The Johnson Creek watershed provides key ecological and recreation values in the City of Portland. Tens of thousands of people live within the Johnson Creek watershed, and there has been a significant investment of public funds in the acquisition and restoration of lands in this watershed for flood control, fish habitat enhancement, and recreation. The Springwater Trail brings recreational users along the creek, allowing the public to experience the creek and its natural areas. Several species of salmonids, listed under the Endangered Species Act, use the creek and its tributaries. The largest remaining unprotected tracts of natural areas in the city are in this target area and development pressure is extremely high. Acquisition opportunities include adding on to large tracts of natural area, floodplain wetlands, and tributary headwaters, and making connections between Johnson Creek and the Springwater Corridor. Metro has already purchased over 100 acres of natural area in this area through the regional share of the 2006 bond.
Regional goal:
Pursue opportunities to acquire tracts within the remaining upland habitat areas adjacent to the main stem, along major tributary creeks, and within the Johnson Creek floodplain to protect water quality and connect existing public holdings.
Special Status Habitats*
- Bottomland hardwood forest
- Wetlands
- Interior forest
- Grassland
- Oak woodlands
Important habitat features:
*Special Status Habitats include habitat types that have been recognized by state and federal agencies or organizations as being ecologically important. Portland's Special Status Habitats include "Strategy Habitats" identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy that are found in Portland: herbaceous wetlands, upland prairie and native grasslands, oak woodlands, interior forests (especially late successional conifer forests), bottomland hardwood forest, and riparian habitat.
