index to our beautiful watershed

* The Singing Falls Stream Restoration Project *

* Watershed Index *

This page contains a growing compendium of information about the South Umpqua Watershed. Elk Creek Watershed is a subwatershed of the South Umpqua River Basin. Joe Hall creek is a tributary of Elk Creek. It is a continuum all the way to the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oregon.

The South Umpqua fork of the Umpqua River is one of the longest rivers in Oregon that does not have a man made or natural barrier to impede fish migrations. As such it is in a strategic position to maintain critical fish populations. The main stem of the river and its many tributaries and side channels are part of one of the largest west coast watershed systems used by anadromous and river system endangered fish species. Yet the system does not get the recognition it deserves. The population demographic here is relatively low and therefore we have little political clout. There are few of us seeking to draw attention to the part of the Umpqua River system and its plight.

The river run is extensive. The various types of sea run fish make their way here, some 260 miles from the ocean, to Elk Creek. We know that Coho Salmon And Steelhead trout come here to Singing Falls. There is anecdotal evidence that the Pacific Chum Salmon used to spawn here also. Sea run Cutthroat and the Pacific Lamprey are also part of the local watershed system. This is the longest stretch of river in Oregon that does not have a made made barrier for sea run fish. The aquatic habitat project at Singing Falls has been done in a segment of stream that is in fact the headwaters for the home returning fish. These waters are the beginnings of a beautiful and very complex natural system that is on the verge of collapse. I know that the conservation movement is notorious for being alarmist in its proclamations. As a long time resident of the deep woods I have to say along with them that the woods and waterways are dieing. It is evident everywhere. It is especially clear in the streams that once teamed with wriggling fish and now stand almost empty.

The table below will direct you to information regarding the various fish species of our watershed and restoration project area. It also has links to significant aspects of the watershed's present and past conditions. Current temperature and and water depth are monitored by the PUR watershed council (Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers), USGS, ODFW and the USFS.