Bio-Engineering
Demonstration Project
Fifteenmile Creek,
In November 1997
the first phase of a soil bio-engineering demonstration project was completed
on the Jim Markman place on lower Fifteenmile Creek. The project consisted of a
grade stabilization structure at the upper end to prevent upstream migration of
a 'nick point' in the stream bed, keyed toe rock for bank stabilization, two
fabric lifts with rows of willows beneath, between and above, bank shaping,
grass seeding, and cottonwood cuttings at top of shaped bank. The second phase was completed May 7,1998 and
consisted of willow staking a gravel bar
directly across the stream from the center of the stabilized stream bank.
Various school and youth groups assisted with the phase 2 plantings.
View from lower end of project. From water's
edge l. to r.: toe rock, gravel layer top dressed with soil, willow layer,
bottom fabric lift, layer of soil and willows, fabric lift, layer of soil and
willow, shaped and seeded bank (5:1) with geotextile fabric cover for temporary
erosion control. Photo by Ryan Bessette, Wasco
Participants included landowner, Jim Markman, US Fish
and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Forest Service, Interfluve, Crestline
Construction Company of
Funding was provided by a variety of sources including private landowner, US Fish and
Wildlife Service and their Partners for Wildlife Program, Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife and Bonneville Power Administration, Wasco County SWCD
through the District Grant Program of Oregon Department of Agriculture and
Oregon Governor's Watershed Enhancement Board (GWEB), and GWEB Fifteenmile
Watershed Project Grant to the SWCD.