This contract seeks to produce a final design and complete permitting for the Molalla River Confluence Floodplain Restoration Project.  The 30% design for this project was developed under previous BPA contract #81532.  This contract's funding was awarded through the Habitat Technical Team (HTT) project selection process.  

The project site is located at the Molalla River State Park (owned and managed by the Oregon State Parks) where the Molalla River enters the Willamette River.  The Molalla Confluence is a Willamette Anchor Habitat and was identified as a priority area for habitat restoration within the Willamette Valley.  The Molalla river is known to have populations of ESA listed Upper Willamette spring Chinook and winter steelhead, while other species of interest at the site include (but are not limited to) lamprey, fresh water mussels and western pond turtle.  

Molalla River Watch (MRW) has been working cooperatively with the Oregon State Parks Department (OPRD), contractors, the public and other willing partners on the project for several years.  Previous efforts include completing site assessments and conceptual restoration design to increase high flow and thermal refuge for listed fish, increase instream habitat complexity, and preservation of the floodplain forest at Molalla River State Park (MRSP). Recognizing the importance of existing habitat elements, all work will seek whole-site resiliency with a “do no harm” and process- based approach.  MRW & OPRD have identified restoration opportunities and will create a final design that will: 1) “Do no harm” while prompting the river to recover; 2) Increase floodplain connectivity & complexity to improve dynamic habitat & support natural creation of cool-water refuge; & 3) Treat existing Japanese knotweed patches & support recruitment of native riparian vegetation.  Treating Japanese knotweed is an activity occurring in tandem with other project partners and is outside the scope of this contract.

This contract is for design and permitting only.  No herbicides will be used under this contract.