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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact | Beth Sorensen |
REED RECEIVES FUNDS FROM THE OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD FOR WATERWAY RESTORATION PROJECT
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) has awarded Reed College $37,400 for year two of the collegeĀ's Crystal Springs headwaters fish passage and restoration project. The project is designed to preserve water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and encourage the growth of native plant species. The money from this grant specifically will be used for the removal of invasive and noxious weeds. The removal of these plants will protect the water quality of the springs and prevent degradation of Crystal Springs Creek, an important refuge for fish migrating to and from other tributaries of the Willamette River.
ReedĀ's project is important from a conservation point of view because the city of Portland has identified Reed Lake as "the only naturally occurring pond (or lake) remaining in the inner-city area." Reed community members as well as neighbors and friends visit the canyon for academic projects as well as enjoyment of a healthy watershed. It has been the subject of multiple senior theses and serves as an open classroom for several K-12 classes throughout the Portland area.
This year, Reed College has built a fish ladder and re-created the original stream meander in the lower canyon. Reed was awarded $75,000 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for year one of the restoration project.
The canyon project was originally set in motion in 2000 with gifts from trustees Laurel Wilkening Ā'66 and John Gray. Wilkening first suggested and funded a study of the canyon to consider how best to preserve and improve the siteĀ's ability to support fish and wildlife. The resulting plan has prompted a new level of awareness of the siteĀ's condition, potential, and value to the watershed and surrounding community, as well as the determination to restore it.
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