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217-6000-12866

Project Abstract

Project Location

The Fopiano Reservoir is located in the Southern portion of Wheeler County, above Mountain Creek, north of Waterman Road. 

Project Need

Historic livestock pressure has left the riparian areas of two major tributaries to the resevoir (Mathis Creek and Fopiano Creek) and the resevoir itself in a state of degradation and unrestricted livestock access to these areas is preventing any positive vegetative response. Current conditions create water quality concerns for the tributaries, the reservoir, and Fopiano Creek below the reservoir, which is listed by ODFW as steelhead habitat. 

Proposed Project Work

This project proposes to install use exclusion fence on Mathis Creek, Fopiano Creek, and Fopiano Reservoir. Riparian plannings will be implemented to increase the speed of the restoration response. Livestock watering facilities will be installed to improve livestock distribution following traditional water access being excluding. 

Project Partners

OWEB funding will be used for technnical assistance, project management, and contracted services. 

Project Completion Report

Final_Report_12866.pdf

Monitoring Reports

PISR1_217-6000-12866.pdf
A dry riverbed with sparse water and scattered rocks.
(Before) Surrounding vegetation at Fopiano Reservoir desolated by unrestricted grazing.
Dry grassy field with a water body and hills in the distance, overcast sky.
(After) View of Fopiano Reservoirs vegetation regenerating due to livestock's restricted access.
A river with grassy banks, dry vegetation, and hills under overcast skies.
(Before) Unrestricted livestock have access to Fopiano reservoir and Creek.
A scenic view of a hilly, grassy landscape with a body of water and overcast skies.
(After) Showing positive results of restricting livestock's access to reservoir.
Hilly landscape with sparse vegetation under overcast skies.
(Before) Unrestricted livestock have access to Fopiano reservoir and Creek.
Riverside grasslands with hills and overcast sky.
(After) Landscape view of healthy bunchgrass communities throughout Fapiano Reservoir.
A sparse landscape with a tree, small puddles of water, and a dry, cracked ground, suggesting a drought-stricken area.
(Before) Fapiano Reservoir in late winter.
A barren tree by a lake, grassy shoreline, pine trees, and rolling hills under cloudy skies.
(After) View of improved bank stabilization along reservoir in late fall
A dry grassland with a narrow stream and shrubs, surrounded by trees under an overcast sky.
(Before) Fopaino Creek with limited presence of riparian species.
A dry grassy field with scattered shrubs and pine trees in the background under an overcast sky.
(After) Overview of Fopiano Creek with some riparian species.
A dry riverbed with sparse water and scattered rocks.
Dry grassy field with a water body and hills in the distance, overcast sky.
A river with grassy banks, dry vegetation, and hills under overcast skies.
A scenic view of a hilly, grassy landscape with a body of water and overcast skies.
Hilly landscape with sparse vegetation under overcast skies.
Riverside grasslands with hills and overcast sky.
A sparse landscape with a tree, small puddles of water, and a dry, cracked ground, suggesting a drought-stricken area.
A barren tree by a lake, grassy shoreline, pine trees, and rolling hills under cloudy skies.
A dry grassland with a narrow stream and shrubs, surrounded by trees under an overcast sky.
A dry grassy field with scattered shrubs and pine trees in the background under an overcast sky.