Notes from the Field: DRC Staff Look at Revitalized Section on Whychus Creek

On August 4th, 2023 DRC staff had the opportunity to visit a project property and Whychus Creek, which have both transformed over the past 2 decades. The property in Sisters transferred water instream in Whychus Creek over 10 years ago. This water and other permanent instream flow projects from the past 20 years cumulatively protect a significant amount of flow in the creek, which once went dry in 2 out of 3 years before restoration.

Along with the instream transfer, the project included the removal and restoration of the diversion on the creek (by the UDWC) in Sisters and reseeding of native plants on the property near Sisters. Staff were able to see the results of these efforts, now evident in the thriving native plant populations that have reclaimed their place in the ecosystem.

Flowing at 35 cubic feet per second just above Sisters, the creek’s health in early August is cause for celebration. The healthy flows in the creek indicated not only the success of the restoration efforts but also the resilience of the ecosystem itself.