LOBSTER CREEK
Project
Summary
Location:
Alsea, Oregon
Background:
Private property owners with both cattle and farming operations were losing valuable land on an annual basis due to high velocity waters eroding away the embankment, and negatively impacting the natural habitat.
Problem:
Create a single solution to restore and protect the natural habitat of both the land and water, with an emphasis on recovering valuable salmon hatching areas, as well as preserving the landowners important agricultural producing property.
Solution:
The "Gripper System" was chosen to create an environmental "terra wall" that would achieve all of the intended project goals. The structure was built to withstand high velocity water flows, while creating protective habitat for the varied aquatic species, specifically Salmon.
Scope:
440 Linear feet of the “Gripper System” was installed along the creek bank. The “terra wall” was 8ft in height and had 10 root wads embedded into it to create and enhance the Salmon habitat for future spawning areas.
Impact:
Erosion was eliminated, land protected, salmon habitat rejuvenated, and natural vegetation enriched and protected. Salmon redds (egg laying gravel nest), were active and producing after years of non-existence.
Results:
The project was a model example of private land owners, the local community, environmental organizations, and government agencies coming together to achieve a hugely successful project, for the environment and everyone involved.
