Bowers Rock State Park near Albany sprung from what was once an abandoned gravel pit. Near where the Willamette and Calapooia Rivers meet, it’s a home to many species of wildlife. The park is still in development and Oregon Lottery dollars are helping return the waterways to their salmon-friendly origins. Historically, Bowers Rock was a place for migrating juvenile salmon to rest and get healthy on their journey. But years of man-made changes to water flows have disconnected side channels, sloughs and alcoves that are perfect for the little salmon. In partnership with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the Calapooia Watershed Council is reconnecting the channels and removing an infestation of invasive water primrose to greatly improve the native fish habitat.

Typical watershed restoration efforts may involve people out with shovels and other gear, widening culverts and putting native plants along streambanks. A helicopter isn’t a typical tool to help restore wetlands, but Oregon’s approach to watershed enhancement is often extraordinary. The Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers is putting an Oregon Lottery-funded grant to work, bringing in a helicopter for fish habitat improvements in Butler and Lutsinger Creeks. Both creeks flow into the main stem of the Umpqua River and lack fish-friendly wood debris that provides a resting place for salmon. A helicopter and excavator team will place 588 logs in key areas in the creeks. In all, 5.5 miles of new fish habitat will be created with this project. The Bureau of Land Management and Roseburg Resources Co. have teamed up with the Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers to push this valuable project over the finish line. It’s one of those public-private projects that Oregon does exceptionally well and Lottery dollars are helping make it a reality.

Mt Pisgah offers natural beauty and incredible views across every direction of Lane County. With its oak savannas, conifer forests and nine miles of clean walking trails near Eugene, it’s a popular destination for nearby travelers and residents alike. Friends of Buford Park and Mt Pisgah utilized Lottery dollars via OWEB to improve 110 acres across this wild landscape, with further plans to restore and enhance wetland prairies, oak savannas and woodland habitats. When all is said and done, these efforts greatly improve the living conditions for 17 at-risk plant and wildlife species. Thanks to Oregon Lottery players like you, there’s a place at Mt. Pisgah for Pileated Woodpeckers, Great Blue Heron and Oregon’s State Bird: Western Meadowlark. They’ll be tucked in with the trees and wildflowers that you helped restore and preserve.