 Cleveland Creek Mapleton, Oregon
Successful completion of another fish passage
Dec. 7, 2023
News media contact: Mindy McCartt, 503-507-6045
Mapleton - The OR 36: Cleveland Creek Fish Passage Project, done with JAL Construction, is a big win for nature and roads. We joined forces with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and the Siuslaw Watershed Council to finish most of this project at the end of October. It will take another year for plants to be established at the site.
Helping Fish Move
The main goal was to help native fish like coho, steelhead and cutthroat trout travel better. An old culvert on OR 36 made it hard for these fish to go upstream. It posed a challenging barrier, requiring young fish to make a difficult leap to continue upstream. Cleveland Creek, especially crucial during warmer periods in the Siuslaw River, serves as a vital cold water resting place for these native fish.
Making Things Better for Fish
Replacing the culvert with a bridge spanning the creek provides unobstructed access to 2.4 miles of high-quality habitat for native fish of all ages. This critical enhancement ensures better migration opportunities and improved resting areas. This work will help preserve and rejuvenate the region’s native fish population.
Saying Thanks
We want to thank everyone who helped: JAL Construction, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and the Siuslaw Watershed Council. Their collective efforts have not only enhanced fish passage but also contributed to the preservation of the natural habitat.
By working together, we are making life better for both people and fish.
Biologist Allen Gillette talks about how culverts help fish in this two-minute video.
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