Rock Creek Watershed Partners

Cedar Mill Creek Watershed Watch

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The mission of the Cedar Mill Creek Watershed Watch is to protect the creek, and where possible, to restore the riparian forest and stream bank. Education has recently become a focus of the CMCW Watch.

Where is the creek? Cedar Mill Creek begins in the far northwest corner of Multnomah County in the area of the Forest Heights developments. It flows southwest into Washington County, through Jordan Park, crosses Cornell Road near 119^th, where the historic Cedar Mill Falls is located. From here it flows south, under Highway 26, paralleling Murray Road, through the NIKE campus, and into Beaverton Creek in the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. North Johnson Creek, a main tributary to Cedar Mill Creek, starts south of Cedar Mill Creek and runs behind St. Vincent's Hospital. It joins Cedar Mill Creek near the NIKE campus. Together the two watersheds drain 5,400 acres.

Concerns: Recent development of high urban density in the headwaters of Cedar Mill Creek has directly increased storm water runoff and water pollution. It also has resulted in loss of open space and wildlife habitat. Invasive weeds are taking take over the small parcels of wildlife habitat that have been saved from development.

What has CMCW Watch accomplished?

• Removed invasive Himalayan blackberry from Jordan Park and replanted native plants in this jewel of a park.
• Provided technical assistance to landowners to restore native plants on their property.
• Staffed booths at Cedar Mill Days to talk to people about the creek.
• Kept on top of local Cedar Mill Creek issues by attending CPO (Citizen Participation Organization) meetings, testifying at hearings of the Washington County Planning Commission and Metro; serving on committees of the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District; participating in conferences with the Tualatin Riverkeepers; and writing letters on issues concerning the creek.
• Conducted many tours of the watershed for elected officials, employees of different public agencies, and other friends' groups.

Upcoming activities:

• CMCW Watch is planning stream enhancement projects, such as ivy and blackberry removal, and more planting in Jordan Park.
• Members are tracking the development of the Cedar Mill Town Center which will affect the creeks through increased density and traffic.
• Members also are planning to expand education efforts.

Who do I contact for more information? There are many things we can do within the watershed to absorb more stormwater and increase wildlife habitat. But we need the help of concerned citizens! For more information, or to volunteer, contact: Gretchen Vadnais, (503) 288-9338 or gvadnais@spiretech.com