The Molalla-Willamette River confluence provides important winter habitat for native Chinook salmon and steelhead, but connectivity of the floodplain at this site has been reduced compared to historic conditions, upstream land uses have reduced the availability of large wood, and invasive species have become established.
W2r worked with the Molalla River Watch, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and partners to evaluate temperature and floodplain conditions at the 400-acre confluence area, which includes the confluence of the Molalla, Pudding, and Willamette Rivers. The study evaluated existing stream temperatures and habitats in the context of stream processes, riparian vegetation, and flood hydraulics to ultimately develop a restoration plan for salmonids, Oregon Chub, waterfowl, vegetative communities, and amphibians. One specific phase of the project supported a thermal trading plan for the Willamette Water Supply Program and the Tualatin Valley Water District. is collaborated with Geosyntec to map vegetation, address invasive knotweed infestation, and model the stream shade benefits of vegetation restoration.
Client
Molalla River Watch
Keywords
Remote sensing, water temperature analysis, vegetation mapping, assessment of stream shade benefits, thermal trading plan, floodplain restoration concepts
