The John Day River is extraordinary in Oregon and the West. It is the longest free-flowing river west of the Continental Divide, and the nation’s longest Wild and Scenic River corridor. It also has the healthiest run of wild summer steelhead in the Columbia basin, where they are listed as a Threatened species.
Western Rivers Conservancy has launched a long-term effort to conserve 16 miles of exceptional habitat along the lower John Day. In fall 2008, Western Rivers Conservancy completed purchase of the 8,114-acre Murtha Ranch, together with its 8,000-acre Bureau of Land Management grazing lease.
This breathtaking landscape will be restored to even greater beauty and biological health. In the uplands, restoring the native shrub-steppe ecosystem will enhance habitat for a number of rare native species, including: ground-nesting birds like the grasshopper sparrow and burrowing owl; birds of prey like the ferruginous hawk and loggerhead shrike; and reptiles like the sagebrush lizard. Along the river, we plan to reestablish what once was a tall cottonwood forest on more than 350 acres of lowlands. Large trees will shade the river and benefit the entire ecosystem.
The acquisition also includes the bottom three miles of Hay Creek, a tributary that summer steelhead depend on to spawn and rear because it runs cold and clear year-round. Western Rivers Conservancy is conducting streamside restoration on portions of the property including Hay Creek with help from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Gilliam County and other partners.
Conservation of the ranch presents a great opportunity to enhance low-impact recreation. Public access that is compatible with the conservation goals will offer a premier outdoor experience for anglers, boaters, hikers and hunters.
In September 2009, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department acquired an initial 2,403 acres from Western Rivers Conservancy, the first step toward creating the new Cottonwood Canyon State Park. WRC plans to convey the remaining deeded acreage to Oregon State Parks over the next several years. Our vision is to see the 16,114 acres of deeded and leased lands restored to high-quality native habitat along sixteen spectacular miles of the river, which will be accessible for the public to enjoy. Conservation of this property will also fill a gap in a 148-mile-long reach of protected land in the lower John Day Wild and Scenic River Corridor, and help complete the larger community vision for conservation activities across the entire John Day River basin.
Critical support for our work on the John Day River has been provided by the Autzen Foundation, Bella Vista Foundation, L.P. Brown Foundation, Collins Foundation, The Conservation Alliance, Fly Fishers Foundation, Ned and Sis Hayes Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Jubitz Family Foundation, Charlotte Martin Foundation, Mead Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, OWEB, Carol and Velma Saling Foundation, Smith-Welsh Foundation, and Weeden Foundation, and also the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Gilliam County and the Oregon State Weed Board.
