Johnson-Brigman Creek Restoration

Dam removal and the installation of large wood structures improves the habitat, floodplain connectivity, and water quality of two creeks that are home to endangered native fish species.

Johnson and Brigman Creeks near Gresham, Oregon, faced degraded stream conditions that led to a lack of quality habitat and poor water quality. To mitigate these issues, Metro Oregon sought to restore habitat for native fish, improve water quality, and restore connectivity to the floodplain by stabilizing the condition of each creek.

Biohabitats secured scientific take permits with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before performing fish salvage in both Johnson and Brigman Creeks, which included relocating fish, freshwater mussels, and other aquatic organisms to prepare for dam removal. At Brigman Creek, the project team placed logs along the creek and installed two large wood structures near its confluence with Johnson Creek. Biohabitats also removed three dams and all non-native material in Brigman Creek.

In Johnson Creek, the project team constructed 11 log structures and enhanced an existing alcove, and removed and filled approximately 400 cubic yards of native soil, sand, cobble and boulders including non-native material in the mainstem channel.

This project not only improved water quality and helped conserve the site’s riparian forest, but it also benefited native fish species including coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead, and Pacific and Western brook lamprey.