Richardson Creek Natural Area

Project Description

Metro, the regional government in the Portland area, purchased a large piece of land that included both a farm and a forest along the Clackamas River, one of the large rivers in the Portland area. The forested portion of the property contains Richardson Creek, which already had salmonid activity and resident beavers creating complex wetland habitat. The creek had been modified and degraded by humans in places, but was in good shape overall. In sharp contrast, the farm portion of the property contained a highly degraded stream channel. This degraded channel was a breeding ground for invasive species and presented an opportunity to restore and enhance salmonid habitat on this property.

Biohabitats created an entirely new channel on the farm property and installed around 1,000 pieces of wood across the whole site. Additionally, an undersized culvert was replaced, an old farm pond was filled, and berms were removed to reconnect floodplain.

Working around an active beaver family presented a challenge. They were flooding areas that needed to by dry to work in, and the beavers continued to build dams throughout the project. It is hoped that the beavers will stay in the area and continue to create complex habitat for salmonids in the creek.

With 2,000 feet of rebuilt channel and 1,000 logs installed, native fish will find all sorts of new, high quality habitat to utilize year round. The resident beavers should enjoy the new habitat as well with plenty of new building materials and food planted around the creek.