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Grant Application
Problems Addressed by Demonstration
The project will construct 1-3 upland ponds to handle runoff from a county road. Two years ago Yamhill County Public Works ditched the roadside along Russell Creek Road to prevent water from crossing Russell Creek Road. This resulted in water being diverted onto the landowner's property. Over the past two years the soil has remained too wet for the trees on the site and many are dying. The plan is to excavate small ponds to divert water away from existing trees, slow water runoff going directly into the creek, and hold some of this water to provide wildlife habitat. These ponds will also provide a place for silt to settle out before going into Yamhill Creek.
Describe the Proposed Project
The project area is an approximately 1/2 acre area in Habitat Area #4 on the map. The landowners requested a habitat plan this past October from Yamhill SWCD and one is currently being developed by a Resource Conservationist. This plan calls for invasive weed control and wetland enhancement. The excavations will provide habitat for ducks and other water birds that use Yamhill Creek, which is located to the east. Currently the land is not used for production agriculture and weed control has taken place in the form of mowing. The expected excavation is expected to be close to 48 yards of soil.
After the excavation are completed, jute netting and grass seeding will be used to stablize the site. Wetland plants will be planted throughout the pond area to provide plant diversity.
Expected Benefits of the Project
The shallow wetland ponds are expected to be filled with runoff from the upland areas. These ponds will provide waterfowl feeding, resting, and nesting habitat. The wetland plants placed on the site will help exclude noxious weeds such as blackberry and reed canary. The site is located along Highway 47 and may be a good site to construct a sign to advertise what is being done to enhance wildlife.