City of Medford Launches Bear Creek Park Habitat Restoration Project

Medford, Oregon- The City of Medford Public Works Engineering Division has launched a major habitat restoration effort along Lazy Creek, a tributary within Bear Creek Park, in partnership with LaDuke Construction. The project, which began in July 2025, is designed to improve fish passage, restore natural stream conditions and enhance the long-term health of aquatic habitats.

At the center of the work is an existing creek crossing on the path between the BMX Track and the Bear Creek Dog Park. The crossing has been identified as a barrier that restricts fish movement, limiting the ability of native species to access upstream habitat. City engineers and biologists determined that reconnecting the stream is essential to supporting fish populations and improving ecosystem function.

The restoration plan includes removing the current crossing and replacing it with a naturalized, roughened stream channel that allows fish to move more freely. The new design seeks to replicate natural stream flow, improving conditions for aquatic life. In addition, a pedestrian bridge will be constructed to maintain public trail access after the project’s completion.

While construction is underway, the city has closed the section of path within 30 feet of the project area to all users, including pedestrians and cyclists, to ensure public safety. The closure affects only a limited portion of the park. Access remains available to the BMX park, open space areas south of the construction zone, and most of the trail extending east. Officials have asked for public cooperation and patience during the work.

The project is expected to take several months, with completion scheduled for February 2026. Once finished, it will provide lasting environmental benefits by reconnecting habitat, improving water flow and creating conditions more favorable for native fish species.

The restoration has undergone extensive regulatory review, reflecting the scope and environmental importance of the effort. Approvals were issued by multiple agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, National Marine Fisheries Service and the City of Medford through a Floodplain Development Permit.

City officials say the broad regulatory involvement ensures the project meets environmental protection standards at the local, state and federal levels.