Friday, October 10, 2008 |



Industry, agency and nonprofit groups are cooperating in a large-scale stream enhancement project in the Coquille River Watershed, southeast of Coos Bay.

The majority of the work was to be accomplished by the end of the summer.

The work on 11 miles of stream habitat is one of the largest restoration efforts to date in Oregon. It will improve habitat for coho and Chinook salmon, searun and resident cutthroat trout, steelhead trout and other fish and aquatic species.

The work is occurring on lands owned by the Menasha Corporation (Campbell Group), Plum Creek Timber Company and on Bureau of Land Management property. The streams in the project include Moon Creek, Hudson Creek, Fruin Creek, North Fork Creek and Little North Fork — all in the upper North Fork Coquille River. Excavators, cable systems and a helicopter were used to place logs throughout the project area.

“This project, and the vast improvement to fish habitats in this area, was made possible because the parties involved in this project recognize the need to enhance fish habitat, and support voluntary efforts to create and maintain healthy watersheds,” said Jen Feola, a fish biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Coquille Watershed Association is overseeing the grants. The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is the primary contributor of funds, but substantial support also was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Bring Back the Natives Program.

http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2008/10/10/news/doc48ef8ac1e828d485553155.txt