Visitors to Milwaukie Bay Park may soon notice an intriguing transformation along the shoreline, reminiscent of a flood’s aftermath. Large stumps, boulders, and logs are being gathered at the point where Johnson Creek meets the Willamette River.
By mid-October, this debris will be reshaped into a functional habitat designed to support the region’s salmon population. The Johnson Creek Watershed Council is spearheading this initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to aid the return of native fish to their spawning territories in the Portland area.
Restoration project manager Holly Baine explains the long-term impact of urban development and deforestation on Johnson Creek and the Willamette River since the late 19th century. According to Baine, this has led to significant habitat degradation, which in turn has negatively affected the salmon populations.
“At this point, we’re starting to see the long-term effects of habitat degradation as a result of removing that large wood,” Baine states.
The introduction of stumps, logs, and root balls into the creek is crucial as they provide structural complexity to the aquatic environment. This creates additional habitat niches for salmon to lay eggs, while also facilitating slower and cooler water, conditions vital for the survival of these fish. Baine emphasizes that a slower current is particularly beneficial, allowing salmon to conserve energy during their upstream journey.
The project at Milwaukie Bay Park aims to create an eddy, a calm, swirling pool of cold water that offers refuge for salmon and steelhead as they make their way back from the ocean. This urban river, bordered by residential neighborhoods and industrial facilities, still supports a variety of fish species, including Chinook salmon and rainbow trout.
Baine points out that Johnson Creek’s cooler waters make it an attractive spawning site for these fish, which typically follow migratory paths extending as far as Alaska. “They will start to leave Johnson Creek as these tween-age fish,” Baine explains, noting their journey home is part of a larger ecological cycle.
This current phase builds upon work initiated in 2011 and has taken over three years to develop. Funding has been sourced from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, enabling the council to stage the required materials at the site. Although construction is underway, the northeast section of the Milwaukie Bay beach will be temporarily closed to the public.
Once the construction is complete, the council intends to plant native vegetation in areas that have been disturbed above the tide line. The salmon rest stop is integral to broader efforts targeting pollution reduction and structural enhancement along Johnson Creek.
Baine describes Johnson Creek as a unique ecological treasure weaving through the urban landscapes of Gresham, Portland, and Milwaukie. She highlights the riparian zone flanking the creek, which not only helps moderate local temperatures but also serves as habitat for diverse fauna, including songbirds, beavers, and dragonflies.
“These are all examples of other species that we’re sharing this space with,” Baine remarks.
The restoration efforts reflect a collaborative vision for environmental sustainability, illustrating the potential for harmonious coexistence with the natural ecosystems surrounding Johnson Creek.
image source from：wweek
