Students complete creek project

Local students will soon complete a two--year project studying Squaw Creek water issues.

Students from the Sisters School District participated in a monitoring project to establish baseline information about the quality and quantity of water in Squaw Creek.

"The students have had a fun--filled experience applying classroom science knowledge to a real--world field situation," explained Sisters teacher Cheryl Butler. "All grades have used a curriculum that meets state standards for science education while contributing to the success of a community watershed project."

In the project, students learned about watersheds, water monitoring methods and natural resource stewardship.

Upper Deschutes Watershed Council coordinator Barbara Lee said the students' efforts will contribute to future conservation programs.

"The students' field work has helped provide essential information for implementing effective community stewardship activities within the watershed," said Lee. "Project information will help measure the success of water and land conservation activities."

According to project coordinators, long--term efforts will protect beneficial uses of water, secure funding for management activities and improve fish populations within the Squaw Creek watershed.

The final field days for student participation will occur May 25--27.

The monitoring project is a joint effort among the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, the Council's Squaw Creek Stewardship Committee and the Deschutes National Forest, Sisters Ranger District.