The Thomas Creek Connection: Local Watershed Council Does Good

Thomas Creek, a 40 mile tributary to Goose Lake, is an important stream for native fish in the Goose Lake Basin.  Divided evenly between the National Forest and privately owned agricultural lands, Thomas Creek has faced years of management practices resulting in decreased stream productivity.  Degraded conditions in the watershed have resulted in channel incision, lateral instability, excessive bank erosion, and loss of fish habitat.  The Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council, or LCUWC, has devoted much effort the past seven years in restoring Thomas Creek from the bottom up by rebuilding the stream and partnerships along the way.  Restoration treatments by LCUWC include riparian fencing, off-stream water for livestock, headcut and streambank stabilization, and fish passage improvement throughout the watershed. Seeking grants far and wide, the LCUWC continues their holistic approach to restoring this important tributary in Oregon’s High Desert to protect native fish.