The Plan divides the meadow into two nearly equal-size halves. In 1997 the upper meadow stream relocation project was implemented. Channel relocation in the lower meadow will be implemented in 1999 and 2000. McCoy Creek flows again through the marshy vegetation lining the edges of its original channel. Instream habitat installment in stabilized old meander channel.
Wetlands increase opportunities for stream to overflow onto meadow- floodplain.
A truly rare opportunity, McCoy Meadows Ranch Restoration Project is a landowner directed project that incorporates holistic resource management principles at a watershed scale. Projects are underway to remove a draw-bottom road from a USFS reach of McIntyre Creek and to restore most of the private land between upstream USFS land and the downstream McCoy Meadows Ranch Restoration Project. The USFS, La Grande Ranger District has prioritized the McCoy and Meadow Creek subwatersheds for watershed assessments and restoration. Most USFS livestock grazing has been removed or is managed away from riparian areas. Woody debris was built into the design for McCoy Creek restoration to improve Salmon habitat.