Project Summary:
Approximately 11 miles of river have been restored in the Heber Valley between Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs. Previously straightened and channelized for flood control, the river has been returned to its historical morphology. The cottonwood forest is beginning to return and numerous wetlands have been created in the floodplain that was abandoned at the time of channelization. The creation of wetlands along the Provo River prevented the Columbia Spotted frog (
Rana luteiventris) from becoming a federally listed species. The frog population has increased substantially since restoration efforts began. River restoration activities included levee removal, reconstruction of the main river channel and side channels, wetland construction, and improvement of hydraulic habitat for trout fishing as well as native species recovery. Side channels have proven to be important for native fish species recruitment and are used by juvenile fish.
Project Update:
Construction was initiated in 1998 and is in the final stages of completion.
