Tincup Creek Stream Restoration

Tincup Creek supports a full assemblage of native fishes such as Longnose and Speckled Dace, Sculpin, Redside Shiners, Mountain Suckers, the rare Northern Leatherside Chub, and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.  

A review conducted using historical aerial photos and on-the-ground knowledge shows a system that was very much intact in 1953 (left) as primarily a single-thread channel with a high density of willows. In 1956, aerial spraying conducted in the drainage eliminated a majority of the willows.  The 1964 photo (right) shows a stream that became a braided, over-widened gravel bed system, while willows gradually returned. Currently, the willow community has greatly recovered. However, there are lingering effects to the system that will take decades to recover without restoration or intervention. 

This project is not being designed to stabilize the stream in place, but rather to re-elevate it to restore the functions and processes that make for healthy habitat, floodplains and riparian zones. By focusing on restoring floodplain connectivity, proper channel dimensions, and old meanders, using native willows and sod as well as imported wood, habitat for native species will be improved. 

Deep Creek Floodplain Restoration

The Deep Creek Floodplain Restoration project will complement a series of activities implemented and planned to improve aquatic habitat conditions and riparian function within the Deep Creek watershed. 

The Deep Creek drainage was once full of native fish species that thrived in the spring-fed streams. Unfortunately, after more than 100 years of abuse from grazing, logging, and road building the inhabitants of Deep Creek are struggling. Trout Unlimited has partnered with the Ochoco National Forest to help restore aquatic habitat within Deep Creek and build awareness of the importance of these headwater streams and the native species that are adapted to this rugged landscape.

The Desert Fish Habitat Partnership and Western Native Trout Initiative are thrilledto be able to assist both of these projects and their partners in these endeavors.