Overview

Located just 10 miles west of Bend, Tumalo Creek meanders through a broad floodplain that supports a rich array of wetland, riparian and forested habitat.   However, the 1979 Bridge Creek Fire, combined with salvage logging, left three miles of Tumalo Creek without instream woody material or riparian vegetation to provide habitat and prevent stream channel erosion. Over the last 25 years, the stream system has continued to unravel, with widespread erosion of the stream channel leading to loss of wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat.

Restoration Efforts

Since 2003, the Watershed Council and the Deschutes National Forest have been leading a $900,000 effort to restore stream stability and increase fish habitat in the 2.8 mile reach most affected by the fire and salvage logging. During the three-year project implementation period, more than 70,000 native plants are being installed and over 3,000 whole trees are being placed instream to provide much needed instream habitat and channel stability.

Partners

The project includes a broad network of partners and funders, including Summit High School, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, National Forest Foundation, City of Bend, Deschutes River Conservancy, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Numerous community volunteers have also helped with planting, monitoring and other project components.

Click here to download an information sheet for the Tumalo Creek project.