The Ecology of Spring Creek

  • Spawning salmon species have been documented in Spring Creek
    Spring creek is a low gradient stream with excellent potential for fish habitat
  • Local efforts to improve fish habitat by removing earthen dams and culverts
  • Previous logging along Spring Creek damaged stream riparian area and canopy cover

Geologic features/Unique Landforms: 

  • Known as the “mud wall” by locals and river users, the sharp “S” curve of the WS river made up of unconsolidated flood deposits visible from the river for ½ mile. 
  • Large meander of the WS river down stream of the Husum falls.  This section is a lower gradient reach of the river with intact riparian areas and mature forest canopy over the river.
  • Rare and unique low bank terraces provide access to the river for humans and wildlife
  • Unique riparian floodplain and wetlands

Habitat:

  • Mature forest of up to 80-100 year old mixed conifers with pockets of oak trees
  • Potential to become an Old Growth forest within next generation
    Low bank habitat for animals crossing the White Salmon River
  • Forested wetlands
  • Fresh cold water upland pools and wetlands for amphibian life stages (frogs, salamanders)

Wildlife:     

Birds:

  • Bald Eagles
  • Osprey
  • Pileated Woodpeckers
  • Secondary cavity dwelling bird species- woodpeckers, owls, nuthatches, etc.
  • Turkeys

Large Mammals:  

  • Cougars
  • Black bears
  • Bobcats
  • Elk
  • Deer

Fish:

Threatened and Endangered fish species in the White Salmon River

  • Chinook Salmon
  • Coho Salmon
  • Chum Salmon
  • Steelhead
  • Bull Trout

Species of concern: 

  • Lamprey

Plants/Fungi in addition to habitat mentioned above. 

These are just a few highlights

  • Ladyslippers
  • Trillium
  •  Rare/unique black chanterelle

 

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