© 2024 KLCC

KLCC
136 W 8th Ave
Eugene OR 97401
541-463-6000
klcc@klcc.org

Contact Us

FCC Applications
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Manmade Habitat For Spring Salmon Spared Knoll Fire's Destruction

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

The recent Knoll Fire in the McKenzie River Corridor threatened a fisheries restoration project in nearby Deer Creek.

On a recent survey of the fire damage, Darren Cross. acting deputy Forest Supervisor for the Willamette National Forest, pointed out what is essentially a man-caused landslide. Cross said the Knoll Fire came very close when it first started in early August.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
/
KLCC
Darren Cross, Willamette NF.

“Of course, during the fire this was a real concern for us because there’s a lot of wood, a lot dry wood, and not a lot of water on the surface of Deer Creek right now," Cross explained.

"We’re thankful that we’re able to hold the fire on this fire line without affecting or harming the restoration work that was just recently completed.”

The densely-clustered trees and rocks will provide an ideal habitat for Chinook salmon once waters rise and course through the restoration site in the spring.

Similar projects are near Finn Rock and the southern fork of the McKenzie River.

The Knoll Fire is now in the mop-up and monitor phase. 

Copyright 2021, KLCC. 

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
Related Content