Introduction

Meadow Creek is spawning and rearing habitat for Snake River Basin summer steelhead and redband trout.   According to fish distribution maps, Snake River Basin rearing spring chinook salmon habitat is located approximately .5 mile downstream of the project area.  However, Meadow Creek within the project area is considered designated critical habitat for spring chinook salmon, since it is accessible to juveniles as rearing habitat (Biological Assessment for the Starkey Grazing Allotment, 2006).  In addition, chinook smolts have been located up to Ray Creek, which is located in the middle of the project area (refer to PISCES attachments - project map).   The summer steelhead and spring/summer chinook are federally listed under ESA as threatened species. Redband trout are on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species List.  

Existing condition:   The Meadow Creek Project is broken into 3 reaches.  The valley bottom is forested, and riparian vegetation consists of shrub species, primarily willow and alder, with sedges and grasses.  Conifers consist of Englemann spruce, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, western larch, and ponderosa pine.  Historic timber harvest, including splash dams removed larger conifers from the valley bottom, reducing the future recruitment of large wood debris to the stream.  

This project is undergoing extensive research by Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Starkey Experimental Forest and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife under Meadow Creek Phase II Project.  The research is targeting herbivory of riparian vegetation and fish habitat.  Five riparian pastures were established under the Meadow Creek Phase II Project.  Within these pastures, upland water sources are limited.  This project would further complement these research efforts by providing additional water sources for livestock and wildlife away from Meadow Creek.  As a result, there would be less livestock/wildlife use of riparian vegetation.  

Project Location:  The Meadow Creek Large Woody Debris Phase III Project is located adjacent to Meadow Creek, a tributary to the Grande Ronde River. The project is located on within (T 3S, R 34E, S 27, 29, 31, 32 & 34; and T 4S, R 34E, S 6).  The project is located within the Meadow Creek Watershed (1706010402); Middle Meadow Creek Subwatershed (170601040202); Reaches 1-3; Union County.  

Project Objectives:  Improve spring/summer Chinook habitat, summer steelhead habitat, specifically through improving ungulate grazing management to enhance the salmon and steelhead habitat elements, such as stream shade and riparian function.

Specific Actions:  The Meadow Creek Upland Water Source Project Phase III involves the development and/or reconstruction of six upland water sources for livestock and wildlife within the established 5 riparian pastures on Meadow Creek.