The Nehalem Bay Watershed Council (NBWC) is proud to announce the implementation of a habitat restoration project on Crook Creek Road this summer that will give local salmon access to over half a mile’s worth of historic spawning grounds.
Our salmon are famously born in freshwater creeks and streams then migrate to the ocean to live adventurous lives, returning to freshwater to build their redds and spawn. Federal and Oregon State recovery plans list barriers to fish passage to and from these habitats as a key limiting factor to the recovery of Oregon Coast coho salmon.
Replacing the failing McPherson Creek culvert that runs beneath Cook Creek Road with a bridge will be a major game changer for local salmon and for the humans that use the road to access outdoor recreation spots and industrial timberlands.
Nehalem Bay Watershed Council Executive Director Zac Mallon shares that, “The McPherson Creek Project will provide important spawning and rearing habitat to coho salmon and other aquatic species. The new bridge will also ensure that Cook Creek Road doesn’t blow out in the winter which is a very real risk as the culvert is currently 80% blocked!”
The road closure on Cook Creek Road at the McPherson Creek culvert will last from August 27th through September 19th.
Project Location: 45.7036, -123.7532
We know how much people love to get outdoors up Cook Creek Road and appreciate your patience during the construction process. We look forward to the new bridge providing a safe passage upstream for both people and salmon!
This project is made possible by NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program funding in partnership with the Wild Salmon Center.
The Nehalem Bay Watershed Council collaborates with local landowners, nonprofits, and agencies to restore native habitat for salmonids and other aquatic species.
For more information on habitat restoration in the Nehalem Watershed, visit https://www.nehalemwatershed.org/ or https://www.nehalembasinpartnership.com/.
