Helicopter Places Hundreds Of Logs To Restore Fish Habitat Near Tiller
A helicopter placed 248 logs along Slick and Boulder creeks near Tiller, restoring approximately four miles of habitat for coho salmon, winter steelhead, lamprey and other native fish.
TILLER, Ore. - A helicopter was used to place nearly 250 logs in two remote streams on the Tiller Ranger District as part of an effort to improve habitat for salmon, steelhead and other native fish.
The Umpqua National Forest partnered with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in early September to restore approximately four miles of habitat along Slick and Boulder creeks.
Crews placed a total of 248 logs throughout the two streams. Because of the remote terrain, limited access and size of the logs, a helicopter was needed to move the material into position.
Although fallen wood can appear to obstruct a stream, it plays an important role in a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The logs were strategically placed to help capture and retain spawning gravel, form cool-water pools and provide fish with places to rest and hide from predators.
The restored habitat is expected to benefit coho salmon, winter steelhead, lamprey and native non-game fish in the South Umpqua watershed. The work is also intended to support juvenile coho salmon as they grow before migrating downstream.
The Umpqua National Forest funded the project through a Good Neighbor Authority agreement with ODFW. A contractor completed the work with oversight from state wildlife officials.
Forest officials thanked ODFW and the crews involved in completing the restoration project, saying the partnership will help create healthier streams and better habitat for Oregon’s native fish.
A helicopter lifts a log into place during an aquatic habitat restoration project on the Tiller Ranger District. Courtesy: U.S. Forest Service - Umpqua National Forest.
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