The lower reaches of Little Butte Creek, among the most important salmon producing tributaries in the Rogue Basin, were straightened around 1950 with disastrous consequences for native fish. We worked directly with Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, River Design Group, Inc., and L & S Rock Products, Inc. to restore stream flow to one meandering reach of Little Butte Creek on the Denman Wildlife Area near Medford, Oregon. Returning the channel to its former course lengthened Little Butte Creek by nearly ½ mile and dramatically improves the quality of the habitat for native fishes (particularly salmon and steelhead). Stream channel restoration also expanded the amount of floodplain area along the stream’s banks. This will help reduce the depth of water during winter and spring storms, reducing the extent of flooding. Crews are now planting native trees and shrubs along the new stream bank areas.
Updates and Brochures:
- Little Butte Creek Restoration Project update
- Ecotrust brochure highlighting the Little Butte Creek Restoration Project
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