In 2025, the South Santiam Watershed Council improved fish passage at three road crossings on Cascade Timber Consulting-managed lands in the South Santiam basin. The project replaced two undersized culverts with bridges on Ames Creek, and one culvert was replaced with an open-bottom culvert on the SS500 Road, allowing migratory fish to reach high-quality habitat in the upper South Santiam basin.

The project was part of a larger regional effort involving the Calapooia, Luckiamute, Marys River, North Santiam, and South Santiam Watershed Councils. Together, these projects restored fish passage at more than 15 sites across the Mid-Willamette, opening access to approximately 43 miles of high-quality spawning and rearing habitat for native fish, including Upper Willamette River spring Chinook salmon and winter steelhead, both of which are listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Beyond improving access to fish habitat, the project strengthens watershed resilience by enhancing road infrastructure, reducing risks from failing crossings, and supporting healthier, more connected stream systems. These projects demonstrate that watershed restoration and sustainable forest management can successfully work together to improve aquatic habitat on working forest lands. The Council will continue monitoring the sites as vegetation becomes established and the streams adjust to their restored crossings.

We thank NOAA Fisheries, Mid-Valley River Connections, Cascade Timber Consulting, our contractors, and the many partners who helped make these projects possible.