In their natural state, rivers in wide valleys like the middle McKenzie are dynamic and messy. They have many channels and lots of wood, beaver dams, and wetlands. Here, water moves slowly, leaving sediment, nutrients, and seeds that all contribute to a healthy environment. These natural river valleys create a lot of important resources for fish and wildlife to thrive in!

When river valleys are changed by humans, land use practices like levee, road, and dam construction, floodplain development, and removal of wood and beavers can quickly turn these wide, slow-moving river-wetland complexes into high-energy channels that no longer provide quality habitat for fish and wildlife.

Restoration efforts along the McKenzie River are designed to give the river plenty of space to move around, to slow the water down again, and to recreate the wild, messy habitat created by large wood. This work often requires heavy machinery to move sediment and wood across the valley. When finished, these projects enhance water quality and quantity, buffer against wildfires, floods, and drought, and revive the natural habitats for plants, animals, and people to benefit from.