Big Island is nestled along the McKenzie River just east of the City of Springfield. 108 acres in size, this island is one of the last active floodplains in the lower McKenzie watershed. The island displays mature gallery forests, meadow and wetland habitat and important pond and side channel habitat for aquatic species.

 A number of listed and non-listed species call Big Island home; among them are American beaver, great blue heron, Roosevelt elk, Western pond turtle, red-legged frog, Northwest salamanders, Oregon chub and multiple species of migratory song bird and water fowl. The island's side channels are also important in the life cycle of juvenile salmonids.

Restoration Objectives

•  Protect, maintain, enhance and monitor the biodiversity of the area.
• Maintain and enhance native habitat found in the area  and restore identified areas to native historical habitat.
  
• Insure successful long-term management of the area by obtaining a better understanding the dynamic natural processes that shape the area and its species. 
  

Restoration Projects

Invasive Weed Control

Himalayan blackberry, Scot's broom and reed-canary grass are species that MRT is working to eradicate and replace with native grasses on Big island.

Reforestation

Over 500 native trees have been planted on Big Island.  Trees shade the water keeping temperatures down and as they mature and die they will provide large woody debris recruitment for channels to enhance habitat.

Species Surveys

Fish and amphibians are regularly surveyed to monitor populations.

Aquatic Habitat Enhancement

Large logs with root ball intact were strategically placed in side channels to increase river sinuosity and create and increase habitat for aquatic species.