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April, 10th, 2011 the McKenzie river was cleared of a complete river blockage known as mile post 44. This obstruction was completely blocking the river in two locations. The first obstruction was just out of sight upstream of the highway near mile post 44. A single log, approximately 4.5 ft in diameter at the base was across the entire river. A single cut on the far shore from the root base allowed the tree to come to rest parallel of the bank and completely out of the current channel. This tree is now resting along the bank providing habitat many forms of aquatic life.

The second blockage was visible from the highway and took considerable more work. With a down stream safety crew put in place, a drift boat was lowered to the tree blocking the river. After spending three hours cutting the tree through it seemed it would not budge. After a shore lunch an attempt was made to cut the tree from the opposite end. It became apparent that the tree was being held in place by a second tree just under the surface. When the second tree was cut the entire mass began to moan and pop. The McKenzie river once again became clear for safe boat navigation.

A heartfelt thanks should be extended to Wade Scofield and volunteers from The McKenzie River Guides Association and McKenzie Fire and Rescue for helping making safe passage on this section of the McKenzie River.

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Thank you so very much to everyone who joined us for the 80th anniversary celebration of the MRGA! Everything turned out great! It was so great to see so many familiar smiling faces!
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The USFS has partnered with the McKenzie Watershed Council on a habitat improvement project for side streams of the mid river. Their goals are improvement and rearing habitat for bull trout, and spawning and rearing habitat for spring Chinook salmon. The is project mid way through completions of a two year plan.

Changes to river habitat will involve tipping over large trees to serve as key logs. Then using a helicopter to place additional logs upstream of these key logs. And finally by hand, placing smaller woody material (i.e. tree branches) upstream of the created log jams. This will improve rearing habitat for sub-adult bull trout, and improve spawning and rearing habitat for spring Chi- nook salmon. The project has a strong education and monitoring emphasis.

While the McKenzie Guides Association is not directly involved in this project we believe it is something worthy of your attention and support.

Click on the links below to view the information about this project made public by the USFS and the MWC.

2010accomplishment_MR_Delta_SC(2)
WFRP Upper McKenzie Side Channel #2_2009(2)