The confluence large wood project is underway!!!
After many years of planning, materials such as logs and boulders are being moved towards the project site on the confluence of Johnson Creek and the Willamette River at Milwaukie Bay. This project is going to help retain cold water in the northern portion of Milwaukie Bay, helping provide refuge for migrating salmonids and other native fishes. This will be accomplished by placing large wood structures that will change how water flows out of Johnson Creek.
Currently, the material staging process is underway and will continue through mid-August. After that, the actual site construction will begin around September 1st and continue through the rest of the month. By October the project should be completed, and any needed clean-up will begin. Construction will be visible from Milwaukie Bay Park, though note that some pathways will be closed off due to construction along the beach.
Sometimes during these restoration projects, areas with plants are disturbed by equipment. Following the completion of the project and removal of heavy equipment, JCWC will plant native plants in the disturbed area. We’re excited to see how the whole project area grows back and how the large wood structures help keep salmon cool for years to come! We will continue monitoring the area to see how things change over time. Join us in watching this exciting project come together!