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 Doan
Creek
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The District has been
assisting in an ambitious restoration of Doan Creek in cooperation
with the National Park Service Whitman Mission.  Originally,
this shaded meandering creek offered migrating fish another
route to reach the Mill Creek watershed. Decades ago, the creek’s
water was diverted from its natural course and sent to a straight
irrigation ditch. Reed Canary grass, an invasive weed, infested
the area, effectively strangling native plants. Yet even as
a straight, shallow irrigation ditch, steelhead have been attracted
to this water source. Steelhead have been found in the ditch,
apparently seeking habitat. The Whitman Mission and the District
began planning restoration of the creek in 2003. In the fall
of 2004, a “new” channel was excavated with meanders
that are as close to the original creek route as possible. Pools,
gravel riffles, and woody debris jams were constructed in 2005. |
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 These
structures will create rearing habitat for resident and migrating
fish populations, including steelhead trout, which are threatened
with extinction. Next, light-blocking fabric mulch was installed
to eliminate the Reed Canary grass. In 2007, the site will
be planted to native riparian species. The buffer will eventually
provide shade, bank stability, food, large wood debris, and
protection for a variety of wildlife species.
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