Overview
Connecting Odell Lake to Davis Lake is Odell Creek and one of its tributaries Maklaks Creek. Combined, the two creeks provide key spawning habitat to the endangered bull trout population of Odell Lake, the last remaining natural, adfluvial (living in a lake and spawning in a creek) population in the State of Oregon. The uniqueness of this species is in part derived from the natural creation of Davis Lake. A lava flow blocked Odell Creek over 1000 years ago, creating Davis Lake. No surface outlet was formed, thus isolating the species of bull trout.
Recent survey efforts have shown the population of remaining bull trout to be in decline. The adult spawning population is estimated at less than 100 individuals. Facing such a critical junction, efforts have begun to improve the bull trout habitat within the closed system. Past efforts at improving bull trout habitat have included successful work on Trapper Creek, another connecting to Odell Lake.
Forest Service road 4668 crosses Maklaks Creek with an undersized wooden culvert carrying the stream beneath. This crossing blocks the migration of threatened bull trout and regionally sensitive redband trout. Forest Service road 4660 crosses Odell Creek with a series of five side-by-side culverts pass the stream below. The road surface is gravel, which contributes sediment to the stream through dust and angular rock inputs. The five culverts are at risk of failure due to plugging with woody material or mobilized sediment during a peak discharge event. The road crossing restricts floodplain access and increases stream energies.
Restoration Work
In conjunction with the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is working on a project to replace the existing culverts at both stream crossings. At Odell Creek a 75-foot span bridge will be built to carry to road above. At Maklaks creek, a bottomless arch culvert. Both projects will conform to design criteria for flow and substrate migration needs, and engineering requirements of State (Oregon Road/Stream Crossing Restoration Guide) and Federal (Federal Guidance for Aquatic Passage Design) Guidelines.
Funding and Monitoring
Funding for this project is being provided in the form of cash and in-kind services from the US Forest Service and through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is serving as the fiscal agent for the project. In addition, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is aiding in the monitoring by tracking both pre-project and post project data on the bull trout population. The project is expected to reach completion in late 2006, with continued surveys beyond.