Myrtle Creek Instream Project

Site description: Myrtle Creek is a large tributary that enters the Middle Fork Coquille River at river mile 8.5. The stream drains approximately 67.6 square miles (43,356 acres) and is habitat for Coho, Steelhead, Chinook, and Cutthroat. Myrtle Creek was splash dammed in the early 1900’s and had yet to recover adequate salmonid spawning and rearing habitat. This project intended to improve instream habitat for salmonids and other aquatic and riparian organisms. The intent of this project as to improve the habitat by placing scattered boulders and whole logs within the stream. These materials were intended to check stream gradient, trap and stabilize spawning gravel, and scour and maintain pools. The project was designed by Howard Crombie, ODFW Restoration Biologist out of the Charleston office.

Scope of work: This project consisted of two sites with log and boulder combinations. The landowner donated the logs to be used in this project. The logs were removed from the upland location by blasting the roots of the trees and then removing them whole. A contractor (Mark Villers of Blue Ridge timber) was hired to complete this work as well as placing the logs and boulders within the stream. Mark used a modified log-yarder to move the logs and boulders in the stream channel and then place them in the proper location.