Reclamation purchased the Oxbow property in 2000 as part of a comprehensive anadromous fishery restoration program in the Umatilla River basin. The program implemented a series of water exchanges in which Columbia River water is pumped and delivered for use in the Umatilla basin by irrigation districts in exchange for allowing Umatilla River water to benefit aquatic habitat. The purchase also allowed Reclamation to acquire water rights and property on the site to improve fish habitat.

Reclamation's multi-year planning effort involved public input to evaluate the best uses for the site which included a strong desire for the property to be managed to protect natural and cultural resources, while also allowing public access for certain uses. The final plan is the outcome of the feedback Reclamation received from the community. The level of use and types of activities that are permissible at the Oxbow site are limited to those that are compatible with restoration and protection of resources.

The Site Management Plan summarizes Reclamation's vision and goals for the Oxbow site. The goals include protecting and improving habitat, cold water resources, native riparian vegetation, and public access for compatible recreation activities such as walking and wildlife viewing.

As funding permits, data collection efforts will guide and clarify suggested future projects. An adaptive management approach will ensure data and information will be incorporated into future efforts.

The plan is available on the internet at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/lcao_misc/oxbowsiteplan.pdf. Paper copies of the plan are available upon request by contacting Tanya Sommer, Natural Resource Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 750, Portland OR 97232. For questions about use of the site please contact the Michael Bommer, Umatilla Field Office Manager at (541) 564-8616.