Spring has sprung and summer is hot on its tail! It is time for us to get outdoors and get some work done. Phase I of the Lower South Fork McKenzie River Floodplain Enhancement Project is underway, and will temporarily reroute the lower mile of the South Fork McKenzie River into a floodplain side channel. We are seeking interested volunteers to help with fish salvage within the dewatered section of the South Fork.
Fish salvage operations will occur Thursday, June 28 and/or Friday, June 29, 2018. We need volunteers to help net fish out of pools while working along trained personnel with backpack electroshockers, and to transport fish to temporary holding tanks prior to relocation. No experience is necessary, but the work is rigorous and requires walking in and around water, and over uneven surfaces.
WHAT TO KNOW
RSVP’s are required, please contact Justin Demeter at justin@mckenziewc.org or 541-913-0803. Let him know your transportation plans (carpooling or meeting at Bruckhart) and if you need to borrow waders.
Dates: June 28 and/or June 29, 2018
Hours per day: On-site by 9:00 am. Depart site by 4:00
Transportation: The McKenzie Watershed Council will help organize carpools from the Thurston Park & Ride at the corner of Main Street and the Bob Straub Highway. Meet time will be 8:00 am. Those that wish to drive themselves up will meet at the Bruckart Boat Launch on Aufderheide Drive (USFS Rd 19). We will organize rides from there, as parking at the Project site is limited. Meeting time at the boat ramp is approximately 8:45 am.
Links: Thurston Park & Ride- https://goo.gl/maps/JvnWTJdZRRn
Bruckart Boat Landing- https://goo.gl/maps/DpLo3QXqvHH2
Attire: Waders and boots are necessary for instream work. The McKenzie Watershed Council has limited amounts/sizes of waders and boots available for those that need them. If you need them, please include a request and size information in your RSVP. Please plan on pants, long-sleeved shirts (dry-fit or light fabric), hats and sunscreen as well.
Waiver: Waivers will be required and provided at both the carpool location and Bruckart boat ramp.
Age limitations: Volunteers under the age of 18 are not permitted to work in the water alongside the backpack electroshockers, but can assist in the transportation of fish from the banks to an alternate location. Parents or legal guardians will also need to be present to sign waivers for all minors.
Food and water: Volunteers are responsible for their own food and water. We will provide light snacks and will have a limited supply of water on hand.
QUESTIONS? Please contact Justin Demeter at justin@mckenziewc.org or 541-913-0803.