Historically, Mill and Pringle Creeks did not have natural salmon runs, but were the result of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife hatchery operations and stocking program. Without that program there is little opportunity for the City acting alone to make a significant difference. However, there are a number of City efforts underway aimed at making the urban stream environment capable, over the long term, of supporting fish populations. The Public Works Department has a strategy for an integrated approach to watershed management as the first step in restoring Mill and Pringle Creeks. The approach includes science-based principles, is comprehensive, is focused on restoring and maintaining healthy watershed conditions, and recognizes how urban hydrology affects the physical habitat, stream processes, and water quality. Public Works has completed many fish passage projects throughout the community and on the North Santiam River. The Department continues to identify fish passage barriers and periodically funds capital projects to remove them. It is unlikely that either Mill Creek or Pringle Creek could sustain a healthy population of salmon at this time. However, over time, conditions can be improved. Public Works will be presenting the Pringle Creek Watershed Management Plan and the integrated watershed management approach to the City Council.
|
