River Restoration

On beautiful Gales Creek, at the Balm Grove site, partners are coming together to accomplish a long-held community goal: Removal of a small dam with a big impact to fish in Gales Creek and the larger Tualatin River Watershed.

History of Balm Grove Dam:The Balm Grove Dam, a small, obsolete concrete structure located in Gales Creek, 12 miles upstream from where the creek joins the Tualatin River near Forest Grove, has been impeding fish passage for generations. This dam has blocked access to critical spawning habitats for species such as coho salmon, winter steelhead, mountain whitefish, and the endangered Pacific Lamprey. In response, local conservation organizations including Tree For All, Clean Water Services, the Intertwine Alliance, Metro, Northwest...

Pacific Lamprey: Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) hold significant cultural value for Indigenous tribes in the Tualatin River Basin, including the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Historically, Pacific Lamprey were a vital food source and held cultural significance, providing essential nutrients during times of scarcity and fostering strong cultural bonds. Beyond their role in traditional diets, lamprey are seen as symbols of ecological balance and interconnectedness within their communities. Ecologically, Pacific Lamprey...