Whychus restoration project completed

True to plan, M & M Services completed their instream restoration work on Whychus Creek in three weeks. The work involved the stretch of creek from the Locust Street bridge to the Highway 20 bridge where it runs between Creekside Campground and Creekside Park.

Four new stone stairways provide designated access to the creek, to reduce wear and tear on the creek banks.

The streambed was modified so the concrete that was part of the sewer system is lower in the water and won’t impede fish passage. Boulders, stumps, and logs were added along the banks to reduce erosion, and instream to create areas of quiet pools where fish can rest.

Members of the Heart of Oregon Corps will be constructing split-rail fencing along both sides of the creek to naturally funnel creek access to the four sets of stone steps. In the fall, 40,000 riparian plants and trees will be planted on the creek banks by Sisters students and volunteers working with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC). Signage will be installed to explain what restoration was done and why.

The UDWC secured all the grant funds for the project. Planning for the project began in February of 2018 and included ADA access on the bridge across the creek. With delays due to COVID and a change in contractors, as well as cost estimates being too high, alterations in the plans became necessary and the City Public Works crew took on the bridge work.