BLUE RIVER, Ore. - A threatened fish species is starting to make a comeback in parts of the McKenzie River.
For the first time in nearly half of a century, fish experts have counted hundreds of spring Chinook salmon nests in the Lower South Fork McKenzie River in Blue River. The good news comes after the U.S. Forest Service, McKenzie Watershed Council and other agencies took on about a $2 million restoration project to the area.
Until now, the stretch was essentially devoid of fish. Now, in addition to the salmon, trout are also thriving.
Other wildlife will also benefit from the restoration effort.
Like bears. But it shows that we can undo damage done; in this case, it was the 1960s construction of Cougar Dam that negatively impacted habitat. Mitigation work today appears to be succeeding. I'll have to go back there, come spring.
