Channelization of the Willamette River from 1854 to 1967.
About the Delta Ponds Since the 1850's the Willamette River has drastically changed from a complex, braided river system to one that has been streamlined and channelized thanks to dam development (see below). Where the Delta Ponds currently reside today used to be part of this braided system, which provided prime off-channel habitat for native species and in particular, salmon. However, by the 1970s when the City of Eugene purchased the Delta Ponds area, development, urban expansion, and sand and gravel mining had disconnected the once rich off-channel habitat from the Willamette River. Today, it has been reconnected through enhancement reclamation.
Through numerous partnerships ranging from the Army Corps of Engineers, to the Parks Department, and local citizens and students the Delta Ponds were brought back to life. And there is lots of life there now! There are miles of both paved and gravel trails which help connect different areas of the city and are built into Eugene's well-established commuter routes. Walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers are all common sights along the trails- as are a vast variety of wading birds and song birds, river otters, fish (including salmon!), and even a few beaver. The Ponds teem with two-legged, four-legged, and winged life and are an urban gem for the bustling and growing community of Eugene.
How is it Enhancement Reclamation? The Delta Ponds are a "restoration enhancement reclamation" site because the former sand and gravel pits were restored following mining by a group other than the operator who mined there. There was no reclamation plan in place because the mining occurred prior to 1972 (when Oregon's mine permitting and reclamation procedures were put into place). Therefore, the mines were "grandfathered" and reclamation was never required.
The City of Eugene nevertheless took these old sand and gravel pits and gave them new life. They enhanced and transformed the pits from their previous state in the 1970s- overgrown with invasive species and stale with stagnant water- to the treasured recreation and natural area it is today.
Even though the work was not completed through formal channels of reclamation, as are required and seen in mining permits today, the Delta Ponds are still enhancement reclamation because they gave new life to old pits and bring greater value to the local environmental and social community.
What makes it so special?
Beautiful river/off-channel environment in an urban setting
Easy access
Endangered species
Recreation opportunities (paved and gravel trails, bird watching, kayaking...)
Interpretive signs
Engaged and active community
Plan a Pit Stop! As a resident of Eugene, I have been to the Delta Ponds many times and I strongly encourage you to visit! They not only are beautiful and well-managed, but they're also educational. They include interpretive signs about the site's history and current native species. You're likely to see at least one Great Blue Heron, Great White Egret, or a River Otter! If you're a bird-lover there are many species to see and listen to.
I recommend biking along the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System (East Bank Trail goes right next to some of the ponds), popping over Goodpasture Island Road to walk through the graveled section of the ponds, then getting back on the bikes and heading about 10-15 minutes south into Eugene for lunch/dinner/drinks.
Check out the Delta Ponds website for more information. They also have volunteer activities available to the public so keep an eye out for those if you enjoy invasive species removal!