Chicken Creek Refuge Restoration

Working with stakeholders, Clean Water Services re-meandered and reconnected Chicken Creek with its floodplain to improve water quality and ecological function within the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. The project addressed modifications that converted the landscape to agricultural uses beginning in the early 20th century and greatly reduced habitat for fish and wildlife. Herrera supported Clean Water Services by advancing the design of the selected restoration alternative. The design included reconnecting the channel with its historic alignment, installing numerous large wood structures, removing invasive species, and planting native vegetation. As part of this effort, Herrera developed a two-dimensional hydraulic model of existing and proposed conditions. Additional analyses included a scour analysis of two bridges to be constructed and a “no rise” hydraulic analysis. Herrera documented results in technical memoranda to support permitting needs. Herrera also provided support during the final construction phase to resolve issues and ensure design and permit compliance. By restoring the creek’s natural processes and eliminating water management infrastructure, Chicken Creek once again provides stream and wetland habitat to support native wildlife populations amid metropolitan Portland.