Approved by City Council last week, the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services’ Community Watershed Stewardship Program will grant $95,500 to 15 community groups this year to support watershed projects in Portland.

CWSP grants up to $10,000 for individual projects that encourage watershed protection and enhancement. The grants fund native plants, supplies, equipment, rentals, transportation, and technical assistance for community-based watershed projects. Projects include invasive plant removal, native plantings, education, monitoring, bioswale and ecoroof construction, natural area cleanup and restoration.

East Portland projects funded by CWSP grants this year are:

• Columbia Slough Watershed Council Wilkes Creek Restoration — $4,840

A note from the Columbia Slough Watershed Council’s newsletter by Rebecca Geisen about the dock-less canoe launch at Northeast 165th and Airport Way in the Wilkes neighborhood of outer east Portland.

165th and Airport Way dockless canoe launch

On August 9, the Portland Water Bureau removed the boat launch at 16650 NE Airport Way due to safety concerns. The dock has been deteriorating over the years and despite regular maintenance, it is beyond repair. Regrettably, this also means that the Water Bureau’s signature event, Aquifer Adventure, will not have pirate guided canoe rides this year. The canoe dock, gazebo and signage has also fallen victim to heavy vandalism in recent months. The Portland Water Bureau is currently reviewing different options for the launch.

The Portland Water Bureau also owns and maintains a boat launch at 11198 NE Simpson. This little-known launch has also been subject to vandalism and is undergoing some repairs. If you see anything suspicious at or near either of these boat launches, please do not hesitate to call Portland Water Bureau security at 503-823-6084.

Columbia Slough Watershed Council sent us an e-mail about the last chance to sign up for Cycle the Well Field, Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This annual bicycling tour of Portland’s local groundwater well field will work your muscles and your brain at the same time, as experts from the Portland Water Bureau teach you about Portland’s back-up water supply system.

Five  slots only remain;  sign-up here , or call Melissa at 503-281-1132.

Meet at the aloft Portland Airport Hotel at Cascade Station, 9920 N.E. Cascades Pkwy.

You’re invited to join the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and the Portland Water Bureau for Subs on the Slough – a special picnic lunch along the Columbia Slough at the canoe launch, Northeast Airport Way at 166th Avenue, Friday, August 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

It’s a great way to meet Slough neighbors and local business people over a great lunch, and learn about our nearby groundwater resource and the Groundwater Protection Program that is underway in the Columbia Slough Watershed.

After a tour of the canoe launch and a walk along a short section of east Portland’s 40-mile loop trail, you’ll enjoy a free lunch in a shaded picnic area.

As pre-registration is required, and space is limited, call or e-mail Katie Meckes at 503-281-1132 or e-mail her at: katie.meckes@columbiaslough.org or call to reserve your space.