TEP has made implementation of on-the-ground habitat improvements the organization's central effort since completion of the CCMP in 1999. The goal of TEP's Habitat Enhancement Program is to develop, prioritize, and implement on-the-ground projects that address the critical problems of habitat loss, water quality degradation, sedimentation, and impaired floodplain function. TEP staff develops and manages projects, and provides funding and administrative support to partner projects.

Some projects are multi-faceted and therefore, overlap project types. Projects are listed under the project type that most closely describes the primary enhancement component.

• Fish Passage |
• Wetland Protection |
• Riparian Enhancement |

Fish Passage and Instream Improvement Projects

Old or failing tidegates and culverts inhibit the movement of both juvenile and adult salmon throughout the full range of their habitats. Lack of wood, pools, spawning gravels, and off-channel rearing areas decrease the quality of salmon spawning and rearing habitat. The TEP undertakes fish passage and instream improvement projects to improve salmonid access to, and the enhancement of, key rearing and spawning areas.

Completed Projects

• Smith Creek
• Killam Creek
• Cruiser Creek
• Vaughn Creek
• Coal Creek
• Wolfe Creek
• God's Valley

 

In Progress

• Hawk Creek

Since European settlement, 85-90% of the Tillamook Bay basin's inter-tidal wetlands have been lost or altered. TEP implements wetland protection and restoration projects to restore these critical habitats. Projects underway include:

• Wilson - Trask Wetlands
• Hoquarton Wetlands
• Miami Wetlands

The loss and alteration of riparian habitats has diminished water quality and habitat values throughout much of the TEP's study area. TEP's riparian enhancement projects, and those of our partners, seek to restore native streamside vegetation throughout local watersheds.

• Backyard Planting Program