Completed in 2000
For more information contact
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
HC 72 Box 245
Princeton, OR 97721
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| Project
Description: |
Historically, Mud Creek and Bridge Creek were direct
tributaries to the Blitzen River. Today, these systems are altered
and water is mixed due to diversion dams and canals. Blitzen River
is re-directed into the West Canal and the East Canal, with Mud
Creek and Bridge Creek flowing into the East Canal. Portions of
the mixed water is then returned to Bridge Creek, and eventually
to the Blitzen River. Historically, limited fish passage was provided.
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge has committed to providing fish
passage throughout this system for redband trout to re-connect them
to historic habitats and natural movements. Several fish screening
devices and fishways have been installed; however, several outstanding
passage and screening issues remain in order to completely provide
passage in these waterways. |
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| Headgate at the Bridge Creek/East Canal Bridge
creates a barrier at high flows |
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Bridge Creek gaging station creates passage barrier
during low flows |
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Headgate at East Canal/Blitzen River creates
barrier at high flows |
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| Future
Outcomes: |
At the Bridge Creek headgates, four inverted weirs
will be constructed below the headgates to dissipate the undershot
flows. Immediately below the gaging station weir, a small log and
rock weir will be constructed to create a jump pool. At the Blitzen
River headgates, one of the three existing headgates will be removed
and a Denil fishway will be installed in its place. |
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| Other Project Outcomes: |
Fish screen projects, some with a fish ladder have
been completed on the Refuge. These prevent fish entrainment and
from being diverted into pipes and canals. |
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Solor-powered fish screen on Bridge Creek |
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Rotary drum fish screen on East Canal |
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| Benefits: |
When all fish passage projects are complete, approximately
six miles of important spawning habitat in Bridge and Mud creeks
will be reconnected with the Blitzen River and Malheur Lake. The
refuge will provide further protection to redband trout and secure
eight miles of habitat in the lower Blitzen River drainage by providing
passage in East Canal. The Refuge will also reconnect East Canal,
Boca Lake, Bridge Creek and Mud Creek with over 65 miles of the
upper Blitzen River and tributaries. The projects in East Canal
and Bridge Creek will directly benefit redband trout, mountain whitefish
and other native fish species in the Blitzen River watershed. |
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| Partners: |
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Ducks Unlimited. |
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Fish screen with ladder on East Canal |
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