Kelley Creek Confluence Restoration Monitoring

Johnson Creek flows through Portland, Oregon, and supports an ESA listed species of Steelhead trout, a species in regional decline. In the 1930s, Johnson Creek and the lower portion of Kelley Creek, a tributary, were improved for drainage and conveyance adversely impacting aquatic habitat. Physical habitat along the lowermost portion of Kelley Creek and much of Johnson Creek is degraded. In 2004, the City completed a project at the confluence of these streams to restore stream and floodplain interaction, including functional aquatic habitat! Approximately 24,000 cubic meters of soil were removed from the 2.4 hectares site to lower the floodplain surface, realign the lower reach of Kelley Creek, and create backwater channels and wetlands. The monitoring plan includes monitoring habitat elements and hydraulic design performance. Though numerous high flow events have occurred since construction, all aquatic and terrestrial habitat improvements remained largely intact performing in accordance with their design.