Willamette RIVERKEEPER

Riverscape Fall/Winter 2017

Concerning Mussel Study

About 20 miles upstream of Corvallis is WRs Norwood as parasites on native fish, like spring chinook and winter
Island property, a 140 acre parcel that we have managed for steelhead)or a combination of all of the above.
the past 3 years. As early as 2002, we identified a massive
In tandem with our Norwood research, Riverkeeper and
Western Pearlshell Mussel bed in Norwoods back channel,
Executive Director, Travis Williams, and 5 volunteers,
and following our acquisition of the island, we have sought
snorkeled over 120 miles between Eugene and Salem, seeking
to better understand the health of this huge collection of
out beds of Western Pearlshell. The goal was to better
bivalveswhich can live to be over 100 years old in the
understand where these mussels occur on the mainstem, and
right conditions.
to observe what type of river habitat best supports them. We
Mussels matter in our rivers; found 10 mussel beds throughout this reach.
they influence food webs,
We need to do much more for this remarkable species, which
water quality, nutrient cycling,
is known to be in decline nationwide. Next year we will study
and habitat quality. They
several of these newly discovered beds to determine if they
filter particles, and bacteria
are reproducing, and if so, whether the rate of reproduction is
such as E. coli, from the water
healthy. We also have plans for more survey work on both the
column. They feed on organic
mainstem Willamette and several tributaries. Additionally, we
materials, and create great
are committed to continuing our work to curb toxics, reduce
habitat for insects- which are
other forms of pollution, and improve natural flows to support
critical to many river species.
a healthy river system.
Mussels can also be a food
source for species like river
otters. In the case of
Western Pearlshell, their
long-lived nature is simply
worthy of respect.

This past summer WR staff and 12 volunteers teamed up with

freshwater mussel expert, Celeste Mazzacano, to conduct a
major assessment of the population at Norwood. After 4 long
days in some of the hottest weather of the season, coupled
with increased flows to the river by the US Army Corps of
Engineers (which made our work more challenging due to
current), we completed our study.

Our results concluded that of the 40,000 live adult mussels

we counted in this channel, none are reproducing. We were Stay tuned for a forthcoming Oregon Field Guide episode on
not able to identify any juvenile mussels. It is unclear why OPB featuring our mussel field work at Norwood Island.
this is occurring. Factors can include pollution, loss of habitat,
modifications to flow, the lack of host fish (mussel larvae live
 Riverscape

From Travis, the Riverkeeper

It has been a tremendous year for ( Conducted significant research on freshwater mussels and
Willamette Riverkeeper! In 2017, aquatic invasive plants in the Willamette River system.
weve done more to improve the ( Worked on restoring 940 acres of floodplain forest habitat.
Willamette Rivers health, and
( Planted nearly 100,000 native trees and shrubs.
connect people to this to this amazing waterway than ever
before. A few highlights include: ( Engaged more than 2000 people in hands on stewardship
projects, trash cleanups, and River Discovery trips.
( Helped to forge the release of the Record of Decision (final
clean up plan) for the Portland Harbor Superfund site. Our work is supported by YOUand we very much appreciate
it! Please consider making a year end donation to fortify our
( Made significant strides in heightening the toxics issue and
efforts as we move into 2018. Thank you again for all you do
worked toward less contamination river-wide.
to assist our mission.
( Held the line against tough proposals in the Oregon
Legislative Session.

Fortifying Our Floodplain Forests

The Willamette Rivers floodplains provide a critical function We are also happy to
of storing water when the flows increase in the main river share that we have
channel due heavy rain, and runoff from snow melt, in the secured funding to
Cascades and Coast Range. With the wet winter of 2017 in the begin a new restoration
Willamette Valley, Salem gage records indicate that flows on project in partnership
the mainstem river reached more than 92,000 cubic feet per with Oregon Department
second (cfs), when 50,000 cfs is considered high. of Fish and Wildlife to
Floodplains act as natural filters by removing excess sediment restore 295 acres of
and nutrients which improves water quality. Water is slowed floodplain forest at Gail
in the floodplain which allows it time to seep into the ground Achterman Wildlife Area. A local farmer helps us plant native seed
this fall with a no till drill.
to recharge groundwater reserves. Floodplains also provide Enhancing the quality of
critical habitat for overwintering water fowl, amphibians, the Willamettes floodplain forests will help to enrich the food
and juvenile salmonids to rest and forage for food during the web, resulting in more resources to support diverse species of
winter months. fish and wildlife.

The Mission Bottom Reach, Join us for a tour of an inundated floodplain forest this winter.
located downstream of Visit our calendar at willametteriverkeeper.org for details.
Salem, boasts some of the
highest quality floodplain
forest remaining adjacent
to the Willamette River.
It is in this river reach
that we are working in
partnership with Oregon
Contract crews planted more than State Parks, and many
95,000 trees and shrubs into the North others, to restore over 600
Forest at Willamette Mission.
acres of floodplain habitat
at Willamette Mission State Park. This winter we are again
gearing up to plant an additional 70,000 trees and shrubs North Salem High School field biology students gain a new perspective of
across this unique landscape! floodplain forests as they stand ankle deep in the flooded roadway at
Willamette Mission.

Monitoring Impacts of Aquatic Invaders
Two large side channels of the middle
WillametteWindsor Slough and
Mission Lakeare connected year-
round, providing 95 acres of off-channel
habitat for fish, waterfowl, beaver,
otter, lamprey and other aquatic and
semi-aquatic species. Historically,
recreationalists using the Willamette
would swim, fish, and boat in these
areas. Access is now more limited since
aquatic plants have taken over these
and other sloughs and side channels of
the Willamette.
In partnership with PSU we collected 100 aquatic
vegetation samples from Windsor Slough and
Mission Lake.
Superfund Subterfuge
After 16 years of work, the final
cleanup plan, or Record of Decision,
for the Portland Harbor Superfund
site was released in January 2017.
Contaminated sediments are on the
river bottom, and the cleanup plan
calls for removal of sediment, as well
as capping contaminated areas. While
the plan is not perfect, it was a marked
Riverscape
from USGS, Oregon State Parks, and
Portland State University to gather
A Willamette Riverkeeper volunteer sorts and
weighs the collected vegetation samples.
Ludwigia, a non-native invasive water
primrose, has become especially
abundant, encroaching on open-water
and providing habitats for nuisance
algae to proliferate. Aquatic invasive
plants have negative effects on dissolved
oxygen (DO), sediment, and other water
quality indicators.
In an effort to better understand the
impacts of aquatic invasive species on
the sloughs and side channels of the
river, Willamette Riverkeeper is actively
improvement over the Draft. Thanks
again to all of you who submitted a
record number of public comments!
Recently, the current federal
administration sought to weaken
this hard fought plan. The US EPA
was considering issuing a very weak
baseline monitoring effort from which
working in partnership with scientists
baseline data, to help answer this
question. We want to learn how we can
effectively restore these habitats.
Thanks to USGS, we collected baseline water
quality data with 5 sondes that were dispersed in
the mid-Willamette.
You can help us by spreading awareness
to stop aquatic hitchhikers! Also,
remember to always Clean, Drain, and
Dry your canoes, kayaks, SUP boards,
other boats, and fishing gear after
enjoying the Willamette and other rivers.
the effectiveness of the cleanup would
be measured. It seems their goal was
to develop a shoddy sampling plan that
would yield results with fewer
pollutants in them by sampling sites
that are less polluted.
WR, DEQ, and the City of Portland were
all very vocal about our opposition to
weakening the plan. After significant
push back, it appears that the EPA
backed off on their effort. We will
continue to guard against derailing
the cleanup, and we are hopeful that
we will see the first significant work to
remove contaminated sediment from the
Willamette next summer.
 Riverscape

River Guardians Revealed

2017 has been a busy year for our Eugene-Springfield River
Guardians program, where 116 volunteers have dedicated 488
hours of monitoring and trash clean up, resulting in almost 40
yards of debris removal.

Additionally, we partnered with CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance

Helping Out On The Streets), a mobile crisis intervention
team integrated into the public safety system of the cities of
Eugene and Springfield. They provided a trauma-informed
communications and cleanup safety training. Thirteen of our
lead volunteers learned how to properly handle sharps, avoid
confrontation and engage more effectively with unsheltered
and mentally ill people camping in urban waterways.

Cleaning up trash isnt easy, and oftentimes seems thankless

as areas get abused over and over again. However; our
volunteers remain steadfast to maintaining clean riverbanks.

Marcel Bieg, a professional swift water rescue instructor, and

west coast representative for the American Canoe Association,
believes his volunteer support in the River Guardians program
is an integral component of his personal purpose to support a
much larger system of life. Marcels philosophy? I have always
considered the earth as a single living organism; with all
things playing a role for a healthy planet. The oceans are our
lungs and the rivers are the arteries, I feel strongly we need to
keep our arteries clean and healthy, and this is one way I can
contribute to that cause.

Aside from the wonderful efforts of our volunteers, program

One key volunteer, Curtis Phillips, donates funds, time, and
equipment for the cause. An avid fisherman and drift boat
captain, Curtis believes it is critical for communities to step
up and help make a difference in local water quality. Curtis
is also part owner at Plank Town Brewing, a Springfield
brewery that gets its water from the Middle Fork Willamette.
The level of need to address clean water is not being met by
our government, Curtis states. It is up to us, as responsible
citizens, to take action. Willamette Riverkeeper is making
one of the strongest impacts in clean water efforts for the
Willamette Valley by raising awareness and encouraging
proactive participation, with the goal of making our urban
waterfront one of the cleanest in America!
partners such as Eugene Water & Electric Board, University
of Oregon, Union Pacific Railroad, Northwest Canoe Tours
and City of Eugene Parks and Recreation departments
have provided additional funding and support for staffing,
monitoring tools, equipment and disposal services.
Eugene-Springfield River Guardians cleanups happen year
round, with opportunities for you to participate every
second Tuesday of the month. Timing and sections may
change depending on leadership availability, and where
there is the greatest need. To find out how you can get
involved as a volunteer or a program partner, please
email our South Valley Advocate, Michelle Emmons at
michelle@willametteriverkeeper.org.
 Riverscape

Fighting For Threatened Fish

The suit contends that the funds provided by the Corps, to the
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, to produce hatchery
fish, are interfering with the recovery of Winter Steelhead.

ODFW started to produce Summer Steelhead in the late 1960s,

In the Willamette watershed, fish hatcheries owned or
funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers are intended to
produce fish to mitigate for the detrimental impact of the
Corps dams on native fish populations. These native fish runs
include Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook, both listed as
threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Earlier this year, WR filed a lawsuit with our partner
organization, the Conservation Angler, against the Corps.
a fish that had not existed in the Willamette system previously.
In addition to the lack of fish passage at dams, modification
to natural flows, altered habitat, sea lion predation and other
factors, there is evidence that the hatchery Summer Steelhead
being produced in the Santiam system are problematic to
native, Winter Steelhead. The Summer Steelhead being
released are occupying the same habitat as Winter Steelhead,
and potentially combining genetically with the native fish.
We are seeking a full reevaluation of the program of producing
Summer Steelhead in the Willamette, and how to enable the
native fish to become more numerous. If the Corps does not
agree to certain terms, the case will be argued in Court.

Teaming Up on Toxics
WR has been participating in the newly formed Willamette
River Toxics Reduction Partnership. This effort, resulting from
the Record of Decision for Portland Harbor, seeks to identify
ways to curb toxics from entering the river system. The
initial focus for this work is on the lower river, from roughly
Willamette Falls to Ross Island.

As part of this effort, the US EPA provided $100k to the

Oregon DEQ to conduct a round of sediment sampling.
This work will be conducted over the next few months and
should reveal what contaminants are persistent in this
stretch of river.

In addition to sampling, the group will be working toward

reducing toxics used by people to kill insects. Last year the
USGS released a report that showed significant amounts
of pesticides in local creeks that feed into the Willamette in
Clackamas County. One substance in particular known as
Bifenthrin was widespread, and unfortunately can be lethal to
native amphibians.

Over the coming months additional data will provide useful

information that will help inform other approaches and points
Bifenthrin is an active ingredient in common pest control products available at
of emphasis. local hardware stores.
 Riverscape

Stormwater Needs Standards

The Oregon DEQ just released the Draft MS4 Phase II
stormwater permit for public comment. This permit type
applies to all cities of 100k residents or less.

Traditionally such permits require municipalities to take

action to curb stormwater, and to monitor for pollution. Most
permits contain specific standards that must be met. Over
recent years, there has been a push to loosen the standards
approach, and to provide a more flexible adaptive approach. As a Willamette Riverkeeper member or interested citizen,
you can provide comments to the Oregon DEQ to help ensure
Willamette Riverkeeper believes that it is important to provide
that the MS4 has very specific language that protects water
some measure of flexibility, yet at the same time having specific
quality, and upholds the public trust. Email comments to
standards for pollution that must be met. We will provide a full
MS4PermitComment@deq.state.or.us before 1/26, or attend
evaluation of DEQs permit, together with our comments, on
a Public Hearing on 1/10 at 1:30pm at the DEQ Eugene office
the Clean Water page of our website later this month.
(165 East 7th Ave).

Successful Events!
Paddle Oregon 2017 was
our largest endeavor to
date, with 240 participants
and volunteers, and one
epic eclipse! Join us for our
18th annual adventure
August 1317, 2018.

Our 9th Annual Great

Willamette Clean Up event
engaged over 900 volunteers
valley wide, and amassed 567
bags of trash, 1578 bottles
and cans, and 263 needles.
Way to Get Dirty For Good!
Thank you to this years
premier GWC sponsors:

Be a River Giver!
Willamette Riverkeepers work is
supported by those who care about the
rivers long-term health. Whether youve
been with us throughout our 21-year
history or youre just getting started, we
are deeply grateful for your support.
Recurring Giving: Consider joining or
renewing your membership as a
monthly donor.
The reason we donate is because the
Willamette is our favorite natural
treasures. I heard Travis on OPB,
and his passion for the Willamette
is contagious. We made a decision
to support the Riverkeeper and the
organizations efforts to keep our
river as beautiful as possible.
Martina Akeson
Martina has been a monthly donor since
2009; thank you to Martina! For $10 or
more a month, donors like Martina offer
a reliable source of income that allows us
to fulfill our mission, including engaging
volunteers, fostering stewardship
in communities, and advocating for
reducing toxic pollutants.
Already giving? Thank you! Consider
making a small increase in your regular
gifts, or increase your impact by
asking friends and family to join you in
generously caring for the river.
Riverscape
Got something bigger in mind? Help to
shape the future of the Willamette, our
ability to grow and meet the challenges
of today, and those we will see a decade
from now, through legacy giving.
Bequests and planned gifts help us make
a continuing impact on behalf of clean
water and healthy habitat. Call us today
to find out more about how you can build
your legacy for the river.
Do you represent a whole company?
Every year, our programs receive
significant additional funding from
corporate sponsors and foundation
grants. Call us today to find out more
about these partnership opportunities.
On behalf of your river, thank you from
Willamette Riverkeeper!
Once again we are thrilled
to be featured in the 2017
Willamette Week Give!Guide.
Now through the end of the year, if
you give $100 or more to us through
the Give!Guide, you will receive a gift
certificate from Alder Creek Kayak &
Canoe thats good for a Basic Skills
Kayak, Canoe or Stand-Up-Paddle
class for TWO!
To donate, go to
giveguide.org/#willametteriverkeeper
Board of Directors
Kat Beal, President
Phil Baus, Secretary
James Tiefenthaler, Treasurer
Belinda Covarrubias
Bart Rierson
Scott Youngblood
Staff
Travis Williams,
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
Marci Krass,
Restoration Coordinator
Kate Ross Kuthe
Outreach & Education Coordinator
Michelle Emmons,
Eugene/Springfield Community Advocate
Madeleine Brown,
Development Coordinator
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