Bend marshland to be restored
Federal agencies have started work on a project that, if it works, could bring back a wetland to the area around Bend.
A 65-acre section of land
near Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River has been slowly flooded with water from the waterway. The aim is for it to act in a similar manner to a natural sponge, absorbing excess water when the levels are high and releasing it when they are low. The banks of the river in the area that have become eroded will also be restored.
According to Jennifer O’Reilly, who is a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the restored marsh will also be a boon for the wildlife in the area, such as cranes and other water birds, amphibians like the threatened Oregon spotted frog and more. This could mean more people will visit the area to observe the wildlife that has moved in. Brochures can help to get the word out to the public about the new habitat created through projects such as this.
The water for the marsh comes from the river. It will be piped in, and once it has become established, the plants that would normally be found in this type of area will be installed. To make sure that the area sustains its water levels independently, the connection to the river will be tested at different times throughout the summer. The goal is to have the area maintain a water level of at least 3.5 feet on its own.
A 65-acre section of land
near Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River has been slowly flooded with water from the waterway. The aim is for it to act in a similar manner to a natural sponge, absorbing excess water when the levels are high and releasing it when they are low. The banks of the river in the area that have become eroded will also be restored.
According to Jennifer O’Reilly, who is a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the restored marsh will also be a boon for the wildlife in the area, such as cranes and other water birds, amphibians like the threatened Oregon spotted frog and more. This could mean more people will visit the area to observe the wildlife that has moved in. Brochures can help to get the word out to the public about the new habitat created through projects such as this.
The water for the marsh comes from the river. It will be piped in, and once it has become established, the plants that would normally be found in this type of area will be installed. To make sure that the area sustains its water levels independently, the connection to the river will be tested at different times throughout the summer. The goal is to have the area maintain a water level of at least 3.5 feet on its own.