Project Profile: Improve Habitat Quality Along John Day River

John Day River at Dusk.

Matt Witt

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Recreation | FY24 $400,000

The National Park Service (NPS) will restore plant health and improve trails along the John Day River in Oregon. This will help make the water cleaner and increase the number of plants and animals that live there, as well as recreational access and opportunities for visitors.

Why? The recreational opportunities offered to visitors at the John Day River are threatened by decades of decreasing water levels. Habitat and plants found near the river are scarce. These problems are exacerbated by climate change, as hotter summers cause less snowmelt to flow into the river.

What else? The John Day River is a National Wild and Scenic River. It attracts visitors for rafting, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping opportunities. This project is needed to ensure that the river continues to maintain sufficient flow and low temperatures to provide recreational opportunities. Tribal youth will support restoration work through a partnership, which offers Native American young adults an introduction to conservation careers and provides hands‐on experience within a culturally relevant field.

About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes critical investments in the resilience and restoration of America’s lands, skies, and waters, and enhances conservation and recreation opportunities. Visitors will see tangible results such as repaired and upgraded trails and campgrounds, removal of invasive species, as well as healthy wetlands, grasslands, and forests.