The planning for the stream work took many months and involved fish biologists from state and federal agencies, as well as from the private sector. Resembling something from outer space with its four spider-like arms, this unique computerizes equipment can go where most cannot without destroying the environment. Habitat projects like these are critical to help save the endangered Salmon and Steelhead in the Sandy River Basin. An environmental science class from Barlow High School will begin monitoring the recently completed fish habitat project in Henry Creek, beginning in October. They will return sometime in the Spring to evaluate the changes associated with the placement of logs in the stream and to assess any improvements in the spawning and rearing areas utilized by Salmon and Steelhead.
Plans are already underway to do even more habitat enhancement work next year.
This would entail placing logs below the bridge in Henry Creek. Like this Summer s work, the goal of the project will be to enhance the stream habitat for anadromous fish. Another project would be to enhance an important back-channel of Henry Creek. In addition, a tributary of Henry Creek that was literally buried prior to the Cascade Geographic Society taking over the 14.5 acres, will be reopened and restored. Beginning next Spring, study and monitoring of the plants will be conducted so that they can be preserved.