Human activities in the Willamette River, as with most of the world's large rivers, tend to simplify channels and minimize flooding. These activities limit naturally occurring cycles such as intricate channel braiding and regular flooding that enhance biodiversity and aquatic productivity. This inherent contradiction presents a wide range of possibilities for the Willamette River of the future.
In Plan Trend 2050 there is little change in both the river's channel and the number of fish species.
In Development 2050 the river is further straightened and the number of fish species declines slightly.
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