October 31, 2018 - The Springwater Corridor Trail reopened around noon today. The project team for the restoration of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge completed their final inspection and declared construction complete. 

People traveling the reopened trail, which is open to non-motorized use, will pass by the restoration site where a new “salmon subway,” or large open bottom culvert passes under the trail. The new connection and a restored channel winding through the refuge will benefit juvenile salmon, beaver, otter, mink and other wildlife, including 175 species of birds. 

“Instead of a small culvert, we now have a ‘salmon subway’ that reconnects the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and the Willamette River for the first time in over 100 years,” City Commissioner Nick Fish had said earlier. “Juvenile salmon now have a rest stop on their journey to the ocean. I look forward to biking here with my son and enjoying nature in the heart of our urban environment.”

The project is a collaborative effort between the Army Corps of Engineers, and City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Parks & Recreation. 

Background:

View video, photos and project background: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/46634#cid_700899

Media Contacts:

Diane Dulken, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (503)457-7636

Sarah Bennett, US Army Corps of Engineers (503)593-1759 Sarah.P.Bennett@usace.army.mil

Mark Ross, Portland Parks & Recreation (503)823-6634 mark.ross@portlandoregon.gov