Trees removed for a Hwy. 199 widening project on the north side of Cave Junction will be placed in an Illinois River tributary this summer to enhance fish habitat and stream quality, said Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT).

The tree removal is necessary to make room for the $5 million 199 at Laurel Road widening project to accommodate a center turn lane, wider shoulders and construction of a new bridge over George Creek near Laurel Road.

“We’re removing some trees close to the riparian area on George Creek,” said ODOT biologist Ken Cannon. “As a result, we're providing Illinois Valley Watershed Council 30 trees with root wads that will be placed in critical stream habitat. The council will monitor the results.”

This partnership helps satisfy a National Marine Fisheries Service requirement for the project. The trees will help aid a nearly half-mile restoration project for Althouse Creek, southwest of Cave Junction.

“This stretch of the stream has a high potential for spawning habitat,” said Kevin O’Brien, watershed council coordinator.

“There’s a 90-degree bend in the creek that’s eroding the stream bank near a private home. The bioengineered approach will be better than rip-rap and will help build spawning gravels, which are good for fish,” O’Brien said.

Roadway construction will begin this summer. Motorists should expect some short delays. The project is scheduled for completion during 2008.