Culvert replacement on Starr Creek opens up salmon and trout habitat

SALEM, Ore — Salmon and trout will have an easier time finding spawning habitat after three culverts are replaced and another removed on Starr Creek.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is managing the project that will improve access to over one mile of stream habitat for coho, cutthroat trout, and lamprey. Starr Creek flows into the north side of Alsea Bay near Waldport.

“We couldn’t do this project without cooperation from the landowners,” said ODFW Stream Habitat Restoration Biologist Jason Kirchner. “They have been great to work with and their efforts will provide valuable passage and habitat for trout and salmon.”

Large pipes, placed below the natural streambed to create a simulated stream bottom, will replace the existing undersized concrete culverts. New vegetation planted along the riverbank will provide future shade and woody debris to the stream channel and improve long term watershed health. Two large log structures will also be placed in Starr Creek to provide complex fish habitat and proper stream function. 

Project partners for the almost $90,000 project include Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Oregon Department of Forestry, Mid Coast Watersheds Council, Lincoln County Road Department and multiple private landowners. 

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.