The South Scappoose Creek Restoration Project is Underway

Historically, the South Scappoose Creek through the city was more sinuous with side channel wetlands
and a shallower channel depth, with greater riparian complexity. It supported a diversity of fish and
wildlife including significant Coho and Chinook salmon numbers. Stream channel confinement, incision,
and an influx of invasive species has resulted in warmer stream temperatures, bank instability, higher
flows and poor accessibility.

Working with the City of Scappoose the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council (SBWC) has been awarded a
Bonneville Power Grant (BPA) of $265,865, to implement stream restoration activities. The funding is
part of a Willamette Mainstem Anchor Habitat Investments Program grant that includes $95,813 for a
restoration project on the lower North Scappoose Creek.

Two previous studies of South Scappoose Creek, done in 2009 and 2013, developed restoration designs
to address stream conditions. Proposed actions include bank laybacks to minimize active bank erosion
and provide channel capacity during high flows, floodplain benches to increase floodplain interaction
during seasonal flood flows, and side channel reconnections to access historic off-channel areas.

This project will do additional hydrologic surveys and modeling, final engineering designs, and
construction of restoration activities. Following restoration construction, any remaining invasive plants
will be removed, and the area will be planted with up to 10,000 native trees and shrubs along the
riparian corridor.

The project area spans two parcels – the creek through Veteran’s Park, as well as the parcel immediately
upstream of the park, south of SW JP West Road. All work is being done on the west side of the creek.

The project is scheduled to complete designs and permitting in winter 2017-18, with construction in
mid-to-late summer 2018. Vegetation planting will occur between November 2018 and March 2019.

The city is contributing over $75,000 to the project. The SBWC will be working on outreach and
education and expects to have volunteer opportunities for community members interested in the
restoration – particularly with the native vegetation planting activities. Additional project partners
include the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and
the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.

For more information, please contact Pat Welle with the SBWC at 503-397-7904 and, or visit their project page by clicking here.