The Hood River Watershed Group has completed its largest project to date: the third phase of habitat restoration on Neal Creek.

Section of Neal Creek enhanced for native fish habitat

The Hood River Watershed Group has completed its largest project to date: the third phase of habitat restoration on Neal Creek. The project enhanced two miles of salmon and steelhead habitat and reconnected up to 20 acres of floodplain.

Planning and collaboration were key to the project’s success. Various parties, including the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the Hood River County Forestry Department, and over 10 private landowners, partnered with the Watershed Group over the three project phases. This third phase focused on a two-mile stretch of Neal Creek located on County forestland. Inter-Fluve provided engineering and design, and Biohabitats constructed it.

The restoration work involved the helicopter placement of approximately 500 root wad logs, followed by ground-based reconnection and restoration of a former channel segment at the end of Lower Neal Creek Road.

Watch the short, captivating video of the project by the Watershed Group below. For more information about The Hood River Watershed Group and its work, visit hoodriverwatershed.org.

The Watershed Group will focus on the Lower East Fork Hood River and Powerdale Corridor on the mainstem Hood River for their next restoration projects. These are both high-priority reaches for salmon and steelhead habitat recovery. This summer, they will implement another large project on the Lower East Fork Hood River in partnership with six private landowners and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Follow along with these projects and more through the Watershed Group’s newsletter and social media channels.