Sieben Side Channel Reconnection

The restoration of a historic side channel along the Clackamas River opens up much needed habitat for salmon, steelhead, and lamprey.

In alluvial river systems, side channels naturally form as the river migrates. Those channels provide important fish habitat and rearing areas. Historically, such side channels along Oregon’s Clackamas River provided abundant salmon habitat. But over time, various land use practices have negatively impacted many side channels.

In partnership with the Clackamas River Community Cooperative, and in an effort to restore fish habitat, the Clackamas Watershed Council sought to reconnect a historic side channel located near the confluence of Siebens Creek and the Clackamas River

As the general contractor for the restoration, Biohabitats constructed and placed an apex long jam at the upstream inlet of the side channel and several log jams along the channel. For several months out of the year, the restored side channel opens up habitat for several species, including fall Chinook, summer and winter steelhead, Pacific lamprey, and coho salmon.