Specific steps planned for the development of the Thompson Creek Action Plan (TCAP):

Using the extensive data currently available from various monitoring and assessment reports produced by the Applegate Partnership, Inc. and its cooperating federal and state agencies, develop detailed, site-specific information.

In the spring of 2007, the OWEB funded Middle Applegate Assessment was completed and Thompson Creek sub-watershed "emerged as priority locations for aquatic restoration". Specifically: "Thompson Creek is in poor condition and requires significant restoration, as evidenced by the "limiting" designation assigned to: temperature, chemistry, water quantity, large wood, stream complexity and channel modification.

Barriers in Thompson Creek are rated as "moderate", which implies moderate to significant amount of restoration required. Barriers below Ninemile Creek are primarily push-up dams with the exception of Hogan Diversion, which is a concrete structure. Push-up dams should be modified where possible because push-up dams impede juvenile migration, impact rearing habitat availability and can lead to bottlenecks within the life cycle of fish. "Instream habitat structures such as porous rock weirs should be considered as possible replacements for push-up dams. In-depth site assessment and engineering are needed to evaluate potential options for push-up dam modification and removal. As such, a priority step towards restoration in Thompson Creek involves comprehensive survey and engineering of push-up dam locations along with social development of the project.

Water quantity in Thompson Creek [may be increased] through improved function of the Sturgis and O’Brien ditch network. This ditch network provides a unique opportunity to import water into a sub-watershed. Thompson Creek should be the focus of irrigation efficiency improvements that address ditch efficiency and instream diversions and habitat. "Channel Habitat Type (CHT) information derived from the Middle Applegate Assessment is used to gain a better understanding of geomorphic context and to identify areas that are likely to respond to restoration efforts – these sections of stream are referred to as ‘response reaches’. For example, Low gradient floodplains are more responsive to restoration treatments and management activities while bedrock canyons and steep headwater valleys are less responsive. Thompson Creek sub-watershed contains low gradient response reaches, primarily below Ninemile Creek. In Thompson Creek, restoration work should be focused upon push-up dam barriers while integrating habitat structures such as porous rock weirs or woody structures . Instream and riparian restoration work should be coordinated and should take place with consideration of seasonal barriers.

"Private road densities are high in the Thompson Creek sub-watershed so stormwater management projects should be considered a priority and completed in conjunction with other projects. Roads and road crossings should be maintained / improved and stormwater retention structures should be developed to reduce sediment input."

Currently the following steps are in process for the TCAP:

• Prepare a summary presentation of the "problem" that is graphic and accessible to the layperson community.
• Hold a series of neighborhood meetings to discuss restoration needs and how restoration work in Thompson Creek can make a difference to the entire Rogue Basin. Outline possible solutions and resources available for implementation.
• Based on identified "pods" of common concern and interest, organize the specific restoration steps into a comprehensive list of coordinated projects.
• Determine need, if any, for engineered design work. Identify types and amounts of in-kind assistance, and potential cash funding sources.
• Prioritize the list of coordinated projects based on level of commitment of impacted landowner, cost/benefit ratio and funding expectations.
• Present draft Thompson Creek Restoration Action Plan to the community for review prior to adoption by the Applegate Partnership Board of Directors.