FLOODPLAIN FEASIBILITY STUDY PUBLIC OUTREACH PROJECT

Status:

ongoing

Location:

floodplains along the mainstem Middle Fork Willamette River downstream from dams

Partnerships:

USACE, Friends of Buford Park, MFWWC

Funding agencies:

USACE, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation

Project Overview

In support of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Floodplain Feasibility Study for the lower Middle and Coast Fork Willamette Watersheds, the MFWWC together with the Coast Fork WWC developed and led a public workshop in June of 2006.  The workshop explored the ecological and social benefits of natural floodplain function and restoration while discussing community concerns and interests in managing floods in the Valley. Over 100 landowners attended one of the three workshops held in the communities of Cottage Grove, Pleasant Hill, and Springfield/Eugene.  The MFWWC received funding to implement Phase two of the public outreach project, which was launched in 2007 and is on-going. We are meeting with private and public landowners to plan for restoration in the floodplain.

Objectives:

• encourage support for floodplain connectivity
• provide additional flood control
• improve habitat for native species

Activities:

• Phase 1 – scoping – completed June 2006
• Phase 2 – landowner outreach – ongoing

Reports, Articles, and Informational Links:

• Article in July 2009 newsletter
• Public Outreach Phase I - coming soon