BEND - A project to improve trout habitat and stabilize eroding riverbanks on the upper Deschutes River was completed this fall with a $5,840 grant from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program. 

Thirty trees were planted along a 330-foot-long section of eroding stream bank within the La Pine State Recreation Area, including 10 large trees over 20 inches in diameter and 20 smaller trees. These trees will help anchor the banks and reduce the rate of erosion, which can cause a decline in water quality and cover gravel that fish need for spawning.

"Redband trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish will be the primary fish species that benefit, but the tree plantings will also provide benefits for wildlife," said ODFW fish habitat biologist John "Jack" Williamson, who oversaw the project.

Some follow-up work is planned for next spring including anchoring trees in the river to provide additional fish habitat and planting more willows along the stream bank.

In addition to the R&E Program grant, other funding for the project came from the federal Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and mitigation funds from the Central Oregon Irrigation District, which are administered by the ODFW Deschutes River Mitigation and Enhancement Program.

Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1989, the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program is funded by a surcharge on sport and commercial fishing licenses and commercial poundage fees. The program's seven-member citizen board reviews fish restoration and enhancement project proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.  

For more information on the La Pine State Recreation Area Fish Habitat and Bank Protection Project, contact John Williamson at 541-388-6350 x24. For more information on the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program, or to view information regarding current R&E Program applications, visit www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/RE or contact program coordinator Laura Tesler at (503) 947-6259.