Status: Active

Project Area: 19 acres composed of the riparian corridor along 1.5 miles of Bear Creek.

Project Lead: Rogue River Watershed Council (RRWC), contact

Project Partners: City of Phoenix, Jackson County, Jackson County Fire District 5, Jackson County Social Services, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rogue Valley Council of Governments, and Rogue Valley Sewer Services.

Summary

This project is focused on the removal of invasive plants (Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, poison hemlock). Blue Heron Park was burned in the Almeda Fire in 2020. Supplemental planting with native trees and shrubs occurred. RRWC will monitor and control invasive plants for five years.

This project includes 1.3 acres of wetland enhancement within Blue Heron Park and will lead to enhanced riparian and wetland habitat, improved water quality (stormwater treatment), and reduced fire risk. Additional project goals include the removal of public safety hazards and infrastructure. An objective of BCRI is to increase pollinator habitat within the Bear Creek corridor. This project included pollinator planting that was made possible by funding from the Wings Across America initiative.

Photo credits: Rogue River Watershed Council