Chahalpam is a 462-acre conservation site located along the North Santiam River. The Tribe re-acquired Chahalpam in phases during 2013 – 2019 through the Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program. The site is permanently protected as fish and wildlife habitat through three conservation easements held by BPA. The Tribe desires to restore floodplain function to the degree possible on Chahalpam. Restoration dollars are needed to improve habitat quantity, quality, and complexity necessary for native fish and wildlife species.

In 2016, River Design Group produced the Lower North Santiam Floodplain Restoration Alternatives Analysis which identified and prioritized 17 sites and recommended actions for floodplain function improvement. In 2021, BPA funded contract 88241 which began implementation of the Alternatives Analysis by addressing one of the highest priorities. This project builds upon those efforts as Phase 2 and will address three additional sites identified by River Design Group.

This project will continue floodplain restoration at Chahalpam by reconnecting 3 fish passage barriers on side channels of the mainstem North Santiam River and restoring 19 acres of riparian floodplain forest. Currently the fish passage barriers are undersized culverts or complete barriers that previously facilitated passage of farm equipment. Current conditions limit channel connectivity, sediment continuity, fish passage, and floodplain function. Results will include opening one mile of fish passage comprised of 0.6 mile of Dieckman Tributary and 0.4 mile of its tributary, and restoring native floodplain forest on 19 acres. Conditions will be improved to increase fish passage, flow, and floodplain connection and function on an annual basis. Several native species will benefit including ESA listed upper Willamette spring Chinook and winter steelhead, the primary species to benefit, as well as Oregon chub and State sensitive species such as Pacific lamprey, western pond turtle, and northern red-legged frog.

Objectives:  Develop a Technical Team, Develop Engineered Designs, Secure Contractor for Construction - Construction will occur in 2024 within the in-stream work period for the North Santiam River, typically July 15 – August 31; planting and removal of Invasive species.

All three in-stream projects are identified in the Floodplain Restoration Alternatives Analysis developed by the River Design Group. Primary proposed actions include developing an engineered design for the 3 passage barriers, complete all environmental compliance requirements (Sections 7 and 106), secure a contractor to implement construction; and reforest 19 acres of floodplain forest vegetation from site preparation, vegetation purchase, plant installation, and follow up maintenance immediately post planting. Some activities that will occur are in kind assistance and not funded by this BPA contract. Key project partners include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, North Santiam Watershed Council, and Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District.    

This project will continue floodplain restoration at Chahalpam by improving three stream crossings (sites 4, 5, and 15) and restoring 19 acres of riparian floodplain forest. Floodplain function will be improved through 1) enhancing in-channel connection to improve connectivity, sediment continuity, and fish passage; and 2) restoring the ecological function of historic habitat to increase the complexity necessary for fish and wildlife. Conditions will be improved for 18 native species, including Oregon chub, ESA-listed Chinook salmon and winter steelhead, and
State Sensitive species including Pacific lamprey, western pond turtle, and northern red-legged frog.

This project will contribute to Chinook salmon and winter steelhead recovery efforts by restoring access to historic habitat. Improving fish passage at two locations along the Dieckman Tributary will increase one-mile of available habitat. Dieckman Tributary merges with Dieckman Creek approximately 1,100 feet from its confluence of the North Santiam River. Improving access within this off-channel tributary will increase adult refugia during the winter months, increase cold water refugia during the summer months, and increase juvenile refugia and rearing habitat.