The Myrtle Creek watershed contains one of the BLM’s largest contiguous blocks of land in western Oregon, a rarity in an ownership pattern largely made up of a checkerboard of public and private land. The forks of Myrtle Creek join together and flow into the South Umpqua River south of Roseburg.
View the Myrtle Creek Headwaters map.
View the Myrtle Creek Headwaters map.
Why this area is important
Photo by Francis Eatherington
Located a short distance from the town of Myrtle Creek, whose motto is “Where Nature is Your Neighbor,” this headwater area serves important ecological and tourism-based economic functions for the community. A tremendous moist forest habitat, Myrtle Creek is critical for water storage and water quality, providing miles of habitat for the threatened Coho salmon and other fish. The contiguous nature of the BLM ownership in the headwaters, and proximity to National Forestlands, also provides secure habitat for the recovery of the northern spotted owl, particularly as invasive barred owls impact spotted owl populations. Recent telemetry research suggests a less fragmented, more contiguous forest favors spotted owls over barred (Wiens 2012).
Myrtle Creek also benefits those downstream with particularly fresh drinking water, often threatened repeatedly by logging practices on nearby public and private lands. The opportunity to visit these public lands and enjoy an outdoor experience so close to the community of Myrtle Creek makes it possible for those of all income levels to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and high quality of life. Many residents use the area to pick mushrooms and berries for meals, as a source of medicinal plants, and for hunting other sources of food which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Myrtle Creek also benefits those downstream with particularly fresh drinking water, often threatened repeatedly by logging practices on nearby public and private lands. The opportunity to visit these public lands and enjoy an outdoor experience so close to the community of Myrtle Creek makes it possible for those of all income levels to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and high quality of life. Many residents use the area to pick mushrooms and berries for meals, as a source of medicinal plants, and for hunting other sources of food which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Photo by Ann Chamberlain
Recreational opportunities
Photo by Ann Chamberlain
The Myrtle Creek drainage provides abundant outdoor opportunities and experiences, including hiking, wildlife watching, mushroom gathering, medicinal plant foraging, hunting, horseback riding, bike riding, trail running, outdoor and science education, camping, survival training, and nighttime celestial viewing. In an area where many rural residents are surrounded by heavily-logged, industrial timberlands not open to the public, the BLM lands in the Myrtle Creek watershed provide essential, low-cost access to nearby nature. It is invaluable for the community’s physical and mental health.
“Past generations of children grew up in this area fishing the creeks for trout and salmon, and finding adventures while learning from nature. Damage done to streams and forests from logging has taken away this experience.” - Cindy Haws