in LeesCreek in 2008 and 2010.

Curtis Creek is an important tributary to Elk Creek, providing spawning andrearing habitat for coho salmon and steelhead, as well as cutthroat trout andlamprey. This stream channel was straightened to build the I-5 freeway,which caused increased water velocities eroding the streambed to bedrock.Additionally, removal of vegetation and livestock grazing have left the riparianareas and steam banks in poor condition. The project includes theconstruction of boulder and log structures at twenty-two (22) sites to improvestream habitat for coho and steelhead.


Yes

Key Partners ODFW; Roseburg BLM (funding)Limiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat


Challenges Funding these projects was a challenge. The OWEB restoration applicationwas not recommended for funding by the Region 2 Review Team becausethey felt the riparian area was in such bad shape, primarily from livestockgrazing, that instream structures would not significantly benefit coho. Whilefencing and riparian planting would correct the damage done by livestock, thelandowner, while supportive of fish, was adamantly against fencing, andgenerally anti-government. It was also hard to agree that improving instreamhabitat would not benefit coho, since they were already surviving in degradedhabitat, and improvements could only increase their survival.

This project was originally initiated by, and strongly supported by, ODFWHabitat Biologists and this support helped secure two BLM RAC grants, andtwo OWEB small grants, that were able to fund the project. Structuredesigns and placement supervision was also provided by ODFW.



Opportunities This project completed instream habitat restoration of nearly four (4)continuous miles of Curtis Creek, Thief Creek and Lees Creek.

Rapid bioassessment surveys in this area in the summer of 2015 showedsignificant coho use in all the headwaters areas of this system. Coho werelimited by temperature, exacerbated by the high amounts of bedrock in thestraightened portion along the freeway, in the lower reaches. The addition ofstructures may hold sediment and improve water temperatures over time,thereby increasing effective coho summer habitat. The structures will alsoimprove winter habitat for coho.

Planned Deliverables Instream structures have been completed at twenty-two (22) sites onapproximately two miles of Curtis and Thief Creeks.

The completion and two-year monitoring reports for the OWEB Small Grantsthat funded part of the project have been completed and accepted.

The watershed council will continue to monitor the project to assess howeffective it was in achieving restoration goals.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Douglas County CREP Technical Assistance OWEB Grant # 216-8100-

12274Responsible Parties Partner Priority HighProject Description OWEB funds will be used for salary and benefits for continuing the full-time

CREP Technician position in the Umpqua Basin. The CREP Technician isresponsible for initial site visits, conservation plan development, practiceinstallation and inspection, and outreach efforts for the CREP program inDouglas County. The CREP Technician's area of responsibility includes thegeographic boundaries of both the Douglas and Umpqua Soil and WaterConservation Districts.

Much of the success of the program in Douglas County can be attributed tothe efforts of the various partners involved at the local level. The Elk CreekWatershed Council has acted as fiscal agent for the OWEB funding, and hasassisted with public and landowner outreach; Douglas Soil and WaterConservation District has hired and supervised the CREP Technician andprovided technical assistance; USDA-NRCS and FSA have provided officespace and support to the Technician, as well as technical assistance; OregonDept. of Forestry has written the planting plans and herbicide prescriptions,as well as other technical aspects of the riparian forest component; OregonDept. of Fish and Wildlife, Umpqua SWCD, Roseburg District BLMpersonnel, and OSU Extension Service have all contributed technicalassistance and other support to the program.


Yes

Key Partners Douglas SWCD; NRCS; FSA; ODFLimiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat, Water Quality -

Altered physical, chemical, or biological water characteristics.


Challenges The main challenge with the CREP program is building trust with livestockproducers in the Umpqua Basin. Producers, not just in the Elk Creekwatershed, but in all of Douglas County, are distrusting of government, andare reluctant to sign long-term contracts. Douglas County has a successfulCREP program, but improving its acceptance is still a challenge.



Opportunities The Elk Creek Watershed Council's role is primarily to act as the fiscal agentfor the funding of the CREP Technician in Douglas County. The council isworking with the CREP Technician, the Douglas SWCD, which is theemployer of record, and the NRCS Conservationist, to write the grantapplications, submit funding requests, and to account for and distributefunds. The council also attends and contributes to the monthly meetings ofthe Umpqua Basin CREP Partnership.

CREP is an important source of funding for improving riparian areas andwater quality in the Umpqua Basin. It also can improve livestockmanagement, and ultimately profits, for livestock producers in the county.

Participation in the monthly CREP Partnership meetings has presentedopportunities to expand partnerships, and to include instream habitatimprovement components to the riparian improvements of the CREPprojects.

Planned Deliverables This is an ongoing project. The Elk Creek Watershed Council has submittedthe applications and administered the grants for the Douglas County CREPprogram since 2012.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Elk Creek Habitat Improvement OWEB Grant # 07-14-007Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project will install additional boulder structures upstream from the eight

boulder weirs that were constructed in Elk Creek. Slowing the water will helpcreate pool habitat for summer rearing of juvenile coho. Structures will alsoallow sediment to drop out along the edges, narrowing the channel andreducing the width to depth ratio. This will build substrate over the existingbedrock which will support macroinvertebrates and hyporheic flow.


Yes

Key Partners Roseburg District BLM (Title II); ODFWLimiting Factor(s) Hydrograph/water quantity - Altered hydrology, Physical habitat quality -

Altered quailty of physical habitat

Original Date 2/6/2017 % Complete 95% -Maintenance/Monitoring/Education

Challenges This was a fairly straight-forward construction project. There were nosignificant challenges.

Opportunities This project was an opportunity to work more closely with the landowner,Susan Applegate, and to support her plans to contribute to conservation, notonly on her property, but in the Elk Creek watershed. Since this project wascompleted, Susan has been recruited to serve on the Elk Creek WatershedCouncil Board of Directors.

Planned Deliverables Three additional boulder structures were constructed to compliment the eight(8) full-spanning boulder weirs that were constructed in the Elk Creekmainstem. The two-year monitoring report is due in 2017.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Elk Creek Riparian Restoration Program OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority MediumProject Description This program is funded by a Roseburg District BLM RAC grant. It provides

funds to match other riparian improvement project grants, and to extendmaintenance of riparian projects beyond the time limits of other grantagreements. In the 2015-2017 biennium, funds from this grant providedmatching funds for riparian improvements on six (6) Elk Creek WatershedCouncil restoration projects.


No

Key Partners Roseburg District BLM, landownersLimiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat


Challenges This BLM RAC grant, and a similar previous one, have provided matchingfunds for riparian improvements and extended maintenance on riparianprojects in the Elk Creek watershed since 2009. Our current assistanceagreement with BLM will expire at the end of 2017, and it is unlikely thatanother "program-oriented" grant such as this will be approved by the currentSouthwest Oregon RAC.

Opportunities Funds from this grant have been used for riparian improvements and matchfor the Dean Habitat Improvement Project, the Bills Creek HabitatImprovement Project, the Yoncalla Creek Project and the Zuiches RiparianImprovement Project. This source of funding will be available for the rest of2017.

Planned Deliverables In 2015-2017, this grant provided additional funding for six (6) watershedrestoration projects in the Elk Creek watershed. Additional projects will befunded in 2017.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Fitch Creek Culvert Removal OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project will remove a failing, perched culvert that is totally blocking fish

passage for both adult and juvenile coho in Fitch Creek. After removing theculvert, the channel will be stabilized with boulder weirs. While the excavatoris on the site, some logs left from recent logging will be placed in the creek toimprove coho habitat by slowing water, holding bedload, and increasinghabitat complexity.


No

Key Partners Fruitgrower's Supply Company, ODFW, BLM (Title II)Limiting Factor(s) Habitat Access - Impaired access to habitat, Physical habitat quality - Altered

quailty of physical habitat

Original Date 3/4/2017 % Complete 5-30% -Conceptual/Planning/SubmittingGrantapplication

Challenges This project is in the planning stages. An OWEB small grant application hasbeen submitted for funding. Construction will require only two or three dayswith an excavator.

Opportunities Though this project will only open access to about 1/2 mile of coho spawningand rearing habitat, the beaver ponds in this section of Fitch Creek willprovide excellent rearing habitat.

This project is the first that has been implemented exclusively on SunkistFruitgrowers' land. Fruitgrowers are a major industrial timber landowner inthe Elk Creek watershed, and this relationship will facilitate future projects ontheir lands.

Planned Deliverables Removal of failing, perched culvert. Stabilization of streambed with boulderweirs. Habitat improvements with available logs.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Gilliland Erosion Control OWEB Grant # 07-12-010Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority MediumProject Description This project constructed rock chutes and grassed waterways to slow erosion

and soil inputs into this tributary of Cole’s Valley Creek in the Upper UmpquaRiver Watershed. A new low gradient channel replaced failed tiled areas toslow water and prevent further erosion into the stream.


Yes

Key Partners Douglas SWCD, ODFW, Roseburg BLM (Title II)Limiting Factor(s) Water Quality -Altered physical, chemical, or biological water characteristics.

Original Date 2/6/2017 % Complete 95% -Maintenance/Monitoring/Education

Challenges Getting this project started was a challenge. After the small grant applicationwas completed and approved, the landowner died. It took some time for hiswife to take over management of the property and agree to move forwardwith the project.

Opportunities This project was a collaborative effort from the Elk Creek Watershed Counciland the Douglas SWCD. The relationship with the landowner, and theengineering designs, were managed by Walt Barton, Douglas SWCDEngineer. Grant and project management were done by the Elk CreekWatershed Council.

This project complements a wide range of restoration work that has beencompleted on private lands in this section of Coles Valley Creek by theSWCD over the past 20 years. Excellent relationships have beenestablished with landowners in the area. These relationships led to thewatershed council's project that replaced two culverts that were blocking fishpassage in Coles Valley Creek in 2013 (OWEB #07-12-006). There may beopportunities for additional projects with these landowners in the future.

Planned Deliverables The bank shaping, check dams, and grass waterways were completed in2015. The project completion report has been submitted and accepted. Thetwo-year monitoring report is due in 2017.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Headwaters Elk Creek Habitat and Riparian Improvement OWEB Grant # 217-2047Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description The project seeks to restore a reach located on upper Elk Creek, located

above Drain, through placement of large wood, fencing the riparian area,riparian plantings, and construction of a livestock crossing. The HeadwatersElk Creek is a high intrinsic potential stream for coho salmon. Historic landmanagement practices such as stream cleaning have resulted in incisedchannels. The lack of large wood has increased water velocities andprevented bedload accumulation and the formation of spawning habitat anddeep pools with complex rearing habitat.The addition of large wood and boulder structures will trap bedload andcreate pools and complex habitat for juvenile coho. Restoration will be doneon 0.85 miles of private land and 1.5 miles of BLM-managed land.Approximately 2,700 feet of riparian fencing will be constructed to excludelivestock from the creek. A 40-foot railcar bridge will be installed for livestockcrossing. On the private land portion of the project, 1000 willows will beplanted to encourage expansion of the current beaver population. Additionalwillows will be planted on the BLM sites.


Yes

Key Partners ODFW; BLM; Douglas SWCDLimiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat, Water Quality -



Challenges When first submitted, the RRT had concerns about the use of boulders in thedesign. Eric Himmelreich, ODFW Habitat Biologist, has changed the designsto logs, with boulders used only for ballasting the logs.

Opportunities This project extends a project completed by Roseburg District BLM on morethan a mile of Elk Creek just upstream. This has strengthened the workingrelationship between the Elk Creek Watershed Council and BLM.

Planned Deliverables Instream habitat restoration: 42 sites, 216 logs, 60 boulders. 2,700 feet ofriparian fencing. 40-foot railroad car bridge. 1,000 willows for beaver habitatimprovement.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Jack Creek Fish Passage and Habitat Improvement OWEB Grant # 217-2020Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description The project proposes to increase in-stream habitat complexity through

placement of large wood instream. Jack Creek is a high intrinsic potentialcoho stream in the Middle Elk Creek sixth-field watershed located near Drain.Historic land management practices such as stream cleaning have resultedin incised channels and bedrock substrates which are limiting the effectivespawning and rearing habitat for juvenile coho in the watershed.The project will place in-stream logs to improve habitat for juvenile coho onnearly two miles of Jack Creek. Specifically 177 logs, 35 whole trees, and485 boulders will be placed with an excavator. In addition, a perched culverton Jack Creek Road is restricting access for both juvenile and adult coho intoapproximately 1.75 miles of Johnny Creek, a major tributary of Jack Creek.Partial funding from the SW Oregon BLM RAC has been secured.


Yes

Key Partners Hardscrabble Ranch LLC, ODFW, BLMLimiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat




Challenges Though partially funded by the SW Oregon BLM RAC, the OWEB RRTrecommended not funding because cattle have access to the creek in abouthalf of the proposed project area. This raises the question of whether OWEBwill require that livestock exclusion is necessary to receive OWEB funding. Ifthis is the case, then working on private agricultural lands will be exceedinglydifficult.

The Oregon Plan is based on "voluntary" actions by cooperating landowners.This cooperation is assured by building trust and respecting landowners'rights. A successful habitat improvement project in Jack Creek would buildtrust with this landowner, and this level of trust might make him considerworking with us on a fencing project in the future. He has been givenprogram information on CREP, but but is unwilling to make this level ofcommitment at this time.

Currently, this project - one that would significantly improve coho habitat in ahigh producing, high intrinsic potential stream - is stalled.

Opportunities This project was based on actual fish and habitat data from thebioassessment survey conducted in 2015. The Jack Creek RestorationAction Plan, developed by Cascade Environmental, identified reach #3 as thehighest priority for restoration. This reach has summer water temperaturesthat will support coho, and the high levels of good quality gravel in the systemwill respond well to the addition of large wood.

This project will help build a strong working relationship with one of thelargest landowners in the Elk Creek Watershed.

Planned Deliverables Instream habitat restoration: 46 sites; 177 logs; 35 whole trees; 485boulders.Fish passage improvement: Replacement of failing, perched culvert onJohney Creek with 112x75, "fish-friendly" squash pipe.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Upper Bills Creek Restoration OWEB Grant # 07-14-005Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project will improve approximately one half mile of instream spawning

and rearing habitat for coho in upper Bills Creek. It will continue habitat andriparian restoration work completed in the lower reach of Bills Creek andFitch Creek. Bills Creek is a small tributary of Fitch Creek, a high intrinsicpotential coho habitat in the Lower Pass Creek sixth-field. While Bills Creekis small, and nearly dries up during the summer, ODFW electro-shocking hasshown a large number of coho juveniles emerging from the creek.


No

Key Partners Roseburg District BLM, ODFW, M-3 Timber CompanyLimiting Factor(s) Hydrograph/water quantity - Altered hydrology, Physical habitat quality -

Altered quailty of physical habitat

Original Date 2/6/2017 % Complete 75% -Implementationcomplete

Challenges There were really no significant challenges to implementing this project.Opportunities This project was completed on lands owned by M-3 Timber Company.

Though not a major industrial timber landowner in the Elk Creek watershed,this relationship may present opportunities for future projects on their lands,and they now have a contact if they want additional information about thewatershed.

Planned Deliverables Log structures at fourteen (14) sites on Bills Creek, and boulder structures attwo (2) sites were completed in the summer of 2016. Photo points havebeen established. Completion report is due in March 2017.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Yoncalla Creek Habitat Improvement OWEB Grant #Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority MediumProject Description This project will improve habitat for coho salmon and other aquatic species in

approximately a mile of Yoncalla Creek. The project was developed as partof a collaboration between the Elk Creek Watershed Council, DouglasSWCD, NRCS, and the landowner. The council and the SWCD worked withthe landowner to develop a plan for fencing and livestock management thatincluded habitat improvements in Yoncalla Creek by the watershed council,site preparation by the SWCD with Yoncalla Oil Spill funding, and riparianfencing and planting by NRCS and CREP. [See also: Yoncalla LivestockCrossing Project which will install a railroad car bridge to allow livestock tocross Yoncalla Creek, rather than the hardened crossings that are fundedthrough CREP.]


Yes

Key Partners Douglas SWCD, NRCS-FSA (CREP), ODFW, Roseburg BLM (funding)Limiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat, Water Quality -



Challenges This project has moved fairly slowly because the landowner was reluctant toget involved in a long-term contract with the federal government (CREP).Discussions with the watershed council, Douglas SWCD, and the UmpquaBasin CREP Technician convinced her to sign up.

One component of the project is the livestock crossing which is critical sinceYoncalla Creek is deeply incised, and the hardened crossing alternativeprovided by CREP was just not workable. After considering various designoptions for a bridge, the best solution seemed to be a long railroad car.Finding one was a challenge.

Opportunities This project will be a good example of the effectiveness of the partnershipbetween the Elk Creek Watershed Council, Douglas SWCD, and NRCS. AsCREP sign-ups are discussed at the Umpqua Basin CREP Partnershipmeetings, opportunities such as this, where collaborations can be developedto include instream habitat improvements, or more effective livestockcrossings, can be explored.

More than a mile of Yoncalla Creek and several tributaries will be fenced toexclude livestock and planted with native trees and shrubs.



Planned Deliverables The land owner has enrolled the riparian areas in CREP. The council haslocated a suitable railroad car for the livestock crossing and submitted anOWEB small grant application for installation. The council has also securedpart of the funding for the instream habitat improvements from the BLM RAC.Douglas SWCD has started removing the dense English Hawthorne from theriparian area.

Final project designs for habitat improvements by ODFW, and additionalfunding, are scheduled for spring of 2017, and if successful, the instreamwork will be completed in summer of 2017.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Yoncalla Creek Livestock Crossing OWEB Grant # 07-16-007Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority HighProject Description This project will install a railroad car bridge across Yoncalla Creek to allow

livestock to cross. Currently livestock have created deep gullies in the steepstreambanks in order to access water and to cross the creek. The landownerhas signed up for CREP and will fence more than a mile of streams on herproperty. Douglas SWCD secured a grant from the Yoncalla Oil Spill Fund forsite preparation, and has nearly finished removing the dense EnglishHawthorne in the riparian area. The Elk Creek Watershed Council will beresponsible for planning and implementing the livestock crossing componentof the project.


Yes

Key Partners Douglas SWCD, NRCS-FSA (CREP)Limiting Factor(s) Water Quality -Altered physical, chemical, or biological water characteristics.


Challenges The biggest challenge thus far has been locating an 89-foot railroad carbridge for the project. Even though the existing bridge, which has failed, isonly 60 feet long, using a 60-foot railroad car would have required extensivecosts for the design and construction of the abutments.

Opportunities An 89-foot railroad car has been found, and will be available for the project.

This project will allow this entire section of Yoncalla Creek to be fenced withthe CREP project. The Elk Creek Watershed Council has secured fundingand implemented several similar projects that have installed bridges forlivestock crossing, rather than relying on the hardened crossings that are theonly alternative funded by CREP. A hardened crossing on this section ofYoncalla Creek would only exacerbate the damage to the streambank thathas already occurred from livestock use.

Planned Deliverables Design and engineering will come from the Douglas SWCD and the council'stechnical assistance grant (BLM RAC). Permitting (ODFW fish passagereview) will come from the council's riparian improvement grant (BLM RAC).Construction is scheduled for summer 2017.



Project Category: RestorationProject Title Zuiches Riparian Improvement OWEB Grant # 07-14-006Responsible Parties Coordinator/Executive Director Priority MediumProject Description This project planted native trees and shrubs along 3/4 mile of Cox Creek on

the Zuiches property. The riparian planting complemented the instreamhabitat restoration that has been completed on this property.


Yes

Key Partners LandownerLimiting Factor(s) Physical habitat quality - Altered quailty of physical habitat

Original Date 2/6/2017 % Complete 85% -Reportwriting/dataanalysis/projectevaluation

Challenges Most reforestation contractors have crews that plant thousands of trees perday. Finding a contractor to plant the 800-900 trees and shrubs on this smallriparian improvement project was a challenge. We were able to find a treeplanter who has worked for a local logger to complete the planting. The ElkCreek Watershed Council Coordinator and the landowners provided the laborfor tubing the newly planted trees.

Opportunities This project complemented the instream habitat improvements which werecompleted on this property in 2012 and 2013. A rapid bioassessment surveyin 2015 documented coho numbers and distribution in this section of CoxCreek.

Through the relationships developed during the implementation of theinstream habitat improvement work, this landowner has now become amember of the council's Board of Directors. He has shown the project toseveral of his neighbors that were interested, and was helpful in gettinglandowner permissions to conduct the bioassessment survey of Cox Creek in2015.

Planned Deliverables Site preparation, tree and shrub planting, and spraying were completed in2016. Project completion report is due in May 2017. Monitoring will continuefor at least two more years.


date adopted 2/21/2017 - elkcreekwatershed.org · landowner technical assistance. the program...

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