Claggett Creek Watershed Council

The Claggett Creek Watershed covers about 20 square miles in Marion County, including Keizer, and the northeast corner of Salem. The creek flows through bottomlands, sloughs and other wetlands. Claggett Creek drains into Clear Lake just west of Wheatland Road and flows into the Willamette River at the north end of Windsor Island. Land in the watershed is used for diverse purposes, which affect water quality, flood hazards and fish and wildlife habitat.

The Claggett Council was founded in 1999 and includes representatives from property owners, neighborhood associations, agriculture interests, environmental groups, technical experts and government representatives

MISSION
To involve the local community in the stewardship of its local watershed and attendant natural resources.

GOALS
To inform and involve the community about watershed issues

  • Encourage community involvement and participation in watershed health issues.
  • Develop a plan that coordinates data and information related to water quality, stream flow, wildlife and native habitat.
  • Facilitate coordination of federal, state and local activities to minimize negative impacts.
  • Develop, evaluate and implement strategies, plans and projects that serve to protect, restore and enhance the natural resources of the watershed.

MITIGATION WETLANDS PROJECT
When the Salem-Keizer School District built the Claggett Creek Schools, there was a significant impact on existing wetlands. The schools set aside funds set aside funds for replacement wetlands (mitigation wetlands) as part of their agreement with the Oregon Division of State Lands.

The Claggett Creek Watershed Council is responsible for implementing the wetlands enhancement project on the west bank of Claggett Creek in Claggett Creek Park between Dearborn and Chemawa Streets.

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways you can be involved in your watershed by sharing you skills, knowledge, values and willingness to serve with the council.

MITIGATION WETLAND PROJECT
This project presents several opportunities for individual an organization to become involved. Volunteers are needed to:

  • Participate in planting in the fall of 2003 and 2004.
  • Maintain erosion control measures.
  • Control reed canary grass.
  • Monitor site.
  • Maintain site by participating in Adopt-A-Reach program.

CONTACT
Meetings are held at 7 pm, on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Keizer City Hall Annex (Old Library Room), 930 Chemawa St.


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