Project Background
The Ladd Creek system is a major tributary of Catherine Creek.  Historically Ladd Creek was likely a significant steelhead producer and possibly had limited chinook production.  Channelization, irrigation withdrawals, agricultural land conversion and construction of I-84  have dramatically reduced steelhead production.  Current steelhead spawning numbers are unknown.  There are resident rainbow trout above the I-84 drop structure in Ladd Creek, Shaw Creek and Smutz Draw.  The lower approximately two miles of Ladd Creek above the confluence with Catherine Creek are used by over-wintering steelhead and juvenile Chinook salmon.  Salmonid use in the project area is limited due to the channelization and limited habitat diversity.

The forks of Ladd Creek were channelized to drain wetlands for agricultural use in the late 1800's or early 1900's.  Approximately one half mile of the main Ladd Creek Channel runs between the railroad and Hwy 203.  The ditches are unusually deep with steep banks that increase erosion and have lowered the water table by several feet. Predominant vegetative cover along the ditches is non-native reed canary grass.  Native vegetation is limited due to the lowered water table and agricultural land use.

Project Description
This project proposes to restore near-historic channel configuration and hydrology by constructing approximately 6.1 miles of new channel to replace 3.3 miles of ditches.  Approximately 1.9 miles of the new channel reconstruction (funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through Union County) is mitigation for impacts to Gekeler Slough resulting from a Union County Airport runway extension.  

The project will implement a variety of restoration activities including channel restoration and re-establishment of hydrology capable of supporting hydrophytic riparian and wetland vegetation.   Native/native-like tree, shrub, and grassland communities will be established through planting and natural regeneration.  The approximate size of the affected landscape is 900 acres.

Data collection will occur in late 2006.  Channel design, ESA consultation, permitting and cultural resource work will occur in early 2007.  Staging of some materials will occur in 2006.  Construction will occur in 2007 with revegetation complete in 2008.  

In addition to BPA funds, cost share is secured from the Federal Aviation Administration, OWEB, the Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund and the Blue Mountain Union Pacific Railroad Trust.  Cost share will be requested from ODOT.  In-kind cost share (design, construction supervision and inspection) will be provided by ODFW and CTUIR.  

Project Objectives:
•Promote natural, stable stream channels and in-stream habitat diversity
•Improve water quality (sediment, nutrient, water temperatures)
•Increase groundwater recharge
•Improve wetland habitats for riparian/wetland dependent species
•Increase suitable rearing habitat for anadromous and resident salmonids

This project compliments the following past, on-going or planned projects:
•Lower Ladd Rechannel and Wetland Restoration, 2002, ODFW, Ducks Unlimited, City of La Grande
•Middle Fork Ladd Rechannel, 2005, ODFW, COE
•Shaw Creek Fish Passage & Sediment Reduction, Proposed 2006, GRMWF, Forest Capital
•Smutz Draw Fish Passage & Sediment Reduction, 2002, ODF, Boise Cascade
•Smutz Draw Fish Passage, Proposed 2006, USFS

This project addresses the following elements of the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan, May 28, 2004 and the Grande Ronde Subbasin Plan Supplement (Management Plan), December 31, 2004:
•p. 15 Table 3-1, mid-Catherine Crk (Ladd Creek) high restoration priority to address habitat diversity, habitat quantity
•p. 47 Table 5-5, Strategy "Restore watershed processes impacting the aquatic system",  Sub-strategies - "Restore hydrology to reestablish wetlands", "Reconstruct channelized stream reaches to historic or near-historic form", "Reconnect channels with floodplain or historic channels…", Improve the density, condition and species composition of riparian vegetation…".

Anticipated Benefits
•Improved riparian and in-channel habitat for anadromous and resident salmonids.  6.1 miles of meandering channel will provide improved habitat by increasing channel complexity (pools, woody debris, structure), stream shade and aquatic species diversity.   Substrate materials will provide increased spawning habitat.  
•Improved water quality - Improved streambank stability, channel shade and functioning wetlands will reduce sediment inputs, reduce stream heating and reduce nutrient input and transport.  
•Improved wetland habitat for riparian dependent species - Wetlands will provide habitat for riparian and wetland dependent species, where few previously existed.
•Increased ground water storage/recharge - Channel reconstruction and filling in of drainage ditches will create wetlands which will retain and slow surface water runoff allowing increased water infiltration into the soil profile.  The stored water will be available for late season release and may improve late season stream flow in Catherine Creek.

Project Maintenance/Enhancement
The project and affected area are within the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area managed by ODFW.  All maintenance activities will be included in on-going ODFW programs.