Work set to start on riprarian restoration

Large equipment belonging to M&M Services LLC of Medford rolled into Sisters last Wednesday in preparation for the three-week restoration project of Whychus Creek between the Locust Street bridge and Highway 20.

Dump trucks, front loaders, excavators, and utility trailers were neatly assembled in the north end of Creekside Park behind orange hazard fencing. The fencing on both sides of the creek is intended to keep the public away from the construction zone while work occurs.

Dump trucks will be carrying boulders, stumps, and salvaged timber from a U.S. Forest Service site on Three Creek Road into town for placement in the project. In-creek and bank restoration work will improve conditions for returning fish.

This fall, 40,000 plants will be added to create a healthy riparian area. The project is a partnership of the City of Sisters and the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, that raised all the grant funds for the project.