Pacific Northwest Research Station

USDA Secretary Vilsack announces economic recovery projects: Provides funding to reconstruct Coyote Creek gaging stations

USDA Forest Service
Pacific Northwest Research Station

Portland, OR: July 31, 2009

Media assistance: Sherri Richardson Dodge, (503) 808-2137, srichardsondodge@fs.fed.us

PORTLAND, Ore. July 31, 2009. The Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, received about $350,000, to restore four deteriorating stream gaging stations in the South Umpqua Experimental Forest on the Umpqua National Forest in southeastern Oregon. The project, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for Forest Facilities and Trails was announced by Secretary Tom Vilsack on July 21, 2009. In total, the 191 Forest Facilities and Trails projects received more than $274 million, and are located throughout the USDA Forest Service in 32 states.

“ These projects exemplify President Obama’s commitment to sustainability, reducing our environmental footprint, which will benefit the 178 million people who visit the national forests each year, while generating additional tourism and stimulating local economies,” said Secretary Vilsack.

In the 1960s and 1970s, and again in the 2000s, these stream gaging stations provided valuable information to scientists and managers about the effects of different timber harvesting techniques on water quality and stream flow levels. The stations haven’t been updated since their initial installation and major repairs are needed.

The funding for this project will also help provide critical information to forest managers about the effects of forest management on the high-value salmon habitat found on the Umpqua National Forest, and how to maintain the streams for these fish species that provide immense economic and cultural value to local communities.

“ The Coyote Creek gage stations are a valuable resource for scientists studying the effects of timber harvests on water quality. This is a sound investment and I am glad the Forest Service is getting the needed funds to repair the stations so that they can continue with their important work,” says Congressman Peter DeFazio, whose District includes the area of the project installation.

The South Umpqua Experimental Forest is part of a network of 80 experimental forests and rangelands across the United States and Puerto Rico. These forests provide long-term data on a wide variety of ecosystems and environmental issues and provide a basis for developing new, science-based land management options for forest managers.

Here are the details on the Coyote Creek gage stations reconstruction project:

The stations were constructed in 1963, and streamflow measurements began in 1964. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the stream gaging stations provided valuable information about the effects of different harvest techniques on water quality and flow levels. After a hiatus, the gages were reactivated in the 2000s to document long-term changes in water quantity and flow after timber harvest.

This infrastructure improvement project will restore deteriorated, unsafe gage stations, and work spaces. Solar energy will be explored and installed where feasible.

This project is in the South Umpqua Experimental Forest, Coyote Creek Experimental Watersheds, Umpqua National Forest, Tiller Ranger District (Douglas County).

Partners on the project are the PNW Research Station and Umpqua National Forest

The region contains high-value salmon habitat. The information about the effects of forest management on year-round stream conditions is critical for maintaining habitat for fish species that have immense economic and cultural values.

Information gained from the restored gage stations will enable evaluation of contemporary forest treatments on stream flow.

Information on other Forest Service ARRA projects and related economic recovery can be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/arra/arra-releasedfsprojects-2009-6-2pm.pdf.