Thursday April 25, 2024
Global Seafood Alliance —
NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation has provided a $15 million grant to non-profit American Rivers to lead the removal of the Kellogg Dam at Kellogg Creek’s mouth, a Lower Willamette River tributary. The project aims to improve upstream access for critical spawning and rearing habitats for threatened species, including Upper Willamette River Chinook, steelhead, Lower Columbia River coho, and Pacific lamprey.
“The dam was built in 1858 and ceased to operate 40 years later,” said Megan Hilgart, Marine Habitat Resource Specialist for the NOAA Restoration Center. “It’s been limiting fish passage and backing up stagnant water for 125 years. There are traces of Chinook and coho salmon upstream, but nothing compared to how many should be there.”
The project in Milwaukie, Ore., will open 17 miles of stream and restore 15 acres of floodplain habitat for migratory fish. It includes replacing the bridge on Oregon 99E to improve pedestrian safety and connect the Lower Willamette River with the Kellogg Creek corridor. Additionally, the project will transform a pond behind the dam into a riverine habitat, enhancing water quality and reducing flooding. It will also involve the community in planning and provide local students with educational opportunities in science and habitat restoration.