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Proposal for Feasibility Study for Willamette River and Canoe Canal Improvements July 6, 2007 Prepared by Eric Wold, Peter Ruffier, Carolyn Weiss, and Trevor Taylor Overview: Over the past few months, there has been growing interest in implementing a project that improves both recreational and natural resource values associated with the Willamette River (near the I -5 bridge) and the canoe canal in Alton Baker Park. Depending on who you talk to, some of the desired outcomes for the project include: • Improved waves in the Willamette River and canoe canal for kayaking and river surfing. • Improved safety for paddling in the Willamette River through removing the concrete barrier that crosses the river upstream of the I -5 bridge. • Improved conditions (e.g., less required portages) for paddling in the canoe canal. • Improved shading of the canoe canal to reduce water temperature. • Reduction of bacteria in the canoe canal to improve water quality. • Enhanced habitat conditions for spring Chinook salmon. Additional Background: • The canoe canal in Alton Baker Park is listed as a Priority 1 and 2 project in the PROS Project and Priority Plan (May 2006). It is shown in the plan to be a $5,000,000 project, with $100,000 identified for phase 1 in FY07 -FY11. • The Willamette River has a TMDL for temperature, and the canoe canal contributes a high thermal load to the Willamette. There are likely opportunities to offset this thermal load through the use of shading from riparian vegetation. • The Willamette River has a TMDL for bacteria, and the canoe canal contributes to high bacteria, particularly from the area with the concrete duck pond. • The canoe canal could provide high quality habitat for the endangered spring Chinook salmon. • There is a desire to create a large "wave" in the Willamette River near the I -5 bridge to provide recreational opportunities for kayakers and river surfers. • There is a desire to remove the concrete barrier in the Willamette River upstream of the I -5 bridge. The barrier is a safety hazard for people paddling the river. • There is a desire for improved recreational conditions for paddle sports along canoe canal. It currently requires multiple portages, which reduces user safety and enjoyment. There is also a desire to consider making a small "wave" at one of the current structures to enhance recreational kayaking. • Because the canoe canal could contribute substantially to improving water quality, habitat, and recreation in the area, it is likely that a capital project aimed at these three elements would be fundable through a variety of funding sources, including state and federal grants. Why a feasibility study is needed: Because designing and implementing a project to meet these objectives is very complex and subject to many regulatory processes, completing a feasibility study would be a prudent first step. We think that it would likely take approximately $100,000 to complete an initial feasibility study for making water quality, habitat, and recreational improvements to the Willamette River and canoe canal in Alton Baker Park. Page 1