28 Sep 2017

Corps reservoirs benefit Willamette Valley swallows

An unladen purple martin swallow can reach the air-speed velocity of about 24 miles per hour, which may be important information if you’re trying to cross the ‘Bridge of Death’ as you search for the Holy Grail. It’s also probably impossible for that 1.7-ounce bird to carry a 1.2-kilogram coconut, even if he gripped it by the husk (we are checking with the engineering department though).

6 Sep 2017

Corps, ODFW sign hatchery contracts

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued two contracts recently to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the operation of five hatcheries and the production of salmon and steelhead to offset impacts of the Corps’ dams in Oregon.

16 Aug 2017

Fall Creek Dam getting new fish facility

PORTLAND, Ore. – Construction crews are rebuilding Fall Creek Dam’s Adult Fish Collection Facility southeast of Eugene, Oregon. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing this to meet requirements of the 2008 Willamette Project biological opinions to support the safe collection and transport of wild spring Chinook and winter steelhead upstream of the dam.

8 Aug 2017

Total solar eclipse will pass over Corps projects

PORTLAND, Ore. – On Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will pass over several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ reservoirs and dams in western Oregon. The eclipse will cross the entire continent for the first time in 38 years, and people from all over the country will come to Oregon to witness this short-duration, yet impactful phenomenon. While several sites will be prime viewing locations for the solar eclipse, Corps dams are critical federal facilities that will continue to operate as usual. All normal rules and regulations will remain in effect, and Corps operators may institute additional safety and security measures in anticipation of high visitation.

9 Jun 2017

Good snowpack doesn’t ensure good water levels

This past winter, Oregon received plenty of precipitation and snowpack was more than 170 percent of its average in some areas, according to the National Resources Conservation Service. Many people may believe this is cause for celebration in a state that has seen drought conditions during much of the past few years. And although it is good news, snowpack doesn’t mean Portland District’s reservoirs will be full throughout the summer.

23 May 2017

Corps continues field studies at Willamette Valley dams

A drill crew will soon be on site at Cougar Dam, east of Eugene, Oregon, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues field investigation at some dams in the Willamette Valley. The crews will also install instrumentation on the crest of Cougar Dam. The drilling and installation will require the eastbound lane across the dam to be closed intermittently. These closures will be from May 30 to June 13 between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., reducing traffic to one lane.

3 Nov 2016

Corps performs field studies at Willamette Valley dams

Construction crews are on site at Hills Creek Dam as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins field investigation at some of its dams. The investigations at Hills Creek, Cougar and Lookout Point dams will give the Corps additional information to better understand conditions within the dams and in their foundations.

22 Jun 2016

Prospect course instrumental in developing professional skills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 22, 2016) – Corps of Engineers employees from across the nation honed their professional skills at an instrumentation prospect course at J. Percy Priest Dam June 14-16, 2016.

11 Apr 2013

Going Green: Rare mushrooms discovered after prescribed burn

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers botanists discovered a new site for the rare Pruitt's Amanita mushroom at Fern Ridge Reservoir west of Eugene, Ore., recently. Soils and botany student intern Leanna Van Slambrook spotted some white mushrooms popping out of the charred, soggy ground on the southwest side of the reservoir after a prescribed burn and remembered that a rare Amanita had been found after a burn a few years back.

18 Dec 2012

Fern Ridge's endangered butterfly population doubles

The population of endangered Fender’s blue butterflies has doubled at Fern Ridge Reservoir since last year, continuing a trend of positive population growth since it was first detected on Corps lands.