On May 30th, the Estuary Partnership and Henderson Land Services shut down a diversion on Wahkeena Creek that sends water into a fishing pond on Oregon State Parks’ property. By closing the diversion the creek will flow directly into the Columbia River.The experimental shutdown, that will last through the summer, is part of an Estuary Partnership study to assess the exact flow of water required to maintain suitable water conditions in the fishing pond. The Estuary Partnership, Oregon State Parks, and ODFW hope to reduce (or eliminate) the diversion because Wahkeena Creek provides habitat for coho salmon and steelhead. Wahkeena Creek is spring-fed, therefore its water temperatures are very cold throughout the year - a contrast to the Columbia whose temperatures exceed requirements for salmon during summer and fall. Therefore, it is important that Wahkeena Creek’s flow reach the Columbia River, because it provides water at the right temperature for salmonids migrating through the river. East Multnomah SWCD, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and Oregon State Parks fund the Wahkeena Creek Restoration Project.