Conyers Creek is a major tributary of the Clatskanie River and provides habitat for several ESA-listed fish species, including Lower Columbia River Coho, Steelhead, and Chinook. It is also one of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s reintroduction sites for Lower Columbia River Chum. Other species of concern that use Conyers Creek include Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Pacific Lamprey.

Location: The project is located on private property along Conyers Creek, a major tributary to the Clatskanie River, and is situated in the mid to upper Conyers watershed in Clatskanie, Oregon.

Partners: The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), Waterways Consulting Inc., Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lower Columbia River Watershed Council, Air Insight Consulting LLC, and private landowners.

Funding: The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Technical Assistance Grant

Awarded Amount: $63,769.00

Project Timeframe: April 2025 - November 2024 

Background:

The project site contains an area of high intrinsic habitat potential, characterized by a low-gradient, wide valley and undeveloped floodplains. However, habitat degradation—including channel incision, planform simplification, water quality impairments, and a lack of habitat diversity—has reduced its ability to support fish populations.

Initially, a riparian planting and drain tile removal project was planned through an OWEB small grant in partnership with the Lower Columbia River Watershed Council. In 2022, Columbia SWCD took over project coordination. During site visits, SWCD staff identified additional restoration opportunities, leading to the development of a more comprehensive restoration plan.

Project Objectives: 

The goal of this technical assistance project was to develop 60% restoration designs to improve habitat conditions for salmonids and other aquatic species. These efforts were aimed at setting the foundation for future restoration work that would enhance spawning, rearing, and migration habitat in Conyers Creek.

Work Completed:

Columbia SWCD partnered with Waterways Consulting Inc. to complete key project tasks, including landowner meetings, biological surveys with ODFW biologists, a topographic survey, hydraulic and hydrologic analysis, and an alternatives analysis to develop 60% restoration designs. A design memo and construction cost estimate were also prepared, along with initial consultations with permitting agencies. Aerial imagery was captured to document pre-project conditions.

Next Steps:

Columbia SWCD plans to secure funding for final design development and on-the-ground restoration work. Future efforts will include additional outreach with landowners and community stakeholders, incorporating wetland and cultural resource assessments earlier in the process, and ensuring compliance with permitting requirements.