Long Tom River Watershed

The jawless, eel-like fish known as Pacific lamprey get little love from the uninitiated; with their toothy-maw used to suck blood from fish, they have perhaps the most unflattering smile in the animal kingdom. But to many people, these ancient critters are important as both an indicator species and a food source for tribal people. And there are ongoing efforts to restore their numbers across Oregon waterways and beyond.

The McKenzie River Trust recently acquired more than a hundred acres through a conservation easement located between Junction City and Monroe. The…