Citizens learn about Lake Creek plan

Lake Creek is about to get a makeover.

A major part of this change will take place at Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman where, for nearly three generations, guests have enjoyed the peaceful pond.

At a meeting last week at Camp Sherman’s Community Hall, Ryan Houston of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and USDA hydrologist Louis Wasniewski, outlined plans for changes to the stream that runs six miles from Suttle Lake to the Metolius River.

Later this year, the pond will be removed and the portion of Lake Creek running through the Lodge area will be restored to a more natural stream channel. By doing this environmentalists hoped to restore fish habitat and breeding grounds for Chinook salmon and other anadromous fish.

“We are grateful for the cooperation and support in this project of the owners of Lake Creek Lodge,” said Houston. “It is a wonderful show of support for the local community.”

Removing the rock-lined pond later this year will take a major effort and close Lodge facilities for 2-3 weeks in October. Martin Hansen established the diversion of Lake Creek in 1935 and created a pond for his guests to fish and swim in. Recent studies have measured surface temperatures at 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

“This pond makes for an excellent solar collector and raises water temperature,” said Wasniewski. “It is not a conducive environment for fish species, the upper limit being 64 degrees F.”

The plan is to remove sediment from the pond, bring in trees, rock, gravel and wood, creating a tasteful, winding portion of Lake Creek through the Lodge property.

Some 600 native trees and shrubs will be planted and 4,000 sedge plugs brought in. Volunteers will do some of this planting work and help in reestablishing a more normal stream channel.

“We hope to create a more natural experience for our guests and better quality habitat for migrating fish,” said Lake Creek Lodge owner Gordon Jones. “I can’t wait until guests will be viewing salmon spawning on Lodge grounds. This will be a tremendous educational experience for all and we will have interpretive signs explaining this at the Lodge.”

During a question-and-answer session, a citizen asked where the wood placed in and along the creek would come from.

“There are 42 acres of property here at the Lodge and as new building takes place some of the wood removed will be used along the creek to improve spawning sites for fish,” said Houston.

Estimated costs for the project are about $150,000 and support comes from a variety of agencies.

“It will probably be 10 or 15 years before we see the results of this project,” said Houston. “However, it will improve creek habitat for all species and create a more natural environment for anadromous and resident fish.”

The reintroduction of Chinook, sockeye and steelhead salmon in these waters is set to begin in 2008. The project goals of replacing a man-made pond with a natural functioning stream channel and improving fish habitat seemed to have unanimous support from the gathered, enthusiastic audience.