Environmental Services works regularly with SWNI and the southwest community to develop watershed plans and projects to improve water quality, address public interests, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve infrastructure, and restore watershed functions.  

Come join us to learn about project designs, timelines, goals and partners. Staff will be on hand to answer questions, take feedback and provide information about the range of projects and planning efforts we have on the horizon in SW Portland. A number of exciting projects in SW Portland will be highlighted, including:

Boones Ferry Road Culvert Replacement Project: Tryon Creek flows through a culvert under SW Boones Ferry Road that creates a barrier to fish moving to habitat in upper Tryon and Arnold creeks. Environmental Services is working with many partners to replace the culvert with a bridge. The project has received funding from Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant Program. Construction is expected in 2018.

Existing culvert at Boones Ferry Road 

Stephens Creek Headwaters Neighborhood Stormwater Facilities: Environmental Services is evaluating sites near the headwaters of Stephens Creek to build neighborhood improvements for water quality and wildlife habitat.  Sites under consideration are adjacent to the Texas Wetland at Custer Park, and at Stephens Nature Park. Improving stormwater management, stream flows and water quality at the headwaters of the Creek will have positive impacts both locally and downstream.

Dickinson Park Stream Restoration: Environmental Services and Portland Parks & Recreation are working together on a stream restoration project on three acres of forested land next to Dickinson Park. The project includes restoring 68 feet of stream, creating wetland and floodplain benches, and removing an abandoned pump house, footbridge, pipes and other structures. The work will restore natural stream processes and function, connect the stream to the floodplain, and protect the stream channel.

You can learn more about southwest watersheds (Fanno, Tryon and Willamette) on the web at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/watersheds. With questions, comments or for more information, contact Becky Tillson at 503-823-7097 or Becky.Tillson@portlandoregon.gov.

See you on April 26^th!