Current efforts to restore Johnson Creek focus on returning it to a more natural state. This type of restoration provides a safe place for flood waters to spread out and soak into the ground.It also helps improve water quality and increases fish and wildlife habitat.
Johnson Creek provides important habitat for coho and Chinook salmon, as well as steelhead and cutthroat trout. While these species still exist in Johnson Creek and its tributaries, their long-term survival depends on our ability to restore habitat and improve water quality. Johnson Creek also serves as a critical habitat corridor for a wide range of migrating and resident wildlife.
Project Area
The project will take place in natural areas along Johnson Creek, to the south of the Springwater Corridor Trail between SE 82nd and SE 92nd Avenues.
What's Happening Now
Project designers have reached the 90% design milestone. Final design is expected this spring. A construction schedule will be available after a contractor is selected in the spring or summer of 2024.
What Will the Proposed Project Look Like?
Project designers have developed some initial concept designs. The project is still being designed, so the specifics may change. However, the images below provide a general sense of what the finished project may look like.
We Want to Hear from You
Environmental Services will inform residents and businesses about project activities and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner. We encourage you to:
- Project Webpage: Visit www.portland.gov/WestLents for current project details.
- Project Updates: To receive email or text message updates for this project, we encourage you to sign up now at www.portland.gov/bes/signup. Updates provided through our free GovDelivery subscription service are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.
- Questions: To submit questions or comments, please contact City staff by phone or email.
- Sewer Emergency or Odor Concern: Call 503-823-1700 immediately. The City Maintenance hotline is staffed all hours, all days (24/7).
Project Background
In the 1930’s, the Federal Works Progress Administration partially straightened and rock-lined the banks of Johnson Creek in this area to try to reduce flooding. Unfortunately, these changes to the creek increased downstream flooding by disconnecting the creek from its floodplain. It also made the creek warmer by removing trees along the banks, and reduced habitat for endangered salmon, steelhead and other wildlife. In some places, untreated rainwater runoff from buildings and roads goes directly into the creek.
Environmental Services and its partners have been working for 25 years to address these issues and restore Johnson Creek. The West Lents Project is a high priority for Environmental Services. It will help restore the floodplain, improve water quality, and provide habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
What Are the Project Goals?
- Enhance habitat for salmon, steelhead, and other wildlife.
- Improve water quality in Johnson Creek.
- Reduce how often nearby private property floods.
How will this be done?
- Create space on City property to safely absorb the impacts of flooding.
- Remove rock armoring from the streambanks and restore Johnson Creek to a natural channel.
- Add wood to the channel and floodplain to enhance habitat complexity.
- Establish native plant communities and public viewpoints.
- Remove abandoned roadways and underground infrastructure.
Sign Up for Project Updates
Sign up for regular email or text message updates for the West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project through our free GovDelivery subscription service. These updates are the best way to stay informed about what’s happening and what to expect. You can also sign up for bulletins on other projects and topics.
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This project will help protect the health of the Johnson Creek Watershed.
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