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The City of Portland, Oregon

Environmental Services

working for clean rivers

Phone: 503-823-7740

Fax: 503-823-6995

1120 SW 5th Ave, Suite 613, Portland, OR 97204

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Oaks Bottom Habitat Enhancement Project

Learn about the restoration work at the refuge

Project Overview

Between July and November 2018, The Bureau of Environmental Services together with Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

Oaks Bottom - Project Overview Map

  • Replaced a culvert with a larger passage to improve fish passage and the flow of water between the Willamette River and the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
  • Excavated new channels and improved wetland habitat so young fish, including species listed as threatened or endangered, can use the calmer waters of the wetland to rest and find food.
  • Removed invasive vegetation, such as purple loosestrife, and plant native seed within the construction footprint.  Native plants were added in February 2019.
  • Enhance opportunities for environmental education and interpretation of the refuge from the Springwater Trail with viewing platform overlooking the refuge.

Critter cameras reveal hidden world of Oaks Bottom wildlife

An insider look at wildlife at Oaks Bottom

Oaks Bottom Habitat Enhancement Project Overview

A detailed overview of the project