City staff brief committee on Ames Creek restoration work tied to DEQ grant

The committee received a briefing about an Ames Creek restoration project that will focus on bank stabilization and invasive blackberry removal on a reach east of Weddell Bridge. Staff characterized the work as a DEQ-funded water-quality project the city will implement in partnership with the South Santiam Watershed Council.

A staff member explained the scope is a water-quality restoration rather than a park construction project but that some work could occur on the school-side bank within Sankey Park. The city has applied for a grant to subsidize part of the work and will decide how and when to proceed once grant terms are confirmed.

Why it matters: the restoration work aims to improve water quality and bank stability in a creek that passes through parkland. The project could require coordination with park users and volunteers; committee members asked for opportunities for youth volunteer involvement after prior successful engagements.

Volunteer involvement and timing

Committee members requested that the city again involve school children and youth volunteers for outdoor work, noting past sessions were successful and that they would like multiple volunteer hours next season. The committee also discussed blackberry eradication and other invasive-plant control on the bank and emphasized coordination with DEQ and the watershed council for grant and implementation details.

Ending

Staff will continue to pursue grant funding and report back on scope, schedule and volunteer opportunities once DEQ and the watershed council finalize project terms.