Compliance in Southern Oregon

ODA staff contacted agricultural operators to offer education and assistance where riparian areas do not function properly as a result of agricultural activities. The project resulted in restoration of riparian areas to improve habitat and water quality. ODA staff coordinated with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to offer restoration design and implementation technical support and funding.

This project addressed several limiting factors in the draft Southern Oregon Northern California Coastal Coho Recovery Plan, including riparian vegetation, high stream temperatures, high sediment levels, and low dissolved oxygen levels. In addition to reviewing the draft recovery plan developed for this ESU, ODA coordinated with local professionals familiar with limiting factors or existing watershed assessments to address water quality impairments such as riparian vegetation, stream temperature and sedimentation. Strategies to address these issues included: restoring riparian condition and large woody debris recruitment, improving degraded water quality, protecting unimpaired water quality, and indentifying and addressing sources of elevated sediment levels.

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 agricultural operators, SWCDs, and other stakeholders to improve riparian conditions and water quality. ODA staff contact agricultural operators to review riparian functions, and coordinate with federal, state and local partners to help ensure riparian restoration activities are initiated 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.