DONALD L. ROBERTSON CITY PARK

Wetlands Pond and Wildlife Habitat Island Preserve

This project will create a Wetlands Pond and Habitat Island Preserve on Arata Creek in the Park.   The funds to create the pond and preserve will come from our $293,000 local share of the Metro Parks Bond that was passed in 2006.

Arata Creek’s low point is at the eastern edge of the Park boundary near the ballfields. This creates seasonal flooding of the ballfields and adjacent properties. One idea to address this problem is to dig a second channel in this area of the Creek to help accommodate increased water flows.  The second channel will also create an island between the two channels that will become wildlife habitat. The wetland will be planted with native species to draw and support wildlife. A burm is planned on the western edge that will create a place for park patrons to sit and allow for viewing both the Creek and the ballfields.

The project will protect and enhance the Creek’s ecosystem and provide many benefits to our community. It will help maintain proper water flow and meet Clean Water Standards in Arata Creek; prevent seasonal flooding from affecting neighboring properties; improve wildlife habitat in the watershed, including habitat for water fowl, endangered Columbia Gorge turtles, and fish; create an opportunity to reintroduce native plant species; and provide a natural environment for citizens to engage with a properly managed stream ecosystem.

The project will also have a regional impact as it is located in Metro-classified Regionally Significant Habitat Class II and Class III Riparian areas.

The City has awarded the contract for the Wetlands Pond and Wildlife Habitat Island Preserve to Henderson Land Services.  This work will begin Spring 2010.