Uncategorized admin | 01 Jul 2007 08:18 am
The Clatskanie River Demonstration Project
The project is located in the town of Clatskanie where the river crosses Highway 30. With the goals of reducing water temperatures in the Clatskanie River and educating local property owners about the benefits of stream side tree planting, the project is developing in two stages: Phase one of the work has been experimental and the adjacent slough rather than actual river has been the site along which various native species are being tested for ability to withstand invasive Reed’s Canary Grass and blackberries as well as browsing deer and field mice. Thus far, red osier dogwoods, western red cedars, ninebark, douglas spirea, sitka spruce, alder, Oregon ash, doug fir, and western hemlock have successfully taken hold.
Phase two will start during the winter planting season and focus on the banks of the Clatskanie River where a private landowner is interested in reducing stream temperatures by planting trees and also sharing the results of the experience with her neighbors.
The hope is that this demonstration project within the Lower Columbia River Watershed might foster greater interest in water quality restoration area.
Margaret Magruder placing water drip hoses. Note Canary Reed Grass ground cover.
Clatskanie River. Note Reed Canary Grass on near side with embedded Himalaya blackberry vines. Trees on the far side are Oregon Red Alder.
Margaret Magruder working with tree planting and water system. Trees are spaced at ten foot intervals.
