Native Fish Society Works with Private Landowners to Restore Critical Fish Habitat in Molalla River Watershed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2025

Media Contact:
Liz Perkin
Northern Oregon Coordinator
Native Fish Society
liz@nativefishsociety.org | (503) 344-4218

Native Fish Society Works with Private Landowners to Restore Critical Fish Habitat in Molalla River Watershed

Molalla, OR – Native Fish Society is marking its third year leading habitat restoration projects in the Molalla River Watershed, an essential tributary of the Willamette River. As the only major undammed east-side tributary and a basin free of hatchery stocking since the late 1990s, the Molalla River provides crucial habitat for wild fish. However, historical logging practices prior to modern forest practice laws, mining, and levee construction have degraded fish habitat, simplified the river channel and reduced its ability to support native fish populations.

Following the devastating wildfires of 2020, special funding from the Oregon State Legislature enabled the launch of a major restoration program in the Molalla River Watershed. Native Fish Society, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and private landowner Fruit Growers Supply Company, has been leading efforts to restore habitat. To date, the team has placed over 1,000 pieces of large wood across more than four miles of river, enhancing conditions for ESA-listed winter steelhead and spring Chinook. We have also led efforts to control invasive species in the riparian areas and partnered with volunteers to plant about 800 native plant and tree species.

“This watershed has taken a lot of abuse over the years, but it has always proven remarkably resilient,” said Liz Perkin, Northern Oregon Coordinator of Native Fish Society. “We’re fortunate to be working with such a dedicated team that shares our commitment to restoring the Molalla River and increasing wild fish populations.”

A key component of this restoration work has been the partnership with Fruit Growers Supply Company, a private landowner that has not only provided access for restoration activities but has also played an active role in supporting the project.

"We are proud to collaborate with organizations such as Native Fish Society," said Jim Crawford, Oregon Timberlands Manager for Fruit Growers Supply Company. "Having managed forestland for over 115 years, we have an incredibly rich history of conservation. Our commitment to sustainable forestry practices through third-party certification continues to grow alongside our long-term partnerships with such organizations."

Local contractors Greenup Enterprises and Columbia Helicopters have also played a major role in the project, bringing expertise and economic benefits to the region. "Having grown up in Canby, I’m especially excited to be working with local businesses and seeing this project contribute to the local economy," said Perkin. "Both Greenup Enterprises and Columbia Helicopters have been fantastic partners—knowledgeable, hardworking, and deeply committed to the success of this project."

Upcoming Events: Get Involved

Community members are invited to experience the latest restoration work firsthand at an upcoming tree-planting event to support the restoration of the Molalla River on February 22. Up to 20 volunteers of all ages can participate. More details and registration are available HERE. Advanced sign-ups are encouraged to ensure sufficient refreshments for all attendees.

For those interested in fishing, the Molalla Bass Bash on June 27 offers another way to support native fish. Smallmouth bass, an invasive species in the Molalla River, prey on young Chinook and steelhead. This event is designed to encourage anglers to target these predators and help protect wild fish populations.

Visit https://nativefishsociety.org/get-involved/events to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.

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About Native Fish Society
Guided by the best available science, Native Fish Society advocates for the recovery of wild, native fish and promotes the stewardship of the habitats that sustain them. Visit www.nativefishsociety.org for more information.

High-resolution photos from recent restoration efforts are available for media use:

2024 Molalla River Replanting Volunteer Day | Photo credit: NFS Fellow Fontaine Rittlemann @fontaine_rittelmann

June 2023 Molalla River Basin Copper Creek Restoration Project | Photo credit: NFS Fellow Fontaine Rittlemann @fontaine_rittelmann

For additional media inquiries or photo requests, please contact:
Liz Perkin
Northern Oregon Coordinator, Native Fish Society
liz@nativefishsociety.org | (503) 344-4218