The Stream Restoration at Oregon Recreational Complex project seeks to reduce degradation of stream benthic communities (BUI 6) and improve fish habitat (BUI 14a) by stabilizing 5,000 linear feet of eroding and incised stream banks in Wolf Creek. The two-stage channel design will create a benched floodplain and sinusoidal low flow channel which will promote habitat features such as meanders, pools, and riffles. The project will also reduce nonpoint source pollution by intercepting agricultural drainage and capturing nutrients and sediment. The project site is in the southeast corner of the Oregon Recreation Complex, located at 5401 Starr Avenue Extension. This site provides an excellent opportunity for the public to view a stream and floodplain restoration project and learn about its benefits for water quality and Lake Erie.
The City of Oregon will be advertising for construction bids in late April 2023, with construction slated to begin in July of 2023 and last through Spring of 2024. There will be temporary closures to the bike path through the Recreation Complex during the project. Bike traffic will be rerouted through the soccer field area near the shelter house. Detour signage will be posted.
Also, as part of this work, some of the existing trees along the bike path will have to be removed to allow for the streambank stabilization and floodplain grading to take place. A majority of the trees that have to be removed are Norway Spruce evergreen trees. The project will be replacing these trees with new hardwood native species once the grading work is complete.
If you have any questions about this project or any other stream and wetland restoration projects in the City of Oregon, please contact the Department of Public Service at 419-698-7047.
