This area of the sprague river has been recognized as a priority for restoration efforts by the pacific southwest region partners for fish and wildlife strategic plan

Trout Unlimited, Inc. received a $276,013 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631), effective October 1, 2025, with a completion date of May 19, 2031. The project will implement large wood placement strategies in the Sprague River near Chiloquin, Oregon, a priority restoration area identified in the Pacific Southwest Region's strategic conservation plan. Through strategic placement of large wood in the riverine system, the project will enhance floodplain connectivity and activate side-channels during high flow events, thereby improving aquatic habitat complexity while reducing flood risk to upstream and downstream properties.

The restoration initiative will deliver multiple ecosystem services and habitat benefits aligned with federal trust species conservation objectives. Large wood incorporation will increase shallow groundwater tables, improve water quality through extended water attenuation, and provide critical habitat features such as foraging opportunities and structural complexity for native aquatic organisms. The project directly supports the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act's mandate to work cooperatively with private landowners on cost-effective habitat restoration, while advancing the Department of Interior's strategic priorities related to hunting and fishing economic support (Objective 3.1), species population health and tribal co-management (Objective 3.4), and public-private partnerships (Objective 4.2).

This project will utilize large wood placement to amplify natural hydrologic, geomorphic and biological processes that aid in stream recovery. The strategic placing of large wood will enhance floodplain connectivity and will help enhance side-channel activation during higher flow events. Flood-plain connectivity and side-channel activation during flood events will help decrease possible flooding damage to this property and downstream properties. Attenuation of water within the flood-plain and side-channels for longer periods will also improve water quality and increase shallow groundwater tables for the benefit of downstream users within the watershed. Large wood incorporation into riverine systems also benefit aquatic organisms by providing habitat complexity and foraging opportunities. This project aligns with the partners for fish and wildlife act (16 U.S.C 3771-3774) that provides for the restoration, enhancement, and management of fish and wildlife habitats on private land by working with landowners to conduct cost-effective habitat projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources in the united states. This project is consistent with the draft DOI strategic plan framework 2026-2030. Specifically, objective 3.1 (promote hunting and fishing supporting local and gateway community economies), objective 3.4 (support species populations and health and support CO-management with stakeholders and tribes support CO-management with local stakeholders and tribes), and objective 4.2 (support public-private partnerships).