A founding leader, mentor, and champion for salmon recovery
For more than three decades, Ed helped shape the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group through his engineering expertise, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to restoring healthy rivers. His vision and dedication paved the way for the habitat restoration we continue today.
A Legacy Built in Streams, Science, and Service
Ed McMillan's legacy is woven into the history of LCFEG. A founding member and Board member Emeritus, Ed dedicated more than three decades to advancing salmon recovery and restoring healthy rivers throughout the region. His engineering expertise, and commitment to collaboration helped shape LCFEG into the organization it is today.
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As a civil engineer, Ed brought invaluable technical knowledge and credibility to LCFEG's early restoration efforts. He helped pioneer large wood habitat restoration techniques, supported the development of LCFEG's NOAA Fisheries Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit, and helped advance restoration approaches that continue to guide salmon recovery today. His ability to transform innovative restoration ideas into sound engineering solutions helped LCFEG build trust with funders, regulators, and partners.
A Vision for Restoration That Continues to Flow
Beyond his technical expertise, Ed was a mentor, problem-solver, and trusted friend who brought curiosity, humor, and optimism to every project. He believed in testing ideas, learning from the field, and using science to improve restoration outcomes. His willingness to explore new approaches helped strengthen not only LCFEG's projects, but also the broader restoration community. As former executive director Tony Meyer shared, "He leaves behind better streams, better projects, and a generation of restoration practitioners who are still using ideas he helped develop."
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Today, Ed's influence continues to flow through the rivers he helped restore, the people he mentored, and the salmon recovery work carried forward by LCFEG. Ed's leadership, passion for habitat restoration, and deep commitment to LCFEG's mission left a lasting impact on the rivers and communities we serve. His fingerprints are on the work we do every day. We are grateful for the foundation Ed helped build and for the lasting legacy he leaves in every stream restored and every salmon supported by this work.
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Our thoughts are with Ed's family and everyone who knew and worked alongside him.