Allotment Improvements
These projects represent an ongoing effort by the NFJDWC to work in partnership with grazing permittees and the Forest Service to address riparian habitat protection, stream bank stability, and water quality issues; with the hope this may help permittees avoid the injunctions recently imposed on some allotments in our watershed.
Kelsay Creek Fencing
A tributary of Desolation Creek, the Kelsay Creek drainage has been identified as a fish management area and is also important habitat for elk, deer, and other wildlife.
Before
After
Before
After
The project created a 110-acre upland riparian enclosure, replacing a temporary electric fence that had proven to be ineffective. It was a collaborative effort between Indian Creek Allotment permittees, the NFJDWC, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Umatilla National Forest.
Funding provided by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Umatilla National Forest.
Upper Middle Fork Allotment Improvements
Located near the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the John Day, this 55,000-acre allotment had limited to no-use for the last 15 years. Adult spring Chinook salmon use the 5 ½ miles of the Middle Fork running through this allotment as spawning and rearing habitat. Steelhead and bull trout also utilize portions of the river and its tributaries within the allotme
Phase I of this project saw the replacement of aging allotment fences, construction of riparian fencing enclosures, installation of cattle guards, and new upland water developments.
Phase II, now underway, will expand improvement efforts by excluding cattle from a portion of Mosquito Creek and creating a 1,200 acre intensively managed riparian pasture along Tin Cup and Windlass Creeks.
Funding provided by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the Malheur National Forest, and the allotment permittee.
West Fork Meadowbrook Allotment Improvements
This permittee-driven project limits livestock access to the creek along Hwy 395. It complements road work by the Oregon Department of Transportation, which calls for the retrofit of several culverts along Meadowbrook Creek for improved fish passage.
In addition to improved fish passage and habitat, the 6.5 miles of new fence and two upland water developments will also allow permittees better utilization of the allotment.
Funding provided by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the Umatilla National Forest, Oregon Department of Transportation, and allotment permittees.