Water quality and riparian monitoring in southern Oregon

This project helped establish additional water quality monitoring sites within agricultural watersheds, monitored riparian vegetation along agricultural lands, and augmented collaboration on monitoring activities with state and federal agencies and watershed councils. Data gathered through the water quality monitoring sites, riparian monitoring, and evaluation of other agencies’ and organizations’ information has been and will continue to be used to direct program efforts to maximize water quality and habitat improvements, habitat management and restoration, and action effectiveness evaluation.

Goal is to achieve water quality standards to ensure that the rivers and streams in the SONC ESU can support healthy populations of salmonids and other aquatic life. Purpose is to work with SWCDs, watershed councils and other stakeholders to ensure restoration efforts are targeted at highest priority restoration needs and are effective at improving riparian conditions and water quality. ODA staff coordinate with federal, state and local partners to help ensure riparian restoration activities are coordinated with in-stream habitat restoration to make effective use of restoration resources and to restore stream function to meet water quality and fish management goals. Expected benefits include reduced stream temperature, reduced inputs of fine sediment from the project reach, increased habitat quantity and improved habitat quality.