Clackamas Water Environment Services is beginning a project to improve the environmental functions of 3-Creeks Natural Area.
Three creeks — Mt. Scott, Phillips and Dean Creeks — converge on the site to form Mt. Scott Creek, making it an important location for surface and stormwater management and natural habitat. Mt. Scott Creek flows into Kellogg Creek and then to the Willamette River.
Urbanization is taking a toll on the site, with streams eroding, habitat changing and flooding of developed properties becoming more common. This project will enhance the floodplain, improve water quality, improve fish and wildlife habitat and provide opportunities for pedestrian access and environmental education on the site, where feasible.
3-Creeks Natural Area benefits our entire region.
What we’ve completed so far
- On site surveys, site assessment
- Alternatives development and analysis including Hydraulic & Hydrologic modeling
- Public outreach, stakeholder meetings, and input
- Collaborating with Oregon Dept. of State Lands (DSL), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), National Marine Fisheries Service and Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife-Fish (ODFW) Passage Coordinator.
- We were selected for a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant and have a grant agreement in place.
- Developed 90% plans and cost estimate
- Completed a Cultural Resources Assessment and shovel probe survey, and historic evaluation of the existing bridge. The shovel probe surveys turned up 16 pieces of lithic debris, considered pre-contact fragments leftover from tool-making. The bridge was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register.
- Partnering with the North Clackamas Watersheds Council (NCWC) to provide outreach, as part of our Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant. NCWC is teaming with Unite Oregon to include outreach to underserved communities.
- The Wetlands Conservancy has conducted the first of two volunteer amphibian egg mass surveys. The survey found over 200 Pacific chorus frog egg masses, 24 long-toed salamander egg masses, and one red legged frog egg mass. This is a sign of very good habitat quality in the existing wetlands!
What’s next?
- Gate adjustment upgrades are planned for 2025
- Instream work is planned for summer 2025
News about the 3-Creeks Natural Area Floodplain Enhancement Project
SOLVE, Clackamas Water Environment Services, & Bob's Red Mill partnered to celebrate the kick-off of the SOLVE Summer Waterway Cleanup Series to remove harmful litter from the 3-Creeks Natural Area, helping to keep our streams, rivers, and communities clean and healthy!