Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 3, 2015)
community/city news september3 2015 5 Watershed Council Begins New Fish Restoration Project continued from front page function naturally. An 84 foot arch that is 38 feet at the base will be installed in 14 sections to span Oak Ranch Creek. “Oak Ranch Creek is a signifi- cant salmon bearing stream,” said Pey- ton in an interview just days before the project was scheduled to begin, “with native Coho, steelhead, cut throat trout, lamprey, and even Chinook salmon if the stream flows are adequate at the time of spawning migration if heavy rains occur in September.” Water temperatures on the Ne- halem River have been a pressing con- cern for Peyton, with temperatures rising above lethal limits early in the season and staying there throughout the sum- mer. “A portion of the juvenile Coho that emerged from spawning gravels in the spring in these upper stream reaches are nomadic and migrate down into the main stem of the Nehalem. They need to be able to come back up into cooler wa- ter when those high temperatures begin occurring,” said Peyton. The current culvert replacement project also includes the placement of twenty-six large woody debris structures within a three mile reach of Oak Ranch Creek. The constructed log jams are de- signed to create stream complexity that provides cover for fish and encourages channel adjustments, pool formation, and gravel sorting processes. The addi- tion of log jams enhances overall stream and flood plain function resulting in improved spawning, rearing and refuge habitat essential for salmonid survival. That large woody debris placement will take place in the summer of 2016. The culvert replacement at riv- er mile 1.8 is just Phase I of the work the UNWC plans to accomplish in Oak Ranch Creek. A second culvert is planned to be replaced at river mile 3.5, Creek project has been in the planning and Atmospheric Administration although Peyton said the cost is some- stages since 2009 and is a good candi- (NOAA) and the Oregon Division of what prohibitive and it may be several date for this type of high priority fish State Lands, which allowed the project years before that project is realized. restoration project. The creek contains to meet several deadlines and maintain Cost for Phase I is approxi- numerous large beaver dam complexes, funding that had been promised. “It mately $600,000; the Phase II culvert several stretching over a quarter of a pays off that we’ve developed viable replacement could cost relationships with all close to $850,000. Engi- agencies concerned, neering for Phase II has because they’re already already been completed familiar with our projects by Andrew Niemi of Low- and successful track er Columbia Engineering. record up front,” said Funding for Peyton. Phase I comes from sev- Peyton noted that the eral sources, which is UNWC recognizes that typical for these types of the road closure is a se- fish restoration projects vere inconvenience for that the UNWC regularly local businesses and undertakes. The Oregon residents. “With the sup- Watershed Enhancement port of Columbia County Board (OWEB) which has Commissioners and Road regularly funded UNWC Department we’ve done fish restoration projects, is everything we can to the main funder, contrib- make this project and the uting $421,377. The Or- schedule as tight as pos- High volume water flow during winter months egon Department of Fish sible so it minimizes the create a barrier to fish passage on Oak Ranch Creek. and Wildlife contributed amount of time the road $70,000 and $75,000 from two different mile on the creek. Beaver dams provide has to be closed,” said Peyton. pools of money. The Columbia Coun- good fish habitat and rearing areas as For details and questions about ty Roads Department is also kicking in well as river valley water storage during the project please contact the Columbia $34,500 along with staff time to help heavy rainfall and flooding events. The County Road Department office. To stay with over-all construction costs. Coun- Oak Ranch Quarry is nearby, providing up to date on all Road Department activ- ty engineer Tristan Woods is the Proj- a good source of gravel without large ities and project details follow them on ect Manager. TFT Construction from transportation costs associated. Facebook.or at http://www.co.columbia. Scappoose is the construction contrac- Peyton acknowledged assistance or.us/. tor. OWEB also provided technical as- from Troy Laws, ODFW Restoration sistance funding for engineered designs Biologist, who has been instrumental Vernonia’s Voice is and implementation planning. Special in helping with field survey, agency published on the 1st mention goes to OWEB North Coast coordination, securing funding and other and 3rd Thursday. Our Program Representative Tom Shafer support. The UNWC also received next issue will be out on for leading the OWEB regional review assistance with permits review and the September 17th. team project review process and helping expedition of approvals from the Army UNWC overcome numerous obstacles Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic during the funding acquisition stage. Peyton says that this Oak Ranch Vernonia Police Blotter August 8-30, 2015 For fast cash! 010412 REPORTS TAKEN • August 8, 2015 Report of Burglary on Riverside Dr. • August 9, 2015 Report of Criminal Mischief II on Bridge St. • August 9, 2015 Report of Criminal Mischief II on Rose Ave. • August 10, 2015 Report of a Burglary on A St. • August 10, 2015 Report of a Burglary on Adams Ave. • August 17, 2015 Cited for Criminal Mischief near Hawkins Park • August 26, 2015 Arrest on a Warrant near Nehalem HWY South • August 30, 2015 Arrest on a Warrant near Ivy St. CITATIONS / OTHER VIOLATIONS • August 21, 2015 Cited for Violation of the Basic Rule traveling 74 mph in a 55 mph near Timber Rd. Vernonia Police Department responds to calls that do not always end in Arrest, Report, or Citation. 8/15/2015 through 8/31/2015 VPD had a 137 calls for service. 5x10 $39 10x10 $69 10x20 $99 RV Storage $149 Outside storage available Totally fenced and gated Padlocks Available 503-530-8119 State Licensed PB-0388 Open everyday at 9 a.m. $10.00 Individual: $5.00 $1.00 plus 2 hours minimum of work in the library Make checks payable to: Friends of the Vernonia Public Library Mailing Address: 701 Weed Avenue, Vernonia, OR 97064 Name Address City Phone Date State Zip Amount Enclosed $ I am interested in helping with the following committees (optional): Please Circle •Membership •Endowments •Book Sales •Publicity & Public Relations •Fund Raising •Library Services •Finance-Budget-Legal Matters Need more room? Debit/Credit now accepted (Across from Fred Meyer) Family: Minimum: Membership Dues: Terry’s Gym See us for the lowest prices GUARANTEED! 2245 Baseline St., Cornelius Friends of the Vernonia Public Library Authorized U-Haul Dealer Boxes and Supplies Available We can make your reservation Pick up here or anywhere 58605 Nehalem Hwy South • P.O. Box 292 Vernonia, Oregon 97064 (503) 429-7867 10-6 Tue-Sat 12-4 Sun JOIN THE TEAM! 503-901-1705 16720 Noakes Rd. Vernonia
