Both folks and fish can have their way, thanks to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Siuslaw National Forest’s new mitigation project at Bull Creek.
ODOT has funded the donation of about 53 acres of forest land and stream habitat for native migratory fish to the Forest Service. It is a part of the U.S. 20 Pioneer Mountain-Eddyville road construction, which has affected local streams. The project includes the removal of a culvert, which according to the national forest’s Lisa Romano, has historically been a significant barrier to fish passage.
"Bull Creek is an important stream for coastal fish, like coho salmon, cutthroat trout and lamprey," said Romano. "Being able to remove this culvert is actually going to help those native fish move between spawning grounds and where the adults need to go and so we're pretty excited to be able to be involved in reconnecting that habitat."
Other habitat improvements include the restorative thinning of forested upland areas and invasive species treatments. The project will take place this year, with both ODOT and the Siuslaw National Forest monitoring restoration progress for the next five years.