WHERE: Pine Creek Conservation Area is a 35,000 acre parcel of land managed by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs as part of Bonneville Power Administration's mitigation program.  It is located in North Central Oregon, just east of Clarno, a two-hour drive from Bend; three hours from Portland.  The closest towns are Fossil and Antelope.

PROJECT DETAILS: To help restore stream banks in Robinson Canyon we will be planting willow slips.  Increasing vegetation will help reduce erosion, provide shade decreasing the stream's water temperature.  We also may be pulling out some old fence lines depending on weather, group size etc.

Since it will be well into fall by this time, we will have the option of renting cabins at OMSI's Hancock Field Station.  Tent camping sites will also be available.

BACKGROUND: The John Day River is the second longest undammed river in the Lower 48, making it home to the healthiest anadromous fish runs left in eastern Oregon. Pine Creek, a tributary of the John Day, provides spawning and rearing habitat for one of the few remaining native Steelhead populations in the lower John Day River Basin.

Periods of uncontrolled cattle grazing, particularly along the stream banks, have degraded habitat for fish and wildlife in and along Pine Creek by causing severe erosion.  Thanks to the restoration work being done by Pine Creek Conservation Area, steelhead have begun to access the entire length of the creek within the Conservation Area.  In 2004, 33 redds were found in the creek.

COST: Free to ONDA members, $45 non-members.